Food hydrocolloids encompass a wide range of long-chain polymers that, when dispersed in water, can form gels or thickeners. These substances play a crucial role in the food industry by altering the texture, stability, and appearance of food products.
The primary types of food hydrocolloids include gelatin, carrageenan, xanthan gum, alginates, agar, pectin, gum arabic, locust bean gum, and others. Gelatin, for instance, is derived from collagen that undergoes partial hydrolysis and is sourced from animal skin, bones, and connective tissues. These hydrocolloids come from various sources such as plants, animals, microbes, seaweeds, and synthetics, and find application across a broad spectrum including bakery and confectionery, meat and poultry products, beverages, dairy products, sauces and dressings, among others.
The food hydrocolloids market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides food hydrocolloids market statistics, including food hydrocolloids industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a food hydrocolloids market share, detailed food hydrocolloids market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the food hydrocolloids industry. This food hydrocolloids market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The food hydrocolloids market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.21 billion in 2024 to $4.48 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising preference for natural food, growing demand for processed foods, rising demand for convenience foods, rising consumption fruit-infused beverages, and rising preference for natural and clean-label ingredients.
The food hydrocolloids market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.67 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing consumption of functional food, growing preference for vegan food, increasing demand for bakery food, increase in uptake of ready-to-eat meals, and rising disposable income of consumers. Major trends in the forecast period include development of innovative hydrocolloids, introducing label-friendly food powders, product innovations, plant constructions, and developing food corporations.
The increasing consumer demand for processed foods is set to drive growth in the food hydrocolloids market. Processed foods undergo modifications such as canning, cooking, freezing, or ingredient additions to enhance flavor, prolong shelf life, or offer convenience. This demand stems from modern lifestyles that prioritize convenience, longer storage capability, and quick meal preparation options, bolstered by the widespread availability and promotion of these products. Food hydrocolloids play a crucial role in improving the texture, stability, and shelf life of processed foods. They facilitate fat and calorie reduction while enhancing nutritional content, thus supporting the production of ready-to-eat foods that meet the preferences of today's consumers. For instance, in 2023, the US Department of Agriculture reported a 1.7% increase in the total value of US processed food exports, underscoring the growing significance of processed foods in propelling the food hydrocolloids market forward.
Leading companies in the food hydrocolloids market are focusing on developing innovative pre-packaged formulations to gain a competitive edge. Pre-packaged formulations refer to ready-to-use mixtures or products that are prepared and packaged in advance, tailored for specific applications or uses. For example, in March 2023, Meron Group, an India-based company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of hydrocolloids, launched new dessert premixes for the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering) sector. These hydrocolloids are essential for enhancing the mouthfeel, texture, and stability of a wide range of desserts, such as creme brulee, panna cotta, mousses, and puddings. They act as stabilizing, thickening, and binding agents, ensuring consistent quality and improved sensory appeal in the final products.
In August 2022, Nexira, a France-based provider of natural ingredients and botanical extracts for food applications, completed the acquisition of UNIPEKTIN Ingredients AG for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition allowed Nexira to broaden its portfolio of functional and nutritional solutions, particularly in texturizing and gelling agents for food products. UNIPEKTIN Ingredients AG, headquartered in Switzerland, specializes in the manufacturing of food hydrocolloids, complementing Nexira's capabilities in the food ingredient sector.
Major companies operating in the food hydrocolloids market are Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, BASF SE, Kraft Foods Group Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Kerry Group plc, Ingredion Incorporated, Ashland Inc., CP Kelco ApS, Tate & Lyle PLC, Darling Ingredients Inc., Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Nexira, Palsgaard A/S, Meihua Holdings Group Co. Ltd., Ceamsa, Koninklijke DSM N.V., W Hydrocolloids Inc., Tic Gums Inc., Polygal AG, Lucid Colloids Ltd., JM Huber Corporation, Deosen Biochemical (Ordos) Ltd., Hindustan Gum & Chemicals Ltd., UNIPEKTIN Ingredients AG
North America was the largest region in the food hydrocolloids market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the food hydrocolloids market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the food hydrocolloids market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The food hydrocolloids market consists of sales of thickeners, gelling agents, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and moisture retainers. Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Food Hydrocolloids Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on food hydrocolloids market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
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Where is the largest and fastest growing market for food hydrocolloids ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The food hydrocolloids market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Scope
Markets Covered:1) By Type: Gelatin; Carrageenan; Xanthan Gum; Alginates; Agar; Pectin; Gum Arabic; Locust Bean Gum; Other Types
2) By Source: Plant; Animal; Microbial; Seaweed; Synthetic
3) By Application: Bakery And Confectionery; Meat And Poultry Products; Beverages; Dairy Products; Sauces And Dressing; Other Applications
Subsegments:
1) By Gelatin: Animal-based Gelatin; Plant-based Gelatin
2) By Carrageenan: Kappa Carrageenan; Iota Carrageenan; Lambda Carrageenan
3) By Xanthan Gum: Food-grade Xanthan Gum; Industrial-grade Xanthan Gum
4) By Alginates: Sodium Alginate; Calcium Alginate; Potassium Alginate
5) By Agar: Standard Agar; Agarose
6) By Pectin: High Methoxyl Pectin; Low Methoxyl Pectin
7) By Gum Arabic: Dehydrated Gum Arabic; Spray-dried Gum Arabic
Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita,
Data segmentations: country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
2. Food Hydrocolloids Market Characteristics
3. Food Hydrocolloids Market Trends And Strategies
4. Food Hydrocolloids Market - Macro Economic Scenario Including The Impact Of Interest Rates, Inflation, Geopolitics, Covid And Recovery On The Market
5. Global Food Hydrocolloids Growth Analysis And Strategic Analysis Framework
5.1. Global Food Hydrocolloids PESTEL Analysis (Political, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal Factors, Drivers and Restraints)
5.2. Analysis Of End Use Industries
5.3. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market Growth Rate Analysis
5.4. Global Food Hydrocolloids Historic Market Size and Growth, 2019 - 2024, Value ($ Billion)
5.5. Global Food Hydrocolloids Forecast Market Size and Growth, 2024 - 2029, 2034F, Value ($ Billion)
5.6. Global Food Hydrocolloids Total Addressable Market (TAM)
6. Food Hydrocolloids Market Segmentation
6.1. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Segmentation By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Gelatin
Carrageenan
Xanthan Gum
Alginates
Agar
Pectin
Gum Arabic
Locust Bean Gum
Other Types
6.2. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Segmentation By Source, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Plant
Animal
Microbial
Seaweed
Synthetic
6.3. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Segmentation By Application, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Bakery And Confectionery
Meat And Poultry Products
Beverages
Dairy Products
Sauces And Dressing
Other Applications
6.4. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Gelatin, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Animal-based Gelatin
Plant-based Gelatin
6.5. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Carrageenan, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Kappa Carrageenan
Iota Carrageenan
Lambda Carrageenan
6.6. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Xanthan Gum, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Food-grade Xanthan Gum
Industrial-grade Xanthan Gum
6.7. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Alginates, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Sodium Alginate
Calcium Alginate
Potassium Alginate
6.8. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Agar, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Standard Agar
Agarose
6.9. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Pectin, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
High Methoxyl Pectin
Low Methoxyl Pectin
6.10. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Gum Arabic, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Dehydrated Gum Arabic
Spray-dried Gum Arabic
6.11. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Locust Bean Gum, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Locust Bean Gum (Carob Bean Gum)
Hydrolyzed Locust Bean Gum
6.12. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Sub-Segmentation Of Other Types, By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
Guar Gum
Tara Gum
Konjac Gum
Gellan Gum
Other Specialty Hydrocolloids
7. Food Hydrocolloids Market Regional And Country Analysis
7.1. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Split By Region, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion
7.2. Global Food Hydrocolloids Market, Split By Country, Historic and Forecast, 2019-2024, 2024-2029F, 2034F, $ Billion