Beta Glucan Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Category (Soluble, Insoluble), Source (Cereals & Grains {Oats, Barley}, Yeast, Mushroom), Type ((1,3) Beta Glucan) Application (Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements) - Global Forecast to 2031

The Beta Glucan Market was valued at $435.1 million in 2023. This market is projected to reach $773.8 million by 2031 from an estimated $467.6 million in 2024, at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.

Beta Glucan Market Size & Forecast

Key factors driving the growth of this market include a rise in health-conscious consumers, growing demand for beta glucan across various industries, and advancements in production technologies. Additionally, the increasing preference for natural ingredients and a heightened focus on sustainability are expected to create significant growth opportunities for stakeholders in the market.

Key Findings in the Beta Glucan Market

• By Type: In 2024, the (1,3) Beta Glucan Segment is Expected to Dominate the Beta Glucan Market
• By Category: In 2024, the Soluble Segment is Expected to Dominate the Beta Glucan Market
• By Source: In 2024, the Cereals & Grains Segment is Expected to Dominate the Beta Glucan Market
• By Application: In 2024, the Food & Beverages Segment is Expected to Account for the Largest Share of the Beta Glucan Market
• By Geography: Europe Dominates the Beta Glucan Market in 2024

Beta Glucan Market Growth Drivers

Rising Demand for Beta Glucan Across Various Industries

Beta glucan is gaining popularity across several industries, including food, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals, due to its unique health benefits and versatile applications. This polysaccharide is primarily derived from oats, barley, and certain mushrooms and offers a range of health benefits, such as immune system support, cholesterol management, and anti-inflammatory effects.

In the food industry, beta glucan is increasingly incorporated into products like cereals, bread, and snacks. As a functional and bioactive ingredient, it provides numerous biological benefits, including hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, antitumor, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, its soluble fiber content not only enhances the nutritional profile of these foods but also supports digestive health and promotes satiety, making it a popular choice for weight management. With the rising incidence of obesity and related health concerns, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating functional ingredients like beta glucan to meet growing consumer demand.

The demand for beta glucan is also increasing in the nutraceutical sector, particularly in dietary supplements aimed at boosting immune function and overall health. Its immune-modulating properties, which enhance the body's ability to respond to infections, are especially relevant in today’s health-conscious environment, where preventive care is increasingly prioritized. As consumers become more conscious about their health, the demand for supplements containing beta glucan is expected to continue growing.

In the pharmaceutical industry, beta glucan is being explored for its potential therapeutic applications, including anti-inflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects. It shows promise in managing conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

Moreover, beta glucan is finding applications in the personal care and cosmetics sectors due to its anti-aging, antioxidant, and skin barrier protection benefits. It is commonly used in a wide range of products, from moisturizers and creams to serums and masks, catering to the growing demand for natural and effective skincare solutions. Beta glucan helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and enhance skin elasticity.

Thus, the increasing demand for beta glucan across industries such as food, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics is expected to drive significant market growth.

Increase in Health-conscious Consumers

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the link between diet and health and are actively seeking functional foods that can enhance their well-being, such as beta glucan. Beta glucan offers a range of potential health benefits, including cholesterol-lowering properties and support for heart health. As cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be a leading global health concern, consumers are turning to natural dietary solutions, making beta glucan a valuable ingredient in heart-healthy diets. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs remain the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths each year.

In addition to its cardiovascular benefits, beta glucan is also recognized for its immune-boosting properties. By activating immune cells, it enhances the body’s ability to fight infections and diseases. In a post-pandemic world, where individuals are more focused on preventive health, the demand for immune-supporting ingredients like beta glucan has surged. Moreover, the growing popularity of plant-based diets is further driving interest in beta glucan. As more people adopt vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, there is an increasing demand for plant-derived sources of nutrition that align with these dietary preferences. Beta glucan, being a natural ingredient, provides a rich source of fiber that supports digestive health and promotes satiety, making it an attractive addition to plant-based products. As health-conscious consumers continue to seek natural, effective ways to improve their well-being, the demand for beta glucan is expected to rise.

Beta Glucan Market Opportunity

Increasing Preference for Natural Ingredients

Beta glucan, primarily sourced from oats, barley, and certain fungi, offers a range of health benefits, including cholesterol reduction and immune support. Growing consumer awareness of the health benefits of natural ingredients is expected to drive the expansion of the beta glucan market. Additionally, the rising popularity of plant-based diets has heightened interest in beta glucan as a source of dietary fiber and functional nutrition. This growing demand is reflected across various industries, including food, nutraceuticals, and personal care, where beta glucan is increasingly incorporated into products such as cereals, dietary supplements, and skincare formulations.

In 2023, a survey by Ingredion’s ATLAS revealed that 78% of global consumers were willing to spend more on foods and beverages with natural or all-natural claims. The same survey reported a 40% increase in the number of packaged food and beverage products containing natural ingredients compared to 2020. This shift toward natural products is expected to drive further innovation and growth in the beta glucan market.

Beta Glucan Market Analysis: Top Market Opportunity:

By Source: The Cereals & Grains Segment to Dominate the Beta Glucan Market in 2024

Based on the source, the beta glucan market is segmented into cereals & grains, yeast, mushroom, and others. In 2024, the cereals & grains segment is expected to account for the largest share of the beta glucan market. This segment’s large market share is primarily attributed to the widespread cultivation and easy availability of cereals & grains, which makes them more accessible to beta glucan manufacturers compared to yeast and mushrooms, which have more specific growing conditions. Additionally, the increasing demand for functional foods and beverages fortified with beta glucan, along with the well-established health benefits of cereals & grains-based beta glucan, is further driving the growth of this segment.

Cereals and grains are also highly versatile ingredients that can be easily incorporated into a wide range of food products, increasing their appeal to health-conscious consumers. Furthermore, the production and processing costs of cereals and grains are generally lower than those of yeast or mushrooms, making them a more cost-effective option for beta glucan manufacturers.

Geographical Analysis

Europe Dominates the Beta Glucan Market

Based on geography, the beta glucan market is majorly segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, Europe is expected to account for the largest share of the beta glucan market, followed by North America and Asia-Pacific. Europe’s dominant position in the beta glucan market can be attributed to several key factors, including growing demand for beta glucan across industries such as food & beverages, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and personal care & cosmetics, as well as increasing health and wellness trends, product innovations, and the recognized health benefits of beta glucan. Furthermore, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved five health claims for beta glucan from barley or oats, four of which are related to cholesterol management and one to glycaemic control. Furthermore, in 2024, Germany is expected to account for the largest share of the beta glucan market in Europe.

However, the market in Asia-Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period of 2024–2031. The growth of this regional market is driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits of beta glucan, rising disposable incomes, growing demand for beta glucan-enriched food & beverage and dietary supplement products, and an expanding health-conscious population.

Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios & geographic presence and the key growth strategies adopted by them over the past three to four years. Some of the key players operating in the beta glucan market are Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), Lantmännen Group (Sweden), Givaudan SA (Switzerland), DSM-Firmenich (Netherlands), Kemin Industries, Inc. (U.S.), Angel Yeast Co., Ltd. (China), COSCIENS, Inc. (Canada), Lesaffre International, SAS (France), Vesta Ingredients, Inc. (U.S.), Merck KGaA (Germany), Biorigin (Brazil), Specialty Biotech Co. Ltd. (Thailand), and Van Wankum Ingredients BV (Netherlands).

Beta Glucan Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In July 2023, BENEO GmbH (Germany) launched its first barley-based beta glucan product, Orafti β-Fit, designed to support heart health and blood sugar management.
• In November 2022, COSCIENS, Inc. (Canada) initiated the next phase of scale-up for its Pressurized Gas Expanded (PGX) technology. This effort aims to enhance the production of bioactive ingredients, with a specific focus on yeast beta glucan and alginate extracted from brown seaweed.
• In July 2021, Lantmännen Group (Sweden) launched PromOat Gluten-Free Organic, a natural source of oat-based beta glucan. This product is made from gluten-free, GMO-free, organic, wholegrain oats grown in Sweden.

Beta Glucan Market Research Summary

Key Questions Answered in the Report: