Millet Snacks Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis by Form (Baked, Fried, and Others), Analysis by Type (Noodles, Chips, Bakery Snacks, and Others), Analysis by Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail Stores, and Grocery Stores), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global millet snacks market is gaining traction among consumers who seek healthy and tasty alternatives to traditional snacks. The snacks are appealing to a broad range of people, ranging from busy professionals looking for a mid-day energy boost to parents searching for wholesome treats for their kids. These snacks, made from nutrient-dense millet grains, offer a unique crunch and are often gluten-free, making them a go-to option for many. As consumers increasingly demand snacks that align with their lifestyle choices, millet-based products are emerging as a trendy, guilt-free snacking option.

Miller Snacks Market Driver

Emerging Natural and Healthy Snacks Products to Drive Market Growth

One of the primary drivers for the market is the increasing consumer preference for sustainable and environmentally friendly food options. Millets, as drought-resistant crops, require fewer resources such as water and fertilizers, making them a sustainable alternative to other grains. This has attracted eco-conscious consumers who value environmentally friendly-sourcing in their food choices. Additionally, the rise in demand for multi-grain snack products is pushing brands to introduce innovative millet-based snacks in various forms, such as chips, puffs, and energy bars. The growing trend toward plant-based and whole-grain snacking further boosts the appeal of millet snacks.

Miller Snacks Market Restraint Factor

Poor Awareness and Lesser Availability of the Product to Impede the Market Growth

A key restraint for the market is the relatively low consumer awareness and familiarity with millet as a snack ingredient in certain regions. Unlike more common grains such as wheat or rice, millet is still considered niche by many and its adoption as a go-to snack option may take time. Additionally, due to raw material availability and cost of raw materials, snack manufacturers are focusing on utilizing conventional ingredients. It has created a limited availability of the product in the market. Hence, the low availability and accessibility of the product in the global market as compared to traditional snacks may hamper the market growth.

Miller Snacks Market Opportunity

Celebrity Endorsement and Government Initiation to Drive the Industry Growth

The millet snacks market has significant opportunities for growth in the premium and gourmet snack segments. Consumers increasingly seeking unique flavors and experiences, there is an opportunity for brands to create millet-based snacks that cater to more adventurous taste buds. By experimenting with diverse seasoning blends or even partnering with celebrity chefs, companies can position millet snacks as not just healthy but also gourmet.

Additionally, as food trends such as ancient grains and superfoods continue to rise, millet is poised to become a staple ingredient in snack innovation, particularly in markets such as North America and Europe, where consumers are open to trying novel, wholesome snacks. Several governments are also promoting millet production and producing value-added millet products, creating additional opportunities for the industry. For instance, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry for Millet-based products (PLISMBP) for implementation during 2022-23 to 2026-27 with an outlay of INR 800 crores (USD 9.4 billion). Millets are also included under the Poshan Abhiyan of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Segmentation

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Parent Market
• Supply Chain Analysis
• Regulatory Landscape
• Recent Industry Developments – New Product Launches, Merger & Acquisition, Investment, and Others
• Qualitative Analysis Related to COVID-19

Analysis by Form

Based on form, the market is divided into baked, fried, and others.

The baked segment holds the largest market share, owing to consumer preference for lighter, crunchy snacks that are perceived as healthier without being overly indulgent. Brands have innovated with baked options such as crackers, chips, and puffs, offering a wider variety of flavors that cater to those seeking guilt-free indulgence. Baked millet snacks have successfully captured consumers looking for alternatives to traditional potato chips or wheat-based snacks.

Fried millet snacks are rapidly growing as consumers explore traditional flavors and textures. These snacks are gaining traction due to their exotic flavors and textures. They deliver a familiar crunch and richer taste, appealing to those who prioritize flavor and texture in their snack choices. As companies experiment with frying techniques that enhance millet's unique flavor profile, this segment is poised for significant growth.

Analysis by Type

Based on type, the market is subdivided into noodles, chips, bakery snacks, and others.

The millet chips segment holds the largest market share, driven by their versatility and familiarity among consumers who are familiar with snacking on chips in general. Millet chips offer a unique texture and flavor that differentiates them from regular potato or corn chips. Brands have successfully introduced a variety of flavors, from traditional spices to gourmet blends, making millet chips a popular choice for consumers seeking something new but still within their comfort zone of snacking.

Millet bakery snacks, such as cookies, crackers, and biscuits, are seeing the fastest growth. Consumers are drawn to the idea of baked goods made from alternative grains, especially in premium markets. The appeal lies in their ability to replace conventional wheat-based products with more sustainable and diverse ingredients. As consumers explore artisanal and gourmet bakery options, millet-based bakery snacks are becoming increasingly popular, especially in niche markets where unique, whole-grain products are valued.

Analysis by Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channel, the market is divided into supermarkets/hypermarkets, specialty stores, online retail stores, and grocery stores.

The supermarkets/hypermarkets segment is the leading segment, as they offer a wide variety of products in one location. These stores provide convenience and visibility for millet-based products, allowing consumers to discover new snack options easily. Additionally, the presence of millet snacks in large retail chains signals the growing mainstream appeal of these products, helping them reach a broader audience.

The online sales are growing rapidly due to the rising trend of e-commerce and convenience shopping. Consumers who prefer unique product options along with testimonials-based purchasing often turn to online platforms to explore a wider variety of millet snacks, especially from niche brands that may not be available in physical stores. The growing popularity of subscription boxes and direct-to-consumer models also presents an opportunity for millet snack brands to reach health-conscious and adventurous snackers who prioritize variety and convenience.

Analysis by Region

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Based on region, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America holds the largest share of the global millet snacks market, with the U.S. playing a pivotal role. The increasing demand for alternative grains has driven growth in this area, where major retailers such as Walmart and Whole Foods offer a variety of millet-based snacks. Companies such as Bob's Red Mill have integrated millet into snack lines, appealing to consumers focused on sustainability and new flavors. The popularity of plant-based and gluten-free diets in the U.S. further propels millet snacks, solidifying North America's dominant market position.

The Asia Pacific region, especially countries such as India and China, is experiencing rapid growth in the millet snacks market. In India, millet is a traditional grain, and brands such as Troo Good and Slurrp Farm are modernizing it into contemporary snack formats such as chips and puffs. Government initiatives to promote millet farming as part of sustainable agriculture are further supporting the market expansion. In China, consumers are leaning toward functional foods, and millet fits well into this trend due to its nutritional value, spurring its growth in the region. As a result, the region is emerging as the fastest-growing market with the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Key Market Players

• Bob’s Red Mill (U.S.)
• Pristine Organics (India)
• Slurrp Farm (India)
• Kodo Foods (Nigeria)
• Soulfull (India)
• Bob's Red Mill (U.S.)
• 24 Mantra Organic (India)
• Avadata Organics (India)
• PureLife Organics (U.K.)
• Terra Greens (U.S.)

Key Industry Development 

• In August 2023, with the launch of Joyfull Millets, a new breakfast cereal, Tata Consumer Products GB advanced its ambitious plan to become a leading FMCG and entered the EUR 2.61 billion (USD 3.33 billion) breakfast cereal market. This is the first significant entry the global company has made into a U.K. market outside of hot and cold beverages.
• In May 2023, ITC Foods, an Indian-multinational conglomerate company, launched its first millet cookies under its Sunfeast Farmlite. The company launched this product under its mission of “Help India Eat Better.”