“Growing Utilization of Rice Starch in Clean-Label and Plant-Based Food Products”
- A significant and accelerating trend in the global rice starch market is the increasing incorporation of rice starch as a natural, clean-label ingredient in plant-based, organic, and minimally processed food products. Rising consumer preference for recognizable, simple ingredients is reshaping formulation strategies across multiple food categories
- For instance, in April 2024, BENEO expanded its range of clean-label rice starches with improved functional properties for dairy alternatives and ready-to-eat meals, supporting manufacturers in achieving cleaner ingredient lists without compromising product quality
- Rice starch offers excellent texturizing, thickening, and stabilization properties, making it ideal for applications such as dairy alternatives, plant-based meats, infant nutrition, and convenience foods, where clean-label formulations are in high demand
- Food manufacturers are leveraging rice starch to replace modified starches and artificial additives, promoting products as non-GMO, allergen-free, and suitable for sensitive diets, including gluten-free and plant-based consumers
- The clean-label movement is particularly strong in North America and Europe, where consumers increasingly scrutinize product labels and seek transparency, driving demand for natural, functional ingredients such as rice starch
- Global food brands are aligning with this trend by reformulating products with rice-derived ingredients that meet evolving health, sustainability, and transparency standards, contributing to the market's steady growth
- As the plant-based and health-focused food sectors expand, the role of rice starch as a multifunctional, clean-label solution is expected to gain momentum, offering opportunities for manufacturers to innovate across diverse product categories
