Wheat Protein Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F

The Wheat Protein Market was valued at USD 2.65 Billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 3.71 Billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 5.72%. Wheat proteins are plant-based proteins classified as insoluble functional proteins. They are derived from whey and consist of lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, serum albumin, and immunoglobulins. Wheat protein is composed of two insoluble protein groups, namely gliadin and glutenin. Its consumption is crucial in meeting the body's protein and amino acid requirements, supporting muscle development, and enhancing immune function.

The growing consumer inclination toward plant-based and clean-label ingredients is significantly driving the demand for wheat protein in various applications, including bakery, snacks, dairy alternatives, and nutritional supplements. Rising health consciousness, especially among millennials and fitness enthusiasts, has accelerated the adoption of wheat protein-enriched products owing to their role in muscle repair, energy balance, and digestive health. Additionally, the demand for high-protein, low-fat food products has prompted food manufacturers to innovate and incorporate wheat protein as a versatile and cost-effective functional ingredient.

Key Market Drivers

Extensive Range of Application

Wheat protein has emerged as a versatile and functional ingredient with applications spanning multiple industries. It plays a pivotal role in bakery items where its gluten content imparts elasticity and chewiness to dough, essential for high-quality bread production. Its utility extends to pasta, breakfast cereals, and snack bars, offering enhanced texture and nutritional value. Additionally, wheat protein serves as a key component in flour milling and baker’s adjustment, ensuring consistency in flour quality. This wide applicability continues to support the market’s momentum across the food and feed sectors.

In recent years, the demand for meat alternatives has surged, further expanding wheat protein’s footprint in the food industry. According to a 2024 report by the Good Food Institute, global plant-based meat sales grew by over 8% in volume, indicating a steady consumer shift toward sustainable food sources. Wheat protein, with its fibrous texture and functional properties, is commonly used in meat analogs like seitan, helping manufacturers create products that closely mimic the texture and taste of animal-based meat while catering to vegan and flexitarian consumers.

Another critical driver is the rising number of lactose-intolerant individuals globally, pushing the preference for non-dairy protein alternatives. As per the National Institutes of Health, approximately 68% of the global population is lactose intolerant to some degree, with higher prevalence in Asia and Africa. While whey protein isolate is often marketed as a low-lactose product, even trace levels can cause discomfort in sensitive individuals. Wheat protein presents a dairy-free solution that supports muscle development and energy metabolism without triggering allergic or digestive responses.

Key Market Challenges

Lack of Technological Advancement

The wheat protein market faces several challenges, primarily stemming from a lack of technological advancement. The existing production methods for wheat proteins are inefficient, resulting in low yields and subsequently driving up prices. Consequently, the market's growth has been hindered. Furthermore, the absence of standardized technology has made it challenging for manufacturers to achieve consistent product quality. Consequently, the wheat protein market has experienced sluggish development and remains relatively small in scale.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Focus on E-commerce Distribution

The growing prominence of online shopping is a notable trend in the wheat protein market, expected to have a positive impact in the coming years. The e-commerce distribution channel has significantly fueled the growth of the global wheat protein market over the past decade. E-commerce provides customers with access to regional and global brands of wheat protein products, offering a wide variety of options and enhancing cross-regional flavors of wheat-protein-based food products. Online shopping offers personalized assistance and recommendations for wheat protein-based products, delivering two major benefits to consumers. With the increasing presence of online retailing, the sales of wheat protein and related products through e-commerce channels are expected to experience significant growth, further propelling the expansion of the global wheat protein market.

Key Market Players

• Archer Daniels Midland (Adm)
• Agridient
• Mgp Ingredients
• Ab Amilina
• Cargill Inc.
• Manildra Group
• Crespel & Deiters GmbH and Co. Kg
• Crop Energies AG
• Kroener Staerke
• Roquette

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Wheat Protein Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Wheat Protein Market, By Product:

• Wheat Gluten
• Wheat Protein Isolate
• Textured Wheat Proteins
• Wheat Protein Hydrolysates

Wheat Protein Market, By Form:

• Dry
• Liquid

Wheat Protein Market, By Application:

• Bakery and Snacks
• Pet Food
• Nutritional Bars and Drinks
• Processed Meat
• Meat Analogy
• Others

Wheat Protein Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia-Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Wheat Protein Market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, the publisher offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).