Market Overview
The global rice starch market share reached a volume of 116.14 MMT in 2025 and is expected to expand steadily over the forecast period. Supported by rising demand from food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.00% from 2026 to 2035, reaching nearly 207.99 MMT by 2035. Rice starch, derived from broken rice, is valued for its neutral taste, hypoallergenic nature, and functional properties such as thickening, binding, and stabilizing, making it suitable across a wide range of end-use industries.
Growing consumer preference for plant-based, gluten-free, and clean-label ingredients is further strengthening the role of rice starch in global supply chains.
Key Growth Drivers
Rising Demand from Food and Beverages Industry
The food and beverages sector remains the largest consumer of rice starch. Increasing demand for processed and convenience foods, coupled with the growing popularity of gluten-free and allergen-free products, is driving adoption. Rice starch is widely used in soups, sauces, bakery items, dairy alternatives, and baby food due to its smooth texture and digestibility. As food manufacturers continue to reformulate products to meet clean-label expectations, rice starch demand is expected to grow consistently.
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Expanding Use in Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
The pharmaceutical industry is emerging as a key growth driver for the rice starch market. Rice starch is increasingly used as an excipient, binder, and disintegrant in tablet and capsule formulations. Its hypoallergenic and non-toxic properties make it suitable for sensitive applications, including pediatric and geriatric medicines. Rising global healthcare expenditure and growing pharmaceutical production are supporting long-term demand.
Growth in Cosmetics and Personal Care Applications
Rice starch is gaining popularity in cosmetics and personal care products such as face powders, creams, lotions, and dry shampoos. Its oil-absorbing properties, smooth feel, and natural origin align well with consumer demand for natural and sustainable beauty products. The shift toward clean beauty and plant-based ingredients is expected to create new growth opportunities in this segment.
Industrial Applications and Sustainability Trends
Beyond food and personal care, rice starch is increasingly used in textiles, paper processing, and biodegradable packaging. Growing environmental concerns and regulations promoting sustainable materials are encouraging industries to replace synthetic polymers with starch-based alternatives. This trend is particularly favorable for rice starch due to its renewability and biodegradability.
Market Challenges
Volatility in Raw Material Supply
The rice starch market is highly dependent on rice production, which is influenced by climatic conditions, water availability, and agricultural policies. Variations in rice yields and pricing can impact raw material availability and production costs, creating uncertainty for manufacturers.
Competition from Alternative Starches
Rice starch faces strong competition from other starches such as corn, wheat, and potato starch, which are often more widely available and cost-competitive. In price-sensitive markets, this competition can limit rice starch adoption, particularly in industrial applications.
Processing Costs and Technical Limitations
Modified rice starches require advanced processing technologies, which can increase production costs. Smaller manufacturers may face challenges in adopting such technologies, limiting their ability to compete with established players. Maintaining consistent quality across large-scale production also remains a challenge.
Market Segmentation Insights
By Type
The market is segmented into native, modified, and other rice starch types. Native rice starch holds a significant share due to its natural composition and widespread use in food applications. Modified rice starch is expected to witness faster growth as it offers improved stability, viscosity, and performance in specialized applications.
By Application
Food and beverages dominate the application segment, followed by pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care, textiles, and others. The cosmetics and pharmaceutical segments are projected to register above-average growth during the forecast period due to increasing demand for natural and functional ingredients.
Regional Analysis
Asia-Pacific leads the global rice starch market, supported by abundant rice production, strong food processing industries, and growing industrial applications in countries such as China, India, and Thailand. North America and Europe represent mature markets, driven by demand for clean-label food products and pharmaceutical applications. Emerging markets in Latin America and the Middle East are expected to offer growth opportunities as food processing and personal care industries expand.
Market Dynamics
SWOT Analysis
Strengths include natural origin, hypoallergenic properties, and wide application range. Weaknesses involve dependence on rice supply and higher processing costs. Opportunities arise from clean-label trends and biodegradable material demand, while threats include competition from alternative starches and raw material price fluctuations.
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
Competitive rivalry remains moderate due to the presence of established global and regional players. The threat of substitutes is moderate, supplier power is influenced by rice availability, and buyer power remains balanced due to diversified applications.
Competitive Landscape
The global rice starch market is moderately competitive, with players focusing on capacity expansion, product innovation, and application-specific starch solutions. Key companies operating in the market include Ingredion Incorporated, AGRANA Beteiligungs-AG, Bangkok Starch Industrial Co., Ltd., Thai Flour Industry Co., Ltd, and Immortelle Therapy. Strategic partnerships and investments in modified starch technologies are shaping competitive dynamics through 2035.
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