Saudi Arabia Diabetic Food Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

The Saudi Arabia Diabetic Food Market is expected to reach US$ 272.63 million by 2033, rising from US$ 169.54 million in 2024, representing a CAGR of 5.42% from 2025 to 2033, according to Renub Research. As diabetes rates surge and dietary habits shift toward healthier living, the kingdom’s diabetic food segment is witnessing unprecedented momentum. From sugar-free snacks and low-calorie drinks to fortified bakery and dairy innovations, diabetic-friendly foods are quickly becoming mainstream lifestyle products—not just medical dietary solutions.

This editorial explores the market dynamics, regional insights, key drivers, challenges, segment breakdowns, and major players shaping the diabetic food industry in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia Diabetic Food Market Overview

Saudi Arabia is experiencing one of the world’s highest rates of diabetes, fueled by lifestyle transitions, widespread consumption of high-sugar foods, and sedentary habits. As a result, diabetic-friendly nutrition has evolved from a niche category into a growing consumer necessity.

Today, diabetic food offerings in the kingdom span multiple segments—functional drinks, sugar-free confectionery, low-calorie bakery products, protein-rich snacks, and dairy substitutes, among others. Modern trade channels, including hypermarkets, pharmacies, and e-commerce platforms, have amplified accessibility while consumer education campaigns continue elevating awareness.

Manufacturers—both global giants and domestic innovators—are responding by introducing clean-label, naturally sweetened, and low-glycemic products tailored to Saudi dietary preferences. This is complemented by the government's broader push toward preventive healthcare under Vision 2030, which places strong emphasis on nutrition and public health.

Key Factors Driving Market Growth

1. Rising Prevalence of Diabetes in the Kingdom

Diabetes has become a critical public health challenge in Saudi Arabia. Factors such as urban sedentary lifestyles, heavy reliance on processed foods, and genetic predisposition have pushed diabetes cases to unprecedented levels. This rise directly fuels demand for food products that help manage blood glucose levels.

As diabetic consumers seek alternatives to conventional high-sugar and high-carb foods, categories such as:

Sugar-free snacks

Low-calorie beverages

Stevia- and monk-fruit-sweetened confectionery

High-fiber bakery products

Fortified dairy substitutes

have become essential components of everyday diets.

Healthcare professionals frequently recommend adopting diabetic-friendly diets, which further validates this market and encourages consumers to remain consistent with specialized nutritional choices.

2. Growing Health Consciousness and Preventive Wellness Culture

Saudi consumers—especially younger adults and middle-income families—are increasingly prioritizing wellness, nutrition, and disease prevention. This shift is driven by:

Greater access to health information

Media emphasis on fitness and balanced diets

Rise of home workouts and wellness apps

Popularity of “clean living” and “low-sugar diets”

Diabetic foods are increasingly perceived as healthier lifestyle choices for all, not just for diabetic patients. Naturally sweetened drinks, plant-based snacks, and low-sugar bakery goods are now embraced by fitness enthusiasts and weight-conscious consumers across urban and semi-urban Saudi Arabia.

This broadening demand pool is strengthening long-term market expansion.

3. Higher Disposable Income and Urban Lifestyle Shifts

Saudi Arabia’s rising middle class, increased female workforce participation, and economic diversification have boosted disposable income levels. This has naturally increased spending on premium and specialty nutrition, including diabetic-friendly products.

Consumers today prefer:

Convenient packaged foods

Reliable international brands

Functional foods that boost immunity or metabolic health

Imported sugar-free bakery and snack brands

On-the-go beverages with low glycemic impact

Busy professionals, families, and youth with hectic work–life schedules are particularly drawn to ready-to-consume diabetic-friendly items that align with their nutrition goals.

Challenges Affecting the Market

1. Regulatory and Labeling Issues

As diabetic foods grow in popularity, consumers demand greater transparency regarding:

Sugar content

Calorie counts

Glycemic index

Sweetener origin

Nutritional claims

However, inconsistent labeling standards and packaging discrepancies still persist. Some imported products list sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners that local consumers may not fully understand, creating confusion and reducing trust.

International companies entering the Saudi market often face lengthy regulatory adaptation processes, delaying product launches and limiting competition.

2. Supply Chain Gaps and Limited Accessibility Outside Major Cities

The availability of diabetic foods is far more robust in Riyadh, Dhahran, and Jeddah, compared to smaller towns. Specialty nutrition products often struggle with:

Limited shelf space in rural stores

Higher import duties

Long customs clearance periods

Supply chain inefficiencies

Uneven distribution networks

Consumers in outer regions frequently rely on traditional diets or generic packaged foods that may not support diabetes management. Improving distribution remains essential for market expansion.

Regional Market Overview: Saudi Arabia’s Leading States

Dhahran Diabetic Food Market

Dhahran is emerging as one of the most nutrition-conscious regions in the kingdom. With a large expat population, corporate employees, and well-informed families, the city shows strong appetite for premium diabetic-friendly foods.

Factors driving growth include:

High awareness of global nutrition trends

Presence of specialist health stores

Strong pharmacy retail networks

Dependence on e-commerce for niche products

Demand is especially strong for fortified snacks, low-sugar beverages, and functional dairy alternatives.

Riyadh Diabetic Food Market

Riyadh represents the largest diabetic food market in Saudi Arabia, driven by:

High urban population density

Broad retail coverage

Early adoption of global food trends

Extensive healthcare infrastructure

Hypermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu, HyperPanda, and a vast network of pharmacies offer a diverse range of diabetic foods. Digital platforms also cater to convenience-oriented young professionals and families seeking regular dietary management.

Government-backed wellness campaigns further raise awareness, encouraging population-wide adoption of low-sugar diets.

Jeddah Diabetic Food Market

Jeddah’s multicultural and health-aware consumer base creates fertile ground for diabetic food growth. Rising diabetes cases, combined with high reliance on packaged foods and outside dining, have amplified demand for healthier alternatives.

Key characteristics include:

Strong e-commerce penetration

Diverse retail channels

Multicultural food preferences

High purchasing power among working residents

Public health drives and fitness trends have made low-calorie snacks, sugar-free drinks, and diabetic-friendly bakery products part of the mainstream nutritional landscape.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

Confectionery

Snacks

Bakery Products

Dairy Products

Others

Growing consumer interest in premium, functional confectionery and low-sugar bakery items is especially notable.

By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Specialty Stores

Online Stores

Others

Modern retail and digital commerce remain core to accessibility and awareness.

By States

Dhahran

Riyadh

Khobar

Jeddah

Dammam

Others

Urban centers dominate consumption, but smaller cities are gradually increasing adoption as awareness spreads.

Key Players Profiled

Major companies operating in the Saudi Arabia diabetic food market include:

Nestlé

Unilever

The Kellogg Company

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Tyson Foods

The Hershey Company

Hain Celestial Group

Each company is strengthening its presence through innovative product launches, reduced-sugar formulations, and distribution partnerships across hypermarkets and digital platforms.

Company Overviews, Key Personnel, Developments & SWOT (Summary)

Nestlé

Focus on fortified dairy and low-sugar beverages

Strong distribution footprint

Consistent R&D investment

SWOT:

Strengths in brand trust; opportunities in plant-based expansion; threats from high competition.

Unilever

Leading in low-sugar spreads and functional snacks

Strong sustainability branding

SWOT:

Strengths in innovation; opportunities in clean-label growth; regulatory constraints as a potential threat.

The Kellogg Company

Known for diabetic-friendly cereals and fiber-rich snacks

Strong presence in modern retail

SWOT:

Strength in breakfast category; opportunity in protein snacks; supply-chain volatility remains a challenge.

Conagra Brands

Growing footprint in functional and low-calorie frozen foods

Appeals to young and busy consumers

SWOT:

Strength in convenience foods; opportunity in e-commerce; competition from domestic brands is rising.

Tyson Foods

Protein-focused diabetic-friendly food options

Trusted for nutritional value

SWOT:

Strength in protein innovation; opportunity in sports nutrition; challenges in price-sensitive segments.

The Hershey Company

Sugar-free confectionery leader

Strong identity among sweet-tooth consumers

SWOT:

Strength in brand loyalty; opportunity in natural sweeteners; risks due to rising raw-material costs.

Hain Celestial Group

Clean-label, organic, and plant-forward diabetic-friendly foods

Popular among health-driven consumers

SWOT:

Strength in wellness branding; opportunity in high-fiber snacks; threat from limited mass-market penetration.

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia’s diabetic food market is transitioning from niche to mainstream, driven by growing health awareness, rising diabetes prevalence, lifestyle modernization, and expanding retail accessibility. As the market approaches US$ 272.63 million by 2033, opportunities abound for manufacturers, retailers, and digital platforms to innovate and cater to a rapidly evolving consumer landscape.

Urban regions like Riyadh, Dhahran, and Jeddah will continue to lead the charge, but the next phase of growth will come from improving availability in semi-urban and rural areas, strengthening supply chains, and advancing regulatory clarity.

With Saudi consumers increasingly embracing clean, fortified, and sugar-free nutrition, the diabetic food market stands poised for strong and sustained expansion in the years ahead.