Gelatin Substitutes Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Gelatin Substitutes Market is Segmented By Type (Agar-Agar, Pectin, Cornstarch, Guar Gum, Carrageen, Xanthan Gum, Others), By Application (Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical, Cosmetics/Personal Care, Others), By Function (Thickening & Gelling, Stabilizing, Emulsifying, Binding, Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2023-2030

Gelatin Substitutes Market Overview

The global gelatin substitutes market is forecasted to reach at a CAGR of 6.85% during the forecast period (2023-2030).

Gelatin substitutes as ingredients are increasingly used in food items such as marshmallows, jellies, jams, cakes, custard, glazes, gummy bears, fruit syrups, flan, icing, and baking dough. One of the most widely used gelatin substitutes, powder agar, has more applications in the commercial food industry, while strip agar has traditionally been used only in domestic cooking. Therefore, the rising incorporation of the product in food and beverage applications is expected to impact the industry’s growth positively.

Gelatin Substitutes Market Scope

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Gelatin Substitutes Market Dynamics

Moreover, the growing variety of individuals tormented by chronic disorders, the prevalence of improved healthcare infrastructure, and the rising adoption of gelatin products for the assembly of expendable medications are among the most important drivers in boosting the expansion of the market. Gelatin Substitutes Market Dynamics:

Rising demand to shift toward plant-based foods drives the market 

Plant-based food ingredients are in high demand because many consumers want to make significant lifestyle changes, particularly in their eating habits, such as shifting towards plant-based food and beverage products. The reasons for such a large-scale dietary change are related to the growing research on the health advantages of plant-based foods, which public health organizations worldwide are pushing. The market for plant-based ingredients is being driven up by perceptions of the negative effects of animal-based foods on health and the environment, as well as rising awareness regarding animal welfare. As a result, plant-based gelatin substitutes are anticipated to be positively impacted by such a shift towards using organic and plant-based food ingredients. Unlike conventional animal-based gelatin desserts, plant-based gelatin substitute products remain firm outside the refrigerator and quickly set alcoholic and acidic liquids during preparation. Additionally, due to the significant temperature difference between their gelation point and melting point, gelatin substitutes can form a thermo-reversible gel. It smoothly glazes products such as doughnuts and pastries and makes the glaze more viscous. These properties of gelatin substitutes are expected to augment product demand in the coming years. 

The key manufacturers also in the market are introducing new products to increase their market share according to consumer demand. For instance, on January 19, 2023, Alland & Robert developed a texturizing agent that could serve as a vegan gelatin alternative. Called Syndeo Gelling, the agent is made entirely from plant-based hydrocolloids and gum acacia. According to Alland & Robert, most vegan gelatin alternatives on the market fall short in terms of texture and elasticity, but Syndeo Gelling addresses these issues.

However, the increasing competition among the makers and the prevalence of biomaterial substitutes can hamper the market's expansion in rising economies.

Gelatin Substitutes Market Segmentation Analysis

The agar-agar segment accounted for the highest global gelatin substitute’s market share

Agar-agar dominated the product type segment with a revenue share of over YY% in 2022. Agar-agar is a natural hydrocolloid made from the red seaweeds Gracilaria and Gelidium. This product is more compact and resistant than other carrageenan or gelatin gels. The gel strength of the product is also significantly higher than that of gelatin. It also reduces the need for any foreign substance, such as sugar, acids, proteins, or cations, to be added to improve food flavor or texture. 

Moreover, the increasing use of agar-agar in culture media and dentistry as a hydrocolloid impression material, combined with rising demand from the pharmaceutical industry for suspensions, emulsions, capsules, and suppositories in surgical lubricants, is expected to provide a huge growth opportunity for the agar-agar segment in the global gelatin substitutes market. Agar-agar is also a significant component in creating moisturizers and other skincare products in the cosmetic industry. As a result, rising agar-agar usage as a key ingredient in the manufacture of cosmetic products such as soaps, lotions, lipsticks, ointments, creams, and others is expected to drive agar-agar segment growth in the gelatin substitutes market over the forecast timeframe. The key manufacturers also in the market are introducing new products to increase their market share according to consumer demand. For instance, in October 2021, Cargill, Inc. launched a new kappa carrageenan product, Satiagel VPC614, to expand its portfolio. The new product is sustainably sourced and specifically designed for solid formulations and high-gelling applications in the personal care & cosmetic sectors.

Gelatin Substitutes Market Geographical Share

Europe is the dominant region during the forecast period

Europe is the dominant region with the highest held revenue share in 2022. It is attributable to the increasing demand for the product in various end-use industries, including personal care & cosmetics, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical & nutraceutical. Gelatin substitutes are broadly used in non-starch bread and various desserts in the U.K. to produce low-calorie dishes. Furthermore, agar gains traction and is considered one of the healthiest hydrocolloids. It is also approved by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as a food additive. These factors are expected to contribute to regional growth. The key manufacturers also in the market are introducing new products and focusing on strategic partnerships, mergers, joint ventures, and acquisitions to increase their market share according to consumer demand. For instance, in May 2020, Hispanagar announced the launch of QSol, a highly soluble agar product that enables low-temperature dissolution in any solution.

Asia Pacific is expected to expand as the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. The consumption of processed and packaged foods has increased in Asia Pacific due to rapid urbanization, rising disposable income, and a growing population. As a result, the product demand is rising in the region. Furthermore, the rapidly increasing pharmaceutical & nutraceutical industries and consumers' shifting preferences towards using organic and plant-based ingredients are further boosting the market growth.

Gelatin Substitutes Market Cmpanies

The major companies in the gelatin substitutes market are GELITA AG, Cargill, Incorporated, B&V srl, AGARMEX, S.A. DE C.V., Java Biocolloid, NOW Foods, the Great American Spice Company, Special Ingredients Ltd., Brova Limited, and AF Suter. Key gelatin substitute manufacturers are investing in joint ventures, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions while keeping up with research for innovative product lines. Top gelatin substitute brands are focusing on upgraded and modified products amid rising demand for new formulations from the food and beverage industry. For instance, on February 4, 2021, Nestle announced that its Rowntree brand would launch new gelatin-free gummies dessert pastilles in the UK and Ireland, with four new flavors: mango, blueberry, cherry, and apple, all of which are gelatin-free and available to vegetarians. The company has tried 30 new vegan gummy candy recipes to remove the gelatin and retain the original "softness and springiness" of the gummy candy. 

COVID-19 Impact on Gelatin Substitutes Market

Positive impact on the global gelatin substitutes market

The demand for nutraceutical products, functional foods, and dietary supplements such as capsules, gummies, soft gels, and tablets increased during the pandemic owing to rising health consciousness and awareness towards consuming immunity-boosting supplements. Furthermore, the pandemic compelled consumers to stock up on healthy and essential food products such as baked goods, snack bars, and others which led to the demand for gelatin substitute products in the food & beverage industry. The key manufacturers also introduced new products to increase their market share according to consumer demand. For instance, on December 12, 2020, Jellatech launched animal-free gelatin and collagen. Traditionally, collagen and gelatin are obtained from animal by-products such as pork skins, pork and cattle bones, split cattle hides, or fish. Jellatech will be the first startup to produce these ingredients in an animal-free way.

The global gelatin substitute’s market report would provide an access to approximately 53 market data tables, 50 figures and 200 pages