Rice Syrup Market

Rice Syrup Market Outlook (2025 to 2035)

The rice syrup market is expected to grow steadily with a projected industry size of USD 782.2 million in 2025, which is likely to reach around USD 1,200 million by 2035 at a CAGR of about 4.7%. The reason behind this growth is the growing demand for natural sweeteners and clean-label foods.

Among the key drivers of this industry is the growing consumer demand for minimally processed and plant-based alternatives to high-fructose corn syrup and refined sugar. Rice syrup is a sweetener made from brown or white rice, is seen as a vegan and healthier substitute-fueling its uptake in food, beverage, and snack applications.

The clean-label trend is accelerating demand, too. Increasingly, consumers are reading ingredient labels carefully and opting for foods with fewer artificial additives. Rice syrup is natural, gluten-free and its allergen-friendly status as a sweetener is part of the broader trend toward transparency, traceability, and simplicity in food making.

Increased demand for organic and specialty diets-like vegan, macrobiotic, and gluten-free-is also driving industry growth. It is widely utilized in granola bars, baked products, beverages, and infant food, offering a mild taste and desirable texture without significantly changing product color or texture.

However, the industry is not free of some limitation. Compared to traditional sweeteners like sugar or corn syrup, it is relatively expensive. This price sensitivity can limit its application in cost-sensitive industries or in mass industrial food production where price pressures are strong.

Report Metrics	Values
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 782.2 million
Industry Size (2035F)	USD 1,200 million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	4.7%
South Korea Industry Share (2025)	USD 93 million
US Industry Share (2035)	USD 875 million
Key Companies Profiled	ABF Ingredients, Ltd.; Archer-Daniels-Midland Company; Axiom Foods, Inc.; Bharat Glucose Pvt. Ltd.; California Natural Products Inc.; Cargill Incorporated; Ciranda; Gehl Food; Glucorp; GoMacro LLC; Gulshan Polyols Ltd.; Habib Rice Products Ltd.; IFPC; Lundberg Family Farms; Matco Foods Limited; Nature Bio-Foods Ltd; naVitalo; Om Foods Inc.; Shafi Gluco Chem (Pvt) Ltd; Sweet Additions; Windmill Organics Ltd.; Wuhu Deli Foods Co., Ltd.; Wuhu Haoyikuai Food Co., Ltd.

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

Between 2020 and 2024, the rice syrup market witnessed steady growth driven by the rising demand for natural sweeteners in food and beverage applications. As consumers became more health-conscious, it emerged as a preferred alternative to high-fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners.

Brands in the organic and clean-label sectors increasingly incorporated brown rice syrup into energy bars, infant foods, and baked goods. For example, companies like Lundberg Family Farms and Nature’s Path expanded their offerings using organic option to cater to label-sensitive consumers. The push for GMO-free and allergen-friendly products further boosted its adoption.

Looking forward to 2025-2035, the industry is expected to pivot toward innovation in product formulations and functional sweeteners. Manufacturers are likely to develop low-glycemic and fortified variants targeting diabetic-friendly and functional food categories.

The rise of plant-based and vegan product lines will also drive demand, as it fits well within these dietary profiles. Eco-conscious packaging and traceable sourcing will become industry differentiators, especially as sustainability becomes a non-negotiable factor in consumer choices.

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

2020 to 2024	2025 to 2035
Shift from artificial to natural sweeteners, clean-label trend	Demand for low-glycemic, functional, and sustainable sweetener options
Preference for organic and non-GMO sweeteners	Interest in dietary-specific (diabetic, keto, vegan) and fortified sweeteners
Infant foods, granola bars, bakery, dairy alternatives	Functional beverages, diabetic-friendly foods, sports and nutrition supplements
Launching organic brown rice syrup, enhancing label transparency	Innovating fortified syrups, improving traceability and eco-packaging solutions
Initial efforts toward cleaner ingredient sourcing	High focus on carbon-neutral sourcing and recyclable packaging
Limited, mostly focused on refining and filtration	Use of enzymatic processing and precision fermentation to enhance nutritional profiles
Growth in North America and parts of Europe	Expansion into Asia-Pacific and Latin American plant-based and health-focused food industries

Segment-wise Analysis

By Source

The organic rice syrup market is projected to be ruled by brown rice syrup in 2025, with an industry share of 62%, while white rice syrup will cover 38%. Increased consumer preference for natural and plant-based sweetening agents over refined sugar and artificial alternatives is the driving force for the industry, especially the organic and clean-label food segments.

Brown rice syrup is the most preferred product in the segment, accounting for 62% of the industry due to its higher antioxidant content, fiber, and minerals. It is mostly used in protein bars, organic cereal, infant formula, and health-oriented bakery goods. Due to its rich caramel flavor and low fructose levels, it has become popular among health-conscious consumers and anyone who has diabetes and is looking for healthier sweetening options.

North America and Europe are extremely high-demand industries where consumer buying decisions are influenced mainly by clean-label certification and sustainable sourcing. Countries including the U.S.A. and Germany have emerged as major consumers of organic brown rice syrup, which is on the rise in the formulation of other plant-based dairy alternatives and functional foods.

The white rice syrup sector is gathering pace, holding 38% of the industry, as a result of its lighter flavor and smoother texture that suit its use as a high-fructose corn syrup substitute in many processed foods and beverages. Growing applications for this segment include confectionery items, soft drinks, and vegan-friendly baking.

Major suppliers include ADM, California Natural Products, and Habib Rice Products, which support non-GMO, organic-certified production. The Asia-Pacific region, that is, China, Japan, and India, is a stronghold for white rice syrup, where local sweeteners based on rice are regularly and conventionally utilized in food processing.

By Application

The bakery is the most significant application, with a contribution of about 20% to the industry. Rice syrup is used to manufacture many products, including bread, muffins, cookies, granola bars, and various other baked foods, and it exhibits properties such as a natural binding agent, moisture retainer, and sugar alternative.

Brown rice syrup is primarily available for its rich caramel-like taste and low fructose content, such that it acts excellently for diabetics and health-conscious people. This ingredient is found in Nature's Path, Bob's Red Mill, and Lundberg Family Farms brands' organic products, which have become increasingly demanded in gluten-free, vegan, and low-glycemic baked foods. North America and Europe are major industries for this product, which is driven by the growing demand for functional and organic foods.

The other major application is in confectioneries, which account for an 18% share of the total industry. It is used in candy and novelties made with nougat and caramel coatings for the quality of smoothness, shelf life, and mild sweetness.

Manufacturers like Alter Eco, Clif Bar, and Endangered Species Chocolate are, therefore, putting organic rice syrup in their products for the increasingly large base of health-conscious consumers. The rapid growth in this segment is seen in Asia-Pacific and Europe, which are fast adopting natural, plant-based confectionery products.

Country-Wise Analysis (2025 to 2035)

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
U.S.	5.2%
U.K.	4.5%
France	3.9%
Germany	4.1%
Italy	3.6%
South Korea	5.8%
Japan	4.3%
China	6.5%
Australia	4.7%
New Zealand	4.2%

U.S.

The U.S. rice syrup market will grow with a moderate CAGR of 5.2% during 2025-2035. The growth is catalyzed by increased demand for clean-label food ingredients and natural sweeteners across the food and beverage industry. The product is increasingly used in energy bars, baked products as beverages as a substitute for high-fructose corn syrup. Industry growth is also driven by consumer demand for allergen-free, plant-based alternatives.

Leading companies such as Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland Company and Ingredion Incorporated are expanding capacity and spending on research and development to manufacture formulations of higher purity. Development is also helped by food company joint ventures and the use in functional foods, exhibiting a trend towards healthier, low-glycemic-index sweeteners.

U.K.

The U.K. rice syrup market is expected to achieve a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period of 2025-2035. It is being driven by increasing awareness among consumers for health and the high trend for organic and plant-based food consumption. It is being used in bakery and confectionery items as an alternative to processed sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Industry leaders like Tate & Lyle and PureSweet are concentrating on product development and launching organic equivalents to cater to increased consumer interest in ethical sourcing and sustainability. Government support for healthier food reformulation also drives the use of non-refined sugar replacers.

France

France will likely experience a moderate CAGR of 3.9% for the rice syrup market between 2025 and 2035. Growth in organic food products and consumer demand for clean-label ingredients are propelling a steady increase in the industry. Dairy alternative applications spread, and health-benefit drinks are seeing focused growth.

Industry leaders spearheading growth in the industry are companies such as Syral and Roquette Frères, which are aligning their strategy with European food safety directives and positioning development through distribution channels with health-food shops. The continuous evolution of product texture and intensity of sweetness reinforces French industry's triumph in the cosmopolitan food processing business.

Germany

The German rice syrup market is expected to expand at a 4.1% CAGR in 2025-2035. There is heightened consumer interest in reducing the consumption of refined sugar, combined with increased interest in allergen-free and gluten-free foods, underpinning the positive growth trends. The German industry is also supported by the existence of an established organic food industry, where it finds extensive application in baby food, breakfast cereals, and spreads.

These companies, such as AGRANA and Nordzucker, are innovation leaders in the industry, with a focus on enhancing production efficiency and developing syrups with customized sweetness levels. The industry opportunity is still optimistic, with increased partnerships with bakery and dairy manufacturers who plan to reformulate their products using healthier sweeteners.

Italy

Italy's rice syrup market will increase at a CAGR of 3.6% during 2025-2035. Italian culinary culture is gradually shifting in the direction of higher demand for plant-based foods and healthy food, paving the way for the industry in desserts, gelato, and natural snacks. Consumers' appetite for natural sweeteners is driving purchases as well as reformulation throughout foods.

Major industry participants such as Cooperativa Agricola, Gino Girolomoni, and Alce Nero are actively working to promote organic substitutes. The companies are combining product development with environmental sustainability trends and boosting industry visibility through increased distribution to health food stores and specialty food outlets.

South Korea

South Korean rice syrup market is forecasted to witness a robust 5.8% CAGR between 2025 and 2035. Historical understanding of sweetener usage of rice origin provides massive assistance towards industry size growth, especially in newer applications of food processing and beverage manufacturing. Rising interest in clean-label and reduced-calorie solutions has encouraged greater use in processed food, baby food, and functional beverages.

Industry leaders such as CJ CheilJedang and Daesang Corporation are increasing production scalability and conducting testing on combined sweetener blends to optimize flavor and nutrition. Demand is also sustained by building consumers' demand for locally grown, minimally processed sweeteners that generate demand through demographics.

Japan

Japan is likely to achieve a CAGR of 4.3% in the rice syrup market during the period 2025-2035. Demand for traditional and natural sweeteners, especially rice-based ones, continues to be one of the key drivers. The application in conventional sweets, processed foods, and meal replacement drinks is increasing, as are broader health trends.

Companies such as Marukome Co., Ltd. and Mizkan Holdings are investing in better product transparency and expanding their organic and additive-free syrup lines. Demography-led dietary trends and functional food innovation are propelling increased industry penetration in domestic and export-oriented food industries.

China

China will lead the rice syrup market with a strong CAGR of 6.5% during the period 2025-2035. Urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and dietary change are driving demand for natural sweeteners via a variety of processed foods. Infant food, sweets, and ready-to-eat meal foods are growing rapidly.

Large operators such as Shandong Tianmei and Lujian Biological are increasing capacities and employing advanced enzymatic hydrolysis technology to produce high-purity syrup. Government support in food safety and nutrition, as well as rice syrup-based product export promotion, is set to cement China's leadership in regional and global industries.

Australia

The Australian Bureau of Statistics forecasts the Australian rice syrup market to expand by 4.7% between 2025 and 2035. The major drivers are rising awareness of health towards diet disorders and the resulting trend towards sugar alternatives. Another sector that is witnessing increasing demand is for breakfast cereals, protein bars, and health snacks with plant-based and allergen-free foodstuffs.

Domestic producers like Ricegrowers Limited (SunRice) are spending on R&D and propelling product traceability and sustainability. Imports are also filling gaps in local demand, particularly organic and gluten-free forms. Confidence among consumers about clean-label food is driving growth in the industry and drawing in new players with healthy formulations.

New Zealand

New Zealand will account for a CAGR of 4.2% in the rice syrup market between 2025 and 2035. The growth is largely due to the increased adoption of plant-based culture and the ballooning effect of health and wellness trends on the diet of food and beverage consumers. The industry is being adopted more as a healthy sweetener in kids' snacks, organic spreads, and beverages.

Companies such as Ceres Organics and Naturally Organic are gaining industry share by embracing sustainable sourcing practices and diversifying their portfolios. Organic food certification program compliance and increasing consumer demand for local, minimally processed foods are expanding the acceptability in retail and food service distribution channels.

Competitive Outlook

Industry leaders are at the forefront of innovation and broadening their product offerings to include brown rice syrup, high-maltose varieties and low-DE syrups. Sustainability is still on the agenda, with players making investments in traceable supply chains and low-carbon production technology to meet evolving B2B requirements in the food ingredients marketplace.

Strategic alliances and local development also pushed competition ahead. North America has advanced food processing plants and high demand for natural sweeteners. Asia Pacific, particularly India as well as China is rising with lower production and exports. These are making a diversified but consolidated industry where the leaders are making moves with vertical integration and organic sourcing.

Despite the competitive zeal, new and mid-sized firms are creating space with value-added formulations for infant nutrition, vegetarian snacks, and specialty foods, thereby creating a vibrant industry of high-growth opportunities supported by innovation.

Market Share Analysis by Company

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company	17-19%
Cargill Incorporated	14-16%
Lundberg Family Farms	8-10%
Shafi Gluco Chem (Pvt) Ltd	6-8%
Axiom Foods, Inc.	5-7%
Other Companies Combined	40-50%

Key Company Offerings and Activities

Company Name	Key Offerings/Activities
Archer-Daniels-Midland	Produces high-quality options for food, beverage, and infant nutrition segments, with a focus on non-GMO variants.
Cargill Incorporated	Offers customized formulations for confectionery and beverage industries, emphasizing sustainability and scalability.
Lundberg Family Farms	Specializes in organic brown rice syrup, catering to natural food brands and premium product manufacturers in North America.
Shafi Gluco Chem (Pvt) Ltd	Provides bulk exports with a focus on cost-effective solutions for global food and beverage brands.
Axiom Foods, Inc.	Develops allergen-free, plant-based syrups tailored to vegan, gluten-free, and clean-label product formulations.

Key Company Insights

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (17-19%)

Investing in clean-label and infant nutrition syrups, ADM leverages global manufacturing and ingredient innovation to meet rising demand across diverse food segments.

Cargill Incorporated (14-16%)

Cargill is driving global expansion in the industry through traceable sourcing and application-focused R&D for beverages, snacks, and nutrition-enhanced products.

Lundberg Family Farms (8-10%)

Leads in organic rice syrup with farm-to-table integration, supporting premium health-conscious food brands in North America and expanding into niche international industries.

Shafi Gluco Chem (6-8%)

Positioned as a cost-efficient exporter, Shafi Gluco Chem boosts capacity for bulk liquid and powder options across food, pharma, and nutraceutical sectors.

Axiom Foods, Inc. (5-7%)

Offers specialized options for allergen-sensitive and vegan product lines, enhancing functional value in plant-based and sports nutrition formulations.

Other Key Players (30-40% Combined)

• ABF Ingredients, Ltd.
• Bharat Glucose Pvt. Ltd.
• California Natural Products Inc.
• Ciranda
• Gehl Food
• Glucorp
• GoMacro LLC
• Gulshan Polyols Ltd.
• Habib Rice Products Ltd.
• IFPC
• Matco Foods Limited
• Nature Bio-Foods Ltd
• naVitalo
• Om Foods Inc.
• Sweet Additions
• Windmill Organics Ltd.
• Wuhu Deli Foods Co., Ltd.
• Wuhu Haoyikuai Food Co., Ltd.

Key Market Players

• ABF Ingredients, Ltd.
• Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
• Axiom Foods, Inc.
• Bharat Glucose Pvt. Ltd.
• California Natural Products Inc.
• Cargill Incorporated
• Ciranda
• Gehl Food
• Glucorp
• GoMacro LLC
• Gulshan Polyols Ltd.
• Habib Rice Products Ltd.
• IFPC
• Lundberg Family Farms
• Matco Foods Limited
• Nature Bio-Foods Ltd
• naVitalo
• Om Foods Inc.
• Shafi Gluco Chem (Pvt) Ltd
• Sweet Additions
• Windmill Organics Ltd.
• Wuhu Deli Foods Co., Ltd.
• Wuhu Haoyikuai Food Co., Ltd.

Segmentation

By Type :

By type, the industry is segmented into organic and conventional.

By Dextrose Equivalent :

In terms of dextrose equivalent, the market is classified into 28 DE, 42 DE, 45 DE, and 60 DE.

By Source :

With respect to source, the industry is divided into white rice and brown rice.

By Function :

In terms of function, the industry covers natural sweetener, binder/stabilizer/thickener, humectant, and others.

By Maltose Content :

Based on maltose content, the market covers low maltose (<36 g/100g) and high maltose ((>36 g/100g).

By Form :

In terms of form, the market is divided into solid and liquid.

By Application :

By application, the industry includes food & beverage, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals.

By Region :

By region, the industry spans North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.