Gelatin Substitute Market Size - By Type (Agar Agar, Pectin, Corn starch, Xanthan gum, Guar gum, Arrowroot), By Function (Stabilizers, Emulsifying, Binding), By Form (Thickening & Gelling, Stabilizers, Emulsifying, Binding), Application & Forecast, 2023 - 2032
Gelatin Substitute Market size is estimated to expand at over 6% CAGR from 2023 to 2032 fueled by the rising demand for plant-based food products worldwide.
With consumers increasingly embracing plant-based diets for health and sustainability reasons, gelatin substitutes have emerged as essential ingredients in various food applications. Of late, plant-derived alternatives like agar-agar, pectin, and carrageenan are increasingly catering to the growing need for cruelty-free and vegetarian options. Furthermore, the ongoing R&D efforts to discover innovative plant-based alternatives to traditional gelatin will augment the industry outlook. To cite an instance, in July 2023, scientists at the University of Alberta identified a method to produce a plant-based gelatin alternative from pea protein.
The gelatin substitute industry is segmented into type, application, function, form, and region.
As per type, the market share from the corn starch segment is projected to observe 6.4% CAGR from 2023-2032. Corn starch serves as a versatile gelatin substitute in food and confectionery products. Owing to its thickening and gelling properties, corn starch is increasingly used for applications, such as gummies, desserts, and bakery items for catering to the rising demand for vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Additionally, the growing adoption of corn starch as a gelatin substitute to meet with the rising consumer preference for cruelty-free and plant-derived ingredients will fuel the segment growth.
Based on application, the gelatin substitute industry size from the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical application segment is projected to record 6.6% growth rate through 2032. The growing consumer preference for plant-based and allergen-free alternatives is escalating the need for gelatin substitutes in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. Additionally, plant-derived gelatin substitutes are widely adopted for encapsulation and coating in drug delivery systems, dietary supplements, and medicinal gummies.