Europe Functional Food Ingredients Market - 2025-2032

Europe Functional Food Ingredients Market reached US$ 830 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 1,273 million by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

With a growing awareness of health and wellness, consumers are increasingly conscious of the ingredients in their food, leading to a surge in demand for plant-based ingredients. As disposable income rises, the working population expands, and lifestyles become busier, there is an increasing reliance on processed and convenience foods. To meet this demand, companies are introducing plant-based components that align with the health-conscious trends of the region.

The shift towards healthier food options is further reflected in strategic moves by companies like Kerry Group, which in July 2021 acquired Biosearch Life for US$ 150 million. This acquisition expands Kerry Group's offering of healthy ingredients, including probiotics, omega-3s, and other functional food components, allowing them to tap into the growing demand for nutritious and sustainable options.

In addition, the demand for food sweeteners is rising, particularly in processed foods, where they are used to enhance flavor without adding extra calories. This trend is propelling the growth of functional food ingredients, as consumers increasingly seek foods that are not only convenient but also support their overall health and well-being. As the market continues to evolve, innovation in functional ingredients will play a key role in meeting consumer demands for better nutrition and more sustainable food choices.

Dynamics

Increasing Popularity of Plant-Based and Natural Ingredients

Plant-based and natural ingredients are becoming increasingly popular in Europe's functional food and ingredient sector, particularly in Spain, as consumer preferences shift, sustainability programs emerge, and food science advances. This shift is more than just a trend; it signals a larger social shift toward health, well-being, and environmental conscience.

Veganism and vegetarianism have gained popularity across Europe, driving demand for plant-based and natural ingredients. According to ProVeg International's 2021 European Consumer Survey, the UK leads Europe in the consumption and purchase of plant-based milk, meat substitutes, vegan margarine, cheese, ready meals, and seafood alternatives, fueling increased demand for seeds, flours, cereals, and plant-based proteins in functional foods.

The European food industry has experienced a growing preference for "clean label" products, which are free of chemical additives, synthetic substances and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Natural colors (for example, beetroot extract) and preservatives (such as rosemary extract) are becoming more common in functional food compositions.

Plant-based hydrocolloids like guar gum and xanthan gum are commonly utilized in functional foods for their texturizing and stabilizing characteristics. Natural thickeners are essential for making dairy replacements, gluten-free products and low-calorie formulations. Ingredients such as turmeric (anti-inflammatory) and ashwagandha (stress-relieving) are becoming more popular in functional foods, owing to the post-pandemic emphasis on immune and mental health.

Expansion Of Distribution Networks And Strategic Partnerships

As food manufacturers strive to meet increasing consumer demand for healthier, sustainable, and innovative products, access to a broad range of functional ingredients becomes essential. Expanding distribution capabilities allows for greater availability and quicker delivery of these ingredients, enabling companies to develop and introduce new functional food products efficiently.

An instance is the recent partnership expansion between Univar Solutions and Ingredion. On June 13, 2024, the two companies extended their distribution partnership into Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, leveraging over 30 years of collaboration across EMEA. By focusing on essential functional ingredients like starches, plant-based proteins, sweeteners, and stevia-based solutions, this expansion directly supports food manufacturers in developing innovative nutrition solutions.

High Production Costs

The production of specialized ingredients, such as plant-based proteins and bioactive compounds, requires advanced technologies and sourcing of premium raw materials, which can drive up costs and affect both manufacturers and consumers. These elevated production expenses are often passed onto consumers, leading to higher retail prices that may reduce demand, especially among price-sensitive buyers.

Additionally, the high costs pose barriers to smaller companies and startups, limiting their ability to compete in the market. With hefty investments needed for research, development, and manufacturing, only larger players with substantial resources can maintain profitability and drive innovation. This creates a market dynamic where larger corporations dominate, while smaller entrants struggle to scale, ultimately slowing the overall growth and diversity of the functional food ingredients market.

Segment Analysis

The Europe functional food ingredients market is segmented based on product, application, function and country.

Increasing Prevalence of Diabetes

Consumers are becoming more conscious of their food options and the ingredients in them. As a result, demand for natural food ingredients, such as natural food sweeteners, is rising throughout the region. According to International Diabetes Federation estimates for 2021, 6,199.7 thousand individuals in Germany have diabetes. Consumers are aware of the nutritional value of the processed foods they consume.

Stevia, xylitol, and other natural sweeteners are plant sugars obtained from organic and natural sources. They don't add calories yet taste like conventional sugar. Furthermore, as disposable income and the working population in the region have increased, so has the consumption of convenience and processed foods. Consumers' increased health consciousness is encouraging market players to create products based on natural components.

Market competitors are introducing novel stevia sweeteners to the market for usage by producers in items such as confectionery, soft drinks, and more. For example, in March 2022, Cargill Inc.'s stevia sweetener EverSweet will be coupled with the ClearFlo platform. The goal of this platform was to reach more businesses. Sweeteners including stevia, xylitol, and saccharin are utilized in soft drinks and carbonated beverages.

Geographical Penetration

Strong Food Industry Infrastructure in Germany

The strong food industry infrastructure, high levels of consumer awareness regarding health and wellness, and a robust demand for functional foods drive the dominance of Germany. As consumers become more health-conscious, Germany has seen a shift towards functional foods that offer benefits like improved digestion, immunity, and heart health. The country's well-established regulatory framework and focus on sustainability also play a crucial role in driving the market for functional ingredients.

The manufacturers focus on natural, clean-label solutions to meet the evolving demands of health-conscious consumers. Moreover, Germany's dominance is driven by its central role in the European Union, acting as a hub for research and development in functional ingredients. The country boasts a highly competitive food industry, with numerous multinational companies, research institutions, and startups focused on developing innovative functional food products.

Competitive Landscape

The major European players in the market include Lantmannen, NATCOL, Glanbia plc, BASF SE, Ingredion, BENEO GmbH, Kerry Group, ADM, Cargill, ROQUETTE, Dianafood, and Danone.

By Product

• Sweeteners
  • Natural Sweeteners
  • Artificial Sweeteners
• Colors
  • Natural Colours
  • Synthetic Colours
• Hydrocolloid Blends
  • Guar Gum
  • Xanthan Gum
  • Agar-Agar
  • Pectin
• Preservatives
  • Natural Preservatives
  • Synthetic Preservatives
• Seeds
  • Chia Seeds
  • Flax Seeds
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Sunflower Seeds
• Flours
  • Wheat Flour
  • Gluten-free Flour
  • Specialty Flour
• Cereals
  • Ready-to-Eat Cereals
  • Whole Grains
  • Fortified Cereals
• Dehydrated Fruits and Vegetables
  • Dried Fruits
  • Dried Vegetables
• Boosters
  • Protein Powders
  • Vitamin Mixes
  • Energy Enhancers

By Form

• Food and Beverages
  • Bakery and Confectionery
  • Dairy and Frozen Products
  • Beverages
  • Snacks
• Nutraceuticals
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Functional Foods
• Convenience Foods
  • Ready-to-Eat Meals
  • Ready-to-Cook Products
• Others

By Flavor

• Flavor Enhancers
• Coloring Agents
• Texturizers
• Preservation Agents
• Others

By Country

• Germany
• UK
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Key Developments

• In June 2024, Univar Solutions and Ingredion expanded their partnership into Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, enhancing access to functional ingredients like plant-based proteins and sweeteners to meet the growing demand for healthier, sustainable food options.
• In March 2022, Cargill Inc.'s stevia sweetener EverSweet will be coupled with the ClearFlo platform.
• In July 2021, Kerry Group acquired Biosearch Life for US$ 150 million, expanding its portfolio of healthy ingredients, including probiotics, omega-3s, and other functional food components, to meet the rising demand for nutritious and sustainable options.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the Europe functional food ingredients market segmentation based on product, application, function and country, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the Functional Food Ingredients market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The Europe functional food ingredients market report would provide approximately 72 tables, 68 figures, and 209 pages.

Target Audience 2025

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies