Plant-Based Revolution in Saudi Arabia: Meat Substitutes Gain Momentum
Saudi Arabia is experiencing a notable shift toward plant-based diets. A recent report on the Saudi Arabia meat substitutes market estimates its value at USD 124.56 million in 2024, with projections to reach USD 168.56 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.17%. This steady expansion highlights evolving consumer preferences, as more individuals embrace alternative protein sources that promote health, minimize environmental impact, and support ethical consumption values.
The Driving Forces Behind the Rise
Several factors contribute to the increasing demand for meat substitutes:
- Health Consciousness: With lifestyle-related health conditions on the rise, many consumers are turning to plant-based proteins for a healthier diet.
- Environmental Awareness: Concerns over greenhouse gas emissions, excessive resource use, and deforestation associated with meat production are pushing more people toward sustainable food choices.
- Expanding Retail Channels: The accessibility of plant-based products through modern retail outlets and e-commerce platforms has made vegan options more available than ever.
- Government Initiatives: Efforts toward sustainable agriculture and food innovation align with Vision 2030, fostering the growth of plant-based alternatives.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the market is growing, the higher price of meat substitutes compared to traditional meat poses a challenge. Limited local sourcing and reliance on imports contribute to elevated costs, making plant-based options less affordable for some. However, investments in local manufacturing and supply chain improvements can help address these pricing barriers.
A Sustainable Future
As younger, more informed demographics demand ethical, eco-friendly, and health-conscious food choices, the meat substitute market in Saudi Arabia is set to thrive. Rising awareness of climate change, resource conservation, and animal welfare is pushing more consumers toward plant-based alternatives, reinforcing a global shift in dietary habits.
Major brands like Beyond Meat, Quorn Foods, and Imagine Meats are playing a key role in reshaping the Saudi food landscape, offering cutting-edge meat alternatives. Meanwhile, local initiatives are working toward expanding plant-based accessibility through retail and dining sectors, increasing demand for affordable, plant-derived protein options.
Quorn Foods
Saudi Arabia’s food sector is witnessing a surge in investment toward sustainable food technologies. The country has embraced precision fermentation, with companies working to develop dairy-free and meat-free proteins using innovative biotechnological methods. The partnership between Liberation Labs and NEOM is a step toward fostering a new era of plant-based food innovation, ensuring local production capabilities and reducing reliance on imports.
With food sustainability becoming a national priority and corporate investments aligning with Vision 2030, plant-based eating is no longer just a trend—it’s an essential pillar of the future of food security in Saudi Arabia.