Amna Puri-Mirza
Research Expert covering the Middle East
Plant-based food market in the GCC - statistics & facts
As consumers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region grow more health conscious, one food trend stands out: plant-based foods. Recent global concerns about sustainability, food security, and the environmental costs of industrial animal agriculture have shifted consumer preferences, with a rising popularity of alternative protein sources. The global plant-based market is projected to more than double its 2025 value by 2030. Alternatives for a huge array of products from milk and ice -cream to condiments and dressings are becoming readily available at supermarkets. While this trend has been growing worldwide, the GCC has been gradually adopting plant-based alternatives.
Market opportunities in the GCC region
Meat is a vital element in consumers’ diets and is a key component of many traditional dishes across the region. By 2026, the total volume sales forecast of meat in the GCC was projected to reach more than 3.2 million tons. However, increased health awareness in the GCC, in addition to rising concerns about life-style-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes, are pushing the demand for a more nutritious diet. This, in turn, has created a positive trajectory for organic and plant-based options as it caters to not only vegans and vegetarians, but all consumers who seek a more balanced diet. The flexitarian category is becoming a viable segment, as more consumers are identifying as such. This trend is also extending to the fast food market as conscious indulgence is gaining traction. Another factor potentially driving the plant-based market is the rising concerns surrounding the sustainability of the meat industry and its climate impact. Consumers are more willing to make sustainable food choices, pushing companies and industries to offer sustainable and innovative food choices. In Qatar, for example, almost a third of the population prioritized sustainable practices and social responsibility when choosing brands.Plant-based market outlook
Although plant-based foods are expected to play a pivotal role in addressing challenges related to food security, sustainability, and health, there are still challenges to overcome. Cost remains a significant obstacle – as protein sources are currently imported. In 2021, the GCC's imports of plant-based protein ingredients amounted to around 1.83 billion U.S. dollars. International competition also poses a threat to local startups in the region. Finding market entry strategies to ensure durability and relevance with relatively limited funds represents a challenge. However, governments initiatives are actively supporting sustainable food production and fostering innovation in the alternative protein sector. For instance, the Food Tech Valley – a UAE-led government initiative – is an integrated modern city that will serve as a hub for future clean tech-based food and agricultural products. With such investments and growing consumer awareness, the region's alternative food sector will likely gain momentum in the coming years.
