Protein Hydrolysates Market Report 2025

This Protein Hydrolysates Market report delivers an in-depth analysis of the market’s key characteristics, including size, growth potential, and segmentation. It provides a detailed breakdown of the market across major regions and leading countries, highlighting historical data and future growth projections. The report also examines the competitive landscape, market share insights, emerging trends, and strategic developments shaping the market.

The protein hydrolysates market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $4.24 billion in 2024 to $4.67 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the growing demand for nutritional supplements, rising needs in infant nutrition, the increasing popularity of functional foods, advancements in hydrolysis technology, and the boom in sports nutrition.

The protein hydrolysates market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.75 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.7%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to a growing focus on digestive health, the rising prevalence of food allergies, the expansion of plant-based protein hydrolysates, a growing geriatric population, and sustainability trends. Key trends in the forecast period include a shift towards plant-based protein hydrolysates, clean-label and organic products, technological advancements, incorporation of protein hydrolysates in novel applications, regional growth in the Asia-Pacific, and the rise of precision nutrition.

The increasing preference for plant-based diets is expected to drive the growth of the protein hydrolysates market in the coming years. This shift toward plant-based diets is largely influenced by rising health awareness, as people seek to prevent lifestyle-related diseases, and environmental concerns, as many opt for sustainable food choices to reduce the impact of animal agriculture on climate change. Protein hydrolysates are highly beneficial in meeting the growing demand for plant-based diets, as they offer easily digestible, high-quality protein alternatives derived from plant sources. This enables food manufacturers to develop nutritionally balanced and attractive plant-based products such as meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and functional foods. For example, in May 2024, a report by The Plant-Based Foods Association, a US-based trade association representing the plant-based food industry, revealed that plant-based foods reached $8.1 billion in U.S. retail sales in 2023, up from $7.5 billion in 2021. As a result, the increasing consumer preference for plant-based diets is driving the expansion of the protein hydrolysates market.

Leading companies in the protein hydrolysates market are focusing on advancements in protein hydrolysis technology, such as single-source whey protein hydrolysate, to enhance product effectiveness, improve digestibility, and meet the rising demand for high-quality, easily absorbed protein supplements. Single-source whey protein hydrolysate is a highly processed form of whey protein broken down into smaller peptides for faster absorption and improved digestibility. For example, in November 2024, Arla Foods, a Denmark-based dairy producer, introduced a new whey protein hydrolysate, Lacprodan DI-3092, designed to improve peptide-based medical nutrition. This innovative ingredient delivers 10 grams of high-quality protein per 100 ml, significantly surpassing the typical 6-7 grams found in similar products. It is designed to minimize bitterness, which is a common challenge in medical nutrition, thereby improving patient compliance. The hydrolysate has a high degree of hydrolysis (16-22%) and low lactose content, making it suitable for individuals with gastrointestinal issues.

In January 2023, Butterfly, a US-based private equity firm, acquired Milk Specialties Global for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition allows Butterfly to expand its food sector portfolio by leveraging expertise in performance nutrition. The move is part of Butterfly's broader strategy to increase its presence in the food and nutrition industries. Milk Specialties Global is a US-based provider of human and animal nutrition products, including dairy-based proteins and functional ingredients such as protein hydrolysates.

Major players in the protein hydrolysates market are Cargill Incorporated, Nestlé S.A., Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), BASF SE, Abbott Laboratories, Danone S.A., Merck KGaA, Arla Foods Ingredients, Reckitt Benckiser, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V, Fonterra Co-operative Group, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Kerry Group plc, Agropur Cooperative, Savencia Fromage & Dairy, Darling Ingredients, Glanbia plc, Roquette Frères, Symrise AG, Azelis Holding S.A., Hilmar Cheese Company, Novozymes SA, Tatua Cooperative Dairy Company, Bioiberica S.A.U., Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, AOAC INTERNATIONAL, and A. Costantino & C. S.p.A.

North America was the largest region in the protein hydrolysates market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in protein hydrolysates report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the protein hydrolysates market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Protein hydrolysates are mixtures of amino acids, peptides, and proteins produced by breaking down larger protein molecules through a process called hydrolysis. Hydrolysis uses enzymes, acids, or other chemical methods to cleave the peptide bonds in proteins, resulting in smaller components that are easier to digest.

The main types of protein hydrolysates are animal protein hydrolysates and plant protein hydrolysates. Animal protein hydrolysates are derived from the enzymatic breakdown of animal proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which are commonly used in various nutritional applications. These hydrolysates come in forms such as powder and liquid, with processing methods including acid and alkaline hydrolysis as well as enzymatic hydrolysis. They are used in applications such as dietary supplements, infant formula, sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, and food and beverages.

The protein hydrolysates market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides protein hydrolysates market statistics, including protein hydrolysates industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a protein hydrolysates market share, detailed protein hydrolysates market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the protein hydrolysates industry. This protein hydrolysates market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The protein hydrolysates market consists of sales of products such as marine protein hydrolysates, meat protein hydrolysates, silk protein hydrolysates, egg protein hydrolysates, yeast protein hydrolysates, pet food, fermentation ingredients, and gluten-free protein hydrolysates. 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 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.

This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.