Alternative Protein Global Market Report 2025

The alternative protein market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $85.65 billion in 2024 to $101.35 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to health and wellness trends, environmental concerns, ethical and animal welfare concerns, cultural and religious preferences, innovation and product development.

The alternative protein market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to " $185.49 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.3%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to policy and regulatory support, global population growth, investment and funding inflows, changing consumer preferences, climate change mitigation. Major trends in the forecast period include diversification of protein sources, mainstream adoption in foodservice, premiumization and innovation, global expansion and market accessibility, nutritional enhancement and fortification.

The forecast of 16.3% growth over the next five years reflects a slight reduction of 0.2% from the previous estimate for this market.This reduction is primarily due to the impact of tariffs between the US and other countries. This is likely to directly affect the US by increasing tariffs on pea and mycoprotein imports from Canada and the UK, raising costs for plant-based meat producers.The effect will also be felt more widely due to reciprocal tariffs and the negative effect on the global economy and trade due to increased trade tensions and restrictions.

The increasing demand for plant-based proteins is expected to propel the growth of the alternative protein market going forward. Plant-based protein refers to proteins derived from plants rather than animal sources. These proteins are present in several plant-based foods and are frequently consumed by people who follow vegetarian, vegan, or plant-based diets. Plant-based proteins are used in alternative protein products as substitutes for traditional animal-based proteins, offering a sustainable and cruelty-free option. Additionally, plant-based proteins offer benefits such as lower saturated fat, high fiber content, reduced environmental impact, and ethical considerations compared to animal-based proteins. For instance, in April 2023, according to the Good Food Institute, a US-based non-profit organization, the global retail sales of plant-based meat and seafood in 2022 amounted to $6.1 billion, indicating an 8% growth in revenue and a 5% increase in weight. Additionally, the collective sales of plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt reached $21.6 billion globally, marking a 7% rise from the previous year. Therefore, the increasing demand for plant-based proteins is driving the growth of the alternative protein market.

Major companies operating in the alternative protein market are developing new products, such as plant-based meat, to gain a competitive edge in the market. Plant-based meat refers to food products that mimic the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of traditional animal meat but are entirely derived from plant-based sources. For instance, in January 2023, Final Foods Inc., a US-based food and technology company, launched a plant-based meat product line designed for gourmet chefs and the food service industry. This innovative range offers protein-rich vegan alternatives in slices and large cuts, allowing for versatile culinary applications such as grilling, stewing, sautéing, and stir-frying. Crafted with a unique extrusion cooking process using pea protein and natural ingredients, Final Foods' vegan meat distinguishes itself by its commitment to replicating the taste of meat while providing a more natural and creative alternative for chefs. Notably, the company is pioneering a sustainable production model, utilizing small-scale micro factories to support local markets.

In August 2024, Naplasol, a Belgium-based provider of plant-based food ingredients, acquired Mycorena for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is aimed at expanding Naplasol's product offerings and strengthening its position in the plant-based food sector. By incorporating Mycorena's innovative mycelium-based protein solutions, Naplasol plans to diversify its ingredient portfolio and capitalize on the increasing demand for sustainable and nutritious food alternatives. Mycorena is a Sweden-based food-tech company specializing in mycelium-based protein solutions.

Alternative protein refers to protein sources that are not derived from traditional animal agriculture, such as beef, poultry, or fish. These alternatives aim to provide protein-rich food options while addressing concerns related to environmental sustainability, animal welfare, and the increasing demand for protein as the global population grows.

The main sources of alternative proteins are plant-based, insect-based, microbial-based, and others. Plant-based proteins are derived from a variety of plant sources, providing a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to animal-based proteins. These are available in dry and wet forms and are used in several applications, such as food and beverage, cattle, aquaculture, animal feed, pet food, equine, and others.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The rapid implementation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are having a notable impact on the food and beverage sector. Rising costs for imported ingredients such as olive oil, cheese, and tropical fruits are pressuring food manufacturers to either reformulate their products or absorb reduced profit margins. Beverage producers are similarly affected, with tariffs on aluminum cans driving up packaging costs. Meanwhile, retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural exports like soybeans and pork are disrupting farm-to-processor supply chains. In response, companies are adjusting recipes, increasing local sourcing, and using commodity hedging strategies to manage price volatility.

The main sources of alternative proteins are plant-based, insect-based, microbial-based, and others. Plant-based proteins are derived from a variety of plant sources, providing a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to animal-based proteins. These are available in dry and wet forms and are used in several applications, such as food and beverage, cattle, aquaculture, animal feed, pet food, equine, and others.

Major companies operating in the alternative protein market are Cargill Incorporated, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, CHS Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Kerry Group plc, Ingredion Incorporated, DIC Corporation, Glanbia Plc, Roquette Freres SA, Tate & Lyle Plc, Corbion NV, Now Health Group Inc., Farbest Farms Inc., Ynsect SAS, BENEO GmbH, Cyanotech Corporation, MycoTechnology Inc., Enterra Feed Corporation, Sotexpro, Axiom Foods Inc., Protix B.V., EnviroFlight LLC, Entomo Farms, Aspire Food Group, Pond Technologies Holdings Inc.

North America was the largest region in the alternative protein market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the alternative protein market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

The countries covered in the alternative protein market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The alternative protein market consists of sales of soy flours, soy concentrates, soy isolates, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and lab-grown meat. 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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