Despite the increasing interest in alternative leavening agents, the market for baker’s yeast is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising global consumption of processed foods, particularly baked products. According to a recent report by Technavio, the baker’s yeast market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 9% through 2020. While Western Europe continues to hold the largest share of the baker’s yeast market, its popularity is also on the rise in the United States. Concurrently, the demand for alternative leavening ingredients, especially sourdough starter cultures, is increasing. Western Europe remains the leader in the sourdough market, but the U.S. is close behind and could potentially take the lead in the coming years, as noted by Future Market Insights. The research firm highlights that the low glycemic index of sourdough bread appeals to Western consumers seeking slow-release carbohydrates to manage and prevent conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.
In recent years, U.S. consumers have shown an increasing interest in authentic, rustic foods and ingredients. The resurgence of sourdough is part of a broader trend toward fermented foods, which also includes items like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. However, the traditional process of making sourdough bread is more labor-intensive and time-consuming compared to bread made with yeast. To overcome this barrier to market entry, ingredient suppliers are developing more manufacturer-friendly starter cultures that require less care and attention.
At the same time, suppliers of chemical leavening agents are looking to penetrate the growing brewing yeast market, emphasizing the advantages of yeast-free products, such as shorter processing times and less overpowering flavors. Additionally, some producers are incorporating nutritional elements into their products, such as calcium citrate, magnesium hydroxide, zinc sulfate, and vitamin D3 tablets, to enhance the health benefits of their baked goods. These ingredients provide an innovative way to attract health-conscious consumers, further diversifying the market.