Chia Seed Market Is Estimated To Witness High Growth Owing To Rising Health Awareness And Increasing Demand For Plant-based Foods
The chia seed market is estimated to be valued at USD 1.52 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 13.1% over the forecast period (2024-2031). Chia seeds are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers as a superfood. Furthermore, increased adoption of vegan and plant-based diets has also augmented the demand for chia seeds.
The global chia seed market is primarily driven by rising health awareness among consumers and growing preference for plant-based and healthy diets. Chia seeds are considered a superfood due to their high nutritional value. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, fiber, and antioxidants. The numerous health benefits of chia seeds such as heart health, weight management and diabetes control have increased their demand in the food and beverage industry. Chia seeds are used in various foods and beverages including yogurt, cereals, snacks, and energy drinks. The increasing vegan population is also driving the demand for plant-based foods and food ingredients, contributing significantly to the growth of the chia seed market. Food manufacturers are incorporating chia seeds in their product portfolio to cater to the rising demand for healthy alternatives.
Increasing Consumer Awareness about Health Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers as they are known to provide various health benefits. Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various other nutrients. The high fiber content in chia seeds helps in weight management and improving digestion. Omega-3 fatty acids present in chia seeds are known to have various cardiovascular benefits. Growing consumer awareness about these health benefits has been a major driver for the growth of the chia seed market. Consumers are incorporating chia seeds into their diets and choosing chia seed-based products for their perceived health advantages.
Expanding Applications and Uses of Chia Seeds
Over the years, applications and uses of chia seeds have expanded beyond just consumption. Chia seeds are now used in various food products and beverages as a functional ingredient. They are added to yogurt, granola bars, baked goods and other snacks due to their nutrient profile and gel forming properties. Chia seeds are also used in skin care and personal care products due to their hydrating properties. The gel formed by chia seeds when mixed with water acts as an emollient. This has increased their use in products such as moisturizers, face masks etc. The widening range of applications has presented new opportunities for growth in the chia seed market.
High Price of Chia Seeds Compared to Other Seeds
While chia seeds offer various health benefits, their high price compared to other seeds acts as a restraint for the market. Chia seeds are significantly more expensive than other commonly used seeds like flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. This high price makes chia seeds unaffordable for many consumers. It also restricts the mass adoption of chia seeds in various food and beverage products. Manufacturers are hesitant to use chia seeds on a large scale due to the increased cost involved. The price difference continues to limit the growth potential of the chia seed market.
Lack of Large-scale Cultivation
Majority of chia seeds are currently imported from regions where they are traditionally grown like Latin America and Australia. However, large scale mechanized farming of chia seeds is still lacking. Dependence on imports makes chia seeds susceptible to price fluctuations due to external factors like weather conditions and currency variations. It also creates supply inconsistencies. Lack of standardized commercial farming practices specifically tailored for chia seeds further hampers the stable supply of high-quality chia seeds. This restricts companies from significantly scaling up the use of chia seeds.
Growing Vegan and Plant-based Food Trends
Consumer demand for vegan and plant-based food options is on the rise globally. Chia seeds are perfectly positioned to capitalize on this trend due to their various nutritional advantages and versatility. Being naturally vegan and gluten-free, chia seeds can help manufacturers create more vegan snack bars, yogurts, breads, and other food products. Increasing health consciousness and focus on sustainable diets is driving the expansion of the vegan market which presents an opportunity for greater chia seeds usage.
Emerging Markets in Asia Pacific and Middle East Africa
While North America and Europe currently dominate the chia seed market, new emerging regions are expected to drive future growth. Countries in Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa are witnessing rising incomes and health awareness. These regions offer untapped market potential for chia seeds and related products. With adaptation of global food trends, demand can be created through effective marketing and positioning of health benefits. First mover manufacturers can gain a foothold in these evolving new markets and benefit from future revenue streams. Overall, the chia seed industry has significant headroom for expansion globally.
Link: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/chia-seeds-market-1248
Key Developments
- In 2022, Olam Agri, a global food, feed and fiber agri-business, released its Specialty Grains & Seeds, Peru Sustainability Report 2021 that outlines its continued progress towards more sustainable quinoa and chia supply chains, which are delivering positive social and environmental impacts for local quinoa and chia farming communities in Peru
- In October 2021, Benexia launched encapsulated oil as a move to derive added value from chia seeds. A Chile-based firm, Benexia, has become a supplier of chia-based ingredients as opposed to being purely a purveyor of the seed itself. Benexia Company, based in Santiago, has for years marketed and processed chia grown in Bolivia and elsewhere. The latest ingredient to arise from this process is called Benexia ALA Powder. The encapsulated, water-soluble ingredient is 25% alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) by weight.
- In June 2021, The Benexia Company used its proprietary chia ingredients to expand its Consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brand, Seeds of Wellness. Through this expansion, Benexia enhanced its product portfolio.
- In 2021, The Chia Co. launched three new flavors including Dark Cacao, Strawberry, and Coffee Bean to its Chia Pods products, and four new varieties including Apple Spice, Mixed Berry, Blueberry Lemon and Banana Mango to its Oats and Chia product line.
Key Players
The Chia Co, Glanbia Nutritionals, Inc, BENEXIA, Naturkost de México, Bioriginal Food & Science Corp, Mamma Chia, Navitas Organics, Bob’s Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc., Spectrum Organic Products, LLC, Salba Smart Natural Products, Garden of Life LLC, Nutiva Inc., Organic Denmark, Hodmedod , Mercadero, K V Agro Products, ROYAL NUT COMPANY, Grenera Nutrients Pvt Ltd, Green Farm, and The Kenya chia seed co. LTD
