Natural Thickeners

Global Natural Thickeners Market to Reach US$9.1 Billion by 2030

The global market for Natural Thickeners estimated at US$7.2 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$9.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Plant-based Thickeners, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.2% CAGR and reach US$6.0 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Animal-based Thickeners segment is estimated at 5.1% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$2.0 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 6.9% CAGR

The Natural Thickeners market in the U.S. is estimated at US$2.0 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$1.8 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 6.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.6% and 2.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.2% CAGR.

Global Natural Thickeners Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Natural Thickeners Being Widely Adopted Across Industries?

Natural thickeners are increasingly used across food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial formulations as clean-label, biodegradable, and non-toxic alternatives to synthetic additives. Derived from plant, algal, or microbial sources, these thickeners provide viscosity, texture, stability, and suspension without altering taste or chemical properties. Common natural thickeners include starches, guar gum, xanthan gum, agar, pectin, locust bean gum, and cellulose derivatives. Their rising use is linked to growing consumer preference for natural and minimally processed products.

In food applications, natural thickeners help improve mouthfeel, maintain product consistency, and prevent ingredient separation in soups, sauces, bakery products, and beverages. In cosmetics and personal care products, they provide smooth textures and emulsification while ensuring stability in creams, gels, and lotions. Pharmaceutical formulations rely on natural thickeners for drug delivery consistency and palatability. Their broad functionality and safety profile make them ideal for products targeting sensitive consumers, such as infants or people with allergies.

How Are Innovations in Processing and Formulation Enhancing Performance?

Advancements in extraction, purification, and blending techniques are improving the quality and application range of natural thickeners. Modified starches, enzymatically treated gums, and micronized plant fibers are offering greater solubility, thermal stability, and pH tolerance. These improvements allow manufacturers to fine-tune viscosity, gelation speed, and moisture retention depending on the end-use requirement. Fermentation-based production of xanthan and gellan gums has made these materials more accessible and consistent in quality.

Blending multiple natural thickeners is becoming a common strategy to achieve tailored rheological properties. For instance, combining guar gum with xanthan gum provides enhanced viscosity control and freeze-thaw stability in frozen foods or emulsions. In cosmetics, thickener combinations improve absorption and reduce greasiness in creams. Manufacturers are also incorporating thickeners with functional benefits such as prebiotic fiber content, opening new opportunities in wellness-oriented products.

Which End-Use Markets Are Driving Demand for Natural Thickeners?

Food and beverage remain the dominant application sector, particularly in dairy products, gluten-free baked goods, beverages, and meat substitutes. As plant-based food categories expand, demand for natural thickeners that maintain structure and texture in soy, oat, or almond-based products is rising. In cosmetics, clean beauty trends are driving the use of natural gums and starches in skincare, haircare, and personal hygiene products. Formulators seek ingredients that offer gentle thickening with minimal skin irritation.

Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies use natural thickeners in oral suspensions, gels, syrups, and topical applications. In industrial segments, bio-based thickeners are gaining ground in adhesives, paints, and textile printing, where environmental safety and biodegradability are critical. Growth is also visible in pet food and animal health sectors, where natural binders and stabilizers enhance product appeal and nutritional consistency.

Growth in the Natural Thickeners Market Is Driven by Several Factors…

Growth in the natural thickeners market is driven by several factors. Increased demand for clean-label, plant-based, and allergen-free formulations supports their adoption in food, cosmetics, and pharma sectors. Innovations in extraction and modification technologies improve functional performance and formulation versatility. Rising consumer awareness of ingredient safety and sustainability accelerates the shift from synthetic to natural additives. Expansion of plant-based foods and natural skincare products creates new application opportunities. Regulatory approval and global supply chains for key thickeners ensure broader availability and commercial viability. As industries prioritize environmental responsibility and transparency, natural thickeners are gaining a stronger foothold across global product development pipelines.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Natural Thickeners market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Type (Plant-based Thickeners, Animal-based Thickeners); Application (Food & Beverages Application, Cosmetics & Personal Care Application, Pharmaceuticals Application, Paint & Coatings Application, Other Applications)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 43 Featured) -

• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
• Ashland Global Holdings Inc.
• Avebe U.A.
• BASF SE
• Brenntag AG
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Clariant AG
• CP Kelco (J.M. Huber Company)
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• Fiberstar Inc.
• Glanbia plc
• Ingredion Incorporated
• J.M. Huber Corporation
• Kerry Group plc
• Lamberti SpA
• Lonza Group Ltd.
• Nexira
• Roquette Frères SA
• Seppic (Air Liquide)
• Tate & Lyle PLC

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