North America Beta Glucan Market Trends & Growth Outlook (2025–2033)

North America Beta Glucan Market Overview

The North America Beta Glucan Market is gaining strong momentum as consumers increasingly prioritize preventive healthcare, immune support, and heart health through daily nutrition. According to Renub Research, the market was valued at USD 204.03 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 373.85 million by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 6.96% from 2025 to 2033.

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This steady growth reflects the rising incorporation of beta glucan into functional foods, dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even animal feed. The region’s strong regulatory framework, high consumer awareness of dietary fiber benefits, and continuous product innovation are further supporting market expansion across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Beta glucan is a naturally occurring soluble fiber found in cereals such as oats and barley, as well as in yeast, mushrooms, and seaweed. Known for its cholesterol-lowering, immune-modulating, and blood sugar–regulating properties, beta glucan has become a highly valued ingredient in the North American health and wellness ecosystem.

Why Beta Glucan Is Gaining Popularity in North America

North American consumers are becoming increasingly proactive about their health. Rather than focusing solely on treatment, many are turning to functional nutrition to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and weakened immunity. Beta glucan fits perfectly into this preventive approach, offering scientifically supported benefits through everyday food and supplement consumption.

In the food and beverage sector, beta glucan is widely added to breakfast cereals, bakery products, beverages, snack bars, and dairy alternatives to enhance fiber content and improve nutritional profiles. Meanwhile, its skin-soothing and anti-aging properties have expanded its role in cosmetics and personal care products, further diversifying its applications.

Key Growth Drivers in the North America Beta Glucan Market

Rising Demand for Functional Foods

One of the most influential drivers of the beta glucan market in North America is the growing demand for functional foods. Consumers are no longer satisfied with basic nutrition; they increasingly seek products that offer tangible health benefits. Beta glucan’s proven ability to lower LDL cholesterol and strengthen immune response has made it a preferred ingredient in health-focused food formulations.

Manufacturers are actively launching fiber-fortified cereals, beverages, and snacks to cater to this trend. In July 2023, BENEO expanded its fiber portfolio by introducing barley beta-glucans designed to support heart health and blood sugar control. The launch of Orafti® β-Fit, showcased at the IFT Food Expo in Chicago, highlighted how innovation is shaping the future of functional ingredients in North America.

Rapid Expansion of the Nutraceutical Industry

The North American nutraceutical and dietary supplement industry continues to expand at a rapid pace, driven by aging populations, rising healthcare costs, and increasing preference for natural health solutions. Beta glucan is widely used in capsules, tablets, powders, and functional drinks, especially for immunity and cardiovascular support.

In February 2025, Layn Natural Ingredients opened an advanced biotechnology facility focused on precision fermentation and enzyme-based technologies. This development aims to scale up the production of sustainable bioactive ingredients, including beta glucan, improving supply efficiency and environmental performance across the region.

Strong Scientific and Regulatory Validation

Ongoing research and clinical validation play a critical role in strengthening consumer trust in beta glucan. Numerous studies have confirmed its effectiveness in cholesterol reduction, immune stimulation, and glycemic control, encouraging its adoption by healthcare professionals and manufacturers alike.

In June 2024, Cargill’s barley beta-glucan concentrate received a new health claim approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), linking its consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease. Such regulatory endorsements significantly enhance product credibility and drive wider application across food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Challenges Facing the North America Beta Glucan Market

High Production and Extraction Costs

Despite its benefits, beta glucan production remains capital-intensive. Extracting high-purity beta glucan from cereals, mushrooms, or yeast requires advanced processing technologies and specialized equipment. These high costs can limit affordability and pose entry barriers for small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly in price-sensitive segments.

Limited Awareness Among Mainstream Consumers

While health-conscious consumers are familiar with beta glucan, awareness remains limited among the broader population. Many consumers still do not fully understand its sources or health benefits. Without targeted education and marketing campaigns, market penetration in mainstream food categories may remain constrained.

Market Segmentation Insights

North America Cereal Beta Glucan Market

Cereal-based beta glucan, particularly from oats and barley, dominates the North American market. Its strong association with heart health and cholesterol management has made it a staple ingredient in breakfast cereals, baked goods, and dietary supplements. As clean-label and plant-based trends continue to rise, cereal beta glucan remains the most widely adopted source.

North America Mushroom Beta Glucan Market

Mushroom-derived beta glucan is experiencing increasing demand due to its potent immune-enhancing properties. Extracted from varieties such as shiitake, maitake, and reishi, it is commonly used in nutraceuticals and immune-support supplements. The growing popularity of medicinal mushrooms and holistic wellness products is accelerating growth in this segment.

North America Soluble Beta Glucan Market

Soluble beta glucan holds a significant share of the market due to its high bioavailability and ease of formulation. It is widely used in smoothies, functional beverages, yogurts, and nutritional bars. Its effectiveness in cholesterol reduction and digestive health makes it particularly attractive to food and beverage manufacturers.

Beta Glucan in Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry in North America is increasingly exploring beta glucan for its immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. It is being evaluated for applications in oncology support, infectious disease management, wound healing, and adjunct therapies, expanding its role beyond nutrition into therapeutic domains.

Food & Beverages: The Largest Application Segment

Food and beverages remain the largest application area for beta glucan in North America. From fiber-enriched cereals and plant-based dairy alternatives to energy drinks and snack bars, beta glucan is helping brands differentiate products in a competitive health-focused marketplace.

Country-Level Market Analysis

United States Beta Glucan Market

The United States leads the North America beta glucan market, driven by strong demand for functional foods, dietary supplements, and immune-support products. FDA-backed health claims and advanced R&D capabilities have positioned the U.S. as a hub for innovation and product launches.

With 73% of U.S. consumers actively seeking immune-boosting foods, oat-based products containing beta glucan have witnessed remarkable growth. Retail sales of such products increased by 42% between 2021 and 2023, supported by a 56% rise in beta-glucan product launches across food and supplement categories.

Canada Beta Glucan Market

Canada represents a steadily growing market, supported by high acceptance of oat-based foods and strong focus on cardiovascular wellness. Favorable regulations and government-backed innovation programs are accelerating adoption.

Between 2021 and 2023, Health Canada approved approximately 2,500 beta-glucan products, while faster CFIA approvals led to a 62% increase in registrations. Government initiatives, including CAD 350 million under the Regulatory Innovation Agenda and CAD 175 million from the AgriInnovate Program (2024–2027), have significantly boosted domestic beta-glucan production capacity.

Mexico Beta Glucan Market

Mexico is an emerging market within North America, driven by rising awareness of lifestyle-related diseases and preventive nutrition. Although consumer familiarity is still developing, increasing urbanization and health-focused campaigns are encouraging the use of beta glucan in fortified foods and beverages.

North America Beta Glucan Market Segmentation

By Source:

Cereal

Mushroom

Yeast

Seaweed

By Product:

Soluble

Insoluble

By Application:

Food & Beverages

Pharmaceuticals

Cosmetics & Personal Care

Animal Feed

Others

By Country:

United States

Canada

Mexico

Rest of North America

Competitive Landscape and Key Players

Companies in the North America Beta Glucan Market are analyzed across four dimensions: company overview, key personnel, recent developments, and revenue performance. Key players covered in the market landscape include:

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

EDAP TMS S.A.

Johnson & Johnson

Medtronic Plc.

Hitachi Ltd.

Theraclion

Stryker

General Electric

Final Thoughts

The North America Beta Glucan Market is on a clear growth trajectory, supported by strong consumer interest in immune health, heart wellness, and functional nutrition. With expanding applications across food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care, beta glucan is transitioning from a niche ingredient to a mainstream health solution.

Backed by Renub Research forecasts, ongoing innovation, regulatory support, and rising health awareness will continue to shape the market through 2033. As manufacturers focus on cost optimization, consumer education, and clean-label positioning, beta glucan is set to play an increasingly vital role in North America’s evolving health and wellness landscape.