Snack Food - EU-27 | Statista Market Forecast

Revenue in the Snack Food market amounts to US$38.69bn in 2024. The market is expected to grow annually by 4.41% (CAGR 2024-2029).
In global comparison, most revenue is generated United States (US$52bn in 2024).
In relation to total population figures, per person revenues of US$86.47 are generated in 2024.
In the Snack Food market, volume is expected to amount to 5.45bn kg by 2029. The Snack Food market is expected to show a volume growth of 2.3% in 2025.0.
The average volume per person in the Snack Food market is expected to amount to 11.0kg in 2024.

Definition:

The Snack Food market covers food products that are typically eaten in between meals or as a quick bite. These meals are frequently created to be portable, simple to prepare, and easy to consume. Snack foods can be either salty or sweet. This market is divided into three submarkets: cookies and crackers, potato chips, tortilla chips, flips, and pretzels.

Additional Information:

The market comprises revenue and average revenue per capita, volume and average volume per capita, price per unit (unit refers to kilogram), sales channels. The market encompasses retail sales through both online and offline sales channels to private end customers (B2C). The market only covers at-home consumption; out-of-home consumption is not included.

For more information on the displayed data, click the info button on the right side of each box.

Potato chips
Extruded and expanded snacks (e.g. Cheetos, Wotsits)
Cookies and crackers
Pretzels

Dried fruit snacks
Nuts
Out-of-home consumption

The EU-27 Snack Food Market within the Confectionery & Snacks Market is experiencing minimal growth due to factors such as changing consumer preferences, increasing health concerns, and the availability of healthier snack options. The sub-markets of Tortilla Chips, Flips & Pretzels, Potato Chips, and Cookies & Crackers are also affected by these factors, leading to a stagnant growth rate. Online sales and innovative product offerings could potentially drive future growth in this market.

Customer preferences: The demand for healthier snack options is on the rise, as consumers in the EU-27 are becoming more health-conscious. This has led to a growing trend of plant-based and organic snacks, as well as snacks with clean and simple ingredient lists. Additionally, there is a growing interest in snacks that cater to specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. This shift towards healthier snacking options is driven by the increasing awareness of the importance of nutrition and a desire for more transparency in food choices.

Trends in the market: In the EU-27, the Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is experiencing a rise in demand for healthier snack options. This trend is driven by increasing consumer awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and the desire to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As a result, there is a growing market for snacks that are low in sugar, fat, and calories, as well as those that are gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO. This trend is expected to continue, with a focus on innovation and product development to meet the evolving needs of health-conscious consumers. This presents opportunities for industry stakeholders to tap into this lucrative market segment and differentiate themselves from competitors. However, it also poses challenges, as companies must balance health-focused products with taste and affordability to stay competitive.

Local special circumstances: In the EU-27, the Snack Food Market in the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by cultural preferences and regulatory restrictions. For example, in Italy, the market is driven by a strong snacking culture, with a high demand for traditional snacks such as pizza and pasta chips. In Germany, strict regulations on ingredients and packaging have led to a rise in demand for healthier snack options. Additionally, in Spain, the popularity of tapas has influenced the types of snacks available in the market, with a focus on small, shareable bites. These local factors play a significant role in shaping the overall dynamics of the Snack Food Market in the EU-27.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: The Snack Food Market of the Confectionery & Snacks Market within The Food market is heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors such as consumer spending power, population demographics, and trade policies. Countries with stable economic growth and a growing middle class are experiencing higher demand for snack foods, while those with economic downturns are seeing a decline in consumption. Additionally, changes in trade policies, such as tariffs and trade agreements, can greatly impact the availability and cost of snack food ingredients and finished products, ultimately affecting market performance.

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on the total consumer spending on food, which comprises all private household spending on food that is meant for at-home consumption (out-of-home consumption is not accounted for).

Modeling approach:

Market sizes are determined through a top-down approach, building on specific predefined factors for each market segment. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use resources from the Statista platform as well as in-house market research, national statistical offices, international institutions, trade associations, companies, the trade press, and the experience of our analysts. In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, consumer spending, and consumer price index. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the exponential trend smoothing is well suited for forecasting the Food market with a projected steady growth. The main drivers are GDP per capita and consumer spending per capita.

Additional notes:

The data is modeled using current exchange rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. The market is updated twice a year.