Food Antioxidants Market Report 2026

The food antioxidants market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $2.14 billion in 2025 to $2.39 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of processed food consumption, increasing awareness of food preservation, adoption of antioxidants in fats and oils, expansion of packaged food industries, availability of synthetic antioxidant solutions.

The food antioxidants market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.68 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising consumer preference for natural ingredients, expansion of nutraceutical and functional food markets, growing demand for plant-based food products, increasing regulatory scrutiny on synthetic additives, innovation in antioxidant extraction technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for natural food antioxidants, rising use of plant-based antioxidant sources, growing application in functional foods, expansion of clean-label food products, enhanced focus on shelf-life extension.

The increasing demand for fortified food and beverage products is expected to drive the growth of the food antioxidants market. Fortified foods are functional foods that have added nutrients to compensate for those they naturally lack. This rising demand is largely fueled by growing health awareness among consumers, an aging population seeking better nutrition, and ongoing advancements in food technology. Antioxidants are valued for their ability to neutralize free radicals, which contribute to oxidative stress and various health issues, allowing manufacturers to promote fortified products as health-enhancing. For example, in March 2024, the annual report from Nutrition International, a Canada-based global nutrition non-profit, noted that approximately 379 million people gained improved access to fortified foods. Hence, the surge in demand for fortified food and beverages is expected to propel the growth of the food antioxidants market.

Participants in the food antioxidants market are increasingly implementing mergers and acquisition strategies to broaden their product portfolios and expand operations into various regions. Mergers and acquisitions provide growth opportunities for industry players to enhance revenues through geographic and product portfolio expansion. For example, in September 2023, A&B Ingredients, a US-based manufacturer of food ingredients, introduced CytoGUARD OX-WST, a natural antioxidant designed specifically for protein powders, such as whey and yeast protein. Derived from natural tea extract, this antioxidant is crucial for extending shelf life and maintaining the quality of protein-rich products. It effectively reduces hexanal levels, which are a key indicator of lipid oxidation, thereby helping to preserve the nutritional value and sensory properties of proteins. As a clean-label ingredient, CytoGUARD OX-WST caters to the rising consumer demand for natural and sustainable food additives, making it an essential option for food manufacturers aiming to enhance product integrity while meeting safety and quality standards.

In July 2024, Azerys, a Morocco-based company specializing in natural products, acquired Syensqo for an undisclosed sum. The purpose of this acquisition is to enhance Azerys' renewable consumer solutions by integrating natural preservatives derived from rosemary extraction, thereby strengthening its dedication to sustainable innovation in the food industry. Syensqo is a Belgium-based global science and technology firm that operates in the fields of renewable materials and biotechnology, demonstrating a wide range of expertise across multiple sectors. The company focuses on creating eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemicals and provides plant-based solutions for the food sector, including natural flavors and preservatives. Their commitment to sustainability fuels innovation in advanced materials and sustainable chemicals, aligning with their mission to promote a greener future.

Major companies operating in the food antioxidants market are Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, BASF SE, Koninklijke DSM N.V, Kemin Industries Inc., Eastman Chemical Company, Frutarom Ltd., Barentz International B.V., Camlin Fine Sciences Ltd., Kalsec Inc., Cargill Inc., Advanced Organic Materials SA, VDH Chem Tech Pvt. Ltd., Vitablend Nederland BV, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., DuPont de Nemours Inc., Naturex SA, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Yasho Industries Ltd., Givaudan SA, Global Specialty Ingredients (M) Sdn. Bhd., Riken Vitamin Co. Ltd., Zhengzhou Sigma Chemical Co. Ltd., Fenchem Biotek Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., Garuda International Inc., Döhler Group, Palsgaard A/S.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the food antioxidants market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the food antioxidants 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 antioxidants market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The food antioxidants market consists of sales of synthetic food antioxidants such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and propyl gallate (PG). 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.

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.