Okara

Global Okara Market to Reach US$2.9 Billion by 2030

The global market for Okara estimated at US$2.6 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$2.9 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Bakery, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 2.1% CAGR and reach US$1.0 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Noodles segment is estimated at 1.5% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$709.1 Million While China is Forecast to Grow at 3.9% CAGR

The Okara market in the U.S. is estimated at US$709.1 Million in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$548.9 Million by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 3.9% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 0.8% and 1.8% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 1.2% CAGR.

Global Okara Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Okara Gaining Interest as a Functional Ingredient in Food and Feed Applications?

Okara, the fibrous byproduct of soy milk and tofu production, is rich in dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and bioactive compounds. Traditionally treated as waste or low-value livestock feed, okara is now being re-evaluated as a valuable raw material for food, nutraceutical, and feed applications. Its high moisture content, however, presents preservation and processing challenges, often leading to underutilization. With increasing demand for plant-based nutrition and sustainable ingredients, okara is emerging as a viable upcycled product in the circular food economy.

In food processing, okara is being explored for use in bakery products, meat alternatives, beverages, and dietary supplements. It enhances fiber content, improves texture, and acts as a functional thickening agent. For animal feed, okara contributes protein and digestible fiber, making it suitable for poultry, cattle, and aquaculture diets. Its use aligns with efforts to reduce food system waste, maximize byproduct valorization, and improve the economic efficiency of soy-based manufacturing.

How Are Processing Technologies Improving Okara’s Functional and Nutritional Value?

Technological innovations in drying, fermentation, and extraction are expanding okara’s commercial potential. Low-temperature drying and spray-drying methods help preserve nutritional quality while reducing perishability. Fermentation with lactic acid bacteria or fungi can enhance okara’s protein digestibility, antioxidant properties, and shelf life. Enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasonication are also being used to isolate peptides and improve bioavailability for food and supplement applications.

Advanced fractionation techniques allow the separation of okara’s fiber, protein, and lipid components, enabling its tailored use across multiple industries. In bakery and extruded snacks, defatted okara flour can improve moisture retention and mouthfeel. For high-protein products, fermented or enzymatically treated okara is increasingly incorporated into bars, patties, and protein powders. These processing methods are helping reposition okara from a waste byproduct to a functional ingredient with measurable health and commercial benefits.

What Trends Are Driving Okara Utilization in Emerging Applications?

Consumer interest in high-fiber, clean-label, and plant-based foods is creating new opportunities for okara-based formulations. Food startups and ingredient manufacturers are launching upcycled okara products marketed for their sustainability and health benefits. Demand for high-fiber ingredients in diabetic and weight-management diets is also supporting interest in okara as a soluble and insoluble fiber source. In the pet food sector, okara’s nutritional profile and digestibility are being leveraged in plant-forward product lines.

In the bio-based materials segment, researchers are investigating okara as a raw material for biodegradable packaging, bioplastics, and agricultural biostimulants. Its lignocellulosic content and carbon-rich structure make it suitable for eco-friendly product development. These diverse applications reflect growing recognition of okara’s potential in not just food and feed, but also in sustainable industrial processes aligned with waste valorization and circular economy principles.

What Factors Are Driving Growth in the Okara Market?

Growth in the okara market is driven by several factors. Rising soy milk and tofu production is generating a consistent supply of okara as a byproduct. Increased demand for plant-based ingredients and dietary fiber in food and beverages is encouraging exploration of okara as a cost-effective additive. Advances in drying, fermentation, and extraction technologies are enhancing okara’s nutritional value and functionality. Growing focus on food system sustainability, waste reduction, and circular processing is improving its commercial appeal. Additionally, evolving consumer preferences for clean-label, upcycled, and high-protein products are supporting the inclusion of okara in functional food formulations. These dynamics are fostering innovation and investment in okara-based applications across food, feed, and sustainable materials sectors.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

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

Segments:
Product (Bakery, Noodles, Snacks, Meat Substitutes, Other Products); End-Use (Household End-Use, Food & Beverages End-Use)

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 32 Featured) -

• Abokichi
• Azumaya Co., Ltd.
• Blue Farm GmbH
• Bonsoy Australia Pty Ltd
• Eden Foods, Inc.
• Hodo
• House Foods Group Inc.
• Karoun Dairies
• Mitchell`s Fruit Farms Limited
• Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc.
• Mori-Nu LLC
• Oatly AB
• Pulmuone Corporation
• Rebel Kitchen Ltd
• Schouten Europe BV
• Silk (WhiteWave Foods)
• Sunrise Soya Foods
• Twin Oaks Tofu
• Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd
• Yung Soon Lih Food Machine Co., Ltd.

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