Low-Sugar Trend in South Korea’s Food Industry Drives Strong Sales Growth
21st May 2026 | Korea
Dunkin' Korea's low-sugar jam donuts, launched as part of the franchise's ″Wonders″ project. © Dunkin Donuts Korea
A major low-sugar trend in South Korea’s food industry is accelerating rapidly as consumers increasingly shift towards healthier eating habits. Driven by rising health awareness and demand for “better-for-you” products, the movement towards low-sugar, sugar-free, and reduced-sugar foods is reshaping the country’s entire food and beverage market.
Once concentrated mainly in soft drinks and diet beverages, the trend has now expanded into bakery, dairy, snacks, multigrain foods, and ready-to-eat meals, marking a structural shift in consumption patterns across South Korea.
Rising demand for sugar-free and low-sugar products in Korea
Maeil Dairies' Selex protein drinks. © Maeil Dairies
Consumer preferences in South Korea are changing significantly, with a strong increase in demand for sugar-free food products in Korea. Younger consumers, in particular, are actively reducing sugar intake while still seeking flavourful and convenient food options.
Retail and industry data indicate that sales of low-sugar and zero-sugar products have been growing by more than 20% annually, reflecting a long-term behavioural shift rather than a temporary diet trend.
This shift is often described as a “healthy indulgence” culture, where consumers aim to balance enjoyment with wellness-focused eating habits.
Expansion of low-sugar foods across multiple categories
Blue Label Low-Sugar Fermented Butter Roll Cake. Photo courtesy of Paris Baguette Lotte Mart and Super's low-sugar misugaru lineup. © Lotte Mart
The Korean food industry low-sugar trend is no longer limited to beverages. It is now expanding across multiple high-growth categories:
Low-sugar bakery products such as cakes, bread, and pastries
Reduced-sugar dairy products including fermented milk drinks and yoghurts
Functional foods such as multigrain blends and protein-rich cereals
Ready-to-eat meals with lower sugar content
Healthy snack alternatives with reduced added sugar
Traditional foods such as misugaru (roasted grain powder) are also being modernised into functional low-sugar foods in Korea, targeting health-conscious consumers and fitness-focused lifestyles.
Strong sales growth in bakery, dairy, and convenience foods
Paldo's new sugar-free bibimmyeon, or noodles mixed with a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce, is sweetened with allulose instead of sugar. © PALDO
The bakery sector has seen particularly strong performance in low-sugar baked goods in Korea, with health-focused cakes and pastries achieving rapid sales growth following their introduction.
Similarly, the dairy sector is experiencing robust demand for sugar-free yoghurt and low-sugarfermented milk drinks, with some products reaching millions of units in sales due to their mainstream appeal.
Convenience foods are also evolving, with manufacturers introducing lower-sugar instant noodles, protein bars, and ready meals designed for busy consumers seeking healthier alternatives.
South Korea’s healthy food trend becomes a long-term market shift
Industry analysts suggest that the healthy food trend in South Korea is becoming a structural transformation rather than a short-term consumer fad. Increasing health consciousness, ageing population concerns, and lifestyle changes are all contributing to sustained demand for reduced-sugar products.
Food manufacturers are now investing heavily in product reformulation, sugar reduction technologies, and new product development to remain competitive in the evolving market.
However, balancing taste, affordability, and nutrition remains a key challenge for brands operating in this space.
Low-sugar trend reshapes Korea’s food industry
The rapid rise of the low-sugar trend in South Korea’s food industry signals a major shift in consumer behaviour and market direction. As demand for zero-sugar and reduced-sugar products in Korea continues to grow, food manufacturers are increasingly innovating to meet evolving health expectations.
With strong sales momentum across bakery, dairy, and convenience sectors, the low-sugar movement is set to remain a defining feature of South Korea’s food industry for years to come.
