Isomaltulose Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis by Grade (Food and Pharma), By End-use (Confectionery, Bakery Products, Breakfast Cereals & Bars, Dairy Products, Beverages, Fluoridated Salt, Frozen Desserts, Pharmaceuticals, and Others), and Regional Forecast till 2032

The global isomaltulose market is expanding with the growing popularity of non-caloric sugar in the food, beverage, and healthcare industries. Isomaltulose is a type of sugar that oral bacteria cannot metabolize, which minimizes the chances of cancer, particularly mouth cancer. Fitness enthusiastic consumers are looking for sugar substitutes to help them recover after resistance exercise. They prefer natural options that aid in muscle repair and energy replenishment. It improves the athlete's performance by reducing muscle damage.

Owing to health benefits and assistance in muscle recovery, the sugar is a popular option for these consumers. Therefore, manufacturers are developing a variety of nutritious drinks and sports beverages using isomaltulose. These products are designed to offer improved energy and recovery for health-conscious consumers.

Isomaltulose breaks down slowly in the body, offering a steady and consistent energy supply over a longer period. It helps maintain stable energy levels and assist to consume low calorie. Furthermore, consumers often prefer low-calorie-based products that also help with insulin sensitivity. Compared to sucrose, isomaltulose has a low Glycemic Index, resulting in superior preservation of basal, pre-prandial, and endothelial function during the postprandial phase.

Isomaltulose Market Driver

Isomaltulose's Health Benefits are Going to be a Primary Growth Driver

Isomaltulose has health benefits as it digests slowly, unlike sucrose. This means it releases energy into your body more gradually, which helps keep blood sugar levels steady and provides longer-lasting energy. As its lowers blood triglyceride levels, this sugar substitute may be beneficial to diabetic patients. It is well tolerated at doses up to 50 g or 1 g / kg of body weight (about 70 g) in stable and diabetic people. In addition to boosting immunity, cellulose aids in the body's storage of glucose for longer-lasting, more balanced energy. Growing knowledge of isomaltulose's health advantages is expected to increase the product demand across the globe.

• For instance, in 2024, a study on the impacts of Benno’s Platinose on gut health found that the consumption of the company’s “smart carbohydrate” (isomaltulose) helped to improve gut health and help the body maintain body weight, blood glucose and maintain healthy cardiovascular function.

Isomaltulose Market Restraint

High Price Factor of the Product to Impede the Market Growth

Isomaltulose is one of the sugar alternatives available in the market with relatively high price range. The involvement of technologies, machinery and equipment increases the product price. Therefore, customers need to pay extra due to its production complexity and availability. This could obstruct its widespread adoption and hinder the overall growth of the industry, especially in areas where prices are crucial.

Isomaltulose Market Opportunity

Increasing Regulatory Acceptance for the Product to Drive the Market in the Upcoming Years

Isomaltulose is a sugar substitute that is present in trace amounts in cane juice and honey. Owing to the presence of fructose and glucose, it is considered one of the ideal substitutes for regular sugar. Various regulatory authorities, including the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and EU Commission, consider it safe to use as a sugar substitute in food & beverage products. For example, Food Standards Australia New Zealand approved the use of isomaltulose in food products in place of sugar. International organizations' approvals are anticipated to positively influence the market. The sales of products based on isomaltulose are predicted to increase due to consumers' growing desire for natural ingredients in beverages and chocolate bars.

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Parent Market
• Supply Chain Analysis for Isomaltulose Market
• Regulatory Analysis
• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market
• Recent Investments in the  Isomaltulose Market
• Products Launched by Key Market Players

Isomaltulose Market Segmentation

Analysis by Grade

Based on grade, the market is categorized into food and pharma.

The food segment holds the largest market share owing to the rising demand for a low-calorie sugar alternative in bakeries, beverages, dairy products, and confectionery products. It also acts as a preventive measure against tooth decay. It can be used as a sucrose replacement in diabetic food and drink preparations, including milk drinks, sports drinks, and alcohol-free beer.

Owing to its several beneficial properties, isomaltulose has also been increasingly used as a suspending agent or viscosity-increasing agent and solubilizer in various medicines to treat diabetes. The increasing adoption of the product in pharmaceutical applications is likely to propel the growth of the pharma segment over the upcoming years.

Analysis By End-use

Based on end-use, the market is confectionery, bakery products, breakfast cereals & bars, frozen desserts, dairy products, beverages, fluoridated salt, pharmaceuticals, and others.

The confectionery segment leads the market as consumers become more conscious of healthier choices. Products such as candies, gums, and chocolates that use isomaltulose provide consistent energy and support mental well-being. The growing preference for low-calorie and reduced-sugar options is likely to boost market growth.

The frozen desserts segment, which includes ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and other chilled treats, is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. They offer a refreshing and delicious way to satisfy sweet cravings. The market is seeing a rise in options catering to dietary needs, including low-fat, sugar-free, and vegan varieties.

Regional Analysis

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By region, the market has been studied across North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America leads the market due to a high rate of diabetes and increasing demand for low-calorie foods and beverages. Popularity sugar substitutes is growing across the region as people become more health-conscious. Furthermore, increasing demand for low-calorie beverages and low sugar confectioneries is likely to propel the market expansion in the region.

Europe, the growing incorporation of isomaltulose in soft drinks and processed foods, is primarily driving the product sales. These sugar substitutes offer a way for consumers to enjoy sweetness without compromising their health, indicating a shift toward healthier dietary options in the region. Furthermore, increasing demand for low-calorie food products especially in bakery, confectionery, and dairy products is likely to drive the market in the upcoming years. Therefore, the Europe market is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.

Key Market Players

• Now Foods (U.S.)
• Frusano GmbH (Germany)
• Qingdao Oriental Tongxiang International Trading Co.,Ltd (China)
• Anhui Elite Industrial Co.,Ltd (China)
• Merck KGaA (Germany)
• Gerfro (France)
• Cargill Inc (U.S.)
• ErgoNutrition (Switzerland)
• Fooding Group Limited (China)
• Mitsui Sugar Co. Ltd., (Japan)

Key Industry Development

• In April 2024, various companies, such as Südzucker and Mitsui Sugar Co., Ltd., are exploring methods to immobilize sucrose isomerase, an enzyme used in isomaltulose production, to enable easier separation and reusability.
• In June 2020, Beneo, a Germany-based food ingredient manufacturer, explored potential new applications of isomaltulose which helped it to expand its offerings for new markets. The company combined soy protein with its carbohydrate offering “Palatinose” to mask the taste of soy-based products.