Ancient Grains Market by Crop Type (Wheat, Barley, Quinoa, Chia, Millets, Sorghum), Grain Type (Gluten-Free, Gluten Containing), Application (Food (Bakery & Confectionery, Breakfast Cereal, Frozen Food), Beverage, Animal Feed) - Global Forecast to 2030

The Ancient Grains Market is projected to reach $10.52 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 37.6% during the forecast period of 2024–2030. The growth of this market is attributed to the increasing consumer preference for natural and healthy foods, the growing health consciousness among consumers, the development of innovative food & beverage products containing ancient grains, and the rising consumer inclination towards gluten-free food products. However, the lack of consumer awareness about ancient grains restrains the market’s growth.

The increasing demand for plant-based and vegan foods and the rising demand for superfoods are expected to provide growth opportunities for the stakeholders in this market. Moreover, the increasing consumer interest in whole grain products is a trend that is expected to further bolster the growth of the ancient grains market.

Key Players

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios and geographic presence and the key growth strategies adopted by them in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the global ancient grains market are Ancient Golden Mill (India), Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (U.S.), Ardent Mills, LLC (U.S.), Bob's Red Mill Natural Foods, Inc. (U.S.), Glanbia plc (Ireland), Grand Teton Ancient Grains (U.S.), Great River Organic Milling (U.S.), Healthy Food Ingredients, LLC (U.S.), Nature Bio Foods Ltd. (India), Terra Ingredients, LLC (U.S.), The Scoular Company (U.S.), Natur Gold Global Kft. (Hungary), and VDF FutureCeuticals, Inc. (U.S.).

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Growing Health Consciousness Among Consumers Fuels the Growth of the Ancient Grains Market

Well-being is becoming a global movement as consumers seek to ensure healthy lives for as long as possible, particularly as the average lifespan continues to rise. In past decades, industrialization, urbanization, economic development, and globalization led to rapid changes in diets and lifestyles. These factors significantly impact health and nutritional status, particularly in developing countries.

The global population is growing rapidly. According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the world population is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, increasing by 22% from around 8.0 billion in 2022. The growing global population is expected to increase the demand for high-nutritional food products like ancient grains. Hence, the need for high-nutritional products to cater to the growing population is expected to boost the demand for ancient grains.

Consumers are becoming more conscious of their health and understand that proper nutrition and hydration are vital for the human body. Consuming healthier foods is also a preventive measure to avoid future healthcare costs. Ancient grains are often perceived as more nutritious than modern, processed grains and are naturally higher in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. Furthermore, ancient grains are minimally processed and free from genetic modification, synthetic pesticides, and chemical additives, aligning with the clean label movement. As consumers’ interest in better nutrition grows, so does their craving for healthy foods.

There is a huge demand for healthy foods that adhere to specific dietary needs, including rich in fiber, organic, whole grain, reduced-calorie, vitamin, and mineral-fortified products. In addition, many ancient grains such as quinoa, amaranth, chia, and millet are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for individuals with celiac disease. Hence, the growing health awareness has increased the demand for whole grain products that support better health, especially those rich in fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Key Findings in the Ancient Grains Market Study:

The Quinoa Segment is Projected to Register the Highest CAGR During the Forecast Period of 2024–2030

Based on crop type, the global ancient grains market is segmented into wheat (bulgur, einkorn, emmer, kamut, freekeh, spelt), barley, quinoa, chia, millets, sorghum, amaranth, and other ancient grain crops. The quinoa segment is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024–2030. The growth of this segment is attributed to increasing consumer awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of quinoa, the rising demand for gluten-free products, and the increasing number of health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the rising consumer preference for quinoa as a rice substitute is further expected to support the growth of this market in the coming years.

In 2024, the Gluten-free Ancient Grains Segment is Expected to Dominate the Ancient Grains Market

Based on grain type, the global ancient grains market is segmented into gluten-free ancient grains and gluten containing ancient grains. In 2024, the gluten-free ancient grains segment is expected to account for the larger share of the global ancient grains market. Major gluten-free grains include amaranth, buckwheat, chia, millet, quinoa, sorghum, teff, and fonio. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the increasing demand for ancient grain-based food & beverage products, driven by the rising prevalence of celiac disease and growing consumer preferences for healthier food choices. Moreover, the gluten-free ancient grains segment is projected to register a higher CAGR during the forecast period of 2024–2030. The growth of this segment is supported by the growing trend of gluten-free products in the food industry.

In 2024, the Food Segment to Dominate the Ancient Grains Market

Based on application, the global ancient grains market is segmented into food, beverages, animal feed & pet food, and other applications. In 2024, the food segment is expected to account for the largest share of the ancient grains market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the growing demand for healthy food and gluten-free and plant-based food products and the development of innovative food products containing ancient grains.

However, the beverages segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024–2030 due to the growing demand for plant-based beverages and rising consumers’ preference for healthy beverages.

North America: The Dominating Regional Market

Based on geography, the ancient grains market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of the ancient grains market, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America’s major market share can be attributed to several factors, including the presence of a significant number of key manufacturers, rising health and wellness trends, growing consumer preferences for superfoods, increasing awareness regarding the health benefits of ancient grains, and the rising demand for healthy and convenient food options. Furthermore, the region benefits from the presence of well-established players in the food industry, who continuously innovate and develop new products using ancient grains, further fueling the market growth in North America.

However, Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024–2030. The growth of this regional market is primarily attributed to the rising interest in ancient grains and the growing health-conscious population. Additionally, governments in Asia-Pacific are actively promoting the cultivation and consumption of ancient grains as part of their efforts to improve food security and address the growing prevalence of chronic diseases. These initiatives are expected to further support the growth of the ancient grains market in the region during the forecast period.

Scope of the Report:

Ancient Grains Market Assessment, by Crop Type

• Wheat (Bulgur, Einkorn, Emmer, Kamut, Freekeh, Spelt)
• Barley
• Quinoa
• Chia
• Millets
• Sorghum
• Amaranth
• Other Ancient Grain Crops

Ancient Grains Market Assessment, by Grain Type

• Gluten-Free Ancient Grains
• Gluten Containing Ancient Grains

Ancient Grains Market Assessment, by Application

• Food
  • Bakery & Confectionery
  • Breakfast Cereals
  • Snacks
  • Infant Food
  • Frozen Food
  • Other Food Products
• Beverages
• Animal Feed & Pet Food
• Other Applications

Ancient Grains Market Assessment, by Geography

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • Japan
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Key Questions Answered in the Report: