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2026 Developments
Snacks in South Korea delivered consistent value growth in 2026, rising 2% to KRW8,813 billion, a performance that outpaced global volatility and demonstrated resilience despite inflationary and demographic pressures. The environment remains attractive due to the strategic repositioning of snacks as affordable meal replacements, strong penetration in convenience and mass retail, and the ability of established players to adapt portfolios in response to evolving consumer needs for value, satiety, and functionality. Brands aiming to succeed must align closely with retailer-driven pricing, focus on high-frequency consumption occasions, and innovate around functional benefits and ingredient transparency, as the landscape continues to be shaped by cost-conscious professionals and a growing demand for everyday nutrition.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Snacks industry in South Korea with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to a comprehensive range of core packaged food categories.
If you're in the Snacks industry in South Korea, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Snacks in South Korea report includes:
- Analysis of key supply-side and demand trends
- Detailed segmentation of international and local products
- Historic volume and value sizes, company and brand market shares
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Snacks in South Korea?
- Which are the leading brands in Snacks in South Korea?
- How are products distributed in Snacks in South Korea?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and/or the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- What are the key health and wellness concerns driving, or challenging, sales in Snacks?
- How significant are vegan and vegetarian dietary requirements in determining sales growth in South Korea?
- How has COVID-19 impacted consumer demand? To what extent have lockdown, home seclusion and stockpiling boosted sales? Will the longer term economic repercussions of the pandemic stimulate or suppress future growth?
- Where is future growth expected to be most dynamic?
- How significant will values-based claims, such as sustainability and ethical labelling, be in supporting future growth and brand equity?
Snacks in South Korea
2026 Developments
Key Data Insights
Chart 1 Key Industry Trends for Snacks
Snacks Demonstrate Strength as Value-Led Positioning Offsets Constrained Consumer Spending
Savoury Snacks and Chocolate Confectionery Lead as Affordability Redefines Purchasing Decisions
Chart 2 Retailers Elevate Perceived Value through Ultra-Clear Price Anchors in Snacks
Snack Stapling Redefines Consumption as Meal-Equivalent Formats Gain Ground in South Korea
Chart 3 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 4 Value Sales by Category 2026
Convenience Stores to Reshape Snacking as Value and Function Drive Choices
Chart 5 Analyst Insight for Snacks
Social Media Set to Amplify Texture and Novelty, Boosting Experiential Snacking
Functional Snacks Expected to Diversify as Adult Wellness Needs Shape Innovation
Chart 6 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 7 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Top Companies Leverage Brand Strength to Reinforce Leadership
Cj Cheiljedang Drives Innovation with Ingredient-Led Launches
Chart 8 Company Shares 2026
Chart 9 Brand Shares 2026
Convenience Stores Target Office Workers with Meal Solutions
Olive Young Differentiates with Protein and Wellness Proposition
Meal Replacements and Price Control Shape Offline and Online Demand
Chart 10 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Ingredient Transparency and Health-Oriented Formats Open New Innovation Space
Recent Product Launches Target Meal Replacement and Value Occasions with Precision
Chart 11 Snacks Shift From Occasional Substitutes to Default Meal Replacements for Korean Office Workers
Retailer-Led Innovation Reshapes Competitive Dynamics and Snacks Structure
Chart 12 Economic Context for Snacks
Chart 13 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 14 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 15 Consumer Context for Snacks
Chart 16 Population 2021-2031
Chart 17 Population by Generation 2026
Chocolate Confectionery in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Chocolate Confectionery Summary
Chart 18 Key Industry Trends for Chocolate Confectionery
Chocolate Confectionery Records Value Gains as Cost Pressures Reshape Demand
Countlines and Tablets Lead Growth as Affordability Drives Everyday Consumption
Insight-Driven Marketing Emerge as the Defining Trend in Chocolate Confectionery
Chart 19 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 20 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 21 Value Sales by Category 2026
Value Growth to Outpace Flat Volumes as Premiumisation Shifts From Taste to Experience
Countlines and Tablets to Lead as Boxed Assortments Accelerate through Gifting
Chart 22 Analyst Insight for Chocolate Confectionery
Fandom Culture and Viral Campaigns to Fuel Impulse Buying at Convenience Stores
Chart 23 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 24 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Lotte Wellfood Leverages Brand Anniversaries to Reinforce Consumer Loyalty
Lotte Wellfood's Launch Translates Cultural Trends into Accessible Formats
Chart 25 Company Shares 2026
Chart 26 Brand Shares 2026
Convenience Stores Boost Impulse Sales with Limited Editions
Retail E-Commerce Expands Reach but Faces Impulse Barriers
Gifting and Collaborations Entrench Retail's Lead over Foodservice
Chart 27 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Packaging Architecture and Retail Mechanics Become Primary Innovation Levers
Chart 28 Chocolate Purchases Shift Towards Character Goods and Collectible-Led Experiences
Seasonal Gifting and Viral Trends Expand the Boundaries of Product Occasion
Chart 29 Economic Context for Chocolate Confectionery
Chart 30 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 31 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 32 Consumer Context for Chocolate Confectionery
Chart 33 Population 2021-2031
Chart 34 Population by Generation 2026
Gum in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Gum Summary
Gum Growth Remains Modest Amid Sugar Avoidance and Shifting Snacking Habits
Chewing Gum Leads Growth, Underpinned by Functional Repositioning
Gum Transitions From Snack to Functional Item as Tpo Consumption Reshape the Market
Chart 35 Lotte Wellfood Elevates Gum From Snack to Functional Solution via Safety-Led Products and Experience
Chart 36 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 37 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 38 Value Sales by Category 2026
Functional Claims to Drive Chewing Gum Resilience as Usage Narrows
Functional Mints and Rising Convenience to Reshape Consumer Choices
Chewing Gum to Lead through Demand for Sugar-Free and Xylitol-Based Products
Chart 39 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 40 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Lotte Wellfood Leads through Strong Brand Recognition and Distribution
Chart 41 Company Shares 2026
Chart 42 Brand Shares 2026
Convenience Stores Sustain Impulse-Driven Gum Sales Leadership
Online Sales Remain Marginal as Gum Rarely Prompts Bulk Buying
Chart 43 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 44 Economic Context for Gum
Chart 45 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 46 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 47 Consumer Context for Gum
Chart 48 Population 2021-2031
Chart 49 Population by Generation 2026
Sugar Confectionery in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Sugar Confectionery Summary
Chart 50 Key Industry Trends for Sugar Confectionery
Gummies and Jellies Lead Sugar Confectionery Growth as Viral Appeal Drives Impulse Purchases
Insight-Driven Marketing and Viral Campaigns Redefine Consumer Engagement
Chart 51 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 52 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 53 Value Sales by Category 2026
Low Price Points and Instant Gratification Will Anchor Growth
Gummies and Jellies to Lead Growth as Viral Trends Accelerate Adoption
Chart 54 Analyst Insight for Sugar Confectionery
Health Concerns to Reshape Demand around Emotion and Occasion
Chart 55 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 56 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Top Companies Retain Lead through Strong Distribution Networks and Brand Trust
Chart 57 Company Shares 2026
Chart 58 Brand Shares 2026
Convenience Stores Strengthen Impulse Sales with Dense Networks
Retail E-Commerce Faces Structural Barriers to Sugar Confectionery Growth
Chart 59 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Eclipse Leverages Pop up Experiences to Drive Social Engagement
Chart 60 Eclipse’S Seongsu Pop up Turns a Mint Launch into an Insight-Led Cultural Experience
Katjes and Nerds Capture New Demand with Plant-Based and Playful Launches
Chart 61 Economic Context for Sugar Confectionery
Chart 62 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 63 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 64 Consumer Context for Sugar Confectionery
Chart 65 Population 2021-2031
Chart 66 Population by Generation 2026
Ice Cream in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Ice Cream Summary
Chart 67 Key Industry Trends for Ice Cream
Ice Cream Market Records Subdued Growth as Affordability Displaces Premiumisation
Impulse Ice Cream Leads Sales as Plant-Based Ice Cream Show Fastest Growth
Chart 68 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 69 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 70 Value Sales by Category 2026
Repeat Purchases to Sustain Volumes as Impulse Ice Cream Leads Growth
Health Consciousness and Experience-Led Marketing to Sustain Growth
Chart 71 Analyst Insight for Ice Cream
Retailer Influence to Grow as Convenience Chains Leverage Private Label Products
Chart 72 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 73 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Lotte Wellfood Trims Portfolio as Repeat Purchase Fuels Lead
Chart 74 Company Shares 2026
Chart 75 Brand Shares 2026
Convenience Stores Drive Repeat Purchases with Broad Coverage and Promotions
Offline Channels Reinforce Value as Retail E-Commerce Remains Niche
Experience-Led Consumption Sustains Foodservice as Retail Focuses on Value
Chart 76 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Cu and Häagen-Dazs Reposition Value to Boost Repeat Purchases
Merong Bar and Sns Launches Turn Novelty into Short-Term Buzz
Chart 77 Sns Driven Visuals and Pop Ups Fuel Experience-Led Ice Cream Consumption
Chart 78 Economic Context for Ice Cream
Chart 79 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 80 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 81 Consumer Context for Ice Cream
Chart 82 Population 2021-2031
Chart 83 Population by Generation 2026
Savoury Snacks in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Savoury Snacks Summary
Chart 84 Key Industry Trends for Savoury Snacks
Flat Volumes and Steady Value Growth Reflect South Korea's Price-Conscious Market
Other Savoury Snacks Lead Growth as Private Label Reshapes Competitive Dynamics
Chart 85 Ultra-Low-Priced Private Label Savoury Snacks Grows through Convenience Channels
Spicy Flavours Emerge as a Key Growth Driver but Face Long-Term Differentiation Risk
Chart 86 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 87 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 88 Value Sales by Category 2026
Moderation and Portion Design to Redefine Health in South Korea's Savoury Snacks
Situational Context to Anchor Savoury Snacks' Positioning over Functional Claims
Familiar Reinterpretation and Low Trial Risk Will Outperform Radical Innovation
Chart 89 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 90 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Nongshim Defends Leadership as Orion Corp Edges Upward
Chart 91 Company Shares 2026
Chart 92 Brand Shares 2026
Supermarkets Lead Sales While Convenience Stores Capture Impulse-Led Purchases
Online Bulk Sales Lags behind as Offline Channels Capture Everyday Snacking
Chart 93 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Gs25 Expands Ultra-Low-Priced Snacks to Capture Down-Trading Shoppers
Orion Intensifies Flavour with Korean-Style Spicy Launches
Chart 94 Korean-Style Spicy Flavours Drive Satisfaction-Led Growth in Savoury Snacks
Chart 95 Economic Context for Savoury Snacks
Chart 96 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 97 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 98 Consumer Context for Savoury Snacks
Chart 99 Population 2021-2031
Chart 100 Population by Generation 2026
Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks in South Korea
Key Data Insights
Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks Summary
Chart 101 Key Industry Trends for Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks
Market Records Growth, Outperforming South Korea's Cautious Consumer Environment
Sweet Biscuits Retains Leadership While Snack Bars Emerge as Best Performing
Affordability Reshapes Pack Size Architecture and Innovation Priorities
Chart 102 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 103 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 104 Value Sales by Category 2026
Steady Value Growth to Mask Flat Volumes Amid Shifting Competitive Dynamics
Snack Bars to Lead Growth as Nutrition and Enjoyment Combine
Shortening Product Lifecycles Will Demand Greater Speed and Agility
Chart 105 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 106 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Lotte Wellfood and Orion Corp Reinforce Loyalty through Brand Engagement
Lotte Wellfood's Campaign Demonstrates Gamification's Power to Revive Legacy Brands
Chart 107 Company Shares 2026
Chart 108 Brand Shares 2026
Hypermarkets Lead Sales While Convenience Stores Drive New Launches
Online Platforms Support Repeat Purchases but Face Impulse Barriers
Chart 109 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Orion Reshapes Everyday Indulgence through Value and Functionality
Chart 110 Low Sugar, Meal Style Snacks Reframe Everyday Indulgence in Korea
Daiso Low Priced Sweet Snacks Redefine Value through Small, Dessert-Led Formats
Chart 111 Daiso’S Low Priced Sweet Snacks Redefine Value through Small, Dessert-Led Formats
Chart 112 Economic Context for Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks
Chart 113 Real Gdp Growth 2021-2031
Chart 114 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 115 Consumer Context for Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks
Chart 116 Population 2021-2031
Chart 117 Population by Generation 2026
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Snacks
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- Chocolate Pouches and Bags
- Boxed Assortments
- Chocolate with Toys
- Countlines
- Seasonal Chocolate
- Tablets
- Other Chocolate Confectionery
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- Bubble Gum
- Chewing Gum
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- Boiled Sweets
- Chewy Candies
- Gummies and Jellies
- Liquorice
- Lollipops
- Medicated Confectionery
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- Power Mints
- Standard Mints
- Toffees, Caramels and Nougat
- Other Sugar Confectionery
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- Frozen Yoghurt
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- Single Portion Dairy Ice Cream
- Single Portion Water Ice Cream
- Plant-based Ice Cream
- Unpackaged Ice Cream
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- Bulk Dairy Ice Cream
- Ice Cream Desserts
- Multi-Pack Dairy Ice Cream
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- Bulk Water Ice Cream
- Multi-Pack Water Ice Cream
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- Nuts, Seeds and Trail Mixes
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- Potato Chips
- Tortilla Chips
- Puffed Snacks
- Rice Snacks
- Vegetable, Pulse and Bread Chips
- Savoury Biscuits
- Popcorn
- Pretzels
- Meat Snacks
- Seafood Snacks
- Other Savoury Snacks
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- Dried Fruit
- Processed Fruit Snacks
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- Cereal Bars
- Protein/Energy Bars
- Fruit and Nut Bars
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- Chocolate Coated Biscuits
- Cookies
- Filled Biscuits
- Plain Biscuits
- Wafers
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This report originates from Passport, our Snacks research and analysis database.
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