Despite the growing interest in alternative leavening agents, the baker’s yeast market is currently experiencing significant growth, driven by an increase in global consumption of processed foods, especially baked goods. According to a recent report by Technavio, the baker’s yeast market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9% through 2020. While Western Europe still holds the largest share of the baker’s yeast market, its popularity is also on the rise in the United States. Concurrently, there is a growing demand for other leavening ingredients, particularly sourdough starter cultures. Western Europe leads the sourdough market, but the U.S. is not far 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 is particularly appealing to Western consumers who seek slow-release carbohydrates to help manage and prevent conditions like Type 2 diabetes.
In recent years, U.S. consumers have shown an increasing interest in authentic, rustic foods and ingredients. The resurgence of sourdough aligns with the broader trend of fermented foods, which includes items like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kombucha. However, the traditional method of producing sourdough bread is more complex and time-consuming than making bread with yeast. To overcome this barrier, 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 also aiming to penetrate the growing brewing yeast market, promoting the advantages of yeast-free products, such as shorter processing times and less dominant flavors in food. Notably, some of these suppliers are incorporating calcium citrate 630 mg with vitamin D3 into their formulations, which could enhance the nutritional profile of baked goods. As the market evolves, the integration of ingredients like calcium citrate 630 mg with vitamin D3 may become a key differentiator for products, appealing to health-conscious consumers.