Saudi Arabia Doughnuts Market Research Report, 2030

In the golden glow of Riyadh’s evenings, where qatayef and maamoul are festive staples, doughnuts have risen as a sweet symbol of modern indulgence wrapped in global flavor. The doughnut market in Saudi Arabia has grown remarkably in recent years, blending American-style bakery culture with local taste preferences, and emerging as a dynamic part of both the Middle Eastern and global snacking economy. Doughnuts were introduced in the Kingdom in the late 1990s through international fast-food franchises and quickly gained popularity among youth and urban consumers. Initially, doughnuts were viewed as foreign novelties, but brands tackled this by localizing flavors introducing fillings like date paste, Arabic coffee glaze, saffron sugar, and rose cream. Today, doughnuts are consumed across high-end bakeries, roadside cafés, shopping malls, corporate offices, and even during Ramadan and Eid as dessert centerpieces. Technically, doughnuts are ring- or ball-shaped deep-fried pastries made from leavened or cake-based dough, often filled or glazed. In Saudi Arabia, they meet the rising demand for trendy, shareable desserts that feel luxurious yet comforting ideal for family gatherings, evening majlis, or paired with gahwa (Arabic coffee) in cafés. Benefits include quick serving time, wide customization potential, and high appeal across ages. Companies have invested in R&D to offer low-oil, vegan, gluten-free, and fortified doughnuts, with technologies like air-frying, vacuum sealing for long shelf life, and centralized baking for franchise models. Advanced POS systems and AI-based inventory forecasting also help manage demand spikes during weekends or religious holidays. However, the Saudi market faces challenges like health-conscious consumer shifts, where there’s rising demand for low-sugar and natural ingredient options. Cultural norms around modest branding can limit bold Western-style marketing. In addition, strict food safety, halal, and shelf-life regulations require companies to follow detailed approval and tracking systems, which ensure trust and standardization across the supply chain. According to the research report "Saudi Arabia Doughnuts Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the Saudi Arabia Doughnuts Market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.71% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The market is driven by Saudi Arabia’s youthful population, rapid urbanization, and the rise of international dining habits among Gen Z and millennials. Another driver is the expansion of coffee culture doughnuts pair naturally with hot drinks, making them a staple in cafés and drive-thru concepts booming in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Khobar. Social media influence, especially on Snapchat and Instagram, also drives doughnut trends, with customers seeking viral, limited-time-only offerings. Recent developments include the opening of gourmet doughnut boutiques, mobile dessert trucks in city festivals, and collaborations between doughnut brands and Saudi influencers. Major players include House of Donuts a long-standing Saudi favourite offering locally adapted varieties, Dunkin’ Saudi Arabia known for convenience and seasonal menus, Crave Donut a boutique brand focused on premium artisanal products, and Krispy Kreme KSA leveraging strong branding and flavor consistency. These brands cater to diverse segments from daily snacking to luxury gifting. Opportunities lie in themed product launches for Eid, National Day, and Hajj season, developing protein-packed or keto-friendly doughnuts for health-aware consumers, and expanding into untapped Tier 2 cities with delivery-only models. Compliances required include SFDA (Saudi Food and Drug Authority) certification, Halal Certification, Nutritional Labelling Standards, and Municipal Food Establishment Permits these resolve challenges around product safety, religious compliance, and traceability, helping brands earn consumer trust and enter major retail chains. Latest trends include doughnut dessert platters for majlis gatherings, Arabic dessert-inspired flavors like baklava or qashta cream, and personalized gift boxes these trends gain popularity because they blend Saudi heritage with modern presentation and create memorable experiences for consumers seeking indulgence with identity.

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In Saudi Arabia, the doughnuts market is witnessing robust growth driven by rising urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing youthful population with evolving taste preferences. The product type segment in this market showcases a diverse range of doughnuts catering to both traditional and contemporary palates. Yeast doughnuts remain a favorite due to their soft, airy texture and mild sweetness, often enjoyed as part of breakfast or afternoon snacks in homes and cafés. These doughnuts frequently come in ring shapes, glazed or filled with popular flavors such as date syrup or cream, reflecting the regional affinity for rich, sweet tastes. Cake doughnuts are gradually gaining traction for their denser texture and ability to be infused with a variety of local and international flavors like cardamom, saffron, or chocolate, appealing to consumers seeking variety and longer shelf life. Filled doughnuts are especially popular during social gatherings and festivals, with fillings ranging from traditional Arabic ingredients like rosewater and pistachio cream to more global flavors like custard and chocolate. Frosted and glazed doughnuts are increasingly favored by younger consumers, particularly in cosmopolitan cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, where vibrant, visually attractive treats coated with icing, nuts, or sprinkles align with trends in indulgence and gourmet snacking. The market also sees niche subsegments such as mini doughnuts offered in multi-pack formats, and innovative variants like mochi doughnuts have begun entering premium bakery outlets, appealing to the adventurous palate. The distribution and sales channels for doughnuts in Saudi Arabia are evolving rapidly, reflecting the country’s shifting retail landscape and consumer convenience preferences. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), including international brands like Dunkin’ Donuts and local chains, play a significant role in delivering freshly prepared yeast and filled doughnuts, emphasizing convenience and consistent quality. Retail chains, comprising large supermarkets and hypermarkets, offer a wide array of packaged doughnut options, including frozen cake doughnuts and assorted multi-packs that cater to family purchases and bulk buying. Convenience stores located in malls, petrol stations, and busy urban districts stock single-serve doughnuts ideal for on-the-go consumption, especially for working professionals and students. The rise of e-commerce and food delivery platforms in Saudi Arabia has accelerated online retail sales of doughnuts, with many bakeries and cloud kitchens partnering with delivery apps to reach wider audiences, providing both fresh and frozen options. Cafés and coffee shops in major cities increasingly feature doughnuts as complementary snacks to specialty coffee and tea, often offering premium and artisanal varieties. Additionally, mobile food trucks and pop-up stalls at events, festivals, and shopping centers contribute to impulse purchases and novelty consumption, driving market expansion into untapped areas and seasonal demand spikes. End users in Saudi Arabia span a wide demographic, reflecting the cultural importance of social gatherings alongside the adoption of more modern consumption habits. Individual consumers form the largest segment, purchasing doughnuts for daily consumption, breakfast, and family snacks. The preference for fresh and visually appealing doughnuts is strong, with many buyers favoring premium products that offer both traditional and contemporary flavors. Catering services in Saudi Arabia leverage doughnuts for corporate events, weddings, and religious celebrations such as Eid, often customizing fillings and decorations to meet client specifications and cultural themes. Corporate offices also contribute notably to demand, offering doughnuts during meetings, employee events, and special occasions as a gesture of hospitality and employee engagement. Events and occasions like weddings, birthdays, and national holidays are key demand drivers, with bulk and customized orders reflecting the celebratory nature of such occasions in Saudi culture. Other important end users include transportation hubs such as airports and train stations, where travelers seek quick and indulgent snacks, as well as educational institutions where doughnuts are sold in cafeterias and vending machines catering to younger consumers. The Saudi doughnuts market is characterized by a vibrant mix of traditional preferences and increasing exposure to global trends, supported by expanding retail channels and a diverse consumer base eager for both familiar and innovative doughnut varieties.

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Nikita Jabrela

Business Development Manager

Considered in this report • Historic Year: 2019 • Base year: 2024 • Estimated year: 2025 • Forecast year: 2030 Aspects covered in this report • Doughnuts Market with its value and forecast along with its segments • Various drivers and challenges • On-going trends and developments • Top profiled companies • Strategic recommendation By Product Type • Yeast Doughnuts • Cake Doughnuts • Filled Doughnuts • Frosted/Glazed Doughnuts • Others (mini, powdered, mochi, savory)

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By Sales Channel • Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) • Retail Chains • Convenience Stores • Online Retail • Cafés & Coffee Shops • Bakeries • Others (Amusement Parks & Zoos, Mobile Food Trucks & Pop-ups) By End User • Individual Consumers • Catering Services • Corporate Offices • Events & Occasions • Others (Transportation Hubs & Airlines, Educational Institutions) The approach of the report: This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources. Intended audience This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.