- The growing shift towards vegan and vegetarian diets is significantly increasing the demand for plant-based ingredients such as carrageenan. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, there is a marked preference for plant-based alternatives to traditional animal-derived products
- Carrageenan, derived from red seaweed, serves as a versatile and natural ingredient in dairy substitutes such as almond milk, soy milk, and vegan cheeses. Its ability to mimic the texture and mouthfeel of dairy products makes it a popular choice in the formulation of these plant-based products
- This rising demand for vegan and vegetarian options reflects changing dietary trends and drives innovation and growth in the plant-based food sector, further bolstering the use of foods with carrageenan in the market
- Europe dominated the food carrageenan market with the largest revenue share of 37.84% in 2024, driven by the region’s robust food processing sector, growing demand for clean-label and plant-based ingredients, and stringent food safety regulations
- Asia-Pacific is poised to grow at the fastest CAGR of 16.23% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032, fueled by rapid urbanization, evolving food habits, and increasing consumption of convenience foods
- The Kappa segment dominated the food carrageenan market with the largest market revenue share of 51.4% in 2024, primarily due to its strong gelling properties in the presence of potassium ions, making it highly suitable for dairy and meat applications
