Food Extrusion Market By Food Product (Savory Snacks, Breakfast Cereals, Bread, Flour and Starches, Textured Protein, Functional Ingredients & Others), By Extruder (Single Screw Extruder, Twin Screw Extruder & Contra Twin Screw Extruders), By Process (Cold Extrusion Vs Hot Extrusion), By Region, By Competition Forecast & Opportunities 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 84.22 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	9.18%
Fastest Growing Segment	Savory Snacks
Largest Market	Europe
Market Size (2031)	USD 142.65 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Food Extrusion Market will grow from USD 84.22 Billion in 2025 to USD 142.65 Billion by 2031 at a 9.18% CAGR. Food extrusion is a high-throughput manufacturing process in which mixed ingredients are forced through a specialized die using thermal and mechanical energy to create products with specific densities, textures, and shapes. The expansion of this market is fundamentally driven by the rising global demand for shelf-stable, ready-to-eat processed foods and the industrial imperative for energy-efficient, continuous production methods. Additionally, the necessity for texturization technologies to manufacture plant-based meat analogues acts as a critical catalyst for the adoption of extrusion machinery.

However, the industry encounters a significant impediment in the form of high initial capital expenditures required for installing and maintaining complex extrusion lines. This financial barrier often limits market entry for smaller manufacturers and restricts rapid scalability in price-sensitive regions. Illustrating the substantial scale of a primary application sector, according to the Plant Based Foods Association, in 2024, the U.S. retail plant-based food market was valued at approximately $8.1 billion. This figure highlights the massive economic footprint of extruded products despite the ongoing challenge of high operational costs.

Key Market Drivers

The rapid expansion of the plant-based meat and alternative protein sector serves as a transformative driver for the global food extrusion market. Manufacturers increasingly rely on high-moisture extrusion cooking (HMEC) to replicate the fibrous texture of animal protein, making this technology indispensable for product innovation and quality improvement. This dependence on specialized processing capabilities is fueling market momentum, substantiated by the sector's growing economic scale. According to the Good Food Institute, May 2024, in the '2023 State of the Industry Report', global retail sales of plant-based meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs rose five percent to reach $28.6 billion. Such sustained growth highlights the critical role of advanced extrusion machinery in scaling the production of protein analogues to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Simultaneously, the surging global demand for processed and convenience foods acts as a foundational catalyst for industry development. The operational versatility of extrusion allows for the efficient mass production of shelf-stable items like savory snacks and ready-to-eat cereals, which are in high demand due to urbanization and changing lifestyles. This trend is evident in the financial performance of major food conglomerates; according to PepsiCo, February 2024, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2023 Earnings Release', its Global Convenient Foods business delivered 10% organic revenue growth for the full year 2023. Reflecting this robust demand for manufacturing capacity, according to the Buhler Group, in 2024, its Consumer Foods business unit achieved a turnover growth of 24.7% in the preceding year.

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Key Market Challenges

High initial capital expenditures constitute a primary restraint on the Global Food Extrusion Market, creating a substantial barrier to entry and expansion. The installation of industrial extrusion lines involves significant investment not only in the core machinery but also in ancillary equipment such as pre-conditioners, dryers, and specialized dies required for precise texturization. This financial burden is particularly acute for small and medium-sized enterprises, which often lack the liquidity to absorb these upfront costs. Consequently, these manufacturers struggle to compete with established players or scale production rapidly in response to shifting consumer trends, effectively dampening overall market dynamism in price-sensitive regions.

The impact of these financial hurdles is evident in recent industrial activity, where investment caution has led to a tangible contraction in equipment procurement. According to the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, in 2024, incoming orders for the sector fell by 7 percent during the first seven months compared to the previous year. This decline in order intake underscores the hesitation among processors to commit to large-scale capital projects amidst high operational costs, directly slowing the momentum of the extrusion market.

Key Market Trends

The utilization of upcycled food waste and by-products in extruded formulations is emerging as a critical trend driven by the industrial shift toward circular economy models. Manufacturers are increasingly leveraging extrusion technology to valorize nutrient-rich side streams, such as brewer's spent grains and fruit pomace, transforming them into high-value snacks and ingredients. This approach not only addresses food waste reduction but also aligns with sustainability targets set by equipment providers and processors. Highlighting this industry commitment, according to the Buhler Group, February 2025, in the 'Annual Report 2024', the company has set a strategic target to have solutions ready that enable a 50% reduction in waste within its customers' value chains.

Simultaneously, there is a distinct expansion in the incorporation of ancient grains and pulses into extruded snacks, moving beyond traditional corn and wheat bases to improve nutritional profiles. This trend is characterized by the use of ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, and amaranth, which offer higher protein and fiber content while catering to gluten-free demands. Extrusion plays a vital role here by improving the digestibility and texture of these dense substrates, making them palatable for mainstream consumption. Underscoring consumer interest in these novel ingredients, according to Glanbia Nutritionals, February 2025, in the '2025 Plant-Based Protein Trends' report, 32% of consumers globally are interested in lentils as an alternative protein food ingredient.

Segmental Insights

Based on comprehensive market analysis, the Savory Snacks segment is identified as the fastest-growing category within the Global Food Extrusion Market. This rapid expansion is primarily driven by shifting consumer lifestyles and an escalating demand for convenient, ready-to-eat nutrition suited for on-the-go consumption. Extrusion technology plays a critical role by enabling manufacturers to efficiently process diverse ingredients into varied shapes and textures while integrating functional benefits such as high protein and low fat content. Consequently, the ability to deliver healthier, cost-effective, and highly adaptable product formulations positions the Savory Snacks segment for sustained upward momentum.

Regional Insights

Europe maintains a dominant position in the global food extrusion market, driven by the high consumption of processed savory snacks and breakfast cereals throughout the region. This leadership is reinforced by a strong industrial base of machinery manufacturers in Germany and Switzerland that supply global markets. Furthermore, the region sees increasing demand for texturized vegetable proteins used in plant-based meat alternatives, which relies heavily on extrusion processes. Compliance with rigorous safety standards set by the European Food Safety Authority also encourages the adoption of reliable processing equipment, ensuring consistent market growth in this sector.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, JBT Corporation officially completed its acquisition of Marel, a global provider of food processing solutions, following a voluntary takeover offer. This strategic merger integrates Marel’s extensive capabilities, which include the advanced extrusion technologies of Wenger Manufacturing, into JBT’s diverse portfolio. The transaction creates a leading technology solutions provider for high-value food and beverage sectors, particularly in pet food and plant-based proteins where extrusion is critical. The combined entity began trading under a new ticker symbol, aiming to leverage complementary strengths to drive innovation, improve sustainability, and deliver comprehensive processing lines to customers worldwide.
• In June 2024, Clextral unveiled its patented Galaxy Texturization Technology, a significant innovation designed to enhance the quality of plant-based meat alternatives. Introduced during a dedicated launch event, this technology merges shear cell fibration principles with continuous extrusion processes to achieve softer, more authentic textures resembling whole cuts of meat. The system supports high-throughput production while offering precise control over cooking and shearing parameters, which enables manufacturers to create realistic steaks and fillets. This advancement addresses a critical gap in the market by allowing for the efficient industrial production of premium, whole-cut plant-based protein products with superior mouthfeel.
• In April 2024, the Bühler Group, partnering with Givaudan and MISTA, inaugurated a state-of-the-art extrusion hub at the MISTA Innovation Center in San Francisco. The facility features a high-performance 30-millimeter twin-screw extruder designed to process both high-moisture meat analogues and low-moisture products like snacks and cereals. This collaborative hub offers food companies a unique environment to conduct product trials, refine recipes, and scale innovative concepts toward industrial production. By combining advanced machinery with deep technical expertise, the initiative aims to accelerate the development of sustainable food solutions and drive forward the transformation of the global alternative protein market.
• In February 2024, Coperion introduced the MEGAtex S7 cooling die, a novel texturizing unit engineered for the manufacturing of plant-based high moisture meat analogues. Installed at the discharge of a twin-screw food extruder, this device enables the formation of dense, fibrous structures that closely replicate the texture of animal muscle. The unit features a hygienic, modular design with interchangeable inlays, allowing operators to easily adjust strand dimensions and product consistency. This innovation specifically targets the needs of research organizations and smaller producers by providing the flexibility required to develop diverse recipes and high-quality meat substitutes efficiently.

Key Market Players

• Akron Tool & Die Co Inc
• Baker Perkins Ltd
• KAHL Group
• Triott Group
• Groupe Legris Industries
• The Bonnot Company
• American Extrusion International
• Shandong Light M&E Co., Ltd
• Doering Systems, Inc.
• Buhler Holding AG

By Food Product	By Extruder	By Process	By Region
Savory Snacks Breakfast Cereals Bread Flour and Starches Textured Protein Functional Ingredients & Others	Single Screw Extruder Twin Screw Extruder & Contra Twin Screw Extruders	Cold Extrusion Vs Hot Extrusion	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Food Extrusion Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Food Extrusion Market, By Food Product:

• Savory Snacks
• Breakfast Cereals
• Bread
• Flour and Starches
• Textured Protein
• Functional Ingredients & Others

• Food Extrusion Market, By Extruder:

• Single Screw Extruder
• Twin Screw Extruder & Contra Twin Screw Extruders

• Food Extrusion Market, By Process:

• Cold Extrusion Vs Hot Extrusion

• Food Extrusion Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE