Key Drivers and Trends Fuelling the Demand for Maltodextrin

Growing consumer awareness about the impact of diet on health and well-being has brought many transformations in the food processing industry. Today, a majority of food manufacturers have realised the importance of creating low-calorie, and clean-label products in order to cater to a the new consumer — one who is aware, proactive, and doesn’t mind paying a little bit more to get a truly nutritious product.

The impact of changing consumer preference can be seen in the adoption of stevia, a natural sweetener extracted from a plant, and in use of natural food colours instead of affordable artificial colours. Maltodextrin, which has been used as a food additive, has also witnessed surging demand, as it has fewer calories than other starch-based sweeteners. According to a research report by Future Market Insights, the global maltodextrin market will witness a CAGR of 5.1% through 2020, and reach a valuation of US$ 3.39 Bn. Let’s take a look at the factors driving the demand for maltodextrin.

Robust Demand for Low-Calorie Packaged Food

Owing to today’s hectic lifestyle, not everyone has the time or energy to brownbag their lunches. This has translated into growing demand for ready-to-eat and packaged foods. However, one key change that has been observed in consumer behaviour is that they want to know what ingredients have been used to make these packaged food products. Tags like ‘Clean-label’, ‘organic’, or ‘natural’ are being perceived positively by consumers, and this has prompted manufacturers to look for low-calorie alternatives to ingredients that they have been using for years.

Maltodextrin, which is used as bulking and carrier agent to provide texture and viscosity to food products, contains lesser calories than other starch-based substitutes. In addition to its low calories, maltodextrin is bland in taste, which is an added benefit, as it helps food processors maintain the original taste of the product. Growing use of maltodextrin in the packaged food industry is one of the key reasons for robust demand for maltodextrin.

Bulking & Texturizing of Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners seem to be losing the battle, as consumer acceptance of stevia and other natural sweeteners grows steadily. However, this is not to say that artificial sweeteners have completely gone off the market. Owing to their cost-effectiveness, manufacturers are trying to decrease the calorific value. Use of maltodextrin in bulking and texturizing these artificial sweeteners is growing by the day, which in turn, has led to increased demand for maltodextrin.

Technological Advancement in Food Encapsuation

Innovation in food encapsulation techniques has provided an impetus to the use of maltodextrin in encapsulating food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and animal feed. Maltodextrin is also used in spray drying products, such as instant soup, skimmed milk powder, ready mixes, beverage mixes, and infant formula. Owing to these factors, demand for maltodextrin is growing steadily, and it is expected to become more robust in the near future.

Key Trends in Maltodextrin Market

Demand for GMO-free Maltodextrin

Owing to the controversies associated with GMO crops, demand for GMO-free maltodextrin is anticipated to increase in the near future. Awareness about the negative aspects of GMO crops is high among consumers, and this has pushed the demand for clean-label products. Owing to this, it is anticipated that the demand for GMO-free maltodextrin will increase in the future.

Use of Maltodextrin in Personal Care & Industrial Chemicals

As discussed previously, maltodextrin is used in the food and pharmaceutical industry, however, advancement in technology is expected to widen the application of maltodextrin in new industries, such as personal care and industrial chemicals.

Use of Maltodextrin as a Fat Replacer in Food Products

It is estimated that the use of maltodextrin as a fat replacer can reduce the fat content by up to 50%. Owing to this, it is expected that maltodextrin will be increasingly used as a fat replacer in food products.

Browse Full: "Maltodextrin Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015 - 2020" Market Research Report at http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/details/maltodextrin-market