PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1659088
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1659088
Functional flours are specialized products subjected to hydrothermal treatment, designed for diverse applications in the food and beverage industry. These flours offer a healthier alternative to regular ingredients and are employed to create premium culinary products, promoting cleaner labels and enhanced nutritional density.
The main types of functional flours encompass specialty flours, enzyme-treated flours, gluten-free flours, extruded and partially transformed flours, pre-gelatinized flours, and precooked flours. Specialty flours stand out for their versatility, imparting distinctive flavors and textures to a wide range of applications, aligning with various consumer trends and expectations. Raw materials for functional flours include maize, rice, wheat, and others, catering to applications beyond the food sector, such as non-food applications. These flours find use in bakery products, noodles and pasta, and various other culinary applications, contributing to the production of cleaner-label, healthier, and more nutrient-dense food and feed products. The diverse range of functional flours reflects their adaptability and ability to meet the evolving demands of the food and beverage industry.
The functional flour market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides functional flour market statistics, including functional flour industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a functional flour market share, detailed functional flour market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the functional flour industry. This functional flour 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 functional flour market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $71.22 billion in 2024 to $75.94 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to functional flour in food processing industry, specific health benefits, specialty diet demand, personalized nutrition, innovations in product formulation.
The functional flour market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $97.79 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising demand for specialty flours, clean label preferences, functional attributes, health and wellness trends, gluten-free and allergen-free requirements. Major trends in the forecast period include regulatory changes and labeling standards, functional flour in food processing, global culinary fusion, sustainable and ethical sourcing, innovation in food technology.
The rising demand for ready-to-eat products is playing a major role in boosting the growth of the functional flour market. Ready-to-eat products consist of pre-cleaned, pre-cooked, and packaged foods that can be consumed without the need for further cooking. Functional flour enhances health benefits, offering more advantages than traditional flours. With changing lifestyles and higher disposable incomes, there has been an increasing preference for ready-to-eat products, as they save both time and effort. For example, in August 2022, China Daily, a US-based journal website, reported that the annual sales of China's ready meals market are projected to surpass $148 billion within the next six to seven years, with an annual growth rate of 20%. As a result, the rapid expansion of the ready-to-eat products market is driving the growth of the functional flour market.
The increasing number of health-conscious consumers is expected to drive the growth of the functional flour market in the coming years. Health-conscious consumers are individuals who prioritize and actively seek to maintain and enhance their physical and mental well-being. These individuals are mindful of their lifestyle choices, paying close attention to diet, exercise, mental health, and overall wellness. For these consumers, functional flour is a key component, providing nutrient-rich alternatives that align with their preference for healthier ingredients and contributing to more balanced and wholesome diets. For example, in 2022, according to the Office for National Statistics, a UK-based national statistics organization, healthcare expenditure in the UK reached approximately $354.88 billion (£283 billion), marking a nominal increase of 0.7% compared to spending in 2021. As a result, the rise in health-conscious consumers is fueling the growth of the functional flour market.
Product innovation is a significant trend in the functional flour market. Leading companies in the industry are focusing on developing innovative products and conducting research and development to enhance their offerings. For example, in April 2023, Tirlan, an Ireland-based dairying company, introduced Organic Oat-Standing Functional Oat Flour. This product, milled through a proprietary process, provides consistent viscosity and outstanding sensory experiences, with a smooth texture and a clean oaty flavor. Made from organically grown oats in Ireland, this flour caters to consumer demand for natural, nutritious ingredients, especially in dairy alternatives, and supports plant-based formulations. Key features of the product include its role as a viscosity regulator and its gluten-free properties, which improve moisture, softness, and structure in various products, as well as its use as a viscosity regulator in bakery applications.
Leading companies in the functional flour market are concentrating on developing advanced dietary solutions, such as Bay State Milling's HealthSense High-Fiber Wheat Flour, to boost nutritional value and appeal to health-conscious consumers. HealthSense High-Fiber Wheat Flour is crafted to provide enhanced nutritional benefits, allowing consumers to increase their fiber intake without compromising on taste or texture. For example, in March 2023, Bay State Milling, a US-based company specializing in innovative grain solutions and ingredient products for the baking and food industries, introduced Wingold Wellness multi-purpose flour. This product features HealthSense High-Fiber Wheat Flour, delivering three times the fiber content of traditional refined wheat flour while maintaining the same taste and functionality. Designed as a 1:1 substitute, it can be used in a variety of products, such as pizza and tortillas, without the need for additional fiber additives. Packaged in 50-pound sacks, it enables manufacturers and distributors to meet the rising consumer demand for nutritious wheat-based options without compromising flavor.
In June 2022, General Mills, a prominent U.S.-based manufacturer specializing in branded consumer foods with a focus on the functional flour market, successfully acquired TNT Crust for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition aligns with General Mills' 'accelerate' strategy, reinforcing its dominant position in the rapidly growing market for frozen baked products designed for consumption away from home. TNT Crust, headquartered in the Netherlands, is a key player in providing pizza crusts and is also involved in the functional flour market.
Major companies operating in the functional flour market are Cargill Incorporated, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Bunge Limited, Associated British Foods PLC, General Mills Inc., Ingredion Incorporated, Tate & Lyle PLC, Dohler GmbH, Kerry Group PLC, Sensient Technologies Corporation, AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, SunOpta Inc., The Scoular Company, The Hain Celestial Group Inc., Parrish and Heimbecker Limited, Diana Food SAS, Olam International Limited, SVZ International BV, Kanegrade Ltd., FruitSmart Inc., Milne Fruit Products, Tree Top Inc., Welch Food Inc., Givaudan SA, Symrise AG, Firmenich SA, MGP Ingredients Inc.
North America was the largest region in the functional flour market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the functional flour market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.
The countries covered in the functional flour market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The functional flour market consists of sales of amaranth flour, wheat flour, arrowroot flour, buckwheat flour, cassava flour, chickpea flour, and chia flour. 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.
Functional Flour 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 functional flour 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 functional flour ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The functional flour 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.