Lecithin Market Report 2026

The lecithin market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.42 billion in 2025 to $1.55 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of processed food industry, widespread use of soy lecithin, demand for texture improvement, expansion of bakery products, adoption in pharmaceuticals.

The lecithin market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2.14 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growth of plant based foods, rising non allergenic ingredient demand, expansion of dietary supplements, innovation in lecithin processing, clean label regulations. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for clean label emulsifiers, growing adoption of non GMO lecithin, expansion of sunflower based lecithin, increased use in nutraceutical products, focus on functional food ingredients.

The increasing level of health consciousness is expected to drive the growth of the lecithin market in the coming years. Health consciousness refers to an individual’s awareness of and active concern for overall well-being, which influences decisions related to diet, lifestyle, and healthcare. The rise in health consciousness is largely driven by the growing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, prompting individuals to adopt healthier habits to prevent illness. Lecithin supports health-oriented lifestyles by contributing to brain and liver health through its essential nutrients. It also supports fat metabolism and enhances overall cellular function, thereby promoting natural well-being. For instance, in June 2024, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), a US-based non-profit organization, the share of Americans following a specific diet or eating pattern over the past year remained high at 54%. A majority of consumers are seeking to increase their protein intake, with interest rising from 59% in 2022 to 67% in 2023 and reaching 71% in 2024. In addition, approximately half of consumers aim to consume more fresh foods, which are widely perceived as the healthiest options. Therefore, the rising health consciousness is fueling the growth of the lecithin market.

Major companies operating in the lecithin market are emphasizing the development of innovative offerings, such as high-purity feed-grade lecithin, to address the growing demand for enhanced animal nutrition, improved feed digestibility, and consistent product quality compared with conventional crude lecithin. Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid that functions as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and dispersing agent in feed and food applications, delivering superior solubility, nutritional value, and functional performance relative to less refined alternatives. For instance, in May 2025, Louis Dreyfus Company B.V., a China-based agribusiness company, commissioned a new feed-grade lecithin production line in China. The facility manufactures lecithin with optimized phospholipid content, low moisture levels, and high purity; it is designed to improve nutrient absorption and feed efficiency in livestock, offers enhanced solubility and consistency, and supports large-scale feed production; applications include animal feed, nutraceuticals, and functional food ingredients; key benefits include improved animal growth performance, greater product stability, and dependable quality aligned with industry standards.

In September 2023, National Lecithin Inc., a U.S.-based lecithin supplier, acquired Soya International LLC for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition aims to expand National Lecithin’s market footprint and product portfolio, positioning it as the leading independent lecithin supplier. Soya International LLC specializes in producing organic soy lecithin for the food and beverage industry.

Major companies operating in the lecithin market are Cargill Incorporated, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Bunge Limited, Vippy Industries Ltd, Lecico GmbH, Lipoid GmbH, VAV Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Saipol SA, Shiva Biochem Industries, Lasenor Emul S.L., Sonic Biochem Extractions Pvt. Ltd., Amitex Agro Product Pvt Ltd, American Lecithin Company Inc., Clarkson Specialty Lecithins LLC, Keshav Industries Pvt Ltd, Lecital d.o.o., National Lecithin Pvt. Ltd., Lecilite Ingredients Private Limited, Lecipure Biotech LLP, Sternchemie GmbH & Co. KG, Sun Nutrafoods.

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

The lecithin market consists of sales of animal feed additives, phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), and modified lecithin derivatives. 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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