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As consumers become more health-conscious and increasingly intolerant of gluten, there's a rising demand for wheat starch as a gluten alternative in food applications. With evolving lifestyles, consumers are leaning towards convenience foods, further boosting the demand for wheat starch in sauces, bakery items, and snacks. Beyond food, wheat starch is making waves in the paper, textiles, and bioplastics sectors, thanks to its biodegradable nature and its roles as a binding and thickening agent. Moreover, advancements in starch extraction, modification, and refinement are elevating the quality of wheat starch, paving the way for its adoption in sophisticated, high-value applications.
Native starch segment USD 2.9 billion in 2023, and it is anticipated to expand to 3.2% of CAGR during 2024-2032. The market for wheat starch is primarily divided into native wheat starch and modified wheat starch. Native wheat starch is the unaltered form extracted directly from wheat, widely used in the food and beverage industry for its natural binding, thickening, and gelling properties. Its popularity is driven by the clean-label movement, as consumers increasingly seek natural ingredients. As a result, native starch is gaining traction in the production of gluten-free foods, bakery products, and snacks.
The wheat starch market from powder segment was valued at USD 3.9 billion in 2023 and gained a 3.2% CAGR through 2032. Powdered wheat starch dominates the market due to its ease of use, storage, and transport. It is extensively used in industries such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where it acts as a key ingredient for thickening, stabilizing, and improving texture. Powdered wheat starch is also favored in the food industry for its ability to be easily integrated into various recipes without altering taste or appearance.
The wheat starch market from food & beverages segment was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2023 and gained a 3.6% CAGR till 2032. The food and beverage industry are the largest application segment for wheat starch, where it is used in products like bakery goods, snacks, sauces, and confectioneries. The growing demand for gluten-free and clean-label products is driving this segment's expansion, as wheat starch is commonly utilized to achieve the desired textures and stability in processed foods.
The U.S. wheat starch market hold over USD 990.4 million in 2023 and is poised to grow at a 3.3% CAGR between 2024 and 2032. Driven by a growing consumer preference for natural and clean-label ingredients, the market is witnessing consistent growth. Its applications are broadening across various industries. In the food and beverage sector, wheat starch plays a pivotal role as a thickening, stabilizing, and gelling agent, finding its way into baked goods, snacks, and processed foods.
The increasing demand for gluten-free and non-GMO products has spotlighted wheat starch, especially as a crucial component in gluten-free formulations. Furthermore, a surge in health-conscious consumers favoring natural over synthetic additives has bolstered the use of native wheat starch, resonating with the clean-label movement.
North America, with the US at the forefront, commands a notable market share. This dominance is fueled by a robust appetite for processed foods, a surge in demand for gluten-free offerings, and expanding industrial applications. Moreover, the region is increasingly favoring clean-label ingredients, with wheat starch emerging as the preferred choice over synthetic counterparts.