Global Beta Glucan Market Overview

The global Beta Glucan Market is poised for steady and sustained expansion, projected to rise from US$ 593.64 million in 2024 to US$ 1,147.71 million by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.60% between 2025 and 2033, according to Renub Research.

This growth trajectory reflects increasing global awareness of natural bioactive compounds that promote immunity, heart health, and metabolic balance. Derived from natural sources such as oats, barley, yeast, and mushrooms, beta-glucan has become one of the most sought-after ingredients in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

Amid rising consumer focus on preventive healthcare, plant-based nutrition, and clean-label products, beta-glucan is emerging as a cornerstone of the global health and wellness industry. Beyond supplements and fortified foods, the ingredient’s bioactive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are gaining traction in cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.

Beta Glucan Market Overview

Beta-glucans are complex polysaccharides with well-documented health benefits, including cholesterol reduction, immune system enhancement, and blood sugar regulation. They are widely used in nutraceuticals, functional beverages, cereals, and dietary supplements aimed at health-conscious consumers.

The pandemic accelerated interest in immune-enhancing and preventive nutrition, pushing manufacturers to develop functional products fortified with natural ingredients. The continued rise of the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries further strengthens market prospects.

However, challenges such as high extraction and purification costs, coupled with limited consumer awareness in emerging economies, still impede mass adoption. Nevertheless, as extraction technologies advance and awareness campaigns expand, the beta-glucan market is expected to achieve robust and diversified growth across industries.

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Key Growth Drivers

Rising Demand for Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

Growing consumer preference for natural and functional ingredients is a key driver of beta-glucan demand. Manufacturers are increasingly fortifying foods with bioactives like beta-glucan to enhance health benefits without synthetic additives. The ingredient’s proven ability to boost immunity, lower LDL cholesterol, and regulate glycemic levels makes it a favorite among health-focused consumers.

The global shift toward plant-based and fiber-rich diets also supports demand, as beta-glucan aligns with clean-label trends and the rising interest in digestive wellness. Companies across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific are incorporating beta-glucan into breakfast cereals, bakery products, dairy alternatives, and beverages, strengthening its presence in everyday nutrition.

Growing Applications in Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

Beyond food and nutrition, beta-glucan’s role in therapeutics and dermatology is expanding rapidly. Its antioxidant, wound-healing, and anti-aging properties make it a popular ingredient in topical skincare and pharmaceutical formulations. Pharmaceutical companies are exploring its potential in drug delivery systems, immune modulation, and cancer therapy adjuvants.

In cosmetics, beta-glucan is prized for its ability to retain moisture, improve skin elasticity, and calm inflammation, driving its use in premium skincare products. These multifunctional properties are making it an indispensable bioactive in personal care innovation.

Technological Advancements and Sustainable Sourcing

Modern extraction technologies—such as enzymatic processing, membrane filtration, and advanced fermentation—are improving beta-glucan yield and purity. Companies are increasingly leveraging biotechnology and green chemistry to minimize environmental impact while enhancing efficiency.

Sustainability is also a driving factor: manufacturers are turning to renewable sources like yeast and fungi for consistent production with minimal agricultural footprint. This shift supports both supply chain resilience and corporate sustainability commitments, ensuring long-term growth across global markets.

Market Challenges

High Production and Extraction Costs

Extracting high-quality beta-glucan requires complex and energy-intensive processes, particularly from sources like oats and barley. This raises production costs and limits affordability in cost-sensitive markets. The need for specialized equipment and standardized purification techniques also poses scalability challenges.

Limited Consumer Awareness in Developing Regions

While developed markets show strong adoption, awareness remains relatively low in emerging economies. Educating consumers about the scientifically validated health benefits of beta-glucan will be crucial to achieving wider penetration. Industry stakeholders are increasingly focusing on marketing and health education initiatives to expand global reach.

Leading Companies in the Beta Glucan Market

The global beta-glucan market features a diverse mix of biotech innovators, food ingredient giants, and nutrition solution providers. Below is a summary of key players shaping the industry landscape.

1. Ceapro Inc.

·        Founded: 1997

·        Headquarters: Edmonton, Canada

·        Revenue: US$ 7.1 million (2023)
Ceapro specializes in bioactive oat extracts and natural compounds for nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Its proprietary Pressurized Gas eXpanded (PGX) technology ensures high-purity extraction of beta-glucan and related ingredients. The company’s portfolio includes oat beta-glucan, oat peptides, and anti-aging skincare solutions distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia.

2. Tate & Lyle PLC

·        Founded: 1921

·        Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

·        Revenue: US$ 2.0 billion (2023)
Tate & Lyle is a global provider of ingredient solutions for food and beverage manufacturers, offering sweeteners, fibers, and bioactive compounds. Its beta-glucan solutions cater to the functional food and fiber enrichment segments. The company operates across EMEA, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific, serving major food brands committed to health-focused innovation.

3. Koninklijke DSM N.V. (DSM-Firmenich AG)

·        Founded: 1902

·        Headquarters: Kaiseraugst, Switzerland

·        Revenue: US$ 13.8 billion (2023)
DSM-Firmenich is a science-based global leader in nutrition, health, and beauty. Through its advanced biotechnological platforms, DSM produces beta-glucan-based bioactives for use in dietary supplements, skincare, and pharmaceuticals. Its research in sustainable bio-fermentation and metabolic engineering underpins its leadership in ingredient innovation.

4. Cargill Incorporated

·        Founded: 1865

·        Headquarters: Minneapolis, USA

·        Revenue: US$ 160 billion (2023)
Cargill’s diversified agribusiness operations include the production of natural and functional ingredients, including oat- and barley-derived beta-glucans. The company’s extensive R&D capabilities allow it to serve food, feed, and personal care industries globally. With strong distribution in over 70 countries, Cargill continues to shape ingredient sustainability and market accessibility.

5. Kerry Group Plc

·        Founded: 1972

·        Headquarters: Tralee, Ireland

·        Revenue: US$ 7.5 billion (2023)
Kerry Group delivers nutritional, functional, and bioactive solutions to global food, beverage, and pharmaceutical clients. Its bioactive and fiber-enriched beta-glucan ingredients support immune health, digestive wellness, and cholesterol management. With a strong focus on clean-label nutrition, Kerry operates across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

SWOT and Strategic Insights

Givaudan SA – Innovation and Sustainability Leadership

Strength: Givaudan is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, and active beauty ingredients, operating across 180+ locations. Its R&D-driven model enables development of customized, science-backed beta-glucan formulations for cosmetics and food.
Opportunity: The company is well-positioned to expand into natural and sustainable ingredient systems. By leveraging green chemistry and circular economy practices, Givaudan can capitalize on demand for plant-based and eco-friendly bioactives, enhancing its global market influence.

Euglena Co. Ltd. – Biotechnology Pioneer in Microalgae

Strength: Japan’s Euglena Co. Ltd. is globally recognized for its expertise in microalgae biotechnology, particularly in developing nutrient-rich products from Euglena gracilis. The company integrates biotech innovation with sustainability, bridging food, cosmetics, and biofuel markets.
Opportunity: Euglena can scale its presence in renewable energy and global nutrition by expanding algae-based beta-glucan production. Growing demand for sustainable protein and functional foods presents significant opportunities for global expansion and strategic partnerships.

Merck KGaA – Scientific Diversification and Research Power

Strength: Germany’s Merck KGaA stands out for its diversified life sciences portfolio and cutting-edge R&D capabilities. Through its Life Science arm (MilliporeSigma), Merck supports advancements in biotechnology and pharmaceutical-grade beta-glucan applications.
Opportunity: Merck can capitalize on growth in personalized medicine, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Its expertise in molecular diagnostics and precision science enables it to develop next-generation immune-support and drug delivery systems incorporating beta-glucans.

Recent Developments in the Beta Glucan Market

·        April 2024: Kemin Industries received novel food approval from the European Commission for BetaVia Pure, containing 95% beta-1,3 glucan.

·        March 2024: Solabia-BioActor secured FDA GRAS approval for its women’s health ingredient Bonolive, supporting beta-glucan’s safety validation in functional supplements.

·        August 2023: Immudyne Nutritional developed PureMune, a proprietary beta-glucan formulation tested in FDA-registered laboratories for enhanced immune modulation.

Other Prominent Market Participants

·        Lesaffre Group

·        Biotec Pharmacon ASA

·        Super Beta Glucan Inc.

·        Garuda International Inc.

·        Ohly GmbH

·        Angel Yeast Co. Ltd.

·        Lallemand Inc.

·        Alltech Life Sciences

·        Associated British Foods plc

·        Kemin Industries, Inc.

·        Biorigin Zilor Inc.

·        GlycaNova AS

These companies are focusing on R&D collaborations, clean-label formulations, and circular economy strategies to enhance product performance and sustainability.

Future Outlook: Beta Glucan’s Role in the Bioactive Economy

The global beta-glucan market is evolving into a vital segment of the bioactive ingredients economy, bridging nutrition, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. As consumers shift toward immune health, natural therapies, and functional beauty, demand for beta-glucan will continue to rise across multiple verticals.

The future of this market will be defined by technological innovation, sustainable sourcing, and regulatory validation. Companies investing in bioprocess optimization, green extraction, and nutrigenomics-based formulations are likely to lead the next wave of growth.

By 2033, beta-glucan will transcend its role as a niche fiber ingredient to become a mainstream biofunctional compound, powering the world’s movement toward a more resilient, health-focused, and sustainable future.