Yeast Glucan Market Analysis and Strategic Forecast 2025-2036
The global health and nutrition industry has undergone a paradigm shift toward preventative healthcare, placing functional ingredients like yeast-derived beta-glucans at the center of innovation. Western Market Research predicts that the Yeast Glucan Market was valued at USD 218.4 Million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 502.6 Million by the year 2036, growing at a CAGR of 7.85% globally. This robust growth is underpinned by the increasing consumer awareness of immune-modulating ingredients and the expanding application of yeast glucan in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and animal nutrition sectors.
Market Description
Yeast Glucan, specifically Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan, is a complex carbohydrate found in the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast). Unlike glucans derived from oats or barley which are primarily known for heart health and cholesterol management, yeast-derived glucans are recognized as powerful Biological Response Modifiers (BRMs). They possess the unique ability to activate the innate immune system—specifically macrophages and natural killer cells—without overstimulating it. This makes yeast glucan an essential ingredient in the burgeoning "Immune Support" category of dietary supplements.
The market has evolved from a niche supplement ingredient into a multi-functional additive. In the food industry, it serves as a fat replacer and texture enhancer, while in the pharmaceutical sector, it is being researched for its potential in adjuvant therapy for oncology and infectious diseases. The modern market landscape is characterized by a push toward high-purity, insoluble glucans that offer maximum bio-activity. Furthermore, the industry is benefiting from the "Clean Label" movement, as yeast glucan is a natural, non-GMO, and vegan-friendly ingredient that aligns with contemporary dietary preferences.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be overstated. It acted as a global catalyst for the yeast glucan market. As the world faced a respiratory health crisis, consumer demand for scientifically backed immune-health ingredients skyrocketed. This led to a permanent shift in consumer behavior, where "preventative maintenance" of the immune system became a daily habit rather than a seasonal reaction. While supply chains faced initial logistical hurdles in 2020, the long-term result was a diversified and more resilient manufacturing base for yeast-derived bioactive compounds.
Global Yeast Glucan Market Segmentation
The market is categorized into specific segments to reflect the chemical structure of the product and its diverse industrial utility.
By Type
-
Beta-1,3/1,6 Glucan: This is the primary segment of interest for the industry. The 1,3/1,6 linkage is specific to fungal and yeast sources and is responsible for the immune-priming effects. This type is further divided into soluble and insoluble forms, with the insoluble form traditionally being favored for its high concentration and stability in various formulations.
By Application
-
Food & Beverages: Used as a functional ingredient in bread, dairy products, and sports drinks to provide health claims related to immune defense. It also acts as a stabilizer and mouthfeel enhancer in low-fat food products.
-
Pharmaceuticals: This segment focuses on high-purity grades used in the manufacturing of capsules, tablets, and even topical ointments for wound healing. Its anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerative properties are key drivers here.
-
Cosmetics: Yeast glucan is increasingly integrated into "anti-stress" and "anti-aging" skincare. It helps in protecting skin cells from UV-induced oxidative stress and promotes collagen synthesis.
-
Feed: The animal nutrition sector utilizes yeast glucan as a natural antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) alternative. It enhances the immunity of livestock, aquaculture, and pets, reducing the reliance on traditional antibiotics.
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Others: Includes research applications and specialized industrial uses in the fermentation sector.
Top Key Players Covered in Yeast Glucan Market
The competitive landscape is a mix of global biotechnology giants and specialized ingredient manufacturers.
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Royal DSM N.V.: A global science-based company active in health, nutrition, and materials, DSM offers high-quality yeast derivatives through its extensive nutritional products portfolio.
-
Angel Yeast Co. Ltd.: One of the world’s largest yeast producers, Angel Yeast provides a comprehensive range of yeast glucan products specifically tailored for the human health and animal nutrition markets.
-
Chr. Hansen A/S: A leading global bioscience company that utilizes yeast and bacteria for natural solutions in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
-
AHD International: Focuses on the distribution and supply of high-grade functional ingredients, bridging the gap between producers and formulation laboratories.
-
Biotec Pharmacon ASA (ArcticZymes Technologies): Renowned for its focus on M-Glucan and specialized immune-modulating compounds derived from cold-water sources and yeast.
-
Lallemand Inc.: A private Canadian company that specializes in the development, production, and marketing of yeasts and bacteria, with a strong focus on specialized yeast fractions.
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Specialty Biotech Co. Ltd.: A targeted player focusing on the extraction and purification of bioactive polysaccharides for the Asian and global markets.
-
AB Mauri: A global leader in yeast and bakery ingredients, utilizing its massive production capacity to provide yeast-based nutritional health solutions.
-
Bio Springer (Lesaffre Group): The yeast extract specialist of the Lesaffre Group, providing natural origin ingredients for taste and nutrition.
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ABF Ingredients: A division of Associated British Foods, focusing on high-value ingredients for food, health, and pharmaceutical sectors.
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Alltech Inc.: A major player in animal health, utilizing yeast glucans extensively in their range of natural feed additives.
-
Nutragreenbio: Focuses on organic and botanical extracts, including high-purity yeast glucan for the dietary supplement industry.
-
Gecono: A specialized manufacturer focusing on the intersection of biotechnology and functional foods.
-
Ohly: One of the world’s leading suppliers of yeast extracts and yeast-based flavors, with a robust portfolio of health-oriented yeast fractions.
-
Super Beta Glucan: A company dedicated specifically to the research and production of beta-glucans, offering proprietary extraction technologies.
DROT Analysis (Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Threats)
Drivers
The primary driver is the "Aging Population" and the subsequent rise in chronic lifestyle diseases. As the global population ages, there is a heightened demand for ingredients that support "Immunosenescence"—the natural decline of the immune system. Additionally, the shift toward plant-based and "Clean Label" diets has propelled yeast glucan as a natural alternative to synthetic immune boosters.
Restraints
High production and extraction costs remain a significant restraint. Purifying yeast glucan to a pharmaceutical or high-food grade requires sophisticated enzymatic and chemical processes, which can make the final product expensive compared to cereal-based fibers. Furthermore, complex regulatory environments regarding health claims in regions like Europe can slow down market entry for new products.
Opportunities
The "Personalized Nutrition" market offers a massive frontier. As consumers use DNA and microbiome testing to tailor their diets, yeast glucan can be positioned as a targeted intervention for those with compromised immune profiles. There is also a significant opportunity in the "Functional Pet Food" segment, as pet owners increasingly seek human-grade health ingredients for their animals.
Threats
Competition from other sources of beta-glucan, such as mushrooms (Reishi, Shiitake) and algae, is a growing threat. These sources often carry a "premium" or "exotic" appeal that can distract from yeast-derived products. Additionally, fluctuations in the price of raw materials—primarily the molasses and sugar used to grow the yeast—can impact manufacturer margins.
Value Chain Analysis
The Yeast Glucan value chain is a sophisticated bio-refinery process.
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Raw Material Sourcing: The process begins with the procurement of sugar sources (molasses, corn steep liquor) and nitrogen for the cultivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
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Fermentation: Controlled fermentation in massive bioreactors allows for the rapid multiplication of yeast cells.
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Cell Wall Separation: The yeast is harvested, and the cell walls are separated from the internal yeast extract (which contains proteins and vitamins) through autolysis or mechanical disruption.
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Purification and Extraction: This is the most critical stage. The cell walls undergo a series of alkaline and acidic washes, followed by enzymatic treatments to remove lipids, proteins, and glycogens, leaving behind the purified Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan.
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Drying and Milling: The purified glucan is spray-dried or drum-dried and milled to specific particle sizes for different applications (e.g., fine powders for cosmetics vs. granules for animal feed).
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Distribution and Formulation: The product is sold to B2B clients—supplement brands, food manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies—who integrate it into final consumer goods.
Market Outlook
The future of the Yeast Glucan market is characterized by technological refinement and increased clinical validation. By 2036, we expect to see a surge in "Soluble Yeast Glucans" that can be seamlessly integrated into clear beverages without sedimentation, unlocking a major segment of the functional drink market.
Geographically, while North America and Europe currently lead in terms of market value due to high health spending, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest growth. This is driven by the rapid expansion of the middle class in China and India, coupled with a deep-seated cultural tradition of using functional ingredients for health. As biotechnology allows for higher yields and lower costs, yeast glucan will likely transition from a premium supplement ingredient to a standard fortification component in everyday staple foods, securing its place as a foundational pillar of global nutrition.
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1. Market Overview of Yeast Glucan 1.1 Yeast Glucan Market Overview 1.1.1 Yeast Glucan Product Scope 1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook 1.2 Yeast Glucan Market Size by Regions: 1.3 Yeast Glucan Historic Market Size by Regions 1.4 Yeast Glucan Forecasted Market Size by Regions 1.5 Covid-19 Impact on Key Regions, Keyword Market Size YoY Growth 1.5.1 North America 1.5.2 East Asia 1.5.3 Europe 1.5.4 South Asia 1.5.5 Southeast Asia 1.5.6 Middle East 1.5.7 Africa 1.5.8 Oceania 1.5.9 South America 1.5.10 Rest of the World 1.6 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Impact Will Have a Severe Impact on Global Growth 1.6.1 Covid-19 Impact: Global GDP Growth, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Projections 1.6.2 Covid-19 Impact: Commodity Prices Indices 1.6.3 Covid-19 Impact: Global Major Government Policy 2. Covid-19 Impact Yeast Glucan Sales Market by Type 2.1 Global Yeast Glucan Historic Market Size by Type 2.2 Global Yeast Glucan Forecasted Market Size by Type 2.3 >-1 2.4 3 2.5 <-1 2.6 6 3. Covid-19 Impact Yeast Glucan Sales Market by Application 3.1 Global Yeast Glucan Historic Market Size by Application 3.2 Global Yeast Glucan Forecasted Market Size by Application 3.3 Food & Beverages 3.4 Pharmaceuticals 3.5 Cosmetics 3.6 Feed 3.7 Others 4. Covid-19 Impact Market Competition by Manufacturers 4.1 Global Yeast Glucan Production Capacity Market Share by Manufacturers 4.2 Global Yeast Glucan Revenue Market Share by Manufacturers 4.3 Global Yeast Glucan Average Price by Manufacturers 5. Company Profiles and Key Figures in Yeast Glucan Business 5.1 Royal DSM N.V. 5.1.1 Royal DSM N.V. Company Profile 5.1.2 Royal DSM N.V. Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.1.3 Royal DSM N.V. Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.2 Angel Yeast Co. Ltd. 5.2.1 Angel Yeast Co. Ltd. Company Profile 5.2.2 Angel Yeast Co. Ltd. Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.2.3 Angel Yeast Co. Ltd. Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.3 Chr. Hansen A/S 5.3.1 Chr. Hansen A/S Company Profile 5.3.2 Chr. Hansen A/S Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.3.3 Chr. Hansen A/S Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.4 AHD International 5.4.1 AHD International Company Profile 5.4.2 AHD International Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.4.3 AHD International Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.5 Biotec Pharmacon ASA 5.5.1 Biotec Pharmacon ASA Company Profile 5.5.2 Biotec Pharmacon ASA Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.5.3 Biotec Pharmacon ASA Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.6 Lallemand Inc. 5.6.1 Lallemand Inc. Company Profile 5.6.2 Lallemand Inc. Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.6.3 Lallemand Inc. Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.7 Specialty Biotech Co. 5.7.1 Specialty Biotech Co. Company Profile 5.7.2 Specialty Biotech Co. Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.7.3 Specialty Biotech Co. Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.8 Ltd. 5.8.1 Ltd. Company Profile 5.8.2 Ltd. Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.8.3 Ltd. Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.9 AB Mauri 5.9.1 AB Mauri Company Profile 5.9.2 AB Mauri Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.9.3 AB Mauri Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.10 Bio Springer 5.10.1 Bio Springer Company Profile 5.10.2 Bio Springer Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.10.3 Bio Springer Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.11 ABF Ingredients 5.11.1 ABF Ingredients Company Profile 5.11.2 ABF Ingredients Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.11.3 ABF Ingredients Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.12 Alltech Inc. 5.12.1 Alltech Inc. Company Profile 5.12.2 Alltech Inc. Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.12.3 Alltech Inc. Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.13 Nutragreenbio 5.13.1 Nutragreenbio Company Profile 5.13.2 Nutragreenbio Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.13.3 Nutragreenbio Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.14 Gecono 5.14.1 Gecono Company Profile 5.14.2 Gecono Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.14.3 Gecono Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.15 Ohly 5.15.1 Ohly Company Profile 5.15.2 Ohly Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.15.3 Ohly Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 5.16 Super Beta Glucan 5.16.1 Super Beta Glucan Company Profile 5.16.2 Super Beta Glucan Yeast Glucan Product Specification 5.16.3 Super Beta Glucan Yeast Glucan Production Capacity, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin 6. North America 6.1 North America Yeast Glucan Market Size 6.2 North America Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 6.3 North America Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 6.4 North America Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 7. East Asia 7.1 East Asia Yeast Glucan Market Size 7.2 East Asia Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 7.3 East Asia Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 7.4 East Asia Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 8. Europe 8.1 Europe Yeast Glucan Market Size 8.2 Europe Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 8.3 Europe Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 8.4 Europe Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 9. South Asia 9.1 South Asia Yeast Glucan Market Size 9.2 South Asia Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 9.3 South Asia Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 9.4 South Asia Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 10. Southeast Asia 10.1 Southeast Asia Yeast Glucan Market Size 10.2 Southeast Asia Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 10.3 Southeast Asia Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 10.4 Southeast Asia Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 11. Middle East 11.1 Middle East Yeast Glucan Market Size 11.2 Middle East Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 11.3 Middle East Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 11.4 Middle East Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 12. Africa 12.1 Africa Yeast Glucan Market Size 12.2 Africa Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 12.3 Africa Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 12.4 Africa Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 13. Oceania 13.1 Oceania Yeast Glucan Market Size 13.2 Oceania Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 13.3 Oceania Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 13.4 Oceania Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 14. South America 14.1 South America Yeast Glucan Market Size 14.2 South America Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 14.3 South America Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 14.4 South America Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 15. Rest of the World 15.1 Rest of the World Yeast Glucan Market Size 15.2 Rest of the World Yeast Glucan Key Players in North America 15.3 Rest of the World Yeast Glucan Market Size by Type 15.4 Rest of the World Yeast Glucan Market Size by Application 16 Yeast Glucan Market Dynamics 16.1 Covid-19 Impact Market Top Trends 16.2 Covid-19 Impact Market Drivers 16.3 Covid-19 Impact Market Challenges 16.4 Porter
Global Yeast Glucan Market Segmentation
The market is categorized into specific segments to reflect the chemical structure of the product and its diverse industrial utility.
By Type
-
Beta-1,3/1,6 Glucan: This is the primary segment of interest for the industry. The 1,3/1,6 linkage is specific to fungal and yeast sources and is responsible for the immune-priming effects. This type is further divided into soluble and insoluble forms, with the insoluble form traditionally being favored for its high concentration and stability in various formulations.
By Application
-
Food & Beverages: Used as a functional ingredient in bread, dairy products, and sports drinks to provide health claims related to immune defense. It also acts as a stabilizer and mouthfeel enhancer in low-fat food products.
-
Pharmaceuticals: This segment focuses on high-purity grades used in the manufacturing of capsules, tablets, and even topical ointments for wound healing. Its anti-inflammatory and skin-regenerative properties are key drivers here.
-
Cosmetics: Yeast glucan is increasingly integrated into "anti-stress" and "anti-aging" skincare. It helps in protecting skin cells from UV-induced oxidative stress and promotes collagen synthesis.
-
Feed: The animal nutrition sector utilizes yeast glucan as a natural antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) alternative. It enhances the immunity of livestock, aquaculture, and pets, reducing the reliance on traditional antibiotics.
-
Others: Includes research applications and specialized industrial uses in the fermentation sector.
Top Key Players Covered in Yeast Glucan Market
The competitive landscape is a mix of global biotechnology giants and specialized ingredient manufacturers.
-
Royal DSM N.V.: A global science-based company active in health, nutrition, and materials, DSM offers high-quality yeast derivatives through its extensive nutritional products portfolio.
-
Angel Yeast Co. Ltd.: One of the world’s largest yeast producers, Angel Yeast provides a comprehensive range of yeast glucan products specifically tailored for the human health and animal nutrition markets.
-
Chr. Hansen A/S: A leading global bioscience company that utilizes yeast and bacteria for natural solutions in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
-
AHD International: Focuses on the distribution and supply of high-grade functional ingredients, bridging the gap between producers and formulation laboratories.
-
Biotec Pharmacon ASA (ArcticZymes Technologies): Renowned for its focus on M-Glucan and specialized immune-modulating compounds derived from cold-water sources and yeast.
-
Lallemand Inc.: A private Canadian company that specializes in the development, production, and marketing of yeasts and bacteria, with a strong focus on specialized yeast fractions.
-
Specialty Biotech Co. Ltd.: A targeted player focusing on the extraction and purification of bioactive polysaccharides for the Asian and global markets.
-
AB Mauri: A global leader in yeast and bakery ingredients, utilizing its massive production capacity to provide yeast-based nutritional health solutions.
-
Bio Springer (Lesaffre Group): The yeast extract specialist of the Lesaffre Group, providing natural origin ingredients for taste and nutrition.
-
ABF Ingredients: A division of Associated British Foods, focusing on high-value ingredients for food, health, and pharmaceutical sectors.
-
Alltech Inc.: A major player in animal health, utilizing yeast glucans extensively in their range of natural feed additives.
-
Nutragreenbio: Focuses on organic and botanical extracts, including high-purity yeast glucan for the dietary supplement industry.
-
Gecono: A specialized manufacturer focusing on the intersection of biotechnology and functional foods.
-
Ohly: One of the world’s leading suppliers of yeast extracts and yeast-based flavors, with a robust portfolio of health-oriented yeast fractions.
-
Super Beta Glucan: A company dedicated specifically to the research and production of beta-glucans, offering proprietary extraction technologies.
