Food Additives Market Report 2026

The food additives market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $52.91 billion in 2025 to $56.48 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of processed food consumption, expansion of beverage manufacturing, rising urbanization-driven food demand, availability of synthetic additives, industrial-scale food processing adoption.

The food additives market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $71.93 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing consumer preference for natural ingredients, rising demand for fortified and functional foods, expansion of plant-based food products, growing regulatory scrutiny on additives, increased innovation in food formulation technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for clean-label additives, rising adoption of natural preservatives, growing use of functional food ingredients, expansion of shelf-life enhancement solutions, enhanced focus on texture and sensory optimization.

Increasing consumption of ready-to-eat food is expected to propel the growth of the food additives market going forward. Ready-to-eat food refers to food that can be consumed without washing, cooking, or additional preparation by the eatery or consumer. These foods use various natural and artificial preservatives to reduce spoilage caused by microbial activity and to enhance overall food quality. For instance, in August 2023, a survey by Itochu Corporation, a Japan-based trading company, found that about 45% of 9,461 respondents consume bento boxes - ready-to-eat lunch boxes sold at convenience stores. More than 10% of bento buyers reported eating them more than once a week, with higher consumption rates among men and younger consumers. Therefore, increasing consumption of ready-to-eat food is driving the growth of the food additives market.

Major companies operating in the food additives market are introducing innovative products, such as advanced fermentation additives, to improve food quality, safety, and functionality. Advanced fermentation additives are specialized substances that enhance microbial activity, increase yield, and optimize the production of desired metabolites across various industrial applications. For instance, in March 2023, the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC), a China-based cabinet-level executive department, approved 16 new food additives and one new food raw material. These newly approved components, including Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, enhance fermentation in cheese and flavored fermented milk, improving flavor profiles and nutritional value. Their approval underscores a commitment to food safety, as they must meet strict safety standards, while also expanding the range of options available to food manufacturers.

In December 2023, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), a US-based provider of nutrition and ingredient solutions, acquired FDL for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, ADM aims to strengthen its food additives and functional ingredient offerings by integrating FDL’s premium flavor and ingredient systems and expanding its portfolio of customized solutions for food and beverage manufacturers. FDL is a UK-based company that develops and produces premium flavors and functional ingredient systems for the food industry.

Major companies operating in the food additives market are Ajinomoto Co Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Badische Anilin und Soda Fabrik, Cargill Incorporated, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Givuadan SA, Ingredion Incorporated, Kerry Group Plc., Tate & Lyle Plc., Novozymes A/S, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Evonik Industries AG, Lonza Group AG, Corbion N.V., DuPont de Nemours Inc., AGRANA Beteiligungs AG, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Biospringer, Ingredaco, Palmer Holland Inc., TRInternational Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, Palsgaard, DSM NV, Royal DSM.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the food additives market share in 2025. The regions covered in the food additives market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the food additives market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The food additives market consists of sales of food additives used in products such as baked goods, desserts, soups, sauces, and baby food to prevent microbial growth and contamination while also increasing shelf life. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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