Seaweed snack consumption is exploding, with the vitamin-packed alternative to potato chips experiencing its biggest growth in North America and Europe.
Longtime purveyors say that grocery retailers were reluctant to carry a wide variety of seaweed snacks until recently, but product awareness has grown in recent years.
Grand View Research estimated the global seaweed market to be around $2.7 billion in 2025 and projects it will nearly double to $4.66 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%.
North America is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by the adoption of seaweed snacks at major retail outlets like Walmart and Kroger, according to the report.
“Seaweed farming also has a low environmental impact, which is an important factor for snacking companies looking to drive sales among eco-conscious consumers in the US and Canada,” Grand View Research noted.
They are also seeing adoption as a snack alternative in Europe for the “rapidly expanding vegan and flexitarian demographic,” Grand View noted.
Gimme Seaweed as a topping
Gimme Seaweed, an industry leader in the US market, made headlines in late February with the debut of K-Crisps, a seaweed topping.
The topping, available in two flavors, Sea Salt and Chili Crisp, was a finalist in Spices and Condiments category for the 2026 NEXTY Awards.
Adoption of seaweed snacks as a healthy alternative to potato chips has exploded over the last five years, said Gimme CEO Chris Lansing.
“We’re always expanding new flavors of our very popular seaweed snacks and also new product shapes or formats,” she said.
Nora Seaweed Snacks
Nora Seaweed Snacks has spent the last decade breaking into the US market, according to Kane Chiu, a sales and marketing associate with Nora Snacks and its parent company Taokaenoi USA.
The company offers Original Crispy, Tempura and Spicy Tempura seaweed chips.
Nora realized after entering the US market that it would need to redesign packaging and marketing to appeal to North American consumers, according to Chiu. The company also stresses its clean-label attributes, he said.
“We’re very selective on our ingredients we use, like rice bran oil, no artificial flavors and low in sugar, and it’s also vegan,” he said.
Ocean’s Halo
Ocean’s Halo, a San Francisco-based brand, is appealing to consumers in search of better-for-you options as well as those who value environmental sustainability.
Among its eco-friendly claims is its packaging that includes “No Plastic Tray” to hold the delicate seaweed snacks.
In December, the company launched its XL Seaweed Snacks in two flavors – Sea Salt & Avocado Oil and Thai Sweet Chili.
“Expanding its footprint in the ‘Better-For-You’ (BFY) snack aisle, Ocean’s Halo has introduced Sea Salt and Vinegar Seaweed Snacks at Walmart,” the company said.
Ocean’s Halo donates at least 1% of its revenue to ocean conservation, promoting equal access to nature, food education and hunger mitigation.
Morish in the UK
Competition continues to heat up in the UK as well due to new releases from companies like Morish, which debuted its online shop in early March with five seaweed snack flavors – Avocado Oil, Sesame Oil, Sea Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Shiitake.
“Naturally rich in fiber, iodine and vitamin B12, and a source of protein, they help support sustained energy, fullness and everyday nutritional balance,” Morish said in a press release.
The company also stressed the environmental benefits of seaweed consumption, noting that it is “one of the planet’s most environmentally responsible crops.”
“It grows without land, fresh water or fertilizers, absorbs carbon from the ocean and supports marine biodiversity,” Morish said. “By pairing good, unrefined oils with sustainably cultivated seaweed, Morish offers a product that is as good for the planet as it is for the consumer.”
