Market Overview
Global Okara Market size and share is currently valued at USD 2.15 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to generate an estimated revenue of USD 3.89 billion by 2032, according to the latest study by Polaris Market Research. Besides, the report notes that the market exhibits a robust 6.9% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the forecasted timeframe, 2024 - 2032
Okara, or soy pulp, is rich in dietary fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. As consumers grow more health-conscious and environmentally aware, food manufacturers and startups are increasingly incorporating okara into a range of consumables—from baked goods and plant-based burgers to smoothies and snack bars. The rise of plant-based diets, supported by mainstream media, celebrity endorsements, and climate-change concerns, has created a fertile ground for okara’s transformation from a byproduct into a value-added ingredient. This evolution aligns with the upcycled food movement, which aims to minimize food waste by reintroducing processing byproducts into the food chain in innovative and nutritious forms.
Market Segmentation
The okara market is segmented based on form, application, end-use industry, and distribution channel, allowing for a diversified analysis of market potential.
By Form:
- Wet Okara
- Dried Okara (Powder/Flakes)
Wet okara is commonly used in fresh applications such as baked goods and traditional Asian dishes, while dried okara—available in powder or flake form—has a longer shelf life and is favored for large-scale food production and protein fortification.
By Application:
- Food & Beverage
- Animal Feed
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Nutraceuticals
The food & beverage segment dominates the market, with okara increasingly used in vegan burgers, dairy alternatives, and high-fiber snacks. The animal feed segment still maintains relevance, particularly in regions where human consumption markets are not fully developed. The cosmetics industry is exploring okara’s antioxidant properties, while the nutraceutical segment is leveraging its high fiber and protein content.
By End-Use Industry:
- Food Processing
- Retail & Packaged Goods
- Hospitality
- Nutritional Supplements
Food processing companies are the primary end users, using okara as a functional ingredient in gluten-free and high-protein food lines. The retail and packaged goods sector is rapidly catching up, especially in Western markets where clean-label and sustainable packaging claims are highly sought-after.
By Distribution Channel:
- Online Retail
- Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
- Health Food Stores
- Food Service Distributors
Online retail is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by health-conscious consumers and specialty vegan product seekers. Health food stores and organic grocers are also key outlets due to their alignment with the vegan food industry trends.
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Regional Analysis
The global okara market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa, each presenting unique growth dynamics.
Asia-Pacific
The Asia-Pacific region, particularly Japan, China, South Korea, and Indonesia, dominates the global okara market. Okara has been consumed for centuries in traditional Asian diets, particularly in Japanese and Korean cuisine. With the expansion of modern food processing industries and sustainability policies, this region is seeing a resurgence of interest in upcycled food products like okara. Moreover, tofu and soy milk production are concentrated in these regions, ensuring a steady raw material supply.
North America
North America is witnessing a rapid rise in the okara market, driven by the growing demand for plant-based protein and zero-waste food innovations. The United States and Canada are leading in consumer awareness, start-up innovations, and retail penetration of okara-based products such as protein bars, cereals, and baking mixes. The presence of prominent food tech companies focusing on sustainable proteins is fueling this growth.
Europe
Europe’s okara market is growing due to stringent food waste reduction mandates and the booming vegan food industry. Countries such as Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and France are at the forefront of plant-based innovation. The EU's focus on sustainability and upcycling has opened doors for okara in bakery, confectionery, and alternative meat markets.
Latin America
In Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, the okara market is still emerging but shows potential due to the region's soybean processing capacity. As veganism spreads and sustainability becomes a selling point for international trade, Latin American companies are beginning to explore the commercial uses of soy pulp.
Middle East & Africa
While still in the nascent stage, the Middle East & Africa region is beginning to adopt plant-based diets due to rising health awareness and a growing expatriate population. Countries like the UAE and South Africa are key targets for growth, especially in urban centers with high demand for vegan and high-protein foods.
Key Companies
Several forward-thinking companies are driving innovation in the okara market, transforming this undervalued byproduct into a powerhouse of nutritional and environmental value.
Renewal Mill
Based in the U.S., Renewal Mill is a pioneer in upcycled food products, particularly okara flour. The company collaborates with plant-based milk producers to source okara, then processes it into high-fiber, gluten-free flour used in baking mixes, cookies, and snack bars. Their products are widely available across Whole Foods and online platforms.
Pulmuone Co., Ltd.
A South Korean company with a stronghold in tofu and plant-based products, Pulmuone has integrated okara into its food offerings, including noodles, vegan burgers, and breakfast items. The company emphasizes sustainability and traditional Korean food innovation.
Upton’s Naturals
Chicago-based Upton’s Naturals specializes in clean-label vegan foods and has launched okara-based meat alternatives in selected markets. Their commitment to simple, natural ingredients makes them a standout in the North American vegan scene.
Okarabio (Japan)
Japan’s Okarabio is one of the oldest companies dedicated to producing okara-based snacks, pastes, and functional food ingredients. Their mission to restore the cultural and nutritional value of okara aligns with the increasing demand for plant-based protein sources.
Soylution (Netherlands)
A rising startup in Europe, Soylution uses okara in innovative bakery applications. Their patented drying process helps maintain the nutritional integrity of soy pulp, and they partner with European tofu manufacturers to upcycle byproducts into flour, protein powders, and baked goods.
Future Outlook and Emerging Trends
The future of the okara market is incredibly promising, marked by a blend of environmental urgency and food innovation. Key trends to watch include:
- Expansion into Functional Foods: Okara’s prebiotic fiber and high protein content make it ideal for gut-health and energy-boosting formulations.
- Okara-Based Meat Alternatives: As texturization technologies improve, okara is expected to be used more widely in meat substitutes.
- Cross-Sector Adoption: Beyond food, expect to see okara in skincare, pet food, and even biodegradable packaging.
- Tech-Driven Upcycling: AI and IoT applications in food processing could help scale okara production and optimize its use in food systems.
Conclusion
As sustainability, health, and innovation converge, the Okara market is emerging from the shadows to become a dynamic component of the global vegan food industry. Once discarded as waste, soy pulp is now a symbol of smart food systems and upcycled food products that serve both human health and the planet. With rising awareness, investment, and technological advancements, okara is well-positioned to take center stage in the next wave of plant-based food revolutions.
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