Australia Healthy Snacks Market Outlook Report - Market Size, Share Analysis and Forecast (2025-2034)

Australia Healthy Snacks Market Trends

The growth of the Australia healthy snacks market is driven by increasing health awareness, with more consumers choosing nutritious alternatives. The rise of dietary trends like keto and veganism has led to a wider range of specialised snacks. The market is further boosted by rising demand for organic ingredients and healthier options. In May 2024, Real Foods launched the Corn Thins mini bites range, responding to consumer demand for convenient, health-conscious snacks. Available at Woolworths supermarkets, the product aimed to satisfy snack cravings while promoting healthier choices.

Healthy snacks offer convenience and nutritious options for busy consumers, without compromising health benefits, driving demand for the Australia healthy snacks market. Often made with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia, they appeal to those conscious of sugar intake. Lower in calories and higher in protein, these snacks cater to health-conscious and fitness-driven individuals seeking guilt-free alternatives.

Australia Healthy Snacks Market Growth

Eco-friendly packaging is becoming increasingly popular within the Australia healthy snacks market, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers, a key trend in the Australian market. Brands are also introducing new flavours, keeping the market dynamic. The demand for plant-based snacks is growing, alongside functional ingredients like probiotics and vitamins that promote overall health. In July 2024, Fonterra Oceania launched a new Bega™ snacking range, combining Bega™ cheese with locally sourced crackers in Tasty, Vintage, and Colby varieties. This move aimed to capitalise on the growing demand for healthier snacks in Australia and overseas, expanding Bega's presence in the snacking category.

Healthy snacks are well-suited to busy lifestyles, offering quick and nutritious options for on-the-go consumers, impacting the Australia healthy snacks market revenue. There is a growing demand for ingredient transparency, leading to clearer labelling. The market supports local farming, benefiting Australian farmers, while brands focusing on sustainability and health typically build strong brand reputations, encouraging customer loyalty.

Australia Healthy Snacks Market Insights

• The Department of Health and Aged Care reports that 90% of Australian adults engage in sports annually, driving the demand for nutritious, high-protein snacks that aid in recovery and energy replenishment. As sports participation increases, so does the need for functional, health-focused snacks that cater to active lifestyles.
• Research indicates that 2.5 million Australians follow predominantly vegetarian or vegan diets, significantly boosting the demand for plant-based proteins in the snack market. With consumers seeking more plant-derived options, healthy snack companies are increasingly offering vegan and vegetarian-friendly alternatives to meet this growing need for sustainable protein sources.
• According to the Department of Agriculture, Water, and the Environment, 60% of organic food sales in 2022 occurred through retailers, with 58% sold directly to consumers. This trend highlights the growing preference for organic, natural ingredients in snacks, contributing to the rising demand for organic and clean-label healthy snack options in Australia.

Australia Healthy Snacks Market Drivers

Health and Wellness Focus

The opportunities in the Australia healthy snacks market are growing due to an increasing emphasis on health and wellness. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the nutritional content of their food, choosing snacks that support healthier lifestyles. This trend is driving demand for low-sugar, high-protein, and naturally made snacks. In October 2024, Ryvalmedia secured the media planning and buying account for Openway Food Co, aiming to strengthen its presence in the market. Openway's brands, such as Red Tractor and Keep It Cleaner, offer a wide range of products. The USD 1.8 billion market is projected to grow, and Openway intends to leverage this opportunity.

Plant-Based and Vegan Options

Plant-based and vegan diets are a significant trend in the Australia healthy snacks market, driving demand for snacks that are both nutritious and ethically aligned. This has led to a rise in plant-based options, such as vegan protein bars, dairy-free alternatives, and plant-powered chips. In November 2024, the CSIRO partnered with Nutri V and Fresh Select to convert farm food waste, including broccoli, pumpkin, and cauliflower, into healthy snacks. This innovative approach reduces waste and delivers processed vegetables to supermarkets the same day, helping tackle Australia’s food waste and greenhouse gas emissions issues.

Opportunities in the Australia Healthy Snacks Market

The growing demand for convenient, on-the-go healthy snacks is shaping the Australia healthy snacks market dynamics and trends. Consumers are increasingly looking for portable, easy-to-consume, and nutritionally balanced options. This has led to the rise of protein bars, trail mixes, and fruit-based snacks. In July 2024, Laura Allan launched Isaac's Snacks, providing healthy, artificial-free snacks for children. Stocked in Woolworths, the brand saw significant growth, promoting natural, preservative-free products. Allan focused on sustainability and expanding distribution, with plans to raise funds for future growth and international markets.

Market Restraints

The Australia healthy snacks market faces several challenges, including high production costs for organic and quality ingredients, which limit affordability. Consumer price sensitivity and competition from traditional snacks also hinder growth. Limited product awareness, particularly in rural areas, and regulatory challenges further restrict market penetration.

Additionally, supply chain disruptions can impact ingredient availability, leading to fluctuations in pricing and consistency, making it difficult for new brands to establish themselves and expand in the market.

Australia Healthy Snacks Market Share

Market Breakup by Type

According to the Australia healthy snacks market report, nuts, seeds, and trail mixes are nutrient-dense, offering healthy fats and protein, making them perfect for energy and satiety. These snacks appeal to busy, health-conscious consumers in Australia seeking convenient, heart-healthy options. Government data reveals that almonds were the most produced nut in 2023, at nearly 148,000 metric tons, followed by macadamias at around 48,000 metric tons.

Dried fruit snacks are a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, providing a sweet, nutritious alternative to sugary options. In Australia, these snacks cater to those wanting a healthier way to curb their sweet cravings while promoting digestive health and boosting energy levels.

The Australia healthy snacks market expansion has been driven by the popularity of cereals and granola bars. These nutrient-rich snacks, often high in fibre and protein, offer a convenient, balanced option for on-the-go consumers seeking long-lasting energy and digestive support.

Meat snacks, such as jerky and biltong, are packed with high-quality protein, making them ideal for active Australians. These snacks appeal to fitness enthusiasts and those looking for a savoury, satisfying alternative to traditional snacks, providing sustained energy and supporting muscle health. In September 2024, vEEF launched a carbon-neutral range of plant-based meat products in Australia, offering affordable, sustainable alternatives to animal-based meats while addressing health, environmental, and budget concerns.

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

According to the Australia healthy snacks market analysis, supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the market as key distribution channels, providing a broad range of products in one location. They offer convenience for consumers to access healthy snacks while doing their regular grocery shopping. Larger retail chains enable competitive pricing and improve product visibility. In November 2022, Coles partnered with CSIRO and Fresh Select to launch Nutri V Goodies, a snack made from surplus vegetables. The veggie puffs reduce food waste, support sustainable farming, and offer two servings of vegetables per pack. Available exclusively at Coles for USD 5.50, they are gluten-free and vegetarian.

Convenience stores are essential in satisfying the demand for quick, on-the-go healthy snacks in Australia. With extended hours and convenient locations, they provide busy consumers with easy access to nutritious options. These stores cater to individuals looking for healthy snacks without sacrificing convenience, driving spontaneous purchases.

Specialty stores significantly contribute to the Australia healthy snacks market growth by focusing on niche products like organic, gluten-free, or vegan options. These stores attract health-conscious customers who seek high-quality, specialised snacks. With expert staff and curated offerings, they offer a personalised shopping experience, aligning with emerging dietary trends and preferences for premium goods.

The online distribution channel in the healthy snacks market offers numerous benefits, including convenience, wider reach, and accessibility. Consumers can easily browse and purchase a variety of healthy snack options from the comfort of their homes. This channel also enables brands to connect directly with their audience, increasing sales, enhancing customer loyalty, and offering personalised experiences.

Australia Healthy Snacks Market Regional Insights

New South Wales Healthy Snacks Market Overview

New South Wales dominates the Australia healthy snacks market, driven by a growing number of health-conscious consumers. The demand for convenient, nutritious snacks is on the rise, with a particular focus on organic, plant-based, and protein-rich options. The New South Wales Food Authority has proposed updates to its food regulations, aiming to modernise food safety standards. The draft Food Regulations 2025 seeks to enhance compliance and safety for food sold through delivery services across the state.

Queensland Healthy Snacks Market Trends

In Queensland, the healthy snacks market is shaped by the increasing popularity of plant-based diets and sustainability. Consumers are choosing snacks with natural ingredients, reduced sugar content, and eco-friendly packaging. According to the Australian Government, winter crop production in Queensland is expected to grow by 110%, reaching 3.6 million tonnes in 2024-25, setting a new production record.

Western Australia Healthy Snacks Market Dynamics

Western Australia's healthy snacks market is driven by a focus on functional ingredients and overall wellness. Consumers are increasingly seeking snacks that provide additional health benefits, such as probiotics, vitamins, and high protein content. The Department of Health’s LiveLighter® programme promotes healthier eating, supporting the food delivery market. Food delivery platforms can collaborate with this initiative to offer nutritious meal options, including low-calorie and balanced meals, catering to health-conscious consumers.

Competitive Landscape

The Australia healthy snacks market key players are focused on creating nutritious and tasty food products for Australian consumers. They offer a broad variety of items, ranging from dairy to confectionery, all while aiming to improve the quality of life and promote a healthier future for Australians. These companies supply both domestic and international markets with premium-quality meat, ensuring they follow sustainable farming practices.

Key Industry Players

General Mills Australia: General Mills Australia, part of the global General Mills Inc., is a leading food company known for brands like Häagen-Dazs and Nature Valley. The company has its headquarters in Melbourne, Australia and was established in 1970. It focuses on producing nutritious and delicious food products for Australian consumers.

Nestlé Australia Ltd: Nestlé Australia Ltd, a subsidiary of the global Nestlé Group, is a renowned food and beverage company headquartered in Sydney, Australia. Established in 1901, it produces a wide range of products, from dairy to confectionery, committed to enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future for Australians.

Unilever Australia Limited: Unilever Australia Limited, part of the multinational Unilever Group, is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and was founded in 1927. The company offers a diverse range of consumer goods, including food, beverages, cleaning agents, and personal care products, with a strong focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

Kilcoy Global Foods Australia: Kilcoy Global Foods Australia, established in 1953 and headquartered in Kilcoy, Queensland, Australia, is a leading beef processor and exporter. The company is renowned for its premium beef products, supplying both domestic and international markets with high-quality meat while adhering to sustainable farming practices.

Other key players in the Australia healthy snacks market report are H2G and Future Bake Australia Pty Ltd., among others.

Recent Developments

January 2025

The OMA, Health and Wellbeing Queensland, and AUSVEG launched a campaign encouraging Australians to consume an extra serve of vegetables daily. Research showed Australians eat only 1.8 serves, impacting public health and the vegetable industry. The campaign aimed to promote affordable, nutritious vegetables and support local farmers.

January 2023

The healthy snack category continued to grow in Australia as consumers sought products that offered nourishment and sustenance. Brands adjusted to meet this demand, with the snack foods category showing consistent growth. Snackinar, a producer of dried meat snacks, benefited from the shift towards healthier, minimally processed options.