Asia Pacific ranks first in the savory/salty snacks and snacks categories launches, accounting 44% of market share.¹ It is also the top region in terms of sales value.²
Now, let’s focus more specifically on the Malaysian snacks market.
In 2024, the Malaysian savory snacks market was valued at USD 387 million, experiencing a growth of 5.2% from 2023.³ However, this booming market is facing new challenges due to recent government initiative to promote salt reduction and an increasing consumer demand for healthier food options.
The Malaysian Ministry of Health’s push for salt reduction
As previously explained in our article on salt and sodium reduction in sauces in Malaysia, the Malaysian Ministry of Health has set a clear goal: to reduce the nation’s salt intake to combat rising cases of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. Studies show that Malaysians consume an average of 10.5g of salt per day⁴—far exceeding the WHO’s recommended limit of 5g per day. To address this, the Malaysian government is urging food manufacturers to reduce salt levels in foods.
Shifting consumer preferences in Malaysia
Malaysian consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious, leading to a significant shift in eating habits. In the Asia-Pacific region, top claims in the savory snack market include Vegetarian (29%) and Halal (19%), followed by No Additives/Preservatives (15%) and Gluten-Free (12%).⁵
With strong governmental communication on salt reduction, food manufacturers face growing challenges in reformulating products that meet both health and clean label requirements. Finding the right ingredient to reduce salt without compromising taste is now a critical concern.
Yeast extract: A game-changer for salt reduction in snacks and crackers
Biospringer has been working closely with major food manufacturers in Malaysia to optimize formulations by reducing salt, sugar, and MSG while enhancing overall taste perception. We recently published an example of case study to showcase how we reduce salt & sodium in snacks seasonings in India. You can discover it here.
Our experts’ goal is to support Malaysian food manufacturers to be aligned with consumers’ expectations. Indeed, yeast extract plays a crucial role in this transition, offering multiple benefits:
- Salt & sodium reduction without compromising taste: yeast extract enhances umami flavors, providing a rich and savory taste profile that compensates for reduced salt levels.
- Clean label solutions: yeast extract is a natural ingredient that can help to reduce the use of flavor enhancers such as MSG, while maintaining product appeal
- Halal, Kosher and Gluten–Free certified ingredients: coming from fermentation, yeast extract is an ideal ingredient combining multiple natural properties that consumers are looking for.
- Taste improvement: yeast extract improves meaty and cheesy tastes, as well as intensifies spiciness, and creates a well-balanced savory experience.
In fact, when looking at flavor trends in the Asia Pacific, the preferred flavor is chili, followed by cheese, barbecue, spices and chicken.⁶ Biospringer’s yeast extracts are able to enhance those five tastes in healthier formulations.
Our official partner in Malaysia recently developed local demos to showcase the potential of our solutions in snacks and crackers. Feel free to contact our Sales Manager based in Kuala Lumpur, Fion Kong, to organize a demo session at your doorstep!
Yeast extract compared to other salt substitutes
Today, yeast extract is the preferred natural salt replacement among food producers worldwide. For example, in 2023, it was used in 41% of new food & beverage product launches with a reduced/low/no sodium claim.⁷
Learn more about salt reduction using yeast extract
For in-depth insights into how yeast extract can help achieve salt reduction while maintaining great taste, read our dedicated page.
Sources:
¹Innova Database, Snacks & Savory/Salty Snacks launches, by region, Jan 2023 – Dec 2023
²Innova Market Sizing, Snacks & Savory/Salty Snacks sales value, by region, 2023
³Snacks: Euromonitor from trade sources/national statistics, 2025
⁴WASSH, WHO, World Population Review
⁵Innova Database, Top 5 positionings for Savory/Salty Snacks in Asia Pacific, Jan 2021 – Dec 2023
⁶Top 5 flavors for Savory/Salty Snacks launches in Asia Pacific, Innova Database, Jan 2023 – Dec 2023
⁷Euromonitor, Salt substitute and flavor enhancer ingredients as a % of total F&B launches tracked with a low/no/reduced sodium claim, Global, Oct 2022-Sept 2023
