Rice Snacks Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Rice Cakes, Rice Crisps, Rice Crackers, Others), By Sales Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online, Others) By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 241.37 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.59%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 353.98 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Rice Snacks Market will grow from USD 241.37 Billion in 2025 to USD 353.98 Billion by 2031 at a 6.59% CAGR. Rice snacks are processed consumable products primarily derived from rice kernels or rice flour, available in diverse formats such as crackers, cakes, and extruded crisps that serve as savory or sweet alternatives to wheat-based confectionery. The expansion of this market is fundamentally supported by the escalating global prevalence of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, which necessitates strict consumer adherence to gluten-free diets. Furthermore, the growing demand for nutrient-dense, low-calorie convenience foods drives adoption, as individuals increasingly prioritize lighter sustenance over traditional high-fat fried options.

One significant challenge impeding market expansion is the volatility of raw material costs, which can severely disrupt manufacturing margins. According to the USA Rice Federation, in 2024, 45.3 percent of domestic rice shipments were utilized for processed food applications, underscoring the heavy reliance of the industrial sector on consistent agricultural inputs. Consequently, any supply chain instability caused by adverse weather conditions or trade restrictions in major rice-producing nations creates pricing uncertainty that complicates long-term production planning for snack manufacturers.

Key Market Drivers

The rising consumer shift toward healthier and low-calorie snacking options is fundamentally reshaping the global rice snacks landscape. As individuals become increasingly cognizant of the long-term health implications of high-fat and sugar-laden confectioneries, there is a distinct migration toward rice-based alternatives perceived as lighter and more nutritious. This trend is particularly evident in the growing preference for baked, air-popped, and gluten-free formats that offer satiety without the caloric density of traditional potato chips or wheat crackers. Manufacturers are responding by reformulating product lines to highlight nutritional benefits, such as high fiber content and the absence of artificial additives. Underscoring this demand for better-for-you options, according to SNAC International, May 2024, in the '2024 State of the Industry Report', 39 percent of salty snack consumers indicated they would purchase healthier versions of their favorite snacks if they were more readily available.

Simultaneously, the escalating demand for clean label and organic product variants is compelling manufacturers to adopt transparent sourcing and regenerative agricultural practices. Modern consumers are scrutinizing ingredient lists more rigorously, favoring brands that demonstrate environmental stewardship and ethical supply chain management. This has catalyzed significant capital infusion into companies that prioritize organic certification and sustainable farming methods to differentiate their offerings in a crowded marketplace. For instance, according to Lotus Foods, August 2024, in the 'Lotus Foods Announces Investment to Accelerate Shift to a More Regenerative Food System' press release, the company secured $22.5 million in funding specifically to scale its regenerative rice cultivation and expand its organic supply chains. This shift towards premium, sustainable inputs is supported by a robust raw material base; according to the USDA Economic Research Service, in 2024, global rice production was projected to reach a record high of 527.3 million tons, ensuring consistent availability for industrial processing requirements.

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Key Market Challenges

The volatility of raw material prices constitutes a primary obstacle to the sustained growth of the global rice snacks market. Manufacturers rely heavily on a stable and affordable supply of rice kernels and flour to maintain operational efficiency and preserve profit margins. When the cost of agricultural inputs fluctuates due to supply chain disruptions, adverse weather patterns, or trade policies in exporting nations, companies face immediate financial pressure. This unpredictability makes it difficult for producers to engage in long-term financial planning or maintain competitive retail pricing, often forcing them to absorb increased costs or pass them on to consumers, which can reduce overall product demand.

The impact of these rising costs is evident in recent export data monitoring the primary ingredient. According to the Thai Rice Exporters Association, in 2024, the price of Thai white rice 5 percent broken reached 646 US dollars per tonne in January, marking a significant escalation in procurement costs for international buyers. Such elevated prices for essential raw materials directly squeeze manufacturing budgets, limiting the capital available for market expansion and product innovation, thereby slowing the overall development of the industry.

Key Market Trends

The expansion of exotic and savory flavor profiles is significantly widening the consumer base for rice snacks, as manufacturers move beyond traditional salted varieties to incorporate bold, culturally diverse tastes. Brands are aggressively launching products featuring complex seasonings like spicy dill pickle, sweet chili, and global spice blends to cater to an adventurous younger demographic that seeks sensory stimulation in convenience foods. This pivot is exemplified by major industry players introducing zesty, limited-time offerings to generate viral interest and drive trial purchases. According to Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery, March 2024, in the 'Quaker hops onto pickle-flavored craze with new Pickle Rice Crisps' article, nearly 70 percent of consumers report that they like or love pickle-flavored snacks, a preference that directly influenced the company's decision to expand its portfolio with this trending profile.

Concurrently, the adoption of sustainable and compostable packaging solutions has become a critical differentiation strategy as environmental concerns increasingly dictate purchasing behaviors. Rice snack producers are transitioning from conventional multi-layer plastic laminates to recyclable films and bio-based pouches to align with the values of eco-conscious shoppers who scrutinize the entire product lifecycle. This operational shift is not merely a compliance measure but a commercial necessity to justify premium positioning and retain brand loyalty in a competitive shelf space. Highlighting the economic viability of this transition, according to PPC Flex, January 2024, in the 'Snack Packaging Trends in 2024' report, 82 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging, compelling manufacturers to invest in eco-friendly materials to capture this value-driven market segment.

Segmental Insights

The Online distribution channel represents the fastest-growing segment in the Global Rice Snacks Market, driven by shifting consumer purchasing habits and increased digital connectivity. Shoppers increasingly favor e-commerce platforms for their ability to offer a wider variety of product choices, including niche and international brands that are often unavailable in traditional retail outlets. This growth is further accelerated by the convenience of home delivery and the rising adoption of mobile devices for grocery shopping. Consequently, major manufacturers are strengthening their digital presence to capture this expanding customer base, driving significant expansion within the internet-based retail landscape.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific maintains a dominant position in the global rice snacks market driven by the widespread consumption of rice as a staple food in major economies such as China and India. This abundant availability of raw materials facilitates cost-effective production and supports a robust local manufacturing sector. Additionally, rapid urbanization has increased the demand for convenient and healthy packaged foods among the expanding working-class population. The strong cultural affinity for traditional rice-based products, coupled with the rising popularity of gluten-free options, further consolidates the region as a primary hub for market expansion.

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, Mars, Incorporated entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Kellanova in a transaction valued at approximately $36 billion. This major strategic acquisition was intended to significantly broaden the company’s global snacking portfolio by integrating Kellanova’s iconic brands, including the widely recognized Rice Krispies Treats. The agreement, which was subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, positioned Mars to enhance its distribution network and accelerate innovation in the snacking industry. The merger was expected to create a robust platform for growth, combining extensive resources to support the development of grain-based and confectionery products.
• In August 2024, ecoBrown’s, a brand known for its health-focused rice products, launched a new line of rice snacks under the name "Brice" in Malaysia. The range debuted with distinct flavors such as Spicy Cheese and Seaweed, utilizing premium rice ingredients to provide a healthier alternative to conventional fried snacks. This product introduction marked a significant expansion for the company into the ready-to-eat snack segment, catering to the increasing demand for convenient and nutritious options. The launch was accompanied by a marketing campaign designed to increase brand visibility and engage consumers in the Southeast Asian market.
• In March 2024, Lundberg Family Farms established itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture by becoming the primary Regenerative Organic Certified food brand in the United States. The company launched more than 70 products under this certification, including a diverse array of rice cakes and chips. This strategic initiative was designed to meet the rising consumer demand for environmentally responsible food options and involved transitioning a substantial amount of their farming acreage to regenerative practices. These efforts focused on enhancing soil health and sequestering carbon, thereby setting a new sustainability benchmark for the rice snacks sector.
• In March 2024, the Quaker Oats Company expanded its presence in the savory snack market with the introduction of Dill Pickle Rice Crisps. This new product launch was developed to align with growing consumer interest in tangy and briny flavor profiles. Formulated with whole grain brown rice and corn, the crisps offered a gluten-free snacking option containing 14 grams of whole grains per serving. The company aimed to leverage this trending flavor to attract a broader demographic and reinforce its competitive standing within the popped rice snack category at retailers nationwide.

Key Market Players

• PepsiCo, Inc.
• Kellanova
• Element Snacks Inc.
• General Mills, Inc.
• Kameda Seika Co., Ltd.
• Lundberg Family Farms
• Hunter Foods LLC
• DeZhou Harvest Foods Co., Ltd.
• Jiangsu Daysun Foods Co., Ltd.
• SanoRice Holding BV

By Type	By Sales Channel	By Region
Rice Cakes Rice Crisps Rice Crackers Others	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Online Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Rice Snacks Market, By Type:

• Rice Cakes
• Rice Crisps
• Rice Crackers
• Others

• Rice Snacks Market, By Sales Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online
• Others

• Rice Snacks Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE