Rice Cakes Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Mochi, Puffed rice cakes, Others), By Flavor Type (Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon, Chicken, Caramel, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online and Offline), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Rice Cakes Market will grow from USD 550.62 Million in 2024 to USD 778.86 Million by 2030 at a 5.95% CAGR. Rice cakes are a versatile food product typically made from compressed rice, often expanded or puffed, consumed globally as convenient snacks or culinary ingredients. The market's growth is primarily driven by increasing consumer demand for gluten-free and healthier snack alternatives, coupled with the expanding popularity of Asian cuisines and the growing preference for ready-to-eat options. According to the Korean Rice Foodstuffs Association, in 2024, online trade meetings for the Korean rice processed food industry generated a total trade consultation amount of $50,769,173 and a contract amount of $18,104,268.

A significant challenge that could impede global market expansion is the fluctuating price and availability of rice, which can lead to increased production costs and impact profitability across the value chain. Consistency in product quality and consumer perception of texture and taste also present ongoing hurdles for broader adoption.

Key Market Drivers

The global rice cakes market is experiencing significant expansion primarily driven by two key factors: the growing demand for gluten-free and plant-based options, and the rising preference for convenient and on-the-go snacks. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier food alternatives that align with specific dietary needs and ethical considerations, with rice cakes being inherently gluten-free and easily adaptable for plant-based formulations. This shift is clearly demonstrated by the plant-based sector's robust performance. According to The Good Food Institute, April 2025, '2024 State of the Industry: Plant-based meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, and ingredients', global retail sales of plant-based foods reached $28.6 billion in 2024, marking a 5% increase from 2023. This strong growth reflects a broad demographic concerned with health and wellness. Concurrently, modern lifestyles necessitate quick and accessible food choices, bolstering the appeal of convenient snacks. The demand for grab-and-go formats continues to escalate, reflecting consumers' busy schedules and desire for effortless consumption. This convenience aspect is further underscored by specific market trends; single-serve snack packages, favored for portion control and ease of consumption, grew 10% in sales, according to SNAC International's 2025 '2025 State of the Industry Report'. These drivers collectively create a fertile environment for sustained market growth as rice cakes increasingly meet evolving consumer expectations for both nutritional value and practical snacking solutions.

These fundamental consumer shifts occur within a broader, dynamic global snack industry. The overall snack food industry experienced substantial growth, reflecting an increasing consumer willingness to integrate snacks into daily eating patterns. According to SNAC International, the snack food industry's sales increased 4.8% over the past year, reaching a total of $156 billion. This indicates a robust market environment where rice cakes, leveraging their inherent versatility and ability to cater to health and convenience trends, are well-positioned for continued innovation and market penetration across diverse geographical regions.

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Key Market Challenges

The fluctuating price and availability of rice presents a significant impediment to the sustained growth of the global rice cakes market. Manufacturers face considerable uncertainty in forecasting raw material costs, which directly impacts production budgeting and the ability to maintain stable product pricing. Such volatility complicates long-term financial planning and investment decisions across the value chain, hindering strategic expansion efforts.

This instability creates operational challenges, as businesses struggle to absorb sudden increases in input costs or manage the implications of sharp price declines on their inventory and supplier relationships. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the FAO All Rice Price Index in October 2025 was 21.7 percent below its value a year earlier, indicating substantial year-on-year fluctuation. This degree of price movement, whether upward or downward, disrupts cost management and impacts overall profitability for rice cake producers, making it difficult to achieve consistent margins and deterring new market entrants.

Key Market Trends

The fortification of rice cakes with functional ingredients represents a significant market trend, as consumers increasingly seek snacks that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition. This involves incorporating components like probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, and adaptogens to enhance digestive health, immunity, or cognitive function. The focus shifts from merely providing sustenance to delivering targeted wellness support through convenient formats. According to SNAC International's 2025 State of the Industry Report, released in May 2025, sales of snacks explicitly labeled as “low-sodium” and “organic” rose by 12%, indicating a clear consumer inclination towards healthier options. This strong demand for health-conscious choices motivates manufacturers to innovate by enriching rice cake formulations, thereby expanding their appeal to a broader demographic actively pursuing preventive health measures through diet.

The second impactful trend is the widespread adoption of sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions within the global rice cakes market. Growing environmental awareness among consumers and increasing regulatory pressures are compelling manufacturers to minimize their ecological footprint. This trend encompasses the use of recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable materials, as well as reduced packaging volume. Snack manufacturers are actively responding to this shift, with approximately 68% having adopted eco-friendly packaging solutions in response to consumer demand for sustainability, as detailed in SNAC International's 2025 State of the Industry Report. This commitment to sustainable packaging not only aligns with consumer values but also enhances brand image and contributes to long-term environmental goals, driving innovation in material science and packaging design for the rice cake sector.

Segmental Insights

The "Online" segment is emerging as the fastest-growing distribution channel within the Global Rice Cakes Market, primarily driven by evolving consumer purchasing habits and technological advancements. This rapid expansion is attributable to the unparalleled convenience and accessibility offered by e-commerce platforms, enabling consumers to effortlessly browse and purchase a diverse array of rice cake varieties, including specialized and health-focused options, from any location. The widespread adoption of smartphones and the sophisticated logistics of online retail further facilitate seamless shopping experiences, enhanced by features such as personalized recommendations and efficient home delivery services. This digital shift aligns with a growing consumer preference for convenient, direct-to-consumer channels in their daily shopping routines.

Regional Insights

North America emerges as a significant region in the global rice cakes market, driven by a pronounced consumer shift towards healthier snack alternatives. The region's dominance is attributed to a strong emphasis on health and wellness, leading to increased demand for low-calorie, low-fat, and gluten-free options. Consumers actively seek convenient, plant-based snacking choices that align with evolving dietary preferences and fitness trends. Regulatory frameworks, such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's gluten-free labeling guidelines, further bolster consumer confidence and market expansion by clearly defining product characteristics. Additionally, public health initiatives promoting balanced diets contribute to the sustained growth of the rice cakes segment across the region.

Recent Developments

• In July 2025, IBIS Rice, a Cambodian brand with a strong conservation focus, introduced an innovative range of Bean & Rice Cakes. These new organic products were developed as a nutritious snack, providing both protein and dietary fiber. This launch underscored IBIS Rice's commitment to sustainable agricultural practices by integrating red black-eye beans, which naturally enrich soil fertility and enhance farmer yields. The initiative also diversified income streams for local farmers and supported efforts in forest preservation, representing a notable product innovation within the global rice cakes market.

• In July 2025, Marubeni Corporation, a prominent integrated trading and investment firm headquartered in Japan, completed the acquisition of Bubbies Ice Cream. Bubbies is well-known for its variety of mochi ice cream, a popular Japanese rice cake confection. This acquisition was aimed at accelerating Bubbies Ice Cream's market expansion, utilizing Marubeni's extensive global network of supply and trade partners to explore new opportunities for growth. This strategic business development by Marubeni marked a significant move within the global rice cakes market, particularly expanding its footprint in the frozen dessert sector.

• In May 2025, the e-commerce company Coupang launched its "Gomgom Soup Tteokbokki" product, developed through a collaboration with Midangdang, a Gyeongju-based company recognized for its 60-year legacy in producing rice cakes and noodles. The new offering featured soft, chewy rice cakes in a generous soup base, designed for convenient preparation using either a microwave or simple stovetop cooking methods. This partnership effectively combined traditional culinary expertise with contemporary retail distribution strategies, signifying a focused effort to expand the appeal of convenient rice cake-based meals in the global market.

• In August 2024, Mars, Incorporated announced a definitive agreement to acquire Kellanova. Kellanova, previously known as Kellogg Co., operates significantly within the packaged food industry and includes rice cake products in its extensive portfolio. This acquisition was strategically designed to bolster Mars’ presence across various snacking and consumer packaged goods categories. The integration of Kellanova's diverse product lines, encompassing its rice cake offerings, into Mars' global operations was anticipated to enhance market reach and stimulate further product development within the dynamic global rice cakes market.

Key Market Players

• Edward & Sons Trading Company, Inc.
• Real Foods Limited
• Lundberg Family Farms
• Echigo Confectionery Co., Ltd.
• PepsiCo,Inc. (Quaker)
• Calyxa Nutrition LLP (Grainic)
• Zap Foods LLC (Santo Grão)
• Wooltariusa, LLC
• Michael’s Closet, Inc (Kitch’n)
• KAMEDA SEIKA CO., LTD.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Rice Cakes Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Rice Cakes Market, By Type:

o   Mochi

o   Puffed Rice Cakes

o   Others

• Rice Cakes Market, By Flavor Type:

o   Chocolate

o   Apple Cinnamon

o   Chicken

o   Caramel

o   Others

• Rice Cakes Market, By Distribution Channel:

o   Online

o   Offline

• Rice Cakes Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Global Rice Cakes Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Rice Cakes Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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