Soluble Dietary Fibers Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Soluble Dietary Fibers Market is segmented By Source (Cereals & Grains (Oats, Barley, Others), Fruit & Vegetables (Apples, Banana, Others), Nuts & Seeds (Flaxseeds,  seeds), Legumes (Beans, lentils, Other Sources), and by Type (Inulin, Pectin, Polydextrose, Beta-glucan, Resistant Starch,)By Application (Functional Food and Beverages (Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Other Applications), and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Overview

Global Soluble Dietary Fibers Market reached US$ 2.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 5 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 8% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The demand for soluble dietary fibers is surging as consumers increasingly prioritize fiber-rich diets. The 2023 IFIC Food and Health Survey reveals that 61% of respondents are actively trying to increase their fiber intake, with 25% identifying "good source of fiber" as a key factor in determining a food's healthiness. Growing consumer focus on fiber has spurred interest in fortifying foods with soluble fibers, presenting significant opportunities for product innovation.

Soluble fibers, which dissolve in water to form a gel-like consistency, offer several health benefits, including improved heart and metabolic health by lowering cholesterol and supporting blood sugar regulation. The market is seeing growth in products fortified with soluble fiber due to their multifunctional benefits, such as sugar reduction and enhanced texture in baked goods

Recent advancements in fiber research highlight the potential of leveraging plant-based bioactives within insoluble fibers. Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Brightseed have identified bioactive compounds in plant cell walls that could enhance the health benefits of dietary fibers. The bioactives, including quercetin, resveratrol and catechins, are gaining attention for their potential to boost the efficacy of fiber in finished products and address chronic health conditions.

The trend towards fortifying foods with fiber is not only meeting consumer demand but also aligning with sustainability goals. By utilizing food production byproducts like peels and hulls, manufacturers can source fibers more sustainably while improving product nutritional value. As consumer interest in dietary fiber continues to grow, opportunities for innovation and development in the soluble fiber market remain robust.

Scope

Market Dynamics

Rising Incidence of Lifestyle-Related Diseases

The incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, such as high blood pressure and obesity, has surged by 50% since 2000, according to recent data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is largely attributed to increased levels of blood sugar and fat, leading to a 49.4% increase in lost years of healthy life between 2000 and 2021.

The trend has significant implications for the soluble dietary fibers market. As health systems grapple with the increased burden of lifestyle-related conditions, there is growing consumer and healthcare sector interest in preventive measures. Soluble dietary fibers, known for their benefits in managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels, are becoming a focal point in dietary interventions aimed at mitigating these health issues.

With global life expectancy projected to rise by nearly five years by 2050, the demand for dietary solutions that address chronic health conditions will likely intensify. The growing need for metabolic health support is expected to drive increased consumption of soluble dietary fibers as part of comprehensive strategies to combat the rise of lifestyle-related diseases.

Growth in the Functional Food and Beverage Industry

The rapid expansion of the functional food and beverage industry is driving significant growth in the soluble dietary fibers market. As consumers increasingly seek products that blend health benefits with everyday nutrition, the demand for functional ingredients has surged. As per the Food & beverage Insider, yogurt enriched with pre- and probiotics has grown by 6% and wellness bars by 7%, illustrating the market's shift towards health-focused products.

Beverages are also reflecting this trend, with energy drinks and sports beverages up by 7% and infant formula and toddler drinks by 8%. The growth highlights a consumer preference for functional, health-oriented options over traditional products. Consequently, soluble dietary fibers, essential for digestive health and overall wellness, are experiencing increased demand as part of this broader trend toward functional foods and beverages.

As per the Institute of Food Technologists, the functional food and beverage sector is rapidly expanding due to increased consumer demand for health-enhancing products. With global obesity rates expected to exceed 4 billion by 2035 and related treatment costs estimated at US$ 4 trillion annually, there is a clear shift towards functional foods. In US, sales of functional foods and beverages reached US$ 92.1 billion in 2023 and are projected to grow at a 5% CAGR, reaching US$ 106.9 billion by 2026. The growth is driven by increasing consumer interest in products that offer preventive health benefits and specific medical purposes.

Younger demographics, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are leading this trend, with a significant proportion actively purchasing functional foods. The trend is also evident in the movement of benefits traditionally associated with supplements, such as immunity and weight management, into food products. US food companies are responding by reformulating their products to reduce added sugars and sodium while enhancing health benefits.

High Production Costs

High production costs significantly impact the soluble dietary fibers (SDF) market, posing substantial challenges for market growth and competitiveness. The high costs of SDF production are primarily the result of expenditures related to cutting-edge processing technologies, energy use, and raw material procurement. Techniques such as micronization, autoclaving and extrusion, while effective, demand significant investment in infrastructure and operational costs, contributing to the overall production expenditure.

Energy costs have an additional impact on the economic viability of SDF production. Traditional energy sources, such as mixed grid electricity, lead to higher utility expenses compared to renewable energy sources. Studies indicate that transitioning to solar or wind energy can substantially lower utility costs—by up to 58%—thus enhancing the cost-efficiency of SDF production processes. The shift mitigates the financial burden on manufacturers and aligns with environmental sustainability goals, potentially offering a competitive edge in the market.

Segment Analysis

The global soluble dietary fibers market is segmented based on source, type, application and region.

The Surging Demand for Inulin Type Soluble Dietary Fibers

The inulin segment is expected to be the dominant segment in type holding an approximate market share of 30% during the forecast period. The market for inulin-type soluble dietary fibers is experiencing significant growth due to increasing consumer awareness of health and wellness benefits. Inulin, a prebiotic fiber, is widely recognized for its ability to support digestive health and enhance the absorption of essential nutrients.

The increase in demand is a result of both the rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders and consumers' growing preference for natural and functional food ingredients. In April 2023, the European Association of Chicory Inulin Producers (CEFI) launched a new website, to address the growing demand for inulin-type soluble dietary fibers. CEFI, comprising leading manufacturers COSUCRA, BENEO and SENSUS, advocates for sustainable chicory cultivation and focuses on regulatory and health-related issues across the EU and other regions.

The EU has approved health claims for chicory root fibers, such as their role in improving bowel regularity and enhancing consumer access to beneficial dietary fibers. Fibers are linked to various health benefits and chicory fibers offer functional advantages in food & beverage products, maintaining sensory quality while promoting healthier choices. The use of front-of-pack labeling like Nutri-Score boosts the visibility of these healthier options, aligning with the growing consumer focus on health and sustainability.

Geographical Penetration

Rising Demand for Soluble Dietary Fibers in North America

North America is expected to be the dominant region in the global soluble dietary fibers market holding an approximate market share of 30% during the forecast period. The North American market is experiencing robust growth in the demand for soluble dietary fibers. The surge is attributed to increased consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with these fibers, including improved blood sugar regulation, cholesterol reduction and enhanced gut health.

The rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases has further amplified the market's expansion. Consumer trends favoring natural and functional foods are driving the adoption of soluble fibers in various products. Food manufacturers are incorporating these fibers to cater to health-conscious consumers. The clean label trend, which prioritizes transparency and simplicity in ingredients, also contributed to the appeal of soluble fibers such as psyllium, pectin and beta-glucan.

In July 2023, Tate & Lyle launched innovative soluble fibers, such as EUOLIGO FOS in the US, that support fiber fortification and aid in sugar reduction across various food and beverage applications. The versatile ingredient aligns with the market's shift towards products that combine health benefits with practical functionality, making it an attractive choice for manufacturers aiming to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Cargill, Incorporated., Ingredion, ADM, Roquette Frères, Tate & Lyle, Kerry Group plc., Foodchem International Corporation, The Scoular Company, Nexira and SunOpta.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine war has significantly disrupted global markets, impacting the soluble dietary fibers sector by driving up agricultural and fertilizer costs. Although international food prices have stabilized from their 2022 peaks, domestic prices remain high in many low- and mid-income countries, affecting ingredient affordability and availability. Fertilizer prices, which surged due to the conflict, have moderated but remain above pre-war levels, creating challenges for crop production essential to the soluble dietary fibers market.

Russia and Belarus, key fertilizer exporters, faced sanctions that reduced potash, urea and phosphate supplies, raising production costs and impacting crop yields. In 2022, global fertilizer consumption declined by 5%, with sub-Saharan Africa experiencing a sharper 25% drop, threatening agricultural output and potentially reducing the supply of raw materials for soluble dietary fibers. High fertilizer costs also pushed farmers to prioritize cash crops, further straining food security and ingredient supply chains.

By Source

• Cereals & Grains
  • Oats
  • Barley
  • Others
• Fruit & Vegetables
  • Apples
  • Banana
  • Others
• Nuts & Seeds
  • Flaxseeds
  • chia seeds
• Legumes
  • Beans
  • lentils            
• Other Sources

By Type

• Inulin
• Pectin
• Polydextrose
• Beta-glucan
• Resistant Starch

By Application

• Functional Food and Beverages
• Animal Feed
• Pharmaceuticals      
• Other Applications

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In January 2023, Fiberstar, Inc., a leader in innovative citrus fibers, launched the Citri-Fi 400 series, a new line of organic citrus fibers. The product expansion addresses the rising demand for natural, sustainable and organic food ingredients, driven by consumer health and wellness trends and supply chain challenges affecting hydrocolloids. The increased focus on sustainable practices further fuels this demand.
• In September 2023, Cargill launched a new soluble corn fiber ingredient. It is a plant-based, non-GMO, gluten-free ingredient that boasts a minimum of 80% fiber content on a dry basis, enabling high fiber claims in various products. As a versatile bulking agent, it contains half the calories of sugar and has minimal impact on color and texture.
• In November 2021, Kerry launched Emulgold Fibre, a naturally sourced soluble dietary fiber designed specifically for white bread production. By incorporating Emulgold, white bread can see a significant enhancement in its fiber content—up to 300% more per serving compared to non-fortified white bread.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global soluble dietary fibers market segmentation based on source, type, application and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the soluble dietary fibers market with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global soluble dietary fibers market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 58 figures and 219 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies