Cookies Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The Global Cookies Market was valued at USD 45 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2030. The market is projected to reach USD 71.32 billion by 2030.

Cookies are popular baked snacks enjoyed by consumers worldwide, with varying types ranging from plain biscuits to gourmet variants filled with chocolate chips, nuts, and other ingredients. The market has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by consumers’ demand for indulgent snacks, healthy alternatives, and on-the-go convenience foods. Additionally, the increasing popularity of organic, vegan, and gluten-free cookies reflects changing dietary preferences. The introduction of premium, novelty, and seasonal products also contributes to the growing demand. The growth of the cookies market is largely fueled by changing consumer lifestyles, the rising trend of snacking between meals, and increased spending on comfort foods. Innovation in packaging, flavors, and healthier ingredients is expected to drive market expansion in the forecast period.

Key Market Insights:

Premium and specialty cookies with high-quality good ingredients like organic flour or dark chocolate, nuts, or any nut from more far-flung lands. Healthy cookies get more attention in the consumer market from healthy-conscious people as well as many others that have some level of dietary restriction.

Online channels were also deemed essential platforms where cookies nowadays could be very accessible in the delivery route and have many options that online retailers can provide.

Asia Pacific is an emerging market with rising income levels and Westernization of countries such as China and India.

Global Cookies Market Drivers:

Growing Demand for Convenient and On-the-Go Snacks is driving market growth:

Modern lifestyles and busy schedules have fueled the demand for convenient snacking options, with cookies emerging as a popular choice among consumers of all ages. Cookies are portable, easy to store, and do not require refrigeration, making them an ideal on-the-go snack. Additionally, single-serve packaging and bite-sized cookies align with the trend toward portion-controlled indulgence. Consumers increasingly view cookies as a treat between meals, contributing to the market's expansion. The availability of cookies in convenience stores, supermarkets, and vending machines ensures accessibility, further driving sales across different demographics.

Rising Health and Wellness Trends are driving market growth:

Health-conscious consumers are driving demand for healthier cookie options. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by introducing cookies made from whole grains, reduced sugar, high-protein ingredients, and free from artificial additives. Gluten-free, vegan, and organic cookies are gaining traction among niche consumer segments, including individuals with dietary restrictions and environmentally conscious buyers. The increasing focus on mindful eating has led to innovations such as keto-friendly and sugar-free cookies. These health-focused products are often promoted through online platforms and social media, helping companies connect with health-conscious consumers.

Innovation in Flavors and Packaging is driving market growth:

Flavor innovation plays a crucial role in maintaining consumer interest and driving market growth. Manufacturers are experimenting with new ingredients, such as matcha, exotic fruits, and plant-based sweeteners, to differentiate their products. Limited-edition cookies, particularly those launched during holidays or special events, help create excitement and boost sales. In addition to flavor innovation, packaging advancements are also influencing consumer choices. Resealable bags and individually wrapped cookies enhance convenience, maintain freshness, and cater to consumer preferences for portion control. Furthermore, sustainable packaging materials align with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions.

Global Cookies Market Challenges and Restraints:

Rising Raw Material Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions are restricting market growth:

The cookies industry relies heavily on raw materials such as flour, sugar, butter, and cocoa, whose prices are subject to fluctuations due to unpredictable weather conditions, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. Rising costs of key ingredients can affect the profitability of cookie manufacturers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Supply chain disruptions, such as delays in the transportation of goods, further exacerbate challenges in meeting market demand. Managing production costs while maintaining competitive pricing and quality is a critical challenge for companies in the cookies market.

Increasing Competition and Consumer Demand for Clean Labels is restricting market growth:

The cookies market is highly competitive, with numerous regional and international players offering a wide range of products. To stay relevant, companies must continuously innovate and meet evolving consumer expectations. However, the growing preference for clean-label products adds complexity to product formulation. Consumers are becoming more aware of the ingredients in their food and are seeking cookies made from natural, non-GMO ingredients. Manufacturers must balance the demand for indulgent flavors with the need for transparency and healthier formulations, which can involve higher production costs and supply chain complexities.

Market Opportunities:

The global cookies market holds opportunities, but now with a basis in changing consumer demand, product innovation, and the expansion of retail channels. There are also health and wellness opportunities in companies that are growing, and interested in creating dietary-related cookies, such as gluten-free, keto-friendly, and plant-based. In tandem, these products follow global market trends toward healthier and greener eating. By presenting indulgence without sacrifices made to nutritional goals, manufacturers can attract health-conscious customers. Another area ripe with opportunity is the burgeoning presence of e-commerce in a world of online shopping. Online grocery shopping also became a new gateway toward widening the reach of customers who buy cookies. Easy distribution channels and subscription basis serve as a means that ensure convenience and facilitate easier engagements directly with consumers through particularistic marketing campaigns. Seasonal products and limited-edition flavors present further scope for capturing short-term demand and keeping consumers interested. Premiumization in cookies provides scope for growth. Gourmet and artisan cookies, prepared with premium ingredients and offered in more exotic flavors, are of interest to consumers who want to indulge in such treats. Moreover, sustainability and eco-friendliness are today's key differentiators in the market-organic usage of ingredients and recyclable packaging. Positioning brands as ethical and environmental will benefit them more due to the conscious consumers.

COOKIES MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Cookies Market Segmentation: By Type

• Plain Cookies

• Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Sandwich Cookies

• Filled Cookies

• Butter Cookies

• Specialty and Vegan Cookies

• Others

Chocolate chip cookies are the most dominant product segment, owing to their global popularity and versatility. These cookies are a favorite among consumers of all ages and are available in various formats, including soft-baked, crunchy, and mini versions.

Cookies Market Segmentation: By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

• Convenience Stores

• Online Retail

• Specialty Stores

• Others

Supermarkets and hypermarkets hold the largest share of the distribution segment, as they offer a wide range of cookie brands and varieties, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

Cookies Market Segmentation: By Region

• North America

• Asia-Pacific

• Europe

• South America

• Middle East and Africa

North America is the dominant region in the cookies market, driven by the high consumption of cookies in the United States and Canada. The region’s preference for indulgent snacks and the availability of a wide variety of premium and innovative cookies contribute to its leading position in the global market.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Cookies Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the best influencers in the global cookies market. Lockdowns and movement restrictions increased the demand for packaged snacks like cookies as people stocked up on both essentials and indulgent food items. During the lockdown, another reason sales of cookies witnessed an improvement was due to the shutting down of cafes and bakeries, because most customers shifted towards consumption at home. Moreover, as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic consumer reliance upon platforms led to online shopping mediums becoming the most crucial sales channel. Further, the direction towards shopping through online channels hastened, so most cookie brands increased their online presence besides the capabilities of logistics in place. However, the pandemic caused severe disruptions in the supply chain, with increased delays in the production and movement of raw materials. To respond to this change, manufacturers had to shift their operations quickly by making their operations leaner and focusing on core product lines for sustaining supply. At that time, healthier snack foods experienced a high surge, since consumers were now demanding comfort foods that would not compromise their nutritional values. This led to increased interest in low-sugar and functional cookies for the health-conscious consumer looking to indulge in guilt-free indulgence. More broadly, the pandemic had altered the cookies market by pushing demand for packaged snacks forward, accelerating a shift to e-commerce, and forcing health and wellness into choices. These will likely stay with the market as it continues to grow.

Latest Trends/Developments:

The cookies market is going through many prominent trends and developments. Some of the most dominant ones are plant-based and vegan cookies, driven by the increasing trend of plant-based diets. Consumers are actively seeking out cookies that do not have any animal-derived ingredients. Novel product formulations become a big opportunity in such situations. Another critical trend is sustainability and environmentally friendly practices. There is an increase of companies focusing more on recyclable packaging and sustainable ingredients procurement as regards the wishes of consumers' expectation toward products being highly environmentally friendly. This emphasis on sustainability apart from satisfying current demand does improve the companies' branding. There are also recent trends involving an increasing implementation of blockchain tracking technologies. This will increase the transparency and trust of the brands by their customers as it carries vast information on the origin of the used ingredients and manufacturing processes. In fact, limited edition and seasonal cookies are still key for the development of interest in consumers. Such products create buzz and hike sales exponentially during holidays and other occasions that attract consumers for novelties and special indulgences. Furthermore, digital marketing and partnership strategies with influencers have become very essential to cookie business companies as they also work on brand equity, brand loyalty, and building a community around them on social media. In a nutshell, the market for cookies quickly grows and strongly focuses on health, sustainability, and innovative marketing, thus preparing the market to continue growing and adapting in tandem with changes that take place in consumer preference.

Key Players:

1. Mondelez International

2. Nestlé S.A.

3. Campbell Soup Company (Pepperidge Farm)

4. Kellogg Company

5. General Mills

6. Britannia Industries

7. Lotus Bakeries

8. Parle Products

9. Walkers Shortbread Ltd.

10. Lenny & Larry’s