Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market Overview

The Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market is poised for significant growth, with an estimated market size of USD 44.04 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach USD 55.28 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 4.62% during the forecast period 2025-2030. The Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market is expected to experience steady growth from 2025 to 2030, driven by a surge in demand for convenient, nutritious, and on-the-go snack options. The growing urbanization and busy lifestyles in countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, along with a significant expatriate population, are contributing to this trend. Consumers are increasingly opting for healthier snack alternatives, such as organic, gluten-free, and low-fat products, in response to rising health awareness.

The market is segmented into various categories, including frozen snacks, savory snacks, fruit snacks, confectionery snacks, bakery snacks, and others. Distribution channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail platforms, are playing a pivotal role in the market’s growth, providing easy access to a wide variety of products.

Major players in the region include Nestlé, Kellogg’s, General Mills, Unilever, and PepsiCo, which are focusing on innovative product launches and strategic partnerships to expand their market presence. With a forecasted CAGR of 4.62% during the 2025-2030 period, the Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market is poised for sustained growth and innovation, catering to evolving consumer preferences.

Market Report Coverage:

The “Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market Report—Future (2025-2030)” by Digiroads Research & Consulting covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the market.

Study Assumptions and Definitions

This report on the Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market (2025-2030) is based on various key assumptions and definitions to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the analysis.

1. Market Scope: The study covers the snack food market in the Middle East and Africa region, including key countries such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Middle East. It includes various snack types like frozen, savory, fruit, confectionery, bakery, and other snack products.
2. Time Frame: The market size and forecasts are provided for the years 2025 to 2030, with historical data from previous years (2019-2024) serving as the base for analysis.
3. Market Segmentation: The market is segmented by product type, distribution channels, and geography. Distribution channels include supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail platforms.
4. Consumer Preferences: Consumer demand trends such as increasing health consciousness, preference for natural ingredients, and the growing expatriate population are assumed to influence market growth.
5. Geographical Scope: The study focuses on key markets in the Middle East and Africa, including fast-growing regions like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as well as the African market led by South Africa.
6. Competitive Landscape: Major multinational and domestic players are assumed to be the key contributors to market growth through product innovation, partnerships, and mergers.

Market Scope

The Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market (2025-2030) focuses on the evolving snack food industry across key countries, including South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Middle East region. The market scope covers a wide variety of snack types, including frozen snacks, savory snacks, fruit-based snacks, confectionery, bakery items, and other snack products.

The report analyzes the demand for snacks driven by changing consumer preferences towards healthier options, convenience, and innovative ingredients. It considers various distribution channels, including supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail platforms.

Geographically, the study emphasizes key regions such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the Middle East and Africa, with a focus on the growing expatriate populations and increasing health consciousness influencing consumer behavior. The scope also includes insights into competitive dynamics, major players, and trends shaping the future of the snack food industry in this diverse and rapidly evolving market.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market is projected to experience significant growth between 2025 and 2030, driven by changing consumer preferences, an increasing focus on convenience, and a growing demand for healthier snack options. The market encompasses a wide range of snack categories, including frozen snacks, savory snacks, fruit-based snacks, confectionery, bakery snacks, and others, catering to diverse consumer needs across the region.

Consumer awareness about health and wellness is rapidly shaping the market dynamics. There is a rising demand for snacks with clean labels, natural ingredients, and reduced levels of added sugar, sodium, and artificial additives. This trend is particularly prominent in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where consumers are becoming more health-conscious and seeking nutritious snack alternatives.

The expanding expatriate population in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar is also influencing market growth, with an increasing appetite for innovative and international snack flavors. Distribution channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retail platforms, play a critical role in ensuring wide availability of these products to consumers.

Geographically, the market is segmented into South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the Middle East & Africa. Saudi Arabia is expected to be a key contributor to market growth, supported by rising disposable incomes and changing dietary habits. South Africa, as the largest snack food market in the African region, continues to witness increasing demand for both local and international snack brands.

Key players in the market include global giants such as Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever, Kellogg’s, and General Mills, which are actively investing in product innovation, acquisitions, and partnerships to expand their market presence. The market is highly competitive, with both multinational and local brands vying for consumer attention in a dynamic and diverse marketplace.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market is moderately fragmented, with regional and multinational players competing fiercely for market share.

Key Market Players

• Nestlé
• Kellogg’s Company
• General Mills, Inc.
• Unilever
• PepsiCo
• GymaFood Industries LLC
• ClifBar & Company
• BestfoodCo LLC
• Britannia Industries
• Mondelez International
• Gellatas Gullon

Market Share Analysis

The Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market is highly competitive, with major multinational and regional players vying for market share. The market is largely dominated by global food giants such as Nestlé, PepsiCo, Kellogg’s, General Mills, and Unilever. These companies have established a strong presence in the region through extensive distribution networks, brand recognition, and product innovation. They continue to expand their portfolios with new snack products that cater to the growing demand for healthier and more convenient options.

Nestlé and PepsiCo, with their well-known snack brands like Lay’s, Doritos, and KitKat, hold a significant share in the savory and confectionery snack segments. Kellogg’s and General Mills lead the breakfast and snack bar categories, offering products that align with the increasing consumer preference for nutritious and on-the-go snacks. Unilever, with brands like Hellmann’s and Knorr, also contributes to the snack food landscape, particularly in savory snacks and dips.

Regional players like GymaFood Industries LLC, ClifBar & Company, Britannia Industries, and BestfoodCo LLC focus on capturing niche markets by introducing local flavors and healthier alternatives. Their emphasis on clean-label products and innovations in the snack category further strengthens their positions.

The competitive landscape is expected to remain dynamic, with players leveraging mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships to expand their reach and gain a larger share of the growing snack food market in the Middle East & Africa.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

The Middle East & Africa Snack Food Market is driven by several key factors that contribute to its robust growth:

1. Changing Consumer Lifestyles: Increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles in the region have led to a growing demand for convenient, on-the-go snack options. Consumers are seeking quick, nutritious, and easily accessible foods, fueling the demand for snack products.
2. Health and Wellness Trends: With rising awareness about health and wellness, consumers are increasingly shifting towards healthier snack options. This includes snacks with low levels of saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium, as well as those rich in nutrients like protein, fiber, and whole grains. The growing preference for natural and organic ingredients is also a significant driver.
3. Expanding Retail Networks: The growth of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores in the region is boosting the availability and visibility of snack food products. These retail channels allow brands to reach a larger customer base and drive consumption.
4. Rising Expat Population: The increasing expat population in countries like the UAE is influencing the snack food market. Expatriates tend to experiment with new flavors, which encourages manufacturers to offer more diverse and innovative snack options.

Key Innovations:

1. Clean-label Snacks: Manufacturers are introducing products with natural ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan snack options are gaining popularity.
2. Health-focused Snacks: New product innovations focus on high-protein, low-sugar, and nutrient-dense snacks, such as protein bars, baked chips, and fruit-based snacks.
3. Sustainability Initiatives: Brands are also focusing on sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Market Challenges

1. High Price Sensitivity: Many consumers in the region are price-sensitive, which may limit the adoption of premium-priced, healthier snack options. Budget constraints can lead to a preference for traditional, lower-cost snack options.
2. Health Concerns: While there is growing demand for healthier snacks, many snack products still contain high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can negatively impact health. This has led to concerns about obesity and other health issues, making consumers more cautious about snack choices.
3. Competition from Local and Regional Players: The market is highly competitive, with numerous local and regional players offering a wide variety of products at lower price points. These players can often challenge larger multinational companies in terms of pricing and flavor options.
4. Regulatory Challenges: The snack food industry faces regulatory scrutiny regarding product ingredients, labeling, and marketing practices. Different countries in the region have varying standards and regulations, making it challenging for companies to ensure compliance and consistency across multiple markets.
5. Cultural Preferences: The diverse cultural landscape of the Middle East & Africa means that snack preferences can vary widely. Companies need to develop region-specific flavors and products that cater to local tastes and dietary restrictions, which can increase production costs and complexity.
6. Supply Chain Disruptions: Political instability, economic volatility, and logistical challenges in certain parts of the region can disrupt the supply chain, affecting product availability and leading to higher costs for manufacturers.

Market Opportunities

1. Immersive Technologies: Growing Health Consciousness: As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a significant opportunity to develop and market healthier snack options, such as low-sugar, high-protein, and gluten-free products. Catering to the demand for clean-label and organic snacks can open new market segments.
2. Expansion of Retail Channels: The continued growth of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and convenience stores, coupled with the expansion of online retail, offers opportunities for increased distribution and product visibility. Brands can capitalize on the convenience of these retail formats to reach a larger consumer base.
3. Innovation in Flavors and Product Variety: With the rising influence of expatriates and a growing appetite for diverse flavors, there is an opportunity to innovate by offering unique and region-specific snack flavors. Experimenting with new ingredients and snack formats can cater to diverse tastes across the region.
4. Expat Population: The growing expat population, particularly in countries like the UAE, presents an opportunity for brands to target this segment with products that reflect the international diversity of tastes and preferences, such as ethnic snacks or fusion products.
5. Sustainability Trends: With increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues, there is an opportunity for companies to implement sustainable sourcing practices and eco-friendly packaging. Positioning products as environmentally conscious can appeal to a growing base of eco-aware consumers.
6. Premiumization of Products: As disposable incomes rise, particularly in urban areas, there is an opportunity to tap into the premium snack segment. Offering high-quality, gourmet, and health-oriented snack options can capture a more affluent consumer base.
7. Expansion into Emerging Markets: Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and other underserved markets within the region present untapped opportunities for growth. As disposable incomes increase and urbanization spreads, snack food consumption in these regions is likely to rise.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

Expansion of Product Portfolios:

• Example: In 2020, Bake Natur.ly, a division of Dofreeze LLC in Dubai, launched gluten-free bars with high fiber, no added sugar, and other health-conscious attributes, tapping into the demand for clean-label snacks.
• Data: A growing trend in 2020-2021 where several brands introduced snacks emphasizing natural ingredients, less sodium, and fewer preservatives to meet consumer demand for healthier options.

Online Retail Expansion:

• Example: Yildiz Holding introduced Ülker biscuits in the UAE through its online platform eStar, partnering with Amazon Middle East and North Africa for distribution.
• Data: With increasing e-commerce in the region, online retail is expected to grow by 5-7% annually, providing companies with a new avenue for sales.

Focus on Health and Wellness:

• Example: The TNF Pure Fruit Bar brand, launched in October 2021 in the UAE, emphasizes being vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and free from preservatives and additives, targeting health-conscious consumers.
• Data: According to a 2020 market survey, over 40% of consumers in the UAE preferred healthier snack options, contributing to the rapid growth of organic and clean-label snacks.

Strategic Acquisitions and Investments:

• Example: In January 2020, PepsiCo acquired a majority shareholding in Senselet Food Processing, an Ethiopian company known for its locally sourced Sun Chips brand.
• Data: The acquisition allowed PepsiCo to gain a significant foothold in the growing African snack food market, particularly in Ethiopia, where the snack market is expected to grow rapidly from 2025-2030.

Collaborations and Partnerships:

• Example: Several snack food companies have formed strategic partnerships with retail chains to increase distribution channels. For example, partnerships with supermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu hypermarket in the UAE for wider product distribution.
• Data: Collaborative partnerships have increased market penetration by 8-10% in the past two years, strengthening the market presence of brands in key regional markets.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Example: Many snack manufacturers in the region, including Kellogg’s and Nestlé, have started adopting more sustainable practices by sourcing raw materials responsibly and reducing packaging waste.
• Data: The global market for sustainable snack packaging is projected to reach USD 2 billion by 2028, with companies in MEA leading the shift towards recyclable and eco-friendly packaging solutions.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

Increased Market Opportunities:

• Stakeholders such as manufacturers and distributors can tap into the growing demand for healthier, organic, and clean-label snacks, allowing them to diversify product portfolios and target health-conscious consumers.

Enhanced Brand Visibility:

• With the rise in e-commerce and online sales channels, brands can increase visibility and access a wider audience, especially in regions with growing internet penetration like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Strategic Partnerships and Alliances:

• Collaborating with retailers, online platforms, and other food manufacturers offers opportunities for market expansion and increased distribution. Strategic partnerships also allow stakeholders to reach new customer bases more efficiently.

Expansion into New Markets:

• The growth in emerging markets like South Africa and parts of the Middle East presents opportunities for expansion, especially for multinational companies aiming to tap into these untapped regions.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Initiatives:

• By embracing sustainability, stakeholders can align with growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly practices. Companies that prioritize sustainable sourcing and packaging can boost brand loyalty and capture a segment of eco-conscious consumers.

Health and Wellness Trends:

• The increasing shift towards healthier snack options gives stakeholders the chance to innovate and meet consumer demand for low-fat, gluten-free, and organic products, positioning themselves as leaders in the health-conscious market.

Improved Profitability:

• As consumer preferences evolve, stakeholders can achieve better margins by offering premium products such as organic snacks or those with clean labels, which often command higher price points.

At DigiRoads Research, we emphasize reliability by employing robust market estimation and data validation methodologies. Our insights are further enhanced by our proprietary data forecasting model, which projects market growth trends up to 2030. This forward-thinking approach ensures our analysis not only captures the current market landscape but also anticipates future developments, equipping stakeholders with actionable foresight.

We go a step further by offering an exhaustive set of regional and country-level data points, supplemented by over 60 detailed charts at no additional cost. This commitment to transparency and accessibility allows stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the industry’s structural and operational dynamics. By providing exclusive and hard-to-access data, DigiRoads Research empowers businesses to make informed strategic decisions with confidence.

In essence, our methodology and data delivery foster a collaborative and data-driven decision-making environment, enabling businesses to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

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Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION

  • Market Overview
  • Years Considered for Study
  • Market Segmentation
  • Study Assumptions and Definitions
  • Market Scope

• RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• MARKET OUTLOOK

  • Executive Summary
  • Market Snapshot
• Market Segments 
  • By Type:
    • Frozen, Savory, Fruit, Confectionery, Bakery, Others
  • By Distribution:
    • Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, Others
  • By Geography:
    • South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Rest of Middle East & Africa

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
• Market Share Analysis
• Company Profiles
  • Nestlé
  • Kellogg’s Company
  • General Mills, Inc.
  • Unilever
  • PepsiCo
  • GymaFood Industries LLC
  • ClifBar & Company
  • BestfoodCo LLC
  • Britannia Industries
  • Mondelez International
  • Gellatas Gullon

• MARKET DYNAMICS

  • Market Drivers
  • Market Challenges
  • Market Opportunities
  • Porter’s Five Forces’ Analysis
    • Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • Threat of New Entrant
    • Threat of Substitutes
    • Competitive Rivalry

• GLOSSARY OF PROMINENT SECONDARY SOURCES

• DISCLAIMER

• ABOUT US