Food Acidulants Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Type (Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, Phosphoric Acid, Malic Acid, Others) By Application (Beverages, Dairy And Frozen Products, Bakery, Meat Industry, Confectionery, Other), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The global food acidulants market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period.

Food acidulants are food additives that give meals a tart, sour, or acidic flavour in a food or a beverage product or increase their perceived sweetness. In some processed foods, food acidulants can also act as emulsifiers. These chemical compounds are also used to balance the pH level, modify the flavour profiles, control gel formation, and maintain the viscosity of confections. Acetic acid and citric acid are two of the most popular food acidulates. Food acidulants such as phosphoric acid are found in several pre-packed beverages, including cola drinks, whereas malic acid is frequently used to formulate sour candies. Other popular examples of food acidulants used in food processing include fumaric acid, tartaric acid, gluconic-delta-lactone, lactic acid, and gluconic acid are some other acidulants used in food processing.

Food acidulants are employed in various food and beverages, such as confectionary products, snacks, baked goods, processed foods, drinks, ready-to-eat products, etc. Thus, growing consumer demand for processed and convenience foods is a major factor driving the global market during the analysis period. Food accidents are primarily used in sour products with citrus flavours. Therefore, the growing demand for citrus flavour profiles such as mandarin, yuzu, grapefruit, lime, and tangy, zesty products, is fuelling the demand for food acid regulators. Furthermore, growing consumer interest in clean-label products is projected to drive growth in the food acidulants market. Changing consumer preferences and rising disposable income are also significant drivers of the market for food acidulants.

However, complex laws, restrictions, possible side effects, high & volatile prices of raw materials, and a lack of knowledge obstruct the growth of the global market for food acidulants during the analysis period. Moreover, a continuous product launched by key market players with innovative sour, citrusy, and zesty flavours and textures provides new opportunities to market participants during the forecast period.

The growing demand for citrus-flavoured and sour products is supporting the global food acidulants market growth.

Citrus flavour profiles are among the most popular worldwide and are used in various meals, ready-to-eat products, jellies, snacks, baked goods, confections, and drinks. However, consumers have wanted much more from the citrus category in recent years and developed a sophisticated taste for these flavours. According to Irish flavour company, Kerry Inc, citrus flavour profiles were present in 30 percent of soft drinks, flavoured waters, juices, and energy drinks in 2021. At the same time, 32 percent of alcoholic beverages, hard seltzers, and 29 percent of water-based ice creams had citrus flavour. Citrus was also found in 7 percent of all dairy and non-dairy yoghurts and ice creams, illustrating its adaptability. Kerry Inc also says that citrus tastes control the beverage aisle, accounting for around one-third of all beverage releases in the previous five years. Food acidulants are extensively used in citrus-flavoured products to give their signature tangy flavour. Therefore growing demand for citrus flavour is driving the growth of the global market. For instance, in March 2023, American food giant General Mills announced the launch of citrus-flavoured products in its portfolio due to its growing demand.

The food business is evolving as more companies capitalize on consumer desire for tart, zesty, sour foods by selling sour-flavoured food and beverage items such as Greek yogurt, salt and vinegar crisps, and lime-flavoured candies. Due to the incorporation of different cuisines, sour flavours and snack foods have grown in favour. Asian cuisines, notably Thai, have boosted the popularity of sour flavours with items such as sour dipping sauces and hot soups boosted with lime juice. These flavour trends in the food and beverage industry are spurring the demand for food acid regulators during the analysis period.

The Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold a significant share of the global food acidulants market.

Asia Pacific region is anticipated to hold a significant market share in food acidulants. This region will experience rapid expansion throughout the projection period due to the growing demand for citrus and sour flavour products. Food acidulants are in high demand in markets such as India and China. This region's market is also expanding due to the growing millennial population. This region's market is expanding due to the presence of a well-established food & beverage industry. This region's market is expanding due to changing eating habits and rising demand for healthy beverages. In addition, the prevalence of key market players such as IFF, Sensient, DSM, Kerry Inc, and Synergy Flavors is spurring the growth of food acidulants in this region. 

Market Developments:

• In February 2019, Bartek Ingredients Inc., the world's largest malic acid and food-grade fumaric acid manufacturer, completed a 4,000-ton/year capacity upgrade in its malic acid manufacturing facility. Bartek is boosting capacity and capabilities to provide better flexibility and support to its food, beverage, confectionery; animal nutrition; and industrial clients. This is the first in a series of capital investment projects to support its growing acidulants business.
• In August 2022, LG Chem, a leading global diversified chemical company, and ADM, a global leader in nutrition and bio solutions, held a signing ceremony today to launch two joint ventures for lactic acid and polylactic acid production in the United States to meet the growing demand for a wide range of plant-based products, including bioplastics. The joint ventures have picked Decatur, Illinois, USA, as the location of their anticipated manufacturing facilities, pending final investment decisions.

Food Acidulants Market Scope:

Market Segmentation:

• By Type
  • Citric Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Acetic Acid
  • Phosphoric Acid
  • Malic Acid
  • Others
• By Application
  • Beverages
  • Dairy and Frozen Products
  • Bakery
  • Meat Industry
  • Confectionery
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
  • Europe
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • France
    • Spain
    • Others
  • Middle East and Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Israel
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • Japan
    • China
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Thailand
    • Others