The Rise of Snacking in Asia: A Game-Changer for the Food Industry
- PYD
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
Snacking is rapidly replacing traditional meals across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, creating significant opportunities for savoury snacks and functional meal replacements. Consumers, particularly working adults aged 30-44, are choosing snacks for convenience, affordability, and nutrition. The savoury snacks segment now leads global snack value sales at 35.1%, outpacing all other categories in growth. Meanwhile, rising cocoa prices are putting pressure on chocolate confectionery, prompting manufacturers to rethink sourcing strategies.
Insights & Strategic Moves
Snacking as a Meal Replacement
10.8% of Hong Kong residents now replace meals with snacks, up from 6% in 2023—the largest year-on-year increase in APAC.
One in seven adults in Vietnam and Thailand are substituting meals with snacks, reflecting broader regional trends.
In India, 18% of consumers use snacks as meal replacements, but health concerns are pushing demand for better-for-you ingredients.
Savoury Snacks: The Leading Growth Category
With a 35.1% share of global snack value sales, savoury snacks are growing twice as fast as any other category.
Unlike ice cream or confectionery, savoury snacks are more portable and flexible, making them ideal for urban, on-the-go consumers.
Brands like Thong Siek Food Industry (Dodo, Crusty’s) are successfully diversifying into seafood-based snacks to capture high-growth snack segments.
Middle East & Africa: The Next Snack Growth Hub
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) lead in snack market expansion, with a projected CAGR of 4.6% (2024-2029), compared to the 2.5% global average.
Consumers in the region show strong affinity for premium snacks and branding, with demand driven by a young, urbanising population.
Challenges for Confectionery & Chocolate
Confectionery remains the second-largest snack category (33.4%), but rising cocoa prices in 2024 are increasing chocolate costs, pressuring margins.
Leading brands are shifting toward local supply chain strategies to offset raw material price hikes.
Future Outlook
By 2029, savoury snacks and functional meal replacements will continue to dominate as snackification reshapes consumer eating habits. Brands that innovate with healthier, portable, and culturally relevant snack options will be best positioned to capture market share.
The shift from meals to snacks is more than a trend—it’s a structural change in consumer behaviour. To stay ahead, food companies must focus on premiumisation, localisation, and nutrition-led innovation.
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