NEW YORK — As per the latest study from market research firm Fact.MR, the global fat replacer market is set to top $3.5 billion by 2031. Rapid adoption of fat replacers in food and beverage industry is the major factor propelling the sales at a CAGR of 6%
Rising demand for low-fat diets, growing health awareness among people, expanding food and beverage industry, and increasing prevalence of diabetes are some of the factors driving the fat replacer market.
By application, the bakery and confectionery products segment is projected to comprise the largest market share of 40% during the forecast period. The baking industry is already adapting to “plant based” trends and other claims like low fat in the better-for-you market. These rising preferences for healthy — and specifically organic — products will continue to boost the sales of plant-based fat replacers during the forecast period.
Fat replacers are substances used to mimic and replace fats without compromising the taste and texture of food products. They are extensively used for the manufacturing of low-fat foods, and common types include complex polysaccharides (such as maltodextrin and xanthan), proteins (such as egg whites and whey proteins) and modified fats (such as fatty acids esterified with sugars).
Growing concerns regarding the surge in heart-related diseases is another major factor propelling this market growth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global cases of obesity have nearly tripled since 1975. An estimated 1.9 billion adults 18 years and older were overweight in 2016. Out of this number around 650 million people were obese.
Subsequently, it has been found that obesity and overweight can give rise to multiple chronic diseases such as osteoarthritis and kidney failure. As a result, people are increasing the consumption of low-fat foods. This, in turn, is triggering the growth in fat replacer market.
Rising demand for low-fat diets, growing health awareness among people, expanding food and beverage industry, and increasing prevalence of diabetes are some of the factors driving the fat replacer market.
Moreover, various international and national organizations are launching initiatives to cut down the consumption of fats and promote the use of fat alternatives. For instance, in 2018, the WHO launched the REPLACE initiative to eliminate industrially produced trans fats.
As per Fact.MR, carbohydrate-based fat replacers will remain the most consumed products accounting for over 50% of the market share by 2031. Carbohydrate-based fat replacers have the ability to retain moisture and create the same texture as that of fats. They are being increasingly utilized in confectionery industry.
Regionally, North America dominates the global fat replacer market, accounting for a major share of 45% over the forecast period. Growth in the region is attributed to the increasing prevalence of heart-related diseases, growing health consciousness, expanding food and beverages industry and presence of leading market players.
