Food Acidulants Market (2025 - 2030) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Type (Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Acetic Acid), By Application (Bakey & Confectionery, Beverages, Meat Industry), By Region, And Segment Forecasts

Food Acidulants Market Summary

The global food acidulants market size was estimated at USD 6.42 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 8.74 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2025 to 2030. Food acidulants like citric acid, lactic acid, and malic acid are frequently added to processed foods and beverages as additives.

They not only give foods a sour taste but also enhance & alter flavors & sweetness, as well as adjust the pH of foods and beverages. As consumer preferences shift towards unique flavor profiles, the tart and sour notes provided by these acidulants are becoming more sought after, meeting consumers' evolving tastes. The widespread use of food acidulants in everyday processed foods is fueling their demand, with phosphoric acid being a key player found in various products. This acid can be found in popular carbonated beverages like colas and lemon-lime sodas, adding to their refreshing taste.

It is also common in condiments, such as ketchup and BBQ sauce, enhancing their tanginess and overall flavor. Furthermore, the use of phosphoric acid in processed meats and canned soups helps regulate pH levels and extend shelf life, making these products safer and more appealing to consumers. These factors collectively contribute to the growth and positive impact on the global market. Acidulants play a crucial role in various applications, offering functionalities like imparting tartness, intensifying flavor, and extending shelf life by regulating pH, which controls the growth of microorganisms. According to a 2023 survey by Ayana Bio, a plant cell technology company, 34% of Americans choose ultra-processed foods because of their longer shelf life.

Acidulants, such as sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and citric acid, not only modify flavor profiles but also enhance the stability and shelf life of food products. This property of acidulants contributes significantly to their demand, as consumers seek products that last longer without compromising on taste or quality. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that a majority of Americans prefer less sodium in their food, with over half actively seeking more control over their sodium intake. This has led to a drive to limit sodium, particularly in manufactured foods. Potassium citrate, a popular acidulant, is extensively used to formulate low-sodium foods, catering to this growing consumer demand.

This trend is a key driver behind the increasing usage of potassium citrate and, consequently, the growth of the acidulants market. The rapid growth of the meat & seafood industries significantly contributes to the expansion of the food acidulants sector. Over the past 50 years, the global meat demand has increased and has more than tripled with current annual production reaching over 350 million tons, as reported by Our World in Data in December 2023. Lactic acid plays a crucial role in quality assurance programs for meat & poultry slaughter lines, due to its potent antimicrobial properties. By inhibiting the growth of harmful microbes, lactic acid extends the shelf life of freshly slaughtered meat, aligning with the industry's need for effective preservation methods.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The food acidulants market exhibits a moderate degree of innovation, with ongoing research focused on developing new product formulations and enhancing existing ones. Innovations aim to meet evolving consumer preferences, such as clean-label products, as well as improve functionality, efficiency, and sustainability in food processing.

Regulations play a crucial role in this market, ensuring the safety and quality of products. They often dictate the types and quantities of acidulants that can be used in food products, influencing formulation decisions. Compliance with these regulations is essential for market entry and maintaining consumer trust, driving manufacturers to innovate and develop products that meet regulatory standards.

The end-user concentration in the market is diverse, including the food and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed sectors. Each sector utilizes acidulants for various purposes, such as flavor enhancement, pH control, and preservation. The market's broad end-user base contributes to its stability and continuous growth.

The market has seen a moderate level of merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in recent years. These activities are driven by companies seeking to expand their product portfolios, enter new markets, or achieve economies of scale. For example, Cargill, Inc., and Croda struck a deal in December 2021 for Cargill, Inc. to purchase most of Croda's Performance Technologies and Industrial Chemicals (PTIC) division. The agreement was aimed at enhancing Cargill, Inc.'s footprint in high-growth bio-based markets in Asia, the U.S., and Europe.

Application Insights

The beverages segment held the largest share of 38.57% in 2023. Acidulants play a crucial role in beverages, providing formulators with a versatile tool to enhance flavor profiles, balance sweetness, and mask unpleasant tastes. In addition, they can help maintain pH, improve stability, and reduce costs, making them invaluable in creating well-rounded and appealing beverages. With increasing soft drink consumption globally, the product usage in beverages is set to increase. For instance, the U.S. has some of the highest rates of soda consumption in the world, with each individual consuming an estimated 154 liters per year, according to data from the World Population Review for 2024.

The demand for food acidulants in the dairy & frozen desserts industry is expected to register the fastest CAGR of 5.8% during the forecast period. Acidulants like citric acid can be added to ice cream and gelato as an emulsifying agent to aid in preventing fat separation or to caramel-based sauces to prevent the crystallization of sugar. As consumers seek more diverse and indulgent flavors in dairy and frozen desserts, acidulants will play a crucial role in meeting these demands.

Type Insights

The citric acid segment held a major revenue share of about 62% in 2023. Citric acid has emerged as one of the most prevalent ingredients in the food and beverage industry. Cargill Inc.’s IngredienTracker consumer research consistently indicates that citric acid has a positive impact on consumer purchases, second only to rosemary extract. Known for its ability to enhance flavor without leaving any aftertaste, citric acid is widely used in beverages, powdered drink mixes, candies, jams, and jellies. Its growing popularity underscores its significance in the food acidulants industry, where it is recognized for its flavor-enhancing properties and versatility across various product categories.

The malic acid segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2030. The demand for malic acid is poised to rise due to its unique properties and versatile applications. As a great alternative to citric acid, malic acid offers a persistent, pleasant tart flavor that complements sweeteners and enhances fruit flavors. Its good buffering properties make it resistant to pH changes, and it can also act as a color enhancer. In addition, malic acid is cost-effective, allowing for the use of smaller quantities compared to citric acid, making it an attractive option for a wide range of food and beverage products, including sour confectionery, desserts, preserves, flavored beers, and more.

Regional Insights

North America accounted for the second-largest share of 26% of the global revenue in 2023. The rising consumption of processed and convenience foods in North America is driving the demand for food acidulants. Also, innovations in processed food product formulation are expected to favor the rising demand for food acidulants in the North America regional market.

U.S. Food Acidulants Market Trends

The U.S. food acidulants market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.2% from 2024 to 2030. The food service sector, including restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services, is experiencing robust growth in the country. Also, stringent regulations related to food safety in the U.S. oblige food service providers and manufacturers to comply with regulatory requirements, which provides confidence to consumers, facilitating market growth by fostering trust.

Asia Pacific Food Acidulants Market Trends

The food acidulants market in Asia Pacific held the largest revenue share of 34.03% in 2023. The region's large population and rising disposable incomes are driving increased consumption of processed foods and beverages, which use acidulants for flavor enhancement and preservation. In addition, the growing food & beverage industry in countries like China and India is fueling product demand.

The India food acidulants market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. A report by the World Health Organization finds that despite a decline in the share of ultra-processed foods in India from 43% in 2011 to 36% in 2021, the demand for processed foods is rising, driven by factors, such as increasing disposable incomes, rapid urbanization, and changing lifestyles. Size and growth differ by the five major categories in ultra-processed food products. Chocolate and sugar confectionery accounted for the maximum share, In terms of retail sales value, during 2011 - 2021, followed by convenience & ready-made food products. The beverages category was in the third position till 2019; however, the salty snacks category occupied its position in 2021.

Central & South America Food Acidulants Market Trends

The food acidulants market in Central & South America is set to expand at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2024 to 2030. The product demand in this region is expected to increase due to factors, such as rising soda consumption. Based on data from the World Population Review for 2024, as compared to other countries across the globe, Argentina has the most soda consumption (approximately 155 liters per person) annually. Soda is a popular beverage in the area due to higher-income households and the warm weather.

Key Food Acidulants Company Insights

The market is highly fragmented with the presence of numerous top and regional companies across major economies. Multinational companies, such as Cargill, Inc.; Tate & Lyle; ADM; and Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG focus on offering a wide range of high-quality acidulants, investing in research and development for innovative products, providing excellent customer service, and ensuring competitive pricing strategies to compete in the market.

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, Univar Solutions LLC announced its acquisition by Apollo Funds. The companies entered into a definitive merger agreement, which valued Univar Solutions LLC at about USD 8.1 billion. The transaction also featured a minority investment by Abu Dhabi Investment Authority‘s wholly-owned subsidiary

• In November 2021, Tate & Lyle built a new biomass boiler at its Santa Rosa, Brazil plant, where acidulants are produced. The purpose was to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, enhance efficiency, and lower water usage. As a result, the local community and plants benefitted from improved air quality

• In July 2021, Tate & Lyle agreed to sell a controlling stake in a new company, NewCo, which included its Primary Products business in North America and Latin America, along with its interests in the Almidones Mexicanos S.A. de C.V. and DuPont Tate & Lyle Bio-Products Company, LLC joint ventures, to KPS Capital Partners, LP. This deal resulted in Tate & Lyle and KPS each holding 50% ownership of NewCo. After the transaction, NewCo comprised Tate & Lyle's Primary Products business in North America and Latin America, which included the acidulants plants located in Santa Rosa, Brazil and Dayton, Ohio & Duluth, Minnesota (both U.S.)

Food Acidulants Market Report Scope

Global Food Acidulants Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the food acidulants market report on the basis of type, application, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Citric Acid

  • Acetic Acid

  • Lactic Acid

  • Phosphoric Acid

  • Malic Acid

  • Others

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • Bakery & Confectionery

  • Beverages

  • Dairy & Frozen Desserts

  • Meat Industry

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • Spain

    • Italy

    • France

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa