The global beta-glucan market was valued at USD 677.23 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.20% from 2025 to 2034. A key driver of this growth is the increasing focus on immune-boosting dietary supplements.
Market Overview
Beta-Glucan Market to Shape the Industry’s Future
Beta-Glucan Market to Shape the Industry’s Future
Blog Article
The global Beta-Glucan market is experiencing a period of rapid expansion, fueled by the growing awareness of preventive healthcare, increased demand for functional foods, and a notable surge in consumption of immune health supplements. As chronic health conditions and lifestyle-related disorders continue to rise globally, consumers are increasingly gravitating toward naturally derived, scientifically supported dietary ingredients. Beta-glucan, a naturally occurring soluble fiber found in oats, barley, yeast, and mushrooms, is gaining popularity for its proven benefits in heart health, immunity, and blood sugar regulation.
Beta-glucan is a biologically active polysaccharide classified as a soluble dietary fiber. It has been widely studied and recognized for its health-enhancing properties, particularly its ability to reduce LDL cholesterol, modulate immune responses, and improve glycemic control. The functional properties of beta-glucan have made it a staple ingredient in the formulation of cholesterol-lowering ingredients and immune-support products.
The market is segmented by source (cereal, yeast, mushroom, and others), application (food & beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics, animal feed, and pharmaceuticals), and region. While cereal-derived beta-glucan (particularly from oats and barley) dominates due to its cholesterol-lowering capabilities, yeast and mushroom sources are gaining momentum for their immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects.
Key Market Growth Drivers
1. Rising Demand for Functional Foods
Consumers today are seeking foods that not only nourish but also provide additional health benefits. Functional foods fortified with beta-glucan are emerging as an attractive solution for health-conscious individuals. From breakfast cereals and granola bars to dairy products and smoothies, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating beta-glucan into everyday food items.
Studies showing that a daily intake of 3g of oat beta-glucan can reduce cholesterol levels have boosted the ingredient’s appeal in heart-healthy products. This aligns with the global trend of preventing diseases through dietary interventions, creating consistent demand from the food and beverage industry.
2. Surge in Immune Health Supplement Consumption
The COVID-19 pandemic brought immunity into the spotlight, leading to an explosion in demand for immune health supplements. Beta-glucan, especially from yeast and mushrooms, has shown the ability to enhance innate immunity, making it a sought-after ingredient in supplements targeting immune function.
With consumers now prioritizing long-term immune resilience over short-term fixes, beta-glucan continues to be a preferred ingredient in capsules, gummies, powders, and functional beverages.
3. Increased Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes
Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes remain leading causes of mortality globally. Scientific evidence supporting the role of beta-glucan in reducing LDL cholesterol and regulating postprandial blood glucose levels has made it a critical ingredient in dietary strategies against these conditions.
Governments and healthcare providers are also promoting dietary fibers, including beta-glucan, as part of public health nutrition programs. Regulatory approvals, such as the FDA’s heart health claim for oat beta-glucan, further validate its use in cholesterol-lowering ingredients and enhance market penetration.
4. Growing Interest in Plant-Based and Clean Label Products
Beta-glucan aligns well with the shift toward plant-based, natural, and clean label product trends. With consumers actively avoiding synthetic additives and opting for recognizable, minimal-ingredient formulations, beta-glucan stands out as a versatile, label-friendly component that satisfies both functional and marketing needs.
This trend is especially strong among millennials and Gen Z consumers, who drive purchasing decisions with health, sustainability, and transparency in mind.
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Market Future Outlook
The outlook for the beta-glucan market is highly optimistic, backed by a confluence of scientific validation, regulatory support, and evolving consumer preferences.
1. Expansion into Cosmetics and Personal Care
Beta-glucan’s anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and skin-repairing properties are leading to its inclusion in skincare products such as creams, serums, and facial masks. As consumers demand more science-backed, naturally derived skincare actives, beta-glucan is well-positioned to benefit from this shift.
Future growth is expected from the cosmeceutical sector, particularly as interest in “food for skin” and wellness-oriented beauty continues to expand.
2. Application in Animal Nutrition
With a focus on improving livestock immunity and reducing antibiotic use, the animal feed industry is incorporating beta-glucan, especially yeast-derived variants, as functional additives. These help boost animal health, improve growth rates, and increase resistance to infections, thereby improving productivity and profitability.
This application area is expected to grow steadily, especially in emerging markets with large-scale poultry and aquaculture sectors.
3. Innovation and Formulation Advances
Product innovation remains a key strategy in the beta-glucan market. Companies are investing in microencapsulation, controlled-release systems, and taste-masking technologies to enhance the functional properties and sensory appeal of beta-glucan in food and supplement products.
New blends combining beta-glucan with probiotics, adaptogens, or plant-based proteins are being developed to address holistic health needs, further broadening its market potential.
Regional Analysis
North America
North America leads the global market, driven by robust demand for dietary supplements, increasing chronic disease prevalence, and consumer awareness of heart health. The U.S. is home to leading supplement brands and food innovators who actively incorporate beta-glucan in their offerings.
Government backing, including FDA health claims and inclusion in the USDA’s dietary guidelines, reinforces the market in this region.
Europe
Europe holds the second-largest market share, with strong demand from countries like Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) supports health claims related to beta-glucan, particularly regarding cholesterol reduction and glycemic control.
The region’s high regulatory standards and consumer preference for clean-label and sustainable products make it a fertile market for beta-glucan.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing regional market, fueled by rising health awareness, growing middle-class incomes, and increased consumption of fortified foods and beverages. China, Japan, and India are key growth markets. The incorporation of beta-glucan in traditional and modern formulations is also gaining popularity, especially in Japan’s functional beverage segment.
Latin America and Middle East & Africa
These regions are at an emerging stage but offer promising growth prospects. In Latin America, rising disposable income and urbanization are fueling demand for nutraceuticals. The Middle East & Africa region is witnessing increased investments in health and wellness sectors, particularly in the UAE and South Africa.
Key Companies Operating in the Beta-Glucan Market
Several global and regional players are actively shaping the beta-glucan market through innovation, partnerships, and capacity expansion:
1. Tate & Lyle PLC
A global leader in food and beverage ingredients, Tate & Lyle offers a portfolio of oat-derived beta-glucan products that support heart health and dietary fiber enhancement. The company continues to innovate in the clean-label and health-focused ingredients space.
2. Kerry Group
Kerry provides yeast-derived beta-glucan as part of its Wellmune® brand, widely used in immune health supplements and functional beverages. Backed by clinical research, Wellmune is recognized for its immune-boosting properties and is used globally in sports nutrition and wellness products.
3. Cargill, Inc.
Cargill offers oat-based beta-glucan under the Barliv™ brand, which is used primarily in cholesterol-lowering ingredients. The company is investing in consumer education and functional food partnerships to increase awareness of beta-glucan’s benefits.
4. DSM-Firmenich
DSM offers a range of beta-glucan solutions as part of its broader nutrition and health portfolio. Its emphasis on science-backed nutrition and sustainability has positioned it well in the evolving functional foods sector.
5. Lantmännen
A Scandinavian company known for sustainable agriculture and oat processing, Lantmännen provides high-purity beta-glucan for food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications.
Other notable players include Lesaffre Group, Super Beta Glucan Inc., Garuda International, and NutraQ AS, all contributing to the global market's innovation and expansion.
Conclusion
The beta-glucan market is on an upward trajectory, supported by evolving consumer preferences, scientific endorsements, and expanding application areas. As health and wellness remain at the forefront of global priorities, beta-glucan’s role as a natural, versatile, and efficacious ingredient will continue to grow.
Future success in this market will depend on sustained innovation, consumer education, and the ability to deliver multi-functional products that meet evolving lifestyle and dietary trends. Companies that can integrate beta-glucan into next-generation products—whether in functional foods, immune health supplements, or even cosmeceuticals—are likely to gain a competitive edge in this expanding global market.
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