Low-calorie foods offer taste with fewer calories and are hence widely adopted by health-conscious consumers. Low-calorie food products include sugar-free and reduced-fat variants of staples like biscuits, bread, noodles and dairy products. The rising awareness about potential health issues caused by obesity and overweight has prompted consumers to opt for low-calorie food alternatives in their daily diet. With increasing health consciousness, consumers are willing to pay premium prices for low-calorie snacks and meals.
The global low-calorie food market is estimated to be valued at US$ 12.72 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.7% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.
Market Dynamics
Driver 1: Rising health consciousness of consumers
As mentioned in the heading, rising awareness about health hazards of obesity and overweight has increased focus on weight management. Consumers are increasingly practicing calorie-counting and opting for foods with lower calories but similar taste. This rising health consciousness is a key driver behind growing demand for low-calorie food products.
Driver 2: Growth in gyms and fitness centers
Rising number of health clubs, gyms and fitness centers have made people more active and physically fit. Gym-goers and health enthusiasts require low-calorie food options to complement their exercise and diet plans. Sports nutrition and ‘wellness’ food categories are witnessing significant demand, contributing to market growth.
Segment Analysis
The low-calorie food market is dominated by the health foods and beverages sub-segment which accounted for 35% share in 2024. This is because consumers are increasingly becoming health conscious and opting for low-calorie alternatives of snacks, chocolates and beverages which provide similar taste but with reduced calories. The bakery and confectionery sub-segment is also growing due to rising demand for low-calorie cakes, cookies and other bakery products.
PEST Analysis
Political: Governments across countries are promoting health and wellness campaigns to create awareness about obesity and chronic diseases caused due to excessive calorie intake. This is encouraging low-calorie food product launches.
Economic: Rising income levels have increased discretionary spending on premium low-calorie food products. However, high inflation may negatively impact sector growth.
Social: Changing lifestyles and busy schedules have increased the consumption of convenience foods which is driving demand for low-calorie snacks and beverages. Obesity has become a social problem in many countries.
Technological: Technologies enabling reduction or substitution of calorie content like alternative sweeteners are being used by manufacturers to develop low-calorie variants without compromising on taste. Advanced portion control packaging helps in portion management.
Key Takeaways
The Global Low-Calorie Food Market Size is expected to witness high growth driven by increasing health awareness, obesity rates and convenient packaging formats. The global low-calorie food market is estimated to be valued at US$ 12.72 Bn in 2023 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 3.7% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030.
North America dominates currently due to high health consciousness among consumers and stringent government regulations regarding calorie labelling. The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period led by Westernization of diets, large population and rapid urbanization in countries like India and China.
Key players operating in the low-calorie food market are GE Healthcare,, Philips Healthcare,, NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION,, Schiller AG,,and Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. The increasing emphasis on healthy living and changing consumer preferences are encouraging new product launches by these players to capture market opportunities.