South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market Insight
Published: 30 June 2026 | Report Format: Electronic (PDF) | Author: Govind and Krishna
With growing health and environmental concern, the South Korean market for plant-based foods and drinks is predicted to increase at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.14% between 2026 -2035.
South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market Insights Forecasts to 2035
- The South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market Size Was Estimated USD 625.8 Million in 2025
- The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 9.14% from 2025 to 2035
- The South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market Size is Expected to rise around USD 1500.5 Million by 2035
Notable Insights for the South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market
- According to product segmentation, plant-based milk substitutes like soy and oat dominate the beverage sector because of high rates of lactose intolerance, whereas meat substitutes and dairy alternatives lead the market.
- Biggest chunk of sales? Supermarkets and hypermarkets take it by channel. Yet online shops sprint ahead quickest, lifted by platforms such as Coupang.
- By 2024, the market could hit 7 trillion won - so South Korea’s agriculture department now backs homegrown vegan products more than ever. Back in 2018, around 1.5 million people lived without animal foods. That shift didn’t go unnoticed. Local plant-made items are getting room to grow because of it.
- As the government raises funding for plant-based protein R&D, CJ CheilJedang created "PlantTable" and Nongshim and Lotte Foods established vegan businesses, indicating significant investments.
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Why Buy This Report
- This report provides forecasts until 2034, which can help companies make decisions about investments and strategies in the plant-based industry.
- The report analyzes the market by product and distribution channel, which can help companies find areas with growth potential.
- The competition analysis provides vital information for creating successful market entry plans and benchmarking against top competitors.
Competitive Analysis:
The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market, along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.
Top Companies in South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market
- CJ CheilJedang (PlantTable)
- Pulmuone (Plantspired)
- Nongshim (Veggie Garden)
- Lotte Foods (Zero Meat)
- Shinsegae Food (You Are What You Eat)
- Sempio
- Samyang Foods
- Unlimeat
- Armored Fresh
- SOYFT BIOME
Recent Developments:
- In May 2026, SOYFT BIOME had begun expanding its creamy sauces - made from leftover fermented soy scraps - into cafes and bakeries, backed by funding from MYSC.
- In July 2024, Shinsegae Food dropped a new drink made from ground local rice, aiming to boost how much people eat. The product arrived in 2024 under a national push promoting more rice intake.
Market Segmentation:
South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market, By Product Type
- Meat Substitutes
- Dairy Alternative Beverages
- Non-dairy Ice Cream
- Non-dairy Cheese
- Non-dairy Yogurt
South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market, By Source
- Soy
- Almond
- Oat
- Coconut
- Pea
South Korea Plant-based Food and Beverages Market, By Distribution Channel
- Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
- Convenience Stores
- Online Retail Stores
Expert Views:
Plants-only eats and sips in South Korea are gaining ground fast, thanks to folks watching their health, caring about Earth, or both. Government backing has helped too, quietly shaping how things move. Big names in food now toss cash into plant-based lines, pushing variety up, options wider. Fresh launches pop up often, nudging the scene past early stages into something sturdier. Growth isn’t slowing down - expect more brands, more noise, steady climb through 2035.
Author: Govind and Krishna By Decisions Advisors and Consulting