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2026 Developments
Snacks in the United Arab Emirates are expected to display notable resilience and attractiveness in 2026, outperforming several regional counterparts by recording 5% retail value growth, despite affordability pressures stemming from conflict and inflation. The shift towards cost-effective options—evident in the strong uptake of multipacks, smaller pack sizes, and private label—highlights how daily routines and at-home consumption are reshaping demand, with snacks increasingly replacing traditional meals. Brands that succeed are those adapting their portfolios with accessible pricing, functional formats, and flavour innovation, as the competitive landscape remains dominated by large multinationals able to leverage distribution breadth and sustained promotional activity, while smaller players face barriers to scale. Retailers benefit most by focusing on value-led promotions and efficient shelf management, and those with strong e-commerce capabilities are well positioned to capture rising demand for bulk and planned purchases. Health-driven reformulation and regionally relevant flavours are set to become more prominent, reinforcing the need for investment in product innovation and digital engagement to sustain growth and relevance.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Snacks industry in United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates, 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 United Arab Emirates 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 United Arab Emirates?
- Which are the leading brands in Snacks in United Arab Emirates?
- How are products distributed in Snacks in United Arab Emirates?
- 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 United Arab Emirates?
- 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 the United Arab Emirates
2026 Developments
Key Data Insights
Chart 1 Key Industry Trends for Snacks
Private Label and Multipacks Drive Resilience as Households Trade Down
Chart 2 KitKat Chunky Pistachio Acts As Affordable Dubai Chocolate
Multipack Savoury Snacks and Chocolate Attract Cost-Focused Shoppers
Chart 3 Barakat Foregrounds Local Flavours
Chart 4 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 5 Value Sales by Category 2026
Consumers Shift to Healthier Ingredients and Flexible Snacking Routines
Chart 6 Analyst Insight for Snacks
Savoury Snacks Lead Growth as Brands Innovate with Health and Flavour
Digital Strategies Expand Appeal and Reach
Chart 7 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 8 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Pepsico and Mars Sustain Leadership through Broad Portfolios and Promotions
Chart 9 Company Shares 2026
Chart 10 Brand Shares 2026
Hypermarkets and Supermarkets Drive Affordable Snacking with Multipacks
E-Commerce Accelerates as Shoppers Seek Convenience and Value
Chart 11 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Affordability and Functionality Displace Novelty as the Primary Innovation Drivers
Pistachio Popularity and Spice Demand Create Openings for Affordable Flavour Differentiation
Health Reformulation Gains Strategic Priority
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 the United Arab Emirates
Key Data Insights
Chocolate Confectionery Summary
Chart 18 Key Industry Trends for Chocolate Confectionery
Nestlé Adapts Pack Design to Capture Value-Focused Shoppers
Chart 19 Kitkat Chunky Pistachio Acts as Affordable Dubai Chocolate
Countlines Drive Everyday Snacking and Steady Demand
Chart 20 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 21 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 22 Value Sales by Category 2026
Value-Focused Shoppers to Drive Growth in Multipack and Small Formats
Younger and Affluent Consumers to Fuel Demand for Healthier and Sustainable Options
Chart 23 Analyst Insight for Chocolate Confectionery
Local Flavour Innovation to Create Whitespace for Affordable Premiumisation
Chart 24 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 25 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Mars Leverages Brand Strength to Maintain a Clear Lead as Competition Intensifies
Chart 26 Company Shares 2026
Chart 27 Brand Shares 2026
Hypermarkets Attract Everyday and Bulk Buyers with Comprehensive Assortments
Conflict-Driven In-Home Shift Reinforces Retail Channel Resilience
Chart 28 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Cultural Localisation and Emotional Resonance Converge as Twin Innovation Levers
Kitkat Chunky Pistachio Kunafa Targets Culturally Rooted Indulgence at Accessible Price Points
Affordable Premiumisation Redirects Innovation Investment and Intensifies Competitive Pressure
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 the United Arab Emirates
Key Data Insights
Gum Summary
Habitual Users Sustain Demand as Remote Routines Reshape Usage
Chewing Gum Outpaces Bubble Gum as Price Rises Offset Softening Demand
Chart 35 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 36 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 37 Value Sales by Category 2026
Mars Set to Accelerate Health and Flavour Innovation to Restore Demand
Brands to Diversify Flavour Profiles and Push Sustainability Credentials to Capture Younger Consumers
Chart 38 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 39 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Mars Retains Lead as Rivals Remain Static
Chart 40 Company Shares 2026
Chart 41 Brand Shares 2026
Hypermarkets Dominate Gum Sales with Impulse-Driven Visibility
Chart 42 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 43 Economic Context for Gum
Chart 44 Real GDP Growth 2021-2031
Chart 45 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 46 Consumer Context for Gum
Chart 47 Population 2021-2031
Chart 48 Population by Generation 2026
Sugar Confectionery in the United Arab Emirates
Key Data Insights
Sugar Confectionery Summary
Chart 49 Key Industry Trends for Sugar Confectionery
Affordable Pack Sizes Retain Shoppers Despite Reduced Spending
Gummies and Jellies Outpace Other Options as Shoppers Seek Value
Chart 50 Price-Sensitive Consumers Favour Low-Cost Gummies and Jellies
Chart 51 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 52 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 53 Value Sales by Category 2026
Gummies and Jellies to Meet Shifting Consumer Demands for Value
Chart 54 Analyst Insight for Sugar Confectionery
Health-Oriented Innovation to Prompt Brands to Target Adult Consumers
Chart 55 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 56 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Haribo Leverages Product Innovation to Strengthen Consumer Loyalty
Chart 57 Company Shares 2026
Chart 58 Brand Shares 2026
Hypermarkets Attract Impulse Buyers with Unrivalled Assortment
Retail E-Commerce Gains Ground as Online Convenience Grows
Chart 59 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Price Sensitivity Reinforces the Strategic Value of Brand Equity and Portfolio Depth
Haribo Leverages Cross-Generational Appeal to Convert Volume Stability into Share Hold
Dual Growth Pathway Emerges around Health Credentials and Adult-Occasion Positioning
Chart 60 Economic Context for Sugar Confectionery
Chart 61 Real GDP Growth 2021-2031
Chart 62 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 63 Consumer Context for Sugar Confectionery
Chart 64 Population 2021-2031
Chart 65 Population by Generation 2026
Ice Cream in the United Arab Emirates
Key Data Insights
Ice Cream Summary
Chart 66 Key Industry Trends for Ice Cream
Price Sensitivity Informs Everyday Indulgence
Chart 67 Barakat Foregrounds Local Flavours
Take-Home Tubs and Multipacks Drive Repeat Purchases for At-Home Consumption
Affordability and Local Innovation Reshape Consumer Loyalty and Competition
Chart 68 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 69 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 70 Value Sales by Category 2026
Brands to Combine Authenticity and Wellness to Drive Premium Innovation
Chart 71 Analyst Insight for Ice Cream
Chart 72 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 73 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Iffco and Magnum Sustain Combined Dominance as Ferrero Captures Premium Demand
Chart 74 Company Shares 2026
Chart 75 Brand Shares 2026
Small Local Grocers Anchor Impulse Sales as E-Commerce Accelerates
Convenience and Affordability Drive Format and Channel Choices
Chart 76 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Format Diversification and Cultural Relevance Drive Product Innovation
Barakat's Dessert-Led Portfolio and Structural Realignment at Magnum and Ferrero
New Entrants and Wellness Formats Broaden the Competitive Field
Chart 77 Economic Context for Ice Cream
Chart 78 Real GDP Growth 2021-2031
Chart 79 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 80 Consumer Context for Ice Cream
Chart 81 Population 2021-2031
Chart 82 Population by Generation 2026
Savoury Snacks in the United Arab Emirates
Key Data Insights
Savoury Snacks Summary
Chart 83 Key Industry Trends for Savoury Snacks
Walkers Expands Spicy Portfolio to Attract Younger Snackers
Chart 84 Walkers Launches Hot Honey Flavour
Salty Snacks Lead Sales as Consumers Seek Value and Flavour
Flavour Experimentation Fuels Innovation and Competitive Intensity
Chart 85 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 86 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 87 Value Sales by Category 2026
Urban Consumers to Demand Healthier Options, Driving Product Reformulation
Chart 88 Analyst Insight for Savoury Snacks
Flavour Innovation and Premiumisation to Reshape Snacking Habits
Chart 89 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 90 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Pepsico Sustains Lead through Innovation and Affordability Strategies
Chart 91 Company Shares 2026
Chart 92 Brand Shares 2026
Hypermarkets and Supermarkets Secure Loyalty with Extensive Flavour Choice
Conflict-Driven Price Pressures Push Shoppers to Organised Retail
Chart 93 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Heat Intensity and Cultural Resonance Converge to Reshape Flavour Development
Walkers Hot Honey and Pepsico Illustrate the Range of Innovation Strategies in Play
Pistachio and Health Reformulation Extend the Innovation Frontier beyond Spicy
Chart 94 Economic Context for Savoury Snacks
Chart 95 Real GDP Growth 2021-2031
Chart 96 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 97 Consumer Context for Savoury Snacks
Chart 98 Population 2021-2031
Chart 99 Population by Generation 2026
Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks in the United Arab Emirates
Key Data Insights
Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks Summary
Consumers Prioritise Smaller Packs and Value Options Amid Rising Prices
Multipack and Value Brand Strategies Help Brands Retain Share
Chart 100 Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 101 Volume Sales 2021-2031
Chart 102 Value Sales by Category 2026
Companies to Balance Health Claims and Affordability to Boost Loyalty
Date-Based Innovation to Attract Wellness-Focused Shoppers Seeking Tradition
Digital-First Strategies to Unlock New Snacking Occasions and Consumer Insights
Chart 103 Forecast Value Sales 2021-2031
Chart 104 Forecast Value Sales by Category 2026-2031
Mondelez Sustains Leadership as Consumer Trust Limits Share Shifts
Chart 105 Company Shares 2026
Chart 106 Brand Shares 2026
Hypermarkets Capture Demand as At-Home Occasions Increase
E-Commerce Accelerates as Shoppers Shift to Online Routines
Convenience Stores Adapt to Economic Pressure
Chart 107 Retail Channels 2021-2026
Chart 108 Economic Context for Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks
Chart 109 Real GDP Growth 2021-2031
Chart 110 Inflation 2021-2031
Chart 111 Consumer Context for Sweet Biscuits, Snack Bars and Fruit Snacks
Chart 112 Population 2021-2031
Chart 113 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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