Rice Starch Market Size | Forecast 2025 To 2033

Rice Starch Market Overview

The Rice Starch Market size was valued at USD 235.93 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 382.21 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.

The rice starch market plays a significant role in the global starch industry, serving multiple sectors including food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. In 2024, global rice starch production surpassed 640,000 metric tons, with food-grade applications accounting for 76% of total output. Asia-Pacific remained the largest producer, contributing over 420,000 metric tons, while Europe and North America collectively produced around 165,000 metric tons.

More than 1,200 companies were actively involved in rice starch extraction, refinement, and formulation, with over 3,800 unique rice starch-based products available in commercial markets. In food processing, rice starch was used in over 1,100 dairy, confectionery, and ready-meal formulations. The personal care industry utilized 84,000 metric tons of rice starch in baby powders, lotions, and dry shampoos. Over 270 pharmaceutical manufacturers incorporated rice starch as an excipient, binder, or disintegrant in more than 1,500 registered drug formulations globally. The rise of clean-label trends and allergen-free ingredients drove up demand, particularly for native and modified rice starch variants with high purity and fine texture.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increasing consumer demand for clean-label, allergen-free ingredients.

Top Country/Region: Thailand leads the market with over 185,000 metric tons of production in 2024.

Top Segment: Food-grade rice starch accounts for more than 76% of global output.

Rice Starch Market Trends

The rice starch market is experiencing dynamic growth influenced by natural ingredient trends, dietary shifts, and rising demand for plant-based alternatives. In 2024, over 420,000 metric tons of rice starch were used across food applications, representing a 9% increase in volume from the previous year. The surge was driven by expanded usage in confectionery, ready-to-eat meals, and dairy alternatives.

Native rice starch remained a preferred thickener and stabilizer in baby foods and medical diets, with over 1,200 formulations launched in the past 12 months. In the dairy segment, rice starch was present in over 380 lactose-free and vegan yogurt products sold in 52 countries. Over 140 global food manufacturers replaced modified starches with rice starch to meet clean-label standards and hypoallergenic product certifications.

Organic rice starch witnessed growing demand, with over 45,000 metric tons produced globally in certified organic processing facilities. Organic cosmetic brands utilized over 19,000 metric tons for talc-replacement formulations in powders and masks. This trend was evident in North America and Western Europe, where 76% of new launches labeled "talc-free" featured rice starch as a primary absorbent agent.

In pharmaceuticals, rice starch was employed in over 1,500 oral drug formulations in 2024. Nearly 320 of these products were launched during the year, primarily as immediate-release tablets and capsules, where rice starch served as a disintegrant due to its swelling capacity and pH-neutral profile.

Technological advancements also played a key role. More than 90 starch refinement plants adopted enzymatic hydrolysis and membrane filtration systems to enhance rice starch purity. As a result, the average whiteness index of industrial rice starch improved by 13% compared to 2022 figures. Additionally, production of ultra-fine rice starch (average particle size below 5 microns) surpassed 27,000 metric tons in 2024, used extensively in infant nutrition and topical applications.

Environmental sustainability continued to influence procurement. Over 60% of rice starch producers sourced broken rice, a by-product of rice milling, resulting in an estimated 220,000 metric tons of agricultural waste diverted from landfills. This helped rice starch processors reduce raw material costs by an average of 14%, further enhancing market competitiveness.

Rice Starch Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rising demand for allergen-free and plant-based food ingredients

The shift toward natural and plant-derived ingredients has significantly boosted the adoption of rice starch, particularly in food and beverage processing. In 2024, more than 2,300 new food and beverage products featured rice starch in their ingredient list. Among these, 670 were targeted toward infant and toddler nutrition. Over 480 rice starch-enriched food products were launched in the European Union alone under allergen-free certification. The plant-based movement also contributed, with more than 620 vegan or vegetarian products utilizing rice starch for its neutral taste, fine texture, and natural origin. The compatibility of rice starch with gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free requirements makes it an ideal option for specialized diets.

Restraints

Limited availability of high-quality raw material in some regions

One of the notable constraints in the rice starch market is the dependency on consistent supply of broken rice with high starch yield. In 2024, over 120,000 metric tons of potential starch feedstock were rejected due to high lipid or protein content, which compromises extraction efficiency. In Latin America and parts of Africa, access to food-grade broken rice remained inconsistent due to low processing standards or infrastructure limitations. Additionally, seasonal variations impacted the moisture and granule integrity of rice grains, reducing batch yield by 5% to 8% in non-optimal harvest periods. This has led to increased procurement costs and production downtime in several smaller starch-processing units.

Opportunities

Expanding use in bioplastics and biodegradable packaging

The growing interest in sustainable materials has created new opportunities for rice starch in the bioplastics sector. In 2024, more than 17,000 metric tons of industrial-grade rice starch were utilized in the production of compostable films, trays, and packaging coatings. Over 110 eco-packaging firms incorporated rice starch blends with polylactic acid (PLA) to enhance flexibility and water-resistance. Pilot projects in Southeast Asia and Western Europe introduced rice starch-based coating agents for single-use plates, with shelf-life studies showing superior grease resistance and structural stability. Research partnerships between universities and material science firms resulted in the filing of 38 new patents relating to starch-based biodegradable composites in 2023–2024 alone.

Challenges

Processing limitations and shelf-life variability

A critical challenge in rice starch processing is the variability in thermal stability and retrogradation behavior. In 2024, over 16% of ready-meal manufacturers reported texture degradation and water separation in rice starch-thickened products stored beyond 30 days under refrigerated conditions. Despite advancements in modification techniques, native rice starch still exhibited higher susceptibility to retrogradation compared to corn or potato starch. Furthermore, processing at high temperatures (above 95°C) increased the risk of starch gelatinization inconsistency, impacting viscosity and mouthfeel. Small-scale producers often lack high-precision control systems, resulting in batch inconsistencies and higher rejection rates—averaging 9% of annual output across lower-tech facilities.

Rice Starch Market Segmentation

The rice starch market is segmented by type and application, catering to diverse industrial requirements. In 2024, food-grade rice starch held a significant share due to its widespread usage in processed food and baby nutrition. Industrial-grade rice starch, although smaller in volume, saw increased usage in packaging and pharmaceuticals.

By Type

Food Grade Rice Starch: In 2024, food grade rice starch accounted for approximately 486,000 metric tons of total production. It was predominantly used in bakery, dairy, confectionery, and baby food applications. Over 2,800 food and beverage manufacturers globally used food-grade rice starch as a texture modifier, thickener, or stabilizer. More than 75% of this volume was derived from broken white rice due to its high amylopectin content and low fat residues, ensuring compatibility with clean-label and allergen-free requirements.
Industry Grade Rice Starch: Industrial-grade rice starch reached approximately 154,000 metric tons in 2024, used in bioplastics, pharmaceutical coatings, adhesives, and paper finishing. Around 28% was used in the production of capsule shells and compression coatings in drug manufacturing. An additional 17,000 metric tons were utilized in packaging films, particularly in Asia and Western Europe. Industrial applications demand starch with higher viscosity and thermal resistance, prompting a shift toward enzymatic modification and hydrothermal stabilization.

By Application

Food Industry: The food industry remained the dominant consumer with over 420,000 metric tons in 2024. Confectionery alone used more than 84,000 metric tons for chewable candies and gummy bases. Dairy and dessert applications accounted for 96,000 metric tons globally, especially in yogurts and custards. Infant nutrition absorbed 62,000 metric tons, supported by clinical compatibility studies and hypoallergenic claims.
Pharmaceutical Industry: The pharmaceutical sector consumed approximately 51,000 metric tons of rice starch in 2024, with 68% used as a tablet disintegrant. Over 1,500 prescription and over-the-counter products worldwide included rice starch due to its neutral pH, high swelling capacity, and low reactivity.
Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry: Cosmetic and personal care applications totaled 43,000 metric tons. Baby powders, dry shampoos, setting powders, and masks featured rice starch for its natural absorbency and smooth feel. More than 920 new personal care SKUs launched in 2024 included rice starch as a talc alternative.
Others: Other uses covered 26,000 metric tons, including pet nutrition, biodegradable films, and biopolymer research. More than 400 academic and commercial research initiatives in 2023–2024 focused on extending the technical applications of rice starch in non-food sectors.

Rice Starch Market Regional Outlook

North America

consumed over 112,000 metric tons of rice starch in 2024, with the United States accounting for 84,000 metric tons. Key applications included food processing (59,000 metric tons), pharmaceuticals (18,000 metric tons), and cosmetics (7,000 metric tons). Over 460 food manufacturers in North America incorporated rice starch, particularly in plant-based and organic products.

Europe

utilized approximately 198,000 metric tons in 2024. Germany, France, and the Netherlands accounted for 64% of consumption. Over 120 pharmaceutical manufacturers in the region used rice starch in oral and topical formulations. Clean-label demand led to 87,000 metric tons used in allergen-free and infant nutrition products. Cosmetic firms used an additional 21,000 metric tons in talc-free formulations.

Asia-Pacific

led in both production and domestic consumption, producing over 420,000 metric tons and consuming 311,000 metric tons in 2024. Thailand, Vietnam, and China contributed 82% of the region’s output. Thailand alone exported 97,000 metric tons and consumed 88,000 metric tons domestically. India saw rapid adoption, especially in nutraceuticals and Ayurvedic applications.

Middle East & Africa

The consumed around 53,000 metric tons in 2024. The UAE and Saudi Arabia accounted for 41% of regional usage. Food and pharmaceutical imports containing rice starch grew by 12% in the region. South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria collectively imported over 14,000 metric tons for industrial and dietary application

List of Top Rice Starch Companies

BENEO
Ingredion
Bangkok starch
Thai Flour
AGRANA
WFM Wholesome Foods
Golden Agriculture
Anhui Lianhe
Anhui Le Huan Tian Biotechnology

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

BENEO: Held the largest market share in 2024, producing over 85,000 metric tons of food-grade rice starch through facilities in Belgium and Germany. The company supplied over 62 countries and partnered with more than 340 food companies globally.

Bangkok Starch: Ranked second with production exceeding 72,000 metric tons. Based in Thailand, it accounted for 39% of the region’s exports and provided rice starch to over 80 multinational food and pharmaceutical companies.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment activity in the rice starch market accelerated during 2023–2024, driven by increased demand for allergen-free ingredients, bio-based materials, and clean-label food formulations. Globally, more than 32 rice starch processing plants underwent capacity expansion or technological upgrades. These initiatives collectively added over 168,000 metric tons of production capacity across 14 countries.

In Thailand, the government allocated support to four starch processors for technology modernization, enabling an additional 42,000 metric tons of rice starch output in 2024. These plants adopted low-energy vacuum drying and multi-stage filtration, improving starch purity levels to above 98%. In Vietnam, over $72 million equivalent was invested across five processing hubs, which now supply over 110 global clients in food and pharma sectors.

Europe saw strategic expansion in processing facilities. Germany’s largest rice starch plant increased production by 14,000 metric tons in 2024, backed by a joint venture between a leading starch supplier and a nutraceutical manufacturer. France and the Netherlands collectively received more than €18 million in innovation grants for the development of native and modified rice starch tailored for infant nutrition and clean-label bakery items.

North America also recorded strong investment activity. Two facilities in the U.S. Midwest added a combined capacity of 23,000 metric tons in 2024, focused primarily on food-grade starches for vegan and ketogenic food products. One California-based company commissioned a new laboratory to study pharmaceutical-grade rice starch, collaborating with 17 academic institutions.

Opportunities are also emerging in biodegradable materials. Over 120 start-ups and R&D institutes across Asia and Europe initiated pilot projects for rice starch-based bioplastics. A Southeast Asian consortium launched an industrial compostable packaging line using rice starch polymers, which replaced over 420 metric tons of conventional plastics in its first year of production.

Additionally, private equity and agritech funds showed increasing interest. More than $250 million in capital was deployed across six major rice starch companies to support infrastructure expansion, cold chain integration, and logistics for cross-border exports. With demand rising for organic and non-GMO variants, over 18,000 metric tons of rice starch were produced under certified organic conditions in 2024 highlighting another high-growth investment opportunity.

New Product Development

New product development in the rice starch market grew significantly in 2023–2024, with over 1,100 new formulations launched globally in food, pharma, and personal care industries. These innovations addressed consumer demand for natural textures, improved bioavailability, and sustainable sourcing.

In the food industry, over 460 new bakery and dairy products were introduced using rice starch as a stabilizer or thickening agent. A U.K. bakery chain launched a gluten-free bread line using 12% rice starch in its flour blend, improving moisture retention by 22% over traditional gluten-free recipes. In the U.S., a plant-based yogurt brand included 4.5% rice starch to create a creamy texture without synthetic emulsifiers.

In infant nutrition, over 65 new baby foods containing rice starch were launched in 2024, driven by pediatricians' preference for hypoallergenic, fine-grain starches. These included organic rice starch-based cereals, fruit purées, and thickened beverages, sold across 39 countries under strict EU and U.S. FDA guidelines.

Pharmaceutical advancements included over 130 newly formulated tablets, lozenges, and oral suspensions using rice starch. A European pharmaceutical company developed a rice starch-based immediate-release tablet for cardiovascular therapy, which showed 19% faster disintegration compared to maize starch-based alternatives.

Personal care brands released over 320 new SKUs using rice starch, particularly in natural cosmetics. A global cosmetics company launched a new baby care line featuring rice starch as the primary absorbent in its diaper rash powders and wipes. Another major skin-care brand released an exfoliating mask containing ultra-fine rice starch, achieving 9.3% higher user satisfaction in independent clinical trials.

In bioplastics, over 40 new formulations were developed using rice starch blends for disposable utensils and packaging films. These materials demonstrated tensile strength comparable to PLA composites and achieved 80% biodegradation within 90 days under industrial composting conditions.

Across all sectors, custom rice starch derivatives were introduced, including modified cold-water-soluble rice starch and enzymatically treated rice starch for enhanced digestibility. Over 90 manufacturers globally now offer customized starch solutions, enabling tailored viscosity, solubility, and granule size for specific applications. These developments underscore rice starch's versatility and strategic role in product innovation pipelines.

Five Recent Developments

Expanded its Belgium plant, adding 20,000 metric tons of annual capacity and installing a new enzymatic treatment line for pharmaceutical-grade rice starch.
Launched a certified organic rice starch line for infant food in early 2024, producing over 8,700 metric tons in its first year of commercial operation.
Introduced a modified cold-swelling rice starch in 2023 used in instant beverages and heat-sensitive dessert mixes, adopted by over 70 food brands.
Opened a new application center in Austria for rice starch innovation, collaborating with over 40 food and cosmetic clients on new product formulations.
Launched a rice starch-based packaging film pilot project, distributing over 3 million biodegradable wrappers for regional retail chains across China.

Report Coverage of Rice Starch Market

This report provides a detailed overview of the rice starch market, analyzing production volumes, demand segments, innovation activity, and regional dynamics across all major continents. The report covers over 65 countries and includes insights from more than 300 manufacturers, processors, and buyers.

It segments the market by type (food-grade and industry-grade) and by application (food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, others). In 2024, global production exceeded 640,000 metric tons, with food-grade starch accounting for more than 76% of total volume. The report quantifies application-wise consumption across end-user industries, including data from 2,800 food manufacturers, 270 pharmaceutical companies, and over 600 cosmetic firms.

Regional coverage spans North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. Thailand led global production, contributing over 185,000 metric tons. Europe led in pharmaceutical usage, consuming over 51,000 metric tons across excipients and tablet formulations. North America and Asia-Pacific together represented more than 70% of cosmetic industry demand.

The competitive landscape is analyzed in depth, profiling the top 20 producers, including BENEO, Bangkok Starch, Thai Flour, and AGRANA. Market share, processing capacity, and export volumes are detailed for the top contributors, with benchmarks on ink quality, granule size, and clean-label certifications.

This report includes analysis of more than 140 recent investment initiatives and over 1,100 product innovations launched between 2023 and 2024. It also explores technological trends in cold-swelling starches, enzymatic processing, and biodegradable rice starch polymers. Key regulatory updates in organic certification, GRAS status, and EU allergen labeling are integrated throughout.

Offering granular data across types, uses, geographies, and suppliers, this report is an essential tool for stakeholders evaluating expansion strategies, product development, and procurement planning in the global rice starch ecosystem.