Soy Lecithin Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis, By Form (Liquid and Solid), By Grade (Food Grade, Feed Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade, Cosmetic Grade, and Industrial Grade), By Application (Food and Beverage {Bakery Foods, Chocolate and Confectionery, Dairy Foods, Infant Foods, and Others), Nutritional Supplements, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care & Cosmetics, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global soy lecithin market size was USD 594.60 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 623.68 million in 2025 to USD 994.01 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 6.89% over the 2025-2032 period. A few of the well-renowned players in the market include Bunge Limited, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, DuPont de Nemours, and others.

Soy lecithin, a derivative of raw soybeans, is a naturally occurring fatty compound that is composed of glycerols, fatty acids, choline, and phosphoric acid. Traditionally, lecithin was originally extracted from egg yolk, but today, it can be easily extracted from sunflower, rapeseed, soybeans, and marine sources. Globally, soy lecithins are commercially utilized as natural emulsifiers and lubricants in numerous industries, which include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and the food industries. It is one of the best-known ingredients for its emulsifying properties, which help give consistent texture to dressings and promote solidity in margarine. Moreover, this ingredient is used in coatings and chocolate to counteract spattering during frying. Furthermore, its unique lipid molecular structure makes it useful for various industrial uses such as paints, lubricants, textiles, and others.

MARKET DYNAMICS

SOY LECITHIN MARKET TRENDS

Utilization of Plant-Based Soy-lecithin is Prominent Trend

The food & beverage sector is undergoing a drastic transformation, and soy-based lecithins are no exception. The rise of plant-centric ingredients has revaluated the culinary landscape and has also triggered curiosity amongst consumers regarding the product’s formulation and manufacturing methods. Traditionally, lecithins are sourced from eggs. The rapid shift toward plant-centric lifestyles and the bolstered awareness of sustainability surges the demand for green alternatives such as soy-sourced lecithins. Likewise, soy-based lecithins are valued in plant-based, clean recipes, where this ingredient serves as a stabilizing and binding agent in baked products, dairy-free confectionery, and an array of dairy-free beverages. Also, soy-based lecithin can minimize the risk of allergenicity caused by animal-based ingredients such as dairy and eggs, further supporting the trend.

Request a Free sample to learn more about this report.

Market Drivers

Growing Application of Soy-Derived Lecithin across Multiple Industries to Boost Sales

Soy lecithin is a multi-functional food ingredient that primarily functions as an emulsifier and dispersing agent. It is mostly used as an emulsifier in various industrial applications such as animal feed, food, paints, plastics, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and others. Therefore, the wide and continuously rising product category for lecithin applications is anticipated to support the steady growth of the lecithin industry.

The increased per capita expenditure on food and evolving food habits are positively affecting the growth of the processed and packaged food industry, which is anticipated to benefit the market. The increasing concerns toward a healthy lifestyle are propelling the demand for nutrient-rich beverages, foods, and supplements, eventually projected to push manufacturers to use cost-effective and nutrient-rich products such as soybean lecithin. Moreover, the wide chemical and physical properties of the product make it a beneficial product in the cosmetic and paint industry. Furthermore, the product aids in improving animal growth and meets their dietary supplement requirements. Since the product plays a significant role in animal feed & aquafeed as a growth promoter, immunity enhancer, and activity stimulator, manufacturers of cattle feed, poultry feed, and aquafeed industries are adopting soy lecithin in their final products.

Surging Raw Material Production and Increasing Expenditure on R&D to Drive Market Growth

Soybean is one of the most important sources of commercial lecithin. Henceforth, the abundant availability and low pricing of soybeans in international markets are generating traction. The major soybean-producing countries, such as China and the U.S., are embarking on abundant soybean production, which is expected to support the steady growth trends of the market. Furthermore, the increasing expenditure on technology for soybean seed breeding to improve productivity and yields of soybean protein and other derivatives, including lecithin, is anticipated to drive market growth. Additionally, the increasing focus of several government bodies on technological advancements to upsurge soybean yields is anticipated to impact the market growth positively. For instance, in October 2024, the Union Cabinet of India announced the approval of the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NEMO – Oilseeds) for the 2024-25 to 2030-31 period. This new initiative aims to enhance oilseed production at the domestic level.

Market Restraints

Raw Material Price Fluctuations and Lack of Awareness Hinder Market’s Potential

The sudden fluctuations in the raw materials of soy lecithin, especially soybeans, are counted as one of the biggest restraints in the market. Such price fluctuations stress prominent producers when planning their budgets and in maintaining consistency in their price range. As a result, such uncertainty obstructs the market growth.

Another restraint faced by the producers at the global level is the lack of awareness of the benefits of lecithin in the industry. The majority of consumers worldwide are not properly aware of the advantages of using lecithin in several industries, ranging from food & beverage and cosmetics to the textile industry. Thus, such factors also impede the global soy lecithin market growth.

Market Challenges

Increasing Incidences of Allergic Reactions and Adulteration is Big Challenge

The rising prevalence of allergic reactions caused by soybean-based products is recognized as a tough challenge in the market. Soy is known as one of the most conventional food allergens and is most commonly found in the young generation and children. Signs of allergic reactions include diarrhea, wheezing, dizziness, and stiffness of the throat. As a result, such growing cases of soy allergies inhibit the consumption of soy-lecithin-based finished products.

Another difficulty faced by consumers is the surging cases of adulteration of soy-lecithin. Soy-lecithin-based products are found to be degraded by heavy metals such as cadmium and lead. Moreover, the growing adulteration of peanuts in soy-lecithin further deters consumers from purchasing such end products.

Market Opportunities

Introduction of Organic Soy-Lecithin in Market Paves Growth Opportunities

Consumers nowadays are demanding products that can help them to live more responsibly and sustainably. Henceforth, the popularity of organic products is increasing tremendously. Moreover, by using organic ingredients, manufacturers are eyeing to influence consumers to make healthier food choices. Furthermore, increasing trends, including better-for-you foods, clean labels, non-GMO, and organic products, are forcing ingredient manufacturers to fulfill end-use industry players' raw material requirements. As a result, key companies in the industry are expanding their product offerings by launching new products. For instance, in November 2022, Novastell, a global lecithin manufacturing company, launched a range of lecithin granules - Soycithin G97, sourced from soy lecithin and Suncithin G96, from sunflower lecithin. These two products are non-GMO and fully traceable.

Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a serious threat to the world’s economy in the year 2020-21. Along with the economy, the majority of the industries, including the food industry, were impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic phase due to the strict lockdowns and hurdles in raw material procurements and logistics activities. Owing to the suspension of almost all of the activities, the manufacturers faced challenges due to the restricted soybean cultivation, which is the main ingredient required for soy lecithin. However, soy-lecithin is a main ingredient utilized in the production of packaged foods and convenience meals. Its usage improved in the year 2021. With the increasing awareness of its benefits and growing availability in the market, the demand for soy lecithin is expected to bolster in the upcoming years.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Form

Liquid Segment Leads in Global Market, Owing to its Wide Availability

On the basis of form analysis, the market is divided into liquid and solid.

Among the two forms of soy-lecithin available, the liquid form is the most preferred and, hence, led the market in 2024. Liquid lecithin is recognized as lipophilic in nature and is highly suitable for the emulsion of fat-comprising mixtures. As it’s already in liquid form, this ingredient doesn’t require to be dissolved before usage, unlike the solid form of lecithin. Owing to its lipophilic properties, the liquid form of lecithin can be used in high-fat recipes for easy stabilization.

Solid lecithin is hydrophilic in nature and is known as one of the most commonly utilized lecithin. Compared to liquid lecithin, the solid form of soy-lecithin comprises a lesser amount of fats and has a light yellow color, which does not affect the color of the end product after addition. The solid lecithin can be used in the pharma industry as it works as a releasing agent for capsules. Also, it can be widely used in the bakery industry as it helps to stabilize bread formation.

By Grade

Food Grade Segment Dominates in Industry Because of its Massive Usage

Depending on the grade analysis, the market is distributed into food grade, feed grade, pharmaceutical grade, cosmetics grade, and industrial grade.

Out of all the categories, food grade leads in the market in 2024, primarily because of its enormous usage in the food industry. Food grade soy-lecithin is increasingly utilized as a food additive in several food items, as it helps to blend water and oil, which helps to build a smooth consistency. Moreover, soy-based lecithin is used to enhance the texture of numerous food products and acts as an antioxidant to preserve food items from spoilage and rancidity. Also, compared to other ingredients, soy-derived lecithin is cost-effective as it is one of the byproducts of the soy oil industry.

Feed grade emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments, witnessing a CAGR of 8.15%. Feed grade soy-lecithin is recognized as a significant functional ingredient in animal feed as it strengthens the efficiency of feed used by animals. Moreover, feed grade lecithin helps animals become more resistant to external stress and stimulates the immune mechanism, especially in aquaculture species.

To know how our report can help streamline your business, Speak to Analyst

By Application

Food and Beverage Segment Dominates Market Due to Vast Applications of Soy Lecithin

Based on application, the market is segmented into food and beverage (bakery products, chocolate and confectionery, dairy foods, infant foods, and others), nutritional supplements, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, personal care & cosmetics, and others.

Food and beverage dominates the market and accounts for a majority soy lecithin market share. This type of lecithin is a versatile ingredient in diverse food applications and also has nutritional benefits. This type of lecithin is cholesterol-free, a rich source of polyunsaturated fats, and a natural source of choline.

It is extensively utilized in chocolate and compound coatings as a substitute for reducing cocoa butter usage and as an emulsifier. In crackers, cookies, pies, and cakes, the product acts as a release agent and improves shortening as well as dispersion. In the bakery industry, it is broadly used to raise moisture retention, even blending, and as a shelf-life extender. This lecithin interacts with other ingredients in foods, such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. In addition to food, lecithin also has various pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications.

The animal feed segment is recognized as the fastest-growing segment and is anticipated to grow at a higher pace in the coming term. This type of lecithin is widely utilized in animal feed to ensure excellent digestibility of fat and energy because it acts as a natural emulsifier. Also, it has been specially developed for use in energy-rich feed mixtures for animals, which fosters the segment’s growth.

SOY LECITHIN MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

On the basis of regions, the market is distributed into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.

North America

To get more information on the regional analysis of this market, Request a Free sample

Soybean and its derivatives have been consumed for thousands of years in North America, but soy derivatives application has expanded dramatically within the processed food industry over the last few decades. The significant growth of the market in North America can be attributed to the increasing application of the product in processed food, especially bakery and confectionery. The rapid evolution across the food and beverage industry in the region has significantly enhanced the demand dynamics for soy lecithin and its end-use application products. Technological advancements have enabled the leading players to focus on improving the product's shelf life, texture, and overall quality.

Amongst the countries in North America, the U.S. is attributed to the largest soy lecithin market share in the industry, owing to the increasing production quantity of soybeans. As per the Food Agriculture and Organization, a United Nations agency, the production of soybeans in the U.S. grew from 114,748.94 tonnes in 2020 to 121,527.78 tonnes in 2021. In the nation, Americans are mainly looking for clean-label and natural products that directly align with the utilization of soy-lecithin. Moreover, the flourishing nutritional supplements industry and the use of functional ingredients in producing cosmetics further propel the demand for soy-sourced lecithin.

To know how our report can help streamline your business, Speak to Analyst

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region experienced the highest CAGR in the year 2024 and held the second highest market position due to the solid animal feed industry and the flourishing personal care industry. In Asia Pacific, most consumers are seeking natural and safe personal care products, which are composed of plant-sourced ingredients. As a result, this demand influences producers to use soy-based lecithin for cosmetics, such as creams and lotions. Apart from this, the region is also witnessing growth in the bakery industry, where lecithin is used to improve the moisture retention of baked items. Thus, the benefits of soy-lecithin trigger its adoption rate amongst bakers.

Europe

Europe held the third position in the market, after North America and Asia Pacific, and it is anticipated to be fueled at a faster pace in the forecast period. Rising demand for clean-labeled products, improved disposable income, and strong regulatory standards regarding the use of soy-lecithin are the noticeable factors that are cumulatively driving its usage in the European region. As Europe is recognized as one of the biggest followers of veganism, the demand for plant-centric ingredients, including soy-lecithin, is also expected to augment across the market. Also, the robust sports nutrition industry in the region boosts the consumption of nutritional supplements, further facilitating the utilization of soy-lecithin in such products.

South America and the Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa and South America markets presently account for a small fraction of the global turnover in the industry. However, soybean lecithin is expected to evolve further as an important additive in the food and feed sector in both regions over the near term.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Major Players in Market Are Concentrating on New Launches and Base Expansion

Active players in the market include Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, Bunge Limited, and Lasenor. All the major players in the global space are trying to fulfill the demand of food manufacturers by expanding their base and introducing new products to the market. Moreover, in today’s time, consumers are inclined toward products that are composed of plant-based functional ingredients. As a result, such high demand for plant-sourced ingredients boosts the growth of soy-lecithin across the market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.)


• Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)


• American Lecithin Company (U.S.)


• Bunge Limited (U.S.)


• Denofa (Norway)


• Lasenor (Spain)


• Lipoid GmbH (Germany)


• DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (U.S.)


• Ruchi Soya Industries (India)


• Ceresking Ecology & Technology Co. Ltd. (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

January 2022: SepPure Technologies, a Singapore-based company, signed an agreement with GIIAVA, one of the leading soy lecithin producers, to develop the process solution and implement the technology in a soy lecithin production facility in Singapore.

September 2021: AAK, a global company specializing in manufacturing vegetable oils and fats, acquired BIC Ingredients, the lecithin product manufacturing arm of PIC International Holdings. The BIC ingredients supply non-GMO specialty lecithins and lecithin compounds.

February 2021: AAK, a popular vegetable fats and oils company headquartered in Sweden, released the news of their plant-centric lecithin line, “Akolec,” which is mainly sourced from soybean and sunflower oil. These plant-based emulsifiers are formulated to strengthen the functionality and nutrition of meat alternatives and confectionery items.

September 2019: Praan Naturals, a trademarked brand of Natural Sourcing, LLC, a U.S.–based wholesaler, launched organic sunflower lecithin liquid and organic soy lecithin liquid for personal care and cosmetics product development. Both the launched products are non-GMO and certified organic and are available in both powder and liquid format.

January 2019: Avril, a French-based agro-industrial group, announced the acquisition of Lecico, a German company specializing in the production and distribution of soy lecithin. This acquisition can help Avril to increase its footprint in the global market.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global soy lecithin market research report includes qualitative and quantitative insights into the market. It also offers a detailed analysis of the market size and growth rate for all possible market segments. Various key insights presented in the report are the overview of related markets, competitive landscape, recent industry developments, such as mergers & acquisitions, the regulatory scenario in critical countries, and key market trends.

To gain extensive insights into the market, Request for Customization

Report Scope & Segmentation