Single Cell Oil Market By Type (Microalgae Oil, Yeast Oil, Bacterial Oil, Fungal Oil), By Application (Food & Beverages, Animal Feed, Biofuels, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Industrial Applications), By End-Use Industry (Food & Beverages, Animal Nutrition, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Biofuels, Agriculture), By Source (Algae-based Oils, Yeast-based Oils, Bacteria-based Oils, Fungi-based Oils), and By Region; Global Insights & Forecast (2023 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Single Cell Oil Market was valued at USD 123.4 Billion in 2024-e and will surpass USD 718.1 Billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 34.1% during 2025-2030.

The single cell oil market is a rapidly growing sector within the broader bio-based oil industry. Single cell oils are derived from microorganisms such as microalgae, yeast, bacteria, and fungi, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional vegetable oils and animal fats. These oils have found diverse applications across various industries, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, biofuels, and cosmetics, owing to their rich nutritional profile and eco-friendly nature. The increasing demand for renewable and sustainable oils, along with advances in biotechnology, is driving the growth of this market.

Microalgae Oil Is Largest Owing to Its Versatility and High Yield

Among the various types of single cell oils, microalgae oil is the largest subsegment. Microalgae are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients, making them a highly sought-after resource in multiple applications. The oil extracted from microalgae is particularly in demand in the food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels industries due to its high nutritional value and sustainability. Microalgae can be cultivated in controlled environments and offer a higher yield per hectare compared to terrestrial crops, making it a highly efficient source of oil. Additionally, microalgae oil is biodegradable and does not compete with food crops for land, further enhancing its appeal.

The growing consumer preference for plant-based and natural products is fueling the demand for microalgae oil, especially in the food and beverage sector, where it is used in the production of functional foods, dietary supplements, and beverages. Additionally, microalgae oil’s use in the biofuels sector is gaining traction due to its potential to provide a renewable source of energy. As a result, microalgae oil is expected to maintain its dominance in the market, benefiting from both technological advancements and the increasing shift toward sustainability.

Food & Beverages Application Is Largest Owing to Growing Consumer Demand for Natural Products

The food and beverages application is the largest segment in the single cell oil market. Consumers are increasingly seeking natural, healthy, and sustainable alternatives to traditional oils, driving the demand for bio-based oils such as microalgae oil and yeast oil. Single cell oils are rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3, which offer various health benefits, including improved heart health, brain function, and overall wellness. As awareness of the importance of healthy fats grows, food manufacturers are incorporating these oils into functional foods, dietary supplements, and beverages to meet consumer demands.

Furthermore, the growing trend of plant-based diets is propelling the food and beverage industry’s interest in single cell oils. These oils serve as a viable substitute for animal-derived fats and oils, which aligns with the increasing popularity of plant-based products. As a result, single cell oils, especially microalgae and yeast oils, are increasingly being used in a wide range of food applications, including snacks, dairy alternatives, and beverages. The food and beverages sector will continue to be a key driver of the single cell oil market in the coming years.

Animal Nutrition End-Use Industry Is Fastest Growing Owing to Rising Demand for Sustainable Feed

The animal nutrition end-use industry is the fastest growing subsegment of the single cell oil market. With the growing demand for sustainable and nutritious animal feed, single cell oils are gaining popularity due to their high nutritional content, including essential fatty acids and proteins. These oils provide a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for the health and growth of livestock and aquaculture species. The increasing awareness of the benefits of omega-3 in animal diets is driving the adoption of microalgae and yeast-based oils in animal feed formulations.

As the global demand for meat, dairy, and aquaculture products rises, so does the need for high-quality, sustainable feed ingredients. Single cell oils offer a more sustainable option than traditional feed ingredients such as fish oil, which is facing supply constraints due to overfishing. Additionally, the increasing focus on sustainable farming practices and the growing awareness of the environmental impact of animal agriculture are accelerating the shift toward bio-based feed ingredients like single cell oils. This trend is expected to fuel the rapid growth of the animal nutrition segment in the coming years.

Algae-based Oils Source Is Largest Owing to High Commercial Viability

The algae-based oils source is the largest in the single cell oil market. Algae-based oils, particularly those derived from microalgae, are commercially viable due to their high oil yield and ability to be cultivated in controlled environments. Algae can be grown in open ponds or bioreactors, requiring less land and water than traditional crops, which makes them an attractive option for oil production. The growing demand for algae-based oils is driven by their application in a wide range of industries, including food, biofuels, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Moreover, algae-based oils are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are increasingly sought after for their health benefits.

In addition to their high oil yield, algae-based oils are considered environmentally friendly as they do not compete with food crops for land and do not require large amounts of freshwater. As sustainability becomes a major consideration in oil production, algae-based oils are emerging as a preferred choice for consumers and manufacturers alike. The algae-based oils segment is expected to maintain its dominant position in the market due to ongoing advancements in algae cultivation and extraction technologies.

Asia-Pacific Region Is Fastest Growing Owing to Rapid Industrialization and Growing Demand

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing market for single cell oils. This growth can be attributed to the rapid industrialization, population growth, and increasing consumer awareness about health and sustainability in the region. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are witnessing a surge in the demand for bio-based oils due to the rising adoption of plant-based diets, growing health-consciousness, and the increasing focus on sustainable production methods. Additionally, the expanding food and beverage sector, particularly in countries like China and India, is driving the demand for functional oils like microalgae and yeast oils.

The Asia-Pacific region is also a key player in the global biofuels market, where algae-based oils are gaining traction as a renewable energy source. Governments in the region are increasingly supporting the development of biofuels and other renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. The combination of growing industrialization, rising consumer demand for healthy and sustainable products, and government initiatives supporting renewable energy will continue to drive the rapid growth of the single cell oil market in Asia-Pacific.

Competitive Landscape and Leading Companies

The single cell oil market is highly competitive, with a mix of established players and emerging companies vying for market share. Leading companies such as Royal DSM, Solazyme (now TerraVia), Corbion, and AlgaEnergy dominate the market due to their strong R&D capabilities and extensive product portfolios. These companies are investing heavily in biotechnology and innovation to develop more efficient and sustainable methods of producing single cell oils.

In addition to established players, newer entrants are focusing on novel oil extraction technologies and expanding production capacities to meet the growing demand. Strategic collaborations, partnerships, and acquisitions are common in the industry as companies aim to strengthen their product offerings and market presence. The competitive landscape is expected to remain dynamic, with increasing investment in research and development to meet the evolving needs of industries such as food and beverages, biofuels, and animal nutrition. As demand for sustainable and health-focused oils continues to rise, the competitive environment in the single cell oil market will become even more intense.

List of Leading Companies:

• Royal DSM
• Solazyme (Now TerraVia)
• Corbion
• AlgaEnergy
• BASF
• Lipid Technologies
• Omega Protein Corporation
• FMC Corporation
• Novozymes
• TerraVia
• Kraton Polymers
• EVONIK Industries AG
• Aurora Algae
• Gevo, Inc.
• Clearas Water Recovery

Recent Developments:

• Royal DSM recently launched a new algae-based omega-3 product, leveraging its expertise in microalgae to expand its offering of sustainable ingredients for the food and feed sectors.
• Solazyme (TerraVia) entered a partnership with BASF to co-develop algae-based oils for the cosmetics and personal care industries, focusing on high-performance bio-based ingredients.
• Corbion expanded its presence in the Single Cell Oil market by acquiring a leading microalgae oil producer, enhancing its ability to meet growing demand in the biofuels and food industries.
• AlgaEnergy announced a collaboration with Novozymes to co-develop algae-based biofuels, boosting its portfolio of sustainable products derived from algae.
• Omega Protein Corporation has recently been awarded a significant contract by the U.S. Department of Energy to produce algae-based oils for biofuel development, furthering its strategic focus on renewable energy sources.

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