China Pea Protein - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2026-2031)

The china pea protein market size was valued at USD 409.24 million in 2025 and estimated to grow from USD 439.85 million in 2026 to reach USD 631.09 million by 2031, at a CAGR of 7.48% during the forecast period (2026-2031). This report is Segmented by Source (Yellow Pea, Green Pea, and Others), Form (Isolate, Concentrate, and Textured/Hydrolyzed), Nature (Conventional and Organic), and Application (Food & Beverage, Nutrition & Health Supplements, Animal Feed, and Personal Care and Cosmetics). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

China Pea Protein Market Trends and Insights

Shift in consumer preference for plant-based high-protein foods

China has overtaken the United States in total protein consumption, yet it boasts a notably higher intake of plant-based proteins. This dietary pivot is bolstered by government initiatives, notably a target to cut meat consumption in half by 2030. Such moves have opened up significant market avenues for pea protein, heralded as a sustainable alternative. The shift in consumer preferences isn't limited to the conventional vegetarian crowd; it's now embraced by health-focused urbanites. A 2024 survey underscores this trend, revealing a pronounced interest among Chinese consumers in amplifying their plant-based food consumption. Additionally, the rising awareness of environmental sustainability and the health benefits associated with plant-based diets are further driving this transition. Interestingly, while Chinese consumers don't see plant-based meat alternatives as mere meat stand-ins, they regard them as added protein sources. This perspective carves out a distinct market landscape, promoting the fusion of pea protein into both age-old Chinese dishes and modern culinary creations. Furthermore, the growing investments in research and development by domestic and international players are expected to enhance the quality and variety of pea protein-based products, further fueling market growth.

Increased applications in food and beverage industry

In China, the food and beverage industry is significantly expanding the applications of pea protein, transitioning from its conventional use in meat substitutes to innovative products tailored to local dietary preferences. STARFIELD, a leading domestic player in the plant-based market, is actively broadening its product portfolio by introducing snack lines fortified with pea protein, showcasing the ingredient's versatility and growing consumer appeal. Manufacturers are capitalizing on the opportunity to incorporate pea protein into traditional Chinese dishes, enhancing nutritional value while preserving the authentic flavors that resonate with consumers. Recent advancements in high-moisture extrusion technology have further propelled the development of plant-based meat alternatives, delivering improved texture and sensory experiences that address prior consumer concerns. Moreover, the introduction of hybrid protein blends, such as the combination of pea protein isolate and whey protein, is enabling the production of meat analogs with superior hardness, cohesiveness, and fibrous structures, closely replicating the characteristics of animal-based products. This evolution underscores the growing potential of pea protein in meeting both nutritional and sensory demands in the Chinese market.

Competition from other plant-based proteins

In China, the alternative protein market faces stiff competition from traditional plant-based sources. These traditional sources, like tofu and wheat gluten (seitan), not only enjoy cultural familiarity but also come at significantly lower price points than their novel counterparts. Deeply rooted in Chinese culinary traditions, tofu and seitan are priced much lower than imported or newly developed pea protein products. This pricing gap poses a substantial hurdle for the adoption of pea protein, especially in segments sensitive to price changes. Adding to the competitive landscape, the Chinese government, through its agricultural five-year plan, has thrown its weight behind a broad spectrum of alternative proteins, endorsing both plant-based and cultivated meat initiatives. This backing amplifies the competitive stakes for pea protein, which now needs to carve out clear advantages over both established and emerging protein sources. Moreover, the market is further complicated by consumer preferences that lean towards products resonating with local tastes and dietary habits. This necessitates significant product adaptation and localization efforts for pea protein to effectively challenge the dominance of traditional sources.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Technological advances in pea protein extraction
• Major soybean production and low input costs
• Sensory challenges (beany flavor) limiting adoption

Segment Analysis

In 2025, yellow pea, with an 79.88% market share, solidifies its position as the backbone of China's pea protein industry, thanks to its superior protein content and well-established cultivation practices. China's heavy reliance on imported yellow peas, predominantly sourced from Canada, underscores this dominance, with imports hitting 2.6 million tons in 2023, as highlighted by the China Pea Conference and Plant-Based Congress. Major Chinese manufacturers, such as Shandong Jianyuan Bioengineering Co., Ltd. and Yantai Shuangta Food Co., Ltd., have set up a robust processing infrastructure, fine-tuning their extraction processes specifically for yellow pea varieties. Meanwhile, other segments like green pea and specialty varieties, including split pea and marrowfat, carve out niche roles in the market, often leveraging their unique traits for specific applications.

Green pea is on the rise, boasting an 8.28% CAGR from 2026-2031, fueled by its unique nutritional benefits and growing use in premium protein products. Innovations in extraction technologies play a pivotal role, ensuring the preservation of green peas' distinct phytonutrients and antioxidants, bolstering the protein's health appeal. Comparative research on commercial pea proteins highlights notable differences in functional properties, influenced by both the source material and extraction techniques. Such insights are reshaping sourcing strategies for Chinese manufacturers, emphasizing the critical role of pea variety selection in enhancing product quality and application potential. This refined approach to sourcing signals a maturation phase for the Chinese pea protein industry, transitioning from mere commodity processing to the development of specialized, application-driven ingredients.

In 2025, isolates held a 49.35% market share, driven by their high protein content and versatility in applications like beverages and meat alternatives. Products from Chinese manufacturers, such as Shuangta Food Co., Ltd. and Shandong Jianyuan Bioengineering Co., Ltd., typically feature isolates with 76%-85% protein content, making them ideal for protein-rich products. Advances in extraction technologies, including ultrasonic probe and hydrodynamic cavitation methods, have improved protein recovery rates to 52.53 g/hg and 56.85 g/hg, enhancing yield and functionality. Concentrates and textured forms address specific needs: concentrates offer cost efficiency for less protein-sensitive uses, while textured forms provide the structure essential for meat analogs.

From 2026 to 2031, the textured/hydrolyzed segment is projected to grow at an 8.01% CAGR, fueled by high-moisture extrusion technology and rising demand for advanced meat alternatives. Improvements in high-moisture extrusion (HME) have resolved texture and sensory issues in plant-based meats. Studies show blending pea protein isolate with complementary proteins enhances structural properties like hardness, cohesiveness, and fibrous texture, critical for meat analogs. These innovations are pivotal in China, where texture and mouthfeel drive consumer acceptance of plant-based meats. Chinese manufacturers are now producing authentic meat substitutes, expanding appeal from niche vegetarian products to mainstream alternatives.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Source
  • Yellow Pea
  • Green Pea
  • Others (Split Pea, Marrowfat)
• By Form
  • Isolate
  • Concentrate
  • Textured/Hydrolyzed
• By Nature
  • Conventional
  • Organic
• By Application
  • Food and Beverage
    • Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
    • Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
    • Bakery
    • Snacks & Cereals
    • Beverages
    • Confectionery
    • Others
  • Nutrition and Health Supplements
    • Sport/Performance Nutrition
    • Infant & Pediatric Nutrition
    • Clinical & Elderly Nutrition
  • Animal Feed
    • Aquafeed
    • Pet Food
    • Livestock Feed
  • Personal Care and Cosmetics

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Cargill, Incorporated
• International Flavours & Fragrances Inc.
• Roquette Freres SA
• Ingredion Incorporated
• Yasin
• ETChem
• Food Chem International Corp.
• Shandong Jianyuan group
• Yantai Shuangta Food Co., Ltd
• Hainan Zhongxin Chemical
• Hainan Huayan Collagen Technology Co., Ltd.
• Nantong Focusee Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
• Shaanxi Yuantai Biological Technology Co., Ltd.
• Bioway Organic Ingredients Co. Ltd.
• Nutragreenlife Biotechnology Co.,Ltd
• Shanghai Elim Organic Food Co., Ltd.
• Xi'an Healthful Biotechnology Co.,Ltd
• Conscientia Industrial Co., Ltd
• Shandong Huatai Foodstuff Co., Ltd.

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support