RTD coffee is seeing the fastest growth in soft drinks, as such products become increasingly accessible to consumers through product innovation and expanding distribution. However, the category faces significant competition both within soft drinks and from beverages prepared by specialist coffee and tea shops, which are expanding their presence in the Mexican market.

RTD tea is seeing notable growth driven by Mexican consumers search for soft drinks with a healthier, more natural image. The rise in sales is being supported by the expansion of major players, with market-leader. Coca-Cola Mexico taking its Fuze Tea brand into new geographic markets, for example.

Carbonates is seeing modest growth driven by the shift to reduced sugar options in the face of growing concern about the health impact of high sugar consumption. These concerns have been sharpened by rising awareness of the problem of obesity in Mexico, which was bolstered in March 2025 by the introduction of new regulations banning the sale of high-sugar products in schools.

Soft drinks sales are rising in Mexico despite significant economic challenges and occasionally unfavourable weather conditions. Health and wellness continues to exert a growing influence on demand, reshaping consumption patterns. Consumers are increasingly moving away from high-sugar options and demanding more functional value from their soft drinks. Such moves are being supported by the evolving regulatory and fiscal landscape, with the government targeting areas such as sugary beverages in it

Concentrates is seeing sales bolstered by budget conscious consumers turning away from more expensive soft drinks, such as juice, due to challenging and uncertain economic conditions. In this context, it is notable that the private label segment is gaining share, attracting consumers looking for the most affordable prices.

Bottled water is seeing growth as increasingly health conscious consumers look for alternatives to sugary soft drinks. This is driving growth in areas such as flavoured bottled water and carbonated natural mineral water, which are both seen as attractive alternatives to carbonates.

Juice is seeing growing concerns about the adverse health effects of sugar consumption exert a significant negative impact on sales. In particular, addressing obesity and diabetes have become public health priorities, with new regulation notably raising awareness of health issues relating to high-sugar products such as juice.

Energy drinks is seeing growth as busy consumers look for quick and convenient ways to boost their energy. These products have been less vulnerable to the rising concerns about sugar content and artificial ingredients, as they are valued for their specific functionality. Indeed, regular energy drinks continues to significantly outperform the reduced sugar category.

Sports drinks continues to see growth supported by the expansion of the offer to include oral rehydration solutions. Such developments highlight the way in which health conscious consumers are not only seeking to avoid potentially harmful ingredients such as sugar, but are looking for ever more specific health benefits from soft drinks.

Affordability is proving a key driver of growth for tea, as Mexican consumers look for alternatives to increasingly expensive coffee in a generally uncertain economic environment. Moreover, tea aligns with the rise in consumer health consciousness thanks to its antioxidant content and digestive benefits, while its relatively low caffeine content is also appealing to some consumers.

Coffee is seeing growth, but the rise in volume sales is being dampened by significant price increases. At the same time, the increasing sophistication of consumer taste, supported by the experience of specialist coffee shops, is driving up interest in higher-end coffee options, including fresh coffee beans and fresh ground coffee.

Other hot drinks is coming under increasing consumer scrutiny as a result of the ongoing health and wellness trend. There have been growing concerns about the sugar content of such products over a number of years, with the health impact of sugar being the focus of increasing research and, indeed, regulation. However, consumers are also becoming increasingly wary about the use of ingredients such as artificial sweeteners.

The key factors shaping the development of hot drinks in Mexico in 2025 include consumer budget consciousness in the face of persistent economic uncertainty and rising coffee prices, and growing consumer health awareness. Budgetary concerns have supported demand for products that can be consumed at home and have not wholly undermined the general consumer shift towards more upmarket coffee options, as consumers look to replicate the foodservice experience in their own homes. Price consciousness h

Baked goods such as tortillas (flatbreads) form a core part of Mexican diets, whilst demand for indulgence items like pastries and cakes remains steady. Whilst affordability is key for consumers, the growing importance of health is driving major players to adapt and improve nutritional content, with a focus on natural and simple ingredients.

Rising price sensitivity and health concerns are providing challenges for players in breakfast cereals. Brands and retailers have been forced to compete on price to drive category sales. As a result, retail volume and value sales of breakfast cereals has weakened in 2025.

Mexican households relied more heavily on affordable staples such as rice and pasta during 2025, as cost of living challenges led to more cautious spending behaviour. Local preferences draw consumers towards rice, but pasta and noodles are becoming increasingly popular.

Shelf-stable beans and vegetables formed the bulk of category sales in 2025, as they are important ingredients in traditional Mexican cuisine. Frozen processed fruit and vegetables are more expensive but are set to gain appeal in the years ahead, as the economy improves and consumers embrace healthier diets. The modern grocery channel stands to benefit from this trend due to its cold storage infrastructure.

Staple foods in Mexico has largely benefitted from the weak economy in 2025, with consumers relying more on tortillas (flatbreads), rice and pasta due to their affordability and widespread availability. Health is factoring into more purchasing decisions with concerns surrounding processed and ultra-processed foods shaping product choices. Meanwhile, modern grocery channels are expanding the choice of staple products, whilst leveraging promotions and discounts to entice price sensitive shoppers.

Rising prices stifled volume growth of processed meat, seafood and alternatives to meat in 2025. The rising popularity of processed meats, such as ham, sausages, and bacon, is expected to support category growth in the years ahead. Healthier lifestyles will also shape the development of this category, with players responding to the growing consumer preference for foods with higher protein, lower salt and fewer additives.

Consumption of sauces, dips, and condiments in Mexico has picked up in 2025 as price growth moderates. Demand for traditional flavours remains strong in sauces as consumers value the convenience of ready-made formats that complement popular dishes.

Promotional strategies and discounting is helping to drive volume growth in edible oils, as pressure on household budgets continues. There is growing interest in olive oil for its health properties, although higher prices have stifled volume sales in this niche category in Mexico.

Sweet spreads is making steady progress in 2025 as prices moderate in most categories, with the exception of chocolate spreads. The stronger emphasis on taking longer breakfasts is supporting consumption, whilst healthier diets are driving sales of nut and seed-based spreads.

Overall consumption of cooking ingredients and meals in Mexico remains stable in 2025, with both volume and value sales of cooking ingredients and meals rising slightly on the previous year. Despite a slowdown in price inflation, value growth is still driven primarily by higher unit prices, whilst volume growth is hindered by ongoing consumer price sensitivity.

Meals and soups enjoyed a slight uplift in sales over 2025, with consumers valuing the convenience and affordability of products. Accessibility via hypermarkets and convenience stores is also a key factor supporting category development.