Single-Cell Protein Market

Single-Cell Protein Market Forecast and Outlook 2025 to 2035

The global single-cell protein market is valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2025 and is slated to reach USD 7.2 billion by 2035, recording an absolute increase of USD 4.0 billion over the forecast period. This translates into a total growth of 125.0%, with the market forecast to expand at a CAGR of 8.4% between 2025 and 2035.

The overall market size is expected to grow by nearly 2.3 times during the same period, supported by increasing protein demand, growing sustainable nutrition initiatives, and rising adoption of alternative protein sources across diverse animal feed and human nutrition applications.

Quick Stats for Single-Cell Protein Market

• Single-Cell Protein Market Value (2025): USD 3.2 billion
• Single-Cell Protein Market Forecast Value (2035): USD 7.2 billion
• Single-Cell Protein Market Forecast CAGR: 8.4%
• Leading Microbe in Single-Cell Protein Market: Yeast (44.0%)
• Key Growth Regions in Single-Cell Protein Market: North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific
• Key Players in Single-Cell Protein Market: Calysta, Unibio, KnipBio, Arbiom, Novozymes, Corbion

Between 2025 and 2030, the market is projected to expand from USD 3.2 billion to USD 4.8 billion, resulting in a value increase of USD 1.6 billion, which represents 40.0% of the total forecast growth for the decade. This phase of development will be shaped by increasing sustainable protein demand, rising alternative nutrition adoption, and growing utilization of biotechnology solutions in protein manufacturing operations. Producers are expanding their fermentation capabilities to address the growing demand for sustainable protein alternatives and enhanced nutritional profiles.

Single-Cell Protein Market Key Takeaways

Metric	Value
Estimated Value in (2025E)	USD 3.2 billion
Forecast Value in (2035F)	USD 7.2 billion
Forecast CAGR (2025 to 2035)	8.4%

From 2030 to 2035, the market is forecast to grow from USD 4.8 billion to USD 7.2 billion, adding another USD 2.4 billion, which constitutes 60.0% of the overall ten-year expansion. This period is expected to be characterized by the expansion of advanced fermentation systems, the integration of precision biotechnology, and the development of enhanced protein formulations for major food and feed manufacturers. The growing adoption of circular economy principles and efficient bioprocessing initiatives will drive demand for single-cell proteins with enhanced sustainability credentials and improved nutritional functionality.

Between 2020 and 2025, the market experienced robust recovery growth, driven by increasing protein security concerns and growing recognition of microbial proteins as essential components for sustainable nutrition and feed applications. The market developed as food manufacturers and feed companies recognized the potential for these products to enhance protein supply while maintaining nutritional quality and improving sustainability performance. Technological advancement in fermentation and bioprocessing systems began focusing the critical importance of maintaining product quality and operational efficiency in sustainable protein production operations.

Why is the Single-Cell Protein Market Growing?

Market expansion is being supported by the increasing global protein demand and the corresponding need for sustainable protein sources that can maintain nutritional quality while supporting diverse food and feed applications across various production environments. Modern food manufacturers and feed producers are increasingly focused on implementing protein solutions that can reduce environmental impact, enhance nutritional profiles, and provide reliable performance in production operations. Single-cell proteins' proven ability to deliver superior nutritional density, eco-friendly production capabilities, and versatile application potential make them essential components for contemporary sustainable nutrition operations and alternative protein solutions.

The growing focus on sustainability and protein security is driving demand for single-cell proteins that can support circular production systems, reduce resource consumption, and enable efficient manufacturing operations across varying protein production configurations. Producer preference for ingredients that combine nutritional benefits with environmental sustainability and production scalability is creating opportunities for innovative biotechnology implementations. The rising influence of alternative protein adoption and sustainable nutrition trends is also contributing to increased adoption of single-cell proteins that can provide advanced nutritional benefits without compromising environmental performance or production efficiency.

Opportunity Pathways - Single-Cell Protein Market

The single-cell protein market is poised for robust growth and transformation. As food manufacturers and feed producers across both developed and emerging markets seek protein sources that are sustainable, nutritious, scalable, and environmentally friendly, single-cell protein systems are gaining prominence not just as alternative ingredients but as strategic components for sustainability positioning, nutritional enhancement, resource optimization, and production innovation.

Rising protein demand and sustainability pressures in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific amplify demand, while producers are picking up on innovations in fermentation technologies and bioprocessing enhancement methods.

Pathways like specialized microbe systems, advanced fermentation, and precision nutrition promise strong margin uplift, especially in developed markets. Geographic expansion and application diversification will capture volume, particularly where protein security is growing or eco-friendly production infrastructure requires development. Quality pressures around nutritional standards, production efficiency, eco-friendly credentials, and scalability give structural support.

• Pathway A - Specialized Microbe & Fermentation Systems. Nutrition companies increasingly require proteins that meet specific nutritional profiles and application requirements. Producers who specialize in advanced microbe systems or enhance fermentation capabilities can command a premium. Expected revenue pool: USD 1,440.0-1,728.0 million
• Pathway B - Advanced Bioprocessing & Scale-Up. Enhanced fermentation systems -- improved cultivation, advanced bioprocessing, efficiency optimization -- improve protein yield and production scalability. Opportunity: USD 1,152.0-1,397.0 million
• Pathway C - Food & Feed Industry Integration. Direct partnerships with food and feed manufacturers, customized specifications, and nutritional support optimize supply chain efficiency and enhance customer relationships. Systems with stronger integration capabilities will allow premium positioning. Revenue lift: USD 900.0-1,152.0 million
• Pathway D - Human Nutrition Application Development. Extending reach into functional food applications, nutritional supplements, and specialty nutrition markets. Industries will look for protein suppliers who provide sustainable, high-quality solutions. Pool: USD 810.0-1,062.0 million
• Pathway E - Emerging Market Expansion. Strong growth in developing protein markets, population growth, and alternative protein adoption. Local partnerships and production facilities help penetration. Expected upside: USD 720.0-900.0 million
• Pathway F - Sustainability Services. Technical services, sustainability assessment, and circular economy support help manufacturers ensure environmental credentials and production optimization. Service approaches benefit from long-term relationships. USD 504.0-648.0 million
• Pathway G - Precision Nutrition Solutions. Customized protein profiles, targeted nutrition, and specialized formulations create competitive advantages and application benefits. Pool: USD 432.0-576.0 million

Segmental Analysis

The market is segmented by microbe, end use, and form. By microbe, the market is divided into yeast, bacteria, and microalgae. By end use, it covers animal feed, human nutrition, and others. By form, it is segmented into dry and liquid. Regionally, the market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

By Microbe, the Yeast Segment Accounts for 44.0% Market Share

The yeast microbe is projected to account for 44.0% of the market in 2025, reaffirming its position as the leading microbe category. Food manufacturers and feed producers increasingly utilize yeast-based proteins for their established fermentation properties, proven nutritional profiles, and reliable production scalability across animal feed, human nutrition, and biotechnology applications. Yeast microbe's established cultivation procedures and consistent protein output directly address the industry requirements for reliable protein supply and production efficiency in diverse manufacturing environments.

This microbe segment forms the foundation of current market operations, as it represents the technology with the greatest production maturity and established bioprocessing infrastructure across multiple applications and production scenarios. Producer investments in enhanced fermentation methods and yield optimization continue to strengthen adoption among food and feed companies. With manufacturers prioritizing production reliability and nutritional consistency, yeast operations align with both quality objectives and manufacturing efficiency requirements, making them the central component of comprehensive single-cell protein strategies.

By End Use, the Animal Feed Segment Accounts for 46.0% Market Share

Animal feed applications are projected to represent 46.0% of single-cell protein consumption in 2025, highlighting their critical role as the primary application requirement for livestock nutrition and aquaculture feeding programs. Feed manufacturers prefer single-cell proteins for their nutritional density, digestibility characteristics, and ability to provide complete amino acid profiles while supporting animal performance and feed efficiency requirements. Positioned as essential protein source for modern feed production, animal feed applications offer both nutritional advantages and production benefits.

The segment is supported by continuous innovation in feed formulation and the growing availability of specialized protein sources that enable enhanced nutrition with improved animal performance capabilities. Manufacturers are investing in formulation optimization to support animal health and feed efficiency delivery. As animal protein production becomes more prevalent and feed optimization requirements increase, animal feed applications will continue to dominate the application market while supporting advanced nutrition positioning and animal performance strategies.

By Form, the Dry Segment Accounts for 71.0% Market Share

Dry form is projected to represent 71.0% of single-cell protein supply in 2025, highlighting its critical role as the primary form requirement for storage convenience and transportation efficiency. Food and feed manufacturers prefer dry proteins for their shelf stability, handling convenience, and ability to provide consistent quality while supporting supply chain efficiency and inventory management requirements. Positioned as essential form for modern protein distribution, dry form offers both storage advantages and logistics benefits.

The segment is supported by continuous innovation in drying technology and the growing availability of specialized processing methods that enable enhanced stability with improved handling capabilities. Producers are investing in processing optimization to support storage efficiency and distribution convenience delivery. As protein supply chains become more prevalent and logistics requirements increase, dry form will continue to dominate the form market while supporting advanced supply chain efficiency and distribution convenience strategies.

What are the Drivers, Restraints, and Key Trends of the Single-Cell Protein Market?

The single-cell protein market is advancing rapidly due to increasing protein demand and growing adoption of sustainable protein alternatives that provide enhanced nutritional profiles and environmental benefits across diverse food and feed applications. The market faces challenges, including regulatory approval complexities, production scaling costs, and varying consumer acceptance across different market environments. Innovation in fermentation techniques and bioprocessing technologies continues to influence product development and market expansion patterns.

Rising Protein Demand and Sustainability Imperatives

The growing expansion of global protein needs and environmental sustainability requirements is enabling producers to develop single-cell proteins that provide superior nutritional density, reduced environmental footprint, and scalable production capacity in sustainable protein environments. Advanced fermentation systems provide improved protein yields while allowing more effective resource utilization and consistent quality across various applications and production requirements. Producers are increasingly recognizing the competitive advantages of eco-friendly production capabilities for market positioning and environmentally conscious customer targeting.

Biotechnology Innovation and Production Scaling Drive Market Development

Modern single-cell protein producers are incorporating advanced fermentation methods and bioprocessing systems to enhance protein quality, improve production efficiency, and ensure consistent performance delivery to food and feed manufacturers. These technologies improve nutritional standards while enabling new applications, including specialized nutrition products and functional ingredients. Advanced biotechnology integration also allows producers to support premium product positioning and nutritional optimization beyond traditional protein supply.

Analysis of the Single-Cell Protein Market by Key Countries

Country	CAGR (2025-2035)
USA	9.0%
Mexico	8.6%
Germany	8.2%
France	8.0%
UK	7.9%
South Korea	7.8%
Japan	7.6%

The market is experiencing robust growth globally, with the USA leading at a 9.0% CAGR through 2035, driven by extensive alternative protein development, advanced biotechnology infrastructure investments, and significant adoption of eco-friendly nutrition technologies. Mexico follows at 8.6%, supported by growing protein demand development, rapid biotechnology modernization, and growing adoption of eco-friendly production systems. Germany shows growth at 8.2%, focusing quality standards and biotechnology capabilities. France and UK record strong growth, focusing on sustainability development and protein innovation. South Korea demonstrates 7.8% growth, supported by biotechnology trends and alternative protein adoption. Japan demonstrates 7.6% growth, supported by advanced technology but facing regulatory complexity.

The report covers an in-depth analysis of 40+ countries, top-performing countries are highlighted below.

United States Demonstrates Biotechnology Innovation

The U.S. market emphasizes advanced fermentation features, including precision bioprocessing control and integration with comprehensive biotechnology platforms that manage protein optimization, sustainability delivery, and production applications through unified protein systems. The country demonstrates strong growth at 9.0% CAGR, driven by alternative protein expansion, biotechnology innovation, and emerging eco-friendly nutrition applications that support protein system integration. American food and feed manufacturers prioritize sustainability effectiveness with single-cell proteins delivering consistent nutritional performance through advanced fermentation capabilities and specialized production adaptation.

Technology deployment channels include major food processors, specialized biotechnology suppliers, and feed industry procurement programs that support professional applications for complex protein production and eco-friendly nutrition applications. Biotechnology platform integration capabilities with established food systems expand market appeal across diverse production requirements seeking nutritional benefits and sustainability advantages. The resilient biotechnology sector and expanding alternative protein capacity additions create steady demand, while innovative applications in precision nutrition open new growth avenues.

Performance Metrics:

• Biotechnology facilities in California, Massachusetts, and North Carolina leading single-cell protein adoption for sustainable nutrition applications
• Specialty protein retail channels maintaining 73% market share for complex biotechnology integration applications
• Sustainability programs supporting 42% of protein acquisitions across food and feed facilities
• Biotechnology platform compatibility with major food systems driving procurement selection criteria

Mexico Maintains Protein Market Growth

Mexico's expanding protein market demonstrates sophisticated single-cell protein adoption with documented nutritional effectiveness in feed applications and food manufacturing through integration with existing production systems and agricultural infrastructure. The country leverages growing protein demand and eco-friendly production integration to maintain strong growth at 8.6% CAGR. Production centers, including Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey, showcase premium applications where protein systems integrate with comprehensive agricultural platforms and feed management systems to optimize nutrition and production effectiveness.

Mexican agricultural companies prioritize eco-friendly credentials and nutritional quality in single-cell protein development, creating demand for premium protein systems with advanced features, including nutritional optimization integration and eco-friendly production systems. The market benefits from established agricultural infrastructure and a willingness to invest in biotechnology that provides long-term nutritional benefits and compliance with international sustainability and agricultural standards. Premium nutrition applications, eco-friendly production systems, and agricultural programs drive diversified demand across multiple end-use segments.

Market Intelligence Brief:

• Protein market focuses on sustainability credentials and nutritional quality compliance, driving premium segment growth
• Agricultural partnerships providing 44% faster development cycles
• Technology collaboration between Mexican agricultural companies and international protein manufacturers
• Sustainability training programs expanding single-cell protein system integration in agricultural and feed scenarios

Germany Emphasizes Biotechnology Excellence

Germany demonstrates steady market development with an 8.2% CAGR, distinguished by food manufacturers' preference for high-quality single-cell proteins that integrate seamlessly with existing production systems and provide reliable long-term nutritional performance in specialized food applications. The market prioritizes advanced features, including precision fermentation control, production durability, and integration with comprehensive biotechnology platforms that reflect German industry expectations for technological sophistication and operational excellence.

Growth drivers encompass sustainable nutrition optimization applications, expanding biotechnology requirements, and advanced production system integration. German manufacturers emphasize quality control systems and comprehensive nutritional documentation that align with domestic eco-friendly standards. The convergence of advanced biotechnology, food industry presence, and traditional quality heritage creates diversified demand across multiple application segments.

Market Characteristics:

• Premium focus on yeast systems with advanced fermentation capabilities and precision nutritional features
• Integration requirements with existing food production and biotechnology platforms
• Focus on production reliability and long-term nutritional benefits in food applications

France Shows Biotechnology Development

France demonstrates steady expansion at 8.0% CAGR through diversified demand from food programs, agricultural activities, and specialty nutrition projects. Major biotechnology hubs in regions throughout the country drive single-cell protein adoption for food and specialty nutrition production. Sustainability heritage and biotechnology programs create sustained market demand, while specialty and premium applications provide additional growth opportunities. Manufacturer preference for eco-friendly ingredients and biotechnology sophistication supports consistent market development.

Market Characteristics:

• Strong sustainability heritage and established biotechnology culture supporting premium positioning
• Advanced specialty nutrition and food sectors driving demand for high-quality sustainable proteins
• Biotechnology positioning capabilities and food market presence supporting diversified revenue streams

United Kingdom Demonstrates Eco-friendly Innovation

The U.K. market maintains strong growth at 7.9% CAGR, driven by sustainability modernization, biotechnology development, and alternative protein applications. British food facilities and agricultural companies are implementing advanced single-cell protein systems to enhance nutritional capabilities and support production operations that align with sustainability regulations and quality standards. Market expansion benefits from sustainability programs that mandate protein performance capabilities in food specifications, creating steady demand where nutritional flexibility and environmental compliance represent critical requirements.

Strategic Market Indicators:

• Food and agricultural facilities leading adoption with sustainability modernization programs requiring advanced single-cell protein systems
• Sustainability programs providing regulatory support for advanced protein system acquisition
• Environmental compliance requirements driving demand for certified systems with sustainable operational compatibility
• Specialized food and nutrition segments adopting comprehensive single-cell protein solutions for sustainability optimization

Japan Shows Technology-Focused Development

Japan maintains steady expansion at 7.6% CAGR, distinguished by food manufacturers' preference for high-quality single-cell proteins that integrate seamlessly with existing production systems and provide reliable long-term nutritional performance in specialized food applications. The market prioritizes advanced features, including precision fermentation control, production quality, and integration with comprehensive biotechnology platforms that reflect Japanese industry expectations for technological sophistication and nutritional excellence.

High-specification food and nutrition applications drive demand, supported by advanced protein research and development initiatives. Japanese manufacturers emphasize ingredient purity, consistent performance characteristics, and comprehensive nutritional documentation that aligns with stringent food standards. The focus on advanced applications and technological excellence supports stable growth despite regulatory complexity.

Market Characteristics:

• Technology focus on dry systems with advanced fermentation capabilities and precision nutritional features
• Integration requirements with existing food production and biotechnology platforms
• Focus on production reliability and long-term nutritional benefits in food applications

South Korea Prioritizes Biotechnology Innovation

South Korea maintains robust development at 7.8% CAGR through biotechnology expansion, alternative protein growth, and sustainability applications. Korean biotechnology facilities and food companies are implementing advanced single-cell protein systems to enhance nutritional capabilities and support production operations that align with sustainability regulations and quality standards. Market expansion benefits from government biotechnology programs that mandate protein performance capabilities in food specifications, creating steady demand where nutritional flexibility and environmental compliance represent critical requirements.

Strategic Market Indicators:

• Biotechnology and food facilities leading adoption with sustainability modernization programs requiring advanced single-cell protein systems
• Government biotechnology programs providing regulatory support for advanced protein system acquisition
• Environmental compliance requirements driving demand for certified systems with international sustainability compatibility
• Specialized food and nutrition segments adopting comprehensive single-cell protein solutions for biotechnology optimization

Europe Market Split by Countries

The single-cell protein market in Europe is projected to grow from USD 960.0 million in 2025 to USD 2.16 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 8.4% over the forecast period. Germany is expected to maintain its leadership position with a 31.2% market share in 2025, increasing to 31.8% by 2035, supported by its advanced biotechnology infrastructure, comprehensive sustainability capabilities, and major production facilities serving European and international markets.

France follows with a 24.1% share in 2025, projected to reach 24.6% by 2035, driven by established sustainability heritage, biotechnology programs, and food sophistication, supported by growing alternative protein trends. United Kingdom holds a 21.4% share in 2025, expected to reach 21.9% by 2035, supported by sustainability modernization and biotechnology development. Netherlands commands a 12.8% share in 2025, projected to reach 12.5% by 2035, while Spain accounts for 7.3% in 2025, expected to reach 7.1% by 2035. The Rest of Europe region is anticipated to maintain momentum, with its collective share from 3.2% to 2.1% by 2035, attributed to increasing biotechnology development across Eastern European countries and growing sustainable protein adoption across various European markets implementing eco-friendly programs.

Competitive Landscape of the Single-Cell Protein Market

The market is characterized by competition among established biotechnology companies, specialized protein manufacturers, and integrated nutrition companies. Companies are investing in advanced fermentation research, biotechnology development, sustainability optimization, and comprehensive product portfolios to deliver nutritious, sustainable, and scalable single-cell protein solutions. Innovation in fermentation methods, bioprocessing technologies, and application development capabilities is central to strengthening market position and competitive advantage.

Calysta leads the market with an 8.5% market share, offering specialized protein production with a focus on eco-friendly standards and efficient fermentation design for feed industry operations. Unibio provides comprehensive biotechnology portfolios with an focus on production scaling, fermentation innovation, and global market services. KnipBio delivers diverse protein offerings with a focus on aquaculture applications and specialized market capabilities. Arbiom specializes in lignocellulosic fermentation with focus on circular economy integration and sustainability optimization. Novozymes focuses on enzyme-enhanced production with biotechnology leadership and processing capabilities. Corbion offers eco-friendly solutions with focus on fermentation expertise and food market positioning. Archer Daniels Midland provides integrated protein products with global market positioning and supply chain efficiency.

The competitive landscape is evolving as companies invest in advanced fermentation technologies, specialized applications, and sustainability credentials. Market leaders are differentiating through proprietary fermentation methods, eco-friendly production systems, and comprehensive biotechnology programs. Innovation in fermentation efficiency, nutritional enhancement, and sustainability platforms drives competitive positioning, while strategic partnerships with food manufacturers and feed producers support market expansion and technology development initiatives.

Key Players in the Single-Cell Protein Market

• Calysta
• Unibio
• KnipBio
• Arbiom
• Novozymes
• Corbion
• Archer Daniels Midland
• Solar Foods
• DSM-Firmenich
• Alltech

Scope of the Report

Items	Values
Quantitative Units (2025)	USD 3.2 billion
Microbe	Yeast, Bacteria, Microalgae
End Use	Animal feed, Human nutrition, Others
Form	Dry, Liquid
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Countries Covered	United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, China and 40+ countries
Key Companies Profiled	Calysta, Unibio, KnipBio, Arbiom, Novozymes, Corbion, and Archer Daniels Midland
Additional Attributes	Sales by microbe and end use category, regional demand trends, competitive landscape, technological advancements in fermentation systems, biotechnology development, eco-friendly innovation, and production optimization

Single-Cell Protein Market by Segments

• Microbe:

  • Yeast
  • Bacteria
  • Microalgae

• End Use:

  • Animal feed
  • Human nutrition
  • Others

• Form:

  • Dry
  • Liquid

• Region:

  • North America

    • United States
    • Canada
    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany
    • United Kingdom
    • France
    • Italy
    • Spain
    • Nordic
    • BENELUX
    • Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific

    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • South Korea
    • ASEAN
    • Australia & New Zealand
    • Rest of Asia Pacific

  • Latin America

    • Brazil
    • Chile
    • Rest of Latin America

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
    • Other GCC Countries
    • Turkey
    • South Africa
    • Other African Union
    • Rest of Middle East & Africa