Top 10 Companies in the Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) Market (2026): Market Leaders Driving Innovation in Functional Nutrition

In Business Insights
January 17, 2026


The Global Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) Market was valued at USD 16.94 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 30.78 Million by 2034, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.1% during the forecast period (2026-2034). Global sales of Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin amounted to approximately 1,867 tons in 2024, with an average price of USD 6,757 per ton. This robust growth is fueled by rising consumer demand for superior functional carbohydrates in sports nutrition, the expanding cosmetics industry seeking advanced texture modifiers, and stringent global food safety standards that favor ingredients like HBCD with established FDA GRAS status.

As the functional food and ingredient industry pivots toward science-backed, high-performance solutions, the focus intensifies on the specialized manufacturers who are pioneering enzymatic technologies and scaling production of this unique dextrin. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) Industry—a group of innovators and strategic suppliers shaping the future of efficient carbohydrate delivery worldwide.

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🔟 1. Glico Nutrition Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
Key Offering: Cluster Dextrin® (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)

Glico Nutrition, a subsidiary of Ezaki Glico Group, is the undisputed pioneer and global leader in the HBCD market. The company first achieved commercial production of Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin in the world and has marketed it under the brand name Cluster Dextrin® since 2002. Their proprietary enzymatic technology produces a uniquely structured carbohydrate with high molecular weight and low osmolality, making it ideal for rapid energy release without gastrointestinal distress.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Originator of HBCD technology with foundational patents

  • Secured FDA GRAS status for its HBCD in 2012

  • Extensive scientific dossier supporting performance benefits in sports nutrition


9️⃣ 2. ZymeBase

Headquarters: Shandong, China
Key Offering: SusCarb® Dextrin (Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin)

ZymeBase has emerged as a major technology holder and the primary competitor to Glico in the global HBCD space. The company produces SusCarb® Dextrin, a patented HBCD that has gained significant traction, particularly in the Asian market. Positioned as a “new era sports energy” ingredient, SusCarb® has won multiple innovation awards in sports nutrition forums between 2024 and 2025, validating its market acceptance and technical performance.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Independent development of patented HBCD production technology

  • Strategic focus on cost-competitive manufacturing in China

  • Rapidly expanding production capacity to meet growing Asian demand


8️⃣ 3. Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Hyogo, Japan
Key Offering: Fiber-specific and other specialty dextrins

Matsutani Chemical Industry is a well-established Japanese chemical company with deep expertise in carbohydrate chemistry and enzyme technology. While not a primary HBCD producer, the company’s strong capabilities in developing functional fibers and resistant maltodextrins position it as a potential significant player. Their expertise in enzymatic modification of starches provides a foundational platform for eventual HBCD market entry or technology partnership.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Strong R&D capabilities in enzyme-modified carbohydrates

  • Established global distribution network for food ingredients

  • Potential for future HBCD development leveraging existing technology


7️⃣ 4. Roquette Frères

Headquarters: Lestrem, France
Key Offering: Wide range of plant-based ingredients, including specialty carbohydrates

Roquette is a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a major producer of starch derivatives. The company’s extensive portfolio includes various maltodextrins and glucose syrups, with significant investment in R&D for advanced carbohydrate solutions. While Roquette has not commercially launched an HBCD product, its scale, global presence, and expertise in enzymatic processing make it a formidable potential entrant into this high-growth niche market.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Global scale in starch and carbohydrate processing

  • Strong focus on sustainable and plant-based ingredient solutions

  • Advanced application expertise in sports nutrition and functional foods

Download FREE Sample Report:
Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. Cargill, Incorporated

Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Broad portfolio of food ingredients and starch derivatives

Cargill is one of the world’s largest agricultural processors and food ingredient suppliers. The company produces a wide array of starch-based products and has the technical capability to develop HBCD. Given Cargill’s massive scale, customer relationships in the food and beverage industry, and focus on innovative ingredients, the company represents a significant potential force in the HBCD market, either through internal development or strategic partnership.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Extensive global supply chain and production infrastructure

  • Strong customer relationships with major food and beverage brands

  • Significant investment in food ingredient innovation and R&D


5️⃣ 6. Ingredion Incorporated

Headquarters: Westchester, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Specialty starches, sweeteners, and biomaterials

Ingredion is a leading global ingredient solutions provider with deep expertise in transforming starch into value-added ingredients. The company’s portfolio includes various specialty carbohydrates for diverse applications. With its strong technical capabilities in enzymatic modification and application development, Ingredion is well-positioned to potentially enter the HBCD market, leveraging its expertise to serve the growing demand for high-performance carbohydrates.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Strong capabilities in starch modification and enzyme technology

  • Global manufacturing footprint and technical service network

  • Focus on clean-label and functional ingredient solutions


4️⃣ 7. ADM (Archer-Daniels-Midland Company)

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Comprehensive portfolio of food and feed ingredients

ADM is a global agricultural processor and food ingredient provider with substantial operations in carbohydrate solutions. The company’s expertise in bioprocessing and ingredient innovation positions it as a potential significant player in the HBCD space. ADM’s strategic focus on health and wellness ingredients, combined with its scale, makes it a company to watch for potential HBCD market development or expansion.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Global scale in agricultural processing and ingredient production

  • Growing focus on specialized nutrition and health-focused ingredients

  • Extensive R&D capabilities in biofermentation and enzyme technology


3️⃣ 8. Tate & Lyle PLC

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Specialty food ingredients and solutions

Tate & Lyle is a leading global provider of food and beverage ingredients, with particular strength in sweeteners, texturants, and fortification solutions. The company’s expertise in carbohydrate chemistry and commitment to developing healthier food options align well with the value proposition of HBCD. Tate & Lyle’s focus on sugar reduction and digestive health ingredients could drive future interest in HBCD technologies.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Strong heritage and expertise in carbohydrate science

  • Focus on health and wellness ingredient solutions

  • Global presence in food and beverage markets


2️⃣ 9. Budenheim

Headquarters: Budenheim, Germany
Key Offering: Specialty phosphates and mineral nutrients

While primarily known for phosphates, Budenheim has expertise in functional ingredients for food and nutrition applications. The company’s technical capabilities in ingredient chemistry and its presence in the European market position it as a potential participant in the HBCD ecosystem, possibly through distribution partnerships or specialized application development for the European sports nutrition and functional food markets.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Technical expertise in functional food ingredients

  • Strong position in European food ingredient markets

  • Experience with specialty ingredients requiring technical sales support


1️⃣ 10. Jarrow Formulas, Inc.

Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
Key Offering: Nutritional supplements and branded ingredient systems

Jarrow Formulas is a prominent dietary supplement company that has been instrumental in popularizing HBCD in the North American market through its branded product offerings. While not a manufacturer of HBCD, the company’s role in market development and consumer education makes it an important player in the HBCD value chain. Jarrow’s formulations featuring HBCD have helped demonstrate the ingredient’s benefits to consumers and formulators alike.

Innovation & Market Leadership:

  • Early adopter and promoter of HBCD in supplement formulations

  • Strong brand recognition in the sports nutrition sector

  • Extensive distribution network for nutritional supplements

Get Full Report Here:
Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of HBCD Is Driven by Performance and Precision

The Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin market is experiencing a significant transformation. While currently dominated by specialized producers, the market’s attractive growth rate and premium positioning are drawing interest from larger ingredient players. The industry’s future will be shaped by technological advancements, regulatory developments, and evolving consumer preferences for high-performance functional ingredients.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Expansion beyond sports nutrition into mainstream food and beverage applications

  • Increasing geographic diversification of production capacity, particularly in China

  • Growing scientific validation of HBCD’s functional benefits driving broader adoption

  • Technological innovations improving production efficiency and cost competitiveness

Get Full Report Here:
Highly Branched Cyclic Dextrin (HBCD) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled above are not only supplying a specialized ingredient—they’re enabling the next generation of high-performance nutrition and advanced functional foods that meet consumers’ evolving demands for both efficacy and digestive comfort.