Global Food Thickeners Market Outlook, 2029

The global food thickeners market has a rich history dating back to ancient times when natural thickening agents like agar, carrageenan, and starch were used in various cuisines worldwide. As food processing evolved, synthetic thickeners were developed to enhance texture and stability in processed foods. Today, the market is driven by the growing demand for plant-based and organic thickeners to cater to health-conscious consumers. The competitive landscape is characterized by intense rivalry among major players like Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland, Ingredion, and DuPont. These companies focus on mergers, acquisitions, and new product launches to gain a competitive edge. For instance, Cargill recently added a new kappa carrageenan to its portfolio to cater to high gelling applications. The market is also witnessing increasing innovations in hydrocolloids and starches, offering food manufacturers more options to meet changing consumer preferences. The market is witnessing a surge in demand for protein-based thickeners like egg white, gelatin, and collagen due to their foaming properties in bakery applications. The rising burden of allergies and dietary restrictions has also steered preference towards gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan protein-based thickeners. Plant-based thickeners are gaining popularity for achieving desired creaminess and mouthfeel in plant-based products like yogurt, cheese, and meat alternatives. Governments worldwide have implemented regulations to ensure the safety and quality of food thickeners. In the US, the FDA regulates the use of food additives, including thickeners. The European Union has also set guidelines for the use of food thickeners through the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These regulations aim to protect consumers and ensure fair competition in the market. Key developments in the market include the discovery of new thickening agents like Ropy 352, a dairy thickener developed by researchers at Oregon State University, and the launch of PrimaColl, the first vegan collagen product by Geltor to cater to plant-based consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic also positively influenced the demand for food thickeners due to the surging preference for shelf-stable foods like canned soups, sauces, and ready-to-eat meals.

According to the research report, “Global Food Thickeners Market Outlook, 2029” published by Bonafide Research, the market is expected to grow with 5.80% CAGR by 2024-29. This expansion is influenced by several factors, including rising disposable incomes, increasing health consciousness among consumers, and a growing demand for convenience foods. As lifestyles evolve, consumers are gravitating toward products that offer both convenience and health benefits, driving innovation in the food thickening segment. Key strategies employed by leading companies, such as Cargill, Ingredion, and DuPont, include mergers and acquisitions, new product development, and the exploration of plant-based and natural thickeners to meet the rising consumer demand for clean-label products. A notable aspect of the market is the increasing popularity of hydrocolloids, which are versatile thickening agents used across various applications, from dairy products to sauces and dressings. Interesting facts about the market reveal that starch-based thickeners dominate due to their cost-effectiveness and multifunctionality, while plant-based thickeners are gaining traction as consumers seek healthier alternatives. Additionally, innovations such as Ropy 352, a new dairy thickener with probiotic properties developed by researchers at Oregon State University, highlight the ongoing advancements in this field. The market faces challenges, including stringent regulations from authorities like the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority, which impose strict guidelines on the use of food additives, potentially impacting market dynamics. Overall, the food thickeners market is poised for continued growth, driven by consumer trends, innovative product offerings, and the strategic initiatives of key industry players.

Market Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Convenience Foods: The growing consumer preference for convenience foods is a significant driver of the food thickeners market. As lifestyles become busier, more people are seeking quick meal solutions, leading to a surge in demand for ready-to-eat meals, sauces, and dressings. Food thickeners play a crucial role in enhancing the texture and mouthfeel of these products, making them more appealing to consumers. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger demographics who prioritize convenience without sacrificing quality.
• Health and Wellness Trends: Another key driver is the rising awareness of health and nutrition among consumers. There is a marked shift towards clean-label products that utilize natural and organic ingredients, including thickeners derived from plant sources. This trend is fueled by the increasing popularity of plant-based diets and the desire for healthier food options. As consumers become more health-conscious, they are actively seeking food thickeners that offer nutritional benefits and align with their dietary preferences, thereby boosting market growth.

Market Challenges



• Regulatory Scrutiny and Health Concerns: The food thickeners market faces challenges related to regulatory scrutiny and potential health concerns associated with certain thickeners. Ingredients like xanthan gum and carrageenan have been linked to gastrointestinal issues and allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to increased regulatory oversight. This scrutiny can create barriers to market entry for new products and may deter consumers from purchasing items containing these thickeners, impacting overall market growth.
• Fluctuating Raw Material Costs: Another challenge is the volatility in raw material prices and supply chain disruptions, which can significantly affect the production costs of food thickeners. Fluctuations in prices for key ingredients, such as starches and hydrocolloids, can lead to increased costs for manufacturers, which may be passed on to consumers. Additionally, supply chain issues, exacerbated by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can hinder the availability of essential raw materials, complicating production processes and affecting market stability.

Market Trends

• Rise of Plant-Based Thickeners: A prominent trend in the food thickeners market is the increasing use of plant-based thickeners. As more consumers adopt vegan and vegetarian diets, there is a growing demand for thickeners derived from natural sources such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. These plant-based options not only cater to health-conscious consumers but also align with sustainability goals, as they often have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional thickeners.
• Innovation in Clean-Label Products: The trend towards clean-label products is reshaping the food thickeners market, with manufacturers focusing on developing thickeners that are free from artificial additives and preservatives. This movement is driven by consumer demand for transparency in food labeling and a preference for products that are perceived as healthier and more natural. Innovations in this area include the development of new, functional thickeners that meet the criteria for clean-label status while maintaining performance in various food applications.

Based on the report, the application segment is distinguished into Bakery, Confectionery, Sauces and Dips, Beverages, Convenience and Processed Food and Others. The Bakery is the leading application segment in the food thickeners market due to the rising demand for organic and natural baked goods, as well as the trend towards healthier snacks.

The bakery segment accounts for a significant portion of the food thickeners market, with projections indicating that it will retain its dominance during the forecast period. This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing popularity of organic and natural baked goods, as well as the growing trend towards healthier snack options. The bakery segment's leading position is the rising consumer demand for clean-label products. As health consciousness increases, consumers are seeking baked goods that are free from artificial additives and preservatives. Food thickeners derived from natural sources, such as starches, hydrocolloids, and proteins, are well-suited to meet this demand. These thickeners not only enhance the texture and mouthfeel of baked products but also align with the clean-label trend, making them appealing to health-conscious consumers. The trend towards healthier snacking is also contributing to the growth of the bakery segment in the food thickeners market. Consumers are increasingly opting for baked goods that offer nutritional benefits without compromising on taste or texture. Food thickeners play a crucial role in achieving the desired consistency and mouthfeel in these healthier snack options, such as protein bars, granola bars, and whole-grain breads. By incorporating natural thickeners, manufacturers can create baked goods that are both nutritious and appealing to consumers. The bakery segment's leading position is further reinforced by the versatility of food thickeners in various baked products. Hydrocolloids, such as guar gum and xanthan gum, are widely used in cakes, cookies, and breads to improve texture, moisture retention, and shelf life. Starches, on the other hand, are commonly used in pie fillings, icings, and meringues to provide stability and prevent syneresis. Proteins, like egg whites and gelatine, are employed in baked goods to enhance foaming properties and create a desirable texture. The growing popularity of artisanal and specialty baked goods is also contributing to the bakery segment's dominance in the food thickeners market. Consumers are increasingly seeking unique and innovative baked products, which has led to the development of new formulations and the use of novel thickening agents. Food thickener manufacturers are responding to this trend by offering customized solutions and blends that cater to the specific needs of bakery producers.

Based on the report, the segment is distinguished into Plant, Animal and Microbial. The Plant-based thickeners are leading in the food thickeners market due to the growing demand for natural, clean-label ingredients and the increasing popularity of plant-based diets.

The plant-based segment dominates the food thickeners market, driven by the rising consumer preference for natural and organic ingredients. As health consciousness increases, consumers are seeking food products that are free from artificial additives and preservatives. Plant-based thickeners, such as starches, hydrocolloids, and proteins, align well with this trend, as they are derived from natural sources like fruits, vegetables, and grains. These thickeners not only provide the desired texture and mouthfeel in various food applications but also cater to the growing demand for clean-label products. The increasing popularity of plant-based diets is further contributing to the dominance of plant-based thickeners in the market. As more individuals adopt vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, there is a surge in demand for plant-based alternatives across various food categories, including dairy products, meat substitutes, and desserts. Food thickeners play a crucial role in achieving the desired creaminess and mouthfeel in these plant-based formulations, making them an essential ingredient for manufacturers catering to this growing consumer segment. Plant-based thickeners offer several advantages over their animal-derived counterparts, such as being suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies. They are also perceived as more environmentally friendly, as they often have a lower carbon footprint compared to animal-based ingredients. These factors further contribute to the growing preference for plant-based thickeners among consumers and food manufacturers. The versatility of plant-based thickeners is another factor driving their market dominance. Starches, such as corn starch and potato starch, are widely used in various food applications, including bakery products, sauces, and gravies, to provide thickening and stabilizing properties. Hydrocolloids, like guar gum and xanthan gum, are employed in a wide range of products, from dairy items to beverages, to enhance texture and prevent syneresis. Proteins, such as pea protein and soy protein, are gaining popularity in plant-based meat alternatives and protein-enriched foods to improve texture and mouthfeel. The increasing focus on innovation in the food thickeners market is also contributing to the growth of plant-based options. Manufacturers are investing in research and development to create new and improved plant-based thickeners that offer enhanced functionality, such as improved solubility, stability, and sensory properties. These advancements are helping to drive the adoption of plant-based thickeners across various food applications.

North America leads the food thickeners industry primarily due to its advanced food processing infrastructure and high demand for convenience foods.

North America's dominance in the food thickeners industry can be attributed to several interconnected factors, with the region's sophisticated food processing infrastructure and robust demand for convenience foods standing out as primary drivers. The United States and Canada possess a well-developed food processing sector characterized by cutting-edge technology, research and development capabilities, and a highly skilled workforce. This infrastructure facilitates the efficient production and application of food thickeners, allowing companies to innovate and meet the evolving needs of the market. North America's leadership is the high demand for convenience foods. As consumers increasingly seek quick and easy meal solutions, food manufacturers are under pressure to create products that are not only nutritious but also have desirable textures and consistency. Food thickeners play a crucial role in achieving the right mouthfeel and stability in products such as sauces, soups, dressings, and ready-to-eat meals. The versatility of food thickeners, including starches, gums, and pectins, allows manufacturers to tailor the texture and viscosity of their products to meet consumer preferences and ensure a high-quality eating experience. The region's emphasis on food safety and regulatory standards contributes to its leadership in the industry. North American food processors adhere to stringent regulations that govern the use of food additives, including thickeners, ensuring that products meet safety and quality benchmarks. This focus on compliance not only fosters consumer trust but also drives innovation in the development of new and improved thickening agents that meet regulatory requirements while enhancing product performance. North America's strong research and development (R&D) capabilities play a pivotal role in the advancement of food thickener technologies. Leading food science institutions and private research facilities in the region are at the forefront of exploring new thickening agents and improving existing ones. This continuous innovation enables the food industry to introduce novel products that cater to changing dietary trends, such as gluten-free, low-fat, and plant-based options. The ability to rapidly adapt to these trends is crucial in maintaining a competitive edge in the global market. Economic factors also contribute to North America's leadership in the food thickeners sector. The region's robust economic environment supports significant investment in the food processing industry, including the procurement of high-quality raw materials and the implementation of state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies. Additionally, North American companies benefit from a well-established supply chain network that ensures the availability of essential ingredients and timely distribution of finished products. Consumer preferences and dietary habits in North America drive the demand for specialized food products that require specific thickening properties. The region's diverse and dynamic food culture creates opportunities for food manufacturers to experiment with and incorporate various thickening agents to enhance product appeal and performance. This consumer-driven approach further stimulates innovation and growth within the food thickeners industry.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Food Thickener market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Protein
• Starch
• Hydrocolloids

By Application
• Bakery
• Confectionery
• Sauces and Dips
• Beverages
• Convenience and Processed Food
• Others

By Source
• Plant
• Animal
• Microbial

By Form
• Gel Type
• Powder

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Food Thickener industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.