The tapioca marketis poised for steady growth between 2025 and 2035, driven by increasing demand for gluten-free and clean-label food products. The market is expected to expand from USD 4,600 million in 2025 to USD 7,800 million by 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% during the forecast period.
A major driver of the market is increased adoption of tapioca-based flours and starches as substitutes for wheat and corn-based products. The growth of its applications in the food & beverage, animal feed, and textile industries are aiding in the expansion of the market.
Request for natural and non-genetically modified organism food components is another main driver for tapioca-based products' sale. Meanwhile, the increasing demand for functional and resistant starches in processed foods is driving market expansion.
The largest market in the world, tapioca starch is a major component of the Asia-Pacific region, Thailand, Brazil and Indonesia, but also have a major producer and exporter. On the flip-side, rising demand in North America and Europe is being driven by the growing popularity of gluten-free and allergen-free diets. In a similar vein, innovations in processing techniques that result in better quality and texture of tapioca-based ingredients are also contributing to the growth of the market.
Metric Overview
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025E) | USD 4,600 million |
| Market Value (2035F) | USD 7,800 million |
| CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 5.1% |
The growing use of modified tapioca starches for pharmaceutical, cosmetic & industrial adhesives applications is expected to drive market growth in the upcoming decade. The demand for cassava is also increasing due to the growing use of tapioca pearls in bubble tea and confectionery, while supply chain advancements and the adoption of sustainable sourcing practices are expected to facilitate the growth of the market.
Explore FMI!
Book a free demo
North America is projected to be the fastest-growing tapioca market, supported by increasing demand for gluten-free and plant-based food products. The main factors propelling the growth of the market are the rising consumer demand for clean-label ingredients and the increasing utilization of tapioca-based starches and flours in the food & beverage sector.
The United States and Canada lead this expansion, with tapioca growing in popularity in bakery, confectionery and dairy applications. As the record for tapioca in natural thickening agent for soups, sauces, and gravies is growing because of its better texture-enhancing properties. Another key growth driver has been the proliferation of tapioca pearls in bubble tea, a beverage trend that continues to grow in popularity.
But, since it relies on imports from Asian and South American countries, the fluctuation of raw material prices, and regulation constraints pertaining, to food safety standards, this will adversely affect the garlic supplements market. In spite of the aforementioned factors, the increasing incline toward organic and non-GMO tapioca products is likely to open up new avenues for market stakeholders in this region.
Tapioca has recently become a major market in Europe due to rising gluten-free and allergen-free food preferences. The increasing consumer incidences of plant-based diets in countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy is anticipated to accelerate the adoption of tapioca-based ingredients. Market growth is significantly driven by the growing segments of vegan and vegetarian food and growing, need for functional foods.
It is also being used more heavily in European processed foods, including snacks, puddings, and low-cost frozen meals. In addition, the increasing demand for clean-label and natural ingredients is encouraging food manufacturers to substitute tapioca starch for synthetic additives.
Nevertheless, factors like potential supply chain disruptions, seasonal fluctuations in tapioca production, and tough European Union food labelling standards may act as breaks on rapid growth. However, if innovations in product formulations and the increasing use of tapioca in non-food applications such as biodegradable packaging and adhesives are expected to support long-term market growth.
Asia-Pacific is the most lucrative tapioca market worldwide; Thailand, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China serve to be the prominent countries accounting for huge tapioca production and export in the region.
Tapioca acts as a significant food source in several Southeast Asian countries, and its extensive utilization for preparing traditional cuisines, desserts, and beverages further aids the market demand. As the largest exporter of tapioca starch, Thailand is very important in providing raw material to the international market, North America, and Europe.
Market growth is further driven by the increasing application of tapioca-based goods in the processed food, pharmaceutical, and textile sectors. Moreover, the tapioca using in biofuel development is opening new challenges in revenue. Nevertheless, factors like climate variability on cassava cultivation, price fluctuations and competition from other starch source such as maize and potato may influence the market dynamics.
However, government programs to promote sustainable cassava farming, as well as tapioca's growing use in gluten-free and functional food sectors, are likely to propel healthy growth in the market over the forecast period.
Challenges - Climate Vulnerability and Supply Chain Disruptions
The tapioca market is fraught with challenges as it relies on cassava, a crop that is extremely sensitive to climate variations. It is well known that erratic weather, such as droughts and torrential rains, greatly reduce cassava production and disrupt its supply chain.
Moreover, they are subject to market volatility due to pest infestation, disease, and the high cost of transportation. The stability of global supply is also affected by export restrictions in major producing countries.
Opportunities - Rising Demand for Gluten-Free and Plant-Based Food Alternatives
Rising demand for gluten-free, plant-based, and minimally processed food products among consumers also provides lucrative growth opportunities for tapioca market. Tapioca is also becoming popular in the form of flour, pearls, dried food, starch and the likes and finds its way into healthy flour, confectionery and even dairy-free products.
Innovations in cassava processing technologies also improve efficiency and expanding tapioca’s applications in functional foods,bio-based packaging, and industrial applications.
Numerous customers have migrated towards tapioca in recent years, where they are searching for gluten free diets, whilst the convenience foods and beverages have undergone significant development. However, stability in markets was affected by supply chain disruptions related to climate change as well as pandemic-related logistics challenges. In addition, the raw materials prices affected production cost, therefore, the selling price of tapioca based products.
In 2025 to 2035: The growing market data volume and it’s extend process will be on better the Cassava breeding techniques & the sustainable farming practices. More investment in agro-processing facilities and biotechnological advancements would stabilize tapioca supply and reduce the environmental footprint. Moreover, increasing demand for tapioca based bio-based materials in the packaging and pharmaceutical industries is likely to create new market opportunities.
Market Shifts: A Comparative Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)
| Market Shift | 2020 to 2024 Trends |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Stricter quality standards for food-grade tapioca |
| Technological Advancements | Improvement in cassava starch processing techniques |
| Industry Adoption | Increased use of tapioca in gluten-free food production |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Disruptions due to climate fluctuations and export restrictions |
| Market Competition | Dominance of traditional tapioca-producing countries |
| Market Growth Drivers | Rising consumer demand for plant-based food alternatives |
| Sustainability and Energy Efficiency | Emerging interest in eco-friendly cassava farming |
| Consumer Preferences | Demand for gluten-free and minimally processed foods |
| Market Shift | 2025 to 2035 Projections |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Landscape | Expansion of sustainability certifications and traceability mandates |
| Technological Advancements | Biotechnological innovations for disease-resistant cassava varieties |
| Industry Adoption | Expansion into biodegradable packaging and pharmaceutical industries |
| Supply Chain and Sourcing | Adoption of climate-resilient cassava farming practices |
| Market Competition | Entry of new regional players with advanced processing capabilities |
| Market Growth Drivers | Increased investment in bio-based applications and industrial uses |
| Sustainability and Energy Efficiency | Large-scale adoption of sustainable processing and waste-reduction technologies |
| Consumer Preferences | Preference for organic, non-GMO, and ethically sourced tapioca products |
The United States market for tapioca is growing steadily, with increasing consumer interest in gluten-free and plant-based diets. Tapioca-based products such as starch, pearls, snacks, and flour are increasing in demand due to the increasing health-conscious community, who are looking for alternatives to traditional grains and processed foods.
The increasing use of tapioca in the food and beverage industry, especially in bakery, confectionery, and dairy items, also fuels market growth. The rising popularity of south-east Asian cuisine and the national craze for bubble tea have also swollen the ranks of tapioca fans nationwide.
In addition, increased investments in food innovation and research are driving the creation of improved, tapioca-derived ingredients, facilitating its broader adoption in the food industry.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United States | 4.1% |
Increasing consumer awareness about gluten-free and clean-label products is driving the growth of the tapioca market in the United Kingdom. The increasing usage of tapioca starch as a functional component in food processing and the increasing popularity of plant-based consumption are the drivers of the market growth.
Tapioca pearls mostly known for being used in bubble tea have entered the Taiwanese mainstream, and thus spurred imports. Moreover, rising utilization of natural thickeners and stabilizers in food & beverages is anticipated to bolster the market over the forecast period. In the UK, its strict food safety regulations and sustainability drive have also resulted in innovations in sourcing and processing tapioca, enabling responsible and eco-conscious supply chains.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 3.7% |
Tapioca holds ample applications in the food sector, the pharmaceuticals,and animal feed industry, making the European Union a highly lucrative market for tapioca. Tapioca starch consumption in Germany, France,and the Netherlands has expanded, attributable to the increasing popularity of gluten-free, clean label, and non-GMO ingredients. The market is also behest by its application in processed foods like soups, sauces, and bakery goods.
Moreover,the increasing popularity of vegan meal and functional food options has fuelled the development of more tapioca-based products. The region's food quality and labelling standards are among the strictest in the world, thereby providing manufacturers with incentives to improve their production methods and develop high-quality, sustainably sourced tapioca products for European consumers.
| Region | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| European Union | 3.9% |
The growing demand for gluten-free food and the impact of bubble tea culture have contributed to the rapid expansion of Japan's tapioca market. Tapioca pearls and starch are widely used in beverages, desserts and packaged foods, and are a staple in the country’s rapidly evolving food industry. Growing consumer awareness of natural and minimally processed ingredients is also contributing to this growth in the market.
In addition, Japan's advanced food processing technology, premium tapioca had been developed in various forms with improved texture, shelf life, and nutritional properties. Owing to constant innovations in plant-based food solutions, tapioca’s standing as a greener alternative to wheat and corn starch is set to further bolster.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| Japan | 4.2% |
The rising incidence of bubble tea and processed food products has fuelled demand for tapioca in South Korea. The tapioca pearl market has been growing even outside of country specifically as foodservice segments, such as cafes and dessert shops, flourish. Also, with the increasing focus on healthy and functional food in South Korea, the demand for tapioca starch in the food manufacturing is expected to increase significantly.
Government initiatives aimed at promoting food diversification and plant-based products also contribute to market growth. In addition, advancements in food packaging and processing technologies are improving the quality and attractiveness of tapioca products, which also helps ensure steady demand in the domestic and global markets.
| Country | CAGR (2025 to 2035) |
|---|---|
| South Korea | 4.3% |
Tapioca is a starch extracted from the cassava root and is extensively employed because of its mild flavor, carbohydrate-rich profile, and functional properties like thickening, stabilizing, and binding capabilities. The market segmented by types into fresh and dried tapioca, dried form of tapioca holds the maximum share with its wide shelf life, as they are suitable for easy transportation and have good demand in processed food applications.
On the basis of usage segment, the thickening agent application segment holds the leading consumption that remains attributed to fresh tapioca starch finds consumption in soups, sauces, dairy products and bakery formulations due their superior viscosity and textural functionality.
| Type | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Dried | 68.5% |
By 2025, the dried tapioca segment in the market is anticipated to account for 68.5% market share due to manufacturers and food processors' preference for means of storage like dehydrated, powdered,and pelletized forms owing to their versatility in applications.
For instant noodles, bakery products, snacks and baby food where textural uniformity and extended shelf life are important, dried tapioca is being used on a large scale. Dried tapioca is also used as a bio-based alternative for adhesives and textiles in the industrial sector adding the demand.
| Usage | Market Share (2025) |
|---|---|
| Thickening Agent | 52.4% |
Tapioca starch is a crucial component in dairy, confectionery, and ready-to-eat meals, and thickening applications command 52.4% of the market share in 2025. Growing demand for clean-label, gluten-free food products and processed food for vegans is expected to increase consumption of tapioca as a natural thickening agent in soups, sauces, gravies and puddings.
The market expansion is further driven by utilization of tapioca-based thickeners in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in medicinal suspensions and personal care formulations, respectively.
Tapioca market is increasing in demand at a significant rate owing to demand for gluten-free and plant-based food products, growing applications in food & beverage, animal feed, and industrial sources, and growing consumer awareness regarding the nutritional benefits of tapioca.
The market growth is propelled by emergence of tapioca pearls in bubble tea, rising use of tapioca starch in bakery and confectionery products and increasing usage of tapioca as a functional ingredient in processed foods. Moreover, applications in industrial sectors such as textiles, paper and biofuel production are expected to expand the market opportunities.
Market Share Analysis by Key Players & Manufacturers
| Company/Organization Name | Estimated Market Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Ingredion Incorporated | 14-18% |
| Cargill, Incorporated | 12-16% |
| Emsland Group | 10-14% |
| Nihon Shokuhin Kako Co., Ltd. | 8-12% |
| Other Companies (Combined) | 40-50% |
| Company/Organization Name | Key Offerings/Activities |
|---|---|
| Ingredion Incorporated | Launched an organic tapioca starch for clean-label food applications in 2024. |
| Cargill, Incorporated | Expanded its tapioca-based texturizing solutions for dairy and bakery products in 2024. |
| Emsland Group | Introduced a sustainable tapioca starch range for plant-based meat substitutes in 2025. |
| Nihon Shokuhin Kako Co., Ltd. | Developed a high-purity tapioca syrup for confectionery applications in 2024. |
Key Market Insights
Ingredion Incorporated (14-18%)
Ingredion is a key player in the tapioca starch and derivatives space, catering to clean-label and non-GMO solutions for food and beverage applications.
Cargill, Incorporated (12-16%)
Cargill also continues to grow its portfolio of tapioca-based ingredients for bakery, dairy and processed food manufacturers around the world, with the launch of the new range.
Emsland Group (10-14%)
Emsland Group is leading the curve with sustainable and functional tapioca starch solutions for the plant-based and gluten-free food industry.
Nihon ShokuhinKako Co., Ltd. (8-12%)
Specializing in the production of high-quality tapioca syrups and starches, the company leverages its offerings to provide solutions in the Asian and international food markets.
Other Major Participants (40-50% Total)
Other players are also driving market growth through product diversification and regional market penetration:
The market was valued at USD 4,600 million in 2025.
The market is projected to reach USD 7,800 million by 2035.
Growth is primarily driven by rising demand for gluten-free, clean-label, and plant-based food products, along with increasing applications in bakery, snacks, and beverages.
Dried tapioca and thickening agent applications are key segment utilizing tapioca-based products.
The top 5 countries driving the development of the tapioca market are Thailand, Brazil, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
Natural Dog Treat Market Product Type, Age, Distribution Channel, Application and Protein Type Through 2035
Buttermilk Powder Market Analysis by Product Type, Sale Channel, and Region Through 2035
Oat-based Beverage Market Analysis by Source, Product Type, Speciality and Distribution channel Through 2035
Multivitamin Melt Market Analysis by Ingredient Type, Claim, Sales Channel and Flavours Through 2035
Mineral Yeast Market Analysis by Calcium Yeast, Selenium Yeast, Zinc Yeast, and Other Fortified Yeast Types Through 2035
Nuts Market Analysis by Nut Type, Product Type, Distribution channels, End-use Industry, and Region through 2025 to 2035
Tapioca Market
Thank you!
You will receive an email from our Business Development Manager. Please be sure to check your SPAM/JUNK folder too.
