Overview
Global carbohydrates market reached US$ 4.17 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 7.01 billion by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 6.7% during the forecast period 2025-2032.
The global carbohydrates market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand across food and beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and biofuel sectors. Carbohydrates, ranging from simple sugars like glucose and fructose to complex polysaccharides such as starch and cellulose, are vital ingredients in multiple applications. In the food and beverage industry, rising consumption of functional foods and beverages has increased the use of carbohydrates such as maltodextrin and modified starches as thickeners, stabilizers, and energy sources.
For instance, in 2025, Tailwind Nutrition launched the High Carb Fuel. Purpose-built for high-intensity efforts, this power-packed drink mix delivers 90 grams of carbohydrates per serving in the science-backed 2:1 glucose-to-fructose ratio, balancing with complete electrolytes to maximize energy absorption and minimize gastrointestinal distress. Therefore, the carbohydrates market is poised for further expansion due to the versatile applications of these biomolecules, advancements in processing technologies, and the global shift toward natural, sustainable, and health-oriented ingredients.
Global Carbohydrates Market Trend
The carbohydrates market is witnessing several emerging trends that reflect evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. One of the key trends is the rising demand for clean-label and natural carbohydrate ingredients, particularly in the food and beverage sector.
Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists, pushing manufacturers to replace synthetic additives with plant-based carbohydrate derivatives like pectin, inulin, and guar gum. For example, Ingredion has expanded its line of clean-label starches derived from corn and tapioca to meet this demand.
Market Scope
| Metrics | Details |
| By Type | Isomalt, Palatinose, Curdlan, Cyclodextrin, Others |
| By Source | Plant-Based, Animal-Based, Synthetic |
| By Form | Powdered, Liquid, Granulated |
| By Application | Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Feed, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Industrial Applications, Others |
| By Region | North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth |
Global Carbohydrates Market Dynamics
Growing Demand in Food and Beverage Industry
The increasing demand in the food and beverage industry is a major force driving the carbohydrates market, as these ingredients are integral to a wide range of products for their functional and nutritional properties. Carbohydrates such as starch, glucose syrup, maltodextrin, sucrose, and dietary fibers are widely used in processed foods to enhance texture, viscosity, flavor, and shelf life. As global consumption of ready-to-eat meals, baked goods, confectionery, and beverages rises, especially in urban and developing regions, so does the demand for carbohydrate-based ingredients.
For instance, North American and European countries rank among the biggest consumers in the world. And most notably, the US, the world’s leading country for the consumption of ready meals, accounting for 20% of the global market. The Americans are regular consumers of ready-made dishes: 28.3 kg per year and per capita. Europe is also fond of ready meals and arrive in second place behind the US, with a market worth an estimated US$ 52 billion, or 23% of worldwide turnover for ready meals. Thus, the F&B industry’s continuous innovation and rising consumer expectations for taste, convenience, and healthfulness are strongly boosting the global demand for functional carbohydrates.
Health Concerns Over Refined Carbohydrates and Sugars
A major restraint in the carbohydrates market is the rising awareness about the negative health impacts of excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates and added sugars. These ingredients have been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, prompting a growing number of consumers to reduce or eliminate sugar-laden and high-glycemic foods from their diets.
This trend is especially strong in North America and Europe, where demand for low-carb, sugar-free, and keto-friendly alternatives is growing. For example, food companies like Nestlé and General Mills are actively reformulating products to reduce sugar and enhance fiber content, impacting traditional carbohydrate sales.
Global Carbohydrates Market Segment Analysis
The global carbohydrates market is segmented based on type, source, form, application and region.
Pharmaceutical Industry’s Strategic Use of Carbohydrates Driving Market Expansion
The pharmaceutical segment plays a dominant role in the carbohydrates market due to the critical functional roles that various carbohydrate compounds serve in drug formulation and delivery systems. Companies such as DFE Pharma, Roquette, and Meggle Pharma are global leaders supplying high-purity carbohydrate-based excipients tailored for different drug forms, including oral solids, injectables, and inhalation therapies.
For instance, in 2024, Cadila Pharmaceuticals, a leading pharmaceutical company committed to improving global healthcare, proudly announced the successful launch of 10 cutting-edge products from January 2023 to May 2023. The products include Cadilyse T Chewable Tab and Cadilyse Syrup. These ground-breaking products demonstrate Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ ongoing commitment to delivering innovative healthcare solutions and improving patient outcomes. Thus, the above factors help to boost the market growth.
Global Carbohydrates Market Geographical Penetration
North America’s Rapid Growth in the Carbohydrates Market Driven by Health Trends and Innovation
North America is expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period, driven by a health-conscious population, innovative food and beverage solutions, high disposable incomes, and the adoption of sugar substitutes due to busy lifestyles. For instance, according to a study by Research in America in partnership with the American Heart Association, as many as 77% of people want to have a healthier diet. Additionally, in 2023, around half of Americans are healthy eaters, at least according to their testimonies. According to the World Economic Forum, around 50 percent of Americans claim to actively try to eat healthy.
Moreover, North America has seen growing investments in the biotech and nutraceutical sectors, where carbohydrate-based compounds like prebiotic fibers and oligosaccharides are used in gut health and immunity products. The increasing trend toward clean-label and plant-based formulations in the US and Canada has also fueled demand for carbohydrate sources derived from tapioca, rice, and pulses. With high R&D capabilities, regulatory support, and a large base of health-conscious consumers, North America continues to lead the global carbohydrates market both in volume and innovation.
Sustainability Analysis
Sustainability is becoming a critical consideration in the carbohydrates market, with growing emphasis on reducing environmental impact and promoting circular economy practices. The agricultural production of carbohydrate-rich crops, such as corn, wheat, and cassava, has traditionally been resource-intensive, requiring significant amounts of water, land, and energy.
However, many companies are now adopting sustainable farming practices, such as regenerative agriculture, to reduce carbon footprints and promote soil health. As the market increasingly aligns with sustainability goals, the carbohydrates industry is expected to continue evolving to meet the demands of eco-conscious consumers and regulatory bodies, contributing to a greener future.
Global Carbohydrates Market Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, Ingredion Incorporated, Bunge Limited, Tate & Lyle PLC, Grain Processing Corporation, Roquette Frères, Emsland Group, AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, AVEBE and among others.
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Target Audience 2024
Manufacturers/ Buyers
Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
Research Professionals
Emerging Companies
