Ready To Eat Seafood Snacks Market Size - By Product, Distribution Channel, Packaging Type, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Ready To Eat Seafood Snacks Market Size

The global ready-to-eat seafood snacks market size was valued at USD 6.1 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 6.4 billion in 2025 to USD 10.4 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 5.5%. This market is supported by growing consumer interest in easy, protein-rich, and healthy snacking, as well as the greater use of seafood as a source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other vital nutrients.
 

Spending on snacks is growing due to the increasing health awareness among consumers, thus fuelling demand for nutritionally balanced food options. RTE seafood snacks like dried fish, smoked salmon, and shrimp chips are becoming more popular because of their protein content and heart health. The growing preference towards a clean label without artificial ingredient additives and preservatives also supports growth in this segment.
 

North America and Europe lead the markets due to high consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with seafood, but the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate, specifically in China and Japan where seafood is heavily consumed. The increasing availability of these products through retail outlets such as supermarkets, specialty stores, and online shops is improving ease of access and convenience for consumers.
 

Regardless of the sustainable seafood sourcing challenges in the supply chain, the ever-shifting competition from rival snack categories and altering prices of raw materials, the overall seafood market has a positive outlook.
 

Ready To Eat Seafood Snacks Market Trends

Focus on Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Eco-friendliness is emerging as a central focus in the ready to eat (RTE) seafood snacks category, as consumers, governments, and even NGOs are becoming more concerned with the environmental impact of seafood sourcing. Shift in consumer behaviour is being observed towards brands that advocate for better fishing practices. Eco packaging and branded fishing industry labels such as MSC mark are proving to endorse branded seafood traceability.
 

There is a shift by brands towards eco-friendly and minimalistic design to their packaging which lessens the carbon footprint. That is more important in this case as there are ongoing concerns regarding overfishing, ocean pollution, and the need for ethical seafood latter options. Through eco-friendly practices, companies can redeem their image whilst appealing to consumers who prioritize sustainability. It is anticipated that expansion in the market for eco-friendly seafood snacks will focus on verifiable sustainable corporate policies.
 

Innovation in Flavors and Product Formats: Innovation Seafood snacks RTE is popular due to brands competing against each other in the market. Culinary spinoffs were introduced to capture the attention of bold snack lovers, and these include the additions of spicy, smoky, and exotic seasoning blends. To capture the attention of a wide range of consumers, seafood snack manufacturers are also expanding the formats and types of their products. This includes seafood-based snacks like jerky, seasoned fish crackers, and shrimp chips.
 

Hybrid snacks and blends which incorporate nuts, grains, seafood, and vegetables are flourishing in the market because they are touted as healthier and more flavourful than traditional snacks. Such innovations appeal to younger consumers who are more interested in bold and luxurious snacks. New product bundling does not only transform consumer preferences, but also serves as seafood cross-category snacks, seafood snacks that are blended into conventional popular snacks.
 

Growth of Plant-Based and Alternative Seafood Snacks: With the growing popularity of plant-based and alternative diets, the RTE seafood snacks market is now seeing the introduction of plant-based seafood alternatives. These products replicate seafood's taste and texture but are made from plant ingredients like seaweed, algae, or soy-based products. This exploits the increased number of consumers following a vegan, vegetarian, or flexitarian diet. There is a growing concern regarding the seafood’s production processes which prompts some consumers to choose plant-based alternatives.
 

This shift satisfies dietary preferences and helps sustain meat-free cruelty-free snacks. Plant-based seafood snacks like “fish jerky,” or “shrimp” made from seaweed and other plant proteins are becoming more common in Western markets. The trend will grow as flavour and texture alternatives improves for those avoiding seafood for health or ethical reasons.
 

Tariff Impact

In the context of securing live seafood, seafood customs and trade policies have a great effect on the disruption of supply chains, paving for regional markets and foreign investments. Take for example the case of levying surcharges on live premium imports like lobster, crab, or shellfish. The surge in prices would greatly impact the expenditure put on the basic infrastructure required such as oxygenated transport tanks, temperature-controlled holding systems, and specialized containment packaging which ensures the seafood arrives in the best condition.
 

Tariffs aimed at the exports of the primary suppliers such as Canada, Norway and Vietnam would incur unwelcomed costs while driving down the availability of competitively priced, top-quality live seafood. These countries are not well-known for being primary sources of live seafood but are crucial in supporting the emerging consumer markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and South America where markets are growing dynamically, but local capabilities are not able to consistently meet quality and quantity demands.
 

Moreover, these Western markets that are adopting trade measures geared towards sustainability like carbon compulsory labeling, eco-certifications, and comprehensive traceability, could lead to restrictions for the Pacific and Southeast Asia exports. These suppliers would be forced to adjust towards a more local or nearer markets which will tend to incur lower profit margins while spending more on consumer education, branding, and retail readiness.
 

While such trade restrictions may bring some short-term disruptions, they could also encourage investments in regionally based systems for the farming, handling, and distribution of seafood. These regions could be motivated to develop self-sustainable systems through aquaculture, agriculture where cold storage, transport infrastructures, and domestic resource utilization are properly coordinated and integrated. This would increase self-sufficiency and economic diversification, while at the same time fostering sustainable development towards fuel imports in the premium sector of live seafood.
 

Ready To Eat Seafood Snacks Market Analysis

On the basis of product, the ready-to-eat seafood snacks market is segmented into canned, frozen, chilled and others. The canned products hold a significant share at a valuation of USD 2.2 billion in 2024.
 

• Canned seafood snacks, such as tuna, sardines, and salmon, are a significant portion of the ready-to-eat seafood market due to their extended shelf life, convenience, and portability. These products are widely consumed in North America and Europe, where they are staples in many households.
   
• The ability to store them for long periods without refrigeration and the ease of consumption make them highly appealing for busy consumers. There’s also an increasing demand for cleaner, healthier options, with brands introducing low-sodium, preservative-free, and BPA-free canned products.
   
• As consumers become more health-conscious and aware of seafood’s nutritional benefits, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, the canned seafood snacks segment is expected to continue growing.
   

The frozen ready to eat seafood snacks market was priced at USD 1.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to reckon USD 2.4 billion in 2034.
 

• Frozen seafood snacks like shrimp, fish fingers, and seafood appetizers are gaining traction due to their convenience and longer shelf life. These products are favoured by consumers who seek quick, easy-to-prepare meals or snacks.
   
• The frozen seafood market is expanding rapidly in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, where busy lifestyles and rising demand for ready-to-heat meals are driving growth. Innovations in gluten-free, low-fat, and gourmet frozen seafood snacks are further diversifying the market, catering to a wider range of consumer preferences.

On the basis of distribution channel, the ready-to-eat seafood snacks market is segmented into hypermarket & supermarket, convenience stores, online retail, foodservice, and speciality stores. Supermarkets and hypermarkets segment hold the market share of 45.4% in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 5% of CAGR during the forecast period.
 

• Supermarkets and hypermarkets are key distribution points for ready-to-eat seafood snacks, offering a wide variety of options in convenient formats. These retail channels benefit from high foot traffic, promotional sales, and diverse consumer demographics, driving demand for both mainstream and premium seafood snacks, including canned and chilled products.
   
• Convenience stores are vital for reaching on-the-go consumers, providing quick access to ready-to-eat seafood snacks. With strategic locations and extended hours, these stores cater to busy individuals. Single-serve and portable seafood snacks, like jerky or shrimp chips, align with the demand for easy, fast, and portable snack options.
   
• Online retail has surged as a distribution channel for ready-to-eat seafood snacks, offering convenience and a broad selection. E-commerce platforms allow consumers to access various snack options, from gourmet items to everyday seafood snacks, often with home delivery. Subscription models and bulk orders further enhance online retail growth.
   
• Foodservice outlets, such as restaurants and cafes, increasingly offer ready-to-eat seafood snacks as part of their menu. Pre-packaged seafood products like smoked fish or shrimp cater to consumers seeking quick, healthy snacks outside the home. This segment benefits from consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-serve seafood snack options in dining environments.
   
• Specialty stores are gaining popularity for distributing high-quality, artisanal ready-to-eat seafood snacks. These outlets cater to health-conscious and gourmet-focused consumers, offering premium seafood snacks like smoked salmon, fish jerky, and dried seafood. With a focus on unique Flavors and ethical sourcing, specialty stores attract niche markets seeking superior seafood products.
   

On the basis of packaging type, the ready-to-eat seafood snacks market is segmented into pouches, cans, plastic containers, and trays and boxes. Pouches estimated to grasp a value of USD 1.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a 6.2% of CAGR during the forecast period.
 

• Pouches are becoming more common for ready to eat seafood snacks owing to their ease of portability and resealable nature, which helps in maintaining freshness. They work well with products like dried fish, jerky, and shrimp chips. This kind of packaging is designed for customers who care about the convenience, eco-friendly nature, and portability of a snack.
   
• Convenience and easy access make cans a great choice for seafood. Tuna, salmon, and sardines are popularly sold in tins. Ready to eat seafood snacks are a consumer inclination due to their long duration on the shelf, east of storage and robust nature. Lower income consumers appreciate these products as they are reasonable priced. For shoppers looking for a snack rich in protein which does not go bad easily, these work incredibly well.
   
• Seafood salads, dips and mixed seafood snacks are increasingly being served in plastic containers, particularly as premium or multi-serve offerings. These sturdy and hygienic containers are perfect for chilled seafood snacks. Their transparency serves to capture the attention of consumers who want quality and fresh snacks as well.
   
• Premium seafood snacks which are consumed chilled or fresh such as sushi and mixed seafood platters are packaged into trays and boxes for portable serving. These designs not only serve to enhance the look but also serve to package effectively without losing appeal to the product inside.

The ready to eat seafood snacks market is dominated by U.S., which accounted for a revenue of USD 1.8 billion of total revenue in 2024.
 

• The U.S. market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising consumer demand for healthy, convenient, and protein-rich snack options. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7% over the next five years.
   
• Increasing awareness of the nutritional benefits of seafood, such as high protein content and omega-3 fatty acids, is a major driver. Consumers are also gravitating toward sustainable, eco-friendly products, fuelling innovation in packaging and sourcing practices.
   
• The shift towards on-the-go, ready-to-consume snack products is further expanding the market. Key growth opportunities lie in the development of premium and gourmet snack offerings, including smoked fish, seafood jerky, and flavoured seafood chips.
   
• The rise of e-commerce platforms has boosted accessibility, with online retail becoming a significant channel for RTE seafood snacks. However, challenges like sustainability concerns, fluctuating seafood prices, and competition from other snack categories remain.
   

Ready To Eat Seafood Snacks Market Share

Top 5 companies include Thai Union Group, Maruha Nichiro Corporation, Bumble Bee Foods, Nomad Foods, and Gorton`s These companies contribute around 40% of the market share.
 

Thai Union ranges from providing canned tuna to shrimps and frozen processed shrimp, as well as steamed shrimp cocktails and seafood salads. Under the ‘Chicken of the Sea’ brand marquee, the Thai Union conglomerate showcases other seafood-based specialties. The business is focused on eco-friendly measures and sustainability like providing eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing.
 

Maruha Nichiro features a vast selection of snacks including canned tuna, sardines, smoked fish, and dried seafood. For the Japanese region and in North America and parts of Asia, the items have gained a lot of popularity. For their segmented target spectrum, the company dominant in frozen seafood offers easy and non-time-consuming fried shrimps, fish cakes, and seafood chowder for busy individuals.
 

Bumble Bee Foods encompasses a vast variety of seafood snacks such as canned tuna, shrimp, canned salmon, sardines, and frozen seafood like fish sticks. The company also offers tuna salad kits and seafood snack packs. Recently, Bumble Bee has pioneered the development of portable snacks like high-protein fish jerky and tuna products. Their innovative products are available at numerous retail and foodservice outlets, all while adhering to responsible sourcing and sustainable practices.
 

Gorton’s specializes in a wide variety of frozen seafood products, particularly focusing on fish fillets, breaded shrimp, and fish sticks. These products are often marketed as easy-to-prepare, ready-to-eat snacks for busy consumers. Gorton’s has expanded its portfolio to include other seafood-based snacks, such as shrimp chips and seafood appetizer kits, catering to those looking for quick and healthy snack options.
 

Ready To Eat Seafood Snacks Market Companies

Apex Frozen Foods: Apex supplies ready-to-cook shrimp products under its own brands Bay Fresh, Bay Harvest, and Bay Premium as well as under private labels for international clients. Its customer base includes food companies, retail chains, restaurants, club stores, and distributors across the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and China.
 

Avanti Feeds Limited: The company has a significant international presence, exporting its products to over 22 countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Canada, and the Middle East. Its operations are divided into three main segments: Shrimp Feed, Shrimp Hatchery, and Windmills. The Shrimp Feed segment is the primary revenue driver, providing high-quality feed to shrimp farmers. The Shrimp Hatchery segment produces shrimp seeds for aquaculture, while the Windmills segment focuses on renewable energy generation
 

Bumble Bee Foods (USA): Bumble Bee Foods, LLC is a prominent American seafood company headquartered in San Diego, California. Established in 1899 as the Columbia River Packers Association in Astoria, Oregon, the company introduced the Bumble Bee brand in 1910. It offers a wide range of canned seafood and specialty protein products under brands like Bumble Bee, Wild Selections, Beach Cliff, Brunswick, and Snow’s, with Clover Leaf serving the Canadian market
 

Empire Foods: The company sources a diverse range of products, including seafood, meat, dairy, pastries, and vegetarian items, from around the globe. Its clientele encompasses leading five-star hotel chains, high-end restaurants, airline caterers, banquet halls, and major retail chains across India
 

Ready To Eat Seafood Snacks Industry News:

• In 2023, Nomad Foods released its sustainability report ‘Appetite for a Better World’ and claimed progress on its focus areas. The company reported achieving 93.9% of net sales from better-for-you meals, and for five consecutive years received a score of 100 on the health and nutrition section of the Dow Jones Sustainability Europe Index. In addition, 99.5% of fish and seafood was MSC or ASC certified, with goals of reaching 100% certification by 2025. Nomad Foods exceeded its targets by achieving an absolute emissions reduction of 34.9%.
   
• In 2024, Thai Union North America appointed Bryan Rosenberg as President and CEO for both COSI and COSFF. These shifts in leadership followed the resignation of Valentin Ramirez. The new structure aims to harness cross synergies between COSI and COSFF to reinforce Thai Union’s footprint within North America. With a wealth of experience from his time at COSFF, Rosenberg will be responsible for shifting the businesses forward. Thai Union is still focused on innovation and revenue growth in this North American region, which is the most critical part of their global earnings.
   

The ready to eat seafood snacks market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in (USD Million) & Volume in (Kilo Tons) from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Canned
• Frozen
• Chilled
• Others (smoked & etc.)

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Supermarket & hypermarket
• Convenience stores
• Online retail
• Foodservice
• Specialty stores

Market, By Packaging Type

• Pouches
• Cans
• Plastic containers
• Trays & boxes

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Russia 
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE