In recent years, the consumer wellness narrative has shifted—not just “less sugar/fat” but “better gut health, microbiome support.” Prebiotic ingredients—non-digestible fibres or oligosaccharides that feed beneficial gut bacteria—are at the heart of this shift. According to the MRFR report, the global prebiotic ingredients market is projected to grow from around USD 9.79 billion in 2024 to about USD 19.37 billion by 2035. 

Why is the market surging?

• Consumer awareness: More people understand that gut health influences immunity, metabolic health and even mood. According to MRFR, rising health consciousness and functional foods are key drivers. 

• Functional food positioning: Prebiotics are used in dairy, snacks, beverages, bakery to provide fibre + functional benefit (not just flavour).

• Plant-based / natural trend: Many prebiotics are plant-derived (inulin from chicory, etc), aligning with clean‐label & plant-based consumer narratives.

• Ingredient scalability & innovation: Suppliers are investing in extraction, formulation and making prebiotics more cost-effective and versatile for different food / beverage formats.

Market size & implications

• USD 9.79 billion in baseline (2024). 

• Forecast to USD 19.37 billion by 2035.

• This growth indicates long-term opportunity—not necessarily explosive, but steady.

• For ingredient providers: scale, cost reduction, functional performance (taste, solubility) matter.

• For food and beverage brands: prebiotics can be a differentiator—gut health positioning, fibre claims, clean label.

• For investors: moderate CAGR but large base suggests functional niche is maturing—timing matters.

Key considerations

• Taste & texture: Adding prebiotic fibres can affect mouth-feel, sweetness, solubility—formulation must keep consumers happy.

• Consumer education: Many may confuse prebiotics with probiotics; clarity in marketing is important.

• Regulatory environment: Claiming “prebiotic ingredient” or “supports gut health” depends on region.

• Cost vs pricing: Prebiotic ingredients may carry cost premium; brands must value justify this.

Conclusion

The prebiotic ingredients market offers a meaningful opportunity for ingredient suppliers and consumer food/ beverage brands. With rising consumer demand for gut-health and fibre, and sizable forecast growth, the time is right to invest in prebiotic innovation and positioning. Brands that deliver great taste + functional benefit will win.