Rice Bran Oil Market: Trends, Insights, and Growth Forecast 2024-2034

The global rice bran oil market has witnessed significant growth over the past few years, driven by its growing adoption in both the food and cosmetics industries. Known for its health benefits, versatility, and sustainability, rice bran oil has become a preferred choice for consumers and manufacturers alike. In 2024, the global rice bran oil market reached a volume of 1.73 million tons, with expectations to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.40% between 2025 and 2034. By the end of the forecast period, the market is projected to reach 2.19 million tons. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the market's current state, trends, growth drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the coming decade.

What is Rice Bran Oil?

Rice bran oil is a vegetable oil extracted from the bran (outer layer) of rice. It is a light, mild-tasting oil with high smoking point and a balanced composition of fatty acids. It contains polyunsaturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and a modest amount of saturated fats. Additionally, rice bran oil is rich in antioxidants, such as oryzanol, vitamin E, and other polyphenols, making it a healthy alternative for cooking, frying, and as an ingredient in personal care products.

Nutritional Benefits of Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran oil is known for its unique nutritional composition. It has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (monounsaturated) and linoleic acid (polyunsaturated), which are beneficial for heart health. The presence of gamma-oryzanol, a powerful antioxidant, has been linked to improved cholesterol levels, skin health, and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the oil contains vitamins E and K, which are vital for immune health and wound healing.

Growing Popularity in Healthy Diets

As consumers become more health-conscious, there has been a surge in demand for healthy cooking oils, and rice bran oil is emerging as a popular choice. It is considered a heart-healthy option because of its balance of fatty acids and its cholesterol-lowering properties, making it highly suitable for those looking to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. These factors have made rice bran oil a key player in the global edible oils market.

Get a Free Sample Report with Table of Contents

Market Overview

Market Size and Growth Forecast

The global rice bran oil market reached a volume of 1.73 million tons in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.40% from 2025 to 2034. This growth trajectory will take the market volume to 2.19 million tons by 2034. The market’s growth is primarily attributed to increased consumer demand for healthy cooking oils, the expanding use of rice bran oil in the personal care sector, and growing awareness about its numerous health benefits.

Market Segmentation

The rice bran oil market can be segmented into several categories, including type, application, distribution channel, and region. Below are the key segments that shape the market.

By Type

• Refined Rice Bran Oil: Refined rice bran oil is the most common type used in both the food and cosmetics industries. It is processed to remove impurities, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking, frying, and as an ingredient in skincare products.
• Unrefined Rice Bran Oil: Unrefined rice bran oil retains more of its natural nutrients and is generally preferred for cold-pressed products or in specific culinary uses. While it has a shorter shelf life than refined oil, it is valued for its natural, unprocessed state.

By Application

• Food and Beverage: The food and beverage sector is the largest consumer of rice bran oil. It is used extensively in cooking, frying, and as a salad dressing base due to its mild taste, high smoke point, and health benefits. Additionally, rice bran oil is used in the preparation of packaged foods, snacks, and processed meals.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Rice bran oil is also used in the cosmetics industry due to its moisturizing properties and ability to promote skin health. It is commonly found in soaps, lotions, creams, and hair care products, where it is valued for its antioxidant content and non-comedogenic nature.
• Pharmaceuticals: While still a niche application, rice bran oil is gaining recognition for its potential therapeutic properties, such as improving cholesterol levels, treating skin conditions, and reducing inflammation. Research in this area is growing, and more products containing rice bran oil are expected to enter the market.

By Distribution Channel

• Online Retail: The rise of e-commerce has facilitated the distribution of rice bran oil, especially through platforms such as Amazon, Walmart, and specialty health food stores. Consumers increasingly prefer buying oils online for convenience and to access a wider variety of brands.
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the dominant sales channel for rice bran oil, particularly in regions where consumers are more likely to purchase products in-store. The growth of organic and healthy food sections in large retail chains has boosted the availability of rice bran oil.
• Specialty Stores: Health and organic food stores are also significant players in the distribution of rice bran oil, catering to consumers seeking healthier food options and organic products.

Key Market Drivers

Health and Wellness Trends

As global awareness about the health risks associated with consuming unhealthy fats (such as trans fats and excessive saturated fats) rises, consumers are increasingly turning to healthier alternatives like rice bran oil. It’s seen as a heart-healthy cooking oil due to its high levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, making it ideal for those looking to manage cholesterol and support cardiovascular health.

Rise in the Vegan and Plant-Based Movement

The growing vegan and plant-based movement is contributing to the increased demand for vegetable oils, including rice bran oil. As consumers adopt plant-based diets, they are looking for oils that are natural, free from animal-derived products, and nutritionally superior.

Technological Advancements in Oil Extraction

Technological advancements in the extraction process, including cold-pressing and solvent extraction methods, have made it easier to obtain high-quality rice bran oil. These methods help preserve the oil’s nutritional properties, further boosting its appeal in the market.

Expansion of the Cosmetic Industry

Rice bran oil is increasingly used in personal care products due to its moisturizing, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. The demand for natural and organic beauty products is growing, making rice bran oil a key ingredient in the formulations of lotions, shampoos, and other skincare products.

Sustainable Sourcing and Eco-Friendly Image

Rice bran oil has a relatively low environmental footprint compared to other vegetable oils, especially when it comes from sustainable farming practices. As sustainability becomes a top priority for consumers, eco-conscious individuals are turning to rice bran oil as a more environmentally friendly option.

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest share of the global rice bran oil market, owing to the presence of major rice-producing countries such as India, China, Thailand, and Japan. Rice bran oil is widely used in these countries both as a cooking oil and in skincare products. The increasing demand for healthy oils and the rising middle-class population are driving market growth in this region.

North America

In North America, particularly the United States, the demand for rice bran oil has grown due to its health benefits and its appeal among consumers seeking alternatives to traditional vegetable oils like soybean and canola oil. The popularity of clean label products and non-GMO ingredients has also spurred demand for rice bran oil in food products and supplements.

Europe

Europe is experiencing steady growth in the rice bran oil market, especially in countries like the UK, Germany, and France. The demand for rice bran oil in Europe is mainly driven by the increasing preference for healthy cooking oils and the growing interest in organic and natural cosmetics. European consumers are highly concerned with product quality and sustainability, both of which are attributes that rice bran oil offers.

Latin America and the Middle East

Latin America and the Middle East are emerging markets for rice bran oil, driven by the increasing awareness about its health benefits and the need for alternatives to traditional oils. The demand for rice bran oil in these regions is expected to rise as local production and consumption levels increase.

Competitive Landscape

The global rice bran oil market is highly fragmented, with numerous players operating at regional and international levels. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Cargill, Incorporated
• Bunge Limited
• Adani Wilmar
• Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd.
• Marico Ltd.
• Ricela Health Foods Ltd.
• Shaanxi Top Natural Ingredients Co., Ltd.

These companies are actively engaged in product innovation, expanding their production capacities, and strengthening their distribution channels to gain a competitive edge. In addition, there is an increasing focus on sustainability and organic certifications, with many players seeking to meet the growing consumer demand for environmentally responsible and ethically sourced products.

Explore More:

Vanilla and Vanillin Market: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/vanilla-and-vanillin-market

Annatto Market: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/annatto-market

Composite Insulators Market: https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/composite-insulators-market

Challenges Facing the Rice Bran Oil Market

Price Volatility of Raw Materials

The price of rice bran oil can be volatile due to fluctuations in the price of raw materials, such as rice husks, which are the main source of rice bran oil. Adverse weather conditions, changes in global rice production, and trade policies can impact the availability and cost of raw materials, making the market vulnerable to price volatility.

Lack of Awareness in Some Regions

Despite its health benefits and wide use in certain regions, rice bran oil remains relatively unknown in some parts of the world. Consumers in these regions may not be fully aware of the nutritional advantages of rice bran oil compared to other commonly used vegetable oils.

Competition from Other Edible Oils

Rice bran oil faces stiff competition from other vegetable oils, such as sunflower, canola, and olive oil, which are more widely available and often cheaper. Additionally, some oils, like olive oil, enjoy a more established reputation for health benefits, making it a preferred choice in many households.