Food thickeners are agents used in various foods and beverages in order to increase their thickness without compromising on the nutritional value. Hydrocolloids, starch, and proteins are the three major types of food thickeners. A rise in demand for fruit juices, baked items, desserts, and many other Ready-To-Eat (RTE) foods and beverages coupled with the changing eating habits of consumers have widen the application scope for these thickening agents.
Starch: The Most Preferred Food Thickener due to High Viscosity
The starch segment is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period (from 2018 to 2025) owing to its properties such as high viscosity & stability and low cost. In addition, easy availability of starch in surplus quantities across various regions is expected to influence the segment demand in the forthcoming years. Research and development activities focused on developing starch-based thickeners to be used in frozen foods and desserts may also boost the segment growth. For example, various prominent companies such as Ingredion Inc. and Cargill Inc. have invested in R&D focusing on obtaining starch from plants.
The protein segment is also projected to experience a healthy growth rate owing to its health benefits such as muscle buildup and healthy aging. Use of protein food thickeners as an emulsifying and gelling agent in baked products can drive the segment demand. Moreover, high demand for frozen foods can also induce segment demand in the years to come. Health consciousness among consumers have encouraged restaurant chains to introduce plant-based burgers and meals. Instances of these are White Castle, TGI Friday, and Sonic Drive-In.
Market Outlook
The global food thickeners market is projected to reach at USD 18.98 billion by 2025, according to a report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is touted to exhibit a decent CAGR of 6.2% over the forecast period. Demand for processed and convenience foods by consumers owing to their hectic lifestyles is expected to augur market growth over the coming years. Rising health consciousness along with a wide scope of application for the product in the processed feeds sector is also anticipated to bode well for the market. Key market players include E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company; Cargill Inc.; Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM); and CP Kelko.
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