GCC Nutraceuticals Market

GCC Nutraceuticals Market Size and Share:

The GCC nutraceuticals market size was valued at USD 6.91 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 15.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.70% from 2025-2033. The rising health awareness, increasing disposable income of consumers, imposition of government initiatives targeting lifestyle diseases, rapid urbanization, and expanding retail and e-commerce channels, are major factors boosting the GCC nutraceuticals market share.

In the GCC region, more people are taking charge of their health and looking for ways to prevent illnesses rather than simply treating them. This shift is fueled by increasing cases of lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions, which are prevalent due to sedentary lifestyles and high consumption of processed foods. Approximately 73 million individuals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are living with diabetes. Governments and health organizations are running campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of nutrition and wellness, which has led to a surge in demand for functional foods, dietary supplements, and other nutraceuticals.

Social media and access to global information have significantly influenced this trend. In the UAE, as of January 2024, there were 10.73 million social media users, representing 112% of the country's total population. Influencers and health experts regularly promote the benefits of superfoods, probiotics, and omega-3 supplements, making these products more popular. Moreover, the rising awareness about immunity and overall health has encouraged consumers to look for products that support long-term wellness. This growing focus on proactive health management continues to increase the GCC nutraceuticals market demand.

GCC Nutraceuticals Market Trends:

Rapid Urbanization and Busy Lifestyles

Urbanization has significantly reshaped lifestyles and dietary habits across the GCC region. With more people moving to cities and working long hours, there is a growing demand for convenient and on-the-go nutrition. It has been found that more than one in ten workers in the Gulf region are working more than 11 hours a day. This fast-paced lifestyles often leave little time for preparing balanced meals, as a result people are turning to nutraceutical products like meal replacement shakes, fortified snacks, and ready-to-drink (RTD) supplements to fill the gap. This demand is especially noticeable among younger demographics, including working professionals and students, who prioritize convenience without compromising health. Brands are capitalizing on this trend by introducing innovative products such as protein bars, functional beverages, and fortified dairy products tailored to these needs. The hectic pace of urban life, combined with a desire for health-conscious choices, is a significant driver of the GCC nutraceuticals market growth.

Government Initiatives to Combat Health Issues

Through efforts and policy reforms, the GCC governments are proactively addressing public health issues, which is indirectly driving the nutraceutical industry. To promote healthier lives, nations including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have implemented sugar tariffs and tightened restrictions on junk food advertising. The advantages of a balanced diet, which includes the usage of supplements and fortified foods, are also promoted by national health campaigns. For instance, the Saudi Vision 2030 places a strong emphasis on developing a healthy populace, with particular objectives to lower obesity rates and raise dietary awareness. Such programs are encouraging customers to incorporate nutraceutical products into their everyday meals. Government endorsements of products like vitamin D-fortified milk or iodine-enriched salt further underline the market’s growth potential.

Expanding Retail and E-commerce Channels

The availability of nutraceutical products has grown significantly due to the expansion of retail and online sales channels. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, and specialty health stores across the GCC are also stocking a wide range of functional foods and supplements. The growth of e-commerce platforms has simplified the process for consumers to discover and buy these products from home. According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, e-commerce channels are projected to generate around $8 billion in sales by 2025. E-commerce has been a game-changer, especially for niche products like vegan protein powders or organic supplements that are not easily available in physical stores. Companies are also leveraging digital platforms to provide detailed product information, customer reviews, and subscription options, making it even more convenient for buyers to adopt nutraceuticals.

GCC Nutraceuticals Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the GCC nutraceuticals market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on product type, source, form, and sales channel.

Analysis by Product Type:

• Dietary Supplements
  • Proteins and Peptides
  • Vitamins and Minerals
  • Herbals
  • Others
• Functional Foods
  • Probiotics Fortified Food
  • Omega Fatty Acid Fortified Food
  • Branded Ionized Salt
  • Branded Wheat Flour
  • Others
• Functional Beverages
  • Fruit and Vegetable Juices and Drinks
  • Dairy and Dairy Alternative Drinks
  • Others

In 2024, functional foods account for the largest market share of 47.2%. As per the GCC nutraceuticals market forecast, this growth is driven by an increasing consumer demand for fortified products that provide health benefits beyond essential nutrition. These include items like omega-3 enriched dairy products, protein-fortified snacks, and probiotic yogurts, which cater to the region's rising focus on immunity, digestion, and overall wellness. The segment also benefits from strategic marketing campaigns emphasizing convenience and health. Additionally, growing government initiatives promoting healthier dietary habits are further accelerating the growth of this segment.

Analysis by Source:

• Plant
• Animal
• Microbial

Plant based sources represent the largest market share in 2024. The increasing demand for plant-based nutraceuticals is fueled by the increasing awareness among people towards using sustainable health products of natural origin and herbal supplements. These also include plant-derived proteins and botanical extracts that are believed by many as safer and more environmentally friendly in comparison to animal-based alternatives. The trend is being pushed further by shifting regional diets toward those which are plant-based and an increased understanding by the region's populace toward veganism or vegetarianism lifestyle. Additionally, recent innovation in plant-based foods such as fortified plant milks and meat alternatives has made them more appealing to a broader demographic. With strong support from health campaigns and clean-label preferences, the plant segment continues to grow rapidly.

Analysis by Form:

• Tablets and Capsules
• Gummies and Soft Gels
• Powder and Liquid

Based on the GCC nutraceuticals market trends, tablets and capsules lead the market share in 2024. Their major growth drivers are essentially the convenience of precise dosages and the extended shelf life. They are the most popular agents used in dietary supplements for vitamins and minerals, herbal extracts, and other products that appeal to consumers who need a simple solution to deal with desired aspects of health such as immunity, proper bone health, and adequate levels of energy. Furthermore, the progress in encapsulation technologies that allows controlled-loop release and improvement in bioavailability of nutrients has also improved the popularity of these products. These forms, being compact and extremely portable, are ideal for busy individuals, particularly professionals and frequent travelers, making them the market leader within this segment.

Analysis by Sales Channel:

• Offline
  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Specialty Stores
  • Others
• Online

In 2024, the majority of the market share is held by offline channels. The GCC’s inclination for conventional retail establishments including pharmacies, supermarkets, and specialized health shops is the primary driver of offline channels’ dominance in the nutraceuticals industry. These platforms provide customers with the advantage of in-person consultations, trusted advice from pharmacists, and the ability to examine products firsthand before purchasing. Pharmacies, in particular, play a crucial role as they are often the primary point of contact for individuals seeking health supplements. Supermarkets and hypermarkets also serve a wide range of customers through their well-stocked aisles dedicated to nutraceuticals that provide a number of options. Owing to the region’s profound trust in well-established retail networks and its emphasis on interpersonal relationships, the offline segment continues to show results in the GCC nutraceuticals market share.

Country Analysis:

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Bahrain

Based on the GCC nutraceuticals market outlook, in 2024, Saudi Arabia accounts the largest market share with 37.5%. Its sizable population, growing health consciousness, and government programs encouraging wellness are the main causes of this increase. In an effort to address pervasive problems like obesity and vitamin deficiencies, the nation’s Vision 2030 places a strong emphasis on better public health, which has led to a hike in the adoption of functional foods and dietary supplement products. Demand for high-end health goods is further increased by the growing middle class and rising disposable incomes. Additionally, the growth of retail pharmacies and supermarkets across urban and rural areas ensures wider accessibility to nutraceuticals. This robust infrastructure, coupled with growing consumer interest in preventive health, cements Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the regional market.

Competitive Landscape:

To address the rising demand, key industry players are focusing on product innovation, forming strategic partnerships, and expanding their market presence. Businesses are launching customized goods like halal-certified nutraceuticals, vitamin D-enriched supplements, and functional meals to target local health issues like diabetes and obesity. Brands are also using cutting-edge technology to improve bioavailability and nutrient delivery, and local production is being given priority in order to fulfill specific consumer tastes and lessen reliance on imports. In order to improve accessibility and convenience, businesses are investing in digital marketing, subscription models, and direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales channels, making e-commerce platforms a key area of attention. Cooperation with fitness facilities and medical professionals is also promoting adoption and enhancing brand reputation.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the GCC nutraceuticals market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• In January 2025, GE Services & Trading (Global Edge) took part in Arab Health 2025 to showcase three of its innovative global brands aimed at bringing natural healthcare products to the UAE and Middle East markets. These brands specialize in healthy aging, plant-based nutrition, and dietary supplements, addressing the region's rising demand for health-conscious solutions and supporting a healthier lifestyle.
• In January 2025, iNova Pharmaceuticals, the newest player in the GCC market, launched an expanded pharmaceutical range aimed at typical winter diseases such as sore throats and colds. Among the new solutions is Betadine Cold Defense, a novel mixture developed to treat viral colds, reduce symptoms, and speed up recovery, allowing patients to return to their normal routines more quickly.

GCC Nutraceuticals Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the GCC nutraceuticals market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the GCC nutraceuticals market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the GCC nutraceuticals industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.