Starting from USD 12,954.8 million in 2020, the Global Food Thickeners market witnessed steady expansion at a 4.9% CAGR over the next four years. The market, now valued at USD 16,660.8 million in 2025, is positioned for sustained growth at a 5.7% CAGR, potentially reaching USD 29,003.2 million by 2035.
The global food thickeners industry is crucial within the food processing sector since they provide texture, stability and viscosity to the products. Materials such as starches, hydrocolloids, proteins and plant fibers are important ingredients that are used for their thickening property in bakery, beverage and other processed food products.
The industry is indicated by continuous development and advancement as manufacturers continue to redesign their products to suit the growing need of consumers for clean-label and natural products. The top companies are allocating considerable amounts of funds towards expanding the uses of current thickeners as well as finding new thickeners that suit the current health and well-being trends, especially in plant and organic categories.
The industry structure is fairly concentrated with the major participants competing in terms of product launches, technology, acquisitions and joint ventures. The developed regions of North America and Europe are growing steadily, while the untapped regions of Asia Pacific are becoming more attractive because of the expanding food processing industries and changing lifestyles & diets.
With a surge in global awareness regarding food safety, sustainability has emerged as a core area. Companies are now starting to use green production techniques and ethical procurement strategies. There do exist some issues such as changes in prices of raw materials and strict regulatory compliance, however, growth is still strong owing to new application areas such as plant-based products and functional foods.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Industry Size (2025E) | USD 16,660.8 Million |
| Projected Global Value (2035F) | USD 29,003.2 Million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.7% |
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The table below presents a comparative assessment of the variation in CAGR over six months for the base year (2024) and current year (2025) for the Global Food Thickeners industry. This analysis reveals crucial shifts in industry performance and indicates revenue realization patterns, thus providing stakeholders with a better vision of the ecosystem growth trajectory over the year. The first half of the year, or H1, spans from January to June. The second half, H2, includes the months from July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 6.2% (2025 to 2034) |
| H2 | 5.4% (2025 to 2034) |
| H1 | 6.5% (2026 to 2035) |
| H2 | 5.6% (2026 to 2035) |
The above table presents the expected CAGR for the Global Food Thickeners industry over several semi-annual periods spanning from 2025 to 2035. In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2025 to 2035, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 6.2%, followed by a slightly variable growth rate of 5.4% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to change slightly to 6.5% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 5.6% in the second half.
Mechanical processing is widely used to extract thickeners due to it being more sustainable & cheaper
The industry mostly uses mechanical processing as one of the primary tools for thickener extraction because of its strong advantage of being both sustainable and cost-effective. In comparison to the other techniques, mechanical processing techniques are better due to the minimal waste of chemicals and energy. The process involves mechanized operations of crushing, filtering, grinding and pressing, which helps retain the natural essence of the raw materials as well as control operational expenditure.
For food manufacturers, the convenient aspect of this is that this also satisfies the rising consumer pressure for environmentally friendly production. Mechanical processing also eliminates the requirement for chemical solvents during extraction, thus making the ingredient list cleaner and appealing to everyone including manufacturers and consumers.
Hydrocolloid-sourced thickeners finding use in premium applications due to superior functionality
There is an increasing demand for thickeners based on hydro-colloids, especially in premium food applications where better functionality is required even if the cost is high. Hydrocolloids provide a lot of stability, texture and functional versatility far beyond what basic thickeners can offer. Hydrocolloids can give delicate textures, stabilize the product over a variety of temperatures and improve the mouthfeel of the food, thus giving the final product a premium feel.
Their ability to complement other ingredients is also advantageous, especially in sophisticated formulations that require exact control of texture. Additional functional properties such as emulsion and fat replacement capability make them a complete package that can be used in premium segments where higher costs are not a prominent concern.
Food Thickeners have their prominent application in Bakery & Confectionery segment
The bakery and confectionery applications remain the principal areas of usage for food thickeners as these ingredients perform numerous functions that are critical to the quality and consistency of the products. Starches and other thickeners help retain water, improve the dough's rheological properties and help the texture of the final baked product.
They also assist in achieving the right batter viscosity for cakes, the right moisture for bread products and the right structure for pastries. In the case of confectionery products, thickeners are used to provide texture in candies and sweets as well as provide homogenous cream and filling. These thickeners also possess the properties to gel emulsions and stop the formation of sugar crystals, which makes them a must-have.
Global sales increased at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2020 to 2024. For the next ten years (2025 to 2035), projections are that expenditure on the industry will rise at 5.7% forecast CAGR.
The food thickeners sector has been expanding during the last few years mainly because of the growing food industry and shifting eating habits. At that time, the industry was dominated by traditional starch and gum thickeners, which have now changed due to changing consumer preferences for clean-label solutions. Due to growing populations in many parts of the world, the demand for quick and easily consumable goods is expected to rise, hence further expanding the market.
The newer inclusion of plant-based thickeners along with the developing clean-label solutions also offers new opportunities to the industry. Given that there is an increasing growth in interest in functional foods & beverages, companies are now looking toward specialized thickening agents with advanced capabilities.
The industry is also finding solutions to sustainability concerns by coming up with environmentally friendly extraction methods and sourcing strategies. The future growth of the industry will also depend on the increasing needs that are coming from newer markets such as plant-based meat substitutes and functional drinks.
The rising processed food sector in the developing parts of the world as well as increasing urbanization and disposable incomes will continue to boost the industry. Furthermore, improvements in technology regarding ingredient processing and formulations are also expected to provide new avenues for companies in the industry.
The industry structure of the global food thickeners market is moderately fragmented, meaning that there is the presence of some big multinational corporations, along with a large presence of regional level as well small specialized manufacturers. Cargill, DuPont, Ingredion and Tate & Lyle are some of the Tier 1 players that hold about 40-45% percent of the value share.
These companies have a wide range of products, global channels for distribution and a large capacity for research, which gives them an advantage for them to pursue and service their clients in a range of applications.
Tier-2 players such as CP Kelco, Kerry Group and Ashland account for roughly 35-40% of the share. These companies usually have a strong regional presence and specialized products that are specific to particular segments of the food thickeners industry. They remain dominant in the markets through product creativity and collaborations.
Numerous small businesses and local players such as Fuerst Day Lawson, Deosen Biochemical, and Agarmex comprise of the Tier 3 category, which consists of 25-30% of the market. These companies usually compete in more targeted and particular areas and tend to specialize in certain products, offer low prices and have extensive local market experience. They focus on developing specific applications where they have regional and cultural experience and also tend to supply Tier 1 and 2 players with ingredients.
In the current scenario, larger companies are acquiring promising smaller ones with the intention of expanding their products and locations. Smaller companies are undergoing mergers in niche markets and partnering with larger firms to cater to the increasingly developing sectors.
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Cargill focuses on pectins, starches and hydrocolloids such as gellan gum and others. With the clean-label trend rising, the company has gone beyond starches as thickeners. They have a business model that supports gradual planned growth in new regions in a sustainable manner, such as through reducing artificial additives in food and investing in alternative sustainable proteins.
Cargill is working on new methods to add to the texture of plant proteins and dairy substitutes and is spending substantial resources to increase R&D facilities in important regions.
CP Kelco’s competitive advantages lie in an extensive hydrocolloid portfolio such as GENU® pectin, KELCOGEL® gellan gum, and KELTROL® xanthan gum. Investments across Denmark and Brazil have helped the company strengthen its supply chain of natural thickeners. The company is also focusing on new and unique formulations for application in functional beverages and other drinks. CP Kelco has priorities to lower environmental impact as well as broaden their technical service units for customer service.
Tate & Lyle targets niche markets in the food supply chain with modified food starches and stabilizers. Some of their prominent offerings include CLARIA® functional clean-label starches and RESISTAMYL® modified food starches.
The company is prioritizing the development of new products which would lead to sugar reduction in solutions while maintaining the desired texture. Their whole growth strategy consists of increasing their share in the more mature segments and launching new products in plant-based commodities and alternative eco-friendly production processes.
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top five markets. These countries are set to exhibit high consumption, recording high CAGRs through 2035.
| Countries | CAGR 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| USA | 5.6% |
| China | 6.0% |
| Germany | 4.9% |
| Japan | 5.2% |
| India | 6.7% |
America's strong bakery and confectionery sector has grown to become one of the significant applications for food thickeners, due to the country's complex and wide-ranging food industry. USA consumers' desire for various types of confectionery products and baked products, from bread to chocolate bars, has opened new doors for niche thickeners.
USA companies address the technical challenges of mass marketing while keeping up with the value and quality of the product. Thickeners have also become more essential in America as the food & beverage industry is moving more towards healthy and clean-label products.
The industry for Food Thickeners in USA is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.6% during the assessment period and revenue from the sales of the product in the country is expected to reach USD 7,830.9 million with a market share of 27% by 2035.
Japan's pre-packaged food industry has proven to be a major industry for the application of food thickeners owing to the country's unique cuisine and fast-paced lifestyle. Thickeners improve the stability and consistency of ready-to-eat foods and give the foods a premium feel even if they are for convenience eating. Japanese companies are looking to employ advanced thickening systems that will ensure the best consistency and look of food throughout the supply chain as consumer demands rise.
Through these developments, the thickener industry has become associated with the ready-to-eat segment of Japan market. These trends are leading to a projected value of USD 2,320.3 million by 2035 with Food Thickeners demand calculated to rise at a value CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period (2025 to 2035) with a value share of 8%.
The food thickeners industry is bolstering in India due to the rising disposable incomes in the convenience food segment. Processed ready meals are on the rise due to the urban growth and changing lifestyle of the nation. Food thickeners have inert properties that help manufacturers address the particular difficulties of India's hot weather and distribution network while still providing consumers with the right amount of texture and stability.
Additionally, the trend towards modern formats of food selling and the rapid development of the food processing industry has resulted in the fast-paced growth of thickeners in the country. These factors are responsible for the robust projected forecast CAGR of 6.7% from 2025 to 2035, with the country achieving a global value share of 6% in 2035 with a value of USD 1,740.2 million.
| Segment | Starches |
|---|---|
| Main Segment | Source Type |
| Value Share (2035) | 38% |
Due to their unique combination of low price, easy sourcing and clean label qualities, starches have been the food thickeners. These natural thickeners can be easily sourced from plants, thus enabling manufacturers to satisfy the requirements of product manufacturers at a low cost. Their applications in processes at different temperatures and conditions as well as their stability in shear thinning make them valuable as thickeners.
The wide-scale farming and well-developed processing firms of starch sources added to their cost competitiveness and supply chain reliability, thus making them preferred by manufacturers and food producers. This growth has propelled the segment's value to USD 11,021.2 million in 2035 with a market share of 38% and further projections suggest its growth at a CAGR of 6.2%.
| Segment | Water-soluble |
|---|---|
| Main Segment | Solubility |
| Value Share (2035) | 65% |
Water-soluble thickeners have been widely used in food products owing to their better characteristics in stability, ease of processing and ease of application. These thickeners are easily diluted in aqueous phase solutions and ease the manufacturing processes by improving product quality. These thickeners can be added at any point in the process and without any requirement for specific tools and complex processes, do the task of enhancing the structure and texture of the food.
Their stability in the presence of different pH level compounds and temperature conditions allows for their usage in several food items. Bolstering from these trends, this segment is set to achieve a market share of 37% with a market value of USD 18,852.1 million by 2035 due to growth at a forecast CAGR of 5.3%.
Among the leaders in the global food thickeners industry are Cargill, DuPont, Ingredion, CP Kelco and Tate & Lyle, who operate in very competitive environments. Increased focus on expanding their portfolio of products through innovation and acquisitions has been one of the strategies adopted by these firms.
The major trend among companies in this sector is increased focus on research & development aimed at producing natural and clean label thickeners in order to meet growing demand among consumers for healthier options. The Asian and Pacific regions, in particular, are being targeted, where firms are improving their presence through partnerships and the building of new plants.
Increasingly, firms are adopting vertical integration strategies in order to secure the supply chain of raw materials for greater control over the final products. Initiatives in sustainability as well as in organic product development have become important as well. Smaller and medium-sized niche players are focusing on certain applications and ingredients, while larger, more well-known companies are supplying their services through their distribution channels and other technical capabilities.
As per Source Type, the industry has been categorized into Starches, Hydrocolloids, Proteins, Plant fibers and Chemical derivatives.
As per Solubility, the industry has been categorized into Water-soluble, Oil-soluble and Dual-soluble.
As per Extraction Method, the industry has been categorized into Chemical Processing, Mechanical Processing and Natural Extraction.
As per Application, the industry has been categorized into Bakery & Confectionery, Sauces & Dressings, Dairy Products, Ready-to-consume Products, Beverages and Pet Food.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe Eastern Europe, Balkans & Baltic, Russia & Belarus, Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific and Middle East & Africa.
The global market is estimated at a value of USD 16,660.8 million in 2025.
Prominent players in the landscape include Cargill, CP Kelco, Tate & Lyle, Kerry Group, Ingredion, DuPont, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Fuerst Day Lawson, Palsgaard and Darling Ingredients.
The Global Industry grew at a Historical CAGR of 4.9% from 2020 to 2024.
The USA sales are projected to hold a revenue share of 27% over the forecast period.
The industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2035.
| Estimated Market Size (2024E) | USD 2,672.8 million |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Value (2034F) | USD 4539.2 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 5.4% |
| Estimated Market Value (2024E) | USD 310.9 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Revenue (2034F) | USD 551.4 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 7.2% |
| Market Size in 2023 | USD 363 million |
|---|---|
| Market Size by 2033 | USD 471 million |
| Forecasted Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 2.6% |
| Market Value in 2023 | USD 2,965.62 million |
|---|---|
| Market Value in 2033 | USD 5,725.70 million |
| Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) | 6.8% CAGR |
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