Synthetic Food Global Market Report 2024

The synthetic food market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.48 billion in 2023 to $17.57 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth witnessed in the historical period can be attributed to factors such as population growth, escalating urbanization, shifts in dietary habits, growing health consciousness, and the globalization of food supply chains.

The synthetic food market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $22.06 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to a growing population, a heightened demand for sustainable food sources, increased awareness of personalized nutrition, the expansion of alternative protein sources, and government initiatives supporting synthetic food. Key trends expected in the forecast period encompass the development of plant-based and lab-grown alternatives, the rise of personalized nutrition trends, a focus on sustainability in food production, an increased use of precision fermentation, and a rising popularity of 3D-printed food.

The anticipated surge in demand for alternative protein sources is poised to drive the growth of the synthetic food market. These alternative protein sources can be derived from plants, animals, or fermentation-produced cells, showcasing innovations in categories such as lab-grown meat, plant-based meat, single-cell proteins from yeast or algae, and edible insects. This trend aligns with broader efforts within the food industry to develop sustainable and health-conscious diets. For example, the National Research Council Canada reported in August 2022 that the need for alternative proteins in Canada, including plant-based proteins, was projected to grow by 14% annually by 2024. By 2054, the overall protein demand is expected to double, reaching 943.5 million metric tons. Hence, the rising demand for alternative protein sources is a significant driver of the synthetic food market.

The upswing in health-conscious choices is anticipated to fuel the growth of the synthetic food market. Health-conscious choices involve decisions aimed at promoting well-being and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The use of synthetic food provides alternatives that meet nutritional needs while aligning with sustainable practices. According to the Food and Health Survey by the International Food Information Council in May 2022, there was a notable increase in dietary consciousness among Americans. Fifty-two percent reported adherence to a specific diet or eating pattern in 2022, a substantial rise compared to previous years (39% in 2021 and 43% in 2020). Therefore, the increase in health-conscious choices is propelling the synthetic food market.

A key trend gaining popularity in the synthetic food market is product innovation, with major companies introducing innovative products featuring unique flavors to maintain their market positions. For instance, Shiok Meats Pte. Ltd., a Singapore-based cellular aquaculture and cell-based meat company, introduced the world's first cell-based crab meat in August 2021. The company showcased a variety of cell-based meat products, including crab cake, chili crab, lobster-flavored potato chips, and tom yum shrimp soup. This innovative approach integrates cell-based and plant-based meat to create enticing options such as the Crab Cake meal and the Chili Crab entree.

Major companies in the synthetic food market are strategically focused on developing eco-friendly synthetic products, such as ready-to-drink cold brew, to contribute to a sustainable future and gain a competitive edge. Ready-to-drink cold brew, a chilled coffee beverage prepared by steeping coffee grounds in cold water, offers a smooth and less acidic flavor profile. For instance, Atomo Molecular Coffee, a US-based molecular coffee maker, launched Atomo synthetic coffee in September 2021. This synthetic coffee claims to reduce carbon emissions by 93% and water usage by 94% compared to conventional coffee production.

In January 2022, Oterra, a Denmark-based food and beverage manufacturing company, successfully acquired Food Ingredient Solutions for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move positions Oterra as a player with over two decades of experience in natural colors and a comprehensive portfolio encompassing synthetic colors and natural antioxidants. The acquisition also establishes Oterra's presence in the significant U.S. market, where consumer demand for foods and drinks with natural hues continues to grow. Food Ingredient Solutions, based in the U.S., specializes in providing synthetic colors, natural pigments, and other food ingredients.

Major companies operating in the synthetic food market report are BASF SE, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Royal DSM N.V, FMC Corporation, Symrise AG, Döhler Group SE., Chr. Hansen A/S, Young Living Essential Oils LC, Beyond Meat, Naturex S.A., Believer Meats, Impossible Foods, Flavorchem Corporation, UPSIDE Foods Inc., Allied Biotech Corp., Mosa Meat, Falcon Essential Oils, Aarkay Food Products Ltd., Meatable, Aleph Farms Ltd., Motif FoodWorks Inc., GOOD Meat, SuperMeat, IntegriCulture Inc., Fiorio Colori S.R.L, Multus Biotechnology Ltd., BioBetter Ltd., Frutarom Industries Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the synthetic food market in 2023. The regions covered in the synthetic food market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the synthetic food market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The primary components of synthetic food include synthetic color, enzymes, hydrocolloids, antioxidants, flavor and fragrances, fats, and oils. Synthetic color specifically denotes any organic color produced through chemical synthesis not naturally occurring. These colors impart appealing hues to food and beverages, enhancing their visual allure. Distribution channels encompass supermarkets, traditional stores, and online platforms, catering to various applications such as beverages, dairy and frozen products, bakery and confectionery items, meat, poultry and seafood, processed foods, convenience foods and beverages, as well as sauces and dressings.

The synthetic food market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides synthetic food market statistics, including synthetic food industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a synthetic food market share, detailed synthetic food market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the synthetic food industry. This synthetic food market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The synthetic food market consists of sales of vegan cheese, lab-grown ricotta, and mozzarella. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).


The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.