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Rice Syrup Market

The market for Rice Syrup was estimated at $2.1 billion in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $3.1 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $4.4 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS1901073
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
Datatree
Food & Beverage
Packaged & Processed F&B
Rice Syrup
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Report Summary
Market Data
Methodology
Table of Contents

Global Rice Syrup Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$2.1B

Forecast, 2035

$4.4B

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

7.6%

The Rice Syrup industry revenue is expected to be around $2.1 billion in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 7.6% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. This trajectory underscores the strengthening position of Rice Syrup within the global rice syrup market, as manufacturers increasingly adopt this natural sweetener to replace refined sugars and high-fructose corn syrups in a wide range of formulations. Strong rice syrup demand is being propelled by clean label preferences, the expansion of plant-based sweeteners, and heightened scrutiny of artificial additives across the food and beverage industry. Food & Beverage and Infant Formula together account for 80.5% of total rice syrup industry consumption, highlighting its critical role in mainstream processed foods as well as sensitive infant formula applications where digestibility and ingredient transparency are paramount. Liquid Rice Syrup remains the dominant format, generating approximately $1.67 billion in industry revenue in 2025, supported by its ease of handling, formulation flexibility, and compatibility with large-scale processing lines. Collectively, these dynamics reinforce the ongoing relevance of Rice Syrup as a strategically important ingredient for brand owners seeking to balance sweetness, functionality, and consumer trust.

Rice Syrup is a carbohydrate-rich sweetening syrup produced by enzymatically converting rice starches into simpler sugars, yielding a mild-tasting, low-fructose profile that appeals to manufacturers seeking more natural sweeteners. Its key features include a neutral flavor, stable viscosity, good binding and humectant properties, and suitability as a gluten-free sweetener that aligns with allergen-conscious and vegan product positioning. The ingredient is widely used in bakery, cereals, snacks, beverages, confectionery, sauces, dairy alternatives, and particularly in infant formula applications, where its gentle digestibility and predictable energy release are valued. Recent rice syrup market trends encompass a rapid shift toward organic rice syrup and non-GMO options, increased use in plant-based and sports nutrition products, and innovation in blends that reduce added sugar while maintaining taste and texture. As regulatory and consumer pressures intensify around sugar reduction and ingredient clarity, Rice Syrup is set to remain a central component of clean label formulation strategies across global food and beverage value chains.

Rice Syrup market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035
Rice Syrup Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Rice Syrup market is projected to grow from $2.1 billion in 2025 to $4.4 billion in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 7.6%, reflecting rising demand across Food & Beverage, Infant Formula, and Nutritional Supplements.

  • Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Wuhu Deli Foods, and Gulshan Polyols are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.

  • China and U.S. are the top markets within the Rice Syrup market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 4.9% to 7.3% between 2025 and 2030.

  • Emerging markets including Brazil, Nigeria and UAE are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 8.7% to 10.5%.

  • Transition like Shift Towards Organic Products is expected to add $235 million to the Rice Syrup market growth by 2030.

  • The Rice Syrup market is set to add $2.3 billion between 2025 and 2035, with manufacturer targeting Infant Formula & Nutritional Supplements Application projected to gain a larger market share.

  • With

    increasing health consciousness, and

    Demand for Gluten-free and Organic Products, Rice Syrup market to expand 108% between 2025 and 2035.

rice syrup market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Rice Syrup - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Rice Syrup

Rising consumer demand for clean-label, plant-based bakery in North America is also creating strong potential for Rice Syrup as a replacement for high-fructose corn syrup in breads, cookies, and breakfast products. Brown rice syrup, in particular, aligns with vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO positioning, supporting sugar reduction without compromising texture or flavor. With global brown Rice Syrup revenues projected to grow from $1.67 billion in 2025 to $2.39 billion by 2030, this segment is expected to deliver the highest incremental value.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Asia-Pacific

In North America, Rice Syrup adoption is strongest in Food & Beverage, where it is positioned as a versatile natural sweetener for bakery, snack, cereals bars, and beverages, with Nutritional Supplements emerging as a fast-growing niche in sports nutrition and functional drinks. Top opportunities include premium organic rice syrup and brown rice syrup for clean label and plant-based foods, as brands reformulate away from corn-based syrups and artificial sweeteners while seeking stable texture, binding, and mild flavor. Competition is characterized by large carbohydrate processors and specialized importers of organic ingredients, intensifying pressure on pricing and service levels, which creates room for differentiated offerings built on assured non-GMO sourcing, advanced quality control, and application-specific technical support. Key regional drivers are consumer demand for recognizable ingredients, sugar-reduction initiatives, and preference for allergen-free, gluten-free formulations, supporting investment in higher-purity grades, tailored viscosities, and co-development programs with leading food and nutrition brands.
In Asia-Pacific, Rice Syrup demand is anchored in high-volume Food & Beverage applications such as confectionery, bakery, traditional snacks, and ready-to-drink products, while Infant Formula represents a critical high-value segment in markets with expanding middle classes and stringent quality expectations. Top opportunities arise from upgrading commodity syrup portfolios into value-added organic rice syrup and brown rice syrup, optimized for infant nutrition, dairy alternatives, and fortified beverages, as well as from supplying export-ready clean label inputs to global brands. Competition is fragmented, with numerous regional manufacturers competing mainly on cost, which opens strategic space for players that can secure consistent rice supply, invest in process technology for customized DE levels, and guarantee traceability and contaminant control that meet international standards. Main growth drivers include urbanization, rising disposable incomes, the shift toward safer and more transparent sweetener systems, and government attention to food safety, underpinning investment in integrated Rice Syrup production hubs and branded ingredient platforms targeting both domestic and international clean label and plant-based foods markets.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rising Demand for Clean‑Label Ingredients and Growing Health Consciousness Among Consumers

The increasing consumer focus on clean-label and natural ingredients along with rising health consciousness is also a primary driver for rice syrup market growth. First, consumers are also actively seeking alternatives to refined sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners, boosting the adoption of plant-based sweeteners like rice syrup. Its non-GMO, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly properties align perfectly with the clean-label movement, appealing to manufacturers aiming to enhance product transparency. Second, the health-conscious trend encourages food and beverage companies to incorporate ingredients with lower glycemic impact and digestible carbohydrate profiles. Rice syrup, particularly brown rice syrup and rice syrup solids, provides a natural energy source without causing significant blood sugar spikes, making it ideal for functional foods, infant nutrition, and nutritional supplements. These combined trends are also fueling product innovation, enabling manufacturers to offer functional, natural, and health-oriented products that resonate with modern consumer preferences.
The rising adoption of plant-based and specialty food products is also significantly driving rice syrup usage. As consumers shift toward vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly diets, rice syrup emerges as a versatile sweetener compatible with cereals, snack bars, dairy alternatives, and confectioneries. Its neutral taste, ease of incorporation, and textural benefits make it suitable for a wide range of formulations. This trend is also particularly strong in premium and health-focused segments, supporting broader market penetration and encouraging manufacturers to replace conventional sweeteners with rice syrup in innovative product lines.
02

Restraint: Limited Consumer Awareness and Preference for Traditional Sweeteners Slows Rice Syrup Adoption

One key restraint is limited consumer awareness paired with strong preference for traditional sweeteners such as cane sugar and high‑fructose corn syrup. Many consumers and food manufacturers remain unfamiliar with rice syrup’s benefits, leading to slower uptake in mainstream products. For example, cereals and beverages still predominantly use well‑established sweeteners, constraining rice syrup demand and reducing its shelf space, ultimately limiting revenue growth and market penetration in mass markets.
03

Opportunity: Infant and toddler food manufacturers in Europe adopting hypoallergenic sweeteners and Sports nutrition & energy bar producers in Asia-Pacific seeking sustained energy

Stricter regulations and parental scrutiny of sugars in Europe are stimulating demand for Rice Syrup in infant cereals, pouches, and toddler snacks that avoid common allergens. Brand owners are reformulating toward rice-based sweeteners to achieve gentle sweetness, low flavor taint, and improved digestibility versus sucrose or fruit concentrates. Brown rice syrup currently leads volume, but specialized others (enzymatically modified rice syrup / controlled DE rice syrup) types tailored for controlled dextrose equivalence are expected to grow fastest as manufacturers pursue tighter quality control and differentiated nutritional positioning.
Expanding sports nutrition, fitness snacking, and e-commerce channels across Asia-Pacific are opening new niches for Rice Syrup in gels, energy bars, and performance beverages. Manufacturers are shifting toward organic rice syrup as a natural sweetener that offers gradual energy release and a shorter ingredient list than maltodextrin or refined sugar. Within this opportunity, white rice syrup is poised for the fastest growth, supported by its mild taste and clarity and an expected global revenue increase from $0.46 to $0.68 billion by 2030.
04

Challenge: Higher Production Costs and Supply Chain Challenges Impact Competitive Pricing and Availability

Another significant restraint for rice syrup is higher production costs combined with complex supply chain logistics, which make it difficult to compete with lower‑cost sweeteners. Rice syrup extraction and clarification require more processing, raising manufacturing expenses that translate into higher retail prices. This pricing disadvantage affects demand in cost‑sensitive segments like mass‑market food products, where buyers prioritize price over clean‑label or functional benefits, thus restraining broader market expansion.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Rice Grain Sourcing

Olam InternationalWilmar International
2

Rice Syrup Production

Archer-Daniels-Midland CompanyGulshan Polyols Ltd
3

Rice-Based Sweetener Distribution

Austrade Inc.Ciranda Inc
4

Gluten-Free Applications

Food & BeverageBakery & ConfectioneryInfant Nutrition
Rice Syrup - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Rice Syrup in Food & Beverage & Nutritional Supplements

Food & Beverage : Rice syrup plays a pivotal role in the food and beverage industry as a natural, clean‑label sweetener and texture enhancer widely used in baked goods, beverages, snacks, and confectionery. Its mild sweetness, smooth mouthfeel, moisture‑retaining ability, and low glycemic index make it appealing for health‑oriented products and plant‑based offerings. Rice syrup, particularly liquid and clarified forms, is favored by manufacturers of cereals, soft drinks, and desserts seeking gluten‑free, non‑GMO ingredients. Major suppliers such as Cargill, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), and California Natural Products bolster this segment with extensive production scale, strong distribution networks, and focus on organic and natural sweetener portfolios that align with rising consumer demand for transparency and healthier alternatives in processed foods and beverage products.
Infant Formula : In infant nutrition, rice syrup is valued for its digestibility, hypoallergenic properties, and mild sweetness, making it suitable for inclusion in baby foods and infant formulas. Rice syrup varieties such as infant‑safe brown rice syrups and rice syrup solids are produced to meet stringent safety and purity standards required for sensitive formulations. Manufacturers like Shafi Gluco Chem and GluCorp provide infant‑safe rice syrup products that deliver stable energy and gentle carbohydrate sources for infants, supporting digestive comfort and aligning with clean‑label infant nutrition trends. The increasing focus on organic and naturally sourced ingredients in baby food and formula formulations is driving adoption of rice syrup due to its plant‑based, allergy‑friendly profile, helping producers develop products that appeal to health‑conscious parents seeking alternatives to corn syrup solids and synthetic sweeteners.
Nutritional Supplements : Rice syrup and rice syrup solids are gaining traction in the nutritional supplements sector as functional carbohydrate sources and natural sweeteners in protein bars, meal replacement drinks, and sports nutrition products. Their low glycemic index, easy digestibility, and binding properties make them suitable for energy‑boosting formulations and nutrition mixes that require stable texture and sustained energy release. Brands leverage rice syrup solids to enhance mouthfeel, improve nutritional profiles, and meet the growing preference for gluten‑free, plant‑based supplements in the wellness market. This trend is supported by increasing consumer demand for clean‑label and natural ingredients in health‑oriented product formulations.

Recent Developments

Recent strategic developments in the rice syrup market highlight clean‑label sweetener innovation, e‑commerce expansion, and functional ingredient adoption in food and beverage, infant nutrition, and supplements. A key trend is the shift toward plant‑based, hypoallergenic sweeteners with controlled dextrose equivalence and low glycemic impact. Brands are optimizing digital marketing, strengthening online distribution channels, and partnering with specialty food manufacturers to increase visibility and meet rising demand for natural, gluten‑free, and allergy‑friendly sugar alternatives.

October 2025 : Ciranda Inc. entered a partnership with Incredo to bring transformational, clean‑label sugar and sweetener solutions to a broader base of food and beverage brands and product manufacturers. This collaboration enables Ciranda to offer innovative clean‑label sugar alternatives that support reduced sugar formulations, enhancing its presence in sweetener portfolios used across bakery, snacks, and nutraceuticals.
July 2024 : Wuhu Deli Foods Co., Ltd. broadened its rice syrup product lineup with a new range of flavored rice syrups and clarified brown rice syrup variants. This expansion supports its export growth and market penetration in food and beverage sectors where customized natural sweetener solutions, including flavored syrups, are in demand.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Rice Syrup Market

As a core segment of the Packaged & Processed F&B industry, the Rice Syrup market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Shift Towards Organic Products and Emergence of E-Commerce have redefined priorities across the Packaged & Processed F&B sector, influencing how the Rice Syrup market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Shift Towards Organic Products

The accelerating shift toward organic and non-GMO formulations is redefining the Rice Syrup market, transforming organic rice syrup from a niche option into a core clean-label ingredient for health-conscious consumers. As demand rises for natural sweeteners free from artificial additives and preservatives, food and beverage manufacturers are rapidly reformulating portfolios across bakery and confectionery, plant-based products, and gluten-free formulations, positioning non-GMO rice syrup as a preferred sugar alternative. This structural transition is not merely a lifestyle trend but a measurable growth engine, projected to add approximately $235 million to overall Rice Syrup market value by 2030. Players that quickly scale certified organic capacities, secure traceable sourcing, and differentiate through functional, label-friendly rice syrup solutions will capture disproportionate share in this expanding premium segment.
02

Emergence of E-Commerce

The rice syrup market is experiencing a significant shift due to the rapid growth of e‑commerce platforms, reshaping how consumers discover and purchase natural sweeteners. Online marketplaces and direct-to-consumer channels enable brands to reach health-conscious and specialty food buyers who prefer convenience and digital accessibility. Companies such as Cargill, ADM, and Shafi Gluco Chem are enhancing their online presence, investing in digital marketing, product education, and subscription models to attract wider audiences. This transition also benefits associated industries like organic foods, infant nutrition, and nutritional supplements, as easier access to rice syrup allows manufacturers to reformulate products with clean-label sweeteners. The move to online channels supports global distribution, encourages innovative product packaging and smaller trial sizes, and generates valuable consumer insights, ultimately boosting sales revenue and competitive positioning in the natural sweetener sector.