Plant Protein Ingredient Market

Plant Protein Ingredient Market Outlook (2024 to 2034)

The global plant protein ingredient market size is calculated at US$ 14.19 billion in 2024. Worldwide demand for plant protein ingredients is projected to increase at a CAGR of 7.4% and reach a market value of US$ 28.97 billion by the end of 2034.

A wide range of nutritional and functional food products include plant-based protein isolates due to their excellent nutritional value. Plant-based protein isolates are usually regarded as the safest type of plant-based protein and are used extensively in infant diets since they are more easily digested.

• Worldwide sales of protein isolates are forecast to surge at a CAGR of 7.5% during the next ten years.

Protein fortification is gaining traction among consumers. Protein is soaring in popularity as it is a sought-after addition to food and beverages notably for the weight management and sports nutrition segments of the market.

The rising trend of veganism is driving high demand for plant protein ingredients. The proliferation of the vegan population across developed countries is also contributing to the increasing consumption of plant-based proteins over dairy-based protein ingredients.

Increasing animal welfare concerns are one of the notable plant protein ingredient market trends. Plant protein ingredients include extracts from sources such as rice, peas, wheat, corn, and wheat protein. They serve as substitutes for animal-based protein in vegan diets and are good sources of antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Plant protein ingredients contain fiber, which aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system. Increasing health consciousness is leading to a surge in the demand for nutrient-rich food, which is anticipated to boost the sales of plant protein ingredients in the coming years.

A majority of plant protein ingredients are free from lactose and dairy and have very little fat. Plant protein is an ingredient that has a wide range of uses in the food and beverage industries and offers a variety of health benefits. The growing consumer awareness of the health benefits associated with plant protein ingredients, changing consumer eating habits, rising consumption of functional foods and beverages, and the presence of supportive government initiatives are some of the most important factors contributing to the plant protein ingredient market growth.

• Dry plant protein ingredient demand is approximated at a market value of US$ 11.55 billion in 2024.

Demand for dry plant protein ingredients will be supported by its growing adoption in sports supplements and nutraceuticals driven by its advantageous properties such as regulating sugar, aiding in weight loss, and having a high protein content that provides energy during exercise. The increasing risk of livestock diseases is also driving consumer’s attention toward plant-based protein ingredients.

Report Attribute	Detail
Plant Protein Ingredient Market Size (2024E)	US$ 14.19 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2034F)	US$ 28.97 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.4% CAGR
South Korea Market Value (2034F)	US$ 1.54 Billion
Liquid Plant Protein Ingredient Demand Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.6% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Kerry Group; A&B Ingredients; Glanbia PLC; Axiom Foods Inc.; AMCO Proteins; The Scoular Company; Batory Foods; Arla Food Ingredients; Archer Daniels Midland Company; Sun Brothers, LLC; NutraScience Labs; ABH Pharma Inc.

What is Shaping the Market for Plant Protein Ingredients?

“High Use of Nutrient-Rich Plant Protein Ingredients in Human Food and Animal Feed Products”

Plant protein ingredients have numerous health advantages. In comparison to animal protein, a plant protein ingredient contains low-essential amino acids. Consuming plant protein ingredients has a preventative impact against cardiovascular disorders, including high cholesterol and low blood pressure.

A significant source of protein for one's regular diet is provided by plant protein, whether it is consumed organically or conventionally. Even for animal feed, plant protein serves as a nutrient-rich ingredient. The demand for plant protein ingredients, particularly in the food and feed industries, may be driven by the health benefits associated with these products.

“High Demand for Meat Substitutes Due to Expanding Veganism Trend”

Sales of plant protein ingredients are expected to uplift as a result of rising demand for meat substitutes due to environmental and health concerns, advancements in food manufacturing technologies, and product packaging innovations.

The rise in the vegan population worldwide is magnifying the market value of plant protein ingredients, says Fact.MR, a market research and competitive intelligence provider. Compared to animal-based protein, plant protein ingredients are more environmentally friendly and sustainable, and as a result, they are crucial in tackling issues, including food security, climate change and lowering environmental impact.

“Increasing Preference for Healthier & Premium Foods”

The market for plant protein ingredients is projected to exhibit high demand due to rapidly changing lifestyles and rising demand for convenience foods. Also, consumers' preferences for natural and organic products are growing, which is predicted to drive demand for plant-based protein supplements and probiotics over the coming years. Since consumers are increasingly choosing healthier and premium options made with natural ingredients, it is predicted that the trend of consuming natural energy foods will continue to grow rapidly in the years ahead.

“Growing Concerns about Lactose Intolerance in Infants”

Manufacturers of plant protein ingredients worldwide are introducing new infant formulas. Key players in the plant protein ingredient industry are investing in research initiatives and using advanced technologies to develop nutritional formulas for infants that are rich in protein. Rising concerns about lactose intolerance in infants are also pushing the demand for plant-based milk powder.

What is Restraining the Sales Growth of Plant Protein Ingredients?

“Volatility in Raw Material Supply and High Prices of Plant-based Protein Products”

Volatility in the raw material supply affects the growth of the plant protein ingredient market. The main barriers to market growth are a lack of knowledge about plant protein ingredient advantages and the risk of allergies caused by eating soy protein. Pricing trends indicate that the high price of plant-based protein products is expected to limit their adoption.

Start-up Ecosystem

• Founded in 2022, Cosun Protein is a Netherlands-based start-up that manufactures fava bean-based protein isolate. With the help of extraction technology, Cosun Protein offers dairy and animal-free alternatives with superior solubility and a neutral taste.
• IngredientWerks is a United States-based start-up founded in 2022 that offers high-quality plant-based ingredients. IngredientWerks uses proprietary technology to grow heme protein in corn, resulting in superior taste and quality.

Which Region Will Provide Lucrative Opportunities for Plant Protein Ingredient Providers?

“Rapidly Rising Popularity of Plant-based Food Products in North America”

• North America is expected to hold 24.7% of the global plant protein ingredient market share in 2024.

The global market for plant protein ingredients is led by North America because of the rising popularity of veganism among consumers, growing consumption of natural and plant-based supplement products, and the presence of prominent manufacturers.

Country-wise Analysis

Why is the United States a Key Market in This Business Space?

“American Fitness Professionals Correcting Nutritional Deficiency by Consuming Animal Protein Alternatives”

Attribute	United States
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 1.59 Billion
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	7.8% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 3.35 Billion

Demand for plant protein ingredients in the United States is driven by increasing millennial preferences for high-nutritional food options and the rising need for animal protein alternatives. High demand for plant-based protein-rich supplements from fitness professionals and a flourishing food industry are some of the other factors stimulating the plant protein ingredient market growth in the country.

Will Germany Offer Profitable Opportunities for Plant Protein Ingredient Suppliers?

“Surge in Cases of Cardiovascular Disorders Driving Consumption of Plant Protein Ingredients”

Increasing promotional activities related to the consumption of plant protein products due to the rising prevalence of health issues such as cardiovascular and diabetes are pushing the sales of nutrient-rich plant-based protein ingredients in Germany. The rise in the local supply of natural dietary supplements, hectic schedules of individuals, and growing demand for healthier on-the-go drinks are augmenting the consumption of plant protein ingredient products in Germany.

What is the Demand Outlook for Plant Protein Ingredients in Japan?

“High Use of Plant-based Protein Ingredients in Traditional Food Recipes”

Attribute	Japan
Market Value (2024E)	US$ 977.6 Million
Growth Rate (2024 to 2034)	8.3% CAGR
Projected Value (2034F)	US$ 2.16 Billion

The market in Japan is driven by the high use of plant-based protein ingredients in traditional cuisines, a rise in dry pea and wheat production, and a rising incidence of obesity. Easy raw material accessibility, low-cost labor, and an increase in sports and fitness activities are further pushing sales of plant-based protein in the country.

Category-wise Analysis

Which Product Type is Expected to Gain Immense Popularity?

“Pea Protein Gaining Traction Due to its High Fiber Content”

Based on product type, the plant protein ingredients are classified into soy protein, wheat protein, pea protein, rice protein, and potato protein. Pea protein is gathering significant momentum due to its high fiber properties. Pea protein has a high nutritional value as compared to other plant-based protein ingredients.

The preferred source of protein for athletes and health buffs is pea protein. A fantastic source of plant-based protein, pea protein powder is created by grinding dried peas into a fine powder. Pea protein is low in fat and high in fiber, making it a great option for people trying to increase their intake of both nutrients. Pea protein is also free of gluten and simple to digest, making it an excellent option for people who have food allergies or sensitivities.

Being a sustainable and nutritional source of protein, pea protein is highly consumed. Pea protein is much more environmentally friendly to generate than animal-based protein because it comes from plants.

Why are Plant Protein Ingredients Widely Used in Sports Nutritional Products?

“Athletics and Sportsperson prefer Nutritional Plant Protein Ingredients”

Over the coming years, the sports nutrition sector is expected to experience a significant increase in the use of plant protein ingredients. Sports athletes participating in vigorous aerobic and anaerobic activities require a high amount of protein, which is prompting the sales of plant-based protein nutraceuticals. Nowadays, athletes are favoring plant protein as a substitute for meat products.

Competitive Landscape

Leading companies are focused on quality control, supply chain management, and expanding their production capacities. Established companies are continuously introducing innovative plant protein ingredient-based products.

Top plant protein ingredient producers are also concentrating on improving the nutritional value of their products. To enhance their commercial capabilities and operational efficiencies, they are engaging in research and development activities.

• In May 2024, Roquette announced the launch of NUTRALYS® Fava S900M fava bean protein isolate in the North American and European markets.
• In April 2022, Cargill announced the expansion of its RadiPure® pea protein in the Middle East, Turkey, Africa (META), and India markets.
• In 2022, Roquette, a leader in plant-based protein, introduced its NUTRALYS® line of organic textured protein made from fava and peas for the European market.

Fact.MR provides detailed information about the price points of key manufacturers of plant protein ingredients positioned across the world, sales growth, production capacity, and speculative technological expansion, in the recently updated market report.

Key Segments of Plant Protein Ingredient Market Research

• By Product Type :

  • Soy Protein
  • Wheat Protein
  • Pea Protein
  • Rice Protein
  • Potato Protein
  • Others

• By Form :

  • Dry
  • Liquid

• By Type :

  • Isolates
  • Concentrates
  • Textures

• By Application :

  • Sports Nutrition
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Infant Nutrition
  • Bakery & Confectionary
  • Fortified Food & Beverages
  • Others

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Western Europe
  • Eastern Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa