February 24, 2025 – Poland, known for its rich culinary traditions and high-quality foods, is experiencing changes in food and beverage industry. Here, we present an extensive overview, from everyday staples to special diets, of the food industry. Innova’s 360 research into the food industry of Poland explores how the growing emphasis on health, sustainability, and various factors influence the food industry trends in Poland.
Poland Beverages Trends
Alcohol consumption in Poland is higher than the global average due to its variety, taste, and indulgence. Additionally, consumers’ changing lifestyles and growing brand awareness drive this increased alcohol consumption. However, consumer food trends show that consumers have started reducing their alcohol intake over the past year. They increase consumption of non-alcoholic alternative beverages for their health and wellbeing. Interestingly, consumers find the taste and variety of non-alcoholic beverages more appealing than their health benefits.
Food trends in Poland research displays that in soft drinks, consumers have increased their consumption of bottled water for its health claims over the past year. Iced tea and juices, juice drinks and smoothies are also experiencing a rise in consumptions for their indulgence.
Consumers prefer taste or flavor as important attributes in hot drinks like coffee and tea. More than half of consumers in Poland enjoy these hot drinks either with or for breakfast. No artificial colors or flavors, natural, and traditionally made or crafted are top claims in these hot drinks, reflecting current consumer food trends.
Everyday Staples Trends
Bread and bread products penetration in the Poland market is surpassing the global average. Consumers look for freshness, shelf life, and taste in these products. Food trends show that consumers increased their breakfast cereal consumption than bread products over the past year. Breakfast cereal penetration in Poland (60%) exceeds the global average (52%), driven by its taste and health aspects.
Consumers in Poland prioritize freshness, taste, and health in dairy purchases. Dairy products such as yogurt and cheese penetrate the market of Poland more than the global average. Consumer food trends reveal that consumers increased their consumption of spoonable or drinkable yogurt and milk and flavored milk drinks over the past year. 1 in 2 consumers in Poland looks for freshness and taste in diary product purchases. Other notable attributes or claims include health aspects, no artificial flavors or colors, and natural ingredients.
Consumers in Poland prefer freshness, affordability, and shelf-life in consuming fish or meat. Fish and seafood penetration in Poland is almost similar to the global average. While meat and poultry show penetration of 82% higher than global average of 77%. The important concerns related to these products include natural and product safety claims. Locally produced and reduced fat are also important to consumers in Poland, aligning with current food trends.
Meal Preparation Trends
Food trends in Poland research shows that taste, convenience, freshness, and reduction claims are vital in consumers’ meal preparation decisions. Savory spreads and table and cooking sauces, condiments display the highest growth in the meal preparation category over the past year.
36% of consumers increased their intake of ready meals for convenience, over-indexing the global average. Indulgence claims are essential factor in Poland for purchasing meal preparation products, including bouillons/stocks/seasoning, table and cooking sauces, condiments, dips, savory spreads, sweet spreads, and ready meals.
Snacks and Treats Trends
Snacks and treats of all categories show higher penetration in Poland, over-indexing the global average. Consumer food trends indicate that 1 in 2 consumers in Poland considers taste and cost as vital attribute for snacks and treats purchases. Healthy indulgence influences consumers’ choice for snacks and treats. Sugar and fat reduction, high/source of protein, and functional ingredients are key health claims for consumers in Poland. Consumers increasingly recognize the value of incorporating functional ingredients in snacks and treats. However, they are still under-index of the global average.
Plant-Based and Special Diets Trends
Food trends in Poland research shows that consumers increased their consumption of plant-based food and special diets, driven by health and environmental concerns. Variety, novelty, and taste preferences or lifestyle needs are other reasons for the increase in plant-based alternative consumption. Notable claims in plant-based alternative category include natural, protein, fiber, and reduced fat.
1 in 4 consumers prefer special diets like sports and functional nutrition for their health consideration and functional attributes. For them functional ingredient claims are more important than protein or fiber claims.
What’s Next in the Food Trends in Poland?
The food market trends in Poland is experiencing significant growth and innovation, reflecting consumers’ demand for healthy products.
Consumers in Poland are increasingly looking for functional ingredients in their food and beverage choices. Brands can leverage this consumer food trend by incorporating innovative ingredients into indulgent products that support consumers’ health goals. Gourmet snacks and specialty desserts cater to consumers’ desire for quality and indulgence with a luxury touch. As consumers become more selective, the demand for premium and indulgent products can continue to grow.
Food trends show that consumers focus more on environmental issues in their food and beverage preferences. They are likely to prioritize organic, locally sourced, and eco-friendly products. The demand for variety and novelty shapes product development in Poland’s food and beverage industry. Brands can introduce innovative flavors, unique combinations, and limited-edition products to gain wider consumer interest.
This article is based on Innova’s Category Growth Drivers in Poland report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
