Emulsifiers, Stabilizers and Thickeners (ESTs) Market Size - By Product Type, Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Emulsifiers, Stabilizers and Thickeners Market Size

The global emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners market size was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to expand to over 5.3% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. The market serves the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries by providing essential additives that enhance product functionality. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2022 data, approximately 75% of processed foods contain emulsifiers or stabilizers. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reported in 2023 that natural emulsifiers account for 42% of the total EST consumption in the EU region.
 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics from 2022 indicate that the clean-label food segment, which includes natural ESTs, grew by 8.7% compared to the previous year. The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care documented in 2021 that 63% of pharmaceutical formulations utilize stabilizers or thickeners. These additives find extensive applications in dairy products, baked goods, beverages, personal care items, and pharmaceutical formulations, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noting in 2023 that dairy products account for 35% of total EST usage in food applications.
 

Emulsifiers, Stabilizers, and Thickeners Market Trends

Key trends in the emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners (ESTs) industry include the increasing demand for natural and clean-label ingredients, driven by consumer health consciousness. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 2023 data, clean-label products saw a 12% increase in market presence compared to 2021. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reported in 2022 that plant-based ESTs applications increased by 28% across the EU region. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) documented that sustainable ingredient sourcing in food processing grew by 15% in 2022.
 

The FDA's 2023 Food Industry Report indicated a 23% rise in EST applications within processed foods since 2021, while the European Commission's market analysis showed a 17% growth in EST usage in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals during 2022. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) research data from 2023 revealed that multi-functional ESTs improved product shelf life by an average of 35% compared to traditional stabilizers.
 

Emulsifiers, Stabilizers, and Thickeners Market Analysis

The emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners (ESTs) industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing demand across the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. The food sector, particularly processed, convenience, and plant-based products, is a major contributor to this market. Consumers' preference for natural, clean-label, and organic ingredients has led to a shift towards plant-based ESTs.
 

In cosmetics, ESTs are essential for product consistency and stability, boosting demand. The market is also benefiting from technological advancements, enabling the creation of more efficient, multifunctional products. Geographically, Asia-Pacific and North America are key growth regions due to expanding processed food industries and rising consumer awareness.
 

The emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners market from agar agar segment held over USD 1.1 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of over 5.4% during the forecast period, due to its natural, plant-based origin and versatile functionality. Sourced from red algae, agar-agar is widely used in the food industry as a gelling agent, especially in vegan and plant-based products, making it a key ingredient for clean-label formulations.
 

Its popularity in dairy alternatives, confectionery, and bakery products is expanding, driven by the demand for healthier, organic, and non-animal-based ingredients. Agar-agar is also utilized in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors for its stabilizing properties, further enhancing its market scope and growth potential.
 

The food and beverage segment from emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners market was valued at USD 2.2 billion in 2024 and garner a 5.2% CAGR through 2034, driven by the growing demand for processed, convenience, and ready-to-eat foods. Emulsifiers improve texture and extend shelf life in products like dairy, baked goods, and beverages, while stabilizers and thickeners enhance consistency and prevent separation in sauces, dressings, and frozen desserts.
 

The rise in plant-based and clean-label products has spurred innovation in natural ESTs. Increasing health consciousness and the demand for low-fat, gluten-free, and organic food options are also expanding the segment's application, making it a key driver of overall market growth.
 

The China emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners market size dominated around USD 397.6 million in 2024 and expected to grow at a 5.8% CAGR during 2025 to 2034, led by the expansion of the food and beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors. The increasing demand for processed and convenience foods, along with the rise in plant-based and functional food products, is fueling market growth.
 

The Chinese ESTs market is also influenced by consumer preferences for clean-label and natural ingredients, prompting manufacturers to focus on natural ESTs. Additionally, the government's emphasis on food safety and quality standards is boosting the adoption of advanced food additives. China's role as a leading producer and consumer of processed foods makes it a key market for ESTs.
 

Emulsifiers, Stabilizers, and Thickeners Market Share

Market players in the emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners (ESTs) industry are adopting various strategies to stay competitive. Key strategies include product innovation to meet the demand for natural, clean-label, and plant-based ingredients. Companies are investing in research and development to create multifunctional and sustainable ESTs.
 

Strategic partnerships and acquisitions are common to expand market reach and enhance product portfolios. Geographical expansion, particularly in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific, is another key focus. Additionally, players are improving supply chain efficiency and sourcing eco-friendly, natural raw materials to cater to the growing consumer preference for sustainable and health-conscious products.
 

Emulsifiers, Stabilizers, and Thickeners Market Companies

Major players operating in the emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners industry are:

• Akzo Nobel N.V.
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• BASF SE
• Cargill Incorporated
• Corbion N.V.
• DuPont Nutrition & Health
• Evonik Industries AG
• Kerry Inc.
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• Stepan Company
   

Emulsifiers, Stabilizers, and Thickeners Industry News

• In August 2023, Vantage Food introduced SIMPLY KAKE, an emulsifier created to improve cakes and sweet baked goods. It delivers the advantages of conventional emulsifiers without the complexities associated with enzymes, offering enhanced operational stability and a uniform crumb structure. SIMPLY KAKE complies with clean label requirements and is part of Vantage Food's line of hydrated emulsifiers, which also includes KAKE MATE and PROFORM.
   

This emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners (ESTs) market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Agar Agar
• Carrageen
• Pectin
• Corn starch
• Xanthan gum
• Guar gum
• Arrowroot
• Instant clear gel
• Others

Market, By Application

• Food and beverage
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical
• Cosmetics and personal care
• Others (e.g., industrial applications)

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa