Food Starch Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

Food Starch Market Size, Share, and Forecast Analysis

The global food starch market size estimated at USD 20.98 billion in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 21.95 billion in 2026 to nearly reaching USD 32.89 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. The rise of instant food options and the higher vegetarian food consumption drive market growth.

Key Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the food starch market revenue with 32% in 2025.
• By region, Asia Pacific is growing at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.  
• By type, the modified starch segment led the market in 2025. 
• By type, the native starch segment is growing at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. 
• By source, the maize segment led the market in 2025.
• By source, the potato segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By form, the powder segment led the market in 2025.
• By form, the liquid segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
• By application, the bakery and confectionery segment led the market in 2025.
• By application, the soup, sauces, and dressings segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.

Food Starch Industry Coverage

Market Overview

Food starch is a polymeric carbohydrate made up of glucose units. They are very important for brain function and are packed with essential nutrients. They are made from common sources like whole grains, potatoes, corn, tapioca, and others. The various types of food starch are resistant starch, native starch, and modified starch. They improve insulin sensitivity, lower calorie intake, reduce cholesterol, and provide energy to the body. They are widely used as thickening agents, texture improvers, emulsifiers, coating agents, and stabilizers. Food starch is used in gravies, gummed candies, processed food, sausage, and pie fillings.

The food starch market growth is driven by the expansion of confectionery items, robust industrialization, advancement in modified starch, surging vegan diets, high consumption rate of processed food, shift away from synthetic products, extensive demand for gluten-free products, and increasing use of food biotechnology for starch modification. 

What are the Key Trends in the Food Starch Market?

• Growing Demand for Natural Starch: The strong focus of health-conscious consumers on minimally processed foods, and the higher demand for non-GMO ingredients, increases demand for natural starch for the creation of various food products. 
• Expansion of Gluten-Free Products: The increased prevalence rate of celiac disease and the consumer focus on overcoming gluten allergies increase demand for gluten-free products like beverages, baked goods, and others that require food starch. 
• Development of Tailored Starch: The transition to clean label movements and the expansion of the modern food processing industry increase demand for tailored starch. The increased production of plant-based protein requires tailored starch.  

Key Technological Shift in the Food Starch Market 

The key technological shifts are happening in the food starch market, driven by demand for high-quality starch, sustainability, and functional native starch. The technological shift, like robotics, enzymatic modification, green modification techniques, genetic engineering, and automation, helps in monitoring starch quality, modifies starches, lowers waste, and provides better texture. The major innovation is the AI integration that optimizes the production process, improves supply chain efficiency, and enhances quality inspection. 

AI easily understands the quality of raw materials and manufactures high-quality starch. AI detects impurities in feedstocks and easily develops customized starches. AI predicts starch demand and optimizes the use of resources. AI develops tailored modified starches and creates healthier starch products. AI ensures the final product safety and lowers overstocking. Additionally, players like MOA Foodtech, NotCo, Ingredion, and Cargill use AI for various applications in starch production.  

Trade Analysis of the Food Starch Market

• Denmark exported $320M of potato starch in 2024. 
• The United States imported $161M of potato starch in 2024. 
• Germany exported $295M of potato starch in 2024.
• Thailand exported $1.68B of starches in 2024. 
• China imported $1.96B of starches in 2024. 
• India exported $286M of maize (corn) starch in 2024.  
• Malaysia imported $124M of maize (corn) starch in 2024.  
• Thailand exported $980M of dextrins and other modified starches in 2024.  

Food Starch Market Value Chain Analysis

Raw Material Procurement

• The stage acquires feedstocks like cassava, wheat, maize, barley, potatoes, peas, and rice. 
• Key Players: Ingredion, Tate & Lyle, Tereos Group, Bluecraft Agro, Sayaji Industries Ltd, SCG International, Cargill, AGRANA

Processing and Preservation

• The processing involves physical methods like HMT, extrusion, HPP, gelatinization, annealing, ultrasonication, & microwave processing, and chemical methods like oxidation, cross-linking, & esterification. The preservation focuses on preventing retrogradation, active packaging, moisture control, and starch-based coatings.
• Key Players: Cargill, Incorporated, ADM, Emsland Group, Agrana Beteiligungs-AG, Bluecraft Agro, Ingredion Incorporated

Quality Testing and Certification 

• Quality testing evaluates parameters like moisture content, chemical residues, particle size, purity, microbiological analysis, viscosity, and color. Certification includes HACCP, Gluten-Free Certificate, FSSC 22000, and Halal & Kosher. 
• Key Players: Eurofins Scientific SE, Bureau Veritas, ALS Global, NSF International, SGS S.A., TUV SUD, FARE Labs

From Type to Application: Classification of Major Food Starch

Food Starch Market Regional Insights

Why North America Dominates the Food Starch Market?

North America dominated the food starch market in 2025. The strong agricultural base and the increased consumption of convenience snacks increase demand for food starch. The rapid expansion of functional food and the shift towards ready-to-eat meals increase demand for food starch. The increased-production of gluten-free products and the well-established food manufacturing base require food starch. The presence of players like Cargill and Ingredion drives the market growth.

North America Food Starch Market Size 2025 to 2035

The North America food starch market size was calculated at USD 6.71 billion in 2025 with projections indicating a rise from USD 7.02 billion in 2026 to approximately USD 10.69 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 4.77% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

Powering Bites: United States Powerhouse in the Production of Food Starch

The United States is a major contributor to the market. The abundance of feedstocks and the transition towards non-GMO ingredients increase the production of food starch. The high consumption rate of frozen food and the strong presence of quick-service restaurants increase demand for food starch. The strong focus on meat substitutes and the increased production of dairy products requires food starch. The presence of companies like Tate & Lyle, Cargill, and Ingredion supports the overall market growth. 

• During November 2024 to October 2025, the United States exported $189M of starches. 

Asia Pacific Food Starch Market Trends

Asia Pacific is experiencing the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period. The push for convenience foods and the high purchasing power of packaged food increases demand for food starch. Consumer shift towards natural ingredients and the expanding food infrastructure require food starch. The increased consumption of confectionery products and heavy investment in food technology increases adoption of food starch. The increased utilization of native starches drives the market growth.

Building Plate Base: China's Role in Food Starch Production

China is the largest contributor to the market in the Asia Pacific region. The growing demand for fast food and the trending gluten-free diet increases demand for food starch. The strong focus on replacing expensive sugar in food products and expanding the meat industry increases the adoption of food starch. The high availability of corn and the robust growth in modified starches support the overall market growth.

Food Starch Market Segmental Insights 

Type Insights

Why Modified Starch Segment is Dominating the Food Starch Market?

The modified starch segment dominated the food starch market in 2025. The robust growth in convenient foods and the clean label trend increases demand for modified starch. The focus on enhancing the texture of food products and the high consumption of processed food require modified starch. The cost-effectiveness, high stability, and superior functional performance of modified starch drive the market growth. 

The Native Starch Segment is the Fastest-Growing in the Market During the Forecast Period

The consumer transition towards cleaner food and the growth in healthy diets increases adoption of native starch. The increasing need for thickening agents in food products and the expansion of ready-to-eat meals require native starch. The increased use of native starches in dairy products,  soups, and bakery items supports the overall market growth. 

Source Insights 

How did the Maize Segment hold the Largest Share in the Food Starch Market?

The maize segment held the largest revenue share in the market in 2025. The strong focus on enhancing the texture of sauces and the increased production of high-fructose corn syrup increase demand for maize. The growing demand for gluten-free products and the need to improve the appearance of food products increase the adoption of maize. The large-scale cultivation of the maize crop and the high functionality of maize drive market growth. 

The Potato Segment is Experiencing the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period

The consumer focuses on finding allergen-free alternatives, and the transition towards vegetarian diets increases demand for potato starch. The robust expansion of the gluten-free industry and the well-developed pharmaceutical sector increases demand for potato starch, which is derived from potatoes. The excellent viscosity, sustainability, and functional superiority of potatoes support the overall market growth.  

Form Insights

What Made the Powder Segment Dominate the Food Starch Market?

The powder segment dominated the food starch market in 2025. The growing food-binding activities and surging instant food industry increase demand for powder starch. The strong presence of automated food production lines and the robust growth in the snack food industry increase demand for starch powder. The cost-efficiency, efficient processing, longer shelf life, ease of use, and high consistency of starch powder drive the market growth. 

The Liquid Segment is the Fastest-Growing in the Market During the Forecast Period

The focus on natural food labels and the high popularity of processed food increases demand for liquid starch. The increased production of beverages and the rising use of emulsifiers in food products increases adoption of liquid starch. The instant solubility, production efficiency, and improved process control of liquid starch support the overall market growth.

Application Insights

Which Application Segment held the Largest Share in the Food Starch Market?

The bakery and confectionery segment held the largest revenue share in the market in 2025. The increased production of gluten-free bakery products and the need for enhancing the stability of confectionery products increase demand for food starch. The company's focus on extending the shelf-life of baked goods and the popularity of ready-to-eat baked goods require food starch. The growing demand for improving the texture of baked products and the high need for fat replacers in confectionery items requires food starch, driving the overall market growth. 

The Soup, Sauces, and Dressings Segment is Experiencing the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period

The growing availability of ready-to-eat soups and the need for maintaining stability in sauces increase demand for food starch. The development of a creamy texture for soups and the high demand for varied sauces require food starch. The increased use of dressing in the food industry and the high consumption of sous in countries like China support the overall market growth.

Recent Developments in the Food Starch Market

Emsland Group

• In January 2026, Emsland launched plant-based starch, Emjel LC 15, for gelatin-free confectionery. The starch offers an elastic texture and a clean appearance to confectionery products. The starch supports the expansion of the kosher, vegan, and halal industry. (Source: Food Ingredients 1st)

Roquette

• In October 2025, Roquette launched a new label-friendly soluble pea starch, AMYSTA™ L 123. The starch offers excellent dispersibility, low viscosity, and natural flowability. The starch is available to use in dried soups, condiment mixes, ready-to-mix beverages, and sauces. (Source: Roquette)

AGRANA

• In May 2025, AGRANA launched AGENAPURE clean label starches derived from European raw materials. The starches are widely used in applications like dressings, yogurts, sauces, and bake-stable fillings. The starches offer exceptional thickening, clean label formulation, and neutral flavor profile. (Source: vegconomist)

Top Companies in the Food Starch Market 

• Cargill Incorporated: The Minnesota-based company produces starches like modified starches, specialty starches, native starches, and clean-label products for industries like pharmaceutical, food, and beverage. 
• Tate & Lyle PLC: The British company produces specialty food starches from tapioca and corn to serve applications like dairy, snacks, bakery, and beverages. 
• Ingredion Incorporated: The Illinois-based company manufactures native, functional, and modified starches from potato, pea, tapioca, and rice to manufacture food products. 
• Archer Daniels Midland Company: The Illinois-based company's diverse food starch portfolio includes functional native, resistant, native, and modified starches for diverse food applications. 
• Roquette Frères: The company manufactures starch from wheat, pea, maize, tapioca, and potato for processed foods, bakery items, savory products, and snacks.  

Other Companies

• Willkommen bei Südzucker
• EMSLAND-STARKE GmbH
• Agrana Beteiligungs AG
• Japan Corn Starch Co. Ltd
• Grain Processing Corporation

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

• Modified Starch
• Native Starch

By Source 

• Maize
• Wheat
• Potato
• OthersBy Form
• Powder
• Liquid

By Application

• Bakery and Confectionery
• Snacks
• Soup, Sauces, and Dressings
• Dairy Products
• Meat and Meat Products
• Others

By Region 

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• MEA
• Latin America