Middle East and Africa Meal Replacement Market Outlook - Forecast Trends, Market Size, Share and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The Middle East and Africa meal replacement market size reached around USD 0.92 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.80% between 2025 and 2034 to reach nearly USD 1.95 Billion by 2034. The market growth can be attributed to the rising prevalence of obesity among consumers and the strengthening of government initiatives focusing on sugary drinks and ultra-processed foods. Moreover, as traditional ingredients like dates become a part of meal replacement solutions, the market is expected to witness sustained growth in the coming years.

Middle East and Africa Meal Replacement Market Report Summary

Market Size 2024

• USD Billion 0.92

Market Size 2034

• USD Billion 1.95
• CAGR 2025-2034
• 7.80%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Country

• Nigeria
• 8.4%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Country

• United Arab Emirates
• 8.0%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Purpose

• Slimming
• 8.5%

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by Distribution Channel

• Online Channels
• 11.7%

2024 Market Share by Country

• South Africa
• 12.3%

Middle East and Africa Meal Replacement Market Growth

As per the World Obesity Federation, nearly 46% of Saudis consider themselves to be overweight, with 62% of the population reportedly having a relative/ family member who is overweight. The nation has one of the highest rates of prevalence of obesity, with 48% of people being overweight. Around 24% of boys aged 15-18 years are overweight, along with 34% of adult women. These statistics paint a concerning picture of the future of healthcare outcomes among the nation’s citizens, suggesting that obesity is expected to continue in the next generation. This has prompted companies to launch innovative weight management foods and meal replacement products in response to heightened consumer demand, which is driving the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market value.

Qatar has also witnessed a substantial increase in the number of obesity cases. As per the Global Nutrition Report, 35.9% of all adult males and 46.1% of all adult females in the country are obese due to a combination of various factors like sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits. However, increasing consumer consciousness for maintaining a healthy lifestyle has increased the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market revenue.

Key Trends and Developments

Rising incidences of non-communicable diseases; increasing sales of functional beverages; favourable government health initiatives; and soaring demand for nutrition bars are the major factors driving the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market growth.

December 2024

A subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, Thurath Al-Madina, launched Milaf Cola, an innovative soft drink with no added sugars produced from premium quality dates. This is packed with essential fibres, antioxidants, and minerals like magnesium and potassium, and thus balances nutrition with taste optimally. This is favourably influencing the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market dynamics.

November 2024

LT Foods, a leading Indian FMCG company, announced its plans to invest nearly SAR 185 billion in Saudi Arabia by tapping into the burgeoning market for rice-based foods. It is renowned for multiple meal replacement products like DAAWAT Cuppa Rice and Daawat Biryani Kit in the region, which positions it in a good place to earn up to SAR 435 million in revenues by 2028.

March 2024

Almarai announced a new investment strategy for 2024-28 to strengthen its existing capacities and achieve sustainable business growth in line with Saudi Arabia 2030 vision. The company aims to invest USD 4.8 billion in expanding its market reach and introducing innovative food products.

May 2023

Kellogg’s® and Six Star Pro Nutrition® announced the launch of new whey protein powders in 2 different flavours, Froot Loops® and Frosted Flakes®, which are derived from popular cereal flavours and can fuel an athlete’s performance. They contain 6.7g of BCAAs, 30g of protein, and only 2g of sugar per serving.

Rising incidences of non-communicable diseases

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 50% of all mortalities in African countries. In Ghana, NCDs cause 43% of all mortality cases, with cases of diabetes, stroke, and heart problems being common. This has prompted market players to take a proactive approach to consumer health and offer them nutritious products to support their overall well-being.

Increasing sales of functional beverages

Rapid technological advancements have enabled beverage manufacturers to use scientifically backed ingredients for developing functional beverages which have specific physiological effects on consumers after consumption.

Favourable government health initiatives

In Middle Eastern countries like the United Arab Emirates, the government is launching various initiatives to promote healthy eating habits among children and adults to better manage the rising incidences of obesity among its citizens and expats and control the rising number of cases of diabetes. This can favourably influence the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market dynamics in the coming years.

Soaring demand for nutrition bars

Health-conscious consumers are shifting towards the consumption of nutritional bars, which are increasingly being marketed as ideal meal replacement solutions for people seeking convenient and healthy food products over traditional snacks like biscuits and chocolates.

Middle East and Africa Meal Replacement Market Trends

Rising preference for spicy soups in Ghana

Spicy soups are expected to dominate the demand in Ghana since they are highly nutritious, flavourful, and light meals. Domestic consumers prefer soups formulated with tomatoes, chilli peppers, fish, meat, and other ingredients that have a high health profile and hot taste. As per the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market analysis, vegetable soups which can minimise the incidence of obesity are expected to sustain the market growth in the coming years.

Increasing use of dates as a superfood

The Saudi Arabia based company, Thurath Al-Madina, aims to expand its existing range of nutritious beverage products and position dates as a versatile and trendy ingredient in many international food products. Dates are revered for their numerous health benefits in the Middle East and play a crucial role in reducing the risk of brain degenerative disorders and cardiovascular diseases. They also ease constipation, regulate blood pressure, and reduce labour pain among pregnant women. The increasing use of dates in meal replacement beverages is expected to facilitate the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market expansion in the upcoming years.

Middle East and Africa Meal Replacement Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Middle East and Africa Meal Replacement Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Breakup by Product

• Soups
• Shakes
• Others

Breakup by Purpose

• Slimming
• Body Building

Breakup by Flavour

• Vanilla
• Berry
• Chocolate
• Cookies and Cream
• Others

Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Speciality Stores
• Online Channels
• Others

Breakup by Region

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Nigeria
• South Africa
• Others

Middle East and Africa Meal Replacement Market Share

Based on country, the market is segmented into Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and South Africa, among others. South Africa represented 12.3% of the overall market share in 2024. Nigeria and the UAE are expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% and 8.0% respectively, during the forecast period of 2025-2034 as a result of increasing demand for dates-infused superfoods and functional beverages formulated with natural ingredients.

Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, speciality stores, and online channels, among others. As per the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market analysis, online distribution channels and speciality stores are expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.7% and 8.3%, respectively, between 2025 and 2034. This can be attributed to rising smartphone penetration and internet accessibility in the region, apart from the rising demand for novel meals that can be consumed quickly.

CAGR 2025-2034 - Market by

• Distribution Channel
• Online Channels
• 11.7%
• Speciality Stores
• 8.3%

Hypermarkets/Supermarkets

• Convenience Stores
• Others

Leading Companies in the Middle East and Africa Meal Replacement Market

Major players are bolstering their capacity expansion plans to cater to the rising demand for meal replacement solutions among health-conscious consumers. Companies are also focusing on expanding their regional market presence in countries like Egypt and Jordan, which is expected to positively impact the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market dynamics.

Almarai

Almarai was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy products manufacturing company whose products are sold in 220,000 stores across 7 countries. In 2023, it reported net sales of SAR 19.576 billion.

NOW Health Group, Inc.

NOW Health Group, Inc. was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Illinois, United States. It provides health and wellness products, including supplements, sports nutrition, personal care, and other items.

Iovate Health Sciences International Inc.

Iovate Health Sciences International Inc. was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Ontario, Canada. It manufactures nutritional products with scientifically tested ingredients for active consumers and sports athletes.

Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition, Inc.

Bio-Engineered Supplements and Nutrition, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Illinois, United States. It is a leading manufacturer of sports nutrition products and has won over 35 awards during the past 6 years for its products.

Other players included in the Middle East and Africa meal replacement market report are Glanbia plc, BellRing Brands, Inc., Applied Nutrition Ltd., BPI Sports, Dexter Jackson Signature Series, LLC., and EFX Sports, among others.