The natural thickeners market is poised for significant growth, projected to increase by USD 2.23 billion at a CAGR of 5.63% between 2023 and 2028. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of nutritional dietary natural thickeners in food and beverage applications. The growing preference for plant-based thickeners, fueled by rising demand for vegan and vegetarian products, further accelerates market expansion. Despite this, fluctuating raw material prices, particularly for common thickeners like starch, present a challenge to manufacturers.
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North America
Europe
APAC
Middle East & Africa
South America
The growing demand for organic food products with health benefits and the increasing preference for plant-based diets are propelling market growth. Natural thickeners, including those derived from polysaccharides and proteins, are becoming increasingly popular in various industries. These thickeners offer a sustainable and clean label alternative to traditional additives, thus boosting their application in food, beverages, and personal care products. Additionally, the construction industry’s adoption of natural thickeners to improve energy efficiency in buildings is contributing to overall market growth.
The trend of increasing plant-based thickener launches is notably shaping the market. As demand for vegan and clean-label products rises, companies are introducing new sustainable thickeners. For example, in February 2024, Ingredion Inc. launched HOMECRAFT pulse flours and starches derived from lentils, chickpeas, and yellow peas. These offer both thickening and texturizing benefits, ideal for food and beverage applications. Similarly, Tate and Lyle introduced PROMITA F200, a plant-based thickener for dairy alternatives, improving the texture of plant-based yogurts and beverages. Such innovations align with the growing demand for vegan and gluten-free foods.
Fluctuating raw material prices pose a significant challenge to market growth. The volatility in the prices of key ingredients like guar gum, pectin, and agar is impacting production costs. These raw materials, largely sourced from plant or microbial origins, are affected by agricultural conditions, climate change, and geopolitical issues. For instance, guar gum prices saw considerable volatility in Q1 2024, reflecting broader supply chain concerns. To mitigate this, manufacturers are focusing on sourcing from reliable suppliers and developing price risk management strategies.
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The natural thickeners market is expected to grow steadily in the forecast period, driven by trends like sustainability and health-conscious food choices. However, the fluctuation of raw material prices remains a significant challenge for market participants. Key players are responding to these market dynamics by developing innovative and sustainable products to meet growing consumer demand.
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