Rice Starch Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Food Grade Rice Starch, Industry Grade Rice Starch), By Applications (Food Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry, Others) , and Regional Insights and Forecast to 2035

Rice Starch Market Size

The Global Rice Starch Market size reached USD 274.05 Million in 2025 and is projected to increase to USD 285.56 Million in 2026, USD 297.55 Million in 2027, and ultimately USD 413.52 Million by 2035, supported by a 4.2% growth rate during the forecast period. Rising demand for clean-label ingredients is driving strong adoption, with more than 55% usage in natural food formulations and over 45% penetration in cosmetic applications, strengthening the overall market expansion.

The US Rice Starch Market is experiencing notable growth due to a 52% rise in allergen-free food product launches and a 47% increase in plant-based ingredient utilization. Over 40% of personal-care brands in the US now use rice starch in talc-free formulations, while nearly 38% of pharmaceutical manufacturers integrate it into excipient systems, collectively reinforcing its expanding commercial footprint.

Key Findings

• Market Size: The market grew from USD 274.05 Million in 2025 to USD 285.56 Million in 2026 and will reach USD 413.52 Million by 2035 at 4.2% growth.
• Growth Drivers: Expansion driven by more than 55% clean-label adoption and over 48% rise in plant-derived ingredient usage across major industries.
• Trends: Increasing demand supported by 60% natural formulation integration and 52% growth in talc-free and allergen-free product developments.
• Key Players: BENEO, Ingredion, Agrana, Bangkok Starch, Thai Wah & more.
• Regional Insights: Asia-Pacific leads with 34% driven by strong production and food demand. North America holds 28% supported by clean-label adoption. Europe captures 25% due to natural ingredient usage. Middle East & Africa accounts for 13% with rising processed-food and cosmetic applications.
• Challenges: Nearly 32% performance limitations and 38% supply variability hinder consistent scalability in high-process applications.
• Industry Impact: Over 50% shift toward biodegradable inputs and 45% higher adoption in natural formulations accelerating industry transformation.
• Recent Developments: More than 40% new product upgrades and 35% efficiency improvements across processing technologies reshaping market innovation.

The Rice Starch Market is evolving rapidly as manufacturers diversify applications across food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial formulations. More than 60% of global brands are investing in plant-based alternatives, increasing demand for rice-derived stabilizers, thickeners, and texture enhancers. The market benefits from rising natural ingredient adoption, enhanced processing capabilities, and consistent innovation in clean-label solutions that support long-term industry expansion.

Rice Starch Market Trends

The Rice Starch Market is witnessing accelerated adoption across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics applications as clean-label formulations gain prominence. More than 65% of manufacturers worldwide are shifting toward plant-based and allergen-free ingredients, positioning rice starch as a preferred functional additive. Native rice starch accounts for nearly 40% of total usage due to its superior texturizing and stabilizing properties. In food applications alone, premium bakery and confectionery segments represent over 45% consumption driven by demand for smooth mouthfeel and improved product consistency.

Modified rice starch is also gaining traction, contributing approximately 35% share in processed food formulations. Around 55% of cosmetic formulators prefer rice starch for oil-absorption efficiency and its ability to deliver matte finishes, supporting rising inclusion in skin-care and baby-care products. Pharmaceutical applications contribute an estimated 20% share, with growing reliance on rice starch for capsule binding and disintegration performance. With more than 70% global brands transitioning to sustainable and non-GMO ingredients, rice starch continues to record robust penetration across industries, supported by increasing consumer preference for organic, gluten-free, and chemical-free solutions.

Rice Starch Market Dynamics

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of Clean-Label and Natural Ingredient Adoption

Demand for clean-label and plant-based ingredients continues to surge, with more than 58% of global food manufacturers prioritizing natural formulations. Rice starch adoption in premium bakery, dairy, and baby-food products has climbed by nearly 48% due to rising consumer preference for allergen-free ingredients. Over 60% of product developers report choosing rice starch for its superior texturizing and whitening properties, strengthening its market presence.

DRIVERS

Growing Penetration in Cosmetic and Personal-Care Products

More than 52% of personal-care brands are incorporating rice starch in formulations designed for oil control and sensitive-skin suitability. As talc-free product demand increases by over 43%, rice-based powders have gained strong preference among cosmetic formulators. Nearly 50% of R&D teams favor rice starch for its smooth finish, absorbency, and biodegradable profile, driving its integration across skincare and baby-care segments.

RESTRAINTS

"Performance Limitations in High-Processing Applications"

Rice starch faces functional limitations in applications requiring strong thermal stability and high gel strength. Nearly 32% of manufacturers note challenges when substituting rice starch in formulations exposed to high shear or heat. Competing starches such as potato and tapioca collectively attract more than 47% preference for such applications, reducing rice starch penetration in specific industrial and processed-food segments.

CHALLENGE

"Supply Variability and Raw Material Dependency"

The rice starch industry is highly dependent on stable rice crop yields, with supply fluctuations affecting nearly 38% of processors each season. More than 41% of manufacturers report variations in starch quality due to changes in rice grain composition. Regional production disparities also contribute to procurement challenges, influencing consistency, availability, and overall reliability in the supply chain.

Segmentation Analysis

The Rice Starch Market demonstrates strong diversification across type and application segments, supported by rising demand for clean-label, biodegradable, and allergen-free ingredients. With the global market valued at USD 274.05 Million in 2025 and projected to reach USD 413.52 Million by 2035, each segment contributes distinct functional and commercial advantages. Food Grade Rice Starch and Industry Grade Rice Starch showcase varied adoption levels, while applications such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and others reflect expanding utilization driven by unique performance attributes. Each segment displays differentiated growth, share contribution, and clear strategic relevance to overall market expansion.

By Type

Food Grade Rice Starch

Food Grade Rice Starch holds a dominant role, driven by rising clean-label adoption and increasing utilization in bakery, dairy, and baby-food applications. More than 55% of global food formulators prefer rice starch due to its hypoallergenic profile and superior viscosity performance. Over 60% of natural food product launches incorporate rice-derived thickeners, supporting widespread penetration across premium categories.

Food Grade Rice Starch recorded a market size of USD 274.05 Million in 2025, representing the highest share within the segment. It accounted for approximately 62% of the total market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2035, supported by expanding consumption in processed foods, organic product lines, and clean-label innovations.

Industry Grade Rice Starch

Industry Grade Rice Starch is extensively used across paper, textile, adhesives, and industrial coatings, driven by its excellent binding, film-forming, and smooth-finish properties. Nearly 45% of industrial starch consumers report shifting preferences toward rice-based alternatives due to improved biodegradability and higher environmental compliance. Industrial sectors account for over 38% demand for modified rice starch.

Industry Grade Rice Starch reported a market size contribution within the total USD 274.05 Million valuation in 2025, capturing around 38% share. The segment is projected to expand steadily at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2035, supported by sustainability trends and the increased requirement for bio-based industrial inputs.

By Application

Food Industry

The Food Industry represents the largest application segment, with over 65% utilization driven by rising demand for gluten-free, organic, and clean-label ingredients. Increased penetration in bakery fillings, sauces, baby foods, and ready-to-eat meals supports consistent volume growth. More than 58% of global consumers prefer natural stabilizers, pushing rapid adoption of rice starch in mainstream and premium food categories.

The Food Industry segment held the largest share in 2025 within the USD 274.05 Million market, contributing nearly 65% of total demand. It continues to expand at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2035, driven by clean-label innovations, allergen-free formulations, and steady expansion of convenience-food consumption.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical applications account for an increasing share due to rising utilization of rice starch in capsules, tablets, and controlled-release formulations. Nearly 42% of pharmaceutical manufacturers favor rice starch as a disintegrant due to its high purity and stability. The segment benefits from expanded demand for plant-based excipients in both generic and specialized formulations.

The Pharmaceutical Industry contributed a substantial portion to the 2025 market, holding approximately 14% share. The segment is projected to maintain a strong CAGR of 4.2% through 2035, supported by increased reliance on natural excipients and developing oral solid dosage production.

Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry

Cosmetic & Personal Care applications continue to rise, driven by a 50%+ shift toward talc-free, plant-based, and sensitive-skin-friendly formulations. Rice starch is widely used in facial powders, baby-care products, and oil-control cosmetics due to its absorbency, smooth texture, and non-irritating profile. Nearly 48% of leading beauty brands report substituting rice starch for synthetic fillers.

This segment accounted for approximately 13% of the total 2025 market valuation and is set to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2035. Rising demand for natural cosmetic actives and safer skin-care ingredients continues to strengthen segment adoption.

Others

The Others segment encompasses industrial, textile, paper, and specialty chemical applications. Over 33% of industrial users highlight rice starch’s strong binding and coating efficiency. Demand is further supported by increasing preference for biodegradable industrial inputs and expansion of eco-friendly production lines across multiple industries.

The Others category contributed around 8% share of the total USD 274.05 Million valuation in 2025 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% through 2035, supported by sustainability-focused industrial transformation.

Rice Starch Market Regional Outlook

The Rice Starch Market displays strong regional diversification driven by ingredient innovation, rising natural product adoption, and expanding industrial applications. With the global market valued at USD 274.05 Million in 2025 and projected to reach USD 413.52 Million by 2035, each region contributes distinct growth momentum. North America accounts for 28% of the global share, Europe holds 25%, Asia-Pacific leads with 34%, and the Middle East & Africa contributes 13%, collectively forming a 100% distribution across the global market landscape.

North America

North America continues to expand steadily backed by a 52% rise in clean-label formulations and a 47% increase in allergen-free product launches. Adoption remains high across bakery, nutrition-focused foods, and personal-care applications, with nearly 40% of regional cosmetic brands using rice starch as a natural absorbent. Pharmaceutical excipient use also strengthens, with more than 35% of manufacturers integrating rice starch for improved tablet stability.

North America recorded a market size of USD 76.73 Million in 2025, representing 28% of global share. The region is positioned for consistent advancement through 2035 driven by premium food innovation, natural excipient demand, and increased consumer preference for bio-based ingredients.

Europe

Europe reflects strong momentum supported by strict regulatory preference for natural and non-GMO ingredients. Over 58% of food manufacturers use rice starch as a clean-label thickener, while 45% of cosmetic brands rely on it for plant-based powder formulations. Rising demand in nutraceuticals further enhances its pharmaceutical application footprint.

Europe accounted for a market size of USD 68.51 Million in 2025, equal to 25% of the global share. Growth through 2035 is propelled by clean-label expansion, natural cosmetics innovation, and rising use of plant-derived excipients.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific remains the largest regional market due to abundant rice production and strong scaling of food-processing industries. More than 62% of processors incorporate rice starch into noodles, desserts, and ready-meal formulations. Cosmetic usage is increasing rapidly as over 48% of regional beauty brands shift to natural absorbents, while industrial applications grow with stronger sustainability policies.

Asia-Pacific held a market size of USD 93.17 Million in 2025, accounting for 34% of the global market. Continued expansion is supported by raw material availability, growing consumer spending, and accelerated adoption of natural ingredients across multiple sectors.

Middle East & Africa

Middle East & Africa shows steady growth driven by rising consumption of processed foods, increased pharmaceutical production, and a growing preference for natural cosmetic ingredients suitable for regional climatic conditions. Over 37% of food manufacturers are transitioning to natural stabilizers, while 32% of personal-care brands adopt rice starch for oil-control and skin-friendly formulations.

Middle East & Africa contributed a market size of USD 35.62 Million in 2025, representing 13% of the global share. Growth through 2035 will be supported by expanding food processing capabilities, increasing demand for natural cosmetics, and broader industrial adoption of biodegradable materials.

List of Key Rice Starch Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities in Rice Starch Market

Investment opportunities in the Rice Starch Market continue to expand as more than 55% of global food manufacturers shift to clean-label and plant-based formulations. Nearly 48% of cosmetic producers now integrate natural starches, increasing capital inflow into product innovation and facility upgrades. Over 42% of pharmaceutical companies prefer rice starch as a natural excipient, strengthening investor confidence in long-term demand stability. Sustainability-driven projects also rise, with more than 50% of industrial players adopting biodegradable materials. These expanding cross-industry applications create strong openings for new entrants, advanced processing technologies, and expansion of production capacities across emerging regions.

New Products Development

New product development in the Rice Starch Market is accelerating as over 60% of manufacturers focus on high-performance natural starch ingredients. More than 45% of companies have introduced enhanced purity grades for allergen-free and sensitive-skin formulations. Innovation in modified rice starch variants is rising, capturing around 40% interest among food processors seeking improved stability and viscosity. Cosmetic brands increasingly prioritize talc alternatives, with nearly 52% adopting fine-micronized rice starch. Industrial-grade advancements also grow as bio-based inputs gain 36% higher adoption for coatings and adhesives, fostering a competitive environment of rapid formulation upgrades.

Developments

• BENEO Product Upgrade: Introduced a new fine-granule rice starch variant improving texture stability by 35%, enhancing performance across bakery and dairy applications while supporting clean-label product expansion.
• Ingredion Clean-Label Expansion: Launched a plant-derived functional starch offering 42% higher stability under shear processing, targeted at premium processed foods and nutraceutical formulations.
• Agrana Capacity Enhancement: Increased production efficiency by 28% through upgraded refining processes, enabling broader supply for cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries facing rising natural ingredient demand.
• Thai Wah Sustainable Solutions: Developed eco-friendly rice starch materials achieving 33% improved biodegradability metrics, strengthening their portfolio for industrial and packaging applications.
• Burapa Prosper Innovation Initiative: Introduced a new baby-food-grade rice starch with 40% higher purity and enhanced digestibility to support growing demand for chemical-free infant nutrition products.

Report Coverage

The Rice Starch Market report delivers a comprehensive assessment of competitive strategies, emerging technologies, and regional market behavior. The study analyses market segmentation, supply-chain structure, key-player positioning, and innovation pathways shaping global growth. SWOT analysis highlights strengths such as 60% higher adoption in clean-label food applications and wide acceptance in sensitive-skin cosmetic formulations. Weaknesses include nearly 32% limitations in high-temperature processing and regional production volatility impacting 38% of supply chains. Opportunities lie in rising biodegradable material demand, where over 50% of industrial buyers prefer eco-friendly alternatives. Challenges include increasing competition from alternative starches, which retain 45% preference in specific applications. The report also covers regulatory landscapes, evolving consumer preferences, and technological improvements driving performance efficiency. With detailed insight into market drivers, restraints, and industry trends, the coverage equips investors, manufacturers, and stakeholders with critical intelligence required to navigate evolving market dynamics and capitalize on high-growth areas.