Seaweed Snacks Market (2025 - 2030) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Strips & Chips, Flakes, Bars, Others), By Distribution Channel (Offline, Online), By Region, And Segment Forecasts

Seaweed Snacks Market Summary

Additionally, as more consumers adopt plant-based diets, seaweed snacks have emerged as a preferred choice due to their nutritional content and versatility. The rising vegan population presents another notable avenue for manufacturers of seaweed snacks, as these products are naturally sourced and considered healthier and cleaner.

Seaweed (sea vegetables) are algae that grow in seas and are found in various colors, including red, green, brown, and black. The ingredient is highly versatile and is utilized in various culinary preparations globally, including soups and stews, sushi rolls, supplements, salads, and smoothies. Seaweed is a rich source of iodine, which is crucial for thyroid function, as this mineral produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development. The product is also known to contain varying amounts of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as minerals such as zinc, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Some forms of seaweed, such as chlorella and spirulina, contain all nine essential amino acids, while it is also considered a good source of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fats. Manufacturers are aiming to launch several variants in their snacking portfolio that attract a wider demographic, boosting product sales in the seaweed snacks industry.

As awareness regarding environmental issues rises among the worldwide population, consumers are moving towards sustainable food alternatives. Seaweed snacks are generally marketed as clean-label and eco-friendly products, appealing to eco-conscious consumers who prefer snacks with minimal processing and natural ingredients. Moreover, the frequent introduction of diverse flavors and innovative product formats, such as chips, bars, and seasonings, has increased product awareness and popularity among a broader audience, aiding the substantial expansion of the seaweed snacks industry. Sushi’s growing popularity and availability in Western countries also contribute to market growth. In recent years, sushi rolls made with seaweed roll-ups have gained traction as a notable snacking item.

Companies are also focusing on utilizing innovative packaging materials and processes to boost product sales. For instance, in November 2023, Neste and Mitsui Chemicals and the latter’s subsidiary Prime Polymer announced a collaboration to provide sustainable packaging solutions for CO-OP, a Japanese Consumers Co-operative Union (JCCU) brand. As per the deal, fossil-based packaging materials for CO-OP’s seaweed snacks were replaced with bio-based alternatives. The companies further stated that they would extend the implementation of this sustainable packaging to other product categories in the near future. This packaging is the first-ever solution made using renewable plastics through the mass balancing approach that received the Japanese Eco Mark certification.

Product Insights

The strips & chips segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 53.2% in the global market in 2024, owing to the extensive popularity and sales of seaweed strips and chips. These products are perceived as healthier alternatives to traditional chips due to their low-calorie content and high nutritional value, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Seaweed chips provide a crispy texture that mimics their conventional alternatives while being lighter and healthier. Moreover, they are being made available in a wider range of flavors, such as wasabi, sesame, teriyaki, barbecue, and fusion flavors, including chili lime and truffle. These factors have helped boost segment demand in the seaweed snacks industry.

Meanwhile, the bars segment is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing sales of nutritious snack bars offers a significant opportunity for companies to introduce products in this category. Seaweed bars are a rapidly emerging product segment in the functional snack category, combining the nutritional benefits of seaweed with ingredients such as nuts, seeds, grains, and dried fruits. Companies are using innovative promotion strategies and social media channels to boost their sales, while several new brands have also emerged that aim to benefit from the nutritional properties of seaweed. For instance, in July 2024, the Phytabar brand was launched, which is a vegan chocolate nutrition bar made by two university students from Massachusetts, the U.S. The product includes Wakame seaweed, 85% cacao chocolate, dates, almonds, stevia & monk fruit, and a vegan protein blend.

Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment accounted for a dominant revenue share in the global market in 2024, aided by the substantial sales of seaweed snacks through specialty stores, supermarkets & hypermarkets, and grocery outlets. With the awareness regarding these products still growing among consumers, larger chains such as Walmart and Tesco have increased their presence across aisles to improve product visibility. They are also strategically placed near checkout counters to increase the chances of impulse purchases, which can drive repeated sales. Brands also leverage strategies such as free sample testing, promotions, and price reductions during health awareness months to drive sales of seaweed snacks.

The online segment, meanwhile, is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing smartphone usage globally, the high rate of Internet adoption, and rising awareness regarding the nutritional benefits of seaweed snacks have led to the growing usage of online channels. Moreover, these platforms provide a cost-efficient way for start-ups and local brands to promote their products and nutritional value. The availability of substantial discounts, as well as same-day or next-day delivery options, have resulted in consumers preferring online platforms to purchase food items, enabling a strong segment expansion in the seaweed snacks industry.

Regional Insights

The Asia Pacific seaweed snacks market accounted for the largest revenue share of 50.6% globally in 2024. Substantial awareness regarding the ingredient and its continued usage in various regional food preparations have created a well-established market. Seaweed has been a dietary staple for centuries in countries such as Japan, South Korea, China, and Thailand and is commonly used in soups, rice dishes, and sushi. Products including nori sheets, flavored seaweed strips, and roasted seaweed are highly popular and integrated into everyday meals by regional consumers, generating a consistent demand for these snacking items.

China Seaweed Snacks Market Trends

China accounted for a leading revenue share in the regional market in 2024, aided by the increasing health awareness among Chinese consumers and a rapidly rising interest in natural and organic food products. Furthermore, the country is a significant producer of seaweed, with ‘The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022’ report stating that the country accounts for more than half of the global production volume. This has boosted the availability of seaweed as an ingredient for the fast-growing food & beverage sector. Moreover, rising disposable income levels and increasing urbanization have driven consumer willingness to spend more on premium snack offerings. Manufacturers are aiming to launch products in popular flavors such as spicy Sichuan, soy sauce, sesame, and barbecue, which are tailored to Chinese taste preferences.

Europe Seaweed Snacks Market Trends

Europe accounted for a substantial revenue share in the global market in 2024. Regional consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the various health benefits of seaweed, driving a strong demand for products incorporating this ingredient. The snacking sector is witnessing a noticeable demand for natural and organic offerings, which has compelled brands to introduce seaweed-based products in their portfolios. Seaweed snacks are rich in iodine, vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making them an appealing option for health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, the rapidly expanding vegan and flexitarian demographic in Europe considers seaweed snacks as a sustainable and delicious plant-based alternative, aiding industry expansion. In September 2024, High Tide, a UK-based business, announced the imminent launch of High Tide Seaweed Snack Bars, made from sustainably sourced seaweed from a Welsh ocean farm. Such developments are expected to create further growth avenues for the regional industry.

North America Seaweed Snacks Market Trends

North America is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing health concerns among the regional population and rising awareness regarding functional ingredients have heightened the appeal of seaweed among food manufacturers. Moreover, several major retail chains such as Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods, along with the strong e-commerce sector, have led to widespread demand for seaweed snacks, particularly among younger consumers. Seaweed farming also has a low environmental impact, which is an important factor for snacking companies looking to drive sales among eco-conscious consumers in the U.S. and Canada.

The U.S. accounted for a dominant revenue share in the North American market for seaweed snacks in 2024. The presence of a substantial population suffering from lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and heart disease has compelled snack manufacturers to seek ingredients that can provide high nutritional value. Seaweed snacks align with the demand for functional foods that provide additional health benefits, such as gut health and thyroid support. Furthermore, the growing demographic of working professionals and their busy lifestyles have boosted the popularity of on-the-go snacks. Influencers and celebrities are also collaborating with notable brands to drive product awareness among the U.S. population, creating substantial sales opportunities.

Key Seaweed Snacks Company Insights

Some major companies involved in the global seaweed snacks industry include TAOKAENOI FOOD & MARKETING, gimme Seaweed, and Kimnori USA, among others.

• TAOKAENOI FOOD & MARKETING is a Thailand-based manufacturer of fried, baked, and grilled seaweed and seaweed snacks. The company exports its seaweed to over 37 countries globally and is present in major markets such as the U.S., Canada, China, and European economies. It is well-known for its Roasted Seaweed Sheets, which are typically flavored with salt, sesame, or other spices and packaged in convenient snack-sized servings. TAOKAENOI further markets seaweed crisps as a healthier alternative to conventional chips and flavored snacks catering to regional preferences.

• gimme Seaweed is a U.S.-based brand that specializes in producing organic seaweed snacks. The company offers a range of products, which includes Roasted Seaweed Snacks, Grab & Go Roasted Seaweed Snacks, Sushi Nori, and Big Sheets. These products are available in various popular flavors, including avocado oil, chili lime, olive oil, sea salt, teriyaki, Korean BBQ, wasabi, and toasted sesame. The company is heavily involved in sustainability initiatives, with its organic seaweed farms known to sequester carbon and improve water quality. Moreover, its Grab & Go product range was launched in 2022 without plastic trays, thus reducing the use of single-use plastics.

Recent Developments

• In October 2024, Gimme Seaweed announced the launch of a Korean BBQ flavor in the company’s roasted seaweed snacks portfolio, made available through both online (Amazon) and offline retail channels. The new product combines notable flavors of Korean BBQ, including gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, miso, and pepper. This is the ninth flavor in Gimme's range of roasted seaweed snacks, following Sea Salt & Avocado Oil, Sea Salt, Olive Oil, White Cheddar, Teriyaki, Wasabi, Sesame, and Chili Lime.

• In October 2023, CJ CheilJedang announced the launch of its ‘bibigo Seaweed Snack’ across Asda and Ocado grocery chains in the UK, both through offline and online channels. This comes after the company introduced the product in the UK through a subsidiary in 2022. bibigo Seaweed Snacks are noted for their low cholesterol content and zero saturated fat, gluten, colorings, and additives. Dried seaweed is a major strategic product of the company, in addition to mandu, kimchi, chicken, K-sauce, processed rice, and rolls. CJ CheilJedang aims to expand its global footprint by further launching these offerings.

Seaweed Snacks Market Report Scope

Global Seaweed Snacks Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global seaweed snacks market report based on product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Strips & Chips

  • Flakes

  • Bars

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Offline

  • Online

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • U.K.

    • France

    • Spain

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • MEA

    • South Africa