Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market Report: Trends, Forecast and Competitive Analysis to 2031

The future of the global whole grain and high fiber food market looks promising with opportunities in the supermarket/hypermarket and online/e-commerce markets. The global whole grain and high fiber food market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 6.8% from 2025 to 2031. The major drivers for this market are the rising health consciousness among consumers, the growing popularity of plant-based diets, and the increasing prevalence of digestive health issues.

• Lucintel forecasts that, within the type category, baked food is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.
• Within the application category, supermarket/hypermarket is expected to witness the highest growth.
• In terms of region, North America is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.

Emerging Trends in the Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market

The whole grain and high fiber food industry is changing, with a number of major trends occurring in response to shifting consumer demands and market forces. With increasingly health-conscious consumers recognizing the benefits of high-fiber diets for health, the market for whole grain and high-fiber foods is predicted to keep on growing. The trends are driven by health-focused consumers, advances in food manufacturing, and an increased emphasis on sustainability.

• Enhanced Consumer Health Benefit Awareness: Since consumers are more health-aware now, there is a growing call for whole grain and high-fiber foods owing to their relation to weight management, heart wellness, and digestive health. The whole grains and fiber are now also being sought after for mitigating the chronic diseases of diabetes and obesity. This has been followed by higher availability of foods with fiber from different product classes, such as snacks, soft drinks, and dairy. Buyers are also opting for clean-label products that lack artificial additives and preservatives, which is dictating product formulations.
• Increased Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Categories: There has been a big increase in gluten-free and plant-based options for the whole grain and high-fiber food space. As consumers embrace plant-based diets and steer clear of gluten for health purposes, more plant-based ingredients such as oats, quinoa, and chia seeds are being used by manufacturers in their products. Gluten-free whole grain and high-fiber foods, including gluten-free pasta and bread, are becoming more popular. These eating patterns are creating innovation, with more and more brands bringing products to the market that address these consumer demands. This is a particularly robust trend in economies such as the United States, Europe, and China.
• Increased Consumption of Fiber-Rich Drinks: Demand for fiber-rich drinks is on the rise due to consumer desire for easy, healthy beverage alternatives that are digestive-friendly and beneficial for gut health. Smoothies, juices, and plant-based drinks, all of which are fiber-enriched, are gaining popularity among health enthusiasts. These drinks provide a convenient method of taking fiber without disrupting an active lifestyle. Also, the movement towards functional drinks, which offer certain health benefits like better digestion or immune system support, is further driving this demand. Companies are experimenting with new sources of fiber such as inulin and psyllium husk to add to their drink portfolio.
• Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Sustainability is emerging as a key consideration in the Whole Grain and High Fiber Food market. Shoppers are increasingly seeking products containing sustainably sourced ingredients, including organic whole grains, and are placing a premium on brands that operate ethically. The call for green packaging, fair trade labeling, and open sourcing is transforming the marketplace. Companies are answering by touting the environmental advantages of whole grains and high-fiber foods, as these tend to use fewer resources and are more sustainable than highly processed foods. Sustainability is also emerging as a major brand differentiator in the market.
• Food Production Technology Innovation: New food processing technologies are helping food manufacturers develop new whole grain and high-fiber foods that do not lose their nutritional content or flavor. Methods such as cold extrusion and new milling processes enable nutrient retention while enhancing texture and flavor in fiber-based foods. This has created new product lines, such as fiber-containing snacks, bakery foods, and meal replacement products. Also, improvements in ingredient fortification are assisting in the development of high-fiber foods with increased health benefits, such as the inclusion of prebiotics, omega-3s, and other functional ingredients.

These new trends are transforming the whole grain and high fiber food market, with a strong focus on health, sustainability, and innovation. With changing consumer tastes, the market is set for further growth, fueled by new products, technological innovation, and an increasing appreciation of the role of fiber in overall well-being.

Recent Developments in the Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market

The whole grain and high fiber food market has experienced major developments as consumer demand for health-conscious, nutrient-dense products keeps rising. The major developments in the market are influenced by shifting consumer trends, novel product innovations, and increased wellness focus. Below are five major developments that are trending in the market today.

• Expansion of Product Offerings: Brands are offering more whole grain and high-fiber products as they seek to meet a wider variety of consumers' preferences. This involves whole grain and high-fiber variations in new categories like snacks, beverages, and dairy. Food manufacturers are diversifying by adding products with health benefits, for example, additional prebiotics, vitamins, and minerals. This trend is fueled by greater consumer knowledge of the health benefits of fiber-rich diets and a preference for more convenient, healthier food choices.
• Greater Availability of Gluten-Free Whole Grain Foods: There has been a significant increase in the availability of gluten-free whole grain foods, fueled by the growing demand for gluten-free diets as a result of medical conditions such as celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Consumers are increasingly choosing gluten-free versions of wheat-containing foods, and companies are reacting by making gluten-free whole grain bread, pasta, and snacks. The trend is especially significant in countries like the United States, where gluten-free eating is gaining popularity, and Europe, where the demand for gluten-free foods is growing.
• Increased Functional Fiber-Enriched Foods: Functional fiber-enriched foods market has experienced rapid growth as people seek products that have extra health benefits. The products are supplemented with fibers such as inulin, psyllium husk, and oat beta-glucan, which have digestive and cardiovascular health benefits. Companies are innovating by adding functional fibers to many food categories such as snacks, dairy, and beverages. The shift to functional foods mirrors consumers' greater interest in food that supports total well-being and helps with certain health issues such as digestion, cholesterol, and weight management.
• Emphasis on Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Since sustainability is also becoming more vital to consumers, consumers are seeking whole grain and high-fiber foods that are sustainably produced and ethically sourced. Brands are now more concerned with the environmental footprint of their offerings, from ingredient sourcing through packaging. This ranges from employing organic whole grains to minimizing food waste and transitioning to eco-packaging materials. Consumers tend to favor brands that share their beliefs, thus making sustainability a significant aspect of their purchasing behavior.
• Technological Innovations in Fiber Fortification: Advances in food technology are making it possible for producers to develop new high-fiber foods with greater taste and texture. Methods of cold extrusion and high-performance milling make possible the creation of fiber-dense foods that have the nutritional qualities of whole grains but better consumer acceptability. Second, ingredient fortification is making the creation of innovative new functional foods possible that do not only contribute fiber but even other nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. These advances are assisting in supplying the increasing demands of consumers for nutrient-dense, fiber-filled products.

These trends show that the whole grain and high fiber food market is changing to address evolving consumer demands and tastes. Manufacturers are innovating through new products, emphasizing sustainability, and taking advantage of technological trends to provide high-fiber foods aimed at health-oriented consumers.

Strategic Growth Opportunities in the Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market

The whole grain and high fiber food industry offers many growth prospects as customer demand for healthful and nutrient-rich food grows by the day. Strategic growth in this industry entails tapping into trends such as health eating, sustainability, and technological advancements to develop new foods and increase market penetration. Listed below are five major growth opportunities for companies operating in this industry.

• Health-Conscious Product Development: There is increasing demand for healthy and wellness foods, including high-fiber foods that are beneficial for digestion, heart health, and weight control. Companies can take advantage of this trend by creating whole grain and high-fiber foods that target specific health benefits, including weight loss or blood sugar control. Developing functional foods with added ingredients such as prebiotics and omega-3 fatty acids can assist in attracting consumers who are health-conscious and looking for foods with targeted health benefits.
• Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: With sustainability emerging as a major issue among consumers, companies can leverage this growth opportunity by emphasizing sustainable sourcing practices. This involves utilizing organic whole grains, reducing food waste, and employing green packaging. Moreover, providing products that are ethically sourced and contribute to environmental causes will appeal to eco-friendly consumers. Companies that identify their brand with sustainability will stand out in a more competitive marketplace.
• Innovation in Fiber-Enriched Snacks and Beverages: The increasing need for easy, portable snack foods and functional drinks offers the potential for innovation in fiber-enriched foods. Fiber is used by companies to create fiber-rich snacks, bars, smoothies, and drinks that provide digestive wellness benefits and satisfy the demand for fast, healthy options. Such foods can be marketed towards busy consumers seeking healthier options to traditional snack foods and capture market expansion in both the retail and foodservice markets.
• Expansion into Emerging Markets: Emerging economies like India, China, and Brazil offer huge growth potential for whole grain and high fiber foods. Growing incomes, shifting dietary patterns, and rising consciousness of the health advantages of fiber are fueling demand in these markets. Players can increase their presence by launching localized variants of their products that appeal to regional palates and dietary habits. This will allow them to reach the expanding base of consumers in these fast-growing economies.
• Partnership with Health and Wellness Brands: Alliances with health and wellness brands, fitness influencers, and nutritionists can increase the popularity of whole grain and high-fiber products. Alliances with reputable health-oriented companies can generate awareness and credibility for new products. By tapping into the influence of these health-oriented communities, manufacturers can market their fiber-containing products as part of a healthy lifestyle. This approach can be especially effective in building consumer confidence and increasing market share.

Such strategic growth opportunities offer great promise for companies operating in the whole grain and high fiber food industry. By targeting health-oriented product development, sustainability, innovation, and expansion of market, businesses can take advantage of increasing consumer demand for healthy, high-fiber foods and sustain long-term success in this dynamic market.

Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market Driver and Challenges

The whole grain and high fiber food market is driven by several technological, economic, and regulatory forces. Though the industry is being propelled by growing consumer consciousness of health values, increasing popularity of functional foods, and sustainable manufacturing practices, it is also being threatened by increasing ingredient prices and stiff competition. Familiarity with these drivers and challenges is crucial for companies that want to survive this dynamic industry.

The factors responsible for driving the whole grain and high fiber food market include:

1. Trends in Health and Wellness: Rising awareness among consumers of the health benefits of fiber and whole grains is a key driver for market growth. As consumers pay more attention to weight management, heart health, and digestive health, they are turning to fiber-rich foods. This trend is spurring the creation of a variety of whole grain and high-fiber foods addressing particular health issues, driving higher sales and market growth.

2. Increasing Need for Convenience: The increasing need for convenient food and on-the-go foods is driving the demand for whole grain and high-fiber foods. Consumers are seeking healthy, fast meal solutions that suit their hectic lifestyles. Companies are fulfilling this by providing easy-to-prepare, lightweight options like fiber-filled snacks, bars, and drinks, further propelling the market growth.

3. Food Processing Technological Advancements: Technological advances in food processing have allowed food manufacturers to produce high-fiber foods that are as nutritious as they are palatable and textured. Advances like extrusion and fiber fortification technology have facilitated the production of fiber-enriched products that find acceptance among more consumers. Such technological innovation is facilitating the demand for healthier, fiber-enriched foods.

4. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: Sustainability is becoming a greater concern to consumers, particularly in food production. Whole grain and high-fiber products are viewed as more sustainable options than processed foods, as they are less resource-intensive and have less of an environmental footprint. As concerns over sustainability increase, companies are embracing environmentally-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing to attract eco-friendly consumers.

5. Government Initiatives and Health Policies: Government policies on healthy eating and fiber consumption are contributing to market growth. Initiatives that support the uptake of whole grains and fiber foods are fostering an environment for manufacturers to expand product offerings and promote such products. Health promotion campaigns and nutrition guidelines that suggest greater fiber consumption are shaping consumer attitudes and driving demand for high-fiber food products.

Challenges in the whole grain and high fiber food market are:

1. Increasing Costs of Ingredients: The price of major ingredients like whole grains and fiber content has been on the rise with supply chain issues and volatile farm gate prices. Such higher prices may affect margins and result in consumer price inflation, which may negatively impact demand. The producers have to navigate how to absorb such higher costs without affecting the quality or pricing of the products.

2. Competition from Processed Foods Though whole grain and high-fiber foods are increasingly popular, they have a hard time competing against processed foods that are easier and cheaper to produce. Added-fiber or fortified processed foods can be attractive to cost-conscious buyers, which can make it difficult for whole grain and high-fiber foods to compete on market share in certain areas.

3. Regulatory and Labeling Challenges: Food labeling regulation changes, particularly health claims and ingredient disclosures, can be challenging to manufacturers. Adherence to new nutrition labeling standards and health claims can raise costs of production and complicate product marketing. Maintaining product quality while ensuring correct labeling is a major challenge in this market.

The whole grain and high fiber food market is influenced by some drivers including health consciousness, the need for convenience, and environmental sustainability. Issues like increasing the cost of ingredients and stiff competition from processed food must be sensitively managed. By considering such factors, companies can tap the opportunities for business growth and achievement in this market.

List of Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Companies

Companies in the market compete on the basis of product quality offered. Major players in this market focus on expanding their manufacturing facilities, R&D investments, infrastructural development, and leverage integration opportunities across the value chain. With these strategies whole grain and high fiber food companies cater increasing demand, ensure competitive effectiveness, develop innovative products & technologies, reduce production costs, and expand their customer base. Some of the whole grain and high fiber food companies profiled in this report include-

• Cargill
• General Mills
• Nestle
• PepsiCo
• Kellogg
• Mondelez International
• Flower Foods
• Bob's Red Mill
• Food for Life
• Grupo Bimbo

Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market by Segment

The study includes a forecast for the global whole grain and high fiber food market by type, application, and region.

Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market by Type [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Baked Foods
• Cereals
• Snacks
• Others

Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market by Application [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• Supermarkets/hypermarkets
• Online/e-Commerce
• Others

Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market by Region [Value from 2019 to 2031]:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• The Rest of the World

Country Wise Outlook for the Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market

The whole grain and high fiber food market is growing considerably all over the world as consumers increasingly seek healthier and nutritious foods. With the awareness of the health gains derived from whole grains and high fiber foods, consumers are increasingly moving towards diets that give prominence to these foods. The market is being influenced by major trends in product innovation, health-focused consumer behavior, and increasing chronic disease concerns. The United States, China, Germany, India, and Japan are major players in this market, each of which is contributing to the growth with regional trends, product portfolios, and changing consumer behaviors.

• United States: In the United States, consumers are increasingly looking for whole grain and high-fiber foods as a result of health-conscious customers who are seeking to control weight, enhance digestion, and decrease the risk of chronic diseases. The recent trend in this market is a growth in whole grain-based foods such as cereals, snacks, and bread. Plant-based and gluten-free products have also gained traction among health-conscious and ecologically aware consumers. Manufacturers and retailers are reacting by broadening their product lines to feature high fiber products that appeal to different dietary needs. Their sales and accessibility have increased due to these products being made available in both retail outlets as well as internet shopping stores.
• China: Whole grains and high fiber foods in China are gaining popularity due to urbanization and an expanding middle class worried about health and wellness. Traditional Chinese diets increasingly include more whole grains, e.g., brown rice and oats, as the consumers try to control weight and avoid lifestyle disorders. The industry has witnessed a growth in high-fiber-enriched food products, such as snacks, dairy foods, and drinks, particularly among youth and health-aware consumers. Demand for organic and natural food is also on the rise, reflecting on the whole grain and high fiber food products. Retailers and manufacturers are cashing in on these tastes with innovative new products.
• Germany: Germany's Whole Grain and High Fiber Food market has been driven by a healthy culture of well-being. Consumers in Germany have traditionally been inclined towards whole grain foods such as bread, pasta, and cereals. Developments in the market over the last few years have witnessed increased high-fiber snack foods and fiber-enriched dairy foods. Besides, increasing awareness of the health benefits of fiber in digestion and cardiovascular health among German consumers is also fueling the demand for high-fiber foods. Furthermore, Germany's environmental consciousness has boosted the growth of organic and sustainable products, hence whole grain and high-fiber foods are an appealing category to environmentally friendly shoppers.
• India: In India, whole grain and high-fiber food consumption is picking up steam, fueled by dietary changes and increasing health awareness. Historically, Indian diets have included foods such as whole wheat, millet, and rice, but today there is increasing emphasis on their health properties, especially for diabetes control and gut health. The demand for high-fiber breakfast cereals, biscuits, and snacks is on the rise as consumers place greater importance on fiber-containing foods. India's emerging middle class, along with the health-conscious young generations, are driving demand for such healthful alternatives in urban as well as rural areas.
• Japan: In Japan, demand for whole grain and high fiber foods is increasing as consumers increasingly realize the significance of fiber in aiding digestive well-being. More whole grains like brown rice and oats have been introduced into standard Japanese diets. There is a rise in Japanese consumers taking fiber-enriched foods, including snacks, beverages, and baked foods. Nutritional food innovation is on the rise in Japan as manufacturers fill consumer needs for healthy foods that suit busy lifestyles. Additionally, government initiatives promoting healthier eating habits are influencing the growing acceptance of high-fiber diets.

Features of the Global Whole Grain and High Fiber Food Market

Market Size Estimates: Whole grain and high fiber food market size estimation in terms of value ($B).

Trend and Forecast Analysis: Market trends (2019 to 2024) and forecast (2025 to 2031) by various segments and regions.

Segmentation Analysis: Whole grain and high fiber food market size by type, application, and region in terms of value ($B).

Regional Analysis: Whole grain and high fiber food market breakdown by North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.

Growth Opportunities: Analysis of growth opportunities in different type, application, and regions for the whole grain and high fiber food market.

Strategic Analysis: This includes M&A, new product development, and competitive landscape of the whole grain and high fiber food market.

Analysis of competitive intensity of the industry based on Porter's Five Forces model.

This report answers following 11 key questions:

• Q.1. What are some of the most promising, high-growth opportunities for the whole grain and high fiber food market by type (baked foods, cereals, snacks, and others), application (supermarkets/hypermarkets, online/e-commerce, and others), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World)?
• Q.2. Which segments will grow at a faster pace and why?
• Q.3. Which region will grow at a faster pace and why?
• Q.4. What are the key factors affecting market dynamics? What are the key challenges and business risks in this market?
• Q.5. What are the business risks and competitive threats in this market?
• Q.6. What are the emerging trends in this market and the reasons behind them?
• Q.7. What are some of the changing demands of customers in the market?
• Q.8. What are the new developments in the market? Which companies are leading these developments?
• Q.9. Who are the major players in this market? What strategic initiatives are key players pursuing for business growth?
• Q.10. What are some of the competing products in this market and how big of a threat do they pose for loss of market share by material or product substitution?
• Q.11. What M&A activity has occurred in the last 5 years and what has its impact been on the industry?