Market Overview
The Global
Protein Ingredients Market size is anticipated to be valued at
USD 91.9 billion in 2024 and is further predicted to reach
USD 155.5 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 6.0%.
Protein ingredients are a nutrient required for cell growth & repair of the overall body which is found in various food products as it is important for the growth of the human body. Daily protein intake for the human depends on gender, age, weight, and health. Consumers meet their protein intake by consumption of protein food items in their diet. Animal and plant proteins are important for supplying the amino acids needed to construct and mend tissues, help in muscle development, and carry out many metabolic processes. White egg, soy protein, rice protein, beans, and lentils are a few of the popular protein sources commonly used.
Global protein ingredients market is driven by increased demand for food items like bakery products, margarine, yogurt, and milk sausages, which depend on these ingredients in their production. Another factor expanding the market growth is the demand for these ingredients among athletes and bodybuilders to support their performance, muscle growth, and recovery. These consumers often require high protein intake due to their intense physical training routine, driving the protein ingredients market. Players in the market are focusing on innovation & sustainability to meet the growing consumer demand for high-quality & ethically produced products.
Key Takeaways
- Market growth: Global protein ingredients market is projected to grow by 58.7 billion from 2025 to 2033.
- Market Definition: Protein ingredient is a substance derived from natural sources that is rich in protein and added to various products to boost their protein content.
- Product Analysis: Based on product, the animal segment is anticipated to dominate the market with the largest revenue share of 80.1% in 2024.
- Application Analysis: Food & Beverage is expected to lead the protein ingredients market with a revenue share of 31.5% by the end of 2024.
- Regional Analysis: North America is predicted to dominate the protein ingredients market with the largest revenue share of 34.6% in 2024.
Use Cases
- Baked goods: Protein ingredients like whey, soy, and peas are used in bread, cakes, muffins, and other baked goods to improve the protein content.
- Functional drinks: These are also used in the formulation of shakes, bars, and nutritional supplements aimed at boosting protein ingredients.
- Hair and Skincare Products: Proteins like keratin, collagen, and silk protein are used in hair care products such as shampoos, conditioners, and treatments to strengthen and repair damaged hair and also in skincare products used for their anti-aging and moisturizing properties.
- Pharmaceutical and Vaccine Production: These ingredients are used in the production of pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, and biologics as proteins like albumin and gelatin are used as stabilizers in vaccine formulations.
Market Dynamic
Drivers
Demand for Protein-Rich Diets and Diverse Industry ApplicationsMarket dynamics for the protein ingredients market are fueled by rising demand for protein-rich diets across many industries like food & beverages, animal feed, cosmetics & personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Manufacturers are innovating with protein ingredients to keep up with changing consumer preferences & industry needs. Further, growing health awareness among consumers, increasing demand for plant-based protein diets, and focusing on developing products with enhanced functionalities drive the growth of this market.
Popularity of health & wellness products
Increasing awareness among consumers about the vital role of protein in maintaining a healthy lifestyle along with rising health and wellness products, contributes to the market's growth. There is a trend toward consuming healthy food and beverage products as a consumer now prefer nutritious products with high protein content. Protein-rich foods are helpful in muscle development, weight management, and overall well-being. Thus, the market is witnessing a surge in the inclusion of protein ingredients in a wide variety of products, from functional foods to supplements.
Restraints
Harmful effects of genetically modified items
Most of the protein ingredients like soy, wheat, & peas are genetically modified and processed by using hexane, a chemical harmful to human health if ingested in large amounts. Thus, the consumption of plant-based food products raised global consumer concerns due to the inclusion of these harmful chemicals, which obstructed the growth of the market. Also, genetically modified ingredients are linked to allergic reactions and may contain herbicide residues, posing challenges for the protein ingredients market.
Use of Animal-Derived Gelatin in Food and Pharma
Gelatin, a collection of peptides and proteins, is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is made from the collagen of slaughtered animals like cattle, pigs, fish, and poultry, which poses a problem for vegan consumers who avoid animal products and obstruct the growth of the protein ingredients market.
Opportunities
Use of Advanced Technology
Innovation & technological advancement in the food industry presents a great opportunity for the growth of this market. These ingredients are utilized for various applications due to their unique feature of dispersibility and fine particle size, which is used in dairy products. There is a common perception that they are beneficial for health. The flavoring characteristics associated with new and innovative protein sources including plants, insects, and fermented proteins act as a potential market challenge.
Demand for dairy and plant proteins
Dairy protein suppliers are capitalizing on functional products and increasing consumer interest in nutritional value. Rising popularity of veganism along with concerns about sustainability and animal cruelty, presents a great opportunity for plant-based protein ingredients. Also, some countries avoid animal proteins, especially pork-derived gelatin, and beef-based proteins due to cultural and religious reasons, which fuels the growth of the market.
Trends
Infant Nutrition and Customized Health Solutions
The increasing use of infant nutrition products, driven by the health benefits of protein ingredients, is expected to significantly boost market growth. Additionally, the incorporation of these ingredients into breakfast cereals is further propelling market expansion. Furthermore, the rise of personalized nutrition, where protein ingredients are customized to individual health needs and preferences, boosted the demand for protein ingredients market.
Research Scope and Analysis
By Product
The animal segment is projected to lead the protein ingredients market with the largest revenue share of 80.1% in 2024 driven by the demand from many industries like food, animal feed, and personal care. Consumption of these ingredients is increasing due to their high content of amino acids and health benefits. For instance, whey proteins are constantly used by cancer patients facing chemotherapy as it is known for boosting immunity, which drives the growth of this market. Also, eggs are popular for their high-quality protein content and nutritional benefits as they contain around 44.0% of animal proteins, contributing to the growth of this segment. It comes in a various form and is used in a wide range of food products like baked goods, sauces, and dressings and also can be consumed in boiled, fried, and scrambled forms.
Plant proteins are anticipated to experience growth with a high CAGR in the forecasted period due to a growing demand for plant-based diets among consumers as compared to animal-based foods. These proteins are cost-effective and healthier leading to the adoption of soy and wheat products, contributing to the growth of this segment. In addition, demand for cereal-based ingredients is increasing significantly due to their application in personal care and cosmetic industries. Plant products made from corn have many kinds of uses in cosmetics applications, including makeup, fragrances, hair care, nail care, and dental hygiene which includes soothing, conditioning, abrasion, absorption, and binding.
By Application
Food & Beverage are expected to be the main applications for the protein ingredients market with a revenue share of 31.5% by the end of 2024. This dominance is due to whey protein components being inexpensive as a source of protein, they are preferred in the bakery and confectionery industries. It includes dairy & meat and its alternatives, bakery items, performance nutrition products, convenient foods, and other food items. Market players are introducing new products by using advanced technology to fulfill increasing consumer demand for protein-enriched food & beverage options. Further, demand for this ingredient is increasing particularly in the sports industry which provides opportunities for the development of new products, boosting the growth of this market.
The animal feed segment is another significant application of the protein ingredients market which is projected to grow with a high CAGR during the forecasted period. Demand for protein ingredients in animal feed is growing due to the high cost and limited stock of traditional protein sources like soybean meal & fishmeal. Thus, agricultural forms are moving toward alternative protein sources, such as insect meal, algae, & single-cell proteins, which can be more sustainable and cost-effective.
The Proteins Ingredients Market Report is segmented based on the following
By Product
- Animal Protein
- Plant Protein
By Application
- Food & Beverages
- Animal Feed
- Infant Formulations
- Clinical Nutrition
- Others
Regional Analysis
North America is anticipated to have a leading position in the global protein ingredients market
with a revenue share of 34.6% in 2024. The increase in demand for these ingredients is due to the rising consumption of snacks, cereals, & energy bars in this region. The increased population and ongoing technological developments in this region drive the demand for protein ingredients market during the forecast. Also, rapid economic development and consumer awareness contribute to the growth of this region.
Europe is expected to be the second-largest revenue share after North America due to the rising elderly population in some countries like Germany which fueled the demand for nutritional products used in bone and muscle manufacture. In addition, these ingredients are used in treating Alzheimer’s disease which further boosts this market in this region.
By Region
North America
Europe
- Germany
- The U.K.
- France
- Italy
- Russia
- Spain
- Benelux
- Nordic
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- ANZ
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa
- Israel
- Egypt
- Rest of MEA
Competitive Landscape
Global protein ingredients market is fragmented due to many participants, and it is anticipated that there will be moderate to intense competition among the companies. Products like dairy, soy, peas, eggs, & insects are expected to be included by manufacturers due to the evolving customer tastes towards functional foods & sports nutrition products. Key players in the market commonly employ strategies such as introducing new products and expanding through investments. Players in the protein ingredients sector are investing in research & development to create advanced formulations and cater to the rising trend of personalized nutrition.
Some of the prominent players in the Global Protein Ingredients market are
- DuPont
- Rousselot
- ADM
- Burcon
- Tessenderlo Group
- Kewpie Corporation
- Roquette Freres
- The Scoular Company
- CHS, Inc.
- Mead Johnson & Company, LLC
- CropEnergies AG
- Fonterra Co-Operative Group
- Bunge Limited
- Others
Recent Development
- In June 2023, Roquette opened a new food innovation center with collaboration labs, a display kitchen, and a sensory analysis lab in Lestrem, France for pilot-scale testing of plant-based products.
- In May 2023, Burcon NutraScience Corporation, a global producer of plant-based proteins for the food and beverage industry, introduced its strategic initiative called Burcon 2.0, aiming to provide plant protein processing as a service.
- In April 2023, Burcon announced its acquisition plans for Merit Functional Foods, which aimed to support its position in the market with differentiated pea protein products.
- In February 2023, Roquette collaborated with Eurial, Agri Obtentions, Greencell, Université Lumière Lyon 2, and INRAE to develop AlinOVeg, a French project focused on extracting and developing plant-based proteins from fava beans and peas.
Report Details
| Report Characteristics |
| Market Size (2024) |
USD 91.9 Bn |
| Forecast Value (2033) |
USD 155.5 Bn |
| CAGR (2024-2033) |
6.0% |
| Historical Data |
2018 – 2023 |
| Forecast Data |
2024 – 2033 |
| Base Year |
2023 |
| Estimate Year |
2024 |
| Report Coverage |
Market Revenue Estimation, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and etc. |
| Segments Covered |
By Product (Animal Protein and Plant Protein), By Application (Food & Beverages, Infant Formulations, Clinical Nutrition, Animal Feed, Others) |
| Regional Coverage |
North America – The US and Canada; Europe – Germany, The UK, France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Benelux, Nordic, & Rest of Europe; Asia- Pacific– China, Japan, South Korea, India, ANZ, ASEAN, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, & Rest of MEA
|
| Prominent Players |
DuPont, Rousselot, ADM, Burcon, Tessenderlo Group, Kewpie Corporation, Roquette, Freres, The Scoular Company, CHS, Inc., Mead Johnson & Company, LLC, CropEnergies AG, Fonterra Co-Operative Group, Bunge Limited, and Other Key Players |
| Purchase Options |
HVMN Inc., Thync Global Inc., Apple Inc., Fitbit Inc., TrackmyStack, OsteoStrong, The ODIN, Thriveport LLC, Muse, Moodmetric, and Other Key Players |
Frequently Asked Questions
The global protein ingredients market is projected to have a value of USD 91.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 155.5 billion by the end of 2033.
North America has the largest market share for the Global Protein Ingredients Market with a share of about 34.6 % in 2024.
Some of the major key players in the Global Protein Ingredients Market are Cargill Incorporated, ADM, Roquette Frères, and many others.
The market is growing at a CAGR of 6.0% percent over the forecasted period.