Saudi Arabia cheese powder market size, share, growth drivers, trends, opportunities & forecast 2025–2030

Saudi Arabia Cheese Powder Market Overview

• The Saudi Arabia Cheese Powder Market is valued at USD 50 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for convenience foods, a rising snacking culture, and the expansion of the food service industry. The market is further fueled by the growing popularity of cheese-based products in ready meals, bakery, and snack applications, as well as the proliferation of international QSR chains and a shift toward Westernized eating habits among urban consumers .
• Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam dominate the market due to their large population, rapid urbanization, and the presence of numerous food service establishments. These cities are experiencing a surge in consumer spending on processed and convenience foods, which significantly contributes to the demand for cheese powder .
• In 2023, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) issued the "Technical Regulation for Cheese and Cheese Products" (SFDA.FD 2211:2023), mandating that all cheese powder products must comply with specific quality and safety standards, including compositional requirements, labeling, and permitted additives. This regulation aims to ensure consumer safety and enhance the quality of food products available in the market .

Saudi Arabia Cheese Powder Market Segmentation

By Type:The cheese powder market in Saudi Arabia is segmented into Cheddar Cheese Powder, Mozzarella Cheese Powder, Parmesan Cheese Powder, Blue Cheese Powder, Swiss Cheese Powder, Feta Cheese Powder, Processed Cheese Powder, and Others (such as Gouda, Romano). Cheddar and Mozzarella cheese powders are the most popular, widely used in snacks, sauces, and bakery products due to their flavor versatility and consumer familiarity .

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes the Food Service Industry (Hotels, Restaurants, QSRs), Retail Consumers, Food Processing Companies (Snack, Bakery, Ready Meals), Industrial/Bulk Buyers, and Others. The food service industry is the leading segment, driven by the increasing number of restaurants, QSRs, and cafes, which utilize cheese powder in a variety of dishes to enhance flavor and texture .

Saudi Arabia Cheese Powder Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Cheese Powder Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Almarai Company, SADAFCO (Saudia Dairy & Foodstuff Company), Al Safi Danone, NADEC (National Agricultural Development Company), Al Jazeera Dairy Factory, Al Watania Dairy, Al Kabeer Group, Al Faisaliah Foods, Fonterra Co-operative Group, Lactalis Group, Kerry Group, FrieslandCampina, Arla Foods, Al Muhaidib Foods, and Almarai Foods contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Arabia Cheese Powder Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Convenience Foods:The convenience food sector in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach a value of SAR 20 billion in future, driven by busy lifestyles and a growing urban population. This trend is significantly boosting the demand for cheese powder, which is a key ingredient in ready-to-eat meals and snacks. The rise in dual-income households, which accounted for 60% of families in future, further supports this growth, as consumers seek quick meal solutions without compromising on taste.
• Rising Popularity of Cheese-Based Snacks:The cheese snack segment in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow to SAR 5 billion in future, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards savory snacks. This trend is fueled by the increasing availability of cheese powder in various flavors, catering to local tastes. Additionally, the youth demographic, which constitutes 50% of the population, is driving the demand for innovative snack options, further enhancing the market for cheese powder in snack production.
• Growth in the Food Processing Industry:The food processing industry in Saudi Arabia is anticipated to expand to SAR 30 billion in future, supported by government initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy. This growth is creating a robust demand for cheese powder as manufacturers seek to enhance flavor profiles in processed foods. The establishment of new food processing facilities, which increased by 15% in future, is also contributing to the rising consumption of cheese powder in various applications.

Market Challenges

• Fluctuating Raw Material Prices:The cheese powder market faces challenges due to the volatility in raw material prices, particularly milk and dairy products. In future, the price of milk increased by 10% due to supply chain disruptions and climate-related factors. This fluctuation impacts production costs for cheese powder manufacturers, leading to potential price increases for consumers and reduced profit margins for producers, complicating market stability.
• Stringent Food Safety Regulations:Compliance with food safety regulations in Saudi Arabia is becoming increasingly stringent, with the government implementing new standards in future. These regulations require extensive testing and certification processes for dairy products, including cheese powder. The cost of compliance is expected to rise by 20%, posing a challenge for smaller manufacturers who may struggle to meet these requirements, potentially limiting market entry and competition.

Saudi Arabia Cheese Powder Market Future Outlook

The Saudi Arabia cheese powder market is poised for significant growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences towards convenience and flavor innovation. As the food processing sector expands, manufacturers are likely to invest in advanced production technologies to enhance efficiency and product quality. Additionally, the increasing focus on health-conscious eating will prompt the development of low-fat and organic cheese powder options, catering to a more health-aware consumer base. This dynamic environment presents a promising landscape for market participants.

Market Opportunities

• Growing Trend of Healthy Snacking:The demand for healthy snacks is on the rise, with the market for nutritious snack options projected to reach SAR 3 billion in future. This trend presents an opportunity for cheese powder manufacturers to develop low-calorie, high-protein formulations that appeal to health-conscious consumers, potentially increasing market share and brand loyalty.
• Innovations in Cheese Powder Formulations:There is a significant opportunity for innovation in cheese powder formulations, particularly in creating unique flavors and blends. As consumer preferences evolve, manufacturers can explore new flavor profiles, such as spicy or herb-infused options, to attract a broader audience. This innovation could lead to increased product differentiation and enhanced competitive advantage in the market.