Sports Food Market Size (2024 – 2030)

The global sports food market was valued at USD 10 billion and is projected to reach a market size of USD 17.70 billion by the end of 2030. Over the forecast period of 2024–2030, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5%.

Sport food refers to food that has been specially created, prepared, and sold in connection with physical activity, athletic performance, and/or recuperation after exercise. In the past, the market was niche. This is because there are limited product varieties and a lack of awareness. Presently, the market has witnessed a significant expansion owing to the product range and consumer base. In the future, with an extensive focus on R&D activities and clean products, immense growth is anticipated.

Key Market Insights:

In a poll done in April 2023, as per Statista, about 6% of consumers in the Australia and New Zealand area said they often use sports foods.

The sports nutrition market in Singapore had a sales value of 105.5 million Singapore dollars in 2022, according to Statista.

The sports nutrition industry in India is estimated to be valued at over ₹1300 crores and is growing at a rate of around 25% annually, according to Healthcare Radius.

As per a research article published in the NIH, less than 40% of athletes knew how to use protein, creatine, amino acids, glutamine, and beta-alanine correctly and intendedly. To tackle this, companies are working on organizing workshops to spread the right education. Additionally, trainers and nutritionists are recommended for implementing a balanced diet.

Sports Food Market Drivers:

Increasing consumer focus on health and fitness has been boosting the market.

Over the years, there have been a lot of health and wellness trends that have emerged. This is because of the elevated prevalence of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. People have realized the importance of having a physically and mentally fit body as well as mind. Consumers have shown more interest in nutritional intake. The human body depends heavily on substances like proteins, carbs, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and other similar substances. Sports food offers these supplements in the form of capsules, powders, drinks, and other food products. This is a well-balanced diet that provides energy for people to perform at their best when consumed correctly. To keep up with this, businesses have been launching many products with health benefits to attract a broader consumer base.

The rise in sports and physical activities has been facilitating the upsurge.

Governmental initiatives to promote sports activities have been beneficial. Sports like boxing, badminton, tennis, hockey, football, cricket, and others have grown in popularity, which has elevated sportsmen to a higher level of recognition. These performers require specialized diets catered to their needs to gain muscle mass and bone strength. Sports food is important for this aspect. This diet has all the required nutrients in the right proportion for the athletes to improve focus, work harder, and delay fatigue. Besides this, many commoners have started to go to gyms to become fit. People who go to these places require focus and vigor for strength training and lifting heavy objects. Trainers and coaches in these places recommend sports food to improve their performance, maintain physical appearance, and increase their energy. Millennials and Gen Z have a high interest in working out. As a result, the number of these centers has increased over the years. Furthermore, many states have started to host marathons, triathlons, and other obstacle races to fund various causes. Young adults and the elderly population actively participate in these events. Sports bars and drinks are usually consumed at such events to maintain energy levels.

Sports Food Market Restraints and Challenges:

Safety concerns, misuse, cost constraints, dependency, and environmental impact are the main issues that the market is currently facing.

Consumption of sports food has had a few adverse reactions in a few cases. This has led to bloating, kidney failure, digestive problems, and cardiovascular problems. A few research studies conducted on the efficacy of these products found that certain substances that are not approved by the FDA are added to get instant energy. This includes contaminants, banned ingredients, and harmful ingredients that can cause serious repercussions. Secondly, many people do not have the right knowledge about the consumption of these food products. A lot of them associate this with losing weight. Many teenagers with body dysmorphia can consume these products in an unhealthy or small amount, encouraging eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Manufacturers must strictly abide by the rules and give proper education to the public about the benefits to avoid such hurdles. Thirdly, these products are quite expensive compared to regular food. Budget-conscious consumers might not buy these products and opt for other nutritious options, causing losses to the market. Moreover, athletes are constantly advised to use these items for an energy boost and better performance. This can lead to an unhealthy dependency on these products. If the performers are denied the consumption of these items, a few of them will feel that they will lose the competition. Furthermore, products that contain animal protein have an impact on our environment. Animals that are raised for meat often require more resources, like water. This depletes resources and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, many animals are exploited and killed in an inhumane way for their protein.

Sports Food Market Opportunities:

Personalized nutrition has provided the market with an ample number of possibilities. Here, the diet is tailored as per the genetic profile, lifestyle, and fitness goals. This results in a devoted customer base. Secondly, there is a growing popularity of veganism. Vegan diets include plant-based products. Many companies are commercializing sports foods that are derived from plant-based sources like legumes, grains, fruits, vegetables, etc. This strategy is predicted to increase revenue generation tremendously during the forecast period. Thirdly, expanding into the emerging economies of Asia, the Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East is advantageous. These countries have seen economic growth that has escalated investments in the sports industry. Businesses can widen their portfolio in these regions for greater profits. Fourthly, integration with digital health apps is being prioritized. Fitness apps give a detailed analysis of our calorie intake, required nutrients, heartbeat, and other such information. Virtual coaching and customized plans can be developed for individuals through collaborations with these apps. Apart from this, research and developmental activities are being emphasized to introduce new formulations and flavors.

SPORTS FOOD MARKET REPORT COVERAGE:

Sports Food Market Segmentation: By Consumer Group

• Children

• Adult

• Geriatric

The adult category is the largest and fastest-growing. This is mostly due to the large proportion of customers of this age. People in this age group participate actively in sports and fitness, which supports the segment's expansion. The expanding trend of holistic well-being and the availability and demand for accessible, sugar-free, vegan, and plant-based supplement formulations are driving this segment.

Sports Food Market Segmentation: By Formulation

• Tablets

• Capsules

• Powder

• Soft Gels

• Liquid

• Gummies

The powder segment is the largest growing. Protein powder is one such popular example. The success of this category is because of its ease and simplicity. They can be dissolved in liquids and juices. Besides, they have a good shelf life, which gives people the convenience of storing the formulations for a longer duration. Thick shakes are usually created using this powder, which helps boost performance and gain strength. The capsule segment is the fastest-growing. Because they are portable and provide simple dosages, capsules are favored by customers who want easy-to-swallow shapes and pre-measured quantities. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need precision nutrient intake for performance and recuperation will find these formulations intriguing since they allow for exact dose management.  

Sports Food Market Segmentation: By Distribution Channels

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

• Convenience Stores

• Specialty Stores

• Online Retail

• Others

Supermarkets & hypermarkets are the largest growing segment. Consumers may interact with the stores, ask questions, and assess the merchandise visually. By negotiating over the goods, they may even alter the price. Moreover, good purchases are made in person by people who are not comfortable using the Internet. Accessibility is yet another important factor propelling this category. Since these businesses are frequently located in every town, demand has grown.  The segment with the fastest growth is online retail. A growing trend toward digitalization has caused the industry to grow. Convenience is the reason why customers make this choice. Online shoppers may order things and have them delivered right to their homes. They will also have easier access to a larger selection of domestic and foreign items. Additionally, online merchants may help their clients by providing free shipping and discounts for repeated purchases.

Sports Food Market Segmentation: Regional Analysis

• North America

• Asia-Pacific

• Europe

• South America

• Middle East and Africa

North America is the largest growing market. Countries like the United States and Canada are at the forefront. The region has a well-established fitness culture. There are several gyms where people can go and work out. The economy makes it easier to fund and invest in various projects. Many companies that have a global presence are present in this area. Prominent ones include Glanbia plc, PepsiCo Inc., The Coca-Cola Company, and Abbott Laboratories. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market. India, China, and Australia are at the top. Urbanization has led to a change in the standard of living and an increase in disposable income. Sports events are gaining prominence due to governmental initiatives. People are following various fitness goals for healthy living. Startups are coming up with innovative formulations that are vegan. Businesses are emphasizing expanding their distribution channels for greater income.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis on the Global Sports Food Market:

The viral epidemic affected the market in a variety of ways. Lockdowns, mobility limitations, and social isolation were all part of the new normal. This affected supply chain management, logistics, and transportation. Working remotely was the primary focus. Rules and regulations forced the suspension of manufacturing and industrial activities. Operations were hampered by safety regulations.  Gyms were closed, and sports events were canceled. An economic recession was seen. Numerous people experienced job loss. Projects relating to healthcare were intended to get the most of the cash. Launches and partnerships were delayed as a result. Many only bought essentials. On the other side, individuals started to place a higher priority on their health. Many of them came to understand the value of eating a balanced diet. Demand for organic yield was quite high. Sustainability gained significance. Many of them started their fitness journey through virtual mode. Coaches advised them to buy sports food for better outcomes. Internet shopping increased the sales. Retailers gave maintaining an active online presence a top priority. Vegan formulations became popular due to the increasing number of vegans. According to Innova Market Insights, 31% of customers worldwide who use functional and sports nutrition have upped their intake. A third of the 9% who reported using less sports nourishment say that the drop was due to a modification in their spending plan. Regulations and restrictions have been loosened since the outbreak, which has helped the industry expand.

Latest Trends/ Developments:

Sustainability has become an important factor for almost all industries. Organizations have been looking for ways to create sustainable products that have minimal impact on our environment. Organic ingredients and local sourcing are two such methods that the sport food market has been implementing. Organic yield has a higher nutritional profile and is grown without the aid of chemicals, fertilizers, or other toxic compounds. Local sourcing involves the practice of using crops that are grown in the state. This reduced the carbon footprint and pollution. Apart from this, eco-friendly packaging is another trend. Products are being packed by using biodegradable or recycled waste to reduce landfills.

Key Players:

1. Glanbia Performance Nutrition

2. PepsiCo

3. Abbott Laboratories

4. The Coca-Cola Company

5. Clif Bar & Company

6. GNC Holdings, Inc.

7. Herbalife Nutrition

8. Hormel Foods Corporation

9. Atlantic Multipower Germany GmbH

10. MusclePharm Corporation

• In April 2024, the producers of Musashi, Vitaco Health, introduced ATHENA Sports Nutrition, a new line of sports nutrition products for active women. The line, created by female athletes and sports nutritionists, consists of protein powders, supplements, and snacks. Except for the bars, the range is certified by Informed Sport.

• In January 2024, Shastowitz's food business introduced a new brand in the sports nutrition market named TODAY.  The first items under the brand are incredibly creative protein bars with great flavors like salted caramel, cookie cream, cinnamon pie, chocolate, and banana chocolate chips. These bars are perfect for both men and women as a post-workout recovery bar and as a snack throughout the day because they have a very low protein-to-calorie ratio of 1:10 (lots of protein and low calories).

• In February 2023, Chew Innovation introduced Fastfood, a range of high-performance sports nutrition products. The products employ galactose carbs to give athletes a consistent source of energy. Products from Fastfood are certified by Informed Sport and manufactured with genuine food.