Food Thickeners Market

Market Overview

The global Food Thickeners Market size was valued at USD 13.60 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 21.83 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period (2023–2031). In North America, the demand for goods like croissants, muffins, and cupcakes has increased recently. The key market drivers driving the growth of the food thickeners market are the rising demand for processed food, the need for convenience meals, people's preference for healthier lifestyles, increased knowledge of healthy eating, and the many benefits and features associated with food thickeners.

Food thickeners are compounds added to Food and beverages to change their texture, most notably by increasing viscosity or thickness. These additives are important in food formulation and processing because they improve various products' sensory properties, stability, and quality. Food thickeners improve mouthfeel, prevent component separation, and achieve certain textural qualities.

The rise in disposable income and the benefits and varied functions of using Food thickeners enhance the worldwide market share. Furthermore, the surge in consumer health consciousness will likely create significant growth potential for global industry players. However, price fluctuations in food thickeners and significant R&D costs involved with their production may limit the market's expansion.

Market Dynamics

Global Food Thickeners Market Drivers:

Increased Demand for Processed Food

Food thickeners are compounds added to Food and beverages to change their texture, most notably by increasing viscosity or thickness. These additives are important in food formulation and processing because they improve various products' sensory properties, stability, and quality. Food thickeners improve mouthfeel, prevent component separation, and achieve certain textural qualities. Instant soups and sauces are common processed foods with uniform textures and aromas. Food thickeners such as modified starches or hydrocolloids are utilized to achieve the appropriate creamy or thick consistency. Common condiments that rely on food thickeners to avoid separation and maintain appropriate viscosities include salad dressings, ketchup, and mayonnaise. 

Food thickeners are in high demand in the food sector due to rising demand for processed foods caused by urbanization and changing consumer habits. These thickeners are necessary for achieving the ideal textures and maintaining the quality of a wide range of processed food products, contributing to the market's growth and stability. As a result, the food thickeners market trend will likely evolve during the forecast period.

Global Food Thickeners Market Restraints:

Regulatory Restrictions and Safety Concerns

Many nations need food thickeners to be regulated to maintain food safety and consumer protection. Regulations may limit the types and levels of thickeners used in food products. Furthermore, allergenicity and safety issues may limit their use. Through the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Union (EU) has imposed tight rules on food additives, including thickeners. The EFSA assesses additive safety and consumption levels and establishes maximum permissible levels (MPLs). The EFSA evaluates food additives regularly, and any safety concerns or changes in MPLs might directly influence the composition of food products containing thickeners in the EU market. Regulatory changes and food safety concerns can greatly impact the food business. 

Consumer demand for natural ingredients and fewer additives has resulted in a trend away from synthetic or chemically modified thickeners. Manufacturers are seeking alternatives that match with clean label preferences. The clean label movement, which promotes natural and easily identifiable ingredients, is transforming the food thickeners business. Manufacturers are reformulating products to replace synthetic thickeners with natural alternatives to suit consumer demand.

Global Food Thickeners Market Opportunity:

Innovation in Alternative Ingredients

Innovative thickeners, such as plant-based alternatives or novel hydrocolloids, offer chances for differentiation and catering to unique dietary requirements. Konjac flour, obtained from the root of the konjac plant, is gaining favor as an alternative to standard thickeners. These thickeners are popular in vegan and vegetarian foods because of their gelling and stabilizing characteristics. According to Nielsen, plant-based product sales in the United States are expected to increase by 27% in 2020, indicating a robust market for plant-based thickeners.

The clean label movement promotes natural and minimally processed foods and promotes new thickeners that can replace synthetic chemicals. Furthermore, innovative hydrocolloids and plant-based thickeners are employed in various products, from dairy replacements to gluten-free baked goods, demonstrating their adaptability and acceptance in various food applications. As a result, food thickeners market insights indicate that Consumer preferences for healthier, more sustainable, and allergen-free food options drive the expansion of these alternative ingredients, generating opportunities for manufacturers to match these demands.

Regional Analysis

The global food thickeners market analysis is conducted in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global food-thickeners market shareholder. North America dominated the market due to significant demand for products from various industries in the United States and Canada. The highly developed food and beverage industries in the United States and Canada dominate the North American market. The existence of many global food processing and manufacturing enterprises further benefits the market, resulting in greater demand for the product. In recent years, there has been an increase in demand for products such as pastries, muffins, and cupcakes in North America. Players in the baking and confectionery industries use various thickeners to introduce innovation into their goods.

Furthermore, the region's need for bread and confectionery items is increasing. In North America, however, strict rules oblige food manufacturers to conform to safety and labeling standards. Compliance with these regulations can be difficult and expensive. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States regulates food additives and establishes maximum usage levels and labeling regulations. Noncompliance can lead to product recalls and fines. Furthermore, this industry is projected to evolve to fulfill the needs of the region's health-conscious and discerning consumers.

Europe is anticipated to Grow over the forecast period. The presence of a robust bakery and confectionery industry, together with rising consumer demand, is likely to drive higher demand for food thickeners in Europe. Value-added export products from European Food thickening producers include thickener blends and flavor additives. Western Europe has the most exporters, whereas Eastern Europe is seeing an upsurge in manufacturing activity. Furthermore, the German food thickeners market had the biggest market share, while the UK was the fastest-growing market in Europe.

Additionally, increased demand for packaged juices and energy drinks will likely drive market expansion throughout the projection period. Various food thickener companies in Europe export value-added products such as mixes of different thickeners and flavor additives. Exporters are predominantly centered in Western Europe, while manufacturers are extending their operations in Eastern Europe.

The Asia-Pacific food thickeners market is expected to develop at the quickest CAGR during the projected period. The increased consumption of various food thickeners is ascribed to the region's economic growth. Producers of Food and beverages are focusing on new product creation, health considerations, and improving functional characteristics of their completed products, such as texture, flavor, and other organoleptic features. Furthermore, rising consumer demand for healthful, low-fat foods is driving further expansion in this sector. Furthermore, China's food thickeners market had the biggest market share, while India's was the Asia-Pacific region's fastest-growing market.

Segmental Analysis

The global food thickeners market is segmented based on type, source, application, and region.

Type is further segmented into Starch, protein, and hydrocolloid.

Hydrocolloid holds the maximum share of the market.

Hydrocolloid

Hydrocolloids are a broad class of thickeners that can be generated from natural sources or synthesized synthetically. When mixed with water, they can generate gels or enhance viscosity. Agar-agar, carrageenan, xanthan gum, and pectin are common hydrocolloids. Hydrocolloids are widely used as food additives and thickeners, such as a sugar substitute in whipped creams and steamed bread, a wheat flour substitute in cookies, a coating material in nuts and dried fish, a food stabilizer in whipped cream, a bulking agent in ice cream and yogurt, and a starch dispersion agent in rice.

Starch

Starch-based thickeners are obtained from various plant sources, the most prevalent of which are maize, potato, and tapioca starches. They are well-known for their capacity to form a gel when heated and hydrated, hence adding viscosity and texture to a wide range of food preparations. Because of its inexpensive cost, vast availability, and ability to create a thick-base feel to sauces and soups, Starch is widely utilized.

Based on the source, the market is sub-segmented into Plant, Animal, and Microbial.

Plant source is a significant contributor to the market.

Plant

Plant-based thickeners are obtained from various plant sources and are popular due to their versatility and broad range of applications. Common plant-based thickeners are starches (e.g., maize, potato, tapioca), gums (e.g., guar gum, locust bean gum), and other botanical extracts. Food thickeners made from plants are sustainable and in high customer demand, owing to the growing trend of veganism and vegetarian diets, particularly in bakeries, confectionery, and processed Food. The cheap availability of raw materials for producing plant-based food thickeners and customer preference for the product will likely drive the segment over the forecast period.

Animal

Animal-based thickeners are obtained from animal products, with gelatin being one of the most well-known examples. Gelatin is made from collagen, commonly produced from the skin and bones of animals such as cattle and pigs.

The segment can be bifurcated by application into Bakery, Confectionery, Sauces, Dressings, Marinades, gravies, Beverages, Dairy and frozen Desserts, Convenience, and processed Food.

Bakery led the market growth.

Bakery

Thickeners improve baked items' texture, moisture retention, and shelf life. They can improve structure and crumb softness in bread, cakes, pastries, and gluten-free baked goods. During the forecast period, the category is expected to maintain its dominance. Rising demand for organic and natural baked goods and the trend toward healthier snacks will likely fuel demand for Food thickeners over the forecast period.

Convenience Food

Increasing demand for convenience meals due to rising consumer awareness of items with unusual and traditional flavors will likely drive the food thickeners market throughout the forecast period. 

Beverages

Thickeners are frequently used in beverages to increase mouthfeel, particle suspension, and texture. Fruit juices, smoothies, dairy-based beverages, and meal replacement shakes include them.

Recent Developments

• September 2023- Cargill built its first European Protein Innovation Hub in Saint-Cyr en Val, France, responding to client needs for inspiration, innovation, and faster time-to-market.
• September 2023- ADM and Syngenta Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support low-carbon next-generation oilseeds and improved varieties to meet rising demand for biofuels and other products.