Soy Lecithin Market
Updated Date : 03 February 2026   |   Report Code : 6024

Soy Lecithin Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

The global soy lecithin market size is forecasted to expand from USD 670.86 million in 2026 to reach around USD 1,264.82 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. This market is expanding applications in processed foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics are further contributing to the market’s positive outlook worldwide.

Last Updated: 03 February 2026 Category: Food & Beverages Ingredients Insight Code: 6024 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Soy Lecithin Market Size 2025 to 2035

The global soy lecithin market size estimated at USD 625.22 million in 2025 and is predicted to increase from USD 670.86 million in 2026 to nearly reaching USD 1,264.82 million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. This growth is due to demand for natural emulsifiers in the food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industry.

Soy Lecithin Market Size 2025 to 2035

Key Highlights

  • By region, Asia Pacific dominated the global soy lecithin market with 40% largest share in 2025.
  • By region, North America is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR from 2026 to 2035.
  • By product type, the liquid soy lecithin segment held the major market share in 2025.
  • By product type, the modified soy lecithin segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2026 and 2035.
  • By purity/grade, the food-grade soy lecithin segment held the biggest market share in 2025.
  • By purity/grade, the feed-grade segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2026 and 2035. 
  • By end-use industry, the food processing companies segment dominated the soy lecithin market in 2025.
  • By end-use industry, the pharmaceuticals & personal care sectors segment is expected to show the fastest growth over the forecast period.

Soy Lecithin Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2026 to 2035 CAGR of 7.3%
Market Size in 2026 USD 670.86 Million
Market Size in 2027 USD 719.83 Million
Market Size by 2035 USD 1,264.82 Million
Largest Market Asia Pacific
Base Year 2025
Forecast Period 2026 to 2035
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

What is Soy Lecithin? 

Soy lecithin, derived from raw soybeans, is a naturally occurring fatty compound composed of glycerols, fatty acids, choline, and phosphoric acid. It is commonly utilized in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and food industries. The food and beverages sector is undergoing a significant transformation with the rise of processed and convenience food, and soy-based lecithins are no exception. The growing preference for natural emulsifiers over synthetic alternatives is driving the demand for soy-based products like soy lecithin. .

  • Trends such as the increasing popularity of non-GMO ingredients are prompting suppliers to offer both GMO and non-GMO soy lecithin options, catering to a wider range of consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. 
  • Sustainability has also become a crucial differentiator in the competition within the market. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their food choices, leading suppliers to adopt sustainable sourcing practices.
  • Global demand for soy lecithin is rising, driven by increased health consciousness among consumers and the growing popularity of plant-based diets. 

Key Technological Shift in the Soy Lecithin Market 

Advances in extraction technologies are enhancing the efficiency and quality of lecithin production. Concurrently, ongoing research and development of new applications continue to expand market potential. Liposomes have revolutionized the delivery of active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, with soy lecithin playing a central role in this transformation. Artificial intelligence is also reshaping the soybean lecithin industry by optimizing production processes and supply chain management.

Trade Analysis of the Soy Lecithin Market: Export and Import Statistics

  • Between July 2024 and June 2025, the world exported 2,957 shipments of soy lecithin through 490 verified exporters and 539 buyers, marking a 12% year-over-year change. 
  • Turkey, the Netherlands, and Russia are the top importers of soy lecithin, while the United States (3,060 shipments), Brazil (2,075 shipments), and Argentina (1,678 shipments) rank as the largest global exporters. 
  • Additionally, 55 shipments of liquid soy lecithin were exported between April 2024 and March 2025 through 22 verified exporters and 15 buyers, marking a 267% year-over-year change

Value Chain Analysis of Soy Lecithin Market

Raw Material Procurement 

  • Raw material procurement for the soy lecithin involves sourcing crude degummed soybean oil. 

Processing 

  • Key steps in the soy lecithin development include cleaning, solvent extraction, hydration (degumming), centrifugal separation, and vacuum drying. 
  • Key Players: Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), and Bunge Limited.

Distribution 

  • Distribution of soy lecithin includes direct sales from major food ingredient suppliers to industrial manufacturers, supplemented by specialized distributors and expanding online platforms.

Soy Lecithin Market Regional Insights

How did the Asia Pacific Dominate the Soy Lecithin Market in 2025?

Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2025. Soy lecithin has established itself as a critical functional ingredient in Asia's manufacturing ecosystem. Its emulsifying, stabilizing, and dispersing properties make it essential in food processing, feed production, and pharmaceutical formulation. These diverse applications contribute to consistent baseline demand across the region. Contributing factors to the demand for soy lecithin in this region include a growing population, urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and changing lifestyles.

Asia Pacific Soy Lecithin Market Size 2025 to 2035

The Asia Pacific soy lecithin market size was calculated at USD 250.09 million in 2025 with projections indicating a rise from USD 268.34 million in 2026 to approximately USD 512.25 million by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 7.43% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

Asia Pacific Soy Lecithin Market Size 2025 to 2035

India Soy Lecithin Market Analysis

The soy lecithin market in India is steadily expanding due to its applications across the food, pharmaceutical, animal feed, and cosmetic sectors. India has emerged as a significant exporter of soy lecithin, which is a key emulsifier used extensively in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and feed industries. As global demand for non-GMO, plant-based ingredients rise, Indian soy lecithin, often derived from non-GMO soybean sources, has gained traction. India is one of the largest producers of soybeans in Asia, providing an abundant and cost-effective raw material base for soy lecithin production.

North America Soy Lecithin Market Analysis 

North America expects fastest growth during the forecast period. The market in North America is primarily driven by the rising demand for plant-based and clean label ingredients across various industries. Numerous government initiatives aimed at developing the food and beverage sector and increasing investments by pharmaceutical companies to open new production centers significantly shape the industrial landscape. Furthermore, the presence of several market players, such as American Lecithin Company, Bunge, Cargill Incorporated, and Archer Daniels Midland Company, is expected to boost the growth of the soy lecithin sector in this region. 

  • In August 2024, Bunge revealed plans to expand its North American lecithin portfolio to include deoiled soybean lecithin, complementing the company’s already leading global offerings of crude, standard, and specialty lecithins derived from soybean, sunflower, and rapeseed. (FFoods Spectrum)

U.S. Soy Lecithin Market Analysis

The growth of the U.S. soy lecithin market is driven by a combination of health-conscious consumer preferences, rising demand for natural food additives, and the expanding applications of soy lecithin across various industrial sectors. As a natural emulsifier and stabilizer, soy lecithin is increasingly being added to food and beverage products, especially those positioned as clean-label and non-GMO.

Soy Lecithin Market Share, By Region, 2025 (%)

Europe Soy Lecithin Market Analysis

The European soy lecithin market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing demand across diverse industries such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed. Countries such as Germany, France and the UK have important markets due to the widespread use of soy lecithin in bakery, confectionery and drug yoga. Preference for non-GMO and organic soy lecithin is particularly strong, in line with strict regulations in the region regarding genetically modified ingredients. In the pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals sectors, soy lecithin is increasingly utilized for drug delivery systems and dietary supplements, showcasing its multifunctional benefits.

UK Soy Lecithin Market Analysis

The UK soy lecithin market is projected to experience steady growth, driven by the rising use of lecithin in bakery products and health supplements. This market is witnessing rapid innovation in plant-based and allergen-free formulations that utilize non-GMO, organic soy lecithin variants. There is ongoing development of novel extraction and processing techniques, such as enzymatic and cold-press methods, to enhance purity and functional properties. Emphasis is placed on clean, vegan, and plant-based ingredients, as well as medications and cosmetics. Major players in the UK market include Cargill, Bunge, and Lipoid, which are continuously innovating in the market.

Soy Lecithin Market Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights 

Why did the Liquid Soy Lecithin Segment Dominate the Soy Lecithin Market in 2025?

The liquid soy lecithin segment held the dominant share of the market in 2025. The liquid form of soy lecithin offers several advantages over its powdered counterpart; it is more easily dispersed in liquids, making it an ideal choice for various food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations. Its liquid nature also allows for more precise dosing and easier incorporation into recipes or product formulations. 

The Modified Soy Lecithin Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate During the Forecast Period

As consumer demands evolve, the significance of high-performance, natural ingredients like modified soy lecithin will continue to rise. The enzymatic modification process enhances the ingredient’s emulsifying, dispersing, and stabilizing capabilities. With its clean-label appeal, improved functionality, and customization options, it is becoming an essential component in modern manufacturing across food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

Purity/Grade Insights

How did the Food-Grade Soy Lecithin Segment Dominate the Soy Lecithin Market in 2025?

The food-grade soy lecithin segment held the largest share of the market in 2025, driven by the increasing demand for natural emulsifiers in bakery, confectionery, and processed food. Soy lecithin is a valuable ingredient in the food industry because of its ability to emulsify, improve texture, extend shelf life, and provide nutritional value. Its cost-effectiveness and wide availability make it a popular choice for food manufacturers aiming to produce high-quality products. 

The Feed-Grade Soy Lecithin Segment is Expected to Grow Significantly During the Predicted Period

Driven by the rising global demand for sustainable and effective feed additives in livestock and aquaculture industries. Feed-grade soy lecithin is an excellent source of phospholipids, and its choline content is essential for the growth of animals. Incorporating soy lecithin into animal feed enhances nutrient absorption, energy density, feed efficiency, and overall animal performance.

End-Use Industry Insights

Which End-Use Industry Segment Dominated the Soy Lecithin Market in 2025?

The food processing companies segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2025. An increasing number of small food manufacturers are driving demand for soy lecithin in specialized applications, including ready-to-eat meals, baked goods, and confectionery. As customer demand for convenience and processed meals grows, soy lecithin's role in the food sector has expanded significantly. Its ability to mix and stabilize materials that would otherwise separately makes it valuable in creating smooth, consistent, and high-quality food products.

The pharmaceutical & personal care sector segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.The demand for soy lecithin in pharmaceuticals is influenced by increased consumer awareness regarding health and wellness. As more individuals seek natural and clean-label products, the preference for non-GMO lecithin has surged.

Recent Developments in the Soy Lecithin Market

Bunge Global SA

  • Acquisition: In August 2025, Bunge Global SA announced a purchase agreement with Solae to acquire substantially all the assets related to the lecithin, soy protein concentrate, and crushing businesses of International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc. (IFF). (Source: FoodBusiness News)

NextGen Actives

  • Launch: In August 2024, NextGen Actives launched Apinol360, which is a combination of PEG-8 Soybean Lecithin and Propolis Extract, an anti-inflammatory active that is positioned as a natural, safe alternative to retinol. (Source: Cosmetics and Toiletries)

Top Companies in the Soy Lecithin Market

  • Cargill Incorporated is a major global player and leading supplier in the soy lecithin market. Cargill offers a wide range of lecithin solutions for many different applications.
  • ADM, as the lecithin market leader, has over 85 years of technical expertise and a broad portfolio of emulsifiers. Its broad portfolio supports diverse applications across several industries.
  • Bunge Limited (BG) is a leading player in the lecithin market, which includes soy lecithin. Its non-GMO soy lecithin is used as a processing aid and functional ingredient in a wide range of food applications. 

Other Key Players in the Soy Lecithin Market

  • Sternchemie GmbH
  • SOYPRO (Puratos Group)
  • Lipoid GmbH
  • Lucas Meyer Cosmetics (Kao Group)
  • Lecico GmbH
  • Soya International LLC
  • American Lecithin Company
  • Lecithin Ingredients
  • Nichivo Nutrients Co., Ltd.
  • Sternchemie GmbH & Co. KG
  • Gujarat Lecithin Ltd.
  • Jilin Lecithin Co., Ltd.
  • Shandong Fuhua Tongda Bio-Technology Co., Ltd.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product Type

  • Liquid Soy Lecithin 
  • De-oiled (Powder) Soy Lecithin 
  • Modified Soy Lecithin (A-range, S-range, etc.) 
  • Fractionated Soy Lecithin 
  • Enzymatically Modified Lecithin 

By Purity / Grade

  • Food-Grade Soy Lecithin 
  • Feed-Grade Soy Lecithin 
  • Pharmaceutical-Grade Soy Lecithin 
  • Industrial-Grade Soy Lecithin 

By End-Use Industry

  • Food Processing Companies 
  • Feed Manufacturers 
  • Pharmaceutical & Biotech Firms 
  • Personal Care & Cosmetics 
  • Industrial Users (Rubber, Plastic, Coatings, etc.) 

By Region

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

FAQ's

Answer : The global soy lecithin market was valued at USD 625.22 million in 2025 and is forecast to reach USD 1,264.82 million by 2035, growing at a 7.3% CAGR.

Answer : Asia Pacific leads in volume due to manufacturing demand, while North America offers the fastest growth, supported by clean-label trends, pharmaceutical investments, and strong presence of global suppliers.

Answer : Advancements in extraction efficiency, enzymatic modification, liposome technology, and AI-enabled process optimization are improving functional performance, expanding applications, and enhancing supply chain resilience.

Answer : The soy lecithin market offers strong long-term investment potential, supported by steady demand diversification, technological innovation, regulatory-driven clean-label adoption, and resilient global trade flows.
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  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

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