North America Meal Replacement Market is predicted to reach USD 11,974.53 million at a CAGR of 7.71% during the forecast period 2023-2032

Market Research Future (MRFR) has published on the “North America Meal Replacement Market”.

Market Synopsis

According to the MRFR analysis, the North America Meal Replacement market was valued at USD 6,219.34 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 11,974.53 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 7.71%.

The North America Meal Replacement market has witnessed a transformative shift in recent years, driven significantly by rising obesity and diabetes rates, busy lifestyle and convenience, and innovative product offerings.

COVID-19 Impact on the Meal Replacement Market

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the North American meal replacement market, driving significant shifts in consumer behavior and market dynamics. With the sudden disruption of daily routines, including the closure of gyms, workplaces, and dining establishments, many consumers turned to meal replacement products for convenience and nutritional assurance. The pandemic heightened awareness of health and wellness, prompting a surge in demand for products that support immunity, weight management, and overall health. The market witnessed a shift from on-the-go products, which were more popular pre-pandemic, to those that could be consumed at home, reflecting changes in work patterns and lifestyle adjustments. Moreover, the economic uncertainties brought about by the pandemic led many consumers to seek cost-effective solutions for their dietary needs. Meal replacements, often perceived as a cost-efficient alternative to traditional meals, gained traction among budget-conscious consumers. The trend towards plant-based and clean-label products also accelerated, as consumers became more concerned regarding the ingredients in their food, further driving innovation within the market. Companies responded to these trends by expanding their product portfolios with offerings that cater to specific dietary preferences, such as vegan, keto-friendly, and low-sugar options. Furthermore, e-commerce emerged as a critical sales channel during the pandemic, with consumers increasingly turning to online platforms to purchase meal replacement products. This shift pushed companies to enhance their digital presence and direct-to-consumer strategies.

Competitive Landscape

The Meal Replacement market is characterized by intense competition among key industry players striving to meet the diverse needs of consumers. The key players operating in the North America Meal Replacement market comprise General Mills Inc. (USA), Herbalife Ltd. (US), Glanbia PLC (Ireland), The Simply Good Foods Company (US), Huel (Hertfordshire), Starco Brands, Inc. (US), Abbott Laboratories (USA), Kellanova (US), Nestlé S.A. (Switzerland), Amway Corporation (US), among others.

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Segmentation

By Product Type

1. Powder: Powder Meal Replacement is a convenient solution for balanced nutrition. Powder meal replacements have been on the rise and are regarded as a practical and wholesome measure for many people looking for a better choice than their diets. Powder Meal Replacement is a convenient solution for balanced nutrition. These meal replacement powders are specifically made to contain the nutrients usually present in a one-course meal; even busy professionals or people who love bodybuilding have a place. As more and more people consider the health-conscious options, powder meal replacements are more than a solution for lasting ones; they are time savers too. For fitness enthusiasts and people who are keen about losing their weight, powder meal replacements can be effective measures. These are typically low-calorie diet programs designed to facilitate lifestyle changes, as advised by many weight loss experts.


2. Ready -to-Drink: Ready to drink (RTD) meal replacements have popular as a quick and convenient way to maintain a balanced diet, making them a preferred choice for busy individuals, such as travelers, or anyone looking for a hassle-free way to get essential nutrients on the go. These products are requiring no preparation, pre-mixed, and portable. As a result, Ready to drink meal replacements have become a staple for those seeking efficient and effective nutrition solutions. The advantages of ready to drink meal replacements are their convenience. Unlike traditional meal preparation, which can be time-consuming and requires planning, ready to drink meal replacements are ready whenever wants. Whether in between consumer’s work, working out at some class, or just not in the mood to cook, these products give a way to remain fed in a simple and fast manner. Most people who are always on the go buy these in the shape of bottles or paper cartons that are single serving in size, allowing them to be used whenever.


3. Bars: Meal replacement bars have become popular as a convenient, portable option for those seeking balanced nutrition on the go. These bars are destined to replace a meal completely and found nutrients in a full meal, so one does not have to cook a full meal from scratch and is therefore useful to all, easy to use for working professionals and an athlete. Their design is small in size and has a long shelf life, making it very convenient for all. Including bovine protein isolate, meal replacement bars have protein generally composed of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and metabolism-active vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, other ingredients, such as fibers, which are good for the body’s digestive system, and other superfoods, are infused into most bars. These all-in-one nutrients make these bars the good choice for use by those in need of nutrition quickly.


4. Others: In the case of soups that are in the process of meal replacement, In the case of soups that are in the process of meal replacement, the correct balance of all the ingredients must be reached. To cover daily requirements, they are complemented with beneficial ingredients. For example, added fiber to some soups allows the consumer to employ its health benefits as well as its craving for food, while additional ingredients like soy or whey nutritional proteins come in handy for muscle maintenance. For those who are on a diet, low-calorie meals are also offered without compromising on this basic objective. They can also not make a meal replacement but are adequate, especially after a good workout, to replenish lost nutrients while at the same time staving off hunger. They are meant to serve an active category of people who cannot have the luxury of time to sit down for a meal either prior to a workout or through a busy working day. Such products also include some that come in different tastes and formulations to accommodate vegans, gluten-intolerant individuals, and low-carb consumers. The operating mechanisms of snack meal replacement and soups are situated in these repositioned functional categories of foods, extending far beyond the definition of basic nutrition.

By Nature

1. Organic: The features of nature-based meal replacements are their reliance on whole, unprocessed ingredients. Nature-based options, for instance, very often do not contain any additives or even many ingredients that have been chemically altered in some way. This perspective benefits specific consumers who are health conscious and are careful of the risks posed by artificial components and preferably take products on the maintain organic and all-natural market. Most of these products are plant-based, which makes vegans and vegetarians. These products can additionally be devoid of major contaminant food objects such as dairy, gluten, and soy, making food-intolerant people free to use them. Finally, the reason for the nature of ingredients used in these products is often the fact that it is more ethical and environmentally friendly than incorporating such okay platitudes.


2. Regular: Regular meal replacements are a popular choice for individuals seeking a balanced, convenient alternative to traditional meals. Aimed to provide required nourishment in a convenient and readily available pattern, such products have gained popularity with active career persons, sportspersons, and every other person trying to be nutrition while living a busy existence. Regular meal replacements are basically shakes, powders, or bars that are designed to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. The key attraction of regular meal replacements is how comfortable it is to use them. Regular meal replacements fulfill such requirements by offering a meal that is already cooked or one that can easily be prepared and that can be eaten anywhere.

By Price Range

1. Economy/Mass: The economy, or mass market, meal replacements are intended to save time and provide adequate nutrition for a reasonable price. There is a wide consumer base for such products, including stressed-out office workers, students, and every other person who needs to eat or manage on the cheap. Economy meal replacements also seek to supply basic levels of nutrients, gaining popularity for those who demand to have practical solutions to their eating issues. The characteristics of economy meal replacements are their cheap rate. These products range from USD 1.50 to USD 3.50, (Around USD 2.50 per serving) which makes them affordable to many people. This feeds them into retail sales and beyond. Slim Fast, Ensure, and Carnation Breakfast Essentials rule this market, with shakes, powders, or bars often dominating brands. These are generally positioned as meal replacement or supplementation aids that have weight control, act for energy, and contain basic nutrition.


2. Premium: The high-priced meal replacements are positioned at the target end of the market as they provide better ingredients, more nutrition, and, in many cases, better taste and texture than other formulations. These products are meant for people focused on health, some sportsmen, and those who want to spend more on their food. An average serving of a premium meal replacement so costs between USD 4.00 and USD 10.00 or higher (Approximately USD 5.50 per serving). Visible and attractive marketing of clean labels, organic products, and other enhancement products, even nutrition. Basic nutrition focuses on marketing. The main value of premium meal replacements lies in the quality of their ingredients and their information. The Huel, Soylent, and Vega One brands and the Ka’Chava branch major in this segment, offering them in a non-GMO organic soy milk combined with vegan protein, starting from the menus.

By Category

1. Plant-Based: Meat extenders or plant based, also known as meat analogues, are made from constituent plant-sourced ingredients that contribute to phenomenal nutrient composition, supporting ethical values, environmental preservation, and health. These molded meals have secured a prime position within the North American market of meal replacement products as the population of vegetarian and vegan followers, as well as people who wish to reduce animal-based foods, increases. Vega, Huel, and Garden of Life are some of the dominant market players in this segment targeting nutrition-conscious consumers and vegans. They are 100 percent vegetarian; hence, everybody feels comfortable wearing these proteins and supplements. Combination of proteins to achieve a complete protein is useful in regaining better muscle health. They are lower in saturates and cholesterol-free, which makes them heart-friendly food. As advantages and drawbacks of meal replacements based on pea, brown rice, hemp, and soy protein have first been available worldwide distribution.


2. Gluten-Free: The gluten-free meal replacement market targets gluten-intolerant or celiac patients as well as those that simply choose to refrain from it for health reasons. It is opportune to note that with the increase in incidences of gluten-related health disorders, there is an increase in demand for gluten-free products, including meal replacements that ensure nutritious meals in a healthy, tasteful form. Among the benefits is the inclusion of celiac disease patients in the use of gluten-free meal replacements, where celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that results from consumption of gluten. For these people, the issue of gluten-containing products is both optional from a health viewpoint and unavoidable from a health management perspective. These are effective for persons with celiac disease in that they are effective for those with non-celiac dietary gluten sensitivity. Such meal replacements are well designed to contain no gluten ingredients such as wheat, barley, or rye. Rather, they have gluten-free grains and starches like rice, tapioca, and quinoa.


3. Nut-Free: These meal replacements are devoid of nuts; they can also satisfy other dietary requirements like being dairy-, gluten-, or soy-free, which makes them appropriate for people with a variety of dietary sensitivity issues. The emphasis on pure, allergy-free products guarantees that customers may continue to eat a balanced diet without risking their health. Meal replacements devoid of nuts include vital elements such as proteins, carbs, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, rendering them a comprehensive and practical choice for individuals adhering to dietary limitations. Since nuts frequently enhance the flavor and mouthfeel of conventional products, taste and texture are crucial factors to take into account when creating nut-free meal replacements. To combat this, producers improve the flavor and texture of nut-free goods using a range of methods and components. For example, sunflower seed butter or tahini can be used to replicate the creamy texture typically provided by nut butters, while seeds like flax or chia can add a satisfying crunch.


4. Others: Low-carb and ketogenic meal replacements are specifically designed for the requirements of low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet-ed individuals, as they contain minimal carbs while promoting fats and a moderate amount of protein. Ingredients such as MCT oil, coconut oil, and protein contents are usually found in such products, hence are suitable for weight loss, improved metabolic health, and sustained ketosis. Vegan meal replacements present a solution for people with lactose intolerance and those with dairy allergies by providing a dairy-free option based on almond, coconut, or oat milk coupled with pea or rice protein so that all the nutrients are covered without loss of flavor or texture. Soy-free meal replacements are made for those people allergic to soy or those who avoid soy for hormone-related reasons. Such products do not contain any soy ingredients and mostly replace them with whey, pea, or hemp protein. Organic meal replacements are popular among individuals who are health conscious and understand the importance of eating clean using ingredients that have not been treated with negative chemicals and fertilizers. Such products are consistent with the desire to eat clean, which most consumers are targeting, and thus are wholesome.

By Application

1. Muscle Building: Muscle-building meal replacements are aimed at populations that want to gain body weight and improve strength and duration of the recovery. They attract athletes, bodybuilders, or regular fitness enthusiasts aiming at greening their muscles and overall body composition by consuming excess protein and nutrients for their active lifestyle. Because protein results in the repair and starting growth of muscles, these meal replacements also range between twenty and forty grams of protein per serving. Protein sources are not only sufficient but also low-cost; they include whey and casein protein, or even pea and soy protein, that very much provide every amino acid required in muscle building. Some products can also include BCAAs in the formula for the users to gain even more benefits in terms of recovery and mass growth. Special meal replacements have been developed for muscle mass gain by brands such as Optimum Nutrition, Muscle Milk, BSN, and others. These meals are to be taken after workout minutes to enhance the recovery process or can be taken in between meals to ensure one is continually on a calorie-rich diet to build body mass.


2. Weight Loss: These products are designed in such a way that the consumers do not have to cut down on the essential nutrients in a bid to reduce the number of calories consumed. Most people who want to lose weight need to use the products in the long term. But at the same time, weight loss meal replacement drinks are specially designed to include appropriate proteins, carbohydrates, and fats along with ample quantities of micronutrients: vitamins and minerals. Protein is one of the key ingredients of these types of products since it helps in retaining lean body mass during weight loss, increases metabolism, and helps to control hunger by providing in at mealtimes, reducing the chances of studying between meals. The most striking aspect of weight loss meal replacements is their ease of use. Most people want to eat healthy, low-calorie meals every day because they understand the benefits associated with such meals. Due to many reasons—lack of time, lack of cooking skills, or lack of portion control for such meals—this can be impractical. Meal replacements do away with the hassle of cooking. They can range from shakes that do not require any effort to prepare to bars and powders that can be added to one's meals, making them very easy to assimilate into any daily activity without the hassle of changing one’s cooking or eating habits.


3. Weight Gain: Weight gain meal replacements have been formulated to be an effective way of increasing caloric intake proportionately with food and in a convenient manner. These products are especially useful for people who have difficulties gaining weight as eating regular meals is not possible because of too fast metabolism, lots of energy spent on physical activity, or even having no time or resources to cook and eat large amounts of food. Weight gain meal replacements also have a relatively high calorie content. It is a common strategy to ensure those seeking fat lose instead of gain 400 calories. Such density helps the users to gain extra calories, which are important in gaining weight a state in which the total energy taken in is greater than the total energy expended over a period, resulting in an increase in body mass. Body mass increases when intake is higher than expenditure and positive energy balance exists in the body; therefore, caloric surplus helps gain weight. Products meant to aid weight gain contain adequate proportions of macronutrients, in this case proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.


4. Energy: High-energy meal replacements are created to make available in a short and convenient way the necessary nutrients that contribute to the maintenance and increase of the energy level during the day. This applies to people with busy days, an active lifestyle, or who require an energy boost without the benefits of proper nutrition. Energy meal replacements are designed to combine the correct proportions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, as these are necessary components for energy generation. Energy sources emphasize carbohydrates, especially carbohydrates for high-intensity types of activity. These meal replacements usually contain complex carbohydrates such as oats, whole grains, and fruits that will release glucose more gradually into the bloodstream so that energy levels are sustained.

By End User

1. Residential: Meal replacements are a popular choice among residential users who want to improve their overall health and wellness. These goods can improve wellbeing, energy levels, muscle growth, and weight control. Meal replacements can provide low-calorie, portion-controlled options that work with a structured weight management strategy for people who are trying to reduce weight. On the other hand, people who want to put on weight or muscle can get more from meal replacements that are heavy in calories and nutrients. Meal replacements are often a useful way to deal with unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. For instance, they can be a great help when someone is sick, when cooking can be difficult, or when time is of the essence and regular meal preparation is not possible. They offer a dependable nutritional source that is simple to store and retrieve when required.


2. Commercial: Meal replacements meant for commercial purposes are intended to be used in different professional and business settings as a reliable source of nutrition. These products are useful in several areas, including healthcare, corporate wellness programs, hospitality, fitness, and the military. Since meal replacement products provide a practical solution to achieve balanced nutrition swiftly, many establishments have adopted such products as they seek to fulfill the nutritional needs of their workers, customers, or members. These products help to make it easier to consume the critical nutrients needed to hasten recovery and improve health amongst patients. Meal replacements are also popular in nursing, which are meant to meet the nutritional requirements of patients, or those on special diet programs or unwilling to eat normal meals. Medical facilities, nursing care facilities, and rehab centers administer meal replacements when a patient is not able to care for themselves enough to eat enough calories, has difficulty eating or swallowing, or is on a restricted diet.

By Distribution Channel

1. Supermarkets & Hypermarkets: Presence of meal replacements in super-markets and hyper-markets signifies their increased acceptance and the changing contact of people towards healthy food. Such retailers give an opportunity for the products to be seen by the wide range of clients: people who worry about their waistlines, working people, and even those who have special needs in their diet. The number of meal replacement products they have. Such stores usually stock diverse meal replacements such as ready-to-drink shakes powders, bars, meal substitutes and even more specific use meal replacements such as gluten free meals or plant-based meals. As a result, consumers can compare products of different brands easily, select the ones that they like or need, and even try out products they may not have known existed at the same time, this means that contents and meal replacement brands which are of both economy/mass and premium special meal divisions are also available to these supermarket and hypermarket chains.


2. Convenience Stores: Convenience stores are very popular with professionals, travelers, and anyone looking for simple but quick meals, especially because of their reasonable hours and locations. They are found in gas stations, cities, bus terminals, and other congested places where many people can access them easily. This convenience is also one of the benefits of convenience stores as a means of distribution for meal replacement products. The way to the office, in the in the middle of the travel, or just wanting a quick solution. The meal replacements that are offered are within the make-up of those that are most preferred by the targeted market. Ready-to-drink shakes, meal bars, and single packets of meal replacement powders are among the products consumed in this format. Such products are portable and easy to eat because they are quickly bought and taken without patterns of being served.


3. Specialty Stores: Specialist stores leave little to be desired in nutrition, with their health food stores, nutrition shops, and wellness centers, as they have a distinct emphasis on the selection of the quality of the goods, particular diets, and expertise. Specialist stores take a central role in supporting the marketing and sale of meal replacements as they create a retail setting that services special markets with defined consumer needs. Specialty stores fit in the growth of the meal replacement sector is that these stores attract clients that are health-oriented, informed, and searching for products that suit specific diets or lifestyles. Customers concerned about their welfare and naturalism are the children of these special types of stores who make financial commitments towards nutrition products whenever they shop. Such clients have strong purchasing power and will always go for products that satisfy their existing eating patterns and opinions, for instance, eating meal substitutes that are all vegan or keto or simply natural.


4. Online: The online selling channel has emerged as one of the largest players in the meal replacement market because it brings unrivaled accessibility, selection, and ease of use to consumers. As the digital consumption trends higher, so does the option for the consumers to find meal replacements on the net more so for shopping, hence browsing, comparing, and purchasing the said products at their homes. This change, of course, has directed the advertising and selling of meal replacements in a new way. The benefit rendered by the online channel is that of availability. Consumers can search for meal replacements and purchase them without necessarily going to the shop. This is beneficial for busy people who do not have time to go shopping or people who are used to shopping online. Most online sites have a subscription plan where consumers get their desired meal replacements without having to log in and order each time. This advantage, along with the market strategy of cueing the target customers from various retailers and brands, has made the online channel very appealing to the buyers.

By Region

North America: The North American meal replacement market is affected by various causes, which include changing customers’ attitudes, changing lifestyles, and changing health care habits. The factors fueling the growth of this market include the rising interest ‘for fast, healthy, and saving on time’ food. As busy lifestyles become ordinary, especially in cities like the United States, consumers are turning to meal replacements as a simple and effective way to meet their nutritional demands. For instance, in June 2022, CTRL introduced new Meal On-the-Go bars, which extend the company’s operation into the functional foods market. This is common among working people, students, and sportspersons seeking healthy meal alternatives. One more important factor driving the market’s growth is the increasing healthcare practices and education across the region. As concerns over obesity, diabetes, and other conditions owing to diet increase, more clients are searching for products meant to help them lose weight and keep it off. According to the World Health Organization, obesity is one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. Meal replacements, which are often formulated to provide controlled calorie intake along with essential vitamins and minerals, are increasingly viewed as an effective tool for weight management and overall well-being. This has led to a surge in demand for products that cater to specific dietary needs, such as low-car