Beta-Glucan Market by Source (Cereal, Mushroom, Yeast and Seaweed), Application (Food & Beverage, Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, Dietary Supplement, Animal Feed), and Region (North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America and RoW) - Global Forecast to 2028
[268 Pages Report] The beta-glucan market is estimated at USD 501 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 734 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2023 to 2028. The increased demand for nutrients for the human body has resulted from urbanisation and a fast-paced lifestyle. As a result, Food Additives have been mixed into food products. Natural food additives boost the nutritious content of the foods they are mixed with without causing any harm. Natural ingredients are in high demand in both the conventional and organic food industries. According to article by BakeryandSnacks (leading online news source for the bakery and snacks sectors) 2022, natural ingredients are leading consumer trends: approximately 47% of global consumers ask for natural products, and 55% of respondents look for natural features when buying products in at least one category. Natural food additives are in high demand because of stringent EU regulations prohibiting the use of synthetic additives. As a result, the Food Additives market has grown exponentially. Beta-glucan is one such food Additive derived from many sources such as cereals & grains, yeast, mushroom and seaweed. Beta-glucan is a safe and naturally occurring potent Biological Response Modifier (BRM), which nutritionally activates the immune response. The demand for food products laced with Beta-glucan is increasing in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, Request for Free Sample Report
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
Beta-Glucan Market Dynamics
Driver: Growing application of beta-glucan in different industries
Beta-Glucan has been extensively researched for its potential health benefits, including immune modulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and cholesterol-lowering properties. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in the application of beta-glucan in various industries beyond the food and dietary supplement sectors. Such as Beta-glucan has been investigated for its potential use in food packaging as a biodegradable and renewable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. A study published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science in 2020 reported that beta-glucan-based films showed good mechanical properties and had potential as an edible coating for fruits and vegetables. The European Commission's Joint Research Centre has also investigated the use of beta-glucan as a coating for paper-based packaging to improve its water resistance and durability. Commercially, In 2021, the food packaging company Biopack launched a beta-glucan-based coating for paper-based packaging. The coating is designed to improve the water resistance and durability of the packaging while also making it more environmentally friendly.
Restraint: Price volatility of raw materials
The price volatility of raw materials is a significant restraint in the beta-glucan market. One recent example of price volatility in the beta-glucan market is the impact of weather patterns on the price of oats, which is a common source of beta-glucan. In 2018, a severe drought in Scandinavia caused the price of oats to rise significantly. This had a ripple effect on the price of beta-glucan products that rely on oats as a raw material, making them more expensive for consumers. The same year, the price of beta-glucan derived from yeast also increased due to rising demand for the ingredient in the food and beverage industry.
Opportunity: Growing demand for natural and plant-based ingredients
Developing countries such as China, India, and countries in the Middle East & Africa, in the coming years, are expected to experience a sharp upsurge in demand for beta-glucan extracted from different raw materials. This demand is attributed to be driven by an increase in the consumption of healthy foods, nutraceuticals, and personal care products. In addition, these regions also provide cost optimization in terms of production, labor cost, and processing. High demand, coupled with a low cost of production, is a key feature that is expected to support beta-glucan manufacturers to enter into new geographies. The growing demand for natural and plant-based ingredients is creating an opportunity for the beta glucan market to expand. Beta glucan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in oats, barley, and other sources, aligns with this trend and can provide a range of health benefits. According to a report by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) from 2020, the demand for natural and organic products is increasing, with sales of organic food in the United States reaching USD 6.4 billion in 2020, a 12.4% increase from 2019. The report also notes that consumers are increasingly seeking out products with natural and minimally processed ingredients, which includes beta glucan as a natural and minimally processed ingredient.
Recent commercial examples of the use of beta glucan in natural and plant-based products further demonstrate the opportunity for the beta glucan market. In 2021, the plant-based meat company Beyond Meat announced the launch of their Beyond Chicken Tenders, which are made with a blend of plant-based proteins and contain beta glucan as a natural binder. This product highlights the potential for beta glucan to provide a natural alternative to synthetic binders and improve the texture and taste of plant-based meat alternatives. Another example comes from the personal care industry, where beta glucan is used as an ingredient in natural and plant-based skincare products. In 2022, The Body Shop launched their new Drops of Youth™ Concentrate, which contains beta glucan to improve skin hydration and firmness. The use of beta glucan aligns with the Body Shop's commitment to using natural and sustainably sourced ingredients in their products.
Challenge: Lack of consumer awareness
The lack of awareness of beta glucan and its potential applications is a significant challenge for the industry. Many consumers and food manufacturers may not be familiar with the ingredient, which can limit demand for beta glucan-containing products and slow the growth of the market. For example, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior in 2018 found that while consumers were generally aware of the health benefits of oatmeal, they were less familiar with the specific health benefits of beta glucan. The study suggested that increasing consumer awareness of beta glucan's health benefits could be a way to increase demand for beta glucan-containing products. The government can play a role in increasing awareness of beta glucan and its potential applications. For instance, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published research on the health benefits of beta glucan, including its potential role in reducing cholesterol levels and improving heart health. Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved health claims related to beta glucan, such as its ability to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Beta-Glucan Market Ecosystem
Prominent companies in this market include well-established, financially stable manufacturers of Beta-glucam. These companies have been operating in the market for several years and possess a diversified product portfolio, state-of-the-art technologies, and strong global sales and marketing networks. Prominent companies in this market include Tate & Lyle PLC (England), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), Koninklijke DSM NV (Netherlands), International Flavors & Fragrances INC. (US), Merck (US).
Based on Source, Grains & Cereals segment is estimated to account for the largest market share of the beta-glucan market
The market for cereal grains as a source of beta-glucan is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier and functional foods. Beta-glucan is a type of dietary fiber found in the cell walls of cereals such as oats, barley, and rye. It has been shown to have various health benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels, improving heart health, and boosting the immune system.
Oats are the most common source of beta-glucan, and the demand for oat-based products is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The rising popularity of oat milk and oat-based snacks is a testament to this trend. Barley and rye are also potential sources of beta-glucan, and their demand is expected to increase as well.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in consumer behavior towards healthier and immune-boosting foods, which has further increased the demand for beta-glucan-rich cereals. In conclusion, the market for cereal grains as a source of beta-glucan is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by increasing consumer demand for functional and healthier foods. The industry players are also investing in research and development to develop new products and enhance the existing ones, which will further boost the market growth. Like, companies are developing innovative formulations that combine beta-glucan with other ingredients to create unique products with enhanced health benefits. For instance, In 2019, Kellogg's launched a new product called "Hi! Happy Inside" breakfast cereal, which is marketed as a digestive wellness cereal that includes beta-glucan from wheat as one of its key ingredients.
By category soluble segment of the beta-glucan market by category is projected to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period.
Soluble beta glucan is a type of soluble fiber that is found in many foods, such as oats, barley, and mushrooms. It has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing cholesterol levels, improving immune function, and potentially reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.
One of the reasons for this growth in demand is the increasing number of scientific studies that have demonstrated the health benefits of soluble beta glucan. For example, a 2020 review article published in the journal Nutrients concluded that consuming beta glucan from oats or barley can reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The authors also noted that beta glucan may have other cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving endothelial function.
Based on application, Food & beverage segment are anticipated to dominate the market.
The consumption of beta-glucan has been linked to several health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. The US FDA has approved the use of health claims related to beta-glucan, stating that "soluble fiber from certain foods, such as oats and barley, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease."
Recently, in 2021, the Swedish oat milk company Oatly launched a new line of oat milk products in the United States that are fortified with beta-glucan. The products, called "Oatly+ Beta-Glucan," are marketed as a way to support heart health and overall wellness. Thus, the growing demand for beta-glucan in the food and beverage industry is driven by increasing awareness of its health benefits, particularly in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.
The North America market is projected to contribute the largest share for the beta-glucan market
The North American beta-glucan market is led by its broad applications in various products along with their health benefits. The key market players in the North American beta-glucan market include Merck (U.S.), and Lesaffre (U.S.). Technological advancements have made beta-glucan available for a wide range of applications in the food & beverage sector in the form of thickening agents, fat substitutes, dietary fiber, and hypocholesterolemic agents; these are likely to drive the growth in the region.
Consumers in the US are calorie-conscious, due to which low-calorie and low-fat food products are popular in the country. The increase in the prevalence of obesity and cardiac diseases has led to a surge in demand for natural and low-calorie ingredient-based food products among consumers. According to the Centre for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and from the data provided by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, in the US, from the report, 2019-2020 shows that the prevalence of obesity among adults has increased to 42.4% in 2018 to 2020.
The rise in incidences of obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, and other health issues has led to a surge in demand for healthy ingredient-based products manufactured. Consumers in North America are gradually becoming aware of the health benefits of oat beta-glucan and its significance in enhancing body immunity. This, in turn, is projected to drive the growth of the beta-glucan market in this region. The growth of the food industry and the increase in usage of healthy food ingredients and additives in Canada and Mexico have contributed to the growth of the beta-glucan market in North America. Food manufacturers are therefore concentrating on different applications of beta-glucan products.
Key Market Players
The key players in this include Tate & Lyle PLC (London), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), Koninklijke DSM NV (Netherlands), International Flavors & Fragrances INC. (US), Merck (US), Lesaffre Human Care (France), Kemin Industries (US), Angel Yeast Co. Ltd (China), Lallemand (Canada), Ohly GmbH (Germany), Biorigin – Zilor (Brazil), Ceapro Inc. (Canada), Specialty Biotech Co., Ltd. (US). These players in this market are focusing on increasing their presence through agreements and collaborations. These companies have a strong presence in North America, Asia Pacific and Europe. They also have manufacturing facilities along with strong distribution networks across these regions.
Get online access to the report on the World's First Market Intelligence Cloud
- Easy to Download Historical Data & Forecast Numbers
- Company Analysis Dashboard for high growth potential opportunities
- Research Analyst Access for customization & queries
- Competitor Analysis with Interactive dashboard
- Latest News, Updates & Trend analysis
Request Sample Scope of the Report
Get online access to the report on the World's First Market Intelligence Cloud
- Easy to Download Historical Data & Forecast Numbers
- Company Analysis Dashboard for high growth potential opportunities
- Research Analyst Access for customization & queries
- Competitor Analysis with Interactive dashboard
- Latest News, Updates & Trend analysis
Report Metric |
Details |
Market size available for years |
2018–2028 |
Base year considered |
2022 |
Forecast period |
2023–2028 |
Forecast units |
Value (USD) |
Segments covered |
by source (grains & cereals, yeast, mushroom and seawwed), by category (soluble and insoluble), by application (Food & Beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, dietary supplement and animal Feed and Region |
Regions covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and RoW |
Companies covered |
Tate & Lyle PLC (London), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), Koninklijke DSM NV (Netherlands), International Flavors & Fragrances INC. (US), Merck (US). |
This research report categorizes the beta-glucan market based on source, category, applications, and region.
Based on source, the beta-glucan market has been segmented as follows:
- Grains & cereals
- Yeast
- Mushroom
- Seaweed
Based on category, the beta-glucan market has been segmented as follows:
- Soluble
- Insoluble
Based on the applications, the beta-glucan market has been segmented as follows:
- Food & beverages
- Personal care
- Pharmaceutical
- Dietary supplement
- Animal feed
Based on the region, the beta-glucan market has been segmented as follows:
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- South America
- RoW (the Middle East & South Africa)
Recent Developments
- In December 2022, Kemin Industry explanding the production site. The expansion of Kemin's production site in Cavriago reflects the company's commitment to innovation and sustainability in animal nutrition and health. With the addition of these new facilities, Kemin will be able to meet the growing demand for high-quality beta glucan products and continue to drive innovation in this important field.
- DSM in January 2022 announced the launch of an integrated Food & Beverage operating structure which unifies three areas of DSM’s nutrition business – Food Specialties, Hydrocolloids, and part of its Nutritional Products Group. The new Food & Beverage organization will focus on helping consumers choose between taste, texture, and health. It will also help the company to become a fully focused Health, Nutrition & Bioscience firm and support the company’s announcement in September 2021.
- In June 2020, Lesaffre takes a majority shareholding in the Chinese company Biohymn Biotechnology (China). Biohymn Biotechnology; is a Chinese company specialized in the production of yeast and yeast extracts. Considering its potential expansion strategies, to penetrate to the Chinese market, the company has invested and acquired a majority shareholding in Biohymn Biotechnology. This operation is perfectly in line with Lesaffre Human Care’s goal of strengthening its presence in the Chinese market and ensuring greater proximity to its clients.
- In December 21, Angel Egypt's yeast product expansion project with an annual output of 20,000 tons officially started. The expansion project is undertaken by China National Chemical Engineering NO.16 Construction Co., Ltd., with a construction period of 17 months. It is expected to be completed and put into operation in May 2024, and in that time the total production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Which are the major companies in the beta-glucan market? What are their major strategies to strengthen their market presence?
The key players in this Tate & Lyle PLC (London), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), Koninklijke DSM NV (Netherlands), International Flavors & Fragrances INC. (US), Merck (US), Lesaffre Human Care (France), Kemin Industries (US), Angel Yeast Co. Ltd (China), Lallemand (Canada), Ohly GmbH (Germany), Biorigin – Zilor (Brazil), Ceapro Inc. (Canada), Specialty Biotech Co., Ltd. (US). These players in this market are focusing on increasing their presence through agreements and collaborations. These companies have a strong presence in North America, Asia Pacific and Europe. They also have manufacturing facilities along with strong distribution networks across these regions.
What are the drivers and opportunities for the beta-glucan market?
As consumers become more health conscious and environmentally aware, there is a growing demand for natural and plant-based ingredients in food, feed, and other products. Beta-glucan is a natural and plant-based ingredient that is widely used in various applications, and the demand for it is expected to increase in the coming years. The food and feed industries are expected to grow in the coming years, driven by increasing population and changing food habits. Beta-glucan is a widely used ingredient in these industries, and the growth of these industries is expected to drive the growth of the beta-glucan market.
Which region is expected to hold the highest market share?
The market in North America will dominate the market share in 2022, showcasing strong demand from beta-glucan in the region. The rise in incidences of obesity, heart diseases, diabetes, and other health issues has led to a surge in demand for healthy ingredient-based products manufactured in North America.
Which are the key technology trends prevailing in the beta-glucan market?
Innovations in formulation and delivery systems are latest technology in beta-glucan market, which can help improve the bioavailability and stability of beta-glucan products. This may include encapsulation, microencapsulation, or nanoencapsulation techniques, which can protect beta-glucan from degradation and enhance its absorption in the body.
What is the total CAGR expected to be recorded for the beta-glucan market during 2023-2028?
The CAGR is expected to record a CAGR of 7.9 % from 2023-2028.
To speak to our analyst for a discussion on the above findings, click Speak to Analyst
The study involved four major activities in estimating the current size of the beta-glucan market. Exhaustive secondary research was done to collect information on the market, peer market, and parent market. The next step was to validate these findings, assumptions, and sizing with industry experts across the value chain through primary research. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches were employed to estimate the complete market size. After that, market breakdown and data triangulation were used to estimate the market size of segments and subsegments.
Secondary Research
In the secondary research process, sources such as annual reports, press releases, and investor presentations of companies, white papers, certified publications, articles from regulatory bodies, trade directories, by recognized authors, and databases were used to identify and collect information for this study.
Secondary research was used to obtain key information about the industry’s supply chain, the total pool of key players, market classification, and segmentation according to the industry trends to the bottom-most level, geographic markets, and key developments from both market- and technology-oriented perspectives.
Primary Research
The beta-glucan market includes several stakeholders in the supply chain, including raw material suppliers, beta-glucan manufacturers, end-product manufacturers, and regulatory organizations. The demand side of the market is characterized by the presence of key food producers and processors, food importers/exporters, manufacturers engaged in the production of lecithin and related government agencies. The supply side is characterized by key manufacturers of beta-glucan and suppliers of raw materials.
Various primary sources from supply and demand sides were interviewed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information. The primary interviewees from the demand side include key opinion leaders, executives, vice presidents, and CEOs from food & beverage and feed sectors. The primary sources from the supply side include key opinion leaders and key manufacturers in the beta-glucan market.
Breakdown of Primary Interviews
To know about the assumptions considered for the study, download the pdf brochure
Market Size Estimation
The top-down and bottom-up approaches were used to estimate and validate the total size of the beta-glucan market. These approaches were also used extensively to estimate the size of various subsegments in the market. The research methodology used to estimate the market size includes the following details.
Top-down approach:
- The key industry and market players were identified through extensive secondary research.
- The industry's supply chain and market size were determined through primary and secondary research.
- All percentage share splits and breakdowns were determined using secondary sources and verified through primary sources.
Bottom-up approach:
- The market size was analyzed based on the share of each source of beta-glucan and its penetration within the application and form at regional and country levels. Thus, the global market was estimated with a bottom-up approach at the country level.
- Other factors include demand within the supply chain, including the food & beverages, feed, healthcare and industrial applications; and function trends; pricing trends; adoption rate and price factors; patents registered; and organic and inorganic growth attempts.
- All macroeconomic and microeconomic factors affecting the beta-glucan market were considered while estimating the market size.
- All possible parameters that affect the market covered in this research study were accounted for, viewed in extensive detail, verified through primary research, and analyzed to obtain final quantitative and qualitative data.
Global Beta-glucan Market Size: Bottom Up Approach
The bottom-up approach used the data extracted from secondary research to validate the market segment sizes obtained. The approach was employed to arrive at the overall size of the beta-glucan market in particular regions, and its share in the beta-glucan market at the country and regional levels was validated through primary interviews conducted with suppliers, dealers, and distributors.
Global Beta-glucan Market Size: Top Down Approach
In the top-down approach, the overall market size was used to estimate the size of individual markets (mentioned in the segmentation) through percentage splits from secondary and primary research.
In the top-down approach, the overall market size was used to estimate the size of individual markets (mentioned in the segmentation) through percentage splits from secondary and primary research. For the calculation of each specific market segment, the most appropriate immediate parent market size was used to implement the top-down approach. The bottom-up approach was also implemented for data extracted from secondary research to validate the market segment sizes obtained.
The market share was then estimated for each company to verify the revenue share used earlier in the bottom-up procedure. With the data triangulation procedure and validation of data through primaries, the overall parent market size and each individual market size were determined and confirmed.
Data Triangulation
After arriving at the overall market size from the estimation process explained above, the total market was split into several segments and subsegments. The data triangulation and market breakdown procedures were employed, wherever applicable, to estimate the overall beta-glucan market and arrive at the exact statistics for all segments and subsegments. The data was triangulated by studying various factors and trends from the demand and supply sides. The market size was also validated using both the top-down and bottom-up approaches.
Market Definition
Beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that function as immunomodulatory agents. That is, they help and regulate the immune system and as dietary fibers that contribute to reducing the total plasma cholesterol and lowering the glycemic index of food. Beta-glucans are predominantly found and extracted from cell walls in yeast, fungi, and seaweed. Primary sources of beta-glucan include yeast, mushroom, seaweed, and cereals, such as oats, rye, barley, and wheat.
Key Stakeholders
- Raw material suppliers
- Regulatory bodies that include the following:
- Food safety agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), (US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
- Government agencies and NGOs
- End users that include the following:
- Food & beverage manufacturers/suppliers
- Health & personal care product manufacturers/suppliers
- Retailers/wholesalers
- Commercial Research & Development (R&D) institutions and financial institutions
- Importers and exporters of beta-glucan
- Traders, distributors, and suppliers
- Research organizations, trade associations, and industry bodies
Report Objectives
Market Intelligence
- Determining and projecting the size of the beta-glucan market, with respect to sources, applications, categories, and regional markets, over a six-year period, ranging from 2023 to 2028
- Identifying the attractive opportunities in the market by determining the largest and fastest-growing segments across regions
- Providing detailed information about the key factors influencing the growth of the market (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and industry-specific challenges)
- Analyzing the 1micro markets with respect to individual growth trends, prospects, and their contribution to the total market
Competitive Intelligence
- Identifying and profiling the key players in the beta-glucan market
- Providing a comparative analysis of market leaders on the basis of the following:
- Product offerings
- Business strategies
- Strengths and weaknesses
- Key financials
- Understanding the competitive landscape and identifying the major growth strategies adopted by players across the key regions
- Analyzing the value chain and products across the key regions and their impact on the prominent market players
- Providing insights on key product innovations and investments in the beta-glucan market
Available Customizations
With the given market data, MarketsandMarkets offers customizations according to the company’s specific scientific needs.
The following customization options are available for the report:
Geographic Analysis
- Further breakdown of the Rest of Europe market into Poland, Russia and Sweden
- Further breakdown of the Rest of Asia Pacific market into Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia
- Further breakdown of the Rest of South America market into Colombia, Chile, and Paraguay
Growth opportunities and latent adjacency in Beta-Glucan Market
In regards to the Beta-Glucan Market, I would like to know if the study covers any regulatory aspects of Beta Glucan commercialization? What is the in-depth coverage on the Asian market?