Building the Future of Food: How Saudi Arabia’s Vegan Meat, Dairy Alternatives, Luxury, and Biotech Sectors Are Redefining Conscious Consumption
Saudi Arabia’s plant-based transformation is no longer a fringe movement—it’s a multi-sector redefinition of how the Kingdom eats, innovates, and expresses values. From the explosive growth of the vegan meat market to the rise of dairy alternatives, ethical luxury, and biotech infrastructure, the Kingdom is crafting a new identity—one rooted in sustainability, cultural heritage, and conscious innovation.
Market Momentum: Vegan Meat on the Rise
Saudi Arabia’s vegan meat market is projected to grow from USD 163.56M in 2024 to USD 568.56M by 2030, with a CAGR of 23.08%. A separate forecast estimates USD 393.17M by 2031, with a CAGR of 17.56%. This surge is driven by:
Health consciousness: Rising concerns over obesity, heart disease, and lifestyle-related illnesses
Ethical awareness: Animal welfare and environmental sustainability are gaining traction
Government support: Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative promote sustainable agriculture
Youthful demand: 71% of the population is under 30; 11.3% identify as vegan
Cultural Integration: Familiar Flavors, New Foundations
Brands are localizing vegan meat to match traditional Saudi dishes—shawarma, kofta, and kebabs—bridging innovation with heritage. This culinary fusion is breaking down resistance to Western-style veganism and inviting non-vegans to explore ethical alternatives without sacrificing cultural identity.
“We’re not just replacing meat—we’re reinterpreting heritage,” says a Riyadh-based vegan chef.
Dairy Alternatives: Innovation Rooted in Tradition
Saudi Arabia’s dairy alternatives market is expected to grow from USD 61M in 2025 to USD 84.71M by 2030, with a CAGR of 6.79%. This growth is fueled by:
Lactose intolerance: Affects over 60% of the population
Health and wellness: Demand for low-sugar, fortified, and clean-label products
Cultural crossover: Almond milk with dates, oat milk for karak, and soy yogurt in mezze
Retail expansion: Over 1,200 supermarkets and rising e-commerce penetration
Local and international brands are introducing plant-based barista blends, cooking creams, and fortified milks that align with Saudi dietary norms and café culture.
Ethical Beauty: Hourglass and the Rise of Conscious Glamour
Saudi Arabia’s ethical beauty sector is gaining momentum, with a growing number of brands aligning luxury with values. From cruelty-free formulations to transparent sourcing and charitable giving, this shift reflects a rising appetite for conscious glamour—where beauty is not just aesthetic, but ethically rooted.
Hourglass Cosmetics stands out as a leader in this space. Known for its 100% vegan formulations and commitment to cruelty-free luxury, Hourglass recently expanded into the Kingdom with a bold promise: 5% of profits go directly to animal welfare initiatives.
“Luxury can be transformative—not just for those who wear it, but for the world at large,” says founder Carisa Janes.
From refillable palettes to vegan lipsticks, Hourglass is helping redefine beauty as a space for compassion, transparency, and impact.
Biotech Infrastructure: Fermentation for the Future
Saudi Arabia’s partnership with Liberation Labs and NEOM marks a turning point in food innovation. The planned precision fermentation hub will:
Produce dairy proteins and high-value ingredients without livestock
Support NEOM’s Topian food company
Reduce import reliance and improve food security
Create high-skilled jobs and catalyze novel-food production
Dr. Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of Topian, calls it “a transformative leap” for sustainable food systems.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite momentum, barriers remain:
High production costs: Advanced tech and imported ingredients inflate prices
Limited access outside cities: Distribution networks are still developing
Geopolitical tensions: Can disrupt supply chains and raise food security concerns
But opportunities abound:
Local production: Biotech and co-packing reduce costs
Flavor innovation: Date, saffron, and cardamom blends resonate culturally
Policy alignment: SFDA labeling, sugar-reduction incentives, and Halal certification support ethical growth