Food Starch Market Set to Reach USD 28.41 Billion by 2035 as Demand for Clean-Label, Functional Ingredients Accelerates

The global food starch market is poised for steady expansion, growing from USD 22.19 billion in 2025 to USD 28.41 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 2.5%. This growth reflects a worldwide shift toward convenience foods, natural ingredients, and multifunctional food additives that enhance both quality and shelf life.

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Rising Demand for Clean-Label and Functional Starches

As consumers increasingly prefer products free from artificial additives, manufacturers are responding with clean-label starches derived from maize, wheat, potato, and cassava. These starches provide the transparency and functionality today’s buyers demand, serving as thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers in bakery items, dairy, sauces, soups, and ready-to-eat meals.

In addition, advancements in starch modification techniques are leading to products with enhanced freeze-thaw stability, texture improvements, and longer shelf lives. These innovations are creating opportunities for established companies and new entrants alike to capture market share by offering specialized, high-performance starches.

Notable Industry Developments

On April 19, 2025, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) announced the successful commissioning of an expanded corn-starch processing capacity at its Marshall, Minnesota facility. According to plant manager Eric McVey, the expansion will not only support food industry demand but also supply bio-based chemical producers such as the nearby Solugen facility. This development underscores ADM’s strategy of investing in sustainable, starch-based solutions for both food and industrial applications.

Similarly, global players including Cargill, Ingredion, Tate & Lyle, and Roquette Frères are expanding their portfolios of modified and organic starches to align with the surge in demand for healthier, plant-based, and gluten-free formulations. Meanwhile, regional innovators such as Avebe U.A., AGRANA, and Universal Robina Corporation are strengthening their positions by developing niche starches tailored for local markets.

Market Segmentation Insights

Modified Starch Leads Growth

Modified starch is expected to command 55.3% of the global market share in 2025. Through physical, enzymatic, or chemical modification, starches achieve improved stability, gelling ability, and emulsification properties—qualities that make them indispensable for sauces, baked goods, soups, and dairy applications. With consumer trends shifting toward gluten-free and natural foods, demand for modified starch is projected to rise consistently through 2035.

Maize Starch Maintains Strong Position

Maize starch will account for 44.7% of the market share by source in 2025, driven by its cost-effectiveness, availability, and versatile applications across food and beverages. Its neutral taste and strong functional properties make it a preferred ingredient in snacks, confectionery, and gluten-free products. Beyond food, maize starch also finds use in pharmaceuticals and paper industries, ensuring continued demand in both developed and emerging markets.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

The food starch sector faces challenges such as volatile raw material prices—impacted by crop yields, climate change, and global trade dynamics—as well as stringent food safety regulations requiring robust labeling, traceability, and compliance measures.

However, significant opportunities outweigh these hurdles. Rising demand for organic, non-GMO, and plant-based starches is fueling innovation. Moreover, the boom in functional foods, convenience meals, and health-oriented snacks is creating fertile ground for starch applications in new product categories.

Country-Level Outlook

• United States: With a projected CAGR of 2.2%, growth will be shaped by clean-label and non-GMO preferences alongside a robust processed food sector.
• United Kingdom: Expected CAGR of 2.4%, driven by mechanization in food processing and heightened consumer interest in natural starches for bakery and confectionery.
• European Union: Projected CAGR of 2.5%, supported by a strong base of dairy, bakery, and ready-meal manufacturers embracing gluten-free and specialty starches.
• South Korea: Leading with 2.6% CAGR, fueled by rapid dietary shifts toward convenience foods, alongside deep-rooted starch use in traditional cuisine.

Competitive Landscape

The food starch industry is witnessing expansion by both global giants and specialized regional players:

• Cargill, Incorporated (20–24%) – Driving trends in fiber- and carb-based solutions with a focus on consumer wellness.
• Archer Daniels Midland Co. (15–19%) – Enhancing texture and shelf life while investing in sustainable starch-based chemical supply chains.
• Ingredion Incorporated (12–16%) – Innovating with gluten-free and organic starch formulations.
• Tate & Lyle PLC (10–14%) – Developing versatile starches to meet clean-label and natural food demands.
• Roquette Frères (8–12%) – Leveraging expertise in plant-based and fortified nutrition applications.
• Other Key Players (30–40%) – AGRANA, Avebe, Tereos, Grain Processing Corporation, and Universal Robina, all advancing with region-specific starch technologies.

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Looking Forward

With consumer preferences tilting toward sustainability, health, and convenience, the food starch market is evolving into a more specialized and innovation-driven space. Established leaders and emerging manufacturers alike are investing in R&D, clean-label solutions, and advanced modification technologies to capture new opportunities.

As starch continues to prove its versatility across food and industrial applications, the market is set to remain a cornerstone of the global food supply chain, delivering both functionality and consumer trust.

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