United States Gelatin Market Size and Share

United States Gelatin Market Summary
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United States Gelatin Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The United States gelatin market size is valued at USD 161.32 million in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 210.13 million by 2031, reflecting a 5.43% CAGR across the forecast period. Rising demand for functional food, nutraceutical, and clean-label ingredients continues to anchor the United States gelatin market, while premium personal-care and pharmaceutical applications unlock higher margins. Animal-based grades still dominate because of entrenched supply chains and superior gel strength, yet marine alternatives are growing as halal, kosher, and pescatarian consumers seek certified sources. Capacity investments and joint-venture activity are reshaping the competitive field, and technology upgrades in enzymatic hydrolysis are shortening processing cycles and boosting yields. At the same time, raw-material volatility, tariffs, and compliance expenses pressure profitability and accelerate the search for diversified feedstocks.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By form, animal-based gelatin held 94.21% of the United States gelatin market share in 2025, while marine-based grades are forecast to expand at a 7.23% CAGR through 2031.
  • By application, food and beverages commanded 83.46% revenue in 2025, whereas personal care and cosmetics are advancing at a 6.79% CAGR to 2031.

Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of January 2026.

Segment Analysis

By Form: Marine Alternatives Gain Traction Despite Animal-Based Dominance

Animal-based gelatin accounted for 94.21% of the United States gelatin market in 2025, making it the overwhelmingly dominant form by volume and value. Its leadership reflects long-established supply chains that efficiently source porcine and bovine raw materials at scale. These mature logistics and processing networks translate into clear cost advantages for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial buyers. Animal-based gelatin also offers superior gel strength and reliable setting properties that are critical for confectionery products such as gummies, marshmallows, and jellies. In pharmaceutical applications, its proven performance in capsules and tablets reinforces its entrenched position. 

Marine-based gelatin, while occupying only a small share of the United States market in 2025, is projected to be the fastest-growing form, with a forecast CAGR of 7.23% through 2031. Its growth momentum is closely tied to the ease of meeting halal and kosher certification requirements compared with traditional animal sources. This makes marine gelatin particularly attractive for brands targeting religiously observant consumers and export markets with stringent dietary laws. The ingredient also benefits from allergen-avoidance and “cleaner label” trends, as some consumers seek alternatives to porcine or bovine-derived products. In nutraceuticals, marine gelatin is increasingly used in premium capsules, softgels, and collagen blends positioned around joint, skin, and beauty benefits. 

United States Gelatin Market: Market Share by Form
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By Application: Food Dominance Masks Faster Growth in Personal Care

Food and beverages accounted for 83.46% of the United States gelatin market in 2025, making it the dominant application segment by a wide margin. This leadership reflects the extensive use of gelatin in confectionery, dairy desserts, meat products, and ready-to-eat foods where its gelling, stabilizing, and texturizing properties are critical. Manufacturers rely on gelatin to deliver the characteristic chewiness of gummies, the smooth texture of yogurts and panna cotta, and the structural integrity of aspics and meat products. Its versatility across sweet and savory formats helps concentrate demand in this single, broad application bucket. The cost-effectiveness of animal-based gelatin further reinforces its continued preference in large-scale food processing. As a result, food and beverages are expected to remain the primary demand anchor for gelatin in the US over the foreseeable forecast horizon.

Personal care and cosmetics, while still smaller in absolute tonnage compared with food uses, represent the fastest-growing application for gelatin in the United States, with an expected CAGR of 6.79% through 2031. Growth in this segment is fueled by rising consumer interest in anti-aging serums, creams, and masks that incorporate collagen and gelatin-derived actives. Ingestible beauty formats, such as beauty gummies and capsules, are gaining traction as brands promote “beauty-from-within” concepts that link skin, hair, and nail health to collagen intake. Marine collagen, in particular, is being positioned on platforms of superior bioavailability and cleaner, premium sourcing, which resonates with both beauty and wellness consumers. This is encouraging greater use of gelatin and collagen in nutricosmetics that sit at the intersection of supplements and skincare. 

United States Gelatin Market: Market Share by Application
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

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Geography Analysis

The United States gelatin market is closely tied to the broader structure of the United States animal protein and food ingredient industries. Production and distribution activities are predominantly concentrated in states with established meat, hide, and bone processing infrastructure, such as Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, and California. These regions support the supply of raw materials needed for gelatin extraction and house several processing facilities that convert bovine and porcine byproducts into commercial gelatin. Proximity to livestock production hubs reduces transportation costs for raw inputs and strengthens integration between upstream suppliers and gelatin manufacturers.

On the demand side, consumption of gelatin is widely spread across the country, with heightened activity in metropolitan and industrialized regions like the Northeast (New York, Pennsylvania), Midwest (Illinois, Ohio), and West Coast (California, Washington). These areas have dense populations and diverse food manufacturing sectors that incorporate gelatin into products such as confectionery, desserts, dairy alternatives, and processed foods. Additionally, significant pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and personal care industries in these regions drive demand for specialized gelatin grades used in capsules, supplements, and cosmetic formulations.

The United States also plays a role in international trade within the gelatin market, serving as both an importer of specialty gelatins and an exporter of commodity grades. States with strong transportation networks and port access, such as Louisiana and Texas, facilitate exports to South America and Asia. Regional regulatory frameworks, environmental considerations, and availability of skilled processing labor further influence where companies invest in new capacity or expand existing facilities. Overall, the geographic dynamics reflect a balance between resource availability, industrial demand centers, and logistical advantages that shape how the gelatin market operates across the country.

Competitive Landscape

The United States gelatin market exhibits moderate concentration, with a handful of large multinational ingredient producers commanding significant share, while smaller regional manufacturers and specialty suppliers operate in niche segments. Key players compete on the basis of product quality, functional performance, and reliability of supply, particularly in categories such as food-grade, pharmaceutical-grade, and technical-grade gelatin. Large incumbents benefit from extensive processing infrastructure, established distribution networks, and long-standing relationships with major food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical manufacturers, giving them a competitive edge in volume contracts and customized solutions.

Product differentiation and value-added offerings are important factors shaping competition in this market. Established companies invest in research and development to optimize gelatin functionalities including gelling strength, viscosity, and purity for specific applications like confectionery, dairy, cosmetics, and capsule production. Meanwhile, agile mid-tier and regional players often compete on flexibility, customer service, and tailored formulations for smaller customers or specialized end uses. Certifications and quality standards (e.g., halal, kosher, non-GMO) also contribute to competitive positioning, as buyers increasingly seek compliance with diverse regulatory and consumer-driven requirements.

Pricing dynamics and production cost management further influence the competitive environment. Raw material price fluctuations and energy costs can impact margins, compelling manufacturers to focus on operational efficiencies and supply chain integration. Strategic partnerships, mergers, and capacity expansions are observed as companies seek to broaden their product portfolios and geographic reach. In addition, competition from alternative hydrocolloids and plant-based gelling agents adds pressure, prompting gelatin producers to reinforce their value proposition through innovation and quality.

United States Gelatin Industry Leaders

  1. Darling Ingredients Inc.

  2. GELITA AG

  3. Nitta Gelatin Co., Ltd.

  4. Weishardt Group

  5. Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United States Gelatin Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • December 2025: Darling Ingredients Inc. and Tessenderlo Group NV have inked a definitive agreement, merging their collagen and gelatin ventures into a new joint entity, Nextida. In this venture, Darling commands an 85% stake, while Tessenderlo holds the remaining 15%. This move brings together an impressive annual revenue of around USD 1.5 billion and a production capacity of 200,000 metric tons, spread across 22 to 23 facilities worldwide.
  • October 2025: ACG, a global leader in solid-dosage pharmaceutical and nutraceutical solutions, announced a USD 200 million phased investment to establish its first U.S. empty hard-shell capsule manufacturing facility in Atlanta, Georgia. The project, set to begin operations in early 2027, will create over 200 jobs. The site will produce gelatin and vegetarian (HPMC) capsules, enhancing ACG's regional presence and improving supply reliability, lead times, and service quality for North American customers.
  • April 2024: GELITA AG unveiled two new products: PeptENDURE, a collagen peptide formulation tailored for endurance athletes and those focused on active aging, and EASYSEAL, a pharmaceutical-grade gelatin fine-tuned for softgel capsule production. These launches underscore GELITA's commitment to tapping into higher-margin specialty markets through targeted innovation and expert technical service.

Table of Contents for United States Gelatin 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 Rising demand for functional and nutraceutical products
    • 4.2.2 Increasing consumer preference for natural and clean-label ingredients
    • 4.2.3 Expansion of cosmetics and personal care products using gelatin
    • 4.2.4 Technological advancements in extraction and processing
    • 4.2.5 Functional benefits in food and beverages
    • 4.2.6 Increasing investment in gelatin production capacity and innovation
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Fluctuating raw material prices
    • 4.3.2 Supply chain disruptions affecting raw material sourcing
    • 4.3.3 High production and compliance costs for specialized gelatin grades
    • 4.3.4 Perception and allergen concerns linked to animal products
  • 4.4 Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Form
    • 5.1.1 Animal-Based
    • 5.1.2 Marine-Based
  • 5.2 By Application
    • 5.2.1 Personal Care and Cosmetics
    • 5.2.2 Food and Beverages
    • 5.2.2.1 Bakery
    • 5.2.2.2 Beverages
    • 5.2.2.3 Confectionery
    • 5.2.2.4 Dairy and Dairy Alternatives Products
    • 5.2.2.5 RTE/RTC Food Products
    • 5.2.2.6 Others
    • 5.2.3 Dietary Supplements
    • 5.2.4 Pharmaceuticals
    • 5.2.5 Others

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Positioning Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 GELITA AG
    • 6.4.2 Darling Ingredients Inc.
    • 6.4.3 Tessenderlo Group NV
    • 6.4.4 Nitta Gelatin Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.5 Weishardt Group
    • 6.4.6 Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    • 6.4.7 Sterling Biotech Ltd.
    • 6.4.8 Ewald-Gelatine GmbH
    • 6.4.9 Lapi Gelatine S.p.A.
    • 6.4.10 Italgelatine SpA
    • 6.4.11 Qinghai Gelatin Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.12 Juncà Gelatines SL
    • 6.4.13 Trobas Gelatine BV
    • 6.4.14 Ewald-Gelatine GmbH
    • 6.4.15 Kenney & Ross Ltd.
    • 6.4.16 Roxlor LLC
    • 6.4.17 MP Biomedicals
    • 6.4.18 Yasin Gelatin Co.
    • 6.4.19 Sam Mi Industrial Co.
    • 6.4.20 Nippi, Inc.

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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United States Gelatin Market Report Scope

Animal Based, Marine Based are covered as segments by Form. Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Supplements are covered as segments by End User.
By Form
Animal-Based
Marine-Based
By Application
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Food and BeveragesBakery
Beverages
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Others
Dietary Supplements
Pharmaceuticals
Others
By FormAnimal-Based
Marine-Based
By ApplicationPersonal Care and Cosmetics
Food and BeveragesBakery
Beverages
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Others
Dietary Supplements
Pharmaceuticals
Others
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Market Definition

  • End User - The Protein Ingredients Market operates on a B2B basis. Food, Beverages, Supplements, Animal Feed, and Personal Care & Cosmetic manufacturers are considered to be end-consumers in the market studied. The scope excludes manufacturers buying liquid/dry whey to be used for application as a binding agent or thickener or other non-protein applications.
  • Penetration Rate - Penetration Rate is defined as the percentage of Protein-Fortified End User Market Volume in the Overall End User Market Volume.
  • Average Protein Content - Average protein content is the average protein content present per 100 g of product manufactured by all end-user companies considered under the scope of this report.
  • End User Market Volume - End-user market volume is the consolidated volume of all types and forms of end-user products in the country or region.
KeywordDefinition
Alpha-lactalbumin (α-Lactalbumin)It is a protein that regulates the production of lactose in the milk of almost all mammalian species.
Amino acidIt is an organic compound that contains both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups, which are required for the synthesis of body protein and other important nitrogen-containing compounds, such as creatine, peptide hormones, and some neurotransmitters.
BlanchingIt is the process of briefly heating vegetables with steam or boiling water.
BRCBritish Retail Consortium
Bread improverIt is a flour-based blend of several components with specific functional properties designed to modify dough characteristics and give quality attributes to bread.
BSFBlack Soldier Fly
CaseinateIt is a substance produced by adding an alkali to acid casein, a derivative of casein.
Celiac diseaseCeliac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
ColostrumIt is a milky fluid that’s released by mammals that have recently given birth before breast milk production begins.
ConcentrateIt is the least processed form of protein and has a protein content ranging from 40-90% by weight.
Dry protein basisIt refers to the percentage of "pure protein" present in a supplement after the water in it is completely removed through heat.
Dry wheyIt is the product resulting from drying fresh whey which has been pasteurized and to which nothing has been added as a preservative.
Egg proteinIt is a mixture of individual proteins, including ovalbumin, ovomucoid, ovoglobulin, conalbumin, vitellin, and vitellenin.
EmulsifierIt is a food additive that facilitates the blending of foods that are immiscible with one another, such as oil and water.
EnrichmentIt is the process of addition of micronutrients that are lost during the processing of the product.
ERSEconomic Research Service of the USDA
ExtrusionIt is the process of forcing soft mixed ingredients through an opening in a perforated plate or die designed to produce the required shape. The extruded food is then cut to a specific size by blades.
FavaAlso known as Faba, it is another word for yellow split beans.
FDAFood and Drug Administration
FlakingIt is a process in which typically a cereal grain (like corn, wheat, or rice) is broken down into grits, cooked with flavors and syrups, and then pressed into flakes between cooled rollers.
Foaming agentIt is a food ingredient that makes it possible to form or maintain a uniform dispersion of a gaseous phase in a liquid or solid food.
FoodserviceIt refers to the part of the food industry which includes businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
FortificationIt is the deliberate addition of micronutrients that are not found in them naturally or which are lost during processing, to improve a food product's nutritional value.
FSANZFood Standards Australia New Zealand
FSISFood Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAIFood Safety and Standards Authority of India
Gelling agentIt is an ingredient that functions as a stabilizer and thickener to provide thickening without stiffness through the formation of gel.
GHGGreenhouse Gas
GlutenIt is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.
HempIt is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use.
HydrolysateIt is a form of protein manufactured by exposing the protein to enzymes that can partially break the bonds between the protein's amino acids and break down large, complicated proteins into smaller pieces. Its processing makes it easier and quicker to digest.
HypoallergenicIt refers to a substance that causes fewer allergic reactions.
IsolateIt is the purest and most processed form of protein which has undergone separation to obtain a pure protein fraction. It typically contains ≥ 90% of protein by weight.
KeratinIt is a protein that helps form hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.
LactalbuminIt is the albumin contained in milk and obtained from whey.
LactoferrinIt is an iron‑binding glycoprotein that is present in the milk of most mammals.
LupinIt is the yellow legume seeds of the genus Lupinus.
MillenialAlso known as Generation Y or Gen Y, it refers to the people born from 1981 to 1996.
MonogastricIt refers to an animal with a single-compartmented stomach. Examples of monogastric include humans, poultry, pigs, horses, rabbits, dogs, and cats. Most monogastric are generally unable to digest much cellulose food materials such as grasses.
MPCMilk protein concentrate
MPIMilk protein isolate
MSPIMethylated soy protein isolate
MycoproteinMycoprotein is a form of single-cell protein, also known as fungal protein, derived from fungi for human consumption.
NutricosmeticsIt is a category of products and ingredients that act as nutritional supplements to care for skin, nails, and hair natural beauty.
OsteoporosisIt is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.
PDCAASProtein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) is a method of evaluating the quality of a protein based on both the amino acid requirements of humans and their ability to digest it.
Per-capita consumption of animal proteinIt is the average amount of animal protein (such as milk, whey, gelatin, collagen, and egg proteins) that is readily available for consumption by each person in an actual population.
Per-capita consumption of plant proteinIt is the average amount of plant protein (such as soy, wheat, pea, oat, and hemp proteins) that is readily available for consumption by each person in an actual population.
QuornIt is a microbial protein manufactured using mycoprotein as an ingredient, in which the fungus culture is dried and mixed with egg albumen or potato protein, which acts as a binder, and then is adjusted in texture and pressed into various forms.
Ready-to-Cook (RTC)It refers to food products that include all of the ingredients, where some preparation or cooking is required through a process that is given on the package.
Ready-to-Eat (RTE)It refers to a food product prepared or cooked in advance, with no further cooking or preparation required before being eaten.
RTDReady-to-Drink
RTSReady-to-Serve
Saturated fatIt is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
SausageIt is a meat product made of finely chopped and seasoned meat, which may be fresh, smoked, or pickled and which is then usually stuffed into a casing.
SeitanIt is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
SoftgelIt is a gelatin-based capsule with a liquid fill.
SPCSoy protein concentrate
SPISoy protein isolate
SpirulinaIt is a biomass of cyanobacteria that can be consumed by humans and animals.
StabilizerIt is an ingredient added to food products to help maintain or enhance their original texture, and physical and chemical characteristics.
SupplementationIt is the consumption or provision of concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances that are intended to supplement nutrients in the diet and is intended to correct nutritional deficiencies.
TexturantIt is a specific type of food ingredient that is used to control and alter the mouthfeel and texture of food and beverage products.
ThickenerIt is an ingredient that is used to increase the viscosity of a liquid or dough and make it thicker, without substantially changing its other properties.
Trans fatAlso called trans-unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids, it is a type of unsaturated fat that naturally occurs in small amounts in meat.
TSPTextured soy protein
TVPTextured vegetable protein
WPCWhey protein concentrate
WPIWhey protein isolate
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: The quantifiable key variables (industry and extraneous) pertaining to the specific product segment and country are selected from a group of relevant variables & factors based on desk research & literature review; along with primary expert inputs. These variables are further confirmed through regression modeling (wherever required).
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
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