Beta Glucan Market

Global Beta Glucan Market:

The global beta glucan market size reached USD 547.6 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 957.4 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4% during 2025-2033. 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.

Beta Glucan Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The escalating demand for natural immunity boosters to combat lifestyle diseases is bolstering the market. Besides this, evolving health consciousness among individuals is also acting as another significant growth-inducing factor.
• Key Market Trends: The inflating popularity of herbal medications is one of the emerging trends in the global market. Moreover, novel extraction and formulation techniques are further positively impacting the overall market.
• Geographical Trends: Europe exhibits a clear dominance in the market. This can be attributed to the widespread adoption of beta-glucan products by individuals in the region, as they aid in minimizing cholesterol levels and supporting immunity systems. Additionally, the growing focus of businesses on optimizing their product offerings is further bolstering the market.
• Competitive Landscape: According to the beta glucan market overview, some of the prominent players include American International Chemical LLC (LeBaronBrown Industries LLC), Beta Bio Technology Sp Z O O, Ceapro Inc., Garuda International Inc., Kemin Industries Inc., Kerry Group plc, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Lallemand Inc., Lantmännen, Super Beta Glucan Inc., Tate & Lyle plc, and Van Wankum Ingredients, among many others.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The quality of beta-glucan can vary significantly depending on the cultivation conditions, source, and processing methods. Consequently, establishing consistent quality control and standardization can pose a challenge across the market. However, the introduction of innovative ways to source beta-glucan sustainability is projected to fuel the market over the forecasted period.

Beta Glucan Market Trends:

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 β-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, Lantmännen 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, RéVive, 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 β-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 β-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.

Beta Glucan Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the beta glucan market forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the type, source, and industry vertical. 

Breakup by Type:

• Soluble
• Insoluble
   

Soluble represents the largest market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes soluble and insoluble. According to the report, soluble accounted for the largest market share.

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 β-Fit that is easily soluble in water.

Breakup by Source:

• Cereal
• Mushroom
• Yeasts
• Seaweed
   

Yeasts represents the largest market segment

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes cereal, mushroom, yeasts, and seaweed. According to the report, yeasts accounted for the largest market share. 

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.

Breakup by Industry Vertical:

• Animal Feed
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the industry vertical. This includes animal feed, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and others.

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.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany 
  • France 
  • United Kingdom 
  • Italy 
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico 
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

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 β-glucan, fructan, resistant starch, etc., in Europe.

Competitive Landscape:

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:

• American International Chemical LLC (LeBaronBrown Industries LLC)
• Beta Bio Technology Sp Z O O
• Ceapro Inc.
• Garuda International Inc.
• Kemin Industries Inc.
• Kerry Group plc
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• Lallemand Inc.
• Lantmännen
• Super Beta Glucan Inc.
• Tate & Lyle plc
• Van Wankum Ingredients
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Beta Glucan Market Recent Developments:

• April 2024: Kemin Industries, one of the global ingredient manufacturers, received the novel food authorization from the European Commission for BetaVia Pure, which has a 95% beta 1,3 glucan concentration.
• March 2024: Solabia-BioActor received an approval letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding their Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) application for its women’s health ingredient Bonolive.
• August 2023: Immudyne Nutritional developed a beta-glucan ingredient named PureMune, which was produced in an FDA-registered facility.

Beta Glucan Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the beta glucan market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global beta glucan market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the beta glucan industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.