Global Food Thickener Market – Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2022 - 2030)

The food thickener market size is anticipated to register a CAGR of 6.12% during the forecast period. Food thickener is used as a food additive, which stabilizes the product by increasing suspension and emulsification. Moreover, it helps in the absorption of nutrients from food. Based on the type of food thickeners, it has different food applications. For instance, arrowroot is a better choice than cornstarch, as it loses thickening potency, for acidic foods. Further, frozen food, tapioca or arrowroot are preferred over cornstarch, as the latter becomes spongy when frozen. Therefore, owing to wide functional applications of thickener in the food industry, the demand growth is significant.

Market Dynamics

High Functional Potential and Compatibility of Thickeners with Other Ingredients is Driving Market Growth

The food thickener market is driven by high functional potential and compatibility of thickeners with other ingredients, expansion of research, development and innovation, increasing demand from dysphagia patients and growth demand for processed or convenience food products. The use of food thickeners can reduce dysphagia risk in patients by providing greater swallowing ease. Hence, food thickener provide benefit for the patients with cancer, trauma, old-age and neurology disorder, who suffer difficult to swallow food. Also, food thickeners are prescribed to infants who are unable to digest breastfeeding. It also helps in the absorption of nutrients from food. The fluctuating prices of raw materials and increasing consumer awareness towards chemical additives and E numbers are some of the restraints to the market.

Market Segmentation

Based on type, food thickener market has been segmented into polysaccharides-based (starches, vegetable gum, pectin) and protein-based thickener. Starch, as food thickener, holds the highest share, owing to its easy availability, abundant supply, optimum functionality, and relatively low prices in comparison to other food thickeners. Moreover, these thickeners do not impose any negative impact the organoleptic properties of food.

Based on application, food thickener market has been segmented into bakery & confectionery, sauces & dressings, dairy & frozen desserts, snacks & savory, beverages and ‘others’. Dairy & frozen desserts segment holds the highest share. The increased usage of food thickeners such as hydrocolloids, starch, and proteins, for thickening and flavor and texture enhancement in dairy & frozen desserts products is accelerating this segment.

Regional Analysis

The Asia-Pacific region holds the highest share in the food thickener market and is estimated to increase at the fastest rate, during the forecast period. The region is driven by the increasing volume consumption of various types of food thickeners. The food & beverage manufacturers are focusing on the product innovation, health aspects, and improving functional characteristics of their end-product such as texture, flavor, and other organoleptic properties. All these factors together are driving the Asia-Pacific food thickener market.

MAJOR PLAYERS: CARGILL, INC, ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND COMPANY, DUPONT, INGREDION INCORPORATED, TATE & LYLE PLC, DARLING INGREDIENTS INC., KERRY GROUP PLC, ASHLAND SPECIALTY INGREDIENTS, CP KELCO, BASF SE, THE DOW CHEMICAL COMPANY, TIC GUMS, INC., FUERST DAY LAWSON LTD, HORMEL FOODS CORPORATION, WALGREEN CO., NESTLÉ HEALTH SCIENCE and SIGMA-ALDRICH CO. LLC., amongst others.

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