Muffins market seen reaching $12.86B by 2031

Mordor Intelligence projects the global muffins market will rise from $11.21 billion in 2026 to $12.86 billion by 2031, with Asia-Pacific growing fastest. The report points to demand for functional, premium and plant-based bakery products as the main growth drivers.

Why it matters: - The muffins category is moving beyond basic breakfast fare into functional and premium bakery products. - That shift is opening higher-margin opportunities for manufacturers that can deliver healthier ingredients, new flavors and cleaner labels. - Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region, making the market more attractive for global and regional bakery brands.

What happened: - Mordor Intelligence projects the global muffins market will grow from $11.21 billion in 2026 to $12.86 billion by 2031. - The forecast implies a 5.15% compound annual growth rate during 2026-2031. - Asia-Pacific is projected to lead regional growth at 6.61% annually. - The report was released July 17, 2026 from Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

The details: - Demand is rising for convenient breakfast options, premium bakery products and healthier snack alternatives. - Manufacturers are expanding muffin lines with gluten-free, high-protein, low-sugar and plant-based offerings. - Baking companies are also investing in advanced automation, digital traceability and clean-label formulations. - The report links additional demand to the growth of café culture, online grocery retail and premium bakery chains in developed and emerging markets. - Functional product development is accelerating around gluten-free, vegan, high-protein, fiber-enriched and reduced-sugar muffins. - Ingredient advances include enzyme technologies, alternative flours, prebiotic blends and clean-label emulsifiers. - These ingredients are being used to improve moisture retention, shelf life and nutritional value. - Protein muffins aimed at breakfast replacement and fitness-focused consumers are gaining shelf space. - Fiber-enhanced and digestive-health muffins are adding momentum to the functional bakery category. - Premiumization is also pushing growth through filled muffins and artisanal positioning. - Flavors mentioned in the report include caramel, chocolate, fruit compotes, pistachio, Biscoff, matcha and yuzu. - Plant-based muffin formulations are gaining acceptance as egg alternatives, dairy substitutes and clean-label ingredients improve product texture and taste. - Fusion products such as cruffins are drawing interest, especially from younger consumers seeking novelty. - The report says the muffin market remains highly competitive across multinational bakery companies, regional manufacturers, artisanal bakeries and private-label producers. - Key companies listed include ARYZTA AG, Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV, Flowers Foods Inc., The J.M. Smucker Company and McKee Foods Corporation.

Between the lines: - The market outlook reflects a broader shift in packaged food toward products that can signal both indulgence and nutrition. - Premium flavors and functional claims are becoming a way for bakeries to defend pricing and stand out on crowded shelves. - Sustainability and automation are now part of the competitive playbook, not just back-end operational upgrades. - The report’s emphasis on transparency and validation suggests buyers are paying closer attention to research quality as the category becomes more commercially attractive.

What's next: - Grupo Bimbo is expected to complete the transition of major European muffin manufacturing hubs to 100% renewable energy in March 2026. - General Mills is projected to debut a “Bio-Active” muffin range in Asia-Pacific in June 2026 using heat-stable probiotic strains. - Competition is likely to intensify around functional nutrition, localized flavors, clean-label recipes, e-commerce, café partnerships and foodservice expansion. - Mordor Intelligence says the full report is available in multiple languages, including Japanese, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. - More information is available in the company’s announcement.

The bottom line: - Muffins are becoming a functional, premium and innovation-driven bakery category, and the fastest growth is expected where health claims and convenience overlap.