Rice Protein Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global rice protein market attained a value of USD 168.95 Million in 2024. The is expected to grow in the forecast period of 2025-2034 at a CAGR of 8.40% to reach USD 378.49 Million by 2034.

Rice Protein Market Growth

Thriving Food and Beverages Sector to Catalyse the Growth of the Global Rice Protein Industry

Based on application, the food and beverages segment is predicted to hold a significant market share in the rice protein industry in the forecast period. Many prominent rice protein manufacturers are investing in product development in order to maintain profitability and stay ahead in a highly competitive industry. Rice protein is widely used as a thickener, stabiliser, and food texturising agent to prepare baked goods, beverages, and dairy products, among others, which boosts the growth of the rice protein market.

The market is expected to be aided by the rising consumer awareness of healthy lifestyles and the increased R&D activities by the manufacturers to launch new products. Additionally, the rising demand for gluten-free products, especially dairy, as a result of an increase in the number of people suffering from digestive problems is anticipated to significantly contribute to the growth of the segment.

Rice Protein Market Trends

Rising Health Consciousness Among Consumers to Bolster the Growth of the Rice Protein Industry

The global rice protein industry is being driven by rising health concerns among consumers and the growing shift towards a healthier and more active lifestyle. The nutritional and hypoallergenic properties of rice protein products are the key highlights, which make them competitive with leading alternative protein products. Eventually, the overall market is expected to benefit from the increasing prevalence of healthy food trends. A crucial trend in rice protein market driving the demand for rice protein worldwide is the growing adoption of a plant-based diet among consumers to minimise the consumption of animal products due to allergens and additional processing.

In addition, many media outlets are aggressively promoting the benefits of plant-based proteins to improve one's health. Hence, the consumption of protein-fortified food items is expected to be in high demand. Over the forecast period, the growing investments to explore the potential applications of rice protein are expected to significantly contribute to the market growth.

Recent Developments

As per the rice protein market dynamics and trends, a team of researchers at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) announced that they have identified genes and markers that are responsible for low glycaemic index (GI) and high protein content in rice.

Industry Outlook

As per the rice protein industry analysis, scientists have developed an innovative hybrid food known as meaty rice, which offers an economical and eco-friendly source of protein. The research team at Yonsei University in South Korea stated that this rice contains around 8% more protein than regular rice and very low carbon footprint compared to regular beef. For every 100 g of protein produced, hybrid rice releases less than 6.27kg of carbon dioxide, which is expected to make it a popular option among consumers.

As per a study published in Plant Phenomics, a DCGAN, a generative adversarial network architecture, can be used to enhance grain protein content (GPC) model accuracy and explore gene dissection potential in rice to breed out superior varieties of rice. This technology can offer advanced genetic analysis to the researchers for development of high-end protein rice and can ultimately lead to the growth of the rice protein industry.

Growing Demand for Plant-Based Proteins and Vegan Diets Is Supporting the Global Rice Protein Market Share

• Technological advancements in extraction and processing methods enhance the quality and functionality of rice protein.
• Expansion of product offerings with innovative formulations for sports nutrition and functional foods.
• Rice protein is hypoallergenic, making it a preferred choice for consumers with allergies and boosting the rice protein demand growth.
• Rising popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets fuelling the demand for rice protein.

Challenges in Production and Supply Chain Management of Rice-Based Plant Protein

• High production costs associated with advanced extraction and purification processes.
• Inferior taste profile when compared to other protein sources, requiring additional processing.
• Limited availability of rice protein compared to other plant proteins like soy and pea can impact rice protein demand forecast.
• Dependence on specific regions for rice cultivation leading to supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Potential consumer preference shifts to more established protein sources like soy or dairy alternatives.
• Regulatory challenges related to labeling and health claims.

Emerging Trends in Clean Label Products Consumption and Collaboration With Food and Beverage Companies May Fuel the Growth of Global Market

• Growing demand for clean-label and allergen-free protein sources opening new market segments.
• Expansion into functional food and beverage applications, including protein bars, shakes, and dairy alternatives, can enhance rice protein demand.
• Increasing investment in research and development for innovative rice protein products.
• Potential for collaborations with food and beverage companies to develop new applications and formulations.

Rice Protein Industry Segmentations

Rice protein is a vegan protein powder made from white and brown rice. Rice protein is rich in cysteine and methionine, the sulphur-containing amino acids, but low in lysine. Protein intake is essential for a healthy body and an active lifestyle. Although there are many different protein supplements that are available in the market, rice protein is becoming increasingly popular among vegans and vegetarian consumers as they are considered highly nutritious, low in calories, and allergy free.

By product type, the rice protein industry is divided into:

• Rice Protein Isolates
• Rice Protein Concentrates
• Others

Based on application, the industry can be segmented into:

• Food and Beverages
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics
• Animal Feed

The regional markets for the product include:

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

Competitive Landscape

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global rice protein industry, looking into their capacity, market shares, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions:

• AIDP, Inc.
• Axiom Foods Inc.
• Bioway (Xi'An) Organic Ingredients Co., Ltd
• Golden Grain Group Limited
• RiceBran Technologies
• Shaanxi Fuheng (FH) Biotechnology Co., Ltd
• Others

The comprehensive report looks into the macro and micro aspects of the industry. The report gives an in-depth insight into the market by providing a SWOT analysis as well as an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces model.

Rice Protein Market Regional Analysis

The Asia-Pacific to Provide Significant Growth Opportunities to the Rice Protein Industry

Geographically, North America accounts for a significant rice protein market share. This can be attributed to the rising demand for rice protein among food manufacturers, as it is a better alternative to whey and soy protein due to its better digestibility and taste. It is in great demand for manufacturing healthy shakes and sports drinks. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific is expected to witness robust growth in the forecast period due to the increasing investment in the research and development of rice protein production, such as the machinery and equipment required in the process, to increase productivity and profitability. In addition, the increasing demand for functional and fortified food products in the Asia-Pacific is expected to provide significant opportunities for market expansion over the forecast period.

Factors Impacting the Price of Rice Protein

• Raw Material Availability: Fluctuations in rice production due to climate conditions, crop yield, and agricultural practices can affect the supply and cost of rice protein.
• Processing Costs: The complexity of extracting protein from rice and refining it to meet food-grade standards contributes to higher production costs, influencing the final price, and enhancing rice protein market opportunities.
• Demand for Plant-Based Proteins: Increasing global demand for plant-based and vegan proteins can drive up prices due to rising consumption and competition for raw materials.
• Competition from Other Plant Proteins: Price competition with other plant-based proteins, such as soy and pea, can affect rice protein pricing strategies.
• Supply Chain Logistics: Transportation, storage, and distribution costs, along with trade policies, tariffs, and import/export regulations, can significantly impact the overall price of rice protein as well as the demand of rice protein market.
• Technological Advancements: Innovations in extraction and production processes may either reduce or increase costs, depending on efficiency improvements or new investments required.
• Regulatory Factors: Compliance with food safety standards, certifications, and quality control measures can add to production costs, influencing market pricing.

Key Demand Indicators in the Global Rice Protein Market

• Increasing Consumer Preference for Plant-Based Proteins: Rising health and sustainability trends are driving consumer preference for plant-based protein sources, including rice protein, which can increase the rice protein market revenue.
• Growth in Vegan and Vegetarian Consumers: The global increase in vegan and vegetarian populations boosts the demand for rice protein products.
• Expansion of the Functional Food and Beverage Industry: The growing functional food and beverage sector requires high-quality protein ingredients, driving demand for rice protein.
• Rising Awareness of Nutritional Benefits: Increasing awareness of the nutritional benefits of rice protein compared to other protein sources enhances demand.
• Economic Growth and Rising Disposable Incomes: Economic growth and higher disposable incomes encourage consumer spending on health and wellness products, including rice protein.
• Seasonal and Cultural Influences: Seasonal variations and cultural trends play a role in shaping consumption patterns of protein products, including rice protein.