Global Starch Market Size, Share, And Business Benefits By Starch Type (Native, Modified), By Source (Corn, Wheat, Potatoes, Tapioca, Others), By Application (Food Industry, Industrial, Pharmaceuticals, Others), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends, and Forecast 2025-2034

Report Overview

The Global Starch Market is expected to be worth around USD 97.6 billion by 2034, up from USD 56.5 billion in 2024, and grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2034. Strong demand for packaged food boosted North America’s USD 33.5 billion starch market.

Starch is a naturally occurring carbohydrate in many plants, especially in grains like corn, wheat, and rice, and root vegetables such as potatoes and cassava. It serves as an energy reserve for plants and is composed of glucose molecules linked together in long chains. In industrial terms, starch is processed into a white, powdery substance that is widely used across the food, paper, textile, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries due to its thickening, binding, and stabilizing properties.

The starch market refers to the global production, distribution, and consumption of starch and its derivatives across various industries. It includes both native starch and modified starch forms used in a range of applications, from bakery goods and dairy products to adhesives and biodegradable packaging. As a versatile and biodegradable raw material, starch plays a significant role in supporting sustainable alternatives to synthetic inputs across sectors.

One key growth factor is the increasing demand for clean-label and plant-based ingredients in food products. With consumers becoming more conscious about ingredient transparency, manufacturers are relying on starch as a natural thickener and texturizer, especially in dairy alternatives, soups, and sauces. According to an industry report, BetterBrand secured $6 million in Series A funding.

Rising demand from the paper and packaging industry also fuels market expansion. With governments pushing for eco-friendly materials, starch-based adhesives and films are gaining attention as replacements for petroleum-based chemicals in corrugated boxes, paper bags, and molded products. According to an industry report, Noquo Foods raised €3.25 million ($3.7 million) in seed funding for plant-based cheese.

Key Takeaways

• The Global Starch Market is expected to be worth around USD 97.6 billion by 2034, up from USD 56.5 billion in 2024, and grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2034.
• Modified starch holds a 56.3% share, driven by its stability and functionality in processed applications.
• Corn remains the dominant source in the starch market, contributing 61.9% due to high yield efficiency.
• The food industry leads starch application at 47.4%, fueled by demand for clean-label thickeners and stabilizers.
• North America’s starch market reached USD 33.5 billion due to industrial and food applications.

By Starch Type Analysis

Modified starch holds a 56.3% share, driven by industrial applications and functional versatility.

In 2024, Modified held a dominant market position in the By Starch Type segment of the Starch Market, with a 56.3% share. This leading position is attributed to its enhanced functional properties, such as improved stability, thickening efficiency, and resistance to heat, acid, and shear, which make it suitable for diverse industrial applications.

Modified starch is extensively used across the food and beverage industry for products requiring precise texture, moisture retention, and shelf-life extension. Its adaptability to various processing conditions and ability to improve product quality have further reinforced its widespread usage.

Beyond food, modified starch is increasingly applied in paper manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and construction, where it serves as a binder, coating agent, or sizing material. Its chemical or physical modifications make it a preferred choice over native starch in processes demanding higher performance. The steady demand from industrial sectors, particularly in regions witnessing strong manufacturing growth, has supported its market dominance.

Additionally, regulatory acceptance of modified starch in food-grade formulations across major markets has further solidified its presence. As manufacturers seek multifunctional and cost-effective solutions, the demand for modified starch continues to gain momentum, maintaining its leading market share in the starch industry landscape.

By Source Analysis

Corn-based starch dominates the market at 61.9% due to abundant global cultivation.

In 2024, Corn held a dominant market position in the By Source segment of the Starch Market, with a 61.9% share. This dominance is primarily due to corn’s abundant availability, cost-effectiveness, and high starch yield per unit compared to other sources.

Corn starch is widely utilized across food processing, textile, pharmaceutical, and paper industries, owing to its versatility and functional benefits such as thickening, binding, and moisture retention. In food applications, it plays a critical role in bakery, confectionery, and ready-to-eat products, supporting large-scale manufacturing needs.

Its widespread cultivation, especially in major agricultural economies, ensures a stable and consistent supply, which makes it a preferred choice among starch processors. Furthermore, advancements in corn wet milling and refining technologies have contributed to enhanced production efficiency and quality consistency, strengthening its presence in both domestic and export markets.

The strong infrastructure supporting corn procurement, storage, and processing adds further value across the supply chain. With rising demand from industrial and consumer sectors for starch-based solutions, corn-based starch maintains a strategic advantage due to its adaptability, affordability, and large-scale integration into various manufacturing processes, thereby securing its leading share in the starch market.

By Application Analysis

The food industry leads application use with 47.4%, supported by thickening and stabilizing needs.

In 2024, the Food Industry held a dominant market position in the By Application segment of the Starch Market, with a 47.4% share. This significant share is driven by the extensive use of starch as a thickener, stabilizer, bulking agent, and moisture-retention component in a wide range of food products.

Within the food sector, starch finds strong demand in processed foods, bakery items, dairy products, sauces, and ready-to-eat meals, where it enhances texture, consistency, and shelf stability. The rising consumer preference for convenient and packaged foods has further pushed manufacturers to adopt starch-based ingredients for functional and clean-label formulations.

Additionally, starch plays a key role in developing gluten-free and plant-based alternatives, aligning with evolving dietary trends. Its neutral taste, easy digestibility, and compatibility with other ingredients make it suitable for both traditional and modern food processing techniques.

The ongoing expansion of food production capacity in developing economies and increased consumption of processed food products globally continue to fuel the demand. With its functional versatility and widespread acceptance across regulatory frameworks, starch remains an indispensable ingredient in the food industry, securing its dominant position in the application segment of the starch market for the year 2024.

Key Market Segments

By Starch Type

• Native
• Modified

By Source

• Corn
• Wheat
• Potatoes
• Tapioca
• Others

By Application

• Food Industry
• Industrial
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

Driving Factors

Rising Demand for Processed and Packaged Foods

One of the main reasons the starch market is growing is the increasing demand for processed and packaged food. Today, people prefer ready-to-eat meals, instant snacks, frozen products, and convenience foods because of their busy lifestyles. Starch plays an important role in making these foods thick, smooth, and long-lasting.

It helps improve texture, preserve freshness, and give a better mouthfeel in products like soups, sauces, bakery items, and dairy desserts. As the global population grows and urbanization increases, more people are turning to packaged food options. This directly increases the need for starch in food production.

Restraining Factors

Price Fluctuations in Raw Material Supply Chain

A major challenge for the starch market is the constant change in prices of raw materials like corn, wheat, and potatoes. Since starch is mainly made from these crops, any disruption in their supply, due to weather problems, droughts, floods, or export bans, can lead to price increases. Farmers may also switch to growing more profitable crops, reducing the availability of starch sources.

These factors make it difficult for manufacturers to keep production costs stable. When raw material prices rise, it becomes harder for companies to offer starch products at competitive prices, especially in developing regions. This instability in cost and supply often affects the overall growth and planning of starch production industries worldwide.

Growth Opportunity

Surging Interest in Eco-Friendly, Biodegradable Packaging Alternatives

Consumers and governments are increasingly asking for eco-friendly packaging options, which opens a big growth opportunity in the starch market. Starch is ideal for making biodegradable films, trays, and coatings that can replace traditional plastics. These starch-based materials break down naturally in composting or soil, reducing environmental pollution and plastic waste.

Many food and packaging companies are now looking for sustainable packaging to meet new regulations and meet consumer expectations. Because starch is renewable, affordable, and abundant, it’s a strong fit for this shift. As more regions ban single-use plastics and push for greener packaging, demand for starch-derived materials is expected to rise sharply, making this area a key opportunity for starch producers.

Latest Trends

Increasing Use of Modified Starch in Food Applications

Lately, modified starch is being used more and more in food products, and this shift is a major trend in the starch market. Modified starch is basically regular starch that has been treated to improve its performance – it can handle higher heat, stay stable in acidic conditions, and maintain texture even after freezing, thawing, or heating. In everyday foods like sauces, soups, dressings, dairy desserts, and bakery goods, modified starch helps ensure the texture remains smooth and consistent.

It also holds moisture well, keeping products fresh for longer periods. Because consumers expect clean-label ingredients and manufacturers need reliable food performance, modified starch hits the spot. This rising preference for modified starch in food production is shaping product development and giving starch makers a clear direction for growth.

Regional Analysis

In 2024, North America led the starch market with 59.4% regional share.

In 2024, North America emerged as the dominant region in the starch market, accounting for 59.4% of the global share, valued at USD 33.5 billion. This leading position is primarily driven by the region’s robust demand from the food processing and industrial sectors, supported by advanced manufacturing capabilities and high consumption of processed and convenience foods. The U.S. remains a major contributor to this dominance due to its large-scale corn production, which supports both domestic supply and exports of starch products.

Meanwhile, Europe continues to show steady growth, with strong usage in pharmaceuticals, paper manufacturing, and biodegradable packaging. In the Asia Pacific region, demand is rising due to population growth, urbanization, and increased consumption of ready-to-eat meals, although it still lags behind North America in market share.

The Middle East & Africa and Latin America represent emerging markets with growing interest in food processing and textile sectors, but infrastructure limitations and lower raw material availability moderate growth. Despite this, all regions are witnessing increasing demand for starch across diverse applications.

Key Regions and Countries

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Australia
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA

Key Players Analysis

Cargill Incorporated leveraged its extensive agricultural sourcing network and robust processing infrastructure to maintain a strong position in the starch industry. Their broad capabilities in corn wet milling enable consistent production of native and modified starches, ensuring a dependable supply for food companies and industrial customers. Cargill’s integrated approach—from raw material procurement to product development—supports innovation and customization, which enhances its appeal to global clients seeking tailored ingredient solutions.

Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) benefited from its global scale and strategic investments in processing technologies. ADM’s long-standing presence in key agricultural regions gives it reliable access to corn, wheat, and other starch sources. By focusing on efficiency, volume, and quality, ADM has sustained competitiveness in commodity starch segments while also exploring value-added applications.

Ingredion Incorporated differentiated itself through a strong emphasis on specialty and modified starch offerings. With nimble product development capabilities, Ingredion addressed growing demand for niche solutions such as clean-label thickeners and functional starches for gluten-free and plant-based products. Their targeted approach allowed them to respond quickly to food manufacturers adapting to evolving consumer demands.

Top Key Players in the Market

• Cargill Incorporated
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Ingredion Incorporated
• Grain Processing Corporation
• MGP Ingredients, Inc.
• Manildra Group
• Tate & Lyle PLC
• Roquette Frères S.A.
• AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG
• Beneo GmbH
• Thai Flour Industry Limited
• Gulshan Polyols Ltd
• Vimal PPCE
• China Essence Group Ltd
• Ingredion
• Universal Starch-chem Allied Ltd

Recent Developments

• In May 2025, Manildra partnered with Air Liquide to develop a biogenic food‑grade CO₂ plant at its Shoalhaven site. When operational, the plant will purify over 90,000 tonnes/year of CO₂ sourced from wheat fermentation, enhancing sustainability and supply-chain efficiency.
• In December 2024, Ingredion introduced Novation Indulge 2940, a new clean-label functional native corn starch designed for dairy, dairy-alternative desserts, and batters. This non-GMO starch enhances texture, gelling, and film formation while offering a simple ingredient label that resonates with consumers seeking recognizable, natural additives .

Report Scope