Food Preservatives are natural as well as artificial substances that are added to processed food items to prevent premature decomposition. It is done to prolong their shelf life. The modern food processing industry uses an array of food preservatives to extend the shelf life of the food. It helps to maximize the profits and ensure food security. According to Mordor Intelligence, the current market size of food preservatives is USD 3.56 billion (2025). It will grow at a CAGR of 4.81% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Food Preservatives: Key Developments, New Trends, Types and Challenges
The rapid pace of R&D in food science and processing technology has also been reflected in the development of preservatives. The nascent development in the food processing domain and the increasing demand for clean label products have also affected the market dynamics of the food preservatives.
Types of Food Preservatives
The modern-day food processing industry uses both natural and artificial/chemical preservatives. These food processors use these preservatives in different forms, such as:
Based on Function
Antimicrobial Preservatives
These preservatives prevent the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Sorbic acid, sodium benzoate, and nitrites are some examples of antimicrobial preservatives.
Antioxidants
These preservatives slow down or entirely stop the oxidation process. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), tocopherols (vitamin E), and synthetic compounds like BHA and BHT are some of the antioxidants used in food processing.
Enzymes
These compounds delay the expiry of the food products. Some of the common examples of the enzymes used in the food system are Amylases, glucamylase, Proteases, and Lactase.
Based on Source
Based on the source, there are artificial and natural preservatives.
Natural Preservatives
These preservatives help the processors to reduce rotting and preserve the item’s color and flavor. These preservatives include:
- Aloe vera
- Citric acid
- Lemon juice
- Rosemary extract
- Sodium
- Sorbic acid
- Sugar
Artificial/Chemical Preservatives
These preservatives are man-made substances. Common chemical preservatives include:
- Antimicrobial agents
- Antioxidants
- Benzoates
- Chelating agents
- Nitrates
- Propionates
- Sorbates
- Sulfite
New Developments: Clean Label and Organic Preservatives
The increasing consumer consciousness towards diet has led to an increase in demand for clean-label products. This has led to an increase in demand for natural preservatives and the development of nascent clean label preservatives. There is an increase in demand for the organic food market. It has seen an exponential growth in North American and European countries. The recent surveys and research in the food processing market show a growing inclination of consumers towards reading product labels and preferring clean food ingredients. Manufacturers in the food preservatives industry have come out with clean-labelled solutions and breakthroughs in the market.
Challenges Faced by the Current Market
Although the Current food processing market is more inclined towards innovations in clean label products and organic preservatives, some challenges are persisting in it. These are:
- High Cost: The cost of the clean label preservatives and organic preservatives is very high. It leads to an increase in the overall cost of the finished product.
- Limited Availability: There is a limited availability of clean label and organic products, leading to reliance on other alternatives.
National and International Regulations
The use of chemicals in food preservatives and their side effects has called for global regulation by regulatory bodies. Further, the demand for clean label products has also led to stricter regulatory mechanisms by international and national organizations.
International Regulations
FDA Regulations
The United States Food and Drug Administration regulates the food preservatives under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. It defines different types of food ingredients based on their use. The agency administers separate programs for uses of ingredients that are food additives and generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The FDA has classified preservatives as prior-sanctioned substances. These are substances authorized for use by the FDA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Chemical Preservatives
US FDA regulates the use of chemical preservatives, which are generally recognized as safe for such use. The preservative must be a food additive covered by food additive regulations prescribing conditions of safe use. It must not be used in such a way as to conceal damage or inferiority or to make the food appear better or of greater value than it is. The preservative must be properly declared on the label of the food in which used.
Need For Prior Authorization
The US FDA requires a food additive to be authorized by it before its use in food on the market under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. A manufacturer or other sponsor must first seek approval from the FDA by submitting a food additive petition to market a new direct food additive or before using a direct food additive in a different way than how the FDA has currently approved it. The FDA consults with the U.S. Department of Agriculture during the review process for food additives that are proposed for use in meat and poultry products.
Daily Acceptable Intake
The FDA determines an Acceptable Daily Intake or the amount of a substance considered safe to consume each day throughout a person’s lifetime. This level has a safety margin. It includes factors accounting for potential uncertainties in the data and known variability within the population and vulnerable populations.
National Regulations: FSSAI Regulations
Section 4 of FSS (Food Product Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 defines preservative as “a substance which when added to food is capable of inhibiting, retarding or arresting the process of fermentation, acidification or other decomposition of food” They are classified into Class I and Class II preservatives.
Class I Preservatives
It includes preservatives such as Common salt, Sugar, Dextrose, Glucose, Spices, Vinegar or acetic acid, Honey, and Edible vegetable oils
Class II Preservatives
This class of preservatives includes Benzoic acid, Sulphurous acid, Nitrates or Nitrites, and/or Sodium and Potassium, Sorbic acid, etc.
FSSAI has fixed different limits for different preservatives used in processed food. It also has a registered as well as a prohibited list of preservatives.
Market Analysis: Current Trends, Overview, and Future Projections
According to the Mordor Intelligence, the Food Preservatives Market size stands at USD 3.56 billion in 2025. It will grow to reach USD 4.51 billion by 2030. The agency has estimated its growth at a CAGR of 4.81% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
Pandemic Impact
According to the agency, the COVID-19 outbreak led to an increase in sales of retail and long-shelf products across the global market. The trend of stockpiling groceries and packaged food products for their households has increased even after the end of the COVID-19 outbreak. This trend has reflected a positive impact on the industrial demand for food preservatives because of the rise in demand for processed food.
Ready-To-EAT Meals
According to Mordor Intelligence, there has been a rise in the number of people who want ready-to-eat (RTE) meals. The trend has opened up new opportunities for companies that make food preservatives.
Increase in Demand for Processed Food
There is a strong correlation between the food preservatives market and the processed food market. There is an ever-increasing demand for processed food globally, boosting the preservative market.
Regulatory Constraints
Different regulatory agencies like the Food and Drug Administration, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the European Food Safety Authority have put several constraints on food preservatives. It has also led to the expansion of the preservative market.
Major Companies
Kemin Industries Inc., Givuadan SA, Synthite Industries Ltd., International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Mane Kancor Ingredients Pvt. Ltd., and BASF SE are some of the major companies manufacturing food preservatives.
Conclusion
Amid increasing consciousness of diet and an increase in consumption of organic and clean label products has diversified the preservative market has diversified globally. The pandemic-induced food insecurity has led to stockpiling of the food items, and the trend has continued post pandemic era too. This has led to an increase in demand for processed food with a longer shelf life, and thus the demand for food preservatives has also increased globally, showcasing the brighter prospects for the market players.