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

The south america pea protein market size was valued at USD 380.34 million in 2025 and estimated to grow from USD 407.42 million in 2026 to reach USD 574.83 million by 2031, at a CAGR of 7.12% during the forecast period (2026-2031). This report is Segmented by Form (Concentrates, Isolates, Textured/Hydrolyzed), Nature (Conventional and Organic), End User (Food and Beverages, Animal Feed, Supplements, Personal Care and Cosmetics), and Geography (Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Rest of South America). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

South America Pea Protein Market Trends and Insights

Increasing demand for plant-based protein alternatives

The South America pea protein market is experiencing strong growth driven by the rising demand for plant-based protein alternatives. Growing health consciousness, shifting dietary preferences toward vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, and concerns over animal welfare and environmental sustainability are fueling this trend. In 2024, 74% of Brazilians expressed a willingness to reduce or completely eliminate meat from their diets, according to a survey conducted by the Brazilian Vegetarian Society. Consumers increasingly view plant-based proteins as clean-label, allergen-free, and highly digestible substitutes for animal-derived proteins. The expanding adoption of flexitarian diets across major economies such as Brazil, Argentina, and Chile is further supporting market expansion. Food and beverage manufacturers are incorporating pea protein in products like meat alternatives, nutritional supplements, and dairy substitutes. The popularity of plant-based diets among fitness enthusiasts and environmentally conscious consumers is also accelerating demand. Overall, pea protein’s versatility and nutritional profile are positioning it as a key ingredient in South America’s evolving protein landscape.

Rising vegan and vegetarian population

The rising vegan and vegetarian population is a major driver of the South America pea protein market. Consumers are increasingly shifting toward plant-based diets driven by growing health awareness, environmental sustainability, and ethical concerns over animal welfare. This trend is especially evident in Brazil, where an estimated 10 million people identified as vegan in 2024, marking a significant rise in plant-based lifestyle adoption. Urban youth and health-conscious consumers are leading this transition, influenced by global wellness and sustainability movements. Pea protein’s clean-label, allergen-free, and nutrient-rich profile makes it an ideal choice for vegan food and beverage formulations. The expanding retail and foodservice availability of plant-based meat, dairy alternatives, and snack products further supports market growth. As consumer adoption strengthens, the South America pea protein market continues to witness robust expansion driven by rising demand for plant-forward nutrition.

High production costs of pea protein extraction

High production costs associated with pea protein extraction act as a significant restraint on the South America pea protein market. The extraction and isolation process involves complex technologies such as wet fractionation, which require substantial energy input and specialized equipment. Limited regional processing infrastructure further adds to operational costs, making locally produced pea protein less price-competitive compared to imported or alternative plant proteins. Fluctuating raw material prices and supply chain inefficiencies also contribute to cost pressures. These high production expenses often translate into elevated pricing for end products, restricting affordability for mass-market consumers. Small and mid-sized food manufacturers face additional challenges in scaling production due to capital-intensive processing requirements. Consequently, cost constraints continue to limit the broader penetration and competitiveness of pea protein within South America’s plant-based protein market.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

• Rising demand for clean label and allergen-free products
• Rising popularity of meat substitutes and plant-based meat
• Taste and texture challenges in product formulations

Segment Analysis

Pea protein isolates commanded the largest market share of 52.96% in 2025 within the South America pea protein market. This dominance is largely attributed to their high protein content ranging between 80-85%, which aligns well with stringent formulation requirements in key applications such as sports nutrition, infant formula, and dairy alternatives. These sectors prioritize not only nutritional value but also functional performance and clean labeling, where pea protein isolates excel. Their versatility and ability to maintain stability and texture make them preferred choices among manufacturers. Additionally, the growing consumer awareness around plant-based proteins and allergen-free options further reinforce the leading position of pea protein isolates.

Hydrolyzed and textured pea protein forms represent the fastest-growing segments within the market, forecasted to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.54% through 2031. This rapid growth is propelled by increasing demand for enhanced functional properties such as improved solubility, easier digestibility, and better mouthfeel, which these forms provide. Hydrolyzed proteins are particularly favored in specialized nutrition products, including sports supplements and infant nutrition, due to their superior bioavailability. Textured pea protein caters to the meat substitute market by offering desirable texture and structure, aiding the shift toward plant-based diets. Market players are investing heavily in research and development to optimize these forms to meet evolving consumer preferences.

Complete Report Scope:

• By Form
  • Concentrates
  • Isolates
  • Textured/Hydrolyzed
• By Nature
  • Conventional
  • Organic
• End User
  • Food and Beverages
    • Bakery
    • Beverages
    • Breakfast Cereals
    • Condiments / Sauces
    • Dairy and Dairy-Alternative
    • Meat / Poultry / Seafood and Alternatives
    • RTE / RTC Meals
    • Snacks
  • Animal Feed
  • Supplements
    • Baby Food and Infant Formula
    • Elderly and Medical Nutrition
    • Sport / Performance Nutrition
  • Personal Care and Cosmetics
• By Country
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Chile
  • Peru
  • Rest of South America

List of Companies Covered in this Report:

• Roquette Frères
• Ingredion Incorporated
• Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM)
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Glanbia plc
• Puris Foods LLC
• Axiom Foods, Inc.
• Burcon NutraScience Corp.
• Emsland Group
• AGT Food & Ingredients
• Cosucra Groupe Warcoing
• The Scoular Company
• Kerry Group plc
• Shandong Jianyuan Foods
• Yantai Shuangta Food Co.
• Vestkorn Milling AS
• Sotexpro (GEMEF Industries)
• Fenchem Biotek Ltd.
• Nutri-Pea Limited
• Farbest Brands

Additional Benefits:

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