Diabetic Food Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Confectionery, Snacks), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global diabetic food market size was valued at USD 12.3 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% from 2022 to 2030. Growing diabetes among people has prompted the overall demand for diabetic food. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report titled “The National Diabetes Statistics Report” published in January 2022, approximately 37.3 million American, which is about 1 in 10 have been diagnosed with diabetes in the year 2021. Such factors are likely to favor the overall market growth. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the overall food and beverage industry. Healthy individuals, as well as people with acute chronic diseases or symptoms, are being requested to stay at home according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

With the onset of the pandemic, people became health conscious and decreased sugar intake in order to stay healthy and fit as sugar is majorly associated with infections such as diabetes, obesity, and pain syndrome which prompted the demand for sugar-free or low sugar products. The diabetic food industry is governed by various regulations that cover the entire lifecycle ranging from production to end use. Diabetic products used in the healthcare industry need to strictly abide by the stringent U.S. FDA regulations. Health disorders are a result of unhealthy lifestyles such as long working hours, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, poor food habits, and alcohol consumption and are anticipated to influence the industry growth over the forecast period. Hectic lifestyle and rising demand for junk food is also leading to diabetes, which is anticipated to fuel the demand for diabetic food over the next few years.

Growing awareness among consumers regarding diabetes and its long-run impact has led consumers to focus on their diets, sugar intake and weight gain. Many companies have been launching awareness campaigns in order to educate people about the growing diabetic population and the emergence of new labels and products launched in this space. For instance, in March 2021 The American Diabetes Association (ADA) announced the launch of the Better Choices for Life program focusing on educating consumers. The program is designed to help consumers in making aware of ADA claims and brand labeling on products. Currently, the association caters to three product categories in the program including Food and Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Diabetes Management.

Diabetic food manufacturers are penetrating various market segments by introducing several products including low-fat dairy products, dietary beverages & snacks, low-calorie sugar jellies, and ice creams, diabetic baked products, and confectionery which is expected to propel the demand over the forecast period. For instance, in July 2021 Lo! Foods-India-based startup expanded its product portfolio to market. The new product range is low-carb, sugar-free, and 50% lower in glycemic index. The products have been tested using Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) and blood sugar meters and are suitable for diabetic consumers.

Growing mergers & acquisitions by companies to cater to a wide range of products is expected to create immense growth opportunities for industry participants. For instance, in September 2021 India based Healthtech Startup BeatO acquired Novique Health to help people control diabetes. The company would be helping people with diabetes by addressing the root cause of diabetes and suggesting them suitable preventative measures and educating about food products available in the market for diabetic food.

Product Insights

The dairy product segment dominated the market for diabetic food and held the largest revenue share of more than 25.0% in 2021. According to an Everyday Health article published in January 2019, fermented dairy products such as yogurt are claimed to have a natural source of probiotics and have a positive effect on intestinal health, and is linked to improved glucose and insulin levels in the body. Greek yogurt, string cheese, and grass-fed dairy options are opted for by consumers suffering from diabetes. The increasing number of product launches in this segment bode well for future growth. For instance, in June 2021 Chobani launched Greek Yogurt Mango & Cream with zero sugar made with 60 calories and natural ingredients priced at USD 4.29 at retail stores in the U.S.

However, the confectionery segment is projected to register the fastest growth during the forecast period. Product launches in the confectionery segment by key brands and startups around the globe have been supporting the overall growth. For instance, in January 2021 BeyondBrands forayed into the sugar-free chocolate category by launching a separate brand dedicated to sugar-free product line-GoodSam Foods. The product line consists of three chocolate bars including dark chocolate, dark chocolate & sea salt nibs, and dark chocolate and mint. 

Distribution Channel Insights

The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment led the market for diabetic food and accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 65.0% in 2021. The sheer volume of supermarkets and hypermarkets spread across the globe is the primary factor for its large value generation in 2021. The convenient shopping experience of having a plethora of food items including diabetic food at a single place is the primary driver for consumers to visit their nearby supermarkets and hypermarkets. Furthermore, new launches in the product segments such as bakery, dairy, and confectionery at supermarkets are likely to bode well with the future segment growth. For instance, in July 2021 Fitbakes launched sugar-free caramel cake at approximately 1000 Tesco stores in the U.K.

The online delivery channel is however expected to show the fastest growth during the forecast. Major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com witnessing a significant shift toward online ordering is likely to favor the segment’s growth. Moreover, brands and companies operating in the market for diabetic food prefer launching products through third-party e-commerce retailers. For instance, Amazon U.S. offers a separate range of diabetic foods and snacks under brands such as Happy Belly, PLANTERS, Simple Mills, and KIND.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market for diabetic food and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2021 owing to rising health complexities on account of the high levels of blood glucose and the aging population mainly in the U.S. Moreover, high blood pressure and cholesterol is other reasons for the rising demand for diabetic foods in the U.S., which is anticipated to provide growth opportunity to the market. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report published in 2019, approximately 1.4 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in 2019, out of which 69.0% had high blood pressure, and 44% had high cholesterol. Such facts are likely to favor regional market growth.

In the Asia Pacific, the market for diabetic food is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. The rising number of diabetic populations with high cholesterol, chronic kidney disease, and obesity in countries such as China, and India is expected to positively influence regional demand. The Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness high growth in the dairy products and confectionery sector owing to a strong preference for such products, thereby aiding the regional diabetic food market growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market for diabetic food is fragmented with the presence of global and regional players. These players are engaging in major acquisitions and mergers, awareness campaigns, and product launches to increase their customer base and brand loyalty. Furthermore, these players are innovating new products including white oats, oat bran, barley porridge, and 100.0% natural ingredients with no chemical and harmful content in the diabetes foods.

• In February 2022, Kate Farms launched glucose support 1.2 plant-based, organic Nutrition Shake for diabetic people in the U.S.
• In December 2021, Glucose Health, Inc. launched new GLUCODOWN "enhanced water" drink mixes that are now available for purchase at Amazon in North America region.
• In June 2020, Splenda-sweetener brand launched Splenda Diabetes Care Shakes, with no added sugar, to help manage blood sugar in diabetes and prediabetes cases.   

 Some of the prominent players in the diabetic food market include:

• Nestlé

• Unilever

• The Kellogg Company

• Conagra Brands, Inc.

• Fifty 50 Foods, Inc.

• Mars Inc.

• Tyson Foods

• Sushma Gram Udyog

• The Hershey Company

• Hain Celestial Group

Diabetic Food Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report 

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global diabetic food market report on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Confectionery

  • Snacks

  • Bakery Products

  • Dairy Products

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

  • Specialty Stores

  • Online

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • UAE