Okara - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Okara was estimated at US$2.6 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$2.9 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 2.0% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Okara market.

Global Okara Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Okara Gaining Interest as a Functional Ingredient in Food and Feed Applications?

Okara, the fibrous byproduct of soy milk and tofu production, is rich in dietary fiber, plant-based protein, and bioactive compounds. Traditionally treated as waste or low-value livestock feed, okara is now being re-evaluated as a valuable raw material for food, nutraceutical, and feed applications. Its high moisture content, however, presents preservation and processing challenges, often leading to underutilization. With increasing demand for plant-based nutrition and sustainable ingredients, okara is emerging as a viable upcycled product in the circular food economy.

In food processing, okara is being explored for use in bakery products, meat alternatives, beverages, and dietary supplements. It enhances fiber content, improves texture, and acts as a functional thickening agent. For animal feed, okara contributes protein and digestible fiber, making it suitable for poultry, cattle, and aquaculture diets. Its use aligns with efforts to reduce food system waste, maximize byproduct valorization, and improve the economic efficiency of soy-based manufacturing.

How Are Processing Technologies Improving Okara's Functional and Nutritional Value?

Technological innovations in drying, fermentation, and extraction are expanding okara's commercial potential. Low-temperature drying and spray-drying methods help preserve nutritional quality while reducing perishability. Fermentation with lactic acid bacteria or fungi can enhance okara's protein digestibility, antioxidant properties, and shelf life. Enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasonication are also being used to isolate peptides and improve bioavailability for food and supplement applications.

Advanced fractionation techniques allow the separation of okara's fiber, protein, and lipid components, enabling its tailored use across multiple industries. In bakery and extruded snacks, defatted okara flour can improve moisture retention and mouthfeel. For high-protein products, fermented or enzymatically treated okara is increasingly incorporated into bars, patties, and protein powders. These processing methods are helping reposition okara from a waste byproduct to a functional ingredient with measurable health and commercial benefits.

What Trends Are Driving Okara Utilization in Emerging Applications?

Consumer interest in high-fiber, clean-label, and plant-based foods is creating new opportunities for okara-based formulations. Food startups and ingredient manufacturers are launching upcycled okara products marketed for their sustainability and health benefits. Demand for high-fiber ingredients in diabetic and weight-management diets is also supporting interest in okara as a soluble and insoluble fiber source. In the pet food sector, okara's nutritional profile and digestibility are being leveraged in plant-forward product lines.

In the bio-based materials segment, researchers are investigating okara as a raw material for biodegradable packaging, bioplastics, and agricultural biostimulants. Its lignocellulosic content and carbon-rich structure make it suitable for eco-friendly product development. These diverse applications reflect growing recognition of okara's potential in not just food and feed, but also in sustainable industrial processes aligned with waste valorization and circular economy principles.

What Factors Are Driving Growth in the Okara Market?

Growth in the okara market is driven by several factors. Rising soy milk and tofu production is generating a consistent supply of okara as a byproduct. Increased demand for plant-based ingredients and dietary fiber in food and beverages is encouraging exploration of okara as a cost-effective additive. Advances in drying, fermentation, and extraction technologies are enhancing okara's nutritional value and functionality. Growing focus on food system sustainability, waste reduction, and circular processing is improving its commercial appeal. Additionally, evolving consumer preferences for clean-label, upcycled, and high-protein products are supporting the inclusion of okara in functional food formulations. These dynamics are fostering innovation and investment in okara-based applications across food, feed, and sustainable materials sectors.

Scope Of Study:

The report analyzes the Okara market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments: Product (Bakery, Noodles, Snacks, Meat Substitutes, Other Products); End-Use (Household End-Use, Food & Beverages End-Use)

Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Bakery segment, which is expected to reach US$1.0 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 2.1%. The Noodles segment is also set to grow at 1.5% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $709.1 Million in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 3.9% CAGR to reach $548.9 Million by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Okara Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Okara Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Okara Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Abokichi, Azumaya Co., Ltd., Blue Farm GmbH, Bonsoy Australia Pty Ltd, Eden Foods, Inc. and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 32 companies featured in this Okara market report include:

• Abokichi
• Azumaya Co., Ltd.
• Blue Farm GmbH
• Bonsoy Australia Pty Ltd
• Eden Foods, Inc.
• Hodo
• House Foods Group Inc.
• Karoun Dairies
• Mitchell`s Fruit Farms Limited
• Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc.
• Mori-Nu LLC
• Oatly AB
• Pulmuone Corporation
• Rebel Kitchen Ltd
• Schouten Europe BV
• Silk (WhiteWave Foods)
• Sunrise Soya Foods
• Twin Oaks Tofu
• Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd
• Yung Soon Lih Food Machine Co., Ltd.

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts as of June 2025 into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes segmentation by product, technology, type, material, distribution channel, application, and end-use, with historical analysis since 2015.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025, competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.
• Complimentary Update: Buyers receive a free July 2025 update with finalized tariff impacts, new trade agreement effects, revised projections, and expanded country-level coverage.