Taste Modulators Market Size & Forecast

The Taste Modulators Market is expected to reach $2.50 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of the taste modulators market is driven by the rising consumer awareness regarding health and wellbeing, growing consumer demand for low-calorie food products with original taste, and a wide range of benefits of taste modulators. However, stringent regulations and international standards restrain the market’s growth. Moreover, increasing demand for innovative beverages and the expanding functional food industry are expected to generate growth opportunities for the stakeholders in this market.

Taste Modulators Market Growth Drivers

Growing Consumer Demand for Low-calorie Food Products with Original Taste

Consumers are increasingly focusing on eating healthy due to growing health concerns. The global demand for low-calorie foods is mainly driven by increasing health awareness, rising disease prevalence and micronutrient deficiencies, and growing disposable incomes. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2021, approximately 537 million adults (20–79 years) were living with diabetes. This is expected to reach 783 million by 2045. Also, the rising global prevalence of chronic diseases contributes to consumers’ growing inclination toward nutritious foods. According to an NIH-funded study, a healthy diet improves overall health and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The healthy eating trend is gaining traction, significantly driving the development and production of healthy and low-calorie foods. Sweet modulators are increasingly replacing sugars in food products due to their low-calorie content.

Furthermore, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for products offering immunity-boosting and specific health benefits has increased notably. For instance, according to the International Food Information Council’s (IFIC) 2021 Food and Health Survey, in 2021, 53% of millennials (age range between 27 to 42 years) followed specific diets, an increase from 43% in 2020. The motivation for adopting these diets was losing weight (38%), enhancing physical health (29%), preventing future health concerns (37%), and preventing weight gain (38%). Low-calorie foods contain minimal to no simple sugars that are higher in calories, which can potentially be linked to various diseases.

Thus, the growing consumer demand for low-calorie food products is boosting the demand for taste modulators, driving the growth of this market.

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Rising Consumer Awareness Regarding Health and Wellbeing

Well-being is becoming a global movement as consumers seek to ensure healthy lives for as long as possible, particularly as the average lifespan continues to rise. Over the past decade, industrialization, urbanization, economic development, and globalization led to rapid changes in diets and lifestyles. These factors significantly impact health and nutritional status, particularly in developing countries.

The global population is growing rapidly. According to the Population Reference Bureau (PRB), the global human population is expected to reach 9.9 billion by 2050, increasing 33% from an estimated 7.4 billion in 2017. The growing global population will significantly increase the demand for high-nutritional food products. Hence, the need for high-nutritional food products with great taste to cater to the growing population is expected to boost the demand for taste modulators.

Nowadays, consumers are more conscious of their health and understand that proper nutrition and hydration are vital for the human body. The shift towards healthier lifestyles is influencing purchasing decisions across various demographics. Whether it's reducing sugar intake, cutting back on salt, or opting for natural ingredients, consumers are actively seeking products that support their wellness objectives. This trend is particularly pronounced among millennials and Generation Z, who prioritize health-conscious consumption patterns. As a result, food and beverage manufacturers are under pressure to innovate and reformulate their offerings to cater to these evolving preferences. The incorporation of taste modulators allows them to meet the demand for healthier options while maintaining the sensory appeal that consumers crave. Furthermore, consumers are increasingly turning to functional foods and beverages that offer nutritional benefits.

As consumers strive for healthier lifestyles, they are paying closer attention to their dietary choices. Taste modulators are essential in this shift, allowing for the reduction of sugar, salt, and fat content in food products without sacrificing flavor. With a growing consumer awareness regarding health and well-being and a preference for health-conscious options, the demand for taste modulators is steadily increasing.

Taste Modulators Market Opportunities

Increasing Demand for Innovative Beverages

Nowadays, as consumers become more adventurous in their flavor preferences, beverage companies are pressured to deliver unique and novel taste experiences. This demand for innovation has led manufacturers to explore taste modulators to enhance and manipulate flavors in their products. Beverage producers are crafting exotic flavor combinations, recreating nostalgic tastes, and experimenting with sensory experiences. Taste modulators offer a versatile toolkit for beverage manufacturers to differentiate their offerings and capture consumer interest.

Moreover, the growing focus on health and wellness is driving the demand for beverages that offer healthier options without compromising on taste. Taste modulators play a pivotal role in this regard by enabling the reduction of sugar, salt, and other undesirable ingredients in beverages while maintaining flavor profiles. As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, there is a heightened demand for beverages with reduced sugar and calorie content. Taste modulators empower manufacturers to develop innovative formulations that cater to these preferences, thereby capitalizing on the health and wellness trend while meeting consumer expectations for great taste.

Additionally, customization and personalization are creating new opportunities for taste modulators in the beverage industry. Consumers are seeking products that cater to their individual preferences and dietary needs, driving the demand for customizable beverage options. Taste modulators provide beverage manufacturers with the flexibility to tailor flavor profiles according to specific consumer tastes. This ability to offer personalized beverage experiences not only enhances consumer satisfaction but also fosters brand loyalty, positioning taste modulators as a key ingredient for success in the competitive beverage market.

Thus, an increasing demand for innovative beverages is expected to offer market growth opportunities.

Expanding Functional Food Industry

A steady increase in life expectancy and greater attention to quality has been witnessed in the past few decades. Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about their health and are paying more attention to their lifestyles and dietary habits. Countries worldwide are undergoing a nutritional transition and face the burden of nutritional problems. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), undernutrition and specific nutrient deficiencies remain major challenges, with imbalanced diets and chronic diseases simultaneously becoming alarmingly common. Moreover, with rising obesity rates, aging population, increase in sedentary lifestyles, and increased consumer interest in health and nutrition, the demand for functional food is also increasing across developing countries.

Moreover, the expanding functional food industry has become a focal point for innovation, driven by consumer demand for healthier, more personalized food options. Within this dynamic landscape, taste modulators have emerged as key solutions to enhance the palatability of functional foods without compromising their health benefits. These compounds, whether natural or synthetic, can alter taste perceptions by intensifying, masking, or modifying flavors, thereby addressing the challenge of formulating nutritious products that still appeal to consumers' taste preferences.

Furthermore, the proliferation of functional foods across various categories, including beverages, snacks, dairy, and supplements, presents a vast market opportunity for taste modulators. As consumers seek out convenient and accessible ways to incorporate health-boosting ingredients into their diets, manufacturers are exploring new formulations and product concepts. Taste modulators play a crucial role in ensuring that these functional offerings not only meet nutritional requirements but also deliver a sensory experience that rivals conventional indulgent foods.

Thus, the expanding functional food industry is expected to create growth opportunities for the players operating in the taste modulators market in the coming years.

Taste Modulators Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Type: The Sweet Modulators Segment to Dominate the Taste Modulators Market in 2024

Based on type, the taste modulators market is segmented into sweet modulators, salt modulators, fat modulators, and other taste modulators. In 2024, the sweet modulators segment is expected to account for the largest share of 47.1% of the taste modulators market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the desire for reduced sugar consumption, rising awareness about the ill effects of sugar consumption, growing incidences of diabetes and obesity, high demand for healthier and low-caloric foods, and a wide range of applications.

Moreover, the sweet modulators segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period 2024–2031.

By Form: The Powder Segment to Dominate the Taste Modulators Market in 2024

Based on form, the taste modulators market is segmented into powder and liquid. The liquid segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period 2024–2031 due to the increasing demand from beverage manufacturers. In food and beverage product manufacturing, liquid taste modulators help to improve viscosity, mouthfeel, product stability, texture, shelf life, taste, and visual aspects.

By Application: The Beverage Segment to Dominate the Taste Modulators Market in 2024

Based on application, the taste modulators market is segmented into beverages, food, pharmaceuticals, and other applications. In 2024, the beverages segment is expected to account for the largest share of 43.8% of the taste modulators market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the high demand for healthy and functional beverages, high adoption of taste modulators in non-alcoholic beverages, strong growth in the beverage industry, and increased promotional and advertisement strategies about clean labels by beverage manufacturers.

Geographic Analysis

North America to Dominate the Taste Modulators Market in 2024

Based on geography, the taste modulators market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of 37.1% of the taste modulators market. North America’s major market share is attributed to an increase in consumer preference for innovation and healthy food products, growing health and wellness concerns, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and a well-established food and beverage industry.

However, Asia-Pacific is slated to register the highest growth rate during the forecast period due to growth in the food and beverage industry, rising health awareness among consumers, and rising prevalence of obesity and diabetes.

Taste Modulators Market: Key Companies

This report includes a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3 to 4 years. Some of the key players operating in the taste modulators market are DSM-Firmenich AG (Netherlands), International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc. (U.S.), Givaudan SA (Switzerland), Kerry Group plc (Ireland), Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.), Symrise AG (Germany), Sensient Technologies Corporation (U.S.), Tate & Lyle PLC (U.K.), Corbion N.V. (Netherlands), Carmi Flavor & Fragrance Co. Inc (U.S.), Flavorchem Corporation (U.S.), Icon Foods (U.S.) Synergy Flavors, Inc. (U.S.) and Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (U.S.).

Taste Modulators Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In March 2024, DSM-Firmenich (Switzerland) opens its new pilot plant in Plainsboro, New Jersey. The state-of-the-art facility will help customers to quickly scale up their innovative food & beverages.

• In June 2023, Kerry Group (Ireland) launched a next-generation Tastesense Advanced solutions for low or zero-sugar products.

• In June 2023, Ingredion launched PureCircle Clean Taste Solutions – zero-calorie sweetening solutions tailored to specific applications to deliver ideal eating and drinking experiences.

Taste Modulators Market Research Summary

Key questions answered in the taste modulators market report: