Clean Label Emulsifiers Market

Clean Label Emulsifiers Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The global clean-label emulsifiers market is estimated to be USD 889.2 million in 2025. Based on Fact.MR study, the industry size is estimated to grow at 7.7% CAGR and reach a value of USD 1.9 billion by the year 2035. The demand is being vigorously supported by the interest of consumers toward natural and clear ingredients as well as the uptrend in processed foods, drinks, and cosmetic products going down the clean-label route.

In recent years, consumers have become increasingly health-conscious, leading food companies to shift away from artificial additives. The trend is strongest in bakery, dairy, and confectionery applications, where clean-label emulsifiers like lecithin and naturally sourced mono- and diglycerides are gaining ground strongly. Their ability to improve texture, extend shelf life, and maintain product integrity without sacrificing clean-label considerations is a key growth driver.

Growing demand for veganism and plant-based alternatives again drives industry trends. Natural emulsifiers derived from sunflower, soy, and other botanicals are in increasing demand, meeting both clean-label and sustainability objectives. Mounting regulatory pressure against synthetic additives and growing consumer awareness of label transparency among millennial and Gen Z consumers also drive the industry.

Formulation and extraction technology advances will drive greater product effectiveness and enable wider use across food categories such as beverages and frozen desserts. Product formulation, particularly in functional blends and customized formulations, is also driving greater usage among food makers seeking to address changing consumer needs.

While clean-label product innovation continues to be driven by North America and Europe, Asia-Pacific is becoming a region of high growth with greater disposable incomes, urbanization, and greater awareness of food quality. Regional expansion, cost-reduction formulation strategies, and regulatory compliance will be the areas where the players will channel their efforts in order to release long-term advantages across various bases of consumers.

Market Metrics

Metrics	Values
Estimated Global Size in 2025	USD 889.2 million
Projected Global Size in 2035	USD 1.9 billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	7.7%

Fact.MR Survey Results: Industry Dynamics Based on Stakeholder Perspectives

Key Priorities of Stakeholders

Regulatory Acceptance & Natural Origin Certification:

• 77% of manufacturers reported that securing certifications for natural and organic emulsifiers is critical to meeting retailer and consumer standards.

Functional Performance in Processed Foods:

• 71% of respondents emphasized maintaining emulsification efficiency in reformulated clean-label products as a key R&D priority.

Price Competitiveness vs. Natural Integrity:

• 66% of stakeholders highlighted the challenge of balancing natural ingredient costs with industry price expectations.

Regional Variance:

• North America: 73% of food companies emphasized texture consistency in plant-based dairy applications.
• Europe: 79% of stakeholders focused on compliance with stringent EFSA regulations for natural additives.
• Asia-Pacific: 68% prioritized affordable clean-label solutions suitable for mass-market distribution.

Adoption of Advanced Technologies

Clean Extraction Processes:

• North America: 61% adopted enzymatic extraction to improve the yield and purity of plant-based emulsifiers.
• Europe: 54% implemented cold-processing techniques to retain ingredient integrity.
• Asia-Pacific: 36% invested in mechanical separation technologies for scalable production.

Sustainability and Functional Efficiency:

• 74% of global respondents cited dual-priority R&D efforts focusing on both carbon footprint reduction and functional optimization of emulsifiers in multiple food matrices.

Supply Chain & Infrastructure Challenges

Consensus:

• 70% of stakeholders identified limited availability of high-purity natural feedstocks as a constraint in scaling clean-label emulsifier supply chains.

Regional Variance:

• Europe: 61% reported delays due to complex cross-border compliance checks.
• Asia-Pacific: 69% faced gaps in cold-chain infrastructure affecting emulsifier shelf stability.
• North America: 67% noted difficulty in sourcing non-GMO certified ingredients at volume.

Future Investment Priorities

Alignment:

• 72% of stakeholders plan to increase investments in botanical R&D and green processing technologies to enhance sustainability and performance.

Divergence:

• North America: 64% focused on expanding bakery-specific clean-label emulsifier lines.
• Europe: 60% emphasized development of multifunctional blends for dairy and dessert applications.
• Asia-Pacific: 58% prioritized cost-optimized plant-based emulsifiers for mid-tier industries.

Impact of Government Regulation

Country	Regulations & Impact
U.S.	Increased FDA scrutiny on artificial additives is accelerating clean-label transitions in processed food sectors.
European Union	Strict EFSA ingredient approval processes are driving higher demand for certified natural emulsifiers.
China	Regulatory focus on food safety is prompting large-scale adoption of clean-label practices among domestic producers.
Japan	Harmonized food labeling reforms are encouraging innovation in natural emulsifier sourcing.
South Korea	Recent food code amendments now incentivize use of natural functional ingredients in packaged foods.
India	FSSAI mandates on clean labeling and consumer awareness campaigns are expanding industry adoption.
U.K.	Post-Brexit regulatory alignment is fostering transparent ingredient disclosure, favoring clean-label emulsifiers.

Market Analysis

The clean label emulsifiers market is gaining traction on the back of rising health consciousness and demand for transparency in ingredients. Brands that focus on natural sourcing and functional performance stand to benefit most, while producers relying on synthetic additives risk regulatory and consumer backlash.

Top 3 Strategic Imperatives for Stakeholders

Expand Regulatory and Compliance Readiness

Stakeholders should align with regional regulatory bodies early on to ensure faster certification of clean-label emulsifiers. Proactive compliance will unlock access to high-margin, health-conscious consumer segments.

Leverage Sustainable Processing for Differentiation

Investing in cold extraction, enzymatic processing, and minimal-impact technologies will help differentiate products while addressing environmental concerns.

Broaden Application Scope Across Food Segments

Developing emulsifiers tailored for specific applications, such as plant-based dairy, frozen desserts, and organic baked goods, will enhance commercial appeal and long-term scalability.

Top 3 Risks Stakeholders Should Monitor

Risk	Probability & Impact
Supply shortages of certified natural feedstocks	High probability, High impact
Regulatory delays in new industry entry	Medium probability, High impact
Rising input costs are affecting price competitiveness	High probability, Medium impact

Executive Watchlist

Priority	Immediate Action
Ingredient Sourcing	Build resilient supply chains for high-purity plant extracts
Regulatory Alignment	Fast-track EFSA/FDA certifications for new blends
Innovation Pipeline	Expand R&D in multifunctional and application-specific emulsifiers

For the Boardroom

To stay ahead, companies must accelerate innovation in plant-derived emulsifiers, improve regulatory readiness across target regions, and deepen investments in sustainable extraction processes. Fact.MR analysis indicates that the next growth leap will be driven by advancements in cold-pressed and enzymatic emulsifier technologies, aligning with the evolving expectations of clean-label consumers.

Brands that scale vertically, from sourcing to formulation, while reducing carbon footprint and ensuring labeling transparency, will hold a significant competitive advantage. Strategic partnerships with ethical ingredient suppliers and co-development of functional emulsifiers tailored for emerging industries will define leadership in this evolving space.

Shifts in the Market from 2020 to 2024 and Future Trends 2025 to 2035

This significant growth can be attributed to the increasing demand from consumers for healthier and minimally processed options from 2020 to 2024 in the clean-label emulsifiers market. This was driven in part by a trend toward healthier eating, particularly among the general population in the food and beverage industry.

In response to consumer demand for increased transparency, food manufacturers began reformulating their products to be both clean labels and emulsifiers that lent themselves to use in these products and were devoid of artificial additives. This decade also saw more emphasis on plant-based ingredients as plant-based diets started to take off in larger numbers.

The ups and downs of the clean label emulsifiers market from 2025 to 2035 will not remain up to the mark. New technologies in the industry will play an important role in the development of formulations that meet both clean label and functional needs.

From clean labeling to addressing specific dietary needs like vegan, gluten-free, and keto. There will be a growing focus on sustainability; emulsifiers are increasingly being sourced in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. Also, more stringent regulatory frameworks will be increasingly directing the industry toward cleaner, more transparent solutions.

Comparative Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)

2020 to 2024	2025 to 2035
Consumer demand for natural, clean ingredients is fueling growth.	Growth from innovation, sustainability, and increasing demand for diet-specific products.
Health-conscious consumers, demand for plant-based products, and pressures for transparency by regulators.	Sustainability issues, growth in plant-based and health diets, and technological developments in emulsifier technology.
Development of clean label emulsifiers of plant-based origin.	Technological advancements in emulsifier formulation technologies, including bio-based and functional alternatives.
Expansion in Europe and North America, with future growth in the Asia-Pacific region.	Continued growth in the emerging economies, particularly the Asia-Pacific region, Latin America, and Africa.
Early regulatory impetus toward clean labeling and transparency.	More stringent regulations for sustainability and transparency, fueling demand for environmentally friendly emulsifiers.
Launch of clean label emulsifiers, with a focus on natural ingredients.	Creation of functional emulsifiers for specific dietary requirements and better environmental impact.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Product Type

In the coming period of the clean label emulsifiers market in 2025, at least 69% is to be contributed by the plant-based segment. Animal-based emulsifiers occupy the other portions, accounting for 31% of the total industry share.

The increasing popularity of plant-based emulsifiers is associated with the key factors driving the demand for vegan, sustainable, and clean-label products in food and beverages. Along with these trends, heightened awareness among people about the health and wellness aspects is further causing the increased valuation of plant-based emulsifiers as natural-origin products with less Processing.

Common emulsifying materials being used in dairy, bakery, and confectionery applications include soy lecithin, sunflower lecithin, and pectin. Hence, companies such as DuPont, Ingredion, and Cargill have been stressing the development of plant-based emulsifiers.

DuPont offers plant-based emulsifiers through its Danisco line, which are widely used in clean-label products. It recently established its clean label portfolio to expand product offerings by incorporating VIVAPUR, a plant-based emulsifier.

On the other hand, the animal-based emulsifiers sector is relatively small, yet a significant player in this industry. Traditionally, egg yolk lecithin and mono- and diglycerides derived from animal fat were used in different food applications because of their emulsifying and stabilizing properties.

As dietary considerations and ethical aspects have gained prominence among consumers, with an increased preference for plant-based products, this segment has expanded. It is worth noting, however, that animal-based emulsifiers still have limited applications in areas where plant alternatives are not readily available or have low cultural acceptance regarding their use.

Kerry Group, Puratos, and ADM are just a few of the companies that continue to offer both animal-based and plant-based emulsifiers, adapting to the industry's demand and preferences.

By Use Case

The clean label emulsifiers market is expected to experience significant demand across various use cases by 2025, primarily in the oils and fats sector. Derivative Processing takes the major share of 27.6%, and the second place will be represented by the Baking section, which is expected to hold 21.3% of the industry share.

The oils & fats derivative processing segment is expected to be at the forefront due to the growing demand for clean-label emulsifiers for all oils and fats derivative production. As consumer demand for clarity increases, manufacturers in this segment are turning to plant-derived emulsifiers that align with clean label trends.

These emulsifiers stabilize a wide variety of oil-based products, including salad dressings, margarine, and sauces, while optimizing texture and shelf life. Cargill, BASF, Corbion, etc., are some of the most prominent manufacturers of plant-based emulsifiers for oil and fat derivative Processing.

For example, Cargill's emulsifier from sunflower and canola oil is being increasingly applied in margarine and spreads to enable less use of artificial additives in products without compromising stability.

The baking segment, projected to account for 21.3%, represents one of the major applications for emulsifiers. In the baking industry, emulsifiers are used to change dough consistency, increase volume, and affect texture. With the growing trend toward clean-label products, bakeries and manufacturers are tapping into natural emulsifiers to meet consumer demand.

Common additives in bread, cakes, and cookies include lecithin, primarily sourced from soy and sunflower, to enhance shelf life and texture without synthetic additives. Companies with major interests in baking emulsifiers are Kerry Group, Ingredion, and ADM. For its part, the Kerry Group offers clean-label emulsifiers for bakery products, helping manufacturers meet the growing demand for simple and natural ingredients.

Country-wise analysis

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
U.S.	6.4%
U.K.	5.8%
France	5.5%
Germany	5.9%
Italy	5.3%
South Korea	6.1%
Japan	5.4%
China	7%
Australia-NZ	5.6%

U.S.

The U.S. industry will increase at 6.4% CAGR during the forecast period. Growth in this industry is attributed to rising consumer awareness of food ingredients and the rising demand for food labeling transparency. The clean label emulsifiers market is backed by strong regulations and a mature food processing industry that is rapidly adopting clean-label trends.

Heavy R&D spending for plants and natural emulsifier replacements has fueled innovation. Moreover, industry leaders are adopting new formulation techniques to substitute synthetic emulsifiers with nature-based sources without compromising product texture or stability. Healthy consumer growth and the expansion of organic and natural food product lines further boost demand for clean-label emulsifiers.

Vegan and plant-based product expansion is a main driver, and this leads to increasing use of ingredients such as lecithin, natural source mono- and diglycerides, and guar gum. Bakery, dairy, and convenience food are the top consumers of clean-label emulsifiers.

Strategic collaborations between food processors and ingredient manufacturers are also fueling industry growth. With rising interest in minimally processed food, the U.S. clean label emulsifiers market will be able to support firm growth during the forecasting period.

U.K.

 The U.K. industry will expand at 5.8% CAGR over the period under research. Industry expansion is supported by greater consumer attention towards food ingredients and strong growth momentum for natural and sustainable food production. The U.K. has been witnessing increasing demand for food products that are perceived as healthier and without the presence of artificial additives, prompting food manufacturers to reformulate foods with clean-label emulsifiers.

Labeling rules and regulatory guidance are compelling the shift towards established and plant-based emulsifiers. Food and beverage firms in the U.K. are emphasizing transparency and traceability in the sourcing of emulsifying agents, which increases consumer trust and motivates industry growth.

Demand is particularly strong in bakeries, snacks, and dairy, where clean label attributes are particularly associated with premium quality. Furthermore, the clean label emulsifiers market is seeing significant innovation in emulsifier blends that meet functionality requirements while complying with clean label positioning.

Trends in product premiumization and increased demand for vegan and organic products are other driving forces for growth. With the mature retail scene and growing health awareness, the U.K. clean label emulsifiers market is poised for solid and consistent growth during the forecasting period.

France

The industry in France will increase at a 5.5% CAGR during the study period. A strong cultural focus on quality food and natural ingredients aids growth in France. French consumers traditionally have been attracted to simple, clean, and familiar ingredients, and the clean label emulsifiers market is thus positioned well for clean-label emulsifiers.

That trend is replicated by food makers reformulating convenience food products for clean label criteria, particularly within bakeries and confectionery. The demand for organic offerings, along with government programs for reducing chemical food additives, similarly fuels the demand for natural emulsifiers.

Consumer trust in conventionally processed and artisanal food fuels the adoption of naturally occurring emulsifiers like lecithin and mono- and diglycerides from other vegetable oils like sunflower. Furthermore, France's long-standing gastronomic tradition and focus on food safety and ingredient transparency fuel the industry-wide movement toward clean labeling strategies.

The growing interest in nutrition, wellness, and sustainable food production is also expected to keep driving the clean label emulsifiers market's growth.

Germany

 Germany's industry will expand at 5.9% CAGR during the period of the study. Germany led Europe's clean label movement with high consumer demand for natural food ingredients and a highly developed industry for organic products. Region formulators are charging forward to reformulate food and beverage products to remove synthetic additives, both for regulatory necessity and to address shifting consumer attitudes.

New food processing technologies drive industry growth and increase R&D work that allows for the substitution of clean-label emulsifiers with product performance compromises. Innovative categories such as bakery, dairy, and plant-based alternatives are leaders in using natural emulsifiers.

Increasingly, food companies are highlighting clean label claims as a means to differentiate in crowded retail channels. German consumers' willingness to pay a premium for genuineness and transparency in foods propel the bulk of industry momentum. Demand for ingredients cleanly labeled and ethically sourced also propels the sustainability agenda, further fueling the growth trend of the clean label emulsifiers market through 2035.

Italy

 The Italian industry will grow at 5.3% CAGR during the forecast period. Clean eating has gained popularity in Italy, which prompts food manufacturers to concentrate on the reformulation of products with ingredients that match consumers' demand for natural and uncomplicated ingredients. The country's abundant food culture and widespread popularity of minimally processed foods drive demand for clean-label emulsifiers in bakeries, pasta, and dairy.

Food manufacturers are turning to plant-based alternatives as substitutes for synthetic emulsifiers, offering stability and clean label claims. There is an increasing focus on heritage recipes with ingredient clarity, which drives growth in artisanal and specialty food industries.

Furthermore, Italian consumers are increasingly informed about ingredient lists and nutrition, compelling brands to embrace transparent labeling and eliminate artificial ingredients. The growth of health-focused product lines, as well as support for organic and sustainable farming, positions Italy for future growth in the clean label emulsifiers market. The increasing influence of the Mediterranean diet and wellness will continue to drive the industry in the next decade.

South Korea

 The South Korean industry will register a 6.1% CAGR during the forecast period. Increased health consciousness and booming interest in natural food ingredients propel growth in South Korea's clean label emulsifiers market. Increasing ingredient literacy among consumers in Korea finds consumers loathing artificial additives, prompting manufacturers to invest in cleaner labels. The cultural significance of healthy nutrition and functional food fuels the inclusion of plant-based emulsifiers into traditional and alternative food products.

Major players in the processed food industry are getting in line with global clean label trends, with a focus on clean sourcing of ingredients and transparency. The bakery, confectionery, and ready-to-eat segments are experiencing high reformulation levels to meet consumer needs. In addition, the role of the government in food safety and nutrition contributes to the popularity of naturally derived emulsifiers.

Consumer interest in simple and utilitarian ingredient labeling, coupled with rapid urbanization and new retail expansion, enhances product visibility and accessibility. South Korea's strong innovation culture and growing vegan consumer base also support long-term category growth.

Japan

 The Japan industry is projected to record a 5.4% CAGR during the forecast period. Japan's clean label trend is ever evolving, driven by increased awareness regarding food safety and ingredient simplicity. Food quality and health-conscious Japanese consumers are increasingly opting for products that minimize chemical additives. This trend is most prominent in categories such as bakeries, dairy, and traditional convenience foods.

Food manufacturers are looking to clean label emulsifiers to satisfy consumer expectations for transparency and minimal processing simplicity. Technological innovation and product texture and flavor issues enable efficient reformulation without compromising quality. Japan's aging population also supports the trend, as health and well-being are top purchase priorities.

The regulatory environment and social interest in food purity also push producers towards clean label reformulation. Although the shift in the clean label emulsifiers market is gradual, its underpinnings within cultural food selection for natural foods offer a consistent path for growth throughout the forecast period.

China

The China industry is expected to advance at 7% CAGR during the study period. China ranks among the fastest-growing industries for clean-label emulsifiers, with China driven by urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing middle class that is becoming increasingly health-conscious.

There has been increased demand for natural, safe, and transparent food ingredients, which has gained speed, especially in major cities, as eating patterns have shifted towards Westernized, processed, and convenient food formats.

It encourages reformulation with natural emulsifiers to meet the demand for clean labels and enhance the attractiveness of products. Increased international food trend visibility and greater focus on food safety have enhanced the demand for clean and functional ingredients.

Government policy support for the food safety revolution, as well as the expansion of modern retail channels, enable wider adoption of clean-label products. The bakery, dairy, and plant-based drinks segments will notably be key drivers of industry growth. With consumer and regulatory influence converging, China has a high-growth potential in the clean label emulsifiers market.

Australia-New Zealand

The Australia-New Zealand industry will develop at 5.6% CAGR during the period of study. Both Australia and New Zealand have well-developed agricultural industries and high levels of consumer awareness related to food ingredients and nutrition. Growth in clean labels is still surging through packaged food and beverage segments with increased health awareness and requirements for sustainable and ethical sourcing.

Food manufacturers in both countries are focusing on ingredient transparency and simplicity, which is favorable to the application of natural emulsifiers such as lecithin and enzyme-modified variants. Clean label positioning is especially robust in dairy, bakery, and snack foods.

Moreover, the organic and vegan product segments are growing very rapidly, presenting new challenges for innovation in emulsifiers. There are stringent labeling regulations in Australia and New Zealand regulatory authorities that further assist the clean label movement. Having an educated customer and a deep wellness concern, the region provides favorable conditions for long-term industry growth.

Competitive Outlook

The clean label emulsifiers market has continued to change as key players adapt to consumer's shifting interests toward transparency, plant-based formulations and sustainability. ADM, DuPont (IFF), and Ingredion have been growing their portfolios of natural emulsifiers through acquisition and proprietary technology platforms.

In 2024, ADM introduced the clean label lecithin solutions derived from non-GMO sunflower and soy. DuPont was expanding its portfolio of hydrocolloids and plant-based stabilizers via global collaborations while operating under the IFF name due to the merger.

While Kerry Group has furthered its position through investment in enzyme-based emulsifier systems, Ingredion has made strides in pulse protein emulsifiers targeting dairy as well as beverage applications. BASF Nutrition and Evonik Industries are working on functional lipid innovations that align with clean-label trends.

Palsgaard, Fiberstar, and Nexira are among the smaller players with increasing activity, especially with fruit fiber and gum-based emulsifiers backed by EU-funded research and an expansion of production in the region. An uptick in innovation partnerships between ingredient houses and packaged food manufacturers is setting the stage for a new wave of launching clean emulsifiers in the categories of baked goods, sauces, and beverages.

Market Share Analysis by Company

Company Name	Market Share (%)
ADM	14-18%
DuPont (Nutrition & Biosciences)	12-16%
Ingredion	10-14%
Kerry	9-12%
BASF Nutrition	7-10%
Other Players	35-42%

Key Company Offerings and Activities

Company Name	Offerings & Activities
ADM	Introduced new lecithins (non-GMO soy, sunflower), expanding clean label capacity in North America.
DuPont (IFF)	Expanded hydrocolloids & emulsifiers portfolio post-IFF merger investing in regional formulation labs.
Ingredion	Developed pea and chickpea-based emulsifiers integrated clean label starch systems.
Kerry	Acquired clean-label emulsifier startups as well as expanded enzyme-emulsifier tech.
BASF Nutrition	Focused on plant-derived lipid emulsifiers with clean certifications.

Key Company Insights

ADM (14-18%)

A leader in plant-based emulsifiers, ADM has reinforced its dominance with sunflower lecithin expansions and strategic partnerships across the bakery and dairy sectors.

DuPont (12-16%)

Now, under IFF, the company is leveraging its global network to scale clean emulsifiers with a focus on hydrocolloids and biopolymers for food-grade applications.

Ingredion (10-14%)

Ingredion is driving innovation in pulse-based emulsifiers and starch solutions, catering to clean label demands across North America and Europe.

Kerry (9-12%)

Kerry’s clean label portfolio is strengthened by enzyme-enhanced emulsifiers and M&A activity targeting natural stabilizer companies.

BASF Nutrition (7-10%)

BASF focuses on lipid-derived emulsifiers as well as sustainability-backed sourcing, targeting high-performance, clean-label solutions.

Key Market Players

• ADM
• DuPont (Nutrition & Biosciences)
• Dow Chemicals Company
• Kerry
• Ingredion
• Evonik Industries
• BASF Nutrition
• Musim Mas
• CP Kelco
• Nexira
• Kewpie
• Rousselot
• Fiberstar, Inc.
• Lactalis
• Gelita
• Palsgaard

Segmentation

• By Product Type :

  • Plant-based:
    • Native Starch
    • Guar Gum
    • Acacia Gum
    • Xanthan Gum
    • Carrageenan
    • Agar Agar
    • Pectin
    • Chickpea Protein
    • Pea Protein
    • Soy Lecithin
    • Others
  • Animal-based:
    • Whey Protein
    • Gelatin
    • Egg Yolk Lecithin
    • Others

• By Use Case :

  • Making Confections
  • Baking
  • Dairy Processing
  • Oils & Fats Derivative Processing:
    • Margarines
    • Mayonnaise
    • Dressing
    • Ketchup & Sauces
    • Spreads
  • Meat Product Processing
  • Cosmetic Production

• By Sales Channel :

  • B2B
  • B2C:
    • Offline
    • Online

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & ASEAN
  • Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa