According to a new report published by Introspective Market Research, titled, “Sugar-Based Excipient Market by Type, Application, and End User,” The Global Sugar-Based Excipient Market Size Was Valued at USD 1.14 Billion in 2024 and is Projected to Reach USD 1.87 Billion by 2035, Growing at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2025 to 2035.
Sugar-based excipients are widely used inactive pharmaceutical ingredients derived from natural sugars, such as lactose, sucrose, glucose, and mannitol. These excipients play a critical role in drug formulation by improving stability, taste masking, flowability, and bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Their biocompatibility, safety profile, and regulatory acceptance make them a preferred choice in solid, liquid, and semi-solid dosage forms.
Compared to synthetic alternatives, sugar-based excipients offer advantages such as natural origin, low toxicity, ease of processing, and compatibility with a wide range of APIs. They are extensively utilized in pharmaceutical manufacturing, nutraceuticals, pediatric formulations, and oral dosage forms, as well as in food and cosmetic applications where safety and palatability are essential.
Market Segmentation
The Sugar-Based Excipient Market is segmented into Type, Application, and End User.
- By Type, the market is categorized into Lactose, Sucrose, Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Others.
- By Application, the market is categorized into Tablets, Capsules, Liquid Formulations, and Others.
- By End User, the market is categorized into Pharmaceutical Companies, Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs), and Research & Development Institutes.
Growth Driver
The growing demand for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products is a key driver of the sugar-based excipient market. Rising global healthcare expenditure, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and expanding generic drug manufacturing have significantly boosted the need for safe and effective excipients. Sugar-based excipients are widely favored due to their multifunctional properties, such as acting as fillers, binders, and sweeteners. Additionally, their suitability for pediatric and geriatric formulations further accelerates adoption, as patient compliance remains a critical factor in modern drug development.
Market Opportunity
The increasing focus on natural and clean-label ingredients presents a significant opportunity for the sugar-based excipient market. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are actively seeking excipients derived from natural sources to align with regulatory expectations and consumer preferences. Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East offer strong growth potential due to expanding pharmaceutical production and improving healthcare infrastructure. Furthermore, innovation in co-processed and specialty sugar excipients designed for advanced drug delivery systems is expected to create new revenue opportunities during the forecast period.
Detailed Segmentation
Sugar-Based Excipient Market, Segmentation
The Sugar-Based Excipient Market is segmented on the basis of Type, Application, and End User.
Type
The Type segment is further classified into Lactose, Sucrose, and Mannitol. Among these, the lactose sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2024. Lactose is extensively used as a filler and diluent in tablet and capsule formulations due to its excellent compressibility, stability, and compatibility with a wide range of APIs. Its cost-effectiveness and widespread regulatory approval have made it the preferred choice for both branded and generic drug manufacturers globally.
Application
The Application segment is further classified into Tablets, Capsules, and Liquid Formulations. Among these, the tablets sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2024. Tablets remain the most commonly used dosage form owing to ease of administration, longer shelf life, and cost-efficient mass production. Sugar-based excipients enhance tablet formulation by improving taste masking, mechanical strength, and dissolution characteristics, supporting their dominant position in the market.
Some of The Leading/Active Market Players Are-
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BASF SE (Germany)
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Roquette Frères (France)
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DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (U.S.)
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Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.)
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Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)
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DFE Pharma (Germany)
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Merck KGaA (Germany)
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Kerry Group plc (Ireland)
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Colorcon Inc. (U.K.)
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Lubrizol Corporation (U.S.)
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SPI Pharma, Inc. (U.S.)
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Ashland Global Holdings Inc. (U.S.)
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Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.)
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FMC Corporation (U.S.)
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Tate & Lyle PLC (U.K.)
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and other active players.
Key Industry Developments
In March 2024, a leading excipient manufacturer expanded its sugar-based excipient production capacity to meet growing pharmaceutical demand.
This expansion aims to strengthen supply chain resilience, support increasing generic drug production, and enhance availability of high-quality lactose and mannitol excipients across global markets.
In September 2024, a major pharmaceutical ingredient supplier launched a new co-processed sugar-based excipient for advanced oral solid dosage forms.
The product is designed to improve compressibility and flow properties, enabling manufacturers to streamline formulation processes and reduce overall production costs.
Key Findings of the Study
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Lactose dominates the type segment due to widespread pharmaceutical usage
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Tablets remain the leading application segment globally
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North America and Europe hold significant market shares
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Growing pharmaceutical production is the primary growth driver
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Rising demand for natural excipients is a key market trend
