Gelatin Substitutes Market Report 2026

The gelatin substitutes market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $2.5 billion in 2025 to $2.73 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising consumer preference for vegetarian and vegan diets, increased use of hydrocolloids in food processing, expansion of pharmaceutical excipient applications, growth in processed food consumption, availability of diverse plant-derived ingredients.

The gelatin substitutes market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.81 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing innovation in bio-based texturizers, rising demand for allergen-free ingredients, expansion of plant-based food and beverage products, growing pharmaceutical formulation advancements, increasing regulatory support for clean-label products. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing adoption of plant-based gelling agents, rising demand for clean-label food ingredients, growing use of gelatin substitutes in pharmaceuticals, expansion of vegan and vegetarian product formulations, enhanced focus on functional ingredient performance.

The increasing level of health consciousness is expected to drive the growth of the gelatin substitutes market in the coming years. Health consciousness refers to a holistic state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being achieved through balanced lifestyle choices and preventive healthcare practices. The rise in health consciousness is largely driven by a shift toward preventive care, as consumers aim to avoid lifestyle-related diseases and reduce long-term healthcare expenses. Gelatin substitutes support health-conscious consumers by offering plant-based and allergen-free alternatives that align with dietary restrictions and ethical preferences, enabling more informed and inclusive nutritional choices. For instance, in June 2024, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), a US-based non-profit organization, the proportion of Americans following a specific diet or eating pattern over the previous year remained high at 54%. Interest in increasing protein intake rose from 59% in 2022 to 67% in 2023 and further to 71% in 2024, while around half of consumers reported an intention to eat more fresh foods, which are widely perceived as healthier options. Therefore, the growing emphasis on health consciousness is driving the expansion of the gelatin substitutes market.

Major companies operating in the gelatin substitutes market are concentrating on the development of innovative solutions, such as vegan gelatin alternatives, to address rising demand for plant-based, allergen-free, and ethically sourced ingredients. Vegan gelatin alternatives are plant-derived ingredients, including agar-agar and pectin, that mimic the gelling and thickening properties of conventional animal-based gelatin. For example, in January 2023, Alland & Robert, a France-based food manufacturer, launched Syndeo Gelling, a 100% plant-based texturizing solution formulated from gum acacia and natural hydrocolloids. This vegan alternative to gelatin and pectin is suitable for applications such as confectionery, gummies, jelly sweets, and health supplements. The ingredient combines the elasticity and non-stick characteristics of gelatin with the firmness of pectin, resulting in a texture that is more elastic and less hard than traditional pectin without stickiness. With a neutral taste, no odor, and no color, Syndeo Gelling provides food manufacturers with a sustainable, versatile, and health-focused option for developing high-quality plant-based products.

In November 2024, Tate & Lyle, a UK-based food and beverage ingredients company, acquired CP Kelco for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Tate & Lyle aims to strengthen its portfolio of plant-based and specialty ingredient solutions to meet increasing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food and beverage products. CP Kelco is a US-based company that specializes in the production of gelatin substitutes and related ingredients.

Major companies operating in the gelatin substitutes market are Cargill Inc., Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Kerry Group Public Limited Company, Ingredion Inc., Darling Ingredients Inc., Glanbia Nutritionals Inc., Weishardt International, Ashland Inc., Tate & Lyle PLC, CP Kelco U.S. Inc., GELITA AG, Rousselot SAS, PB Leiner, Marine Hydrocolloids, NOW Health Group Inc., A.F. Suter & Co. Ltd., Special Ingredients Ltd., Nitta Gelatin Inc., Great American Spice Company, Niblack Foods Inc., AGARMEX S.A. de C.V.

North America was the largest region in the gelatin substitutes market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the gelatin substitutes market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the gelatin substitutes market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The gelatin substitutes market consists of sales of products including natural and synthetic sources, including seaweed extracts, plant-derived polysaccharides, and microbial biopolymers. 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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