Wheat Gluten Market

Rising numbers of vegans, rising demand for meat substitutes and the development of new plant-based proteins are driving the market growth

Certain grains, including wheat, barley, and rye, naturally contain the protein called gluten. Gliadins and Glutenin protein components make up wheat glutens. Glutenins include inter-molecular disulfide contacts, whereas gliadins contain a single polypeptide chain linked by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic bonds, and intra-molecular disulfide interactions. Wheat starch and wheat gluten are two crucial co-products created during wheat flour's wet processing from an economic standpoint. As a common food ingredient, wheat gluten is mostly used in baked pastries and processed meat products.

It has special qualities like forming an extremely extensible, elastic structure after being hydrated and combined, which gives bread dough its capacity to hold gas. It can be combined with wheat flour and other additions to create a texturized product without soy.

The demand for meat substitutes is rising along with the vegan population. Individuals are switching to vegan diets as they become more aware of the health benefits of plant-based proteins, where wheat gluten can serve as a meat substitute.

Due to several factors, most consumers favor diets high in protein. A few of them include the fact that protein is essential for a healthy and active lifestyle and that it serves as the basis for the body and muscles of humans. One of the high-protein diets that may be made from wheat is gluten. Gluten has a high protein concentration, along with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin B, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals.

Also, in recent years, high-protein meals and products have significantly impacted nutrition and changed consumers' perspectives on the importance of protein in their diets. Adequate nutrition is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle for all people. Many studies have demonstrated the health advantages of plant-based proteins, and overall public awareness has grown. As a result, consumers favor diets that are heavy in protein.

Innovations in food technology play a pivotal role in shaping the Global Wheat Gluten Market Industry. Advances in processing techniques and product formulations have led to the development of high-quality wheat gluten with enhanced functional properties. These innovations not only improve the performance of wheat gluten in various applications but also expand its usage in non-food sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. As manufacturers continue to explore new applications and improve product quality, the market is poised for growth. The integration of technology in wheat gluten production may further solidify its position in the global market.

The Global Wheat Gluten Market Industry is increasingly recognized for its health and nutritional benefits, which contribute to its growing popularity among consumers. Wheat gluten is a rich source of protein, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking to increase their protein intake without consuming animal products. Additionally, it is low in fat and contains essential amino acids, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As awareness of these benefits spreads, the demand for wheat gluten in health foods and supplements is likely to rise. This trend aligns with the overall growth of the market, reinforcing its relevance in contemporary dietary choices.

The Global Wheat Gluten Market Industry is influenced by global trade dynamics, which create opportunities for exporters and importers alike. Countries with substantial wheat production, such as the United States and Canada, are positioned to capitalize on the growing international demand for wheat gluten. As trade agreements evolve and markets expand, the potential for cross-border transactions increases. This global trade landscape not only enhances market accessibility but also encourages competition among producers, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved product availability and pricing. The interconnectedness of global markets is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the wheat gluten industry.

The Global Wheat Gluten Market Industry experiences a notable surge in demand for plant-based proteins, driven by a growing consumer preference for vegetarian and vegan diets. This shift is reflected in the increasing incorporation of wheat gluten in various food products, such as meat alternatives and baked goods. As consumers become more health-conscious, the appeal of wheat gluten, which is rich in protein and low in fat, becomes more pronounced. This trend is expected to contribute significantly to the market's growth, with projections indicating a market value of 10 USD Billion in 2024, highlighting the potential for expansion in the coming years.

The Global Wheat Gluten Market Industry benefits from the ongoing expansion of the food processing sector, which increasingly utilizes wheat gluten as a functional ingredient. Wheat gluten enhances the texture and elasticity of products, making it a preferred choice in the production of bread, pasta, and snacks. As the food processing industry continues to grow, driven by urbanization and changing dietary patterns, the demand for wheat gluten is likely to rise. This growth trajectory is supported by the anticipated increase in market value to 23.7 USD Billion by 2035, indicating a robust CAGR of 8.16% from 2025 to 2035.

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American wheat gluten market accounted for USD 3.8 billion in 2022. The market is expected to exhibit significant CAGR growth during the forecast period. Due to the growing number of vegans, North America controls most wheat gluten business. The abundance of uses for wheat gluten in the food sector and the demand for fiber-rich foods among health-conscious consumers in nations like the United States and Mexico will propel the market's expansion throughout forecasting.

The wheat gluten market is expanding significantly due to changing consumer preferences for healthy food and the increased demand for meat-free diets. A prominent role for wheat gluten is also being taken up in the diets of bodybuilders and athletes with celiac disease or stomach and bloating issues. Manufacturers are showing interest in creating clean-label and organic products due to the increased demand for wheat gluten from different end users, which will help them increase their chances of making sales.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

Figure 3: WHEAT GLUTEN MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)

Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

In the assessment period, Asia Pacific wheat gluten market is anticipated to maintain its second-place ranking. This development can be attributed to the public's growing preference for plant-based, regenerative, sustainable foods that contain immunity-boosting components. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is a developing problem in India, where 8.7% of people with the disease are between the ages of 20 and 70. The rise in life expectancy, tobacco use, fast urbanization, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles are to blame for the rise in diabetes prevalence in this nation.

These elements are anticipated to increase the demand for wheat gluten in Asia. Further, the China wheat gluten market held the largest market share, and the India wheat gluten market was the fastest-growing market in the Region.

Europe's wheat gluten market accounts for a significant market share due to the rising prevalence of several illnesses, including high pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Further, the German wheat gluten market held the largest market share, and the UK wheat gluten market was the fastest-growing market in the European Region.

Leading market players spend much on R&D to diversify their product lines, increasing demand for wheat gluten industry. Participants in the market engage in strategic actions such as the launch of new goods, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, market developments and collaborations with other businesses to increase their worldwide footprint and respond to key industry trends. Competitors in the wheat gluten industry must offer products at reasonable prices if they want to develop and succeed.

Local production to reduce operational costs is one of the primary business strategies wheat gluten industry use to satisfy consumers and grow the market sector. The major wheat gluten markets players, such as Royal Ingredients Group BV (Netherlands), Pioneer Industries Limited (India), Cargill Incorporated (US), Meelunie B.V. (Netherlands), and others,, are working on expanding the market demand by investing in research and development activities.

Founded in Wilmington, Delaware and headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Cargill, Incorporated is a privately held American multinational food conglomerate. Established in 1865, it has the greatest revenue of any privately held company in the US. It would be ranked number 15 on the Fortune 500 as of 2015, behind McKesson and before AT&T, if it were a publicly traded business.

The trading, buying and distribution of grains and other agricultural products, including palm oil, the trading of energy, steel, and transportation; the raising of livestock and the production of feed; and the production of food ingredients like starch and glucose syrup, vegetable oils and fats for use in processed foods and industrial use are some of Cargill's key businesses. Cargill made a $25 million investment in Puris in 2018; Puris is a provider of pea protein utilized in Beyond Meat products. Cargill made an additional $75 million in investments in 2019.

Meelunie is a leading provider of plant-based ingredients, such as sweeteners, fibers, proteins and starches. The product line includes well-known brands like Windmill Potato Starch and the recently launched House Of Proteins brand, which debuted at the FiE, and covers a wide spectrum of culinary and non-food uses. Meelunie will diversify its product offering in 2022 by adding fava isolate proteins made in a brand-new Danish facility. These incredibly cutting-edge goods are full flavor- and color-neutral, making them perfect for various food applications.