The global food starch market is projected to expand from USD 22.19 billion in 2025 to USD 28.41 billion by 2035, reflecting a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5%. This growth is fueled by the rising demand for processed and convenience foods, the versatile applications of starch across the food industry, and increasing consumer preference for clean-label ingredients.
Recent developments highlight significant innovations in the food starch market. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on high-quality, functional starches designed to meet the evolving needs of the food industry. Advances in starch modification techniques have led to products with improved stability, texture, and shelf life, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, from sauces and soups to baked goods and dairy products.
A key trend driving the market is sustainability and natural ingredients. Consumers are showing strong preference for minimally processed products free from artificial additives. In response, companies are investing in natural and organic starches derived from maize, wheat, potato, and cassava. These clean-label starches align with growing consumer demand for transparency and health-conscious choices.
On April 19, 2025, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) announced the successful commissioning of its expanded corn-starch processing capacity at its Marshall, Minnesota facility, according to local reports. Completed in early 2024, the expansion addresses growing demand from both the food and bio-based chemical sectors. Plant manager Eric McVey stated, “The increased starch production is helping meet demand from ADM customers,” highlighting a nearby Solugen facility set to utilize the site’s dextrose output. This development underscores ADM’s strategic shift toward starch-based products and sustainable, plant-derived chemical supply chains.
The market’s expansion is also driven by the broad applications of food starch. In the food and beverage industry, starches serve as thickening agents, stabilizers, and emulsifiers in sauces, soups, dairy products, and baked goods. The ingredient’s multifunctionality makes it essential in diverse formulations.
Explore trends before investing – request a sample report today!
Key Investment Segments
The market’s growth is predominantly driven by modified starch and maize-based starch:
- Modified Starch: Projected to account for over half of the market share in 2025, modified starch dominates due to its functional versatility. Altered through physical, enzymatic, or chemical processes, it enhances stability, texture, and shelf life. Major players like Ingredion and Cargill continue to innovate with improved freeze-thaw stability, gelling, and emulsification properties.
- Maize Starch: Representing a substantial portion of market share, maize starch remains a staple due to its abundance, cost-effectiveness, and functional properties. It is widely used in snacks, confectionery, beverages, and gluten-free products. Suppliers such as ADM and Tate & Lyle are expanding maize starch portfolios to include cleaner-label and modified variants.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
- Fluctuating Raw Material Prices: Variability in corn, wheat, and potato yields, climate conditions, and geopolitical tensions can affect starch production costs.
- Stringent Food Safety Regulations: Diverse global regulations on labeling, allergen management, and quality standards require manufacturers to maintain strict compliance.
Opportunities:
- Clean-Label and Plant-Based Ingredients: Rising consumer preference for natural, chemical-free starches is driving innovation in organic, non-GMO products.
- Functional and Convenience Foods: Starch plays a growing role in ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and processed foods, meeting consumer demand for quick, healthy, and texturally appealing products.
Country-Wise Outlook
- United States: Market growth is moderate at 2.2% CAGR, driven by clean-label and non-GMO trends.
- United Kingdom: Expected CAGR of 2.4%, fueled by demand for processed foods, packed products, and natural ingredients.
- European Union: CAGR of 2.5%, supported by well-developed food and drink markets and consumer preference for gluten-free and convenience foods.
- South Korea: Leading growth at 2.6% CAGR, driven by bakery, confectionery, and dairy sectors.
Competitive Landscape
The food starch market is highly competitive, with major players innovating to meet evolving consumer demands:
- Cargill, Inc. – 20–24% market share; focuses on fiber and carbohydrate solutions aligned with trends.
- ADM – 15–19% share; emphasizes texture, taste, and shelf-life enhancements.
- Ingredion Inc. – 12–16% share; leads in gluten-free and organic starch solutions.
- Tate & Lyle PLC – 10–14% share; develops versatile, natural starches for healthier foods.
- Roquette Frères – 8–12% share; specializes in plant-based and nutritionally fortified starches.
- Other Players – 30–40% combined; includes Avebe U.A., AGRANA, Grain Processing Corp., Tereos Group, and Universal Robina Corp., driving product diversification and innovation.
As the global demand for functional, sustainable, and clean-label ingredients continues to rise, the food starch market is poised for steady growth, offering opportunities for manufacturers, investors, and consumers alike.
