Breakfast Cereal Market

Breakfast Cereal Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

Worldwide revenue from the sales of breakfast cereals is estimated to reach US$ 52.78 billion in 2024, as revealed in a newly published report by Fact.MR. The global breakfast cereal market has been forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 4.1% to reach US$ 78.88 billion by the end of 2034.

Increasing consumer preference for protein-rich, exotic, and high-fiber breakfast options along with a growing requirement for keto-friendly and organic variants catering to the particular requirements are widening the application scope of breakfast cereals. More consumers are opting for high-protein and fiber food in their diets, particularly breakfast for building immunity and maintaining health.

The widespread popularity of packaged breakfast cereals because of their high nutritional content among more individuals owing to their hectic schedules and busy lifestyles is aiding the breakfast cereal market growth. An introduction of healthy and exotic breakfast cereals, such as chia seeds, oats, and flax seeds is driving market growth.

Active involvement of several market players in launching organic, keto-friendly, and gluten-free breakfast cereals because of the increasing cases of celiac disease is helping them strengthen their position. Rising cases of lactose intolerance are also boding well with market growth. Moreover, the growing influence of Western culture on culinary practices, and expanding e-commerce platforms help in the easy availability of instant food products. In addition, the rising population of working women is also resulting in the expansion of the breakfast cereal market size due to a growing preference for instant meal options.

• Worldwide demand for ready-to-eat (RTE) cereals is evaluated to increase at a CAGR of 4% and reach a market valuation of US$ 42.04 billion by 2034.
• The market in Japan is forecasted to expand at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2024 to 2034.
• Sales of breakfast cereals in South Korea are analyzed to rise at 4.8% CAGR through 2034.
• North America is projected to account for 24.3% of the global breakfast cereal market share by the end of 2034.

Report Attribute	Detail
Breakfast Cereal Market Size (2024E)	US$ 52.78 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 78.88 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.1% CAGR
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Segment Share (2034F)	37.2%
East Asia Market Share (2034F)	23.1%
Canada Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Kellogg Company; B&G Foods Inc.; Marico Ltd.; Bagrrys India Ltd.; Nestlé SA; General Mills Inc.; PepsiCo Inc.; Weetabix Ltd.; Bob’s Red Mill; Erewhon; MOM Brands Company; Post Holding Inc.; Calbee Inc.

Why is Global Consumption of Breakfast Cereals Increasing at a Steady Pace?

“Surging Demand for Clean Label Food Products”

Evolving consumer preferences along with a growing demand for nutritious and convenient breakfast options are contributing to global market growth. Clean labeling is emerging as one of the prominent breakfast cereal market trends as more individuals are becoming cautious about their dietary patterns. Growing demand for breakfast items prepared with natural, recognizable, and minimal ingredients is widening the application scope of cereals.

Untreated, minimally processed, and homegrown breakfast food items are becoming more appealing to individuals. Allergen- and gluten-free options are becoming more popular as a breakfast option, which is stimulating prominent cereal brands to come up with new product lines.

What Challenge are Breakfast Cereal Manufacturers Grappling With?

“High Awareness about Negative Health Implications of Preservatives”

More consumers are becoming cautious about the content of preservatives and sugar in cereals. These lead to obesity, diabetes, cardiac issues, and cholesterol. Thereby, they are giving preference to healthier and natural alternatives, such as beverages, vegetables, and fruits. Even, several local shops are delivering these eatables to doorsteps, which is also refraining consumers from purchasing breakfast cereals.

Economic conditions of individuals residing in potentially developing countries are resulting in the consumption of more sophisticated dietary options and breakfast cereals are not considered much.

Which Strategy is Benefitting New Companies in This Market Landscape?

“Focus on Developing Breakfast Cereals with More Product Transparency”

Startups need to focus more on maintaining transparency while incorporating clean labeling practices to attract a larger base of health-conscious consumers. Social media handles of new market players should be used more for educating people about the consumption of breakfast cereals, which will further help in fetching potential consumers.

Country-wise Insights

North America, owing to the rising popularity of cereal bars, is projected to possess 24.3% share of the market by the end of 2034, as stated in the freshly published study by Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider. The growing popularity of on-the-go and packaged food products containing cereals is creating lucrative opportunities for market players in the region.

Why Has the United States Attracted a Large Number of Breakfast Cereal Producers?

“High Consumption of Breakfast Cereals as Convenient, Nutritious, and Affordable Meal Option”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 5.61 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.5% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 8.74 Billion

The United States is evaluated to hold 45.6% share of the market in North America by 2034. Cereals are traditionally established breakfast options in the country for their affordable, tasty, quick, accessible, and nutritious profile, contributing to increased demand. More market players are coming up with a wide variety of breakfast cereals catering to the audience's specific requirements. The presence of gym enthusiasts, social media food bloggers, and other influencers is stimulating the consumption of cereals.

What Makes China a Lucrative Market for Breakfast Cereal Companies?

“Growing Population of Working People Seeking Convenient Food Options”

Attribute	China
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 5.78 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.1% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 8.65 Billion

China is evaluated to occupy 47.5% share of the East Asia market by the end of 2034. The growing population of the working class is resulting in busy lifestyles, which is driving demand for healthy and quick breakfasts, such as cereals. Furthermore, an increasing gym culture, which is popularized by social media influencers is also stimulating the consumption of healthy oatmeals and oats. In addition, the growing availability of customized breakfast cereals manufactured according to consumers’ preferences and tastes is also driving market growth.

How is Japan Offering Remunerative Opportunities for Market Players?

“High Openness to Incorporating Western Cuisines”

Attribute	Japan
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 3.42 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4.6% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 5.36 Billion

Japan is projected to account for 29.4% share of the market in East Asia by 2034. The culinary culture in Japan is believed to be more welcoming when it comes to incorporating Western cuisines into diets. Thereby, more market players are regionalizing their products in the local market. They are introducing several cereal options with kinako toppings, matcha flavor, or yuzu extracts.

Category-wise Insights

Based on nature, there is a growing preference for organic and clean-label cereals. This increased demand for organic food products is attributed to the rising incidence of celiac diseases and lactose intolerant people.

Which Type of Breakfast Cereal is Most Widely Consumed across Regions?

“Rich Nutritional Profile of Ready-to-eat Breakfast Cereals”

Attribute	Ready-to-Eat Cereals
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 28.45 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	4% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 42.04 Billion

Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are forecasted to account for a share of 53.3% of global market revenue by the end of 2034. Increased demand for these cereals is owing to their associated benefits in improved nutrient intake. These cereals contain more fiber, micronutrients, such as magnesium, calcium, vitamin B, and phosphorous, and protein, and less sucrose and fat. In addition, more consumers are also giving preference to RTF breakfast cereals due to their assistance in reducing risks associated with lifestyle disorders, such as diabetes, hypertension, and others and maintaining a healthier body weight. They are becoming more popular as an effective source of phytoestrogens and antioxidants.

Which Sales Channel is Preferred for Purchasing Breakfast Cereals?

“Prominence of Supermarkets/Hypermarkets for Breakfast Cereals”

Attribute	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Segment Value (2024E)	US$ 20.42 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	3.7% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 29.34 Billion

Supermarkets/hypermarkets are analyzed to capture 37.2% of global market share by 2034. These platforms are adopted as convenient options for shopping for daily essentials. Supermarkets offer high and premium-quality breakfast cereals, thereby making them more accessible across the globe. The accessibility, affordability, and convenience of these stores are making them popular shopping platforms.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the breakfast cereal industry are coming up with innovative and more nutritious breakfast cereals to gain a central stage among end users.

• Kellogg’s India, in October 2022, came up with Kellogg’s Pro Muesli, which is 100% plant-based and high-protein muesli.
• Nestlé Cereals, introduced low-sugar cereals with no added flavors or colors, addressed as Cheerios Vanilla O’s in October 2021. Whole grains are contained in these cereals, categorized as non-high in fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) under the new set standards of the United Kingdom government. These cereals contain less than 5% sugar with added minerals and vitamins, and without any sacrifice with flavor.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of breakfast cereals positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in this newly published market report.

Segmentation of Breakfast Cereal Market Research

• By Product Type :

  • Hot Cereals
  • RTE (Ready-to-Eat) Cereals

• By Nature :

  • Organic
  • Conventional

• By Sales Channel :

  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Online Retail
  • Specialty Retailers

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • MEA