Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Size, Share and Trends Analysis Report – Industry Overview and Forecast to 2033

Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Size

• The global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market size was valued at USD 186.40 million in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 290.43 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 5.70% during the forecast period.
• The market growth is primarily driven by increasing awareness of sustainable food practices and the growing emphasis on reducing food waste, which is encouraging the extraction of proteins from food by-products.
• Moreover, rising demand from the food, beverage, and animal feed industries for cost-effective, high-nutrient protein sources is positioning food-waste derived proteins as a preferred alternative to conventional protein sources. These converging factors are accelerating market adoption, thereby significantly propelling the industry’s growth.

Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Analysis

• Food-waste derived proteins, extracted from food by-products and processing waste, are increasingly vital components of the food, beverage, and animal feed industries due to their high nutritional value, cost-effectiveness, and contribution to sustainable practices in both commercial and industrial settings.
• The escalating demand for food-waste derived proteins is primarily fueled by growing awareness of food waste reduction, increasing demand for alternative protein sources, and a rising preference for sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients.
• North America dominated the Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market with the largest revenue share of 32% in 2025, characterized by early adoption of sustainable food practices, high consumer awareness, and a strong presence of key industry players, with the U.S. experiencing substantial growth in food-waste protein utilization, particularly in processed foods and animal feed, driven by innovations from both established manufacturers and startups focusing on novel extraction technologies.
• Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market during the forecast period due to increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing adoption of sustainable food practices.
• The soy protein segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 38.7% in 2025, driven by its high protein content, functional versatility, and widespread use in plant-based food formulations.

Report Scope and Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Segmentation

Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Trends

Innovation Through Advanced Processing and Functional Integration

• A significant and accelerating trend in the global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market is the deepening adoption of advanced processing technologies and functional integration to enhance nutritional quality, bioavailability, and application versatility. This innovation is enabling food manufacturers to convert food waste streams into high-value protein ingredients more efficiently.
  • For instance, companies such as ADM and Cargill are utilizing enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation processes to extract proteins from fruit, vegetable, and cereal waste, creating ingredients suitable for beverages, bakery, and plant-based meat products. Similarly, Roquette and DuPont are developing protein concentrates and isolates with improved solubility and digestibility for inclusion in nutraceuticals and functional foods.
• Advanced processing technologies also enable customization of functional properties such as emulsification, foaming, and gelation, allowing these proteins to meet the specific requirements of diverse food applications. For example, Puris Proteins and BENEO have optimized pea and rice protein isolates for incorporation into protein bars and dairy alternatives with minimal impact on taste or texture.
• The integration of these proteins into various food matrices supports sustainability goals by reducing food waste while enhancing the nutritional profile of consumer products. Companies are increasingly promoting these ingredients as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional animal-based proteins, aligning with the growing plant-based and clean-label trends.
• This trend towards more functional, versatile, and sustainable protein ingredients is fundamentally reshaping consumer expectations in the food and nutraceutical industries. Consequently, companies such as Nature’s Fynd and Meihua Holdings are developing innovative protein solutions derived from food waste with tailored amino acid profiles and improved sensory characteristics.
• The demand for high-quality, sustainable, and functionally versatile food-waste derived proteins is growing rapidly across food & beverages, nutraceuticals, and animal feed sectors, as manufacturers prioritize both environmental responsibility and product performance.

Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Dynamics

Driver

Growing Need Due to Sustainability and Protein Demand

• The increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, coupled with the rising global demand for protein-rich foods, is a significant driver for the heightened adoption of food-waste derived proteins.
  • For instance, in 2025, Cargill announced advancements in converting fruit and vegetable waste into high-quality protein ingredients for beverages and bakery products. Such initiatives by key companies are expected to drive the food-waste derived proteins market growth during the forecast period.
• As consumers and manufacturers focus on reducing food waste while maintaining nutritional value, food-waste derived proteins offer functional benefits such as high protein content, amino acid balance, and versatile application in food, nutraceuticals, and animal feed products.
• Furthermore, the growing popularity of plant-based diets, clean-label products, and sustainable sourcing practices is making food-waste derived proteins an essential component of modern food formulations, enabling companies to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly and health-conscious products.
• The convenience of incorporating ready-to-use protein isolates, concentrates, and powders into existing formulations, along with the ability to tailor functional properties for specific applications, are key factors propelling adoption across food & beverages, nutraceuticals, and animal feed sectors. The trend towards sustainable production practices and regulatory encouragement for food waste reduction further supports market expansion.

Restraint/Challenge

Processing Complexity and Cost Constraints

• The technical complexity involved in efficiently extracting high-quality proteins from diverse food waste streams poses a significant challenge to broader market penetration. Achieving consistent protein quality, functional properties, and safety standards requires advanced processing technologies, which can be capital-intensive.
  • For instance, specialized enzymatic or fermentation-based extraction methods adopted by companies such as Roquette and DuPont Nutrition can increase production costs, making these ingredients more expensive than conventional protein sources.
• Addressing these challenges through process optimization, technological innovation, and economies of scale is crucial for expanding market adoption. Companies are also investing in research to improve protein yield, reduce off-flavors, and enhance solubility, which are critical for consumer acceptance and product performance.
• Additionally, price sensitivity in emerging markets and among smaller food manufacturers can limit the uptake of premium food-waste derived protein ingredients. While large-scale manufacturers benefit from reduced raw material costs and sustainability branding, smaller players may find the initial investment challenging.
• Overcoming these challenges through cost-effective extraction technologies, improved functional performance, and consumer education on sustainability benefits will be vital for sustained market growth in the global food-waste derived proteins sector.

Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, source, form and application.

• By Type

On the basis of type, the Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market is segmented into soy protein, wheat protein, pea protein, rice protein, potato protein, and others. The soy protein segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 38.7% in 2025, driven by its high protein content, functional versatility, and widespread use in plant-based food formulations. Soy protein is widely incorporated into bakery products, beverages, and meat analogues due to its excellent emulsifying, gelling, and texturizing properties. Additionally, its nutritional profile, rich in essential amino acids, makes it a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers and nutraceutical applications.

The pea protein segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 22.4% from 2026 to 2033, fueled by the growing popularity of allergen-free and plant-based protein alternatives. Its clean taste, ease of digestibility, and compatibility with various food matrices make it increasingly attractive for beverages, snacks, and protein-enriched foods, particularly in emerging markets.

• By Source

On the basis of source, the Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market is segmented into vegetable waste, fruit waste, dairy waste, cereal waste, and others. The vegetable waste segment held the largest market revenue share of 42.1% in 2025, owing to the large volumes of vegetable by-products generated in food processing and the ability to extract high-quality protein concentrates suitable for functional foods and animal feed. Vegetable-derived proteins are rich in essential nutrients and offer functional benefits such as emulsification, water-binding, and texturizing properties, making them highly desirable for diverse applications.

The fruit waste segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 21.8% from 2026 to 2033, driven by increasing efforts to valorize fruit peels, pomace, and pulp generated during juice and beverage production. Fruit-derived proteins are gaining traction in nutraceuticals, functional beverages, and bakery applications due to their natural antioxidant content, bioactive compounds, and clean-label appeal.

• By Form

On the basis of form, the Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market is segmented into powder, liquid, and concentrate. The powder segment dominated the market with a revenue share of 45.3% in 2025, attributed to its longer shelf life, ease of storage, and flexibility for incorporation into a wide range of food, beverage, and nutraceutical products. Powdered proteins are particularly preferred in protein bars, bakery mixes, and powdered beverages, where precise dosing and functional stability are critical.

The liquid segment is projected to witness the fastest CAGR of 20.9% from 2026 to 2033, fueled by growing demand in ready-to-drink beverages, smoothies, and dairy alternatives. Liquid proteins offer convenience for manufacturers and consumers, enable instant solubility, and retain bioactive properties, making them ideal for innovative functional food and beverage applications.

• By Application

On the basis of application, the Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market is segmented into food & beverages, animal feed, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and others. The food & beverages segment accounted for the largest market revenue share of 47.6% in 2025, driven by the rising consumption of protein-enriched products, plant-based diets, and functional foods. Proteins derived from food waste are widely used in bakery, snacks, beverages, and meat analogues to enhance nutritional value while supporting sustainability initiatives.

The nutraceuticals segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 23.1% from 2026 to 2033, fueled by increasing consumer awareness regarding protein’s role in immunity, muscle health, and wellness. The rising demand for dietary supplements, protein powders, and fortified functional foods is encouraging manufacturers to incorporate sustainable, high-quality proteins from food waste streams into their product offerings.

Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Regional Analysis

• North America dominated the Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market with the largest revenue share of 32% in 2025, driven by increasing consumer awareness of sustainable food practices, growing demand for plant-based and alternative protein products, and the presence of well-established food processing industries.
• Consumers and manufacturers in the region prioritize environmentally friendly protein sources that help reduce food waste while delivering high nutritional value. The adoption of food-waste derived proteins is further supported by regulatory incentives promoting sustainability, as well as a robust trend toward functional foods, protein-enriched beverages, and nutraceutical products.
• This widespread adoption is also fueled by high disposable incomes, growing health-consciousness, and strong R&D capabilities of food companies in North America, establishing food-waste derived proteins as a preferred solution for food & beverages, nutraceuticals, and animal feed applications.

U.S. Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Insight

The U.S. food-waste derived proteins market captured the largest revenue share of 81% in 2025 within North America, driven by the rising demand for sustainable and plant-based protein alternatives. Consumers and manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing the reduction of food waste while incorporating high-quality protein ingredients into functional foods, beverages, and nutraceutical products. The growing trend of clean-label products, coupled with robust R&D in food processing and protein extraction technologies, further propels the market. Moreover, increasing regulatory support for food waste valorization and sustainability initiatives is significantly contributing to market expansion.

Europe Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Insight

The Europe food-waste derived proteins market is projected to expand at a substantial CAGR throughout the forecast period, primarily driven by stringent food safety regulations, environmental sustainability mandates, and growing demand for plant-based protein alternatives. Urbanization and increased health consciousness are fostering the adoption of proteins derived from fruit, vegetable, and cereal waste. European consumers value clean-label, sustainable ingredients, and manufacturers are integrating these proteins into bakery, beverages, and nutraceuticals, across both new product developments and reformulations.

U.K. Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Insight

The U.K. food-waste derived proteins market is anticipated to grow at a noteworthy CAGR during the forecast period, fueled by increasing consumer awareness of sustainability and health benefits associated with plant-based proteins. Rising adoption of protein-enriched foods and beverages, coupled with concerns over food waste reduction, is encouraging manufacturers to explore high-quality protein ingredients from food by-products. The country’s mature food processing industry and e-commerce growth are also expected to stimulate market expansion.

Germany Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Insight

The Germany food-waste derived proteins market is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, driven by strong government focus on sustainability, eco-friendly food production, and high consumer awareness of environmental issues. Germany’s advanced infrastructure, technological capabilities, and emphasis on innovation promote the adoption of proteins from food waste in functional foods, beverages, and nutraceuticals. Manufacturers are increasingly integrating these proteins into products that meet consumer demand for clean-label and high-nutrition offerings.

Asia-Pacific Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Insight

The Asia-Pacific food-waste derived proteins market is poised to grow at the fastest CAGR of 24% from 2026 to 2033, driven by rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and increasing awareness of sustainable food practices in countries such as China, Japan, and India. The growing plant-based diet trend, coupled with government initiatives promoting sustainability and food waste reduction, is accelerating adoption. APAC’s role as a manufacturing hub for food processing and protein extraction technologies is also improving affordability and accessibility, expanding the consumer base for food-waste derived proteins.

Japan Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Insight

The Japan food-waste derived proteins market is gaining momentum due to high consumer awareness of nutrition, clean-label products, and sustainability. Rapid urbanization and the growing popularity of functional foods and beverages are driving demand. Integration of these proteins into nutraceuticals and ready-to-eat products is increasing, while an aging population further supports demand for protein-enriched, convenient, and health-focused food options in both residential and commercial sectors.

China Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Insight

The China food-waste derived proteins market accounted for the largest market revenue share in Asia-Pacific in 2025, fueled by the country’s expanding middle class, high protein consumption trends, and rapid adoption of sustainable food solutions. The government’s initiatives for food waste reduction, coupled with strong domestic manufacturing capabilities, are enabling large-scale production and accessibility of food-waste derived proteins. Rising demand across functional foods, beverages, and animal feed sectors is further propelling market growth.

Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market Share

The Food-waste Derived Proteins industry is primarily led by well-established companies, including:

• ADM (U.S.)
• Cargill (U.S.)
• Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.)
• Roquette Frères (France)
• Koninklijke DSM N.V. (Netherlands)
• DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (U.S.)
• Tate & Lyle (U.K.)
• Kerry Group (Ireland)
• Glanbia Nutritionals (Ireland)
• Olam International (Singapore)
• Axiom Foods (U.S.)
• Meihua Holdings Group Co., Ltd. (China)
• SunOpta Inc. (Canada)
• BENEO GmbH (Germany)
• Farbest Brands Inc. (U.S.)
• Puris Proteins LLC (U.S.)
• Fuji Oil Holdings Inc. (Japan)
• Nature’s Fynd (U.S.)
• Calysta Inc. (U.S.)
• Ingredia SA (France)

What are the Recent Developments in Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market?

• In April 2024, ADM, a global leader in food and nutrition, launched a strategic initiative in South Africa aimed at converting locally sourced vegetable and cereal waste into high-quality protein ingredients for food and nutraceutical applications. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable food production and reducing food waste while delivering functional, nutrient-rich proteins tailored to regional needs. By leveraging global expertise and advanced processing technologies, ADM is addressing local supply chain challenges and reinforcing its position in the rapidly growing Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market.
• In March 2024, Cargill Inc., a global food and ingredient company, introduced an innovative pea and rice protein concentrate line specifically developed for functional beverages and bakery products. The launch emphasizes Cargill’s commitment to plant-based nutrition and sustainable protein solutions. These proteins offer enhanced solubility, taste, and amino acid profiles, enabling manufacturers to meet growing consumer demand for clean-label, sustainable products.
• In March 2024, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences successfully deployed a pilot program in Bengaluru, India, converting fruit and vegetable processing waste into protein isolates for nutraceuticals and functional foods. This initiative leverages cutting-edge extraction technologies to create value from food by-products, highlighting DuPont’s dedication to innovation and sustainability in emerging markets.
• In February 2024, Roquette Frères, a leading provider of plant-based ingredients, announced a strategic partnership with local dairy cooperatives in Europe to produce dairy waste-derived proteins for food and animal feed applications. The collaboration aims to enhance protein accessibility, promote waste reduction, and provide cost-effective, functional protein ingredients to manufacturers, reinforcing Roquette’s focus on sustainability and operational efficiency.
• In January 2024, Nature’s Fynd, an innovative food-tech company, unveiled its latest microbial protein product derived from food waste at a major international food expo. This protein, designed for both human nutrition and animal feed applications, exemplifies the company’s commitment to creating sustainable, high-quality protein alternatives. The launch demonstrates how advanced biotechnology and food-waste valorization are driving growth in the Global Food-waste Derived Proteins Market, offering manufacturers versatile solutions that meet nutritional and environmental goals.

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