Food Thickener Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends By Type (Protein, Starch, Hydrocolloids, Gelatin, Agar, Pectin, Xanthan Gum, Others), By Source (Animal, Microbial, Plant), By Application (Beverages, Bakery And Confectionery, Sauces And Dips, Dairy, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2023 To 2028

The food thickener market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.14% over the forecast period to reach a market size of US$22.396 billion in 2028, from US$12.947 billion in 2021.

Food thickeners are products that are added to food and beverages to increase their viscosity, texture, stability, and overall mouthfeel. These substances can be natural or synthetic and are used to enhance the sensory properties of food products, as well as to improve their shelf life and nutritional value. The food thickener market has been growing steadily in recent years, driven by several key factors. With the rise of busy lifestyles and the need for on-the-go meals and snacks, there has been a growing demand for convenience foods that are easy to prepare and consume. Thickening agents are often used in these types of products to improve their texture and stability. Moreover, as the global population ages, there is an increasing demand for food products that are easy to swallow and digest. Thickening agents are often used in products such as pureed foods and beverages for elderly people with dysphagia, a swallowing disorder.

Increasing use of food thickeners in the food processing industry

Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the use of food thickeners in the food processing industry owing to their ability to enhance the texture, flavour, and appearance of foods. These additives have been utilized in various applications including soups, sauces, gravies, desserts, and beverages. The rise in demand for food thickeners can be attributed to several key developments. One major development is the growing demand for convenience foods. As consumers' lifestyles become busier, they tend to opt for pre-made meals and foods that are easy to prepare. Another significant development is the increased focus on health and wellness. Food thickeners can be used to create low-fat or fat-free products, allowing manufacturers to offer healthier options to consumers. Additionally, some food thickeners are used as a source of dietary fibre, which can help improve digestive health.  The use of food thickeners has become more cost-effective than using traditional methods such as reducing sauces or using expensive ingredients to achieve the desired texture. Many food thickeners are readily available and can be used in small quantities to achieve the desired consistency, making them a cost-effective alternative.

Additionally, the rise of the plant-based food industry has had a significant impact on the growth of the food thickener market.

As more consumers adopt plant-based diets, there is a growing demand for alternatives to animal-based ingredients, including thickeners. Gelatin as a plant-based thickener is the ability to create a smooth, creamy texture in food products. It can be used to create this desired texture in plant-based products without the need for artificial thickeners or additives. For instance, in 2021, Kellogg's launched a new range of vegan cereals under its W.K. Kellogg brand, featuring plant-based gelatin derived from seaweed. The company cited the growing demand for plant-based and natural ingredients as a key factor in the development of the new products.

The hydrocolloids segment is projected to continue its dominance over the forecast period.

By type, the food thickener market has been segmented into protein, starch, and hydrocolloids. The protein and starch segment will witness promising growth during the given time frame since they offer unique functional properties like they provide texture and mouthfeel, as well as improve the overall nutritional profile of the product. The hydrocolloids segment is anticipated to account for a major market share in the market. Food thickeners, such as hydrocolloids, are added to these products to provide a smooth, creamy, and consistent texture that enhances the overall eating experience, and the texture is a critical component of the product's appeal. For instance, in 2020, the global food company Nestle announced that it was developing new plant-based food products that would use hydrocolloids as a thickening agent. These products would be marketed under the company's Garden Gourmet brand and would include plant-based burgers, meatballs, and sausages.

Key developments

• In 2020, ADM announced that it had developed a new range of plant-based thickeners that are derived from peas, beans, and lentils. These thickeners are intended to provide an alternative to traditional thickeners that are derived from animal sources.
• In 2021, Ingredion announced that it had developed a new range of modified food starches that are designed to provide improved stability and viscosity in dairy products such as yoghurts and ice cream.
• In 2021, CP Kelco, a global leader in specialty hydrocolloid solutions, announced the launch of a new product called NUTRAVA Citrus Fiber, a natural food thickener made from citrus pulp.

The Asia Pacific region was estimated to constitute a major market share.

Based on geography, the food thickener market is segmented into North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific regions. The demand for non-alcoholic beverages, such as fruit juices and energy drinks, is anticipated to propel the expansion of the Asia-Pacific food thickener market. One important aspect driving the market's expansion is a rise in consumer lifestyle changes that result in a greater emphasis on diet. The market for food thickeners may also be boosted by an increase in the benefits of the product, which now offers more than only thickening capabilities at reasonable prices. The Asia-pacific market will see new opportunities grow as new products are developed and research & development activities, mergers & acquisitions are intensified. For instance, Ingredion Corporation and Grupo Arcor entered into a joint venture agreement in February 2021 to develop value-added ingredients such as glucose syrups, fructose, and starches.

Food Thickener Market Scope:

Segmentation:

• By Type
  • Protein
  • Starch
  • Hydrocolloids
  • Gelatin
  • Xanthan Gum
  • Others
• By Source
  • Animal
  • Microbial
  • Plant
• By Application
  • Beverages
  • Confectionery
  •  Convenience & Processed Food
  • Dairy& Frozen Desserts
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • 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
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    •  Thailand
    • Others