The global Gelatin Substitutes market is estimated to be worth USD 1.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 4.7 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 12.1% over the assessment period of 2024 to 2034
Sales of gelatin substitutes have exhibited a spike over the past few years, driven by emerging demand for functional foods. These substitutes are gradually being used in products designed to offer additional health benefits besides basic nutrition.
For instance, they are integral in formulating dietary supplements and nutraceuticals, which aim to enhance health, prevent diseases, and support overall wellness.
The shift towards health-conscious consumption is leading the inclusion of natural and plant-based gelatin substitutes in these products, ensuring they meet consumer preferences for clean labels and functional efficacy. This shift is boosting the growth and innovation within the gelatin substitute industry.
The diverse sales channels in both B2B and B2C trade environment are making gelatin substitutes more accessible to a wide audience. In the B2B sector, businesses are procuring these ingredients through specialized distributors and wholesalers, ensuring a steady supply for food manufacturers and other industries.
Meanwhile, B2C channels like supermarkets, online retail platforms, and specialty stores offer consumers easy access to various gelatin substitutes for personal use. This multi-channel availability addresses different purchasing preferences and convenience needs, thus expanding the commercial landscape and propelling the adoption of gelatin substitutes across various demographics.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Gelatin Substitutes Business Size (2024E) | USD 1.5 billion |
| Projected Global Gelatin Substitutes Business Value (2034F) | USD 4.7 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 12.1% |
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The below table presents a comparative assessment of the variation in CAGR over six months for the base year (2023) and current year (2024) for global Gelatin Substitutes market.
This analysis reveals crucial shifts in market performance and indicates revenue realization patterns, thus providing stakeholders with a better vision about the market 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 | 10.8% (2023 to 2033) |
| H2 | 11.4% (2023 to 2033) |
| H1 | 11.9% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 12.5% (2024 to 2034) |
The above table presents the expected CAGR for the global Gelatin Substitutes demand space over semi-annual period spanning from 2024 to 2034. In the first half (H1) of the year 2023, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 10.8%, followed by a slightly higher growth rate of 11.4% in the second half (H2) of the same year.
Moving into year 2024, the CAGR is projected to increase slightly to 11.9% in the first half and remain relatively moderate at 12.5% in the second half. In the first half (H1 2024) the market witnessed a decrease of 45 BPS while in the second half (H2 2024), the market witnessed an increase of 34 BPS.
Expanding Market for Vegan Cosmetics and Personal Care
The cosmetics and personal care industry is experiencing vital expansion due to rising demand for natural and vegan products. This shift is leading to widened use of plant-based ingredients, including gelatin substitutes. These substitutes are being included into a variety of beauty products such as face masks, hair gels, and lotions.
Consumers are becoming more conscious of product ingredients, and preferring those that goes with their ethical and environmental values. Hence, the ecosystem for gelatin substitutes in the beauty industry is expanding rapidly, meeting the need for cleaner, greener options.
Vegan and Vegetarian Lifestyles Transforming the Gelatin Market
The rising popularity of plant-based diets, especially vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, is propelling demand for gelatin alternatives sourced from plants such as agar-agar, pectin, and carrageen. This shift shows a broader consumer preference for products that meet dietary preferences and ethical considerations.
Due to this, manufacturers are developing innovative plant-based ingredients to address this growing sales domain. As more consumers prioritize sustainability and health-conscious choices, the market for plant-based gelatin substitutes continues to expand, driving innovation and diversity in product offerings across various food and beverage categories.
For instance, Meron’s Agar Agar Food Grade Powder is derived from seaweeds, the company claims “it easily dissolves in water and it’s a perfect alternative to gelatin for jellies & puddings to cheesecakes”
Variety in Forms and Packaging is Maximizing Market Expansion
Companies are now offering a wide range of forms such as capsules, gummies, powders, and soft gels. Additionally, these products come in various packaging types including bags, bottles, boxes, and pouches.
This assortment addresses to diverse consumer preferences and usage, boosting market growth. By addressing the specific needs of different consumer base, companies are broadening their reach and appeal, hence driving the adoption of gelatin substitutes across various applications and industries.
For instance, Indian brand, Bake King offers Agar Agar powder (50 Gm), which is a vegetarian gelatin, plant based product, suitable for Desserts & Jelly. The product comes in an air tight jar packing, which fits to all kitchen shelf and cabinets.
Principal Consultant
Global Gelatin Substitutes sales increased at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2019 to 2023. For the next ten years (2024 to 2034), projections are that expenditure on Gelatin Substitutes will rise at 12.1% CAGR
The pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries are gradually adopting plant-based gelatin substitutes to meet rising consumer demand for hypoallergenic and cruelty-free products. These industries are replacing traditional animal-derived gelatin with alternatives like agar-agar and pectin, which are derived from plants and are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Additionally, the shift towards cruelty-free products is driven by ethical considerations, as consumers seek products that do not involve animal harm. This shift aligns with the broader movement towards sustainability and ethical sourcing, enhancing brand reputation and meeting regulatory standards for product safety and labeling.
Manufacturers are introducing flavored gelatin substitutes such as apple, berry, coffee, grape, raspberry, strawberry, vanilla, and watermelon. These flavored alternatives are prepared to enhance the sensory appeal of products, particularly in the food and beverage industry.
By offering a variety of tastes, manufacturers addresses to diverse consumer preferences, making gelatin substitutes more attractive for use in desserts, confectioneries, and other culinary applications. This strategy not only broadens the market for gelatin substitutes but also meets the growing demand for flavorful, plant-based ingredients that goes with consumer dietary choices and lifestyle.
For instance, Green Jeeva’s - Apple pectin: The Power of Fruits is derived from apples. It is a natural substance which is known for its gelling properties and works as an excellent vegetarian and vegan substitute for traditional gelatin, which makes it a valuable ingredient in gummy supplements, jams, and jellies. It not only does provide the desired texture, but it also contributes to the fruity flavors in these products.
Similarly, Citrus pectin, which is sourced from fruits like oranges and lemons is another plant-based choice. With its gelling and thickening capacity, citrus pectin provides an ideal gelatin alternative in fruit-based confectionery and supplements.
Tier 1 companies comprise market leaders with market revenue of above USD 50 million capturing significant sales domain share of 45% to 55% in the global sphere. These business leaders are characterized by high production capacity and a wide product portfolio.
These trade leaders are distinguished by their extensive expertise in manufacturing and reconditioning across multiple packaging formats and a broad geographical reach, underpinned by a robust consumer base.
They provide a wide range of series including reconditioning, recycling, and manufacturing utilizing the latest technology and meeting the regulatory standards providing the highest quality. Prominent companies within tier 1 include NOW Foods, Gelita, Kelco Co., Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, Tate and Lyle Plc, and Marine Hydrocolloids
Tier 2 companies include mid-size players with revenue of USD 20 to 50 million having presence in specific regions and highly influencing the local retail space. These are characterized by a strong presence overseas and strong consumer base knowledge.
These industry players have good technology and ensure regulatory compliance but may not have advanced technology and wide global reach. Prominent companies in tier 2 include The Agar Company (B&V SRL), Java Biocolloid (Hakiki Group), Special Ingredients Ltd., Great American Spice Company, and Niblack Foods, Inc.
Tier 3 includes the majority of small-scale companies operating at the local presence and serving niche demand space having revenue below USD 20 million. These companies are notably oriented towards fulfilling local marketplace demands and are consequently classified within the tier 3 share segment.
They are small-scale players and have limited geographical reach. Tier 3, within this context, is recognized as an unorganized field, denoting a sector characterized by a lack of extensive structure and formalization when compared to organized competitors.
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The table below highlights revenue from product sales in key countries. The United States and UK are predicted to remain top consumers, with estimated trade valuations of USD 584 million and USD 408 million, respectively, by 2034.
| Countries | Market Value (2034) |
|---|---|
| USA | USD 584 million |
| UK | USD 408 million |
| China | USD 360 million |
| India | USD 240 million |
| Australia | USD 128 million |
The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top five sales domain. China and India are set to exhibit high gelatin substitute consumption, recording CAGRs of 7.3% and 8.0%, respectively, through 2034.
| Countries | CAGR, 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|
| USA | 5.7% |
| UK | 6.3% |
| China | 7.3% |
| India | 8.0% |
| Australia | 4.8% |
The ecosystem for Gelatin Substitutes in the United States is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.7% during the assessment period. By 2034, revenue from the sales of Gelatin Substitutes in the country is expected to reach USD 584 million.
Plant-derived gelatin substitutes provide a more secure alternative for individuals with dietary restrictions or allergies to animal products. These substitutes are less likely to trigger allergic reactions, addressing concerns about common allergens found in traditional animal-derived gelatin.
This attribute makes plant-based alternatives particularly appealing to consumers seeking allergen-free and hypoallergenic food options, aligning with broader shifts towards health-conscious and allergy-sensitive dietary choices in the demand space.
Gelatin Substitutes demand in UK is calculated to rise at a value CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period (2024 to 2034). By 2034, UK is expected to account for 16.9% of Gelatin Substitutes sales in Europe.
Recent developments in food technology have considerably improved the texture, taste, and functionality of plant-based gelatin substitutes. These upgradations make them attractive and versatile for use across a wide range of food and beverage applications.
Due to this, plant-based gelatin substitutes like agar-agar, pectin, and carrageen are gaining popularity not only for their health and environmental benefits but also for their ability to mimic the properties of traditional gelatin in cooking, baking, and food processing.
For instance, in 2019, Gelita introduced a sheet-based vegan alternative to gelatin. This new product offers numerous advantages in culinary applications such as chewy candies and gummy bears. In this, every single sheet has a totally defined and identical gelling strength, which greatly simplifies its use and ensures a good dish every time.
| Segment | Soft gels (Product Form) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 21.3% |
Sales of soft gels are projected to register a CAGR of 7.6% from 2024 to 2034. Soft gels are getting attention across multiple industries, including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. In the pharmaceutical industry, they provide an alternative to animal-derived gelatin, which meets the needs of vegetarian and vegan patients.
In the nutraceutical sector, these soft gels deliver dietary supplements in a form that appeals to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the cosmetics industry uses these soft gels for delivering active ingredients in beauty and skincare products, which further expands their application and market reach.
This multi-industry usage reflects the growing demand for versatile, plant-based solutions in various consumer products.
| Segment | Agar- Agar (Product Type) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2024) | 17.3% |
Agar-agar is low in calories which makes it an appealing choice for health-conscious consumers who are planning to reduce calorie intake without compromising on the texture and satisfaction of their food. It is also high in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
Agar-agar’s strong gelling properties often exceed those of traditional gelatin, which makes it highly effective for various culinary and industrial applications. It remains stable at higher temperatures, benefits cooking and food processing.
With its wide range of uses, including desserts, confectionery, dairy products, and as a thickening agent in soups and sauces, agar-agar develops clear, odorless gels, which is ideal for various recipes.
The Gelatin Substitutes territory encompasses a diverse and dynamic competitive landscape. Leading Gelatin Substitutes manufacturing companies are focusing on research and development, sustainable sourcing, and new formulations. They are also emphasizing environment-friendly practices and product certifications to satisfy the increasing demand for natural and sustainable ingredients.
Manufacturers are also looking to preserve their demand space position by focusing on product quality, innovation, and matching varied customer preferences.
For instance
As per product type, the ecosystem has been categorized into Agar-Agar, Carrageen, Pectin, Cornstarch, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Arrowroot, Instant Clear Gel, Kudzu, and Others.
This segment is further categorized into Bag, Bottle, Box, Pouch, and Others
As per the flavor, the customer base has been categorized into Unflavoured, and Flavoured (Apple, Berry, Coffee, Grape, Raspberry, Strawberry, Vanilla, Watermelon)
This segment is further categorized into Capsules, Gummies, Powders, Soft gels, and Others
As per the Application, the customer base has been categorized into Food Industry (Baking Products, Chocolate and Confectionery, Dairy & Desserts, Others), Pharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry, Dietary Supplements, Microbiology and Plant Propagation, and Others
Different sales channels include B2B / HoReCa, and B2C (Hypermarkets /Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Mom and Pop Stores, Discount Stores, Food Specialty Stores, Independent Small Groceries, Online Retail, and Others Retail Formats)
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East & Africa.
The global Gelatin Substitutes industry is estimated at a value of USD 1.5 billion in 2024.
Sales of Gelatin Substitutes increased at 8.3% CAGR between 2019 and 2023.
NOW Foods, Gelita, The Agar Company (B&V SRL), Java Biocolloid (Hakiki Group), Special Ingredients Ltd., Great American Spice Company, Niblack Foods, Inc., Kelco Co., Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, Tate and Lyle Plc, and Marine Hydrocolloids are some of the leading players in this industry.
The North American sales domain is projected to hold a revenue share of 31.2% over the forecast period.
Europe holds 24.6% share of the global demand space for Gelatin Substitutes.
1. Executive Summary 2. Industry Introduction, Including Taxonomy and Market Definition 3. Market Trends and Success Factors, Including Macro-economic Factors, Market Dynamics, and Recent Industry Developments 4. Global Market Demand Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, including Historical Analysis and Future Projections 5. Pricing Analysis 6. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034 6.1. Product Type 6.2. Packaging Type 6.3. Flavor 6.4. Product Form 6.5. Application 6.6. Sales Channel 6.7. Region 7. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Product Type 7.1. Agar-Agar 7.2. Carrageen 7.3. Pectin 7.4. Cornstarch 7.5. Xanthan Gum 7.6. Guar Gum 7.7. Arrowroot 7.8. Instant Clear Gel 7.9. Kudzu 7.10. Others 8. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Packaging Type 8.1. Bag 8.2. Bottle 8.3. Box 8.4. Pouch 8.5. Others 9. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Flavor 9.1. Unflavoured 9.2. Flavoured 9.2.1. Apple 9.2.2. Berry 9.2.3. Coffee 9.2.4. Grape 9.2.5. Raspberry 9.2.6. Strawberry 9.2.7. Vanilla 9.2.8. Watermelon 10. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Product Form 10.1. Capsules 10.2. Gummies 10.3. Powders 10.4. Soft gels 10.5. Others 11. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Application 11.1. Food Industry 11.1.1. Baking Products 11.1.2. Chocolate and Confectionery 11.1.3. Dairy & Desserts 11.1.4. Others 11.2. Pharmaceutical Industry 11.3. Cosmetics and Personal Care Industry 11.4. Dietary Supplements 11.5. Microbiology and Plant Propagation 11.6. Others 12. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Sales Channel 12.1. B2B / HoReCa 12.2. B2C 12.2.1. Hypermarkets / Supermarkets 12.2.2. Convenience Stores 12.2.3. Mom and Pop Stores 12.2.4. Discount Stores 12.2.5. Food Specialty Stores 12.2.6. Independent Small Groceries 12.2.7. Online Retail 12.2.8. Others Retail Formats 13. Global Market Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Region 13.1. North America 13.2. Latin America 13.3. Europe 13.4. East Asia 13.5. South Asia 13.6. Oceania 13.7. Middle East and Africa 14. North America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 15. Latin America Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 16. Europe Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 17. East Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 18. South Asia Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 19. Oceania Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 20. Middle East and Africa Sales Analysis 2019 to 2023 and Forecast 2024 to 2034, by Key Segments and Countries 21. Sales Forecast 2024 to 2034 by Product Type, Packaging Type, Flavor, Product Form, Application and Sales Channel for 30 Countries 22. Competition Outlook, including Market Structure Analysis, Company Share Analysis by Key Players, and Competition Dashboard 23. Company Profile 23.1. NOW Foods 23.2. Gelita 23.3. The Agar Company (B&V SRL) 23.4. Java Biocolloid (Hakiki Group) 23.5. Special Ingredients Ltd. 23.6. Great American Spice Company 23.7. Niblack Foods, Inc. 23.8. Kelco Co., Inc. 23.9. Ingredion Incorporated 23.10. Tate and Lyle Plc 23.11. Marine Hydrocolloids
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Gelatin Substitutes Market
