Food Acidulants Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The global food acidulants market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period.

Food acidulants are food additives that give meals a tart, sour, or acidic flavor in a food or a beverage product or increase their perceived sweetness. In some processed foods, food acidulants can also act as emulsifiers. These chemical compounds are also used to balance the pH level, modify the flavor profiles, control gel formation, and maintain the viscosity of confections. Acetic acid and citric acid are two of the most popular food acidulates. Food acidulants such as phosphoric acid are found in several pre-packed beverages, including cola drinks, whereas malic acid is frequently used to formulate sour candies. Other popular examples of food acidulants used in food processing include fumaric acid, tartaric acid, gluconic-delta-lactone, lactic acid, and gluconic acid are some other acidulants used in food processing.

Food acidulants are employed in various food and beverages, such as confectionary products, snacks, baked goods, processed foods, drinks, ready-to-eat products, etc. Thus, growing consumer demand for processed and convenience foods is a major factor driving the global market during the analysis period. Food accidents are primarily used in sour products with citrus flavors. Therefore, the growing demand for citrus flavor profiles such as mandarin, yuzu, grapefruit, lime, and tangy, zesty products, is fuelling the demand for food acid regulators. Furthermore, growing consumer interest in clean-label products is projected to drive growth in the food acidulants market. Changing consumer preferences and rising disposable income are also significant drivers of the market for food acidulants.

However, complex laws, restrictions, possible side effects, high & volatile prices of raw materials, and a lack of knowledge obstruct the growth of the global market for food acidulants during the analysis period. Moreover, a continuous product launched by key market players with innovative sour, citrusy, and zesty flavors and textures provides new opportunities to market participants during the forecast period.

The growing demand for citrus-flavored and sour products is supporting the global food acidulants market growth.

Citrus flavor profiles are among the most popular worldwide and are used in various meals, ready-to-eat products, jellies, snacks, baked goods, confections, and drinks. However, consumers have wanted much more from the citrus category in recent years and developed a sophisticated taste for these flavors. According to Irish flavor company, Kerry Inc, citrus flavor profiles were present in 30 percent of soft drinks, flavored waters, juices, and energy drinks in 2021. At the same time, 32 percent of alcoholic beverages, hard seltzers, and 29 percent of water-based ice creams had citrus flavor. Citrus was also found in 7 percent of all dairy and non-dairy yogurts and ice creams, illustrating its adaptability. Kerry Inc also says that citrus tastes control the beverage aisle, accounting for around one-third of all beverage releases in the previous five years. Food acidulants are extensively used in citrus-flavored products to give their signature tangy flavor. Therefore growing demand for citrus flavor is driving the growth of the global market. For instance, in March 2023, American food giant General Mills announced the launch of citrus-flavored products in its portfolio due to its growing demand.

The food business is evolving as more companies capitalize on consumer desire for tart, zesty, sour foods by selling sour-flavored food and beverage items such as Greek yogurt, salt and vinegar crisps, and lime-flavored candies. Due to the incorporation of different cuisines, sour flavors and snack foods have grown in favor. Asian cuisines, notably Thai, have boosted the popularity of sour flavors with items such as sour dipping sauces and hot soups boosted with lime juice. These flavor trends in the food and beverage industry are spurring the demand for food acid regulators during the analysis period.

The Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold a significant share of the global food acidulants market.

Asia Pacific region is anticipated to hold a significant market share in food acidulants. This region will experience rapid expansion throughout the projection period due to the growing demand for citrus and sour flavor products. Food acidulants are in high demand in markets such as India and China. This region's market is also expanding due to the growing millennial population. This region's market is expanding due to the presence of a well-established food & beverage industry. This region's market is expanding due to changing eating habits and rising demand for healthy beverages. In addition, the prevalence of key market players such as IFF, Sensient, DSM, Kerry Inc, and Synergy Flavors is spurring the growth of food acidulants in this region.

Market Developments:

• In February 2019, Bartek Ingredients Inc., the world's largest malic acid and food-grade fumaric acid manufacturer, completed a 4,000-ton/year capacity upgrade in its malic acid manufacturing facility. Bartek is boosting capacity and capabilities to provide better flexibility and support to its food, beverage, confectionery; animal nutrition; and industrial clients. This is the first in a series of capital investment projects to support its growing acidulants business.
• In August 2022, LG Chem, a leading global diversified chemical company, and ADM, a global leader in nutrition and bio solutions, held a signing ceremony today to launch two joint ventures for lactic acid and polylactic acid production in the United States to meet the growing demand for a wide range of plant-based products, including bioplastics. The joint ventures have picked Decatur, Illinois, USA, as the location of their anticipated manufacturing facilities, pending final investment decisions.

Market Segmentation:

By Type

• Citric Acid
• Lactic Acid
• Acetic Acid
• Phosphoric Acid
• Malic Acid
• Others

By Application

• Beverages
• Dairy and Frozen Products
• Bakery
• Meat Industry
• Confectionery
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• Japan
• China
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others