Beta Glucan - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The beta glucan market size is estimated at USD 0.69 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 1.02 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 7.98% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Rising scientific consensus around cholesterol reduction, immune modulation, and gut-health benefits continues to elevate beta-glucan's profile in functional food, pharmaceutical, and personal-care lines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes oat beta-glucan's cholesterol-lowering efficacy, enabling on-pack health claims that accelerate product launches. Investments in precision fermentation and advanced extraction are expanding supply options while reducing production cost volatilities. Solid regulatory backing from bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and clear labeling rules are further encouraging brand owners to champion beta-glucan-forward formulations

Global Beta Glucan Market Trends and Insights

Rising Demand for Immune-Boosting Ingredients in Functional Foods

Post-pandemic health consciousness has fundamentally shifted consumer priorities toward immune-supporting ingredients, with consumers actively seeking products that support immune health, according to the Kerry Group report. Beta-glucan's scientifically validated immunomodulatory effects position it as a preferred ingredient in functional beverages, with 60% of Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) region consumers expressing interest in immune health beverages. The FDA's GRAS approval for beta-glucans from Antrodia cinnamomea at levels up to 150 mg per serving demonstrates regulatory confidence in safety profiles. Clinical studies indicate that beta-glucan consumption enhances immune response in patients with compromised immune systems, as demonstrated in myelodysplastic syndrome trials. This immune-centric positioning drives premium pricing strategies and enables market penetration across previously untapped demographic segments. The convergence of scientific validation and consumer demand creates sustainable competitive advantages for beta-glucan suppliers with robust clinical data portfolios.

Growing Popularity of Plant Based Ingredients

According to the Smart Protein Project, in 2023, 49% of survey respondents in Italy prioritized health benefits, while 26% focused on environmental and climate impact when purchasing plant-based or vegan food products . Consumer preferences directly influence purchasing patterns in the plant-based food segment, with demand increasing for clean-label products that deliver health advantages and environmental sustainability. This trend indicates a fundamental shift in the food market, where health and environmental considerations drive product selection. Plant-based positioning enables manufacturers to implement premium pricing strategies and meet sustainability requirements from major food companies. This approach not only satisfies consumer preferences but also aligns with corporate sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. The combination of plant-based trends and functional health benefits creates distinct value propositions that generate higher margins compared to standard beta-glucan products. This convergence of health functionality and sustainability presents significant opportunities for manufacturers to develop innovative products that capture premium market segments.

Low Consumer Awareness in Developing Markets

Consumer education gaps in emerging markets constrain beta-glucan adoption despite growing health consciousness and disposable income. Scientific substantiation requirements vary significantly across developing markets, creating compliance complexities that favor established multinational players over local manufacturers. The disconnect between traditional dietary practices and modern functional food concepts requires substantial consumer education investments that many beta-glucan suppliers cannot justify given uncertain return timelines. Regulatory frameworks in developing markets often lack specific guidelines for beta-glucan health claims, creating market entry barriers and limiting promotional messaging effectiveness. This awareness deficit particularly impacts premium-priced beta-glucan products where consumer understanding of functional benefits directly correlates with purchase intent and willingness to pay price premiums.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

1. Increasing Popularity in Gut Health and Prebiotic Products
2. Growth in Vegan and Gluten-Free Product Launches
3. Variability in Functional Efficacy Across Sources

For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.

Segment Analysis

Cereals and grains command 42.88% market share in 2024, reflecting established supply chains and regulatory acceptance for oat and barley-derived beta-glucans. The FDA's recognition of oat beta-glucan's cholesterol-lowering properties at a 3-gram daily intake supports market positioning, while Tate & Lyle's PromOat demonstrates commercial viability in organic food formulations. However, fungi-derived beta-glucans surge ahead with 8.75% CAGR through 2030, driven by superior bioactivity profiles and novel extraction opportunities. Seaweed and microalgae sources face regulatory hurdles, particularly in Europe, where EFSA novel foods approval requirements create market entry barriers despite promising bioactivity profiles.

The competitive landscape reveals strategic positioning differences across source categories, with cereal-based suppliers emphasizing cost efficiency and regulatory compliance while fungi-based producers focus on premium bioactivity and novel applications. Bacterial beta-glucan production through lactic acid bacteria fermentation offers in-situ enrichment opportunities for sourdough applications, addressing clean-label demands while enhancing nutritional profiles. This source diversification strategy enables risk mitigation against supply chain disruptions while capturing premium pricing for specialized applications.

The Beta Glucan Market is Segmented by Source (Cereals and Grains, Fungi, Yeast, Seaweed and Microalgae, and Others), Category (Soluble and Insoluble), Application (Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Feed, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Geography Analysis

Europe's market leadership stems from comprehensive regulatory frameworks and established consumer acceptance of functional foods, with the European Food Safety Authority's health claims database providing market clarity for beta-glucan applications. The region's 33.44% market share in 2024 reflects mature supply chains and sophisticated consumer understanding of functional benefits. The KELP -EU project's EUR 6 million investment in sustainable seaweed biorefinery demonstrates European commitment to source diversification while addressing environmental sustainability mandates. Brexit implications continue affecting supply chain logistics and regulatory harmonization, creating opportunities for domestic production expansion.

Asia-Pacific's 9.07% CAGR through 2030 reflects accelerating health consciousness and expanding nutraceutical markets across diverse economies. India's expanding middle class and growing awareness of preventive healthcare drive demand for functional ingredients, while regulatory harmonization across ASEAN markets facilitates regional expansion strategies. The region's diverse dietary traditions create opportunities for culturally adapted beta-glucan formulations.

North America benefits from established oat production infrastructure and regulatory clarity through FDA GRAS approvals, enabling efficient market entry for beta-glucan products. The region's mature functional foods market and sophisticated consumer base support premium positioning strategies, while vertical integration opportunities in agriculture and processing create competitive advantages. Supply chain vulnerabilities in grain sourcing, highlighted by Colorado's local grain supply chain challenges, create opportunities for regional diversification strategies. South America and Middle East and Africa represent emerging opportunities with growing health consciousness and expanding middle-class populations, though regulatory frameworks remain underdeveloped compared to established markets.

1. Kerry Group plc
2. DSM-Firmenich
3. Lesaffre International
4. Kemin Industries, Inc
5. Tate & Lyle PLC
6. Lantmannen
7. Lallemand Inc.
8. Super Beta Glucan Inc.
9. Merck KGaA
10. Vesta Ingredients Inc.
11. Novozymes A/S
12. Givaudan SA
13. Angel Yeast Co. Ltd.
14. Associated British Foods plc (Ohly GmbH)
15. Van Wankum Ingredients BV
16. Sudzucker AG
17. Guilin Layn Natural Ingredients Corp.
18. Mitushi Bio Pharma
19. Chemcopia Ingredients Pvt Ltd
20. Rajvi Enterprise

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support