Plant-Based Protein Market Report 2026

The plant-based protein market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $64.07 billion in 2025 to $75.78 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growing awareness of plant-based nutrition benefits, expansion of soy and pea protein usage, rising demand for meat substitutes, increased availability of plant protein ingredients, adoption of plant proteins in animal feed.

The plant-based protein market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $142.4 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for sustainable nutrition solutions, rising innovation in plant protein formulations, expansion of personalized nutrition trends, growing use of plant proteins in sports nutrition, increasing regulatory focus on sustainable food systems. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing consumption of plant-based protein products, rising demand for clean and natural protein sources, expansion of flexitarian diet adoption, growing use of plant proteins in fortified foods, enhanced focus on nutritional profile optimization.

The rising awareness of health and wellness is expected to drive the growth of the plant-based protein market in the coming years. Health and wellness awareness reflects the increasing consumer emphasis on nutritious diets, active lifestyles, and preventive healthcare practices aimed at improving overall well-being. As more individuals prioritize healthier eating habits, demand for products that support wellness goals continues to rise. The plant-based protein market contributes to health and wellness by offering nutrient-dense, low-fat, and high-fiber protein alternatives that align with preventive health objectives. This strong alignment between consumer wellness priorities and the nutritional advantages of plant-based proteins strengthens the market’s relevance and adoption. For example, in December 2024, according to Health Affairs, a US-based health policy journal, healthcare spending in the United States increased by 7.5% in 2023, up from 4.6% in 2022. Therefore, the growing focus on health and wellness is contributing to the expansion of the plant-based protein market.

Major companies in the plant-based protein market are concentrating on developing innovative products, such as Meal Extender, to enhance nutritional profiles and improve the sensory experience of meat alternatives. A meal extender is an ingredient added to a dish to increase its volume or bulk without significantly changing its flavor. Commonly utilized in various cuisines, meal extenders can include ingredients like grains, vegetables, or legumes, which help reduce costs and increase portion sizes. For example, in July 2024, Nestle, a Switzerland-based food company, introduced Maggi Rindecarne to enhance meals by combining it with traditional minced meat. Maggi Rindecarne is a plant-based meat extender that enhances dishes when mixed with conventional minced meat, providing approximately 5.2 g of protein per serving while maintaining low fat content. This cost-effective solution allows families to double their servings, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious consumers.

In June 2024, Ahimsa Industries, a US-based plant-based food holding company that unites CPG brands, manufacturers, and sales enablement businesses, acquired Wicked Foods, Inc. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to enhance Ahimsa Industries' market presence, foster innovation, and stabilize the plant-based food sector through strategic consolidation. Wicked Foods, Inc. is a UK-based pioneering food company that specializes in plant-based food products.

Major companies operating in the plant-based protein market are Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Axiom Foods Inc., Cargill Inc., Kerry Group, Ingredion Inc., Roquette Freres SA, Wilmar International Ltd., Glanbia plc, Cosucra Groupe Warcoing SA, Sotexpro SAS, Emsland Group, Puris Proteins LLC., Beyond Meat Inc., BENEO GmbH, Tate & Lyle plc, Shandong Jianyuan group, Proeon Foods, Australian Plant Proteins Pty Ltd., Impossible Foods Inc., Nestle SA, Kellogg Company, Conagra Brands Inc., Tyson Foods Inc., Turtle Island Foods, Lightlife Foods Inc., Field Roast Grain Meat Co. Inc., Quorn Foods Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the plant-based protein market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the plant-based protein market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the plant-based protein market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The plant-based protein market consists of sales of wheat protein, soy protein, pea protein, and other plant-based proteins. 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.

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