Protein Ingredients Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global protein ingredients market size reached a value of almost USD 40.38 Billion in the year 2024. The protein ingredients industry is further expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.00% between 2025 and 2034 to reach a value of almost USD 72.31 Billion by 2034.

Global Protein Ingredients Market Growth

Protein ingredients offer numerous benefits across food, nutrition, and health industries. They are crucial for muscle growth and repair, supporting athletes, bodybuilders, and those recovering from injuries by aiding muscle tissue maintenance. Additionally, protein ingredients promote satiety, making them effective for weight management by helping individuals feel fuller for longer and reducing overall calorie intake. Proteins also play an essential role in metabolism, immune function, and hormone production, contributing to overall health and well-being thus driving the protein ingredients demand growth.

Global Protein Ingredients Market Analysis

The protein ingredients industry growth is being driven by increasing health and fitness awareness. This has driven demand for protein-rich products as more consumers focus on muscle growth, weight management, and overall well-being. The rise of plant-based diets, fueled by environmental and health concerns, is boosting the demand for plant-based proteins like peas, soy, and rice.

Additionally, the protein ingredients market dynamics and trends have expanded the use of protein ingredients in functional foods, beverages, and supplements. Consumers seek foods with enhanced nutritional value. The ageing global population is also driving demand for protein-enriched products to support muscle maintenance and address age-related issues like sarcopenia.

The rising global consumption of meat and dairy is significantly increasing the demand for protein-rich animal feed, essential for supporting livestock growth and productivity. As meat production intensifies to meet growing consumer needs, high-quality feed formulations with protein ingredients become crucial for improving animal health and output. This trend is driving the protein ingredients market demand, as feed manufacturers increasingly rely on plant-based and animal-derived proteins to enhance feed efficiency. Additionally, the focus on optimising livestock performance, coupled with the expanding global meat supply chain, continues to push demand for protein ingredients in the animal feed sector.

Protein Ingredients Industry Outlook

The Association Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India reported the vegan food market is projected to capture 7.7% of the global protein market by 2030, with an estimated value of USD 162 billion. Meanwhile, global demand for animal and dairy protein is expected to reach USD 1.2 trillion by the same year will drive innovation and competition within the protein ingredients market. Increased consumer focus on health, sustainability, and diverse protein sources will further stimulate demand for both plant and animal protein ingredients globally.

As per the People’s Republic of China, in 2023, China's per capita disposable income reached 39,218 yuan (approximately 5,511 U.S. dollars), marking a 6.3% year-on-year increase in nominal terms, with a 6.1% rise. The median per capita disposable income nationwide stood at 33,036 yuan, reflecting a 5.3% nominal growth year on year. This growth boosts the protein ingredients market as higher income levels lead to greater demand for health-conscious and protein-enriched food products.

According to the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH), in the United States, in 2022, an estimated 53.8% of children aged 6 to 17, or 26.8 million kids, participated in sports teams or took lessons. Sports participation rates were higher in Northern U.S. states compared to Southern states. The states with the highest percentages of kids playing sports in 2022 were Vermont (69.4%), Iowa (67.8%), North Dakota (66.7%), Maine (64.4%), and Wyoming (64.4%). This will fuel the protein ingredients industry revenue which is growing as the increasing participation in sports will drive the demand for protein-rich foods to enhance overall health and performance.

The Australian Sports Commission reported that in Australia in 2022-23, 78% of Australians aged 15 and above engaged in sport or physical activity at least once per week. The breakdown is similar for both males (78%) and females (79%). Among young adults aged 15-19, 78% participated in physical activity, while 60% engaged in sport-related activity. Across all Australians aged 15+, 40% participated in sport-related activities weekly. It will fuel the demand for protein ingredients. Active consumers increasingly seek protein-enriched foods and supplements to support muscle recovery, performance, and overall health.

Protein ingredients are used in various sectors such as food and beverages, sports nutrition, and healthcare, driving the protein ingredients market demand.

• Increasing consumer focus on health, fitness, and nutrition is boosting demand for protein-enriched products and driving market growth.
• The rise in plant-based diets and environmentally conscious consumers has led to a surge in demand for plant-based protein ingredients like soy, peas, and rice.

Producing high-quality protein ingredients, especially from plant sources, can be costly, limiting accessibility for some consumers.

• Proteins like soy, whey, and gluten can trigger allergies in some individuals, reducing their potential consumer base.
• Extracting and maintaining the functional properties of protein ingredients during processing can be complex, affecting product quality and consistency.

Innovations in protein extraction and processing techniques can enhance product quality and reduce costs that boosts the protein ingredients industry growth.

• The rising demand for plant-based diets offers significant growth potential for plant protein ingredients.
• Increasing urbanization and disposable incomes in regions like Asia-Pacific are driving demand for protein-enriched foods and beverages.

Intense competition from both plant and animal-based protein ingredient manufacturers can put pressure on pricing and profitability.

• Evolving food safety and labelling regulations could complicate the production and distribution of protein ingredients.
• Rising concerns over the environmental footprint of animal-based proteins could shift demand further toward plant-based alternatives, impacting traditional protein ingredient suppliers.

Key Players in the Global Protein Ingredients Market and Their Key Initiatives

Cargill Incorporated

• Invested in plant-based protein alternatives, enhancing production capacity in pea protein and other plant sources to meet the growing demand of the protein ingredients market.
• Focused on reducing the environmental footprint of its protein production, to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company

• Formed collaborations with industry leaders to expand its plant-based protein offerings globally.
• Launched new plant-based protein solutions, focusing on sustainability and nutrition.

Kerry Group

• Introduced sustainable protein solutions aligning with their “Beyond the Horizon” strategy to reduce environmental impact.
• Acquired Pevesa Biotech to enhance their plant-based protein portfolio for infant and speciality nutrition to capture the protein ingredients market opportunities.

Omega Protein Corporation

• Strengthened sustainability efforts by adopting eco-friendly fishing practices.
• Increased focus on research and development to enhance the nutritional value of their protein products.

Global Protein Ingredients Industry Segmentation

“Global Protein Ingredients Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Product Type

• Animal Proteins
• Egg Protein
• Whey Protein
• Gelatine
• Casein
• Milk Protein Concentrates/Isolates
• Plant Proteins
• Wheat Protein
• Soy Protein
• Pea Protein
• Others

Market Breakup by Application

• Food and Beverages
• Personal Care and Cosmetics
• Pharmaceuticals
• Animal Feed
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Protein Ingredients Market Share

Plant protein is driving the growth of the protein ingredients industry due to the increasing adoption of plant-based diets by consumers. It is driven by health concerns, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare, which is fueling demand for plant proteins like peas, soy, and rice. Consumers are also drawn to plant-based proteins for their lower environmental impact, as they require less water, land, and energy compared to animal proteins, aligning with growing sustainability awareness. Additionally, plant proteins are perceived as healthier options, offering benefits like lower cholesterol and improved heart health, and are often seen as more natural.

The increasing demand for high-quality nutrition is essential for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture which drives the protein ingredients market demand. Protein ingredients, such as soy and pea protein, are crucial for promoting growth, improving health, and boosting productivity. As global meat consumption rises, the need for protein-rich feed grows, helping farmers achieve better yields and supporting sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the focus on animal health through improved nutrition is fueling demand for protein-based feed. This rising demand from industrial farming and pet nutrition sectors expands the protein ingredients market, as producers continually seek efficient, protein-enriched solutions to meet growing consumer needs.

Leading Companies in the Protein Ingredients Market

The companies provide food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products, and develop vital nutritional ingredients while producing dietary supplements and animal feed.

• Cargill Incorporated
• Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
• Kerry Group
• Omega Protein Corporation
• Others