Introduction

Over the last decade, consumer eating habits in the Gulf region have changed dramatically. Countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain are witnessing a rapid rise in demand for healthy, protein-rich, and convenient foods.

One product that has gained massive popularity is peanut butter. Once considered a niche product, peanut butter is now becoming a household staple in the Middle East, especially among health-conscious consumers, fitness enthusiasts, and young families.

For food importers and distributors in the Gulf, this growing demand presents a golden business opportunity.

1. Health & Fitness Trends Driving Demand

• Protein-rich diets are becoming more common in Gulf countries. Peanut butter, with nearly 30% protein, is a perfect fit.

• Fitness culture boom: Gyms, sports clubs, and nutrition stores across UAE, Saudi, and Qatar are stocking peanut butter as a healthy energy source.

• Vegan & Keto diets: With its plant-based protein and zero cholesterol, peanut butter is ideal for these lifestyles.

2. Rising Awareness of Natural & Clean-Label Foods

Consumers in the Gulf are moving away from heavily processed foods and looking for natural, clean-label products.

• Unsweetened peanut butter (just peanuts, no sugar/salt) is in high demand.

• Jaggery-sweetened variants are seen as healthier alternatives to refined sugar spreads.

• Labels like “No Palm Oil,” “No Hidden Chemicals,” and “Non-GMO” make peanut butter highly appealing in these markets.

3. Market Size & Growth Potential

• The global peanut butter market is growing at a CAGR of 6-7%, and the Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions.

• Demand is particularly strong in UAE and Saudi Arabia, due to higher expat populations, western eating habits, and a growing fitness industry.

• Importers who add peanut butter to their product line can benefit from rising consumer demand and premium margins.

4. Opportunities for Importers & Distributors

Peanut butter fits into multiple sales channels in the Gulf:

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets – Carrefour, Lulu, Panda, Spinneys

• Health Food Stores & Gyms – Protein shops, sports clubs

• Online Retail Platforms – Amazon.ae, Noon, Talabat

• Private Label Brands – Retailers looking for their own branded peanut butter products

By partnering with a reliable manufacturer, importers can target all these channels with customized packaging, bulk supply, and private labeling.

5. Why Indian Peanut Butter is Attractive for Gulf Buyers

India is one of the largest producers of peanuts in the world, making Indian peanut butter high-quality and cost-competitive.

• Affordable pricing compared to US/EU brands

• Export-ready certifications – FSSAI, HACCP, ISO, US FDA, Halal

• Flexible packaging options – bulk pails, jars (400g, 900g, 1kg), drums

• Private labeling services – allowing Gulf importers to sell under their own brand

6. Consumer Preferences in the Gulf

Different types of peanut butter are gaining traction:

• Unsweetened & Natural – For health-conscious consumers

• Jaggery Sweetened – A healthier sugar alternative

• Chocolate & Flavored Variants – Popular among kids & young families

• Bulk Packs – For gyms, bakeries, and food service businesses

This variety allows importers to target different customer segments in the Gulf market.

Conclusion

The Gulf region is witnessing a peanut butter boom, and the demand is only going to increase in the coming years. For food importers and distributors, this is the right time to enter the market and establish long-term partnerships with trusted suppliers.

At Own Choice Foods, we are a leading manufacturer and exporter of peanut butter from India. We supply a wide range of variants – Unsweetened, Jaggery, Classic, Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate – available in bulk supply and private labeling options.

👉 If you are an importer or distributor in the Gulf, let’s connect and explore opportunities to bring healthy, natural, and delicious peanut butter to your customers.