China Dehydrated Food Product Market Overview, 2028

With the recent changes in consumer lifestyles, urbanisation, and consumer awareness of convenience and healthy consumption, the dehydrated food business in China has seen amazing development and transformation. This dynamic sector encompasses a diverse range of dehydrated products, from fruits and vegetables to dairy, meat, and seafood, all processed using advanced drying methods. China's vast agricultural resources and skilled labour force have fueled the industry's expansion, allowing it to meet the demands of both domestic and international markets. As China's population increasingly seeks convenient and long-lasting food options, dehydrated products have emerged as a favoured solution, offering extended shelf life, minimising food waste, and preserving nutritional content. With a blend of traditional culinary practises and modern innovation, the Chinese dehydrated food industry reflects the nation's rich food heritage while adapting to evolving preferences, making it a prominent player in the global dehydrated food market. One of the most iconic dehydrated foods in Chinese culinary tradition is "shiitake" mushrooms. These mushrooms are often sun-dried to remove moisture, intensifying their flavour and making them suitable for long-term storage. Dried shiitake mushrooms are used as a flavorful ingredient in soups, stews, and stir-fries, imparting a rich umami taste to dishes. In recent years, traditional methods of dehydration have been complemented by modern technologies, such as freeze-drying and vacuum drying, to produce high-quality dehydrated products with enhanced nutritional retention. Dehydrated fruits, vegetables, and even instant noodles have gained popularity in China due to their convenience and extended shelf life.

According to the research report "China Dehydrated Food Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the China Dehydrated Food Market was valued at more than USD 6 Billion in 2022. China's ongoing urbanisation has led to busier lifestyles and increased demand for convenient, ready-to-eat, or quick-prep food options. Dehydrated foods provide a solution by offering extended shelf life, ease of preparation, and portability. As more Chinese consumers lead fast-paced lives, there is a growing preference for foods that require minimal preparation time. Dehydrated products fit this demand by offering a range of convenient and time-saving options. Furthermore, as tourism grows in China, travellers are exposed to different cuisines and ingredients. Dehydrated products can bring those flavours and ingredients home, enabling culinary exploration without geographic limitations. Based on product types, these include milk powder, Other Dairy Products, Fruits, Vegetables, Herbs, Fish and Seafood, meat, and others. In China, milk powder is the leading market; historically, milk and dairy products were not a traditional part of the Chinese diet. As a result, many Chinese individuals may have developed lactose intolerance, making it difficult for them to consume fresh dairy products. This could lead to a preference for alternative forms of dairy, such as milk powder. In the past, there have been instances of food safety issues in China, including scandals involving adulterated or contaminated dairy products. These incidents have eroded consumer trust in local dairy products, and as a result, many parents opt for imported milk powder brands that are perceived to be safer and of higher quality.

Based on the method types, there are spray-dried, air-dried, sun-dried, vacuum-dried, microwave-dried, and others. Spray-dried milk has the highest market growth rate. Spray-drying is known for its ability to quickly remove moisture from milk while maintaining the milk's flavour, texture, and nutritional content. The process involves high temperatures for a short period of time, which helps preserve the quality of the milk and its components, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Spray-dried milk powder can be easily reconstituted with water to create liquid milk. This convenience appeals to busy households and individuals who may not have access to fresh milk at all times. Manufacturers can tailor the composition of spray-dried milk powder to meet specific nutritional requirements or consumer preferences. This flexibility allows for the production of specialised products for different age groups, dietary needs, or applications. Furthermore, air-drying is a growing market. Air-drying is often associated with traditional and artisanal food production methods. Some consumers value these methods for their perceived authenticity and connection to cultural heritage. The unique textures and flavours of air-dried foods can inspire culinary innovation, leading to the creation of new snacks and ingredients for food products. Air-drying at lower temperatures helps preserve more of the natural nutrients in foods compared to other drying methods that involve higher heat. This can be a selling point for health-conscious consumers.

Based on the form, there are powder and granules, minced and chopped, slices and cubes, flakes, and others. In China, powder and granules are leading the market. Powdered and granulated forms of dehydrated food are highly versatile and convenient to use. They can be easily reconstituted with water or other liquids to create various dishes, making them suitable for both cooking at home and for use in food service establishments. Powdered and granulated foods have reduced moisture content, which contributes to a longer shelf life compared to fresh foods. This is especially important in regions with varying access to refrigeration and limited storage space. Powdered and granulated foods lend themselves well to the creation of instant foods and ready-to-eat meals. This meets the needs of busy consumers looking for quick and convenient meal solutions. In some cases, powdered and granulated forms of certain foods may be integral to traditional or cultural dishes. These forms can make it easier to incorporate authentic flavours into modern meals.

Start-ups:

Lychee Food is a Chinese start-up that specializes in producing and selling freeze-dried fruits. The company focuses on maintaining the natural flavors, colors, and nutrients of fruits through the freeze-drying process. Their products are targeted at health-conscious consumers and are used as snacks or ingredients in various culinary applications.



SnackMagic is a platform that offers a variety of snacks, including dehydrated and dried foods, to consumers in China. The platform allows customers to customize their snack boxes with a wide range of options, catering to individual preferences.

Suan Miao is a start-up that produces a variety of dehydrated vegetable snacks, including products like crispy dehydrated mushrooms and seaweed. The company aims to provide healthier snack alternatives while reducing food waste by utilizing surplus produce.

Considered in this report

• Geography: China
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028

Aspects covered in this report

• China Furniture with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Method

• Spray dried
• Air dried/Sun dried
• Vacuum dried/ Microwave dried
• Freeze dried
• Others

By product

• Milk powder
• Other Dairy Products
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Herbs
• Fish and Seafood
• Meat
• Others

By Form

• Powder & Granules
• Minced & Chopped
• Slice & Cubes
• Flakes
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations and organisations related to the Furniture industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.