Plant-Based Meal Kit Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2032

Plant-Based Meal Kit Industry Prospective:

The global plant-based meal kit market size was worth around USD 1.37 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to around USD 6.08 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of roughly 20.50% between 2024 and 2032.

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Plant-Based Meal Kit Market: Overview

A plant-based meal kit consists of an already portioned set of plant-based ingredients used for producing culinary items. The meal kits are designed to deliver quick and easy recipes for mainly healthy food products. A key benefit of using pre-portioned meal kits is related to the convenience offered by the items, especially in the case of people with limited time for cooking. Plant-based meal kits do not contain animal meat or other items derived from animals and hence cater to the needs of a niche but thriving segment of consumers.

For instance, the vegan and vegetarian population is one of the largest consumers of plant-based meal kits. The industry is further segmented into several types, especially on the basis of target audience. For instance, busy professionals with vegan diets continue to emerge as the most significant buyers of plant-based meat kits.

Furthermore, growing health consciousness among the general population as well as rising interest in cooking as a hobby or profession may also help the plant-based meal kit industry grow during the forecast period. One of the most significant growth barriers for the industry players is that the market currently caters to the needs of an extremely specific consumer group restricting the market expansion rate.

Key Insights:

• As per the analysis shared by our research analyst, the global plant-based meal kit market is estimated to grow annually at a CAGR of around 20.50% over the forecast period (2024-2032)
• In terms of revenue, the global plant-based meal kit market size was valued at around USD 1.37 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 6.08 billion by 2032.
• The plant-based meal kit market is projected to grow at a significant rate due to the growing health consciousness among the general population.
• Based on the type, the subscription-based meal kits segment is growing at a high rate and will continue to dominate the global market as per industry projections.
• Based on the target, the health-conscious customer segment is anticipated to command the largest market share.
• Based on region, Europe is projected to dominate the global market during the forecast period.

Plant-Based Meal Kit Market: Growth Drivers

Growing health-consciousness among the general population will drive market demand rate

The global plant-based meal kit market is expected to witness high growth due to the rising health consciousness among the general population. Plant-based meal kits are available in predetermined proportions and users have to only follow the instructions on the recipe while cooking. This method of culinary practice allows cooks to be aware of the exact ingredients and the quantities of the items allowing them to make informed choices.

Furthermore, meal kit users can manage calorie levels and maintain a healthy weight using subscription models. Factors such as growing awareness about the importance of maintaining health in addition to the rising number of patients worldwide are generating demand for food solutions that promote a healthy lifestyle.

Increase in vegan and vegetarian population to create higher market revenue in the coming years

Some of the most prominent targets for producers of plant-based meal kits are in the form of vegan and vegetarian diet followers. The consumer group refrains from consuming animal meat or items derived from animals.

For instance, while vegetarian diet followers may consume cow milk, people with vegan diets do not drink animal milk in any form and adhere to strict vegan diet rules. Recent market statistics suggest that vegan and vegetarian diets have several health benefits which is one of the significant contributors to the increased number of plant-based diet enthusiasts.

More than 21% of the world population is vegetarian according to recent statistics and can create more revenue for the global plant-based meal kit market players.

Plant-Based Meal Kit Market: Restraints

High cost of meal kits and limited adoption to limit the market expansion rate

The global plant-based meal kit industry is expected to be restricted due to the high cost associated with meal kits. For instance, according to industry standards, the average cost of a standard plant-based meal kit may range between USD 10 and USD 12, depending on the ingredients list.

In addition, pre-portioned meal kits with plant ingredients are preferred by only a limited number of people since animal meat consumers may not find the products available in the market more appealing. Furthermore, changing consumer preferences along with difficulties in retaining customers over a period can further dilute the market growth rate.

Plant-Based Meal Kit Market: Opportunities

Steady growth in the food e-commerce industry to generate excellent expansion opportunities

The global plant-based meal kit market is expected to generate growth opportunities due to the thriving nature of the food e-commerce industry. It deals with the rise and adoption of online platforms selling food & beverages within a limited time frame.

Food e-commerce registered excellent growth in the last five years according to market data influenced by several factors such as increased rate of urbanization, convenience offered by food and grocery delivery applications, and enhanced customer service. Plant-based meal kit providers can collaborate with existing and emerging grocery or food delivery companies to reach a broader and already established audience. Additionally, partnerships with other types of food retailers can prove beneficial for the Marley players.

For instance, in September 2024, UK-based Grubby, a plant-based meal kit provider, announced a partnership with Leon which is a regional fast-food chain specializing in natural, healthy, and Mediterranean-inspired fast food. This collaboration will ensure that customers can prepare Leon's dining experience at home.

Plant-Based Meal Kit Market: Challenges

Lack of a robust supply chain and environmental concerns related to plant-based meals challenge market expansion

The global plant-based meal kit industry is expected to be challenged by the lack of a robust supply chain for sourcing ingredients and delivering final products to the end consumers.

In addition to this, plant-based food culture puts extreme pressure on the ecological system as demand for plant-derived culinary items continues to grow. Factors such as the limited availability of available land and changing climate conditions can impact the quantity and quality of final raw materials available in the market for business operations.

Plant-Based Meal Kit Market: Report Scope

Plant-Based Meal Kit Market: Segmentation

The global plant-based meal kit market is segmented based on type, ingredients, target, distribution channel, and region.

Based on the type, the global market segments are subscription-based meal kits, traditional meal kits, and one-time purchase meal kits. In 2023, the highest growth was listed in the subscription-based meal kits due to the emerging section of working professionals with limited time availability to indulge in cooking activities. Subscription-based models are generally more cost-effective and offer flexible plans to accommodate customer needs. Growing subscriptions on food e-commerce platforms will fuel market expansion. As of 2023, Uber Eats was hosting around 87.9 million customers worldwide.

Based on the market, the global plant-based meal kit industry is divided into legumes, vegetable-based proteins, nuts & seeds, and grains.

Based on the target, the global market divisions are busy professionals, environmentally-conscious customers, health-conscious customers, and others. In 2023, the highest growth rate was listed in the health-conscious customers. Growing awareness about the impact of diet on overall health is fueling the segmental revenue. Additionally, the rising number of patients with chronic medical conditions has created more demand for plant-based food solutions. According to recent statistics, more than 69% of the US population is health conscious.

Based on the distribution channel, the global market divisions are supermarkets, online retail, direct-from brands, specialty stores, and others.

Plant-Based Meal Kit Market: Regional Analysis

Europe to emerge as the highest revenue generator during the forecast period

The global plant-based meal kit market will be led by Europe during the forecast period. Recent trends indicate an increasing number of plant-based diet followers across European territories.

According to market research, more than 3% of the European population currently follow a vegan diet. Rising consumer awareness surrounding the positive health and environmental impact of plant-based diets is promoting the regional market growth rate.

In addition, the availability of several plant-based meal kit providers in the region encourages more customers to enter the industry due to improved accessibility.

North America is another growing market having high growth potential with the US leading the regional revenue. The increasing expansion of the food e-commerce industry in the regional market is helping North America generate significant revenues. Grocery delivery companies in the region are seeking new and innovative ways of further expansion which can lead to a surge in the number of collaborations with plant-based meal kit providers.

Furthermore, global expansion of regional players, especially brands offering plant-based protein-rich kits can play a crucial role in shaping the regional industry.

Plant-Based Meal Kit Market: Competitive Analysis

The global plant-based meal kit market is led by players like:

• Sakara Life
• Purple Carrot
• Home Chef
• Green Chef
• Daily Harvest
• Blue Apron
• Grubby
• Fresh n’ Lean
• HelloFresh
• Planthood
• Thistle
• Marley Spoon
• AllPlants
• CookUnity
• Planty

The global plant-based meal kit market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Subscription-Based Meal Kits
• Traditional Meal Kits
• One-Time Purchase Meal Kits

By Ingredients

• Legumes
• Vegetable-Based Proteins
• Nuts & Seeds
• Grains

By Target

• Busy Professionals
• Environmentally-Conscious Customers
• Health-Conscious Customers
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets
• Online Retail
• Direct from Brands
• Specialty Stores
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa