Packaged Mac and Cheese Market Size Report, Trends and Growth 2030

The packaged mac and cheese market size is expected to grow from US$ 5,461.20 million in 2022 to US$ 7,761.15 million by 2030; it is expected to register a CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2030.

Market Insights and Analyst View:

Packaged mac and cheese products refer to convenience food products that include dried macaroni pasta and a powdered or liquid cheese sauce mix. It is a quick and easy way to prepare macaroni and cheese by boiling the pasta and mixing it with the prepared cheese sauce. Some of these products refer to the ready-to-eat mac and cheese products, which require minimal time for preparation. The rising demand for convenience food products, increasing working women population, and changing lifestyles propel the growth of the global packaged mac and cheese in the region. In addition, key market players are taking initiatives such as product launches, mergers, and acquisitions to cater to the growing demand for packaged mac and cheese. These factors fuel the global packaged mac and cheese market growth.

Growth Drivers and Challenges:

In recent years, the demand for convenience foods such as ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) products, including packaged mac and cheese, has upsurged owing to busy lifestyles, increasing demand for on-the-go food products, and rapid urbanization. The hectic and fast-paced lifestyle of people across the globe and the growth in the working population propel the demand for ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook food products such as packaged mac and cheese. Packaged mac and cheese have gained popularity due to the minimal preparation time. Along with this, the availability of ready-to-eat products such as frozen packaged mac and cheese is also gaining popularity among the young population. According to the survey conducted by Food and Health—"International Food Information Council (IFIC)," convenience is a key driver for millennials while purchasing food. Thus, with increasing demand, the packaged mac and cheese market is expected to grow during the forecast period.

Moreover, key manufacturers of packaged mac and cheese are taking initiatives to eliminate the contamination of packaged mac and cheese through the packing equipment. Studies have shown that mac and cheese may get contaminated with toxic chemicals known as phthalates during packaging and manufacturing. Key players are engaged in eliminating this adulteration and offering consumers toxic-free products. In February 2023, General Mills’ Annie’s mac ‘n cheese became the first-ever food company to eliminate toxic phthalates in food processing equipment. Thus, growing innovations in packaging technology are expected to offer lucrative opportunities for the packaged mac and cheese market growth across the globe.

In recent years, the presence of toxic chemicals in mac and cheese boxes has raised concerns among consumers and health experts. These chemicals in packaging materials can leach into food and pose potential health risks. Phthalates are used in producing plastic packaging. Studies suggest that this group of chemicals may disrupt hormone function and could be linked to various health issues, particularly in children. In addition, the studies have stated that the consumption of phthalates and other such chemicals can lead to serious health issues, including infertility and cancer, and may hamper brain development in children. Thus, the presence of toxic chemicals in packaged mac and cheese products hampers the Europe and Asia Pacific packaged mac and cheese market growth.

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Packaged Mac and Cheese Market: Strategic Insights

Market Size Value in	US$ 5,461.20 million in 2022
Market Size Value by	US$ 7,761.15 million by 2030
Growth rate	CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2030
Forecast Period	2022-2030
Base Year	2022

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Report Segmentation and Scope:

The global packaged mac and cheese market is segmented on the basis of pasta source, category, distribution channel, and geography. The market, by pasta source, is segmented into wheat, rice, and others. Based on category, the market is bifurcated into gluten-free and conventional. Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets & hypermarkets, convenience stores, online retail, and others. The packaged mac and cheese market, by geography, is segmented into North America (the US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, Italy, the UK, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Rest of Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South & Central America).

Segmental Analysis:

Based on category, the packaged mac and cheese market is segmented into gluten-free and conventional. The conventional segment holds a significant share of the global packaged mac and cheese market. However, the market for the gluten-free segment is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. Gluten-free packaged mac and cheese are designed for individuals affected by celiac disease or gluten sensitivity and those opting for a gluten-free diet. The macaroni components in these products are typically made with alternative flour such as rice, corn, quinoa, or a combination of gluten-free grain flour. The demand for gluten-free mac and cheese has upsurged significantly due to the increasing prevalence of gluten-related disorders and a broader health-conscious trend.

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Regional Analysis:

Based on geography, the packaged mac and cheese market is segmented into five key regions—North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America dominated the global market. The market in this region was valued at US$ 1,870.46 million in 2022. However, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to register a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. One of the major drivers of the rising demand for packaged mac and cheese in Asia Pacific is convenience. Consumers in Asia Pacific increasingly seek convenience in all types of consumer products. The growing working population and hectic lifestyles of people in developing countries of Asia Pacific have led to the high demand for packaged products with individual portions to be consumed on the go or outside of the home. Cheese has long been embraced and accepted in Asian countries, especially Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Packaged mac and cheese is now becoming a popular RTE product in the region with a high adoption of Western dietary patterns.

Moreover, the diffusion of supermarkets in Asia Pacific favored the consumption of convenient and packaged foods in the region and is expected to continue tracing the growth of respective distribution channels. Hypermarkets and supermarkets are among the most popular distribution channels for packaged RTE products, as many chains offer a variety of products from domestic and international brands. Thus, the increasing penetration of supermarkets in Asia Pacific propels the packaged mac and cheese market in the region.

Industry Developments and Future Opportunities:

Initiatives taken by key players operating in the global packaged mac and cheese market are listed below:

1. In May 2023, The Kraft Heinz Company announced the launch of Kraft Mac & Cheese Deluxe Frozen. The product is available at retail stores in original cheddar and four cheese versions. The launch was aimed to cater to the growing demand for frozen mac and cheese products.

COVID-19 Pandemic Impact: 

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected almost all industries in various countries. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business shutdowns in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), South & Central America, and the Middle East & Africa (MEA) hampered the growth of several food and beverage manufacturing companies. The shutdown of manufacturing units disturbed global supply chains, production activities, delivery schedules, and essential and nonessential product sales. Various companies reported delays in product deliveries and a slump in their product sales in 2020, which hampered the packaged mac and cheese market. The shortage of workforce, ban on import and export, and limited supply of raw materials also led to a halt in operations and processes across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors negatively impacted the global packaged mac and cheese market growth in the pandemic.

In 2021, various economies resumed operations as several governments revoked the previously imposed restrictions, which positively impacted the global marketplace. Moreover, manufacturers were permitted to operate at full capacities, which helped them overcome the demand and supply gaps.

Competitive Landscape and Key Companies:

Kabuto Foods Ltd, Symington’s Ltd, San Remo Macaroni Co Pty Ltd, Healthy Kids Ltd, TGK Brand Ltd, The Kraft Heinz Co, Nestle SA, General Mills Inc, Gooder Foods Inc, and Amy's Kitchen Inc are among the prominent players operating in the global packaged mac and cheese market. These market players adopt strategic development initiatives to expand their businesses, further driving the packaged mac and cheese market growth.