May 26, 2025 – Bread products are widely consumed for several reasons, such as flavor, versatility, convenience, and nutritional value. They are affordable and easily accessible staple foods and are usually preferred as meal or snack bases. Innova Market Insights’ research into Latin American bread market trends reveals that brands are embracing artisan techniques and elevating health focus with a variety of grains and fortified ingredients. It also highlights the latest market trends and future opportunities that manufacturers and innovators can leverage to stay ahead in the market.
Bread Industry Trends
In Latin American bakery category launches, bread and bread products are the third leading subcategory. Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Argentina, and Peru are the top 5 countries for product launches over the past five years.
Meanwhile, Bimbo is the key player in the market. Cencosud, Bimbo Do Brasil, Pandurata Alimentos, and Almacenes Exito are noteworthy companies in this space. These top 5 companies account for a total of 15% of bread and bread products launches in Latin America.
Consumers Prefer Handmade Breads
1 in 3 consumers in Latin America cite homemade claims as important drivers of enjoyment and pleasure in food. In response, brands are displaying homemade bread products, artisan varieties, and global recipes inspired by various regions like Arabic bread, French flaky bread, and Indian naan to add an authentic touch to the subcategory. Rustic ranges and products prepared using natural and slow fermentation processes bring out simple, traditional charm. This reflects the ‘Tradition Reinvented’ trend, showing consumers’ wishes to appreciate authenticity and tradition and revive a connection with their culinary heritage.
Traditional is the leading positioning in launches, followed by wholegrain, no trans fats, gluten free, and source of fiber.
Healthy Bread Options
Bread trends reveal that 42% of consumers in Latin America are looking for wholegrains to improve their gut health. This highlights that consumers are focusing on the ‘Gut Health: Flourish from Within’ trend by creating room for fiber ingredients. Wheat, corn, and ancient grains such as quinoa, amaranth, and teff offer varying base ingredients, while cassava, almond, and flaxseed flours contribute variety. There has been a 9% growth in bread and bread products launches featuring gluten– free claims in the region.
Brands are enhancing product appeal with nutrient-rich fortification strategies. By using wheat flour fortified with essential nutrients like iron, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and folic acid, they not only enhance the nutritional value of bread but also address key dietary needs. Thus, making bread an ideal choice for health-conscious consumers seeking to support their wellbeing.
Brands are Expanding Variety
In Latin America, consumers have increased their intake of bread and bread products due to greater variety and novelty. A variety of recipes in ready-to-eat forms, like salted toasts/sticks, Caesar croutons, and garlic bread, and handy ready-to-prepare forms, such as pizza dough and frozen waffles, provide plenty of choice. Bread trends show that hamburger/hot dog buns, taco shells, and arepas appeal to a wide range of tastes. Furthermore, ready-to-bake bread offers fresh-from-the-oven appeal with minimal effort, meeting consumer demand for convenience. These products provide versatility, making home baking easy and enjoyable.
Bread Packaging Innovations
Consumers are becoming more environmentally responsible by choosing resealable packaging with closures that preserve freshness and flavor in food packaging. Brands like Great Value Tortillas De Harina and Tixs Chile Cobanero display resealable packaging to maintain product quality. There is also growing interest in vacuum skin packaging, which is reflected in 69% growth of bread and bread products with vacuum packaging over the past year.
Resealable packaging offers convenience while maintaining product freshness and flavor. Additionally, some of the innovations in packaging, like Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) and vacuum sealing, are critical solutions that could extend shelf life and preserve the quality of bread and bread products.
Cheese is the Top Flavor
Bread trends reveal that cheese, garlic, raisin, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese are the top flavors in bread and bread products launches in Latin America. Natural flavors made from real ingredients are becoming popular among consumers. Bread market features flavors like cheese, herbs, brown notes, and spices, paired with toppings such as seeds, nuts, and fruits to boost their appeal. Claims highlight textures from soft to crunchy and thick to thin, further enhancing versatility and offering a more enjoyable and satisfying eating experience.
What’s Next in the Bread Market Trends?
Bread and bread products are dietary staples that are constantly evolving to consumer preferences. As plant-based trends are gaining attention, brands can integrate vegan cheese into bread products to align with plant-based living. These additions subtly align with sustainability and wellness trends, offering a flavorful twist that resonates with consumers seeking thoughtful, dairy-free alternatives.
Consumers are limiting sugar intake for health reasons. Stevia brings natural, calorie-free sweetness to bread products, catering to health-conscious consumers. Brands can also collaborate with ECOCE-inspired initiatives to boost sustainability in bread packaging and production.
Lastly, brands can emphasize quality and traceability from farm-to-table bread products, appealing to those seeking fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This approach builds trust while supporting sustainability and delivering authentic, wholesome flavors.
The bread market in Latin America is heading towards plant-based, sustainable, authentic, and healthy indulgence trends. Brands that understand these trends and capitalize on them are likely to lead in the market.
This article is based on Innova’s Overview in Bread & Bread Products in Latin America report. This report is available to purchase or with an Innova Reports subscription. Reach out to find out more
