PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1650446
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1650446
Hydrocolloids, as a term, refer to substances that have the ability to form a gel in the presence of water. These are high-molecular-weight polysaccharides that can be derived from plants and algae or synthesized by bacteria. In essence, a hydrocolloid is a dispersion of particles in water, consisting of molecules that bind to both water and each other.
The primary types of hydrocolloid products include carrageenan, guar gum, gelatin, pectin, microcrystalline cellulose, and others. Carrageenan, for instance, is a natural hydrocolloid extracted from seaweeds. The processing involves the removal of undesirable natural fibers and mucilage from the seaweed, resulting in a powdered form. These hydrocolloids serve various functions such as thickening, gelling, stabilizing, and more, and can be extracted from diverse sources including botanical, microbial, animal, seaweed, and synthetic origins. They find applications in a range of industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and others.
The hydrocolloids market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides hydrocolloids market statistics, including hydrocolloids industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with market shares, detailed hydrocolloids market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the hydrocolloids industry. This hydrocolloids market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.
The hydrocolloids market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $12.98 billion in 2024 to $14.07 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rise in demand for functional foods, rise in pharmaceutical sector, growth in demand for personal care products, rise in e-commerce, emerging markets.
The hydrocolloids market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $19.92 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for processed foods, rising demand for clean label and natural ingredients, rise in online food delivery, global population growth, rise in disposable income. Major trends in the forecast period include texture and mouthfeel enhancement, advanced processing technologies, smart packaging integration, partnership and collaboration.
The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be linked to factors such as the increasing demand for processed foods, a rising preference for clean label and natural ingredients, the surge in online food delivery services, global population growth, and an increase in disposable income. Key trends expected in the forecast period encompass the enhancement of texture and mouthfeel, the integration of advanced processing technologies, the incorporation of smart packaging, and a focus on partnerships and collaborations within the industry.
The hydrocolloids market is anticipated to experience growth driven by an increase in nutritionally aware consumers. As consumers prioritize nutritional food for various health reasons, including psychological well-being, muscle strength, infection prevention, and wound healing, hydrocolloids emerge as functional food ingredients offering nutritional benefits. These ingredients allow for the customization of nutritional value and potential health benefits by influencing various mechanisms, such as gastric emptying, glycemic response, and carbohydrate fermentation in the large intestine. According to the 2022 Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council, 52% of Americans reported following a diet or eating pattern in the previous year, marking a significant increase from previous years. This rise in nutritionally aware consumers is a key driver for the growth of the hydrocolloids market.
The hydrocolloids market is also expected to grow due to the increasing consumption of functional food products. Functional foods, which provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, rely on hydrocolloids like xanthan gum and pectin for their ability to enhance texture, stability, and sensory experiences. According to a report from the Department for Business and Trade, the global market for functional foods was valued at $282.7 billion in 2021 and is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 9.5% from 2021 to 2028. This growing consumption of functional food products is a significant driver for the hydrocolloids market.
Gellan gum is a significant trend gaining traction in the hydrocolloids market. It is a water-soluble polysaccharide and a multifunctional hydrocolloid frequently used as a gelling agent. Gellan gum possesses various properties, including gelation, stabilization, texturizing, film-forming, thickening, structuring, and serving as a suspending agent, making it applicable across food and beverages, home care, personal care, and other industrial uses. As the most expensive type of hydrocolloid, gellan gum is widely employed to enhance food texture. For instance, in July 2023, DSM-Firmenich, a Switzerland-based science company, introduced GELLANEER, a high-performance gelling agent derived from gellan gum, recognized for its thickening abilities and stability under heat and varying pH levels. It is commonly used in beverages, desserts, and vegan alternatives. The product line features high acyl gellan gum for softer gels and low acyl gellan gum for firmer gels.
Major companies in the hydrocolloids market are focusing on introducing clean-label products to stay competitive. Clean-label hydrocolloids are natural additives that enhance texture and stability in food products while meeting consumer demands for ingredient transparency and simplicity. For example, International Flavors & Fragrances launched SEAFLOUR in May 2022, a nutrient-dense hydrocolloid sourced from non-GMO red seaweed, offering stability to plant-based beverages and catering to the clean-label trend.
In June 2022, Tate & Lyle PLC, a UK-based company and a leading global supplier of food and beverage ingredients, announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Quantum Hi-Tech (Guangdong) Biological Co., Ltd, for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to enhance its position in the health and wellness sector. Quantum Hi-Tech (Guangdong) Biological Co., Ltd is a China-based company specializing in prebiotic dietary fiber.
Major companies operating in the hydrocolloids market include Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Ashland Global Holdings Inc., Cargill Incorporated, CP Kelco US Inc., Darling Ingredients Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Hispanagar S.A., Ingredion Incorporated, Kerry Group plc, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Aquarev Industries SAS, BASF SE, Fiberstar Inc., FMC Corporation, Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG, Lotus Gums & Chemicals, Palsgaard A/S, Hawkins Watts Limited, J.F. Hydrocolloids Inc., E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Tate & Lyle plc, Gelymar S.A., Gum Technology Corporation, Gums n Gums Limited, KIMICA Corporation, Lucid Colloids Ltd., Nexira, Silvateam S.p.A., Taiyo International
North America was the largest region in the hydrocolloids market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the hydrocolloids market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Africa.
The countries covered in the hydrocolloids market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, the UK, and the USA.
The hydrocolloids market consists of sales of hydrocolloids by type, including starch and xanthan. 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.
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 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.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for hydrocolloids ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The 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 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.