Hemp Protein Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2021-2031

The Global Hemp Protein Market is projected to expand from a valuation of USD 70.67 Million in 2025 to USD 94.43 Million by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 4.95%. Obtained by milling the meal of cold-pressed Cannabis sativa seeds, hemp protein is valued for its high digestibility and complete amino acid profile. The market is largely fueled by the growing global preference for sustainable and non-allergenic dietary options, as consumers increasingly shift toward vegan and flexitarian lifestyles. This demand is further amplified by the incorporation of hemp ingredients into sports nutrition and functional food products. Data from the National Hemp Association in 2025 highlights a strengthening agricultural base, noting that domestic hemp grain production reached 3.41 million pounds for the 2024 crop year, representing a 10% increase.

Despite these growth factors, the sector encounters substantial hurdles due to disparate regulatory frameworks worldwide. Manufacturers face operational uncertainty caused by varying legal thresholds for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and complicated compliance mandates, such as the European Union's Novel Food regulations. This fragmentation makes supply chain logistics more difficult and impedes the standardization required for hemp protein to gain widespread commercial acceptance in mainstream markets.

Market Drivers

The rising global adoption of vegan and plant-based diets serves as a major engine for the Global Hemp Protein Market, as consumers actively seek sustainable, non-animal nutritional sources. With a growing emphasis on health and environmental stewardship, hemp protein is becoming increasingly popular as a complete plant protein offering all nine essential amino acids, distinguishing it from incomplete alternatives. This shift is substantiated by strong market performance; the Good Food Institute's '2024 State of the Industry Report', released in April 2025, indicates that global retail sales for plant-based meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs hit $28.6 billion in 2024. Such robust figures encourage manufacturers to incorporate hemp-based ingredients across various product categories, cementing its position in the plant-based sector.

Simultaneously, the market is expanding through applications in sports nutrition and functional foods, moving hemp ingredients beyond simple dietary supplements. Utilizing hemp’s neutral flavor and high digestibility, manufacturers are creating innovative products such as performance nutrition bars and fortified beverages. This trajectory is especially strong in the sports nutrition realm, where demand for clean-label aids is growing; the Good Food Institute noted in April 2025 that consumer interest in protein enrichment led to an 11% rise in U.S. protein powder sales in 2024. These developments are supported by a solidifying supply chain, evidenced by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service reporting in 2025 that the total value of U.S. industrial hemp production reached $445 million for the 2024 crop year, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality feedstocks.

Market Challenges

The expansion of the Global Hemp Protein Market is significantly impeded by inconsistent regulatory frameworks and differing legal thresholds across various nations. This regulatory patchwork creates an unstable environment where producers must manage complex compliance obligations, specifically regarding novel food designations and THC limits. Such variations compel companies to tailor formulations for specific markets, which disrupts supply chain efficiency and blocks the standardization necessary for mass adoption. As a result, the difficulty in forming a unified global trade strategy limits the industry's capacity to effectively scale its distribution and production networks.

These regulatory barriers carry profound financial consequences that directly limit market entry for numerous potential players. According to the European Industrial Hemp Association in 2025, the cost for a single company to register a product under strict Novel Food guidelines is estimated between €350,000 and €500,000. This immense capital demand places a disproportionate burden on smaller businesses, leading to market consolidation among larger corporations while simultaneously retarding the overall speed of commercial availability and product development in major consumer regions.

Market Trends

Producers are increasingly deploying specialized processing and dehulling technologies to generate "white" hemp protein powders. In contrast to traditional green variants, these isolates provide a neutral color and flavor, thereby broadening their use in baked goods and dairy alternatives where sensory qualities are paramount. This technological advancement overcomes flavor issues that previously limited the ingredient's mainstream use. As reported by Let's Talk Hemp in May 2025 within the article 'Victory Hemp Boosts Capacity with U.S. Expansion', Victory Hemp Foods introduced a new processing line to scale up V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein, a white isolate developed to satisfy the manufacturing need for allergen-free, neutral-tasting ingredients.

Concurrently, the market is witnessing a rise in the incorporation of hemp protein into the premium pet food segment. Brands are creating hypoallergenic treats for cats and dogs that utilize hemp’s omega fatty acid profile and digestibility to promote skin and coat health, distinguishing these items from those containing standard grain fillers. This trend aligns with the broader growth of the pet nutrition sector, opening avenues for functional plant-based ingredients. According to the '2025 Agri-Food Outlook' by Alltech, published in May 2025, global pet food production hit 37.7 million metric tons in 2024, a 4.5% rise that underscores the substantial industrial capacity available for integrating novel proteins.

Key Players Profiled in the Hemp Protein Market

• Axiom Foods, Inc.
• ETChem
• Green Source Organics
• GFR Ingredients Inc.
• Foodcom S.A.
• Bioway Organic Group Limited
• Tilray Brands, Inc.
• Sunwarrior LLC
• India Hemp & Co.
• Navitas LLC

Report Scope

In this report, the Global Hemp Protein Market has been segmented into the following categories:

Hemp Protein Market, by Source:

• Organic
• Conventional

Hemp Protein Market, by Application:

• Functional Food
• Functional Beverage
• Dietary Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care
• Other Industrial Uses

Hemp Protein Market, by Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

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

Available Customization

The analyst offers customization according to your specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

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

This product will be delivered within 1-3 business days.