NUTRACEUTICAL INGREDIENTS MARKET ANALYSIS

Nutraceutical Ingredients Market Size and Trends

The nutraceutical ingredients market is estimated to be valued at USD 212.43 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 343.36 Bn by 2031, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2024 to 2031.

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The market has been witnessing steady growth on account of rising health awareness among consumers and growing demand for dietary supplements and functional food products. The market is expected to witness positive growth over the forecast period owing to increasing aging population, rising incidence of chronic and lifestyle diseases, growing adoption of natural solutions to enhance health and well-being, expanding retail market for health and wellness products, and surging use of nutraceuticals for preventing and managing various health conditions.

Rising health consciousness

The adoption of healthy lifestyle habits among consumers across the globe has been on a steady rise over the past few years. People are paying more attention to their diet and making an active effort to consume food products that are beneficial for their health and well-being. There is a growing awareness about the importance of maintaining optimum nutritional levels through the regular intake of various vitamins, minerals, proteins, fibers and other nutritious components. This change in attitudes and behaviors has driven up the demand for functional ingredients that enrich foods and beverages. Nutraceutical ingredients are popular choices owing to their scientifically proven health benefits. Many consumers prefer fortifying their regular diet with supplements containing these ingredients to fulfill their bodies' nutritional requirements and lower the risk of illnesses. The trend is particularly strong among the aging population who wish to remain active and prevent age-related diseases or conditions. The millennial generation as well are increasingly conscious about strength training, fitness activities and general wellness. They frequently consult nutritionists and dieticians for guidance on foods and supplements that enrich their diets and support their active lifestyles. This driver indicates the market has significant potential for further development to cater to the growing needs of health-savvy customers.

Market Concentration and Competitive Landscape

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Expanding applications in diverse product categories

Nutraceutical ingredients are not only limited to regular supplements anymore. Innovative food and beverage manufacturers have found highly versatile applications for various functional ingredients across many consumer product categories. For instance, probiotic yogurt drinks and energy bars fortified with vitamins, minerals, proteins and fibers are gaining wide acceptance. Similarly, herbal extracts and prebiotics are being incorporated in healthy snacks, cereals, juices and dairy alternatives. This allows companies to grab market share through novel offerings for health-conscious shoppers. Even traditional packaged food and beverage segments are recognizing emerging opportunities and incorporating nutraceutical ingredients to enhance their products' nutritional profiles and appeal to modern lifestyles. The adaptable nature and diverse functional benefits of ingredients like turmeric, omega-3, botanical extracts, and plant sterols & stanols, among others, have facilitated their incorporation into both food and supplement formulations. Furthermore, the clean label trend provides additional opportunities for manufacturers to highlight real ingredients on packaging. As consumers spend more on self-care amid the pandemic, such multifunctional products have benefitted. This driver signals continued growth potential for ingredients that can creatively address nutritional needs across an expanding range of goods.

Key Takeaways from Analyst:

The increasing health consciousness among consumers is a major growth driver as more people are incorporating nutrition-rich foods and supplements in their daily diets. Rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases worldwide is further propelling the demand for nutraceutical ingredients that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Regulatory barriers surrounding new product approvals still pose a challenge to market players. Limited clinical research and lack of sufficient scientific evidence also act as a restraint in some regions. Nonetheless, advancements in extract technology and processing capabilities are helping overcome these challenges to an extent.

Key players operating in the space must focus on product innovation and portfolio expansion through strategic acquisitions. They also need to invest more in clinical validation of ingredient efficacy in order to substantiate health claims. Organizations moving early to capitalize on new application areas like sports nutrition, weight management and cognitive health are likely to gain competitive advantage.

Market Challenges: High research and development costs

High research and development costs pose a significant challenge for the growth of the global nutraceutical ingredients market. Developing new nutraceutical ingredients requires extensive research to validate health claims and ensure product safety and efficacy. Clinical trials and regulatory approvals involved in this process make R&D a costly affair.  The research process starts with identifying plant/food sources with potential health benefits and isolating and characterizing the active compounds. Scientists then study the exact mechanisms of action of these compounds within the human body and determine effective dosage levels. Comprehensive testing is done on animals before moving to different phases of human trials. Each phase of clinical testing on humans involving hundreds of participants further drives up costs. Additionally, obtaining new product approvals from regulatory bodies like FDA in the US and FSSAI in India involves preparing and submitting extensive documentation which is both time and resource intensive.

Market Opportunities: Untapped emerging markets

Untapped emerging markets present a huge opportunity for growth in the global nutraceutical ingredients market. These emerging economies have large, young populations with increasing disposable incomes and a growing focus on health and wellness.  Countries such as India, Brazil, Indonesia and others in Southeast Asia, Latin America and Africa are expected to see strong economic development and expansion of middle-income consumers in the coming years. As awareness about preventative healthcare rises and diets shift to include more nutritious foods, demand for supplements containing nutraceutical ingredients will surge. 

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Insights by Form: Shelf Life and Storage Convenience Drive Dry Nutraceutical Ingredient Dominance

The dry segment is expected to contribute 82.3% share of the nutraceutical ingredients market in 2024, due to advantages in shelf life and storage convenience. Dry ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins and amino acids can be stored at room temperature for extended periods without degradation, making them more suitable for inventory management and transport. This is a major advantage over liquid ingredients which often require refrigeration and have a more limited shelf life.

The dry form is also preferred for dietary supplements since tablets and capsules allow for precise dosing and uniform mixtures. Complex dry blends can be formulated to deliver multiple ingredients in a single dosage. This multipurpose functionality streamlines supplement manufacturing and inventory needs. The stable shelf life also ensures product freshness right up to the expiration date. From a consumer perspective, dry supplements tend to have a more convenient dosage form compared to liquids. Tablets and capsules are compact and portable, making it effortless to consume supplements on the go or while traveling. This fosters higher user compliance. The absence of a liquid carrier also enables inclusion of water-soluble and insoluble ingredients within the same formula. Overall, the advantages in storage, transport, manufacturing and user experience have cemented dry ingredients as the dominant mode of delivery in the nutraceutical industry. Emerging portable lifestyles and need for precise dosing will continue spurring preferences for this segment.

Insights by Product Ingredients: Vision of Wellness Drives Strong Demand for Vitamins

Within the product ingredients segment, vitamins is expected to contribute 33.3% share in 2024, owing to their profound role in human nutrition and overall wellness. The growing awareness about how specific vitamins impact health has boosted their demand within dietary supplements and functional foods. Vitamins such as vitamins C and D are recognized for their immune-boosting and bone health properties. Rising pollution and indoor lifestyles have intensified vitamin D deficiencies. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of a strong immune system, fueling demand for immune-enhancing vitamin C and D supplements. Fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K also experienced increased uptake to support heart and vision health. Multivitamin supplements targeting general wellness remain hugely popular as a holistic approach to nutrition. Their usage has expanded from the elderly to young working professionals as a preventive health measure. Manufacturers reinforce the vital role of vitamins through brands focused on anti-aging, beauty from within and prevention of lifestyle diseases. This inspires confidence in their ability to enhance quality of life. Overall, the widespread perceived benefits of vitamins in maintaining health, appearance and longevity will continue supporting their leadership position in the nutraceutical ingredients market. Evidence-based communications reinforcing specific health indications remain key to driving further growth.

Insights by Application: On-The-Go Consumers Boost the Functional Beverages Segment

The functional beverages segment is expected to account for 32.2% share of the application segment in 2024, owing to rising preferences for healthy and convenient on-the-go nourishment. Longer working hours and increasingly mobile lifestyles have boosted the popularity of beverages infused with nutraceuticals over pills or packaged foods. Protein-enriched waters and shakes address the need for portable muscle-building options. They are ideal for active individuals to refuel after a workout or stay energized through long days when traditional meal breaks may not be feasible. Waters and juices infused with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, or plant extracts also provide a simple hydration-plus-nutrition solution.  Milks enriched with probiotics and prebiotics cater to digestive health oriented consumers. RTD tea and coffee blends fortified with B vitamins, omega-3 and botanicals deliver functional benefits alongside daily rituals. Their normalized usage helps wean people away from regular versions onto healthier habit changes. Manufacturers leverage diverse flavors and formulations to introduce functionality across different beverage categories from sodas to juices. Novel formats like on-the-go powders and sticks further augment the segment's convenience appeal. This has made functional beverages a routine rather than premeditated purchase for many. Sustained momentum in this segment will be guided by continued lifestyle shifts favoring portable indulgences.

Regional Insights

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North America has been dominating the global nutraceutical ingredients market over the past few years owing to high health consciousness and increased adoption of healthy lifestyles among consumers in the region. The region is expected to account for 39.8% of the market share in 2024. Countries like the U.S. and Canada have seen significant rise in the consumption of nutritional supplements and functional foods products. This has encouraged major nutraceutical brands and supplement manufacturers to strengthen their presence in the region. The region is also home to some of the largest nutraceutical companies globally who are continuously investing in product innovation and new product development. Stringent regulations regarding the usage of natural ingredients benefits the suppliers as well, helping North America maintain its leading position.

The Asia Pacific region has emerged as the fastest growing market for nutraceutical ingredients globally. Rapidly changing consumer eating habits, increasing health expenditures, and growing focus on preventive healthcare are the major factors driving demand. Countries like India, China, Japan, and South Korea are anticipated to offer lucrative opportunities with their growing middle-class populations and rising disposable incomes. The region has also witnessed the proliferation of local nutraceutical brands in the past few years who rely on imports to fulfil their requirements. This dependence on imports is gradually decreasing with local suppliers improving their capabilities. The development of native plant sources and investments in extraction technology by regional players will further help Asia Pacific become a dominant sourcing hub. Strong governmental support through initiatives focused on herbal medicines and traditional ingredients also ensures a positive outlook for nutraceutical suppliers targeting this high potential market. Overall, Asia Pacific's favorable industry ecosystem and rising health-conscious consumer base makes it an attractive investment destination for global nutraceutical players.

Market Report Scope

Nutraceutical Ingredients Industry News

• In May 2024, Evonik presents nutraceutical innovations at Vitafoods Europe 2024
• In March 2022, Tate & Lyle, British-headquartered, global supplier of food and beverage ingredients company acquired Quantum Hi-Tech Biological, which is a prebiotic dietary fiber business in China, for a value of US$ 237 million. The strategic acquisition will allow to strengthen the company’s dietary fiber market in China and Asia.
• In February 2022, ABF Ingredients, a global leader in specialty ingredients acquired Fytexia Group, a developer of active ingredients for various dietary supplements. The strategic acquisition will allow to expand ABFI’s product portfolio in the nutritional, pharmaceutical, and food sectors.
• In November 2020, Ingredion, an American multinational ingredient provider acquired Verdient Foods Inc., a producer of pulse-based protein concentrates and flours from peas, lentils. With this acquisition, Ingredion will be able to its manufacturing capacity and fulfil the customer demand for plant-based protein.

*Definition: The nutraceutical ingredients market involves the production, processing, and marketing of ingredients that are derived from food sources and are sold as supplements with medicinal properties. These ingredients may include vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, amino acids, enzymes, essential fatty acids, and fibers. Companies in this market supply nutraceutical ingredient products to manufacturers who incorporate them into supplements for distribution to health food stores, pharmacies, mass retailers, and direct-to-consumer online channels.

Market Segmentation

• Form Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Dry
  • Liquid
•  Product Ingredients Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Vitamins
  • Prebiotics and Probiotics
  • Proteins and Amino Acids
  • Omega Fatty 3 acids
  • Minerals
  • Carotenoids
  • Fibers & Specialty Carbohydrates
  • Phytochemicals & Plant Extracts
  • Other Ingredients
•  Application Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • Functional Food
  • Functional Beverages
  • Dietary supplements
  • Animal Feed
  • Others
• Regional Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2019 - 2031)
  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Argentina
    • Mexico
    • Rest of Latin America
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • U.K.
    • Spain
    • France
    • Italy
    • Russia
    • Rest of Europe
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • India
    • Japan
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa
    • GCC Countries
    • Israel
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Key Players Insights
  • BASF S.E.
  • BioNeutra Global Corporation
  • Botaneco Inc.
  • Cargill Inc.
  • Ceapro Inc.
  • DowDuPont Inc.
  • GrainFrac Inc.
  • Ingredion Incorporated
  • InovoBiologic Inc.
  • Jamieson Laboratories Ltd.
  • Koninklijke DSM N.V.
  • Lallemand Inc.
  • Radient Technologies Inc.
  • SunOpta Inc.