Rice Starch Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis by Type (Native Rice Starch and Modified Rice Starch), By Nature (Organic and Conventional), By End-Use (Food & Beverage Industry [Dairy, Bakery, Soups, Sauces & Dressings, Infant Formulas, Snacks & Confectionery, and Others], Pharmaceutical Industry, Personal Care & Cosmetics Industry, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The expanding food processing sector globally is a major driver for the global rice starch market. Its versatility and functionality as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and gelling agent make it ideal for various processed foods, ready meals, sauces, soups, and baked goods. Moreover, consumers are increasingly seeking natural and minimally processed ingredients. Rice starch, being naturally derived from rice, fits this trend. It acts as a healthy alternative to other thickeners and stabilizers in food products. The growing demand for such clean-label products led manufacturers to launch new ingredients in the rice starch industry. For instance, in November 2020, BENEO GmbH, one of the leading manufacturers of functional ingredients, launched a clean-label, precooked functional native rice starch, Remypure S52 P. The new product offers food manufacturers soft, creamy textures with excellent product stability that can be used with sauces and dips, dressings, dairy desserts, and bakery fillings.

The increasing demand for gluten-free options due to celiac disease and other dietary preferences is another significant driver for the growth of the rice starch market. According to the Beyond Celiac Organization, approximately 1 in 133 Americans, or around 1% of the population, have celiac disease. Rice starch, being naturally gluten-free, serves as a key ingredient in gluten-free alternatives for baked goods, snacks, and other food categories.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

Overview of the Rice Starch Market

• Supply Chain an Regulatory Analysis


• Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities


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


• Key Developments

Rice Starch Market Segmentation Analysis

Analysis by Type

The native rice starch segment is anticipated to hold a major share of the global rice starch market. Native rice starch is minimally processed and retains its natural structure. This aligns perfectly with the growing consumer preference for clean-label and natural ingredients. Generally, native rice starch is a less expensive ingredient compared to modified rice starch, making it an attractive option for manufacturers, especially in cost-sensitive applications. The growing demand for native rice starch led manufacturers to launch innovative ingredients in the market. For instance, in July 2022, Ingredion Inc., an American food and beverage ingredient provider, launched its first native waxy rice starch. The new launch was made in order to achieve 100% sustainably sourced waxy rice by 2030, part of its corporate initiative.

The modified rice starch segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. Modified starch is known to be a popular vegan alternative to regular powder gelatin. Moreover, modified rice starch is crucial in frozen foods as it helps to maintain texture and prevents excessive water release during the reheating and thawing process.

Analysis by Nature

The conventional rice starch segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. The manufacturing of conventional rice starch is generally cheaper compared to organic ones as conventional farming offers a large availability of raw materials and a good amount of rice yield.

The organic rice starch segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. Consumers are increasingly becoming health-conscious and prioritizing organic food products that are perceived as natural, safe, and free from synthetic chemicals or pesticides. This trend extends to ingredients such as rice starch and will help increase tremendous demand in the coming years. Manufacturers are also responding to this trend by launching new products. For instance, in July 2020, Beneo expanded its rice starch ingredient portfolio with the launch of Remyline O AX DR, an organic waxy rice starch.

Analysis by End-User

The food and beverage industry is expected to hold a major share of the global market. Rice starch offers a wide range of functional properties such as thickening, gelling, stabilizing, and texturizing, which makes it applicable across various food and beverage categories. The global food processing industry is experiencing steady growth, with increasing demand for convenient and shelf-stable food products. Rice starch plays a crucial role in such products, enhancing taste, mouthfeel, and shelf life. Rice starch is used in various food applications, from thickening soups, sauces, and gravies to adding texture to bakery products, noodles, confectioneries, bakery products, and others. Manufacturers are innovating new products to meet the rising demand. For instance, in April 2022, Ingredion Inc. launched functional rice starches. The new products were designed to improve flavor and color release, even in white products.

The pharmaceutical industry is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. Rice starch is used as a binder and disintegrant in tablets and capsules. Moreover, rice starch is generally considered safe for consumption and meets the regulatory requirements in various regions.

Analysis by Region

Asia Pacific is expected to hold the major share of the global rice starch market. The region is one of the world’s leading producers of rice, providing a readily available and cost-effective source of raw material for rice starch production. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 2023/2024, China produced 144.62 million tons of rice. Moreover, as economies in the region develop, the food processing industry expands, further driving the demand for the product.

North America is anticipated to expand at a significant growth rate owing to the increasing prevalence of celiac diseases in the region. The consumers in the region are also opting for products that are made using clean-label and gluten-free ingredients further fueling the demand for rice starch.

Key Market Players

• Ingredion Inc.


• Beneo


• A&B Ingredients


• Anhui Shunxin Shenyuan Biological Food Co. Ltd


• Herba Ingredients


• Burapa Prosper


• Ettlinger Corporation


• JiangXi Golden Agriculture Biotech Co. Ltd.


• Aromantic Ltd.


• AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG

Key Developments

• In June 2023, Beneo invested USD 6.49 million in new drying capacity at its Wijgmaal factory. The investment was aimed at keeping pace with the growing demand for their specialty rice starch ingredients.


• In October 2022, Beneo opened its new rice starch production line at BENEO’s Wijgmaal facility in Belgium. The new facility would help the company meet the growing demand for its clean-label rice ingredients.