Rice Flour Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis, By Source (White Rice and Brown Rice), By Type (Long Grain, Medium & Short Grain, and Pre-gelatinized), By Nature (Organic and Conventional), By Application (Bakery, Baby Foods, Sauces and Dressings, Snacks, Breakfast Products, and Others), and Regional Forecast 2024-2032

The clean label and non-GMO preferences are significant trends driving the growth of the rice flour market. The clean label movement emphasizes transparency and natural ingredients, leading to a surge in demand for rice flour products with minimal processing and no additives or preservatives. The growing preference for non-genetically modified organisms (GMO) rice flour aligns with the broader movement toward more natural and unmodified food options, further contributing to the market's growth. Moreover, health-conscious consumers are driving the demand for rice flour products that align with their wellness goals, such as whole grain and brown rice flour, which offer higher nutritional content compared to traditional white rice flour.

Rice flour has transcended its traditional roles in Asian cuisine and is finding its way into an expanding array of food products. The growing popularity of gluten-free products, particularly among consumers with gluten intolerance and celiac disease, is fueling the demand for rice flour. According to Beyond Celiac, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of celiac disease, an estimated 1 in 133 Americans, or about 1% of the population, has celiac disease. Rice flour is a popular substitute for wheat flour in gluten-free baked goods, pasta, and other food items. Therefore, there has been a growing promotion of rice flour products in order to grow awareness related to celiac diseases, further propelling the market demand for rice flour. For instance, in January 2020, Transcosmos Inc., a Japan-based Global Digital Transformation Partner, launched the promotion of Japanese non-gluten rice flour in the U.S. The activities were conducted in order to increase awareness in the U.S. market of non-gluten rice flour produced in Japan.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Rice Flour Market


• Supply Chain and Regulatory Analysis


• Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Rice Flour Market


• Key Developments

RICE FLOUR MARKET SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

Analysis by Source

By source, the market is categorized into white rice and brown rice. The white rice segment is anticipated to hold a major share of the global market. White rice flour is more widely available and easily accessible globally, making it a more popular choice for many consumers and food manufacturers. White rice flour is generally less expensive to produce and purchase compared to brown rice flour, which is often more costly due to the additional processing steps required to remove the bran and germ layers. Moreover, white rice flour has been used for centuries in many Asian cuisines, and its familiarity and cultural significance contribute to its widespread adoption.

The brown rice segment is expected to grow considerably in the forecast period due to its higher nutritional content compared to white rice flour. Brown rice flour contains higher levels of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to white rice flour, making it a more nutritious option for consumers. Brown rice flour is naturally gluten-free and free from common allergens such as wheat, soy, dairy, and nuts, making it a suitable choice for individuals with multiple food allergies or sensitivities.

Analysis by Type

By type, the market is categorized into long grain, medium & short grain, and pre-gelatinized. The medium & short grain segment is anticipated to hold a major share of the global market. Medium and short-grain rice flour is widely used in bakery and confectionery products due to its ability to produce a lighter and more tender texture. This demand is expected to continue, driving the growth of the medium and short-grain rice flour segment. Medium and short-grain rice flour is more widely consumed in certain regions, such as Asia, where it is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes. This regional preference contributes to the higher demand for medium and short-grain rice flour in these regions.

The long rice flour segment is projected to grow at a high CAGR in the forecast period. Long rice flour has a neutral flavor and light texture, making it adaptable to various applications in baking and cooking. It can be used in breads, noodles, crackers, and even thickeners for sauces and soups.

Analysis by Nature

By nature, the market is categorized into organic and conventional. The conventional rice flour segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. Conventional rice flour is more widely available and easily accessible globally, making it a more popular choice for many consumers and food manufacturers. Conventional rice flour is generally less expensive to produce and purchase compared to organic rice flour, which is often more costly due to the additional processing steps required to ensure organic standards.

The organic rice flour segment is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period. The demand for organic products is increasing globally, driven by consumer preferences for healthier and more sustainable options. This trend is expected to continue, driving the growth of the organic rice flour segment. Organic rice flour is perceived as a healthier option due to its higher nutritional content compared to conventional rice flour. This perception is driving demand for organic rice flour, particularly among health-conscious consumers. The growing demand for organic products led manufacturers to launch innovative products in the market. For instance, in June 2024, Doves Farm, one of the UK’s leading organic flour brands, launched 100% Organic White Rice Flour. The new product is milled from the finest, sustainably grown rice having a neutral flavor and can be used in making a range of sweet and savory gluten-free bakes, including cookies, bread, cakes and others.

Analysis by Application

By application, the market is categorized into bakery, baby foods, sauces and dressings, snacks, breakfast products, and others. The bakery segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. The demand for rice flour in bakery products is increasing due to its unique properties, such as light texture, neutral flavor, and high nutritional content. Rice flour is used as a substitute for wheat flour in many bakery products, particularly in gluten-free and low-carb products. The growing awareness about the nutritional benefits of rice flour, such as its high fiber and protein content, is driving its demand in the bakery industry. Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier and more nutritious food options, which is driving the demand for rice flour in bakery products.

The baby food segment is expected to grow significantly in the forecast period. The demand for rice-based products in baby food is increasing due to their nutritional benefits and ease of digestion. Rice flour is used as a primary ingredient in many baby food products, such as cereals, purees, and snacks. Rice flour is a rich source of vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals, making it an ideal ingredient for baby food. It is also gluten-free, making it suitable for infants with gluten intolerance or sensitivity.

Regional Analysis

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The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to account for the largest proportion of the global rice flour market. The bakery industry is one of the most significant industries in North America, as bakery products are considered a staple food. The demand for cookies, cakes, pastries, muffins, and other bakery products is rising due to a hectic lifestyle and increasing preference for convenience food. Furthermore, the favorable regulatory framework and initiatives by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to promote gluten-free diets and boost subsidy allocations are anticipated to fuel the rice flour market growth over the forecast period.

Key Players Covered

• Associated British Foods PLC


• Shipton Mill Ltd.


• Ebro Foods, S.A.


• The Soufflet Group


• Whitworth Bros. Ltd.


• Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. Bunge Ltd.


• Wilmar International Limited


• General Mills, Inc.


• Ingredion Incorporated.

Key Industry Developments

• In November 2023, the Japanese government invested USD 20 million in projects to expand the use of rice flour across various food products and improve local self-sufficiency and food security.


• In November 2021, Cargill, Incorporated, an American global food corporation, launched a soluble rice flour, SimPure 92260. The new product has a similar taste, texture, and functionality to maltodextrin.