The gelatin market size was valued at US$ 3.19 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 4.41 billion by 2031; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 4.8% from 2025 to 2031.

The rapid expansion of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries is one of the primary forces driving the gelatin market worldwide. Gelatin's unique properties-such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and excellent film-forming ability-make it a critical ingredient in a wide range of pharmaceutical and health-related products. As both industries grow in response to rising global health awareness and the increasing burden of chronic diseases, the demand for gelatin-based delivery systems has surged. In the pharmaceutical sector, gelatin is widely used in the production of hard and soft capsules, which are among the most common drug delivery formats. These capsules protect active ingredients from environmental factors such as moisture and oxygen, while also enabling controlled or delayed release. As demand for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, generic drugs, and prescription medications increases-especially in aging populations-so too does the demand for gelatin. The elderly, in particular, prefer soft gelatin capsules due to their ease of swallowing and better bioavailability, further supporting market growth. Simultaneously, the nutraceutical industry has experienced significant growth as consumers increasingly seek out preventive healthcare solutions. Products such as dietary supplements, protein powders, and collagen-based beauty supplements have seen widespread adoption. Gelatin plays a central role here, not only as a capsule material but also as a functional protein in its hydrolyzed form-collagen peptides. These peptides are consumed for their potential benefits in skin health, joint support, bone density, and digestive health, making them popular in both wellness and beauty-from-within products.

By source, the gelatin market is segmented into bovine, porcine, poultry, marine, and others. The porcine segment held a larger market share in 2024, and the marine segment is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2025 to 2031. Marine gelatin is extracted primarily from the skins and bones of freshwater and saltwater fish using various methods, including hot water extraction, acidic treatment, and enzymatic hydrolysis. Extraction parameters such as pH, temperature, and time significantly affect the gelatin's yield and quality. Due to its softer gel texture and lower melting point, marine gelatin is suitable for applications requiring rapid gelation and soft gels, such as certain desserts, confectioneries, and halal/kosher products. It is also used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, where mild gel properties are advantageous. Marine gelatin is a preferred alternative in halal and kosher markets, as it avoids the religious restrictions associated with mammalian gelatin sources. These factors are bolstering the growth of the marine segment in the gelatin market.

North America dominated the gelatin market share in terms of revenue in 2024. The region's mature infrastructure, technological advancements, and high disposable income levels have created a favorable environment for gelatin consumption across multiple sectors. One of the key drivers is the robust food and beverage industry, where gelatin is widely used as a gelling, stabilizing, and thickening agent. North American consumers show a strong preference for convenient, ready-to-eat foods, such as gummies, yogurts, desserts, and processed meats-all of which commonly use gelatin. In recent years, the growing demand for natural and clean-label products has further fueled gelatin use, as it is perceived as a minimally processed, recognizable ingredient.

Some of the key players operating in the global gelatin market include GELITA AG; Nitta Gelatin Inc; ITALGEL S.r.l.; Trobas Gelatine B.V; Jellice Pioneer Europe B.V; Halavet Food Industry and Trade Inc.; Foodmate Co Ltd; Henan E-King Gelatin Co., Ltd; BDF Natural Ingredients SL; Weishardt Holding SA; Darling Ingredients Inc; Lapi Gelatine SpA; Ewald-Gelatine GmbH; Nippi Inc; and Tessenderlo Group NV. Players operating in the gelatin market focus on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand. Also, they are focusing on launching new and high-quality products for their customers.

The overall global gelatin market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the gelatin market. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants to validate the data and gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants of this process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers-along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders-specializing in the gelatin market.