Global Rice Malt Syrup Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2032

Global Rice Malt Syrup Market Size

• The global Rice Malt Syrup Market size was valued at USD 2.17 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 2.94 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 3.90% during the forecast period.
• The market expansion is primarily driven by the rising consumer inclination toward natural and organic sweeteners as healthier alternatives to refined sugar, coupled with increasing applications of rice malt syrup in food, beverage, and confectionery industries.
• Moreover, the surge in demand for clean-label, vegan, and gluten-free products, along with innovations in sustainable food processing technologies, is fueling the adoption of rice malt syrup across global markets, thereby significantly propelling industry growth.

Global Rice Malt Syrup Market Analysis

• Rice malt syrup, a natural sweetener derived from fermented rice, is increasingly becoming a preferred ingredient in modern food processing and beverage manufacturing due to its mild flavor, natural origin, and versatility across a range of applications in both residential and commercial food sectors.
• The growing demand for rice malt syrup is primarily fueled by the rising health consciousness among consumers, the shift toward organic and clean-label products, and an increasing preference for plant-based and allergen-free sweeteners over conventional refined sugars and artificial alternatives.
• Europe dominated the Global Rice Malt Syrup Market with the largest revenue share of 35.4% in 2024, driven by the strong presence of health-conscious consumers, well-established organic food industries, and leading manufacturers investing in product innovation and sustainable sourcing, particularly in the U.S., where natural sweeteners are witnessing rapid market penetration.
• Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the Global Rice Malt Syrup Market during the forecast period, attributed to rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and growing demand for natural ingredients in food, beverages, and infant nutrition products.
• The organic segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 57.3% in 2024, driven by increasing consumer preference for clean-label, chemical-free, and sustainably sourced ingredients.

Report Scope and Global Rice Malt Syrup Market Segmentation      

Global Rice Malt Syrup Market Trends

Rising Popularity of Organic and Natural Sweeteners

• A significant and accelerating trend in the Global Rice Malt Syrup Market is the growing shift toward organic and naturally derived sweeteners as consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware. This transition is being driven by increasing concerns over refined sugar consumption and artificial additives in conventional food products.
  • For instance, manufacturers such as Suzanne’s Specialties and California Natural Products are expanding their lines of organic rice malt syrups to cater to the rising demand from health-oriented brands in the bakery, beverage, and infant nutrition sectors. Similarly, Shafi Gluco Chem offers non-GMO, gluten-free variants to appeal to clean-label and vegan consumers.
• The surge in popularity of organic rice malt syrup is also supported by advancements in sustainable rice processing and enzyme-based production technologies, which enhance product purity and maintain nutritional integrity. These innovations enable producers to meet growing consumer expectations for transparency, traceability, and sustainability in ingredient sourcing.
• Furthermore, the integration of rice malt syrup into a wide range of functional foods, snacks, and beverages is reshaping product development strategies. Food manufacturers are increasingly substituting synthetic sweeteners and high-fructose corn syrup with rice malt syrup to enhance natural sweetness and achieve a healthier product profile.
• This trend toward natural, clean-label, and plant-based sweetening solutions is redefining industry standards and consumer preferences. Consequently, companies such as Cargill, Axiom Foods, and Ingredion are investing in R&D to develop innovative rice-based syrups that align with the global movement toward health, wellness, and sustainable consumption.
• The demand for organic and minimally processed rice malt syrup is rapidly expanding across both developed and emerging markets, as consumers and manufacturers increasingly prioritize health, authenticity, and eco-friendly production practices in their food choices.

Global Rice Malt Syrup Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing Demand Driven by Health Awareness and Clean-Label Preferences

• The increasing global awareness of health and wellness, coupled with the rising preference for clean-label and natural food products, is a significant driver behind the growing demand for rice malt syrup. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their sugar intake and are actively seeking healthier, plant-based alternatives to refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.
  • For instance, in March 2024, Cargill Inc. announced the expansion of its clean-label ingredient portfolio by introducing new formulations of organic rice malt syrup designed for bakery, beverage, and infant nutrition applications. Such product innovations are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.
• As consumers shift toward more transparent ingredient lists, rice malt syrup offers an appealing solution — it is non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan, aligning with the global trend toward natural and sustainable food choices. Its ability to provide mild sweetness, color, and texture enhancement makes it a preferred ingredient for food and beverage manufacturers.
• Furthermore, the growing popularity of organic, low-calorie, and allergen-free products is integrating rice malt syrup into a wide variety of applications, including confectionery, cereals, beverages, and infant foods. The convenience of its formulation versatility and consumer perception of it as a “better-for-you” sweetener are key factors propelling adoption across both developed and emerging markets.
• The ongoing expansion of the global organic food sector, coupled with increasing consumer education about natural sweeteners, is expected to further support market penetration and encourage manufacturers to replace artificial or refined sugars with rice malt syrup in their product lines.

Restraint/Challenge

Price Volatility and Limited Consumer Awareness in Developing Markets

• Despite its growing popularity, the fluctuating price of raw materials, particularly rice, poses a key challenge for the rice malt syrup industry. Variations in crop yields, climatic changes, and regional supply disruptions can directly impact production costs, thereby influencing the final product pricing and profit margins for manufacturers.
  • For instance, unpredictable rice production patterns in major exporting countries such as India and Thailand can cause volatility in syrup supply chains, affecting the consistency of global distribution and pricing.
• Additionally, limited consumer awareness regarding rice malt syrup and its nutritional benefits in certain developing markets restricts wider adoption. Many consumers remain more familiar with traditional sweeteners like sugar, honey, and corn syrup, which are often more affordable and readily available.
• Addressing these challenges through consumer education, stable sourcing strategies, and cost-efficient production technologies is critical for sustained market expansion. Leading companies such as Ingredion and Axiom Foods are investing in process optimization and sustainable sourcing to mitigate cost fluctuations and strengthen global supply reliability.
• While awareness and accessibility are gradually improving, high production costs and limited availability in price-sensitive markets continue to hinder widespread adoption. Overcoming these barriers through innovation, targeted marketing, and supply chain resilience will be essential for the long-term growth of the Global Rice Malt Syrup Market.

Global Rice Malt Syrup Market Scope

Rice malt syrup market is segmented on the basis of product type, application, and origin.

• By Product Type

On the basis of product type, the Global Rice Malt Syrup Market is segmented into regular and organic rice malt syrup. The organic segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 57.3% in 2024, driven by increasing consumer preference for clean-label, chemical-free, and sustainably sourced ingredients. The rise in health-conscious consumers and the growing trend toward organic and plant-based diets have fueled strong demand for organic rice malt syrup, particularly in developed regions such as North America and Europe. Manufacturers are expanding their organic product portfolios to cater to food and beverage companies emphasizing natural formulations.

The regular rice malt syrup segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, owing to its wider affordability and increasing use in processed foods and beverages, especially in emerging markets where price-sensitive consumers are gradually shifting toward healthier sweetener alternatives.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the Global Rice Malt Syrup Market is categorized into bakery & confectionery, beverages, dessert & dairy products, meat, poultry & seafood products, infant formula, and others. The bakery & confectionery segment dominated the market with the largest share of 38.5% in 2024, driven by the syrup’s versatility as a natural sweetener, flavor enhancer, and binding agent in cookies, cereals, and snack bars.

The shift toward clean-label and organic bakery products is further propelling its demand. Meanwhile, the beverages segment is expected to register the fastest growth rate from 2025 to 2032, fueled by the increasing inclusion of rice malt syrup in health drinks, smoothies, and energy beverages. Its mild sweetness, hypoallergenic properties, and natural composition make it ideal for replacing refined sugars and artificial sweeteners in functional beverages aimed at health-conscious consumers.

• By Origin

On the basis of origin, the Global Rice Malt Syrup Market is divided into organic and conventional segments. The conventional segment dominated the market with a market share of 61.4% in 2024, owing to its widespread availability, cost-effectiveness, and extensive use in large-scale food manufacturing. Conventional rice malt syrup remains popular among mass-market producers due to lower production costs and steady supply chains.

the organic segment is expected to experience the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2032, driven by increasing consumer preference for environmentally sustainable, pesticide-free, and ethically produced sweeteners. Growing adoption of organic certifications, rising disposable incomes, and expanding distribution of organic food products through retail and e-commerce channels are further boosting the segment’s growth, positioning organic rice malt syrup as a key driver of the market’s long-term expansion.

Global Rice Malt Syrup Market Regional Analysis

• Europe dominated the Global Rice Malt Syrup Market with the largest revenue share of 35.4% in 2024, driven by the strong consumer shift toward natural and organic sweeteners and the growing emphasis on healthy, clean-label food products. The region’s well-established food and beverage industry, along with rising awareness about sugar alternatives, has significantly boosted the demand for rice malt syrup.
• Consumers in North America increasingly prefer plant-based and gluten-free sweeteners due to their perceived health benefits and compatibility with various dietary preferences, including vegan and non-GMO diets. The use of rice malt syrup in bakery, beverage, and confectionery applications continues to expand, driven by innovation in product formulations and a move away from refined sugars.
• This strong market growth is further supported by high disposable incomes, a mature retail infrastructure, and growing demand for organic-certified ingredients, positioning North America as a leading region for rice malt syrup consumption and production.

U.S. Rice Malt Syrup Market Insight

The U.S. rice malt syrup market captured the largest revenue share of 78% in 2024 within North America, driven by the increasing preference for natural, organic, and plant-based sweeteners. Consumers are shifting away from refined sugar toward healthier alternatives due to growing awareness of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The demand is further supported by the strong presence of leading food and beverage manufacturers focusing on clean-label formulations. Additionally, the popularity of vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO products in the U.S. continues to propel market growth, with rice malt syrup being widely adopted in bakery, beverages, and snack applications. Rising investments in sustainable food production and innovations in natural ingredient processing further strengthen the U.S. market outlook.

Europe Rice Malt Syrup Market Insight

The Europe rice malt syrup market is projected to expand at a substantial CAGR throughout the forecast period, primarily driven by the growing demand for organic food products and stringent regulations on artificial additives and sweeteners. The region’s strong consumer shift toward health-conscious and sustainable food choices is boosting rice malt syrup adoption in bakery, confectionery, and dairy sectors. Rising urbanization and the presence of established food processing industries are accelerating the use of natural sweeteners. European consumers also value transparency in ingredient sourcing and eco-friendly production methods, leading to wider acceptance of rice malt syrup. Increased penetration in infant nutrition and beverage segments, coupled with supportive policies promoting organic farming, is expected to sustain long-term market growth.

U.K. Rice Malt Syrup Market Insight

The U.K. rice malt syrup market is anticipated to grow at a noteworthy CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the increasing adoption of plant-based diets and the growing popularity of organic and clean-label sweeteners. Rising concerns over the health impacts of refined sugars have encouraged food manufacturers to reformulate products using rice malt syrup as a natural alternative. Additionally, the U.K.’s strong retail and e-commerce distribution network has expanded the accessibility of organic sweeteners to a wider consumer base. The demand for sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients continues to influence product innovation in the bakery, beverage, and infant food industries, further stimulating market expansion.

Germany Rice Malt Syrup Market Insight

The Germany rice malt syrup market is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by increasing consumer preference for natural and sustainable ingredients. Germany’s well-developed food manufacturing infrastructure and focus on innovation and environmental sustainability support the integration of rice malt syrup in a variety of food and beverage applications. The market benefits from the country’s leadership in organic food production and strong regulatory emphasis on clean-label products. Moreover, growing consumer awareness of healthy sweetening alternatives and the popularity of vegan and allergen-free foods are encouraging the use of rice malt syrup in bakery, confectionery, and processed foods.

Asia-Pacific Rice Malt Syrup Market Insight

The Asia-Pacific rice malt syrup market is poised to grow at the fastest CAGR of 23.5% during 2025–2032, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing awareness of health-oriented diets. Countries such as China, Japan, and India are witnessing strong growth in the food processing and health beverage industries, creating significant demand for natural sweeteners. Government initiatives promoting organic agriculture and sustainable food production further encourage rice malt syrup adoption. As APAC continues to emerge as a major manufacturing hub for food ingredients, the affordability and accessibility of rice malt syrup are improving, expanding its use across multiple food categories, including beverages, snacks, and infant nutrition.

Japan Rice Malt Syrup Market Insight

The Japan rice malt syrup market is gaining momentum due to the nation’s technological advancements, rising health awareness, and growing preference for natural and functional foods. Consumers are increasingly adopting rice malt syrup as a clean, allergen-free, and low-calorie sweetener, ideal for beverages, desserts, and traditional foods. Japan’s aging population is also contributing to demand for easily digestible, low-glycemic sweeteners suitable for elderly consumers. Furthermore, rice malt syrup’s alignment with Japan’s focus on innovation, food quality, and sustainability is expected to strengthen its market presence across both domestic and export-oriented food sectors.

China Rice Malt Syrup Market Insight

The China rice malt syrup market accounted for the largest revenue share in the Asia-Pacific region in 2024, supported by the country’s large-scale food manufacturing industry, rapid urbanization, and increasing health awareness among middle-class consumers. As one of the world’s leading producers of rice, China enjoys a robust raw material base that enables cost-effective rice malt syrup production. The market is witnessing growing use of rice malt syrup in confectionery, beverages, and processed foods, replacing traditional sweeteners. Furthermore, government support for organic food development and the expansion of domestic manufacturers such as Wuhu Deli Foods and Anhui Jinhe Industrial Co. are driving industry growth. The affordability and wide availability of rice malt syrup make it a preferred natural sweetener in both domestic consumption and export markets.

Global Rice Malt Syrup Market Share

The Rice Malt Syrup industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• Cargill Inc. (U.S.)
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.)
• ABF Ingredients (U.K.)
• Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.)
• Axiom Foods Inc. (U.S.)
• California Natural Products (U.S.)
• Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. (U.S.)
• Whole Earth Sweetener Co. (U.S.)
• Ricegrowers Limited (SunRice) (Australia)
• Shafi Gluco Chem Pvt. Ltd. (Pakistan)
• SEDNA Bio Agro (India)
• Suzanne’s Specialties Inc. (U.S.)
• Wuhu Deli Foods Co., Ltd. (China)
• Anhui Jinhe Industrial Co., Ltd. (China)
• AG Commodities Inc. (Canada)
• Marubeni Corporation (Japan)
• Now Foods (U.S.)
• Organic Traditions (Canada)
• Sweet Additions LLC (U.S.)
• Glucorp Inc. (U.S.)

What are the Recent Developments in Global Rice Malt Syrup Market?

• In April 2023, Cargill Inc., a global leader in food and agricultural products, announced the expansion of its rice-based ingredient portfolio with the launch of an organic rice malt syrup line aimed at meeting the growing demand for natural sweeteners in North America and Europe. This initiative highlights Cargill’s commitment to supporting healthier lifestyles and sustainable food production by offering clean-label, plant-based alternatives to refined sugars. The expansion strengthens Cargill’s position in the rapidly growing Global Rice Malt Syrup Market, reflecting its focus on innovation and consumer well-being.
• In March 2023, Axiom Foods Inc., a leading producer of plant-based ingredients, introduced an enzymatically processed brown rice malt syrup designed for improved sweetness and stability in beverages and sports nutrition products. The new formulation enhances flavor while maintaining a low glycemic index, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking functional, natural sweeteners. This development reinforces Axiom Foods’ commitment to advancing sustainable, allergen-free ingredients in the global food and beverage industry.
• In March 2023, Ingredion Incorporated unveiled its sustainable sweetener initiative in Asia-Pacific, introducing eco-friendly rice malt syrup products derived from sustainably sourced rice. The initiative aims to reduce the environmental footprint of sweetener production while meeting the growing regional demand for organic and clean-label ingredients. Through this launch, Ingredion strengthens its leadership in responsible manufacturing and supports global trends toward transparency and sustainability in food ingredients.
• In February 2023, Suzanne’s Specialties Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of natural sweeteners, announced a partnership with Whole Earth Sweetener Co. to expand the distribution of organic and non-GMO rice malt syrup across major North American retail and foodservice channels. The collaboration focuses on promoting healthier sweetening alternatives for bakeries, beverage companies, and snack producers. This initiative demonstrates both companies’ commitment to delivering nutritious and sustainable solutions to a rapidly growing consumer base.
• In January 2023, Shafi Gluco Chem Pvt. Ltd., one of the world’s largest rice derivative manufacturers, launched a new line of high-purity rice malt syrup products optimized for infant nutrition and dairy applications. The syrups are produced using advanced enzymatic hydrolysis, ensuring superior quality and nutritional value. This launch underlines Shafi Gluco Chem’s focus on innovation, global expansion, and providing safe, natural sweeteners to meet the increasing global demand for healthier, functional food ingredients.

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