Global Hydrocolloids Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Product Type (Guar Gum, Gum Arabic, Xanthan, Starch, Locust Bean Gum, Gelatin, Agar, Carrageenan, Alginate, Pectin, Others), By Source (Animal, Plants, Synthetic), By Function (Gelling, Thickener, Coating, Emulsifier, Others), By End-User Industry (Food And Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics And Personal Care, Textiles, Paints And Coatings, Others), And By Geography - Forecasts From 2025 To 2030

The global hydrocolloids market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.96% between 2025 to 2030.

Market Overview.

Hydrocolloids are used extensively in a wide variety of food products as gelling and thickening agents for improving shelf-life and quality of food products. hydrocolloids are colloids (particles) mixed in water (hydro). These particles are what provide the right viscosity, texture, or structure to many foods you likely consume daily.

Hydrocolloids come from a wide range of food sources including seaweed and orange peels and are deemed safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are often referred to as gums, gels, or thickening agents, each classification adding distinct benefits to foods.

Key market drivers.

Growing global demand for processed and ready-to-use food and beverage items augments the demand for hydrocolloids across the food and beverage sector. Rising applications of hydrocolloids across end-use sectors such as textiles and the pulp and paper industry further propel the growth of the global hydrocolloids market.

Geographically, North America holds the largest market share across the globe owing to the presence of major market players in the region coupled with high investment in R&D activities. However, Asia-Pacific will witness the fastest regional market growth during the projected period owing to the rising demand for processed and convenient food items in the region. Growing awareness about medicines among consumers is boosting the demand for OTC drugs in countries like China and India which, in turn, further supports the demand for hydrocolloids across the pharmaceutical sector in the region.

Strategic acquisitions and other such developments in the sector are expected to fuel the demand during the forecast period.

The market has been significantly driven by an increasing number of strategic acquisitions and business decisions made in the sector which has encouraged innovations. Heightened demand for clean-label food products is projected to give an uptick to sales of plant hydrocolloids.

Growth in the adoption of gelatin gum is anticipated to be a tailwind to the market in the coming years.

COVID-19 Impact on Hydrocolloids Market

The advent of COVID-19 harmed the hydrocolloids market. The market witnessed a decline in the demand from the pulp and paper, Cosmetics And Personal Care, Textiles, Paints And Coatings sectors as the operations in these industries were suspended for several months during the period owing to strict government protocols which restricted the factories from working at full capacity. The pandemic also caused severe disruptions in the supply chain. The demand from the pharmaceuticals sector witnessed a slight increase during the year as the sales of OTC drugs increased during the year owing to the increasing number of cases from the pandemic. As the industries recover from the pandemic and are gradually resuming usual operations, the market is expected to recover in the coming years.

Segmentation

• By Product type
  • Guar Gum
  • Gum Arabic
  • Xanthan
  • Starch
  • Locust Bean Gum
  • Gelatin
  • Agar
  • Carrageenan
  • Alginate
  • Pectin
  • Others
• By Source
  • Animal
  • Plants
  • Synthetic
• By Function
  • Gelling
  • Thickener
  • Coating
  • Emulsifier
  • Others
• By End-user industry
  • Food And Beverage
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Cosmetics And Personal Care
  • Textiles
  • Paints And Coatings
  • Others
• By Geography
  • North America
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Mexico
  • South America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Others
    • Europe
    • Germany
    • France
    • UK
    • Others
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Others
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • South Korea
    • Taiwan
    • Thailand
    • Indonesia
    • Others

Cargill Incorporated

CP Kelco US Inc.

DuPont

Koninklijke DSM N.V.

Archer Daniels Midland Company

Hispanagar, S.A.

Ingredion Incorporated

Ashland Inc

Kerry Group

Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG

FMC Corporation