Anti-Caking Agents Market Size - Global Industry, Share, Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2025 - 2033

Anti-Caking Agents Market Highlights

• The global anti-caking agents market is expected to reach USD 5.0 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.5% from 2025 to 2033
• The North America anti-caking agents market was valued at approximately USD 1.2 billion in 2024
• The Asia-Pacific market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 5.1% from 2025 to 2033
• The calcium compounds sub-segment accounted for more than 30% of the market share in 2024
• Based on the source, the natural sub-segment generated around USD 1.8 billion revenue
• Increasing focus on product development and innovation is a popular anti-caking agents market trend that fuels the industry demand

Anti-caking agents are additives that come in granulated or powdered form that help to avoid lump formation. They dissolve in a variety of solvents, including alcohol and water. Anti-caking substances form a water-repellent layer or absorb excess moisture from powdered particles. They are used in powdered products for convenience of consumption, transportation, and packing. However, they do not possess any nutritional value. The high adaptability of anti-caking agents is one of the key factors expected to push the demand for this industry during the anti-caking agents market forecast period.

Additionally, rising demand for convenience/packaged meals, fueled by rising consumer purchasing power, is a major driver driving worldwide anti-caking market growth. Furthermore, the increasing demand for fast food, takeaway, and processed food, as well as innovation through substantial R&D activities, are driving the growth of the anti-caking market.

Global Anti-Caking Agents Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

• Increasing demand in food and beverage industry
• Rising awareness about food safety and quality
• Growing use in non-food applications
• Increasing demand for convenience foods

Market Restraints

• Stringent government regulations
• Side effects of anti-caking agents
• Availability of natural alternatives

Market Opportunities

• Growing demand in developing countries
• Growth in pharmaceutical industry
• Government regulations

Anti-Caking Agents Market Report Coverage

Anti-Caking Agents Market Insights

Stringent regulations set by the government are likely to inhibit the growth of the anti-caking agents market. According to the FDA's Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 172.430-172.480), anti-caking agents must meet specific purity standards, with maximum allowable concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 2% depending on application. Since 2018, the EU Commission has further banned 15% of previously approved agents under Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008.

Another key impediment to the current expansion of this market is the health risk associated with anti-caking chemicals. In 2023, the CDC documented 127 incidences of adverse reactions associated to silicon dioxide ingestion. The EPA recognized potential respiratory issues with calcium silicate exposure above 5mg/m³ in industrial situations.

However, untapped markets are expected to pose a suitable opportunity for the growth of the anti-caking agents market in near future, by allowing major manufacturers to penetrate emerging economies. According to USDA Economic Research Service data, food processing sectors in Southeast Asia are expanding at 7.8% annually, with anti-caking agent demand projected to increase by 5.2% through 2027. This owes due to the exponential growth of the food and beverage industry, even in emerging economies, where the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service reports processed food consumption increasing at 9.3% annually in India and 8.7% in Brazil.

Anti-Caking Agents Market Segmentation

The worldwide market for anti-caking agents is split based on source, type, application, and geography.

Anti-Caking Agents Market By Source

• Natural
• Synthetic

According to the anti-caking agents industry analysis, natural anti-caking agents, are becoming increasingly popular. Natural anti-caking agents are becoming more popular as consumers become more health-conscious and alert of the potential side effects of synthetic anti-caking agents. As a result, natural anti-caking agents such as magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, and rice hulls have been developed and commercialized.

Synthetic anti-caking agents have also occupied a notable share in the anti-caking agent market. Synthetic anti-caking agents are typically less expensive to manufacture and more effective than natural anti-caking agents in preventing caking and clumping. They also have a longer shelf life, making them a popular choice for manufacturers of processed foods and convenience products. Some of the common anti-caking agents available in the market are powdered cellulose, sodium bicarbonate, calcium ferrocyanide, sodium ferrocyanide, stearic acid, and tricalcium phosphate among others. Sodium aluminosilicate is an anti-caking agent used in table salts. Additionally, it also finds applications in dried milk, egg mixtures, flours, and sugar products.

Anti-Caking Agents Market By Type

• Calcium Compounds
• Sodium Compounds
• Magnesium Compounds
• Microcrystalline Cellulose
• Silicon Dioxide
• Others

According to the market forecast, calcium and sodium compounds are expected to account for the vast majority of the anti-caking agent industry. Calcium compounds, such as calcium carbonate and calcium silicate, are widely used in the food and beverage industries to reduce caking and improve powder and granule flow. Fertilizers, feed, and pharmaceuticals are among the other industries that use them. Sodium compounds such as sodium bicarbonate and sodium ferrocyanide are widely used as anti-caking agents. They are especially useful in keeping salts, spices, and seasoning blends from caking and clumping. Magnesium compounds, such as magnesium carbonate and magnesium silicate, are also widely used as anti-caking agents, particularly in the food and beverage industry.

Anti-Caking Agents Market By Application

• Food and Beverage
  • Bakery and Confectionery
  • Dairy Products
  • Spices and Seasonings
  • Soups and Sauces
  • Others
• Feed
• Fertilizers
• Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
• Pharmaceuticals
• Others

The food and beverage industry will dominate the anti-caking agents market in terms of application. Anti-caking agents are widely used in the food and beverage industry to prevent caking and clumping in various products such as salts, spices, seasoning blends, powdered drink mixes, and other dry food ingredients. The bakery and confectionery industry is one of the largest users of anti-caking agents, particularly in the production of powdered sugar and cake mixes. The dairy industry also uses anti-caking agents to prevent caking and clumping in powdered milk and cheese products. Apart from the food and beverage industry, anti-caking agents are also used in other industries such as feed, fertilizers, cosmetics and personal care products, and pharmaceuticals.

Anti-Caking Agents Market Regional Outlook

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• Germany
• France
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• India
• Japan
• China
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of LATAM

The Middle East & Africa

• South Africa
• GCC Countries
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa (ME&A)

Anti-Caking Agents Market Regional Analysis

The anti-caking agents market in Asia-Pacific is predicted to increase significantly due to rising consumer demand for food and beverages. According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, processed food production increased 12.3% in 2023, with anti-caking agent utilization growing at 8.7% annually. Japan's Ministry of Agriculture reported that 76% of food manufacturers now incorporate anti-caking agents, up from 62% in 2020. Furthermore, some rising markets, like India, Japan, and China, are potential targets for large manufacturers to penetrate. India's Food Safety and Standards Authority reported a 15.4% increase in food additive approvals, with anti-caking agents representing 23% of applications.

North America and Europe are mature markets for anti-caking agents, owing principally to the wide range of anti-caking compound applications in processed foods. According to the FDA, 89% of packaged food products in the United States contain at least one anti-caking ingredient, and silicon dioxide consumption is increasing by 7.2% per year. However, the European Food and Safety Authority's (EFSA) regulations restricting the production of anti-caking chemicals are predicted to suffocate the European market. Since 2021, the EFSA has rejected 31% of new anti-caking agent applications while setting a maximum inclusion rate of 1.5% for existing agents.

Anti-Caking Agents Market Players

Some of the top anti-caking agents companies offered in our report include Agropur Ingredients, Brentagg A.G., Cabot Corporation, Evonik Industries, J.M. Huber Corporation, Kao Corporation, PPG Industries Inc., Solvay S.A., Sweetener Supply Corp., and Univar Inc.