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Protein Ingredients Market Size

ID: MRFR//0736-CR | 151 Pages | Author: Pradeep Nandi| May 2017

The Protein Ingredients market has been experiencing robust growth in recent years, largely driven by the increasing demand for protein-rich foods, dietary supplements, and functional ingredients. Proteins are essential macronutrients that play a crucial role in muscle building, weight management, and overall health, driving consumer interest in products fortified with high-quality protein ingredients. As lifestyles become more health-conscious and fitness-oriented, the demand for protein-enriched products continues to surge, propelling the growth of the market.

One prominent trend in the Protein Ingredients market is the rising popularity of plant-based proteins. With growing concerns about sustainability, animal welfare, and health, consumers are increasingly opting for plant-derived protein sources such as soy, pea, rice, and hemp. Plant-based proteins offer numerous benefits, including lower environmental impact, absence of cholesterol, and suitability for vegetarian and vegan diets. This trend aligns with the broader shift towards plant-based eating and the rising popularity of flexitarianism, driving manufacturers to develop a wide range of plant-based protein products to meet consumer demand.

Another significant trend shaping the Protein Ingredients market is the increasing adoption of protein fortification across various food and beverage categories. From snacks and beverages to dairy products and baked goods, manufacturers are fortifying a diverse array of products with protein ingredients to enhance their nutritional profile and appeal to health-conscious consumers. This trend is driven by the growing awareness of protein's role in satiety, muscle recovery, and weight management, as well as the rising demand for convenient, on-the-go options that deliver protein in a convenient format.

Furthermore, the Protein Ingredients market is witnessing rapid innovation in protein ingredient technologies, leading to the development of novel and value-added products. Advances in extraction, purification, and formulation techniques have enabled the creation of protein ingredients with improved functionality, solubility, and sensory properties. This has opened up new opportunities for protein incorporation into a variety of food and beverage applications, including ready-to-drink beverages, plant-based meat alternatives, and protein bars, driving market growth and diversification.

Moreover, the Protein Ingredients market is experiencing increasing demand from the sports nutrition segment. Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and active individuals are seeking protein-rich supplements and functional foods to support muscle recovery, performance, and endurance. Whey protein, in particular, has emerged as a popular choice due to its high biological value and rapid absorption rate. However, plant-based protein sources like pea and rice are also gaining traction among athletes seeking alternatives to dairy-based proteins. As the sports nutrition market continues to expand, fueled by growing participation in sports and fitness activities, the demand for protein ingredients is expected to remain strong.

Additionally, the Protein Ingredients market is witnessing growing interest in personalized nutrition and functional foods tailored to individual health needs and preferences. With advances in genetic testing, digital health technologies, and personalized dietetic advice, consumers are increasingly seeking customized dietary solutions to address specific health goals, such as weight management, muscle building, or allergen avoidance. Protein ingredients play a crucial role in formulating personalized nutrition products that deliver targeted health benefits, driving innovation and market expansion in this emerging segment.

Covered Aspects:

Report Attribute/Metric Details
Market Size Value In 2022 USD 38.2 Billion
Market Size Value In 2023 USD 42.02 Billion
Growth Rate 10.00% (2023-2032)

Global Protein Ingredients Market Overview


The Protein Ingredients Market Size valued at USD 42.02 billion in 2023. The Protein Ingredients market industry is projected to grow from USD 46.222 Billion in 2024 to USD 90.173 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.71% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032). Increased health concerns and challenges have led to more expensive operations, and more bariatric procedures are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.


Protein Ingredients Market Overview


Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Protein Ingredients Market Trends



  • Growing health concerns among consumers are driving the market growth


Market CAGR for protein ingredients is being driven by the rising health concerns in consumers. The very common factor fueling the growth of the protein ingredients market is increasing consumers' awareness in concern to healthy and nutritious food products. Doctors and dietitians are suggesting people consume proteins on a large scale, owing to the increase in the prevalence of chronic disorders and infections. There is a growth in the demand for plant-based protein that is contributing to the protein ingredients market.


The increase in geriatric people opting for a healthy lifestyle is also boosting the growth of the protein ingredients market globally. With the rapid increase of the population and rising consumer awareness of health and nutritional meals, the protein ingredients market is growing exponentially. The consumer's knowledge about the benefits of a protein-rich diet has boosted the demand for protein components in the infant formulations, nutritional supplements, and food and beverages industries globally. Furthermore, the rise in the demand for soy protein is also boosting the growth of the protein ingredients market. The Food and Drug Administration consented to a health benefit for minimizing the LDL cholesterol through nutritional recommendations, which suggest four meals of soy per day to assist lower LDL cholesterol levels by 10% in the body. The plant-based ingredients are manufactured from crops, including soy, canola, wheat, and pea. The demand for soy protein is significantly growing due to its health benefits. The market is getting popular with the increasing demand for the food


products like margarine, cold cuts, bakery products, spreads, yogurt, and milk sausages that are developed using protein.


The government globally is making regular efforts the development of the protein ingredients market. The government is contributing to the expansion of the food and beverage industry. These initiatives taken by the government are boosting the expansion of the protein ingredient market. Furthermore, the government of developing countries is collaborating with market players to raise the market reach in the market; it is also conducting various awareness programs for promoting protein ingredients among the people. The rapid rise in demand for a fortified food products is boosting the protein ingredient market.


The key market companies are conducting various tactics in order to meet the increasing product demand while also lowering the total cost by minimizing the raw material and labor prices. Thus, driving the Protein Ingredients market revenue.


Protein Ingredients Market Segment Insights


Protein Ingredients Product Insights


The Protein Ingredients market segmentation, based on product, includes Plant Protein, Animal/Dairy Proteins, Microbe Protein, and Others. The animal/dairy protein segment accounted for a revenue share of 71% in 2021 due to the rise in the health and fitness consciousness. It has a wide range of applications like, like cosmetics and pet food. The plant-based protein segment is experiencing the fastest rate of growth in the protein market.


Figure 1: Protein Ingredients Market, by Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)


Protein Ingredients Market, by Distribution Channel, 2022 & 2032 (USD billion)


Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Protein Ingredients Application Insights


The Protein Ingredients market segmentation, based on application, includes Food & Beverages, Infant Formulations, Clinical Nutrition, Animal Feed, and Others. The food & beverages segment dominates the protein ingredients market globally. This is due to the rise in customers focus on healthy diets with low fat and high nutritive value foods, causing the rise in the consumption of protein components. The infant formulations segment is anticipated to be the fastest growing after food & beverages. This formulation consists of either plant or animal-based proteins.


Protein Ingredients Regional Insights


By region, the study gives market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World. The North American weight loss market area dominates the protein ingredient market due to the rising trend of consuming healthy and nutritious food products and the growing demand for vegan food products. The US is the largest contributor to the growth of the protein ingredients market.


Further, major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.


Figure 2: PROTEIN INGREDIENTS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)


PROTEIN INGREDIENTS MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)


Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database, and Analyst Review


Europe's Protein Ingredients market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the increase in demand for healthy food and beverages and medical products. Further, the German Protein Ingredients market held the largest market share due to rising demand for medical and nutritional products in bone and muscle development in the European region.


The Asia-Pacific Protein Ingredients Market is expected to grow at the fastest rate. This is due to the increase in demand for animal and plant protein ingredients and economic development and expansion of the food and beverage and healthcare sector. Moreover, China’s Protein Ingredients market held the largest market share, and the Indian Protein Ingredients market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.


Protein Ingredients Key Market Players & Competitive Insights


Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Protein Ingredients market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Protein Ingredients industry must offer cost-effective items.


Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the Protein Ingredients industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Protein Ingredients industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to nutrition. Major players in the Protein Ingredients market, including Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, Bunge Limited, Cargill, DuPont, Fonterra Co-operative Group, Friesland, Kewpie Corporation, Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, Kerry Group, Omega Protein Corporation, Arla Foods Ingredients, and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.


ADM provides the power of nature to enhance the quality of life; it is a leading human and animal nutrition company that delivers solutions today for the future. Their scientist, through research and development, is providing groundbreaking products to support healthier living; their innovative products are leading a new future for plant-based consumers and industrial solutions to replace petroleum-based products. They have unmatched agricultural supply chain managers and professors that will give food security by connecting local needs with capabilities. In May 2020, Marfrig and ADM launched Plantplus Foods, a joint offer that will provide consumers with plant-based goods in North and South America. ADM plans to give all of its technological expertise to develop the system that collates ingredients, scents, and a plant basis from a protein complex comprising its new pea protein facility in North Dakota.


Arla Foods Ingredients is a worldwide leader in value-added whey solutions that provides premium ingredients derived from whey, which supports the food industry with the development and efficient processing of natural, functional, and nutritious foods. They provide worldwide manufacturers of early life nutrition, health foods, and food and beverage products. Arla Food Ingredients launched Lcprodan BLG-100, pure BLG ingredients with a unique nutritional profile, in October 2021. It consists of 45% more leucine which is a major amino acid for muscle building, than the already available protein isolates.


Key Companies in the Protein Ingredients market include



  • Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

  • Bunge Limited

  • Cargill

  • DuPont

  • Fonterra Co-operative Group

  • Friesland

  • Kewpie Corporation

  • Mead Johnson Nutrition Company

  • Kerry Group

  • Omega Protein Corporation

  • Arla Foods Ingredients


Protein Ingredients Industry Developments


October 2021: Arla Foods Ingredients launched Lacprodan BLG-100, a pure BLG component with the particular nutritional profile. It was made by using a patented novel separation technique and consists of 45% more leucine than it is present in commercial whey protein isolates, which is a primary amino acid for muscle growth.


January 2022: Nutriance was introduced to ADM's ingredients portfolio. Nutriance is a line of wheat concentrates that have been used in sports and geriatric nutrition.


In 2022 : Germany emerged as the leading revenue contributor in Europe, marking a significant milestone in the region. The surging geriatric populace within Germany has spurred a notable uptick in the need for specialized medical nutritional products, particularly those aiding in the maintenance of bone density and muscle strength. This heightened demand has been a driving force behind the increased consumption of these vital ingredients in recent times.


Furthermore, the substantial role played by protein ingredients in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease has notably influenced the market landscape within Germany. This positive impact has further amplified the market's growth trajectory, underscoring the significance of these ingredients in addressing critical health concerns.


February 2021: Frieslandcampina Solutions and AGT Foods together started the collaboration to introduce pea and fava bean isolates as plant-based proteins in the market.


Protein Ingredients Market Segmentation


Protein Ingredients Product Outlook



  • Plant Protein

  • Animal/Dairy Proteins

  • Microbe Protein

  • Others


Protein Ingredients Application Outlook



  • Food & Beverages

  • Infant Formulations

  • Clinical Nutrition

  • Animal Feed

  • Others


Protein Ingredients Regional Outlook



  • North America

    • US

    • Canada





  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Rest of Europe





  • Asia-Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Rest of Asia-Pacific





  • Rest of the World

    • Middle East

    • Africa

    • Latin America



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