US Healthcare/Hospital Food Services Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Type (Patient and Dining Service, Retail Service, Vending and Shops, and Other Services) and Settings – Market Forecast, 2025–2034

The Healthcare/hospital food services market size is expected to reach USD 63.50 billion by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report “US Healthcare/Hospital Food Services Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Type (Patient and Dining Service, Retail Service, Vending and Shops, and Other Services) and Settings – Market Forecast, 2025–2034” gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

Healthcare/hospital food services refer to the organized provision of nutritious, safe, and tailored meals to patients, staff, and visitors within healthcare facilities to support recovery, wellness, and overall care.

Food safety and nutrition are heavily regulated in the healthcare sector to protect patient health. Hospitals need to follow strict rules from agencies such as the FDA, CDC, and USDA regarding hygiene, food storage, preparation, and dietary standards. These regulations ensure that patients, especially those with weakened immune systems, receive safe and nutritious meals. Hospitals invest in trained food service staff and quality control systems to meet these requirements. Compliance helps avoid legal and health risks and builds trust with patients and families. This need to meet high regulatory standards drives consistent upgrades in hospital food services, thereby driving the US healthcare/hospital food services market growth.

Hospital food services are changing to match modern culinary expectations. Instead of bland meals, many hospitals are offering dishes inspired by popular food trends such as farm-to-table, international cuisines, and healthier alternatives. These efforts improve the overall dining experience for patients, visitors, and hospital staff. Hospitals aim to boost patient morale and satisfaction by making meals more enjoyable. Incorporating cultural and dietary variety further ensures that diverse patient populations feel respected and well cared for. Culinary innovation is becoming a valuable strategy in healthcare food service operations as food quality becomes part of the hospital’s image.

US Healthcare/Hospital Food Services Market Report Highlights

Based on setting, in 2024, the acute care settings segment dominated the US healthcare/hospital food services market share due to the high number of acute hospitals and the growing number of admissions in these facilities.

The patient and dining service segment, by type, is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period due to hospitals' increasing focus on improving patient satisfaction and recovery through personalized nutrition.

A few global key market players are ARAMARK; AVI Foodsystem, INC; Compass Group PLC; ELIOR Group; Healthcare Services Group; ISS World; Metz Culinary Management; Performance Food Group; SODEXO; and Whitsons Culinary Group.

Polaris Market Research has segmented the market report on the basis of type and setting:

By Type (Revenue USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Patient and Dining Service

Retail Service

Vending and Shops

Services

By Setting (Revenue USD Billion, 2020–2034)

Acute Care Settings

Non-Acute Care Settings

Other Settings