The global health and wellness food market size was valued at USD 700.03 billion in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 1,323.14 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.33% during the forecast period (2025–2033). The global health and wellness food market's growth is driven by soaring consumer awareness of healthy eating habits and the surging demand for organic, functional, and nutrient-rich foods.
Additionally, with the rise of lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular issues, consumers are shifting towards more health-conscious food choices, thereby augmenting the market expansion.
Health and wellness food denotes goods specifically formulated to promote a healthy lifestyle and enhance overall well-being. These meals are generally abundant in essential elements, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and are devoid of artificial additives, preservatives, or detrimental chemicals.
They accommodate diverse dietary requirements, such as organic, gluten-free, low-sugar, and plant-based alternatives, enhancing physical health, fortifying immunity, and fostering mental clarity. The surging awareness of the link between diet and health has resulted in a surged demand for these products, with consumers seeking to prevent illness, manage weight, and enhance their quality of life through healthier food choices.
One of the significant drivers of the global health and wellness food market is the growing consumer awareness regarding the benefits of nutritious foods. Increasing instances of lifestyle diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, are pushing consumers to adopt healthier eating habits. For example, a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted that over 1.9 billion adults globally were overweight in 2023, and nearly 40% of adults were classified as obese.
This surge in health consciousness has fueled demand for foods rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Products labeled "organic," "natural," or "non-GMO" have seen significant growth owing to their perceived health benefits. Moreover, government initiatives promoting healthier eating habits through dietary guidelines are further boosting demand for wellness food products. As consumers become more informed about their dietary choices, the market for functional and fortified foods is expected to experience steady growth.
One of the primary restraints hindering the growth of the global market is the relatively high cost of such products compared to conventional food items. Organic foods, functional foods, and plant-based alternatives are often priced higher due to their production processes, which require natural farming methods, specialized ingredients, and certifications. For instance, organic farming, which avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, typically incurs higher labor and resource costs.
According to the Organic Trade Association (OTA), organic food products are priced 20-100% higher than their non-organic counterparts. Additionally, the manufacturing of functional foods and supplements requires advanced processing techniques, leading to increased production costs. This pricing premium can limit access to health and wellness foods for price-sensitive consumers, particularly in emerging markets. Without significant price reductions or subsidies, the higher cost of these products could pose a challenge to their widespread adoption.
The global health and wellness food market offers significant growth opportunities boosted by technological advancements in food production and processing. Innovations such as precision agriculture, biotechnology, and food fortification techniques have enabled the development of nutrient-enriched, functional foods that cater to specific dietary needs. For example, companies are using biotechnology to create lab-grown meat and dairy alternatives, offering more sustainable and health-conscious options.
According to a report by The Good Food Institute, investments in alternative protein technologies reached USD 3.1 billion in 2023, reflecting the potential of these innovations to disrupt the food industry. Additionally, advancements in food processing techniques like cold-pressing and freeze-drying have extended the shelf life of natural and organic products while retaining their nutritional value. As consumers continue to seek out food products with higher health benefits, companies investing in cutting-edge technology and research and development (R&D) are well-positioned to capture the growing market share.
The global market is divided into organic foods, functional foods, fortified foods, dietary supplements, and others.
The fortified foods segment of the global market includes products enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients. This segment addresses widespread nutrient deficiencies and caters to health-conscious consumers seeking to improve their dietary intake. Common fortified items include cereals, dairy products, and beverages. The growing awareness of the importance of micronutrients in maintaining health is propelling the fortified foods segment in this market.
The global market is segmented into online retail, supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, convenience stores, and others.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets are pivotal in the distribution channel for this product. These retail formats provide a wide variety of organic and functional food products, making them accessible to consumers. With dedicated sections for health-focused products, they cater to the flourishing demand for nutritious and sustainable food options.
North America dominated the global health and wellness food market. The region's growth is driven by the surging awareness of healthy lifestyles, a growing trend toward plant-based diets, and rising demand for organic and functional foods. The U.S. is the largest contributor, with 60% of American consumers actively seeking clean-label products, according to a survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC). Additionally, the organic food segment in the U.S. alone grew by 12.4% in 2023, reaching USD 62 billion in sales, as reported by the Organic Trade Association (OTA).
Furthermore, Canada has also seen a surge in demand for health and wellness foods, particularly in the plant-based sector. For example, the Canadian plant-based food market was valued at USD 1.5 billion in 2023, supported by government initiatives such as Canada's Food Guide, which emphasizes plant-based protein consumption. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases like obesity and diabetes has further accelerated the demand for healthier food alternatives, propelling North America's position as a key market in this sector.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth in the global market. Rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and increasing health awareness are driving the demand for organic and functional foods in countries like China, India, and Japan. For instance, China's health food market grew to USD 34.2 billion in 2023, propelled by government initiatives promoting healthy diets and the rise of chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes.
India is also experiencing a surge in demand for fortified and clean-label products due to growing middle-class populations and increased focus on fitness. According to Euromonitor, the functional foods market in India grew by 17% in 2023, driven by consumer demand for immunity-boosting and digestive health products. Additionally, Japan's aging population is contributing to the demand for fortified foods aimed at promoting longevity and reducing health risks, further boosting market growth in the region.
Well structured, the insights they shared with us were very helpful and reliable. Their timely assistance make their services invaluable to us. I would highly recommend them and would definitely use them again in the future if needed.
VP of a Automotive division in Germany
The report sent to us was on the point, and its information was quite extensive, well structured, and well researched. More importantly what we valued was your response time and professionalism. As a leading global consulting firm, our clients expect high quality deliverables in short periods of time, so a reliable research partner is essential. For the price that you have charged the quality of your services were exceptional. We look forward to continue our relationship with your team on future engagements
Product Manager at US based Manufacturer
Coherent, high-quality, thoroughly-researched reports. We received a very quick response to all our queries which eventually expedited the entire process
Marketing Manager at a pharma company in Belgium
