Report

The India vegan food market was valued at USD 1.62 Billion in 2024 . The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.50% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 4.81 Billion by 2034 .

The India vegan food market development is being aided by the increasing vegan population in the country. In 2020, India boasted 5 million strict vegans. Moreover, the growing popularity of veganism on social media platforms and an increasing number of fitness influencers, high-profile celebrities, and nutritionists advocating vegan lifestyle are surging further demand in the market.

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research, 10.1 crore individuals in the country lived with diabetes in 2023. Various research studies have also demonstrated that 1 in 4 people in India suffer from hypertension. Plant-based diets, particularly the vegan ones, are recognised for its health benefits and its efficacy in lowering the risk of diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, fuelling the vegan food demand in the country.

Advancements in technologies like ohmic heating and shear cells (high-pressure processing) are improving the digestibility, texture, mouthfeel, flavour, shelf life, and nutritional profile of vegan food products. These technologies are also revolutionising the production of plant-based dairy, meat, and seafood alternatives. In January 2024, Kerala-based Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) announced a MoU with Delhi-based Neat Meatt to replicate the flavour, nutritional profile, and texture of real fish in cell-cultured products and plant-based analogues, boosting the vegan food consumption in India.

Brands are increasingly adopting minimalist packaging solutions and biodegradable and recyclable packaging to lower plastic waste. Furthermore, the India vegan food market witnesses rapid adoption of blockchain by startups like Greenest and Blue Tribe Foods. These help ensure transparency in production and sourcing and aid customers in making informed decisions regarding sustainability.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

September 2024

Blue Tribe, India's alternative meat brand, launched plant-based chicken Momo, containing pea and soy proteins that mimic the texture of chicken, vegetables, and traditional Darjeeling herbs and spices. The Momos boast lower saturated fat than their conventional counterparts and are free from cholesterol.

July 2024

The popular vegetarian restaurant chain Spice Grill Flame (SGF) in India introduced a new vegan menu with two sections including Vegan and 100% Plant-Based Protein. Customers looking for high-protein options are served by the dishes in the first category, which are produced with soy. The second category, meanwhile, seeks to offer healthy meals that satisfy plant-based dietary requirements and make advantage of SGF's distinctive flavours.

January 2024

SOCIAL partnered with Nestle India to test-launch MAGGI Professional's plant-based line. The new menu is currently offered at 40 BOSS Burger locations and 42 Social Burger locations in Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Dehradun, and Chandigarh.

February 2023

Life Health Foods (India) Pvt. Ltd. launched So Good Oat Unsweetened beverage, its new plant-based and dairy-based milk. Through this launch, the company aims to capitalise on the increasing number of health-conscious individuals in India while providing versatility, excellent taste, and health benefits at an affordable price.

Rising Health Consciousness

Growth of the India vegan food market is largely driven by the millennial population, concerned about health and wellness. According to industry report, more than 43% of Indian millennials are spending more on healthy food and snacking options. Vegan diets are rich in vitamins E, A, and C, potassium, magnesium, folate, fibres, and antioxidants, catering to the requirements of a healthy lifestyle. Studies have also pointed out the effectiveness of vegan diets in lowering glycaemic index and LDL cholesterol, controlling lipid levels, improving kidney function, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes. To capitalise on the growing health-consciousness and appeal to the younger demographics, restaurants and cafes are adding plant-based dishes to their menu. In December 2022, Mumbai-based Another Foods launched its line of plant-based chicken, which is non-flavoured and offers cooks the versatility to use plant-based chicken in different cuisines.

Growing Focus on Sustainability

As per the India vegan food market analysis, the meat and dairy industry represents 14.5% of manmade greenhouse gas emissions, whereas beef farming produces 31 times more CO2 emissions per calorie produced for consumption than tofu production. Plant-based diets require few resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as compared to animal-based products. Animal-based products are a major contributor to deforestation, leading to displacement and habitat loss. As per the GfK Global Consumer Life Study in 2023, 2 in 3 urban Indian consumers prioritise environmentally responsible actions taken by businesses, including reducing carbon footprints, using eco-friendly materials, lowering carbon footprints, and embracing sustainable practices. With brands prioritising local sourcing ingredients to lower their carbon footprint and promote regional agriculture, the India vegan food market value is rising.

Product Innovations by Key Players

Product innovations by key players are driving the India vegan food market opportunities. Key players are increasingly developing plant-based meat alternatives made from ingredients like pea protein, soy, mushrooms, and lentils that mimic the appearance, taste, and texture of traditional meat. The growing popularity of dairy-free innovations such as plant-based milk (oat, almond, cashew, coconut, and rice milk), vegan cheese alternatives, and dairy-free yoghurts and ice creams is propelling the market growth. With the rising consumer demand for sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives to seafood, brands are developing plant-based tuna and other seafood products from ingredients like pea protein, seaweed, and algae that provide essential nutrients as well as umami flavours. In August 2024, 1.5 Degree launched a complete range of plant-based frozen desserts and beverages, including soy milk, flavoured milkshakes, oat milk, cold coffee, and gelato in different flavours.

Technological Advancements

Key market players are extensively investing in research activities to develop innovative products from alternative protein sources like chickpeas, peas, lentils, jackfruit, and hemp protein, to boost the vegan food consumption in India. Moreover, AI algorithms are used to analyse vast amounts of data, ranging from flavour profiles to nutritional content, for ingredient optimisation and recipe innovations. In addition, 3D printing and electrospinning technologies are increasingly deployed by manufacturers to create alternative proteins using a layer-by-layer printing process with unique and precise shapes, textures, and flavours.

Hospitality Integration and Menu Reformulation

As per the India vegan food market analysis, over 95 vegan-specific restaurants have been registered across the country. Hospitality majors like ITC and Oberoi are reformulating room service and banquets to include vegan gourmet dishes, often partnering with homegrown brands like GoodDot and Wakao. The Indian Culinary Forum also runs short courses on vegan kitchen operations. Tourism boards, especially Kerala and Sikkim, are linking plant-based food experiences with eco-tourism, giving it mainstream traction.

India Vegan Food Industry Segmentation

The EMR's report titled "India Vegan Food Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type

- Dairy Alternatives
??- Milk
??- Cheese
??- Yoghurt
??- Desserts
??- Others

- Meat Substitutes
??- Tofu
??- Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
??- Seiten
??- Quorn
??- Others

- Egg Alternatives
- Vegan Bakery
- Confectionery
- Plant-Based Snacks
- Others

Key Insight: The India vegan food industry can be segmented into dairy alternatives, meat substitutes, egg replacements, bakery, confectionery, and plant-based snacks. Dairy alternatives dominate the market due to growing urban consumer demand and cafe culture, while plant-based snacks witness rapid growth owing to lifestyle changes. Vegan bakery and confectionery appeal during festive seasons, while egg alternatives are still new to the market, appealing health-conscious consumers. Meat substitutes are gaining ground in QSR chains and gourmet kitchens, though pricing remains a bottleneck.

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

- Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Speciality Stores
- Online
- Others

Key Insight: India's vegan food products are distributed via supermarkets, convenience stores, speciality outlets, online platforms, and pop-up events. Supermarkets dominate the market owing to extensive visibility and trust, while online channels grow rapidly due to D2C flexibility. Speciality vegan stores anchor niche neighbourhood markets and offer community engagement. Convenience stores serve impulse buys, especially in metro cities. Meanwhile, the concept of cross-channel integration is emerging, wherein shoppers can discover online and buy offline or vice versa. Brands are now crafting distinct SKU strategies for each channel to maximise reach and shelf efficiency.

Market Breakup by Region

- North India
- East and Central India
- West India
- South India

Key Insight: The South Indian vegan food market growth is aided by the region's cultural and culinary readiness for vegan offerings, supported by rich crop diversity. The market in West India is fuelled by wellness trends and institutional retail support. North India shows strong growth in urban sectors with vegan variants of traditional foods entering QSR menus. East India, while nascent, represents strong growth potential with jackfruit and soybean availability and increased plant-based R&D activities.

India Vegan Food Market Share

By Product Type, Dairy Alternatives Register a Sizeable Share of the Market

Dominance of the dairy alternatives in the Indian vegan food market is propelled by almond, oat, and coconut-based milks. Urban cafes and quick-service restaurants increasingly replace dairy with plant-based options. The recent launch of Plantaway's new convenient 200ml sizes of its popular Oat Mylk and Almond Mylk has indicated evolving consumer demand. Nutrient fortification, especially with calcium and vitamin D, drives health-conscious buyers. Premium barista blends and functional formulations are penetrating convenience stores and office vending machines. Brands like Sofit and One Good are dominating with their shelf presence, while cold-chain enabled deliveries allow fresh alt-yoghurts and vegan butters to reach Tier 2 cities.

Plant-based snacks have registered the highest growth as per the India vegan food market report, fuelled by the demand for high-protein, clean-label, on-the-go options. Lentil chips, jackfruit crisps, chickpea trail mixes and vegan jerky are appealing to both gym-goers and casual munchers. Bengaluru-based Hello Tempayy announced plans to launch across 25 cities, offering ready-to-fry and spicy snack lines. This subsegment benefits from low entry barriers for startups, with many using e-commerce and regional flavours for quick scalability. High repeat purchase rates and social media virality ensure snack brands gain quicker shelf traction, particularly in wellness and co-branded fitness channels.

By Distribution Channel, Supermarkets and Hypermarkets Account for the Dominant Share of the Market

Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the biggest retail enablers of vegan food products in India, offering high visibility and direct consumer education through in-store trials. Chains like Reliance Fresh, Big Bazaar, and Spencer's now have dedicated vegan shelves featuring chilled, frozen, and ambient categories. Weekend promotions, plant-based recipe cards, and influencer pop-ups are increasing footfall in vegan aisles. Moreover, smart shelf technology and QR-code-linked ingredient traceability are being tested to attract clean-label consumers. Brick-and-mortar remains vital for trust-building, especially in first-time buyers.

The online channel is witnessing explosive growth, boosting the India vegan food market revenue. The segment's growth is supported by D2C vegan-first brands and aggregator platforms like Vegan Dukan and Vegan Mall. Amazon and Flipkart have rolled out curated plant-based sections. Furthermore, a report by Swiggy, released in 2024, stated that the country's food delivery market is expected to reach INR 2.12 lakh crore by 2030, with Swiggy and Zomato accounting for a major market share, augmented by evolving consumer preferences, expanding customer base, and surging consumption occasions. Subscription models, delivering weekly curated boxes, are gaining traction, offering new products and recipe ideas. Logistics innovation like ice-pack delivery and tamper-proof pouches are helping cold-chain goods scalability. Influencer-driven reviews and Instagram ads offer cost-effective reach, especially among Gen Z consumers. Flash sales during Earth Day and Vegan Week drive huge spikes in volume.

India Vegan Food Market Regional Analysis

By Region, South India Continues to Dominate the Market

The South India vegan food market dominance can be attributed to the region's longstanding vegetarian traditions and abundance of coconut, jackfruit, and millet-based staples. The region's culinary infrastructure has enabled a smooth transition to vegan variants, especially in urban hubs like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Vegan cafes, cloud kitchens, and QSRs offering millet dosas, almond filter coffee, and jackfruit biryani have proliferated across metro cities. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu's support for millet processing clusters and organic farming has attracted numerous plant-based startups. Additionally, tech-savvy consumers and established IT corridors have fuelled premium vegan retail formats and functional food innovations. South India sets the pace in both volume and versatility of vegan food consumption.

West India, led by Maharashtra and Gujarat, is rapidly emerging as the fastest-growing vegan food market, driven by lifestyle shifts and startup-friendly ecosystems. The increasing utilisation of vegan ingredients such as sorghum, millets, and legumes for creating plant-based variants of popular dishes is aiding the demand growth. Besides, there is an increasing number of vegan restaurants in cities such as Mumbai, Goa, and Ahmedabad, among others. For instance, in November 2023, India's first authentic California-inspired plant-based restaurant, Greenr, opened in Panjim, Goa.

Competitive Landscape

The India vegan food market players are increasingly focusing on ingredient innovation, scale-ready cold-chain logistics, and direct farmer integration. Startups like Evo Foods and GoodDot are working on molecular-level egg and meat substitutes, respectively, while players like ITC and Tata Consumer Products are investing in mergers and acquisitions. Private label partnerships with retailers like Nature's Basket offer captive shelf space for new brands. Millet-based dairy, fermentation-led proteins, ethical indulgence, vegan tourism menus, and functional adaptogen-rich foods have been the key trends in the market.

Export opportunities, especially to GCC and ASEAN, are encouraging India vegan food companies to opt for private labelling. Meanwhile, kitchen-scale players are collaborating with culinary influencers to build niche consumer base. The biggest opportunity lies in institutional catering which includes schools, airlines, and canteens, where low-cost, large-volume vegan solutions can create long-term contracts. Innovation is shifting from flavours to formats, with ready-to-cook and ready-to-drink vegan options leading shelf turnover rates.

One Good

One Good, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is a company focused on providing high-quality dairy alternatives and plant-based and vegan food products. The company aims to promote sustainability and health by offering delicious and nutritious vegan foods and capitalise on the growing health-consciousness.

GoodDot

Headquartered in Udaipur, Rajasthan and founded in 2016, GoodDot offers affordable ready-to-cook meat alternatives that mimic the texture and flavour of meat-based dishes. The company's product range, priced between INR 95 and INR 379, includes Meatless Mince, Biryani, Vegicken Chunks in Brine, and Unmutton Dhaba Curry Kit in packages of 125-500 grams. The company sells 12 lakh units per day throughout India and abroad.

EVO Foods

EVO Foods, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a company focused on offering high-quality sustainable and vegan food products. The company aims to promote sustainability, health, and ethical consumption by enhancing the accessibility and appeal of plant-based food products.

Ahimsa Vegan Foods Inc.

Ahimsa Vegan Foods Inc., headquartered in Delhi and founded in 2008, is a prominent plant-based food company that is committed to sustainable and ethical food choices. Some of its offerings include plant-based meats, ready-to-eat vegan meals, and dairy alternatives, among others.

Other key players in the market are Dhond Group Green Infra LLP, Piperleaf India Private Limited, Soft Spot Foods Inc., Jus Amazin Food and Beverages Pvt. Ltd, Vezlay Foods Pvt. Ltd., and The Hershey Company, among others.

Key Features of the Report

- In-depth analysis of India Vegan Food Market Size and forecast.
- Comprehensive segmentation by product type, distribution channel, and region.
- Market trends, drivers, and regulatory developments.
- Competitive landscape and strategic company profiling.
- Recent investments and infrastructure expansion impact.
- Technological innovations and future market outlook.

Why Choose Expert Market Research?

- Trusted insights backed by extensive primary research.
- Actionable data for strategic decision-making.
- Region-wise and distribution-channel-specific analysis

Call to Action

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