PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1986778
PUBLISHER: IMARC | PRODUCT CODE: 1986778
The global beta glucan market size reached USD 582.7 Million in 2025 . Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 991.4 Million by 2034 , exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.90% during 2026-2034 . The increasing applications of beta-glucan in functional foods and fortified beverages, along with the rising consumer awareness towards the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle, are primarily propelling the market.
Increasing Health Consciousness
The rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular ailments, obesity, etc., is encouraging consumers to seek out natural solutions to manage these conditions. Moreover, beta-glucan refers to a bioactive compound that has immune-modulating and cholesterol-lowering capabilities. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), oat beta-glucan has been proven to minimize blood cholesterol levels. It also has a similar health claim in the U.S. by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which states that oat beta-glucan, as part of a diet low in cholesterol and saturated fat, may reduce the risk of developing heart diseases. Besides this, the launch of favorable policies by government bodies to generate awareness among individuals regarding the benefits of consuming beta-glucan is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. Numerous companies are further developing beta-glucan as a natural alternative to chemical-based medicines, which is contributing to the beta glucan market demand. For example, in July 2023, BENEO introduced the barley beta-glucans ingredient called Orafti B-Fit. It is a clean label and natural wholegrain barley flour with 20% beta-glucans and is an extension of the company's functional fiber range. Apart from this, beta-glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that are known for their positive effect on the immune system. As a result, individuals are widely adopting natural immunity boosters. For instance, Solabia-Algatech Nutrition launched BioGlena, which is produced using proprietary fermentation technology and high beta-glucan content to provide support to the immunity system. Furthermore, the increasing inclination towards fully soluble oat beta-glucan to manage lifestyle diseases is also strengthening the market. For example, Lantmannen Functional Foods, one of the agricultural cooperatives in Sweden, introduced PromOat Instant, the first oat beta-glucan that is 100% soluble in water.
Rising Usage in Skincare
Beta-glucans are gaining extensive traction in the personal care industry, owing to their skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. They are extensively adopted in a wide array of skin care products to reduce signs of aging, boost the skin's natural defense mechanisms, improve skin health, etc. In line with this, they can also help to prevent cell damage and soothe irritation and redness. According to an oculoplastic surgeon based in Beverly Hills, Kami Parsa, beta-glucan outperforms hyaluronic acid by as much as 20%. Consequently, the shifting consumer preferences from hyaluronic acid towards beta-glucan, on account of its healing and soothing benefits, are acting as significant growth-inducing factors. For example, ReVive, a high-performance and luxury skincare line launched by plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Bays Brown, offers the Sensitif Calming Serum that is formulated with beta-glucan to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Similarly, SKINICIAN introduces multi-tasking products that target several concerns. For example, it develops the TIME DELAY DAY CREAM. Additionally, the beta-glucan in this product increases skin softness by up to 21% and hydration by up to 23%. In line with this, Sawubona Mycelium, one of the biotechnology companies, introduced two beta-glucan-based skincare products, an anti-aging serum, and a hydrating serum, under the brand Blu Beryl. Moreover, the company produces bio-based extracts and ingredients derived from mushroom mycelium for application in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food and beverage industries. These skin care applications of naturally occurring polysaccharides will continue to propel the beta glucan market revenue in the coming years.
Growing Sustainable Options
The increasing consumer preferences towards organic, natural, and non-GMO products are positively influencing the market. Moreover, beta-glucan, generally extracted from natural sources, such as oats, yeast, fungi, etc., aligns well with this trend. Apart from this, non-GMO project verification (NGPV) is becoming crucial for key manufacturers to create clean formulations. For example, in July 2019, NutriScience Innovations, LLC announced that its clinically studied 1,3-beta-glucan ingredient, called BGF-Immune, was a non-GMO project verified. Moreover, its natural label improves its marketability, capturing the attention of individuals who are willing to invest in premium-quality natural products for their long-term health benefits. For instance, in July 2023, Beneo introduced Orafti B-Fit, an affordable, clean-label nutritional ingredient made from whole-grain barley flour to cater to the elevating consumer demand for sustainable, plant-based, and healthier food choices. According to Eric Neven, commercial managing director of functional fibers at Beneo, Orafti B-Fit also offers a more affordable and sustainable solution to users. Similarly, Cerabeta is produced by Sunny Boy Foods in Camrose, by using 100% non-GMO barley grains with zero chemicals or enzymes in Canada. Additionally, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of algae as an emerging superfood. Consequently, the escalating demand for microalgal and macroalgal food products represents one of the beta glucan market's recent opportunities. For example, in January 2023, Kemin Industries launched BetaVia Complete WD and BetaVia Pure WD, two new water-dispersible versions of its immune support ingredient that find extensive applications, such as drink mixes and sachets. It is formulated with algae-sourced beta-glucan that has been clinically validated to support the immune system while protecting against oxidative stress. Apart from this, the inflating popularity of convenient yet nutritious supplements is expected to bolster the market in the foreseeable future. For instance, in August 2023, one of the leading multivitamin brands in India, Kerry, introduced a new range of non-GMO and gluten-free fruit-flavored gummies.
Soluble represents the largest market segment
Soluble beta-glucan is widely used, owing to its immune-boosting properties. It is more readily incorporated into functional foods, beverages, dietary supplements, etc. Apart from this, continuous product development, marketing strategies, and educational campaigns that cater to the consumer's needs and preferences are some of the common factors propelling the growth in this segmentation. Furthermore, companies are providing highly specialized solutions, thus giving them a competitive advantage in the market. For example, in July 2023, Beneo introduced Orafti B-Fit that is easily soluble in water.
Yeasts represents the largest market segment
Beta-glucan extracted from yeast is preferred, as it has skin-soothing benefits. Unlike its counterparts derived from barley or oats, yeast-derived beta-glucan is particularly sought after for its high purity and bioactivity. Apart from this, the elevating number of health-conscious consumers is also stimulating the beta glucan market outlook. Moreover, the rising investments in clinical trials are further bolstering the market. For instance, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), a dietary supplement composed of yeast-derived beta-glucan, with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory benefits, can stimulate the immune system.
In the animal feed sector, beta-glucan is widely recognized for its immunomodulatory and gut health-enhancing properties. Moreover, regulatory considerations, particularly regarding safety and efficacy, also play a significant role in this segment. Apart from this, beta-glucan finds applications as an eco-friendly alternative in paper packaging, thereby replacing petroleum-derived plastics. For instance, according to the beta glucan market statistics, research published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science in 2020 reported that films made from beta glucan exhibited optimal mechanical strength. Additionally, companies are developing targeted formulations for specific skin types or conditions, like eczema or prematurely aging skin. For example, BASF launched an active ingredient called Hydrasensyl Glucan that soothes, moisturizes, and soothes the skin. On the other hand, in the pharmaceutical industry, beta-glucan is utilized as an adjunct in treatments for several conditions.
Europe exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest beta glucan market share
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Europe accounted for the largest market share.
The emerging health and wellness trends are primarily stimulating the beta glucan market in Europe. Moreover, the presence of a robust regulatory framework, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), that claimed health benefits related to oat beta-glucan is elevating beta glucan market recent price across the region. Similarly, in July 2023, Kemin Industries received a positive opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for the use of BetaVia Pure, an algae-based postbiotic. This, in turn, is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor. Additionally, numerous companies operating in this region are tailoring their marketing strategies to align with local consumer preferences and regulatory guidelines. For instance, in September 2023, Teijin signed an agency contract with Garzanti Specialties, an Italian distributor company active in food supplements and food ingredients, to sell Teijin's nutritious BARLEYmax, which includes dietary fibers, such as B-glucan, fructan, resistant starch, etc., in Europe.
The top beta glucan market companies are engaging in extensive research and development (R&D) to enhance product efficacy and explore new applications across various industries, such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Many are investing in clinical trials to substantiate the health benefits of beta-glucan, thereby gaining a competitive advantage and regulatory approvals for health claims. Collaboration and strategic partnerships are also common, as companies seek to extend their global footprint and penetrate emerging markets. These leaders are also focusing on sustainability, exploring innovative ways to source beta-glucan responsibly. Moreover, they are adopting advanced manufacturing techniques to improve yield and reduce costs, aiming for a competitive edge in an increasingly demanding market.
The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:
()