Okara Market Size - By Usage (Bread {Steamed Bread, Sourdough Bread, Gluten-free Bread, Sweet Breads}, Noodles), Application (Household / Retail, Food & Beverage Industry {HoReCa, Food Processing}), Distribution Channel & Global Forecast, 2023 – 2032

Okara Market Size

Okara Market size was valued at USD 3.80 billion in 2022 and is estimated to expand at 4.6% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. The growing trend toward plant-based diets and alternative protein sources is a major demand driver in the market. Okara, a byproduct of soybean processing, has gained popularity as people seek healthier and more sustainable nutritional alternatives due to its high protein content and adaptability in plant-based cuisine. Okara is a significant protein source for health-conscious people and those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets. It may be used in a variety of meals, including dairy-free yogurt, smoothies, meat replacements, and baked goods.
 

Furthermore, increased awareness of the environmental effect of animal agriculture has resulted in an increase in demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly food choices. Okara, a byproduct of soybean processing, is regarded as a sustainable component that can help minimize food waste and carbon emissions. This corresponds with customer demands for more ethical and ecologically responsible options, making okara market popularity.

Consumers' lack of awareness about okara is a key impediment to the okara market's revenue growth. Despite its promise as a sustainable and healthy food, many consumers are unaware of okara and its wide range of culinary applications. This lack of understanding stifles market growth by preventing consumers from appreciating the value of okara as a plant-based protein source and its capacity to contribute to better and more sustainable diets.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the okara market. While there was an initial disruption in the supply chain due to lockdowns and restrictions, it also accelerated the demand for plant-based and healthy food options. Consumers, increasingly health-conscious during the pandemic, sought nutrient-rich and sustainable food products like okara. As a result, the market saw a boost in demand, particularly from those looking for plant-based protein sources and versatile ingredients for home cooking. However, challenges in production, distribution, and logistical issues created some supply constraints, affecting the market's overall growth during the pandemic.
 

Okara Market Trends

Food makers and chefs are experimenting with okara's adaptability to develop a variety of plant-based items such as dairy alternatives such as yogurt and cheese, protein-rich meat replacements, and gluten-free baked goods. This trend demonstrates the rising consumer desire for healthful and sustainable food alternatives, as well as okara's potential to play a key part in the expanding market for plant-based and alternative protein products.
 

Okara Market Analysis

Based on usage, the bread segment dominated around USD 1.53 billion revenue in 2022. The growing public preference for healthier, plant-based food options is driving the need for okara in bread production. Okara, a byproduct of soybean processing, is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that improves bread's nutritional profile. Bakeries and food producers are integrating okara into bread recipes to suit the desire of health-conscious customers for alternatives with higher protein and fiber content.    
 

Based on application, the food & beverage segment accounted for 64.1% of the okara market share in 2022. Okara is a high-nutritional-value soybean byproduct that is quickly gaining traction in the food and beverage industries due to its multiple health advantages and adaptability. It is high in fiber, protein, and a variety of vital vitamins and minerals. Okara can be used as a meat extender, tofu alternative, and thickening in several recipes. Several reasons are driving okara demand in the food and beverage sector, including increased consumer demand for plant-based proteins, the expanding popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets, and growing knowledge of okara's health advantages.
 

Based on distribution channel, the B2B segment is anticipated to grow at 4.9% CAGR through 2032. The growing demand in the Business-to-Business (B2B) sector, where important players cooperate with food producers, retailers, and distributors, has a substantial impact on the okara distribution channel. As the popularity of okara grows due to its various applications in plant-based food items, B2B collaborations are becoming increasingly important in maintaining a smooth supply chain. Okara is a crucial component for food makers looking for creative and sustainable ingredients for their plant-based product lines.
 

Asia Pacific okara market size held over USD 1.39 billion in 2022. The increasing adoption of plant-based diets and increased knowledge of the health advantages associated with plant-derived protein sources are important demand drivers for okara in the Asia-Pacific region. As consumers in Asia-Pacific seek healthier and more sustainable food options, okara, a protein and fiber-rich byproduct of soybean processing, has gained popularity. Okara is in high demand as a flexible component in traditional and modern Asian cuisines due to the region's cultural familiarity with soy-based goods and a growing interest in vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.
 

Okara Market Share

Major companies operating in the okara industry include:

• Meiji Tofu Co.
• Okumura Engineering Corp.
• Vitasoy International Holdings
• Blue Diamond Growers
• Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc.
• Sunrise Nutrachem Group
• Pulmuone Co., Ltd.
• San Jose Tofu
• Amy's Kitchen, Inc.
• Eden Foods, Inc.
• DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences
• So Good
• House Foods America Corporation
• Kikkoman Corporation
• Pulmuone Foods Co., Ltd.

Meiji Tofu Co. is a family-owned company. Meiji Tofu Co. is known for its fresh, high-quality tofu, which is made using traditional Japanese methods. Meiji Tofu Co. also produces okara, a byproduct of tofu making. The company is committed to developing new and innovative ways to use okara, and it is helping to raise awareness of the health benefits and versatility of this underutilized food.
 

Okara Industry News

• In February 2021, Okumura Engineering Corp (OKM) introduced Okara curry flakes, an enticing alternative for health-conscious curry enthusiasts. Okara is gluten-free, vegan, has a minimal trans-fat content, and is devoid of chemicals, sugar, artificial flavors and colors and preservatives.

The okara market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Billion & Kilo Tons from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Usage

• Bread
  • Steamed Bread
  • Sourdough Bread
  • Gluten-free Bread
  • Sweet Breads
  • Others 
• Noodles
• Others

Market, By Application

• Household / Retail
• Food & Beverage Industry
• HoReCa
• Food Processing

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Online Retail
• Convenience Stores
• Others

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Southeast Asia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia