United States Ancient Grains Market By Type (Quinoa, Amaranth, Millet, Sorghum, Teff, Buckwheat, Others), By Application (Food & Beverage, Animal Feed, Dietary Supplements, Others), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.34 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	8.65%
Fastest Growing Segment	Quinoa
Largest Market	West
Market Size (2031)	USD 3.85 Billion

Market Overview

The United States Ancient Grains Market will grow from USD 2.34 Billion in 2025 to USD 3.85 Billion by 2031 at a 8.65% CAGR. Ancient grains are defined as a category of cereals and pseudocereals, including varieties such as quinoa, millet, amaranth, teff, and spelt, that have remained genetically unaltered by modern breeding techniques for millennia. The expansion of this market in the United States is primarily driven by a growing consumer preference for functional foods that offer dense nutritional profiles and by a shift in culinary trends where the unique flavors of these ingredients are increasingly valued over conventional commodities. This evolution in purchasing motivation is evident in recent industry data; according to the Whole Grains Council, in 2025, 43% of consumers identified taste as a primary reason for selecting whole grain products, marking a significant departure from decisions based solely on health metrics.

Despite this positive momentum, the market confronts a substantial challenge regarding economic accessibility and supply chain volatility. The high cost of cultivation and the logistical complexities involved in sourcing and processing these specialized crops often result in elevated retail prices that restrict mass market adoption. Consequently, price sensitivity among mainstream consumers remains a critical hurdle that could impede the broader commercial integration of ancient grains if production efficiencies are not sufficiently realized to lower final product costs.

Key Market Drivers

The Expansion of Clean Label and Minimally Processed Ingredients is a primary force reshaping the United States Ancient Grains Market, fundamentally altering how manufacturers position products like teff, sorghum, and millet. Consumers are increasingly scrutinizing ingredient lists, actively avoiding chemically modified starches and additives in favor of whole, recognizable components that offer perceived transparency. This shift forces brands to reformulate existing lines and launch new items that explicitly highlight the grain content on the front of the pack to build trust. This demand for clarity is quantifiable; according to the Whole Grains Council, October 2025, in the '2025 Whole Grain Consumer Insights Survey', 77% of participants stated they desire packaging that clearly indicates the quantity of whole grain contained in a product, reflecting a direct correlation between label transparency and purchasing intent.

Heightened Focus on Sustainable Agriculture and Ethical Sourcing acts as the second critical catalyst, particularly as climate resilience becomes a priority for domestic growers and supply chains. Major food conglomerates are investing heavily in regenerative farming practices for crops such as quinoa and oats to secure long-term viability and appeal to eco-conscious buyers who link soil health with personal wellness. For instance, according to General Mills, in the 'Global Responsibility Report 2025', their Annie’s and Cascadian Farm brands contributed 93,000 acres toward the company’s regenerative agriculture goal in 2024, underscoring the industrial scale of this supply chain transition. This commitment to the sector coincides with rising demand; according to Miller Magazine, May 2025, consumer research by Ardent Mills indicated that nearly 75% of consumers claim they are likely to eat more ancient grains over the upcoming year, suggesting that these sustainability efforts are meeting a receptive and growing audience.

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Key Market Challenges

The high cost of cultivation and the resulting retail price sensitivity represent a critical impediment to the expansion of the United States Ancient Grains Market. Unlike conventional crops that benefit from established economies of scale, ancient grains often face logistical complexities and lower yield efficiencies, forcing manufacturers to set premium price points to maintain margins. This economic disparity effectively restricts the market to a niche demographic of affluent buyers, preventing these nutritious ingredients from transitioning into improved staples for the average household. Consequently, the gap between consumer interest and actual purchasing behavior widens, as budget constraints override the desire for functional benefits.

This financial friction is substantiated by recent industry findings that quantify the impact of pricing on purchasing decisions. According to the Whole Grains Council, in 2025, 44% of consumers cited cost as a barrier to choosing whole grain products. This data highlights a substantial hurdle; despite a shift in taste preferences, the elevated price point serves as a hard brake on volume growth, ensuring that mass market penetration remains elusive.

Key Market Trends

The Emergence of Sorghum as a Functional Ingredient is rapidly evolving from its traditional use in animal feed to a high-value component in human nutrition, driven by its climate resilience and antioxidant profile. Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing this gluten-free grain in premium formulations to capitalize on its water-efficient cultivation and perceived health benefits, such as blood sugar regulation. This shift is substantiated by the volume of product innovation; according to Farm Progress America, December 2025, in the article 'Sorghum eyes premium market', between 2021 and 2024, over 1,200 new products containing ancient grains entered the market, with sorghum-based applications representing a key growth vector within this surge.

Simultaneously, the Expansion into Premium Pet Food Formulations is reshaping demand as owners increasingly seek nutrient-dense, grain-inclusive options for their companions following scrutiny of grain-free diets. Brands are reformulating recipes to replace conventional fillers like corn and soy with ancient grains such as millet, quinoa, and sorghum, positioning them as superior sources of fiber and essential amino acids. This trend toward premiumization is creating a lucrative B2B avenue for grain producers; according to the Pet Food Institute, January 2025, in the '2025 Pet Food Production and Ingredient Analysis' report, the United States pet food sector reported $51.7 billion in sales in 2024, underscoring the massive scale of the market now actively integrating these specialized ingredients.

Segmental Insights

The Quinoa segment is identified as the fastest-growing category within the United States Ancient Grains Market, primarily driven by the rising consumer shift toward plant-based and gluten-free nutrition. This surge is supported by the grain's unique profile as a complete source of protein containing all nine essential amino acids, which directly addresses the dietary requirements of health-conscious individuals. Additionally, dietary guidelines from the United States Department of Agriculture emphasizing whole grain consumption have further validated the integration of quinoa into daily meals, prompting manufacturers to increasingly incorporate this versatile ingredient into cereals and ready-to-eat products.

Regional Insights

The West US currently holds a dominant position in the United States ancient grains market, driven primarily by a high concentration of health-conscious consumers and the widespread adoption of plant-based diets. This region benefits from an established retail infrastructure for natural and organic foods, particularly in California and the Pacific Northwest. Demand is further propelled by strong preference for gluten-free and non-GMO options, such as quinoa and chia, which aligns with prevailing wellness trends. Additionally, the presence of innovative food manufacturers in the West ensures consistent product availability, securing the region's status as the leading revenue generator in this sector.

Recent Developments

• In August 2025, Ardent Mills announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire Stone Mill, a specialty grain cleaning and processing facility located in North Dakota. This strategic move was intended to enhance the company's capabilities in the specialty and ancient grains sector, specifically adding expertise in processing organic, gluten-free, and identity-preserved grains. The acquisition aligns with Ardent Mills' long-term growth strategy to diversify its ingredient portfolio and meet the increasing customer demand for alternative grain solutions and emerging nutrition products in the United States market.
• In February 2025, Seven Sundays expanded its portfolio of eco-conscious breakfast products with the introduction of "Little Crispies," a new cereal line powered by sorghum. This launch highlighted the company's commitment to using sustainable ancient grains, as sorghum is known for being drought-resistant and nutrient-rich. The product was marketed as a better-for-you alternative to traditional rice cereals, utilizing the popping characteristics of sorghum to create a nostalgic yet nutritious crunch. The cereal was released in flavors such as Honey Almond and Cocoa Crunch, free from refined sugars and artificial additives.
• In February 2025, Lundberg Family Farms unveiled "Black Pearl Rice," a new regenerative organic rice variety, at the Natural Products Expo West. This launch was the culmination of over a decade of research and development within the company’s proprietary nursery program. The Black Pearl variety was bred to thrive in California's climate while supporting regenerative organic farming practices, which focus on soil health and resource conservation. The company described the new grain as a significant step in its mission to commercialize resilient, climate-friendly rice varieties that offer unique nutritional benefits and culinary versatility.
• In October 2024, Purely Elizabeth and Maple Hill Creamery announced a strategic collaboration to launch a new fall-themed breakfast offering. This partnership combined Maple Hill’s 100% grass-fed organic Greek yogurt with Purely Elizabeth’s Pumpkin Cinnamon Ancient Grain Granola. The granola features a nutrient-dense blend of organic oats, quinoa, amaranth, and chia seeds, designed to offer a salty-sweet flavor profile with crunchy texture. The companies positioned this joint venture as a convenient, high-protein breakfast solution that aligns with consumer demand for premium, clean-label products containing ancient grains and sustainably sourced dairy.

Key Market Players

• CargillInc
• ArcherDanielsMidlandCompany
• Bob’sRedMillNaturalFoodsInc
• GreatRiverOrganicMillingInc
• Annie’sHomegrownInc
• ArdentMillsLLC
• Nature’sPathFoods
• EdenFoods
• GlanbiaNutritionalsInc
• KingArthurFlour

By Type	By Application	By Region
Quinoa Amaranth Millet Sorghum Teff Buckwheat Others	Food & Beverage Animal Feed Dietary Supplements Others	Northeast Midwest South West

Report Scope:

In this report, the United States Ancient Grains Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• United States Ancient Grains Market, By Type:

• Quinoa
• Amaranth
• Millet
• Sorghum
• Teff
• Buckwheat
• Others

• United States Ancient Grains Market, By Application:

• Food & Beverage
• Animal Feed
• Dietary Supplements
• Others

• United States Ancient Grains Market, By Region:

• Northeast
• Midwest
• South
• West