Air-based Foods Market

Air-based Foods Market Outlook from 2025 to 2035

The global air-based foods market is worth USD 4.1 billion in 2025. The valuation is likely to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% and set to grow to a valuation of USD 13.3 billion by 2035. The growth is attributed to the rising investment in food innovation, awareness towards sustainability, and the trend towards next-generation protein and nutrient sources. Air-derived foods-created from carbon dioxide and nitrogen fixation processes-are increasingly popular as ultra-sustainable alternatives to traditional animal- and land-based production. Consumers have called for climate-resilient food products.

Products made from air-derived proteins (from gas fermentation and microbial fermentation) are being marketed as "carbon-negative nutrition," appealing to climate-conscious Gen Z and Millennial consumers. The U.S., Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan are innovation focal points where ventures such as Air Protein and Solar Foods attract venture capital and public-private R&D funding. Food products using air as an application are centered in protein powders, meat substitutes, snack bars, and dietary supplements.

Until 2030, the segment will expand to include ready-to-eat meals, milk substitutes, and customized nutrition solutions through AI-powered nutrition platforms. Foodtech convergence and regulatory approvals (particularly in the U.S. and EU) are accelerating commercialization timelines.

Pricing remains a barrier to mainstream adoption. However, economies of scale, deployment of modular bioreactors, and improved microbial efficiency are anticipated to reduce unit costs by more than 40% by 2035. There will be benefits from ESG-driven procurement mandates and institutional transitions to net-zero food supply chains.

Key Metrics

Metric	Value
Estimated Global Size in 2025	USD 4.1 Billion
Projected Global Size in 2035	USD 13.3 Billion
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	12.5%
Cost Decline Forecast (2030)	>40% Reduction
Leading Regions	U.S., EU, Japan

Summary of Fact.MR Survey Results: Industry Dynamics Based on Stakeholder Perspectives

Respondents polled stressed that education for consumers is the number one priority, with 83% citing demystifying fermentation-based, gas-derived nutrition as necessary. These foods acquire nutrients from CO₂ and microbial activity. At the same time, scalability via modular bioreactors was found to be critical to driving adoption by region. Technological convergence is shaping the industry's competitive advantage.

More than 70% of the respondents are investing in AI-based fermentation optimization and synthetic biology to drive yield, flavor, and consistency. North America and Europe are automation leaders in terms of maturity, using smart systems for real-time production optimization and process transparency. Asia-Pacific, though more behind, is quickly developing capacity in the form of research collaborations and government-funded pilot projects.

These initiatives are essential to creating cost parity with plant-based proteins-a goal 64% of stakeholders believe will be achieved in the next 5 to 7 years. Supply chain preparedness is falling behind innovation, with issues ranging from aseptic fermentation logistics and utility infrastructure to shortages of skilled labor cropping up geographically. However, strategic investments are being made into collaborations with heritage food brands, co-branded SKUs, and increased applications in protein powders, meat alternatives, and ready-to-eat formats.

Trends are shifting towards carbon-negative, technology-driven food systems that serve consumers' needs as well as environmental necessities, making these foods a force for change within the sustainable nutrition revolution.

Shifts in the Market from 2020 to 2024 and Future Trends 2025 to 2035

During 2020 and 2024, the air-based foods market became a new segment among alternative proteins. Air Protein, Solar Foods, and Deep Branches led the technological advancements that resulted in carbon-dioxide-to-farm-to-fork proteins produced through microbial fermentation.

These innovations helped ease concerns regarding an increasing shortage of land, consumption of water resources, and increased greenhouse gas emissions due to traditional farming. There was a dominance of research and development efforts, pilot projects, and early product launches to determine the acceptance of consumers and regulatory acceptability.

During the forecast period 2025 to 2035, the air-based foods market is expected to experience tremendous growth. As sustainability emerges as a consumer and policymaker priority, air-based proteins are an attractive solution given their very low environmental impact.

Innovations in biotechnology are likely to improve production efficiency, scalability, and economics, rendering these foods affordable. Second, traditional food company collaborations will accelerate product development and delivery. Air-based foods will become part of the global protein availability by 2035, providing food security and sustainable stewardship.

A Comparative Market Shift Analysis (2020 to 2024 vs. 2025 to 2035)

2020 to 2024	2025 to 2035
Pilot-scale production and emerging industry presence.	Commercial scale and increasing global sales penetration.
Low consumer awareness and niche customer base with a high focus on sustainability and innovation.	Increasing acceptance and knowledge by mainstream consumers.
Early regulatory approvals and safety testing.	Regulatory frameworks are in place to allow market entry and expansion.
High costs from early-stage technology and low economies of scale.	Lower costs by virtue of technology and economies of scale.
Confined to protein powders and specialty foods.	Expanded uses in the form of meat analogs, dairy alternatives, and so on.
Sustainability challenges, the appeal of innovation, and green tech investment.	Abatement of climate change, sustainable consumption patterns, and food security.
Technical scalability, consumer skepticism, and policy barriers.	Competition, supply chain integration, and continuous innovation needs.
Venture capital funding on R&D and pilot businesses.	Higher investment by large food companies and institutional investors.
Located in North America and Europe.	Expansion globally in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa.

Country-wise Analysis of the Air-based Foods Market

Countries	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
The U.S.	10.2%
UK	9.4%
France	9.2%
Germany	9.6%
Italy	8.9%
South Korea	9.8%
Japan	9.3%
China	10.8%
Australia-New Zealand	9.1%

The U.S.

The U.S. air-based foods market will grow at 10.2% CAGR throughout the study period. High consumer demand for sustainable and innovative food products is propelling the growth of this industry throughout the country. Firms are heavily investing in research and development to develop nutrient-dense foods from air-based protein and carbon dioxide conversion technologies.

Growing concern for the environmental footprint of conventional farming is driving consumers toward more sustainable food choices. Government initiatives for alternative proteins and green food technologies are providing a conducive ecosystem for growth.

Venture capital investment in food technology startups is speeding up product development and commercialization. In addition, key food companies are collaborating with air protein innovators to incorporate sustainable foods in mainstream channels. Growing media reports and consumer awareness campaigns are boosting acceptance. The outlook in the U.S. remains very promising on the back of innovation, sustainability awareness, and high consumer demand for future-proof food solutions.

UK

The UK air-based foods market will grow at 9.4% CAGR over the period under study. Increased environmental issues and the need for a plant-based food culture are key drivers behind the growth of this industry. A change in consumer demand toward sustainable, ethical food sources opens the way for technological trends. Food industry efforts aimed at lowering carbon footprints and sustainability initiatives are spurring the adoption of new food-making technologies.

Alternative protein government policies strengthening the whole chain climate change response approach are improving prospects. Grocery store channels increasingly expose customers to air food items and established plant foods offerings, expanding accessibility for the wider audience. Campaigns advertising benefits around green appeal nutritional merits from consuming foods based on air content strike well environmentally inclined buyers.

France

The air-based foods market in France is likely to grow at 9.2% CAGR during the forecast period. A high national focus on environmental sustainability and food innovation is driving the growth of sales throughout the country. Growing consumer consciousness regarding the ecological consequences of traditional food production is pushing demand for novel food sources like air-based proteins. France's gastronomic culture is encouraging the development of high-quality foods with an emphasis on taste and nutritional value, leading to greater acceptance.

Investments by the public and private sectors in sustainable food technology are enabling research and startups targeting air-based food production. National labeling and sustainability policies are promoting firms to create and sell environmentally friendly products. Increased demand for locally sourced, low-impact food is providing businesses with opportunities to build a strong local presence.

Educational campaigns for promoting alternative protein sources are making consumers more receptive to new food technologies. Being climate change-conscious and with a strong focus on culinary superiority, France is anticipated to contribute meaningfully to the international air-based foods market.

Germany

Germany is expected to record a 9.6% CAGR growth within the study period. Strong insistence on climate change mitigation and robustly established alternative protein ecosystem are drivers of the development. Consumer appetite for environmentally friendly food products is growing, boosting sales.

Leadership in food technology research and innovation in Germany is driving speedy innovation in air-based protein manufacturing methods. Government policies that support sustainable food systems are boosting investment in alternative protein startups and pilot production sites.

Large food manufacturers are incorporating air-based foods into their sustainability plans to respond to increasing demand for carbon-free food products. Academic-industry-policy-maker collaboration is driving the commercialization. Retail and food service markets are increasingly supporting environmentally friendly foods and raising awareness. Germany is expected to hold a crucial position in driving the growth of the air-based foods market, aided by technological prowess and robust environment promises.

Italy

The Italian air-based foods market is anticipated to expand at 8.9% CAGR over the forecast period. Growing concern for climate change and increasing emphasis on sustainable agriculture are complementing the growth of the air-based foods market in Italy. Traditional culinary culture is driving the creation of foods that meet taste and nutritional requirements. Growing consumer demand for novel and sustainable foods is opening up opportunities for air protein businesses to launch new products.

Government efforts to encourage sustainability in agriculture and food production are creating a favorable environment for alternative food technologies. Partnerships among universities, food corporations, and research organizations are fueling innovation in food formulations and manufacturing processes.

Promotional campaigns emphasizing the environmental and health advantages of these foods are slowly building public acceptance. Furthermore, the trend towards flexitarian diets is also advancing growth by prompting consumers to seek non-traditional sources of protein. Italy's focus on food quality and environmental responsibility is likely to drive the development of the air-based foods market during the forecast period.

South Korea

The South Korean air-based foods market is expected to register a 9.8% CAGR during the study period. A robust technological innovation ecosystem and growing consumer interest in sustainable living are heavily driving the air-based foods market. Government initiatives favoring green technologies and other forms of food production are aiding growth. Food tech ventures, backed by large conglomerates, are actively looking into air-based protein technologies to meet environmental and food security needs.

The vibrant food and beverage sector of South Korea is ahead of the curve in embracing new trends. Public campaigns on sustainable dietary practices and carbon footprint minimization are striking a chord among health-aware consumers. Integration into mainstream food service and retail channels is increasing consumer availability.

Research efforts aimed at enhancing the sensory and nutritional quality of these foods are increasing product acceptance. With robust government support, consumer receptiveness to innovation, and sophisticated technology infrastructure, South Korea is set for vibrant growth in the air-based foods market.

Japan

The Japanese air-based foods market is anticipated to expand at 9.3% CAGR over the study period. Increasing food security and environmental and aging population concerns are driving demand for new food solutions. Biotechnology and food science technological innovation are making it possible to create air-derived proteins that satisfy Japan's stringent quality and safety standards. Public and private sector efforts to use alternative proteins as a component of national food security plans are creating a good environment for sales.

Consumers are becoming more open to environmentally friendly and health-focused foods, creating a sound platform for air protein-based food products. University-industry research partnerships are driving the science in air protein production. Promotional campaigns that feature the environmental advantages of sustainable food sources in the mass media are building public awareness and acceptance. Japan's history of accepting new food technologies and its emphasis on sustainability are likely to drive steady growth in the air-based foods market over the forecast period.

China

The China air-based foods market is expected to expand at 10.8% CAGR throughout the study. Urbanization, growing income levels, and a growing environmental awareness are major drivers driving the air-based foods market. The government's enthusiastic promotion of alternative protein development within the wider food security and ecological defense policies is speeding up investment in air-based food technology. The development of food technology and domestic companies' capability for mass manufacturing are enabling economical production and large-scale distribution of food derived from the air.

Increased demand for sustainable, healthy, and innovative foods from consumers is providing ample opportunities for business growth. Collaborations between global food tech and local companies are bringing revolutionary air protein offerings. Education campaigns promoting sustainable food systems are slowly driving consumers towards sustainable options. As continuous investments go into biotechnology and sustainable agriculture, China is likely to become one of the biggest and fastest-expanding air-based foods markets.

Australia-New Zealand

The Australia-New Zealand air-based foods market will register growth at a rate of 9.1% CAGR throughout the study. An extensive dedication to environmental sustainability and food technology innovation is powering the growth in both countries. Government programs focused on promoting alternative proteins as mitigation tools against climate change are cultivating a positive ecosystem for air foods. Startups and research institutions are working to create eco-friendly air-derived foods rich in nutrients that answer the demand for sustainable alternatives.

There is high consumer awareness of how conventional food production affects the environment, promoting the uptake of new food solutions. Foodservice outlets and retailers are increasingly launching products to address consumers who are environmentally aware.

Marketing efforts highlighting the benefits of health, sustainability, and innovation are increasing public acceptance. With superior R&D strengths, strong regulation systems in place favoring innovation, and an open consumer base, Australia-New Zealand can be anticipated to continue good growth momentum in the air-based foods market during the forecast period.

Segment-wise Analysis

By Product Type

Protein will contribute 56.8% of the share, and sugar will contribute 43.2%.

Protein-based air foods lead by witnessing growing consumer demand for protein-rich functionality and low-calorie snacks. Protein air foods, such as protein chips, puffs, and crisps, have become popular high-protein, crunchy-texture snacks used especially by fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and individuals following high-protein diets while providing a light and crunchy snack. This category generally gets the favor of the consumers whose call for alternative snacks arises from their traditions of consuming high-carbohydrate or sugar snacks.

Companies like Quest Nutrition, Protes, and Perfect Snacks are at the forefront of initiating the manufacture of air-based protein snacks, usually using plant-based proteins (like pea protein) and animal-derived proteins (like whey protein) to cater to a wider market. Furthermore, protein-based air foods are also utilized in the formulation of weight management products, meal replacements, and supplements.

The sugar-based air foods segment has a share of 43.2%. It continues to thrive as well, especially in air-puffed confectioneries, sugar-coated snacks, and other sweet treats that appease with great crunch and sweet taste but with lesser caloric content in comparison to traditional sweets. It is the health-conscious market between air types of sugar snacks, an alternative to those sugary, traditional, high-calorie sweets.

Brands like Pipcorn and SmartSweets are digging into this air-sugar food potential by converting their popular products, such as popcorn, gummies, and the like, into lighter and lower-calorie versions. This segment receives increasingly positive feedback due to the increasing awareness people have of world sugar intake. Valuable time is now being spent finding healthy alternatives without skimping on flavor or texture.

By End Use

Animal feed holds the majority share of 44.34%, followed by aqua feed at 33.23%. The leading end-use category in the air-based foods market is animal feed, fueled by increasing demand for nutritious and easily digestible feed alternatives for livestock and poultry. Air-based products are increasingly gaining acceptance as more suitable options in animal nutrition thanks to their light texture, improved digestibility, and ability to provide more bioavailable encapsulation of active ingredients.

Air-based products tend to be used as additives or main ingredients in animal feed formulations for better health, growth rates, and animal performance. Major companies, including Cargill, ADM, and Evonik, are working on air-based protein source applications in animal feed, especially in formulations for poultry, dairy, and ruminants, with supporting applications in pet foods for flavor and nutritional value.

With 33.2% of the share in the air-based foods market, Aqua Feed will grow rapidly as aquaculture continues its global expansion. The aqua feed includes air-based foods that maintain high nutritional value while ensuring that the aqua feed is palatable and digestible for fish and other aquatic organisms. Aqua feed is more recently being supplemented with air-puffed feeds to improve growth rates, boost immunity, and enhance the overall quality of farmed aquatic products.

Globally, the rise in demand for sustainable and efficient aqua feed coincides with this need for alternative protein sources and the ever-growing expansion in seafood consumption. Leading companies such as Biomar, Skretting, and Aller Aqua are now developing air-based feed formulations to meet the specific dietary requirements of aquaculture species and aid better feed conversion.

Competitive Outlook

The air-based foods market is currently leading sustainable protein innovations in which companies use carbon capture and microbial fermentation technologies to transform gases in the atmosphere into nutrient-rich ingredients for food.

Finland's Solar Foods is the clarion call of this global marketplace as it offers Solein®, its proprietary protein that comes from carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen, utilizing renewable electricity. With production scheduled to upscale when commercial roll-out comes, following regulatory approvals in the EU and Singapore, Solar Foods is really at the forefront of shifting food systems toward decarbonization.

On the other hand, Kiverdi is based out of California and uses its CO2 transformation technology to formulate protein-rich microbial biomass out of CO2. Kiverdi is making its alliance of transformation with the global agri-food systems to lead the initiatives regarding circularity in food production. UK-based Deep Branch Biotech is also emerging fast as a contender by launching its Proton™ feed protein aimed at aquaculture and livestock. It has positioned itself for future growth.

Calysta's teaming with Novonutrients has been on the application of carbon-injected single-cell proteins for animal feed. Presently, Calysta is partnering with seafood companies to increase production further. Air Co. has now started looking toward edible applications of captured CO₂ through its very own practice, besides being known for producing carbon-negative spirits.

Unibio has an excellent scalability opportunity through patent licensing partnerships in Europe and the Middle East with its methane-based protein Uniprotein®. The market may be very consolidated at this stage of innovation but poised for commercialization in the next 3 to 5 years.

Market Share Analysis by Company

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
Solar Foods	28-32%
Kiverdi	18-22%
Deep Branch Biotech	14-18%
Calysta	10-13%
Unibio	8-11%
Other Players	8-12%

Key Company Insights

Solar Foods leads the global air-based foods sector with an estimated 28-32% share, credited to its scalable Solein® technology and advanced commercialization pathway. Backed by the European Space Agency and private equity, the company has built regulatory momentum in Asia and Europe, aligning with clean-label and carbon-neutral food trends. Its recent establishment of an industrial-scale facility in Finland marks the transition from R&D to commercial viability.

Kiverdi holds approximately 18-22% of the share, supported by its strong IP portfolio and cross-sector partnerships. Its commercialization strategy includes collaboration with food brands and agricultural companies aiming to close carbon loops. Deep Branch Biotech captures 14-18% of the share with its carbon-fed Proton™ protein for aquaculture, and its strong UK-EU funding base positions it well for B2B scale-up. Calysta, holding 10-13%, has scaled its FeedKind® protein for fish and livestock, expanding through partnerships in Asia.

Unibio commands 8-11%, leveraging methane-utilizing technology and international licensing deals, notably in the Middle East and Russia. Other emerging players, such as Novonutrients and Air Co., are contributing to early-stage diversification through synthetic biology and modular fermentation systems, particularly for niche applications in pet food and high-end human nutrition.

Key Players

• Solar Foods
• Kiverdi
• Deep Branch Biotech
• Novonutrients
• Calysta
• Air Co.
• Unibio

Segmentation

• By Product Type :

  • Protein
  • Sugar

• By End Use :

  • Aqua Feed
  • Animal Feed
  • Human Food

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • East Asia
  • South Asia & Oceania
  • Middle East & Africa