Europe Beta-Glucan Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Europe Beta-Glucan Market Report is Segmented by Source (Cereals and Grains, Fungi, Yeast, Seaweed and Microalgae, and Others), Category (Soluble and Insoluble), Application (Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Feed, and Others), and Geography (United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Russia, and Rest of Europe). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Europe Beta-Glucan Market Size and Share

Europe Beta-Glucan Market (2025 - 2030)
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Europe Beta-Glucan Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

Market Overview

The Europe beta-glucan market is estimated at USD 214.83 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 297.67 million by 2030 at a steady 6.74% CAGR, underscoring a transition from niche nutraceutical ingredient to mainstream functional component across multiple end-use sectors. Regulatory clarity from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)[1]Source: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), "Approval of Microalgae Derived Beta-Glucan", www.ec.europea.eu, exemplified by the April 2024 approval of microalgae-derived beta-glucan, is lowering entry barriers for novel sources while widening application scope beyond cereal and yeast origins. Consumer demand for immunity, cardiovascular, and skin-health benefits is deepening penetration in foods, supplements, and personal-care items, allowing formulators to command premium shelf prices in a competitive retail environment. Mid-sized biotechnology firms are using proprietary extraction and purification technologies to create product differentiation, while large multinationals are scaling production lines through advanced automation to drive cost efficiencies and resilient supply chains. Although inconsistent raw-material quality and lengthy novel-food approvals continue to challenge smaller entrants, industry-wide investment in standardized analytical methods is improving batch-to-batch performance, thereby sustaining long-term market momentum.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By source, cereals and grains held 40.19% of the European beta-glucan market share in 2024, and fungi is projected to rise fastest at 8.75% CAGR through 2030. 
  • By category, soluble beta-glucans led with a 70.35% share in 2024; insoluble beta-glucans will post the strongest 9.04% CAGR through 2030. 
  • By application, food and beverage accounted for 46.44% of the European beta-glucan market size in 2024, while personal care and cosmetics will climb at an 8.86% CAGR through 2030. 
  • By geography, the rest of Europe commanded a 38.68% share in 2024; Italy will register the highest 8.07% CAGR to 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Source: Cereals and Grains Dominance Faces Biotechnology Challenge

Cereal and grains commanded 40.19% of the Europe beta-glucan market share in 2024 due to entrenched oat and barley supply chains and strong consumer familiarity with grain-based nutrition. Fungal beta-glucans, though smaller in scale, are on track for 8.75% CAGR growth as controlled indoor cultivation delivers predictable yields with elevated purity. The Europe beta-glucan market size for fungal sources is projected to expand materially as pharmacopoeia-grade demand gains traction in Germany and Switzerland. Yeast sources benefit from pharmaceutical validation and consistent fermentation outputs, reinforcing interest from pharma ingredient buyers. Meanwhile, microalgae have begun to commercialize following EFSA’s 2024 nod, signaling further diversification and supply-chain resilience. Extraction innovation, like ultrasound-assisted autolysis, achieving 41.34% yield from winery yeast lees, exemplifies circular-economy potential that appeals to ESG-conscious manufacturers.

Competitive intensity within cereal supply is rising as the BARLEYboost consortium refines milling methods that could lift barley consumption by 100,000 t annually in the EU, thereby safeguarding beta-glucan supply amid climate variability. Concurrently, biotechnology startups are exploring Agrobacterium pusense and other bacterial candidates, anticipating novel-food status and opening new revenue streams. The interplay between tradition and innovation therefore defines the source landscape and will continue to shape procurement strategies in the Europe beta-glucan market.

Europe Beta-Glucan Market: Market Share by Source
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By Category: Soluble Beta-Glucans Lead, While Insoluble Variants Show Strong Growth

Soluble fractions contributed 70.35% of 2024 revenue thanks to over three decades of cholesterol-lowering science and EFSA-approved heart-health claims. They maintain strong institutional acceptance, enabling formulators to hit 3 g daily dosage targets efficiently. Insoluble segment is projected to grow at 9.04% CAGR to 2030 on the back of novel texturizing roles and their incorporation into sustained-release nutraceutical tablets. High-shear dispersion and enzymatic tailoring are blurring traditional solubility lines, allowing developers to fine-tune viscosity without compromising digestibility.

Clinical studies on high-solubility variants demonstrate elevated glucose-regulation efficacy at lower viscosity, making them attractive for ready-to-drink beverages where mouthfeel remains critical. Meanwhile, insoluble derivatives are gaining traction in bakery, meat analogues, and wound-care dressings where water-binding is a key performance metric. These dual growth pathways ensure that both categories will coexist as distinct yet complementary offerings, thereby extending addressable sectors for the Europe beta-glucan market.

By Application : Food and Personal Care Lead Beta-Glucan Market Growth

Food and beverage applications maintained a dominant 46.44% revenue share in 2024, building on established cereal processing capabilities and consumer acceptance of oat-based health benefits. Personal care applications are projected to grow at 8.86% CAGR, driven by clinical evidence supporting beta-glucan's anti-wrinkle and wound-healing properties, aligning with European consumer preferences for dermocosmetic products. The ingredient has gained prominence in premium moisturizers and after-sun formulations, reflecting the broader industry shift toward natural active ingredients.

The pharmaceutical segment commands premium pricing through the incorporation of pharmaceutical-grade beta-glucan in therapeutic applications and drug-delivery systems. The animal feed segment maintains steady demand, as beta-glucan supplementation enhances gut immunity in poultry and swine production, supporting European initiatives to reduce antibiotic use. New applications, including biodegradable packaging, showcase beta-glucan's versatility and position it favorably under emerging sustainability regulations. These diverse applications demonstrate the expanding opportunities within the European beta-glucan market.

Europe Beta-Glucan Market: Market Share by Application
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Geography Analysis

Rest of Europe held 38.68% of 2024 turnover due to a mosaic of small yet dynamic markets, from Switzerland’s pharma-focused demand to Poland’s rising functional-food manufacturers. The region’s fragmented regulatory regimes allow agile players to pilot new formats and niche positioning strategies without directly confronting the consolidated retail environments of France or Germany. Switzerland leads in pharmaceutical-grade formulations as high-margin hospital channels adopt beta-glucan adjunctive therapies. Austria and the Nordics drive organic and sustainable sourcing, increasing demand for traceable microalgae solutions.

Italy is set to advance at 8.07% CAGR through 2030 as cultural alignment with functional staples and public funding for Mediterranean-diet enhancement spur product innovation. The EU-backed Mush-Med project places Italian mills and bakeries at the forefront of mushroom-based glucan integration, creating regional clusters around Bologna and Parma. This collaborative ecosystem offers SMEs access to shared R&D infrastructure and rapid scale-up pathways, consolidating Italy’s strategic importance within the European beta-glucan market.

Germany, France, and Spain remain volume anchors. Germany’s pharma heavyweights insist on narrow quality specifications, encouraging suppliers to upgrade QC infrastructure. French dermocosmetic brands are infusing beta-glucan into anti-aging lines, reinforcing prestige positioning at pharmacies and beauty retailers. Spain leverages agronomic conditions ideal for high-beta-glucan barley and oat varieties, underscoring potential to become a raw-material hub. The UK contends with dual regulatory tracks after Brexit, yet homegrown brands are crafting UK-specific dosing statements to maintain consumer trust under evolving local guidelines. Collectively, these national dynamics ensure geographic diversification of revenue streams throughout the Europe beta-glucan market.

Competitive Landscape

The market is moderately consolidated, where multinational companies and biotech firms compete based on source materials, product categories, and applications. Companies differentiate themselves through various strategies and capabilities in this competitive environment. Tate & Lyle demonstrates the importance of scale economies through its tenfold capacity expansion using ABB robotics, which helps manage raw material cost fluctuations. Kerry Group markets Wellmune® as an immune health ingredient backed by clinical studies, while DSM-Firmenich and Givaudan incorporate beta-glucan into their broader specialty ingredient portfolios to enhance cross-selling opportunities.

Companies gain competitive advantages through proprietary extraction methods and successful novel food registrations. The regulatory landscape plays a crucial role in determining market success, as demonstrated by Kemin's five-year exclusive rights for its algae-derived BetaVia™. Smaller companies like COSCIENS Biopharma use advanced technologies such as pressurized gas expansion (PGX) to develop specialized medical-grade powders with anti-fibrotic properties. The development of innovative technologies and processes continues to shape the competitive dynamics of the market.

Biotech companies increasingly form partnerships with contract manufacturers to accelerate product development and maintain quality standards. These collaborations help organizations overcome technical challenges and meet market demands more effectively. In the European beta-glucan market, supply chain stability has become a key differentiator as companies navigate climate-related challenges. The ability to manage geopolitical tensions affecting raw material supply has emerged as a critical success factor for market participants.

Europe Beta-Glucan Industry Leaders

  1. Tate & Lyle PLC

  2. Kerry Group

  3. Lesaffre International

  4. DSM-Firmenich

  5. Kemin Industries Inc.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
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Recent Industry Developments

  • December 2024: Tate & Lyle announced a strategic partnership with BioHarvest to develop next-generation plant-based ingredients using botanical synthesis technology, enabling sustainable production of non-GMO plant-derived ingredients without traditional agricultural constraints. The collaboration aims to create more affordable and accessible ingredients for the food and beverage industry
  • November 2024: Tate & Lyle completed the USD 1.8 billion acquisition of CP Kelco, creating a leading global specialty food and beverage solutions business with enhanced capabilities in pectin and nature-based ingredients. The merger positions the combined entity to better serve consumer demands for healthier and sustainable food options.
  • June 2024: CreaNutrition, a Swiss-based Oat brand specialist, was granted the approval of its beta-glucan claim in its products. The claim was approved by the French Food and Health Safety Agency

Table of Contents for Europe Beta-Glucan Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Growing consumer interest in immunity-enhancing functional foods
    • 4.2.2 Increasing pharmaceutical applications of fungal and yeast beta-glucans
    • 4.2.3 Adoption in dairy alternatives and plant-based beverage
    • 4.2.4 Expanding consumer focus on heart health products
    • 4.2.5 Rising demand for plant-based ingredients drives market growth
    • 4.2.6 Higher research and development investment to improve drug solubility and bioavailability
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Regulatory hurdles and ingredient approval delays
    • 4.3.2 Inconsistent performance among different ingredient sources
    • 4.3.3 Raw material supply chain challenges impact market growth
    • 4.3.4 Quality control challenges in product manufacturing
  • 4.4 Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE)

  • 5.1 By Source
    • 5.1.1 Cereals and Grains
    • 5.1.2 Fungi
    • 5.1.3 Yeast
    • 5.1.4 Seaweed and Microalgae
    • 5.1.5 Others
  • 5.2 By Category
    • 5.2.1 Soluble
    • 5.2.2 Insoluble
  • 5.3 By Application
    • 5.3.1 Food and Beverage
    • 5.3.1.1 Bakery and Confectionary
    • 5.3.1.2 Beverage
    • 5.3.1.3 Snacks
    • 5.3.1.4 Dairy and Dairy Products
    • 5.3.1.5 Others
    • 5.3.2 Personal Care and Cosmetics
    • 5.3.3 Pharmaceuticals
    • 5.3.4 Animal Feed
    • 5.3.5 Others
  • 5.4 By Geography
    • 5.4.1 United Kingdom
    • 5.4.2 Germany
    • 5.4.3 Spain
    • 5.4.4 France
    • 5.4.5 Italy
    • 5.4.6 Russia
    • 5.4.7 Rest of Europe

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials (if available), Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Tate & Lyle PLC
    • 6.4.2 Kerry Group plc
    • 6.4.3 Soufflet Group
    • 6.4.4 DSM-Firmenich N.V.
    • 6.4.5 Givaudan SA
    • 6.4.6 Merck KGaA
    • 6.4.7 Lesaffre International SA
    • 6.4.8 Kemin Industries Inc.
    • 6.4.9 Angel Yeast Co. Ltd.
    • 6.4.10 Chr. Hansen A/S
    • 6.4.11 Novozymes A/S (Novonesis)
    • 6.4.12 BENEO GmbH
    • 6.4.13 Fazer Mills Oy
    • 6.4.14 Leiber GmbH
    • 6.4.15 AIT Ingredients
    • 6.4.16 Cargill Inc.
    • 6.4.17 Swedish Oat Fiber AB
    • 6.4.18 Solabia Nutrition
    • 6.4.19 Kalsec Inc.
    • 6.4.20 Biotech Pharma (Immudyne)

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES & FUTURE OUTLOOK

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Europe Beta-Glucan Market Report Scope

The Europe beta-glucan market is segmented by category that includes soluble and insoluble. The market is divided based on source into cereals, yeast, mushrooms and other sources. Based on application, the market is divided into food and beverages, healthcare and dietary supplements and other applications. The food and beverages section is further divided into  baked goods, confectionery, dairy, beverages, snacks, and other products. The healthcare and dietary supplements section is also bifurcated in infant nutrition and others. The study also involves the analysis in regions such as United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia and rest of Europe.

By Source Cereals and Grains
Fungi
Yeast
Seaweed and Microalgae
Others
By Category Soluble
Insoluble
By Application Food and Beverage Bakery and Confectionary
Beverage
Snacks
Dairy and Dairy Products
Others
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Pharmaceuticals
Animal Feed
Others
By Geography United Kingdom
Germany
Spain
France
Italy
Russia
Rest of Europe
By Source
Cereals and Grains
Fungi
Yeast
Seaweed and Microalgae
Others
By Category
Soluble
Insoluble
By Application
Food and Beverage Bakery and Confectionary
Beverage
Snacks
Dairy and Dairy Products
Others
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Pharmaceuticals
Animal Feed
Others
By Geography
United Kingdom
Germany
Spain
France
Italy
Russia
Rest of Europe
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is the current value of the Europe beta-glucan market?

The market stands at USD 214.83 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 297.67 million by 2030 at a 6.74% CAGR (2025-2030).

Which source is expanding fastest?

Fungal beta-glucans are forecast to grow at 8.75% CAGR to 2030, driven by controlled cultivation and pharmaceutical adoption.

How much of the market is held by soluble beta-glucans?

Soluble fractions captured 70.35% share in 2024, maintaining leadership through EFSA-approved cholesterol-reduction claims.

Which new application areas show promise beyond food?

Personal care and cosmetics will see the highest growth at 8.86% CAGR due to validated skin-repair and anti-aging benefits of beta-glucan actives.

Page last updated on: July 4, 2025

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