Global Plant Protein Ingredient Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Plant Protein Ingredient Market Analysis and Size

The plant protein ingredient market has experienced substantial growth driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and plant-based food options. This growth is supported by rising awareness of health and environmental benefits associated with plant-based diets, including lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced land and water use compared to animal agriculture. Key plant protein sources such as soy, pea, and wheat have seen significant adoption in food and beverage applications due to their nutritional profiles and functional properties, such as emulsification and texturization. The market expansion is further fueled by advancements in extraction technologies that improve the yield and quality of plant proteins, making them more cost-effective and versatile for manufacturers.              

Global plant protein ingredient market size was valued at USD 14.97 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 25.32 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 6.79% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation       

Market Definition

Plant protein ingredients are protein-rich substances derived from plants that are used as nutritional supplements or functional ingredients in various food and beverage products. These ingredients are extracted or processed from plant sources such as legumes (e.g., peas, lentils), grains (e.g., wheat, rice), seeds (e.g., hemp, chia), nuts (e.g., almonds, peanuts), and other plant-based sources. Plant protein ingredients are valued for their high protein content, amino acid profile, and often their suitability for vegan, vegetarian, or allergen-sensitive diets compared to animal-based proteins.

Plant Protein Ingredient Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing Consumer Demand for Plant-Based Products   

Growing awareness among consumers about the health benefits associated with plant-based diets, such as reduced cholesterol levels and lowered risks of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes, is a significant driver for the plant protein ingredient market. As more individuals seek healthier dietary choices, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for plant protein ingredients across various food and beverage categories. This trend is supported by a growing body of scientific research highlighting the nutritional advantages of plant proteins over animal-based alternatives, further solidifying consumer confidence in choosing plant-based options.               

• Rising Vegan and Vegetarian Population             

The global rise in the number of vegans and vegetarians is driving substantial growth in the plant protein ingredient market. Vegan and vegetarian diets exclude animal products, making plant proteins crucial as primary protein sources in these dietary preferences. This demographic shift is driven by ethical considerations, health concerns, and environmental awareness. Plant protein ingredients are seen as sustainable alternatives to animal-derived proteins, aligning with the values and dietary choices of this expanding consumer segment. As more individuals adopt plant-based lifestyles, the demand for diverse and accessible plant protein ingredients continues to grow, fostering innovation and market expansion.

Opportunities

• Environmental Sustainability Concerns

Increased awareness of environmental sustainability and the carbon footprint associated with food production is compelling consumers and food manufacturers alike to embrace plant-based protein sources. Plant protein ingredients require fewer resources—such as land and water—than animal-based proteins, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduced environmental impact. This growing consumer preference for sustainable food choices creates a significant market opportunity for plant protein ingredients.        

• Technological Advancements in Processing

Advancements in extraction and processing technologies are revolutionizing the plant protein ingredient market by improving efficiency, yield, and functionality. Innovative processing techniques enhance the nutritional profiles and sensory attributes of plant proteins, making them more appealing to food manufacturers seeking versatile ingredients for a wide range of applications. Improved extraction methods ensure higher purity and consistency in plant protein ingredients, addressing previous challenges related to taste, texture, and solubility. These technological innovations not only drive cost-effectiveness but also open new avenues for product development and market expansion. 

Restraints/Challenges

• Price Volatility of Raw Materials

Fluctuations in the prices of raw materials used for plant protein extraction, such as soybeans and peas, pose a challenge for the plant protein ingredient market. Price volatility can impact the cost competitiveness of plant protein ingredients, affecting profit margins for manufacturers and pricing strategies for finished products. Managing raw material costs through strategic sourcing, hedging strategies, and investments in sustainable farming practices becomes crucial to mitigate these challenges.                

• Challenges in Taste and Texture

Achieving desirable taste and texture characteristics comparable to animal proteins remains a significant challenge for some plant protein ingredients, limiting their application in certain food products. Consumers often associate animal proteins with specific sensory attributes that can be difficult to replicate in plant-based alternatives. Addressing these taste and texture challenges requires ongoing research and development efforts focused on flavor enhancement, texture modification, and consumer acceptance testing.       

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, Roquette is advancing in the plant protein market with the introduction of four versatile pea proteins. These new additions to their NUTRALYS plant protein range aim to enhance taste, texture, and versatility in plant-based foods and high-protein nutritional products. This expansion not only broadens Roquette's established portfolio but also opens up innovative application possibilities for food manufacturers seeking to elevate their product offerings
• In November 2022, Royal DSM, a global science-driven company committed to its purpose, unveiled Vertis CanolaPRO, a premium canola protein isolate. This achievement comes after more than a decade of research and development by DSM to extract nutritious protein from canola seeds and produce it on a large scale for the food industry. Canola seeds are notable for being among the few plant sources worldwide that provide complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids essential for maintaining good health

Plant Protein Ingredient Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of source, types, application, form, functionality, and end use. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze major growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Source

• Organic
• Conventional

Types

• Pea
• Soybean
• Wheat
• Bean
• Peanut
• Legume
• Chickpea
• Lentil
• Rice
• Potato

Application

• Food and Beverages
  • Bakery & Confectionery
  • Dairy & Frozen Desserts
  • Beverages
  • Meat Alternatives
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Others
• Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals
• Animal Feed
• Personal Care
• Sports Nutrition
• Clinical Nutrition
• Infant Nutrition
• Others

Form

• Dry
• Liquid

Functionality

• Emulsification and Stabilizing
• Foaming
• Nutrition
• Adhesion
• Others

End Use

• Retail Consumers
• Food Service and Hospitality
• Industrial Food Manufacturer
• Sports Nutrition and Fitness Industry
• Pharmaceutical Industry

Plant Protein Ingredient Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The market is analyzed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, source, types, application, form, functionality, and end use as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, rest of Asia-Pacific, Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., South Africa, Egypt, Israel, rest of Middle East and Africa, Brazil, Argentina, and rest of South America.

North America is expected to dominate the market due to the rising consumption of healthy food and beverages among health-conscious individuals, as well as the growing adoption of veganism in the U.S. and Canada. The vegan movement, driven by ethical, environmental, and health considerations, has led to an increased demand for plant-based protein sources.

Asia-Pacific is expected to show significant growth due to rising demand for functional foods, that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, among consumers in this region. heightened demand for plant protein ingredients in the sports and animal feed industries and increased government initiatives are playing a pivotal role in promoting the adoption of plant-based diets and the development of plant protein products.

The country section of the report also provides individual market-impacting factors and changes in market regulation that affect the current and future trends of the market. Data points like downstream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends, Porter's five forces analysis, and case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of regional brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, the impact of domestic tariffs, and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and Plant Protein Ingredient Market Share Analysis

The market competitive landscape provides details of competitors. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in R&D, new market initiatives, regional presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, and application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus on the market.

Some of the major market players operating in the market are:

• ADM (U.S.)
• Kerry Group plc (Ireland)
• Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)
• AMCO Proteins (U.S.)
• The Scoular Company (U.S.)
• A&B Ingredients, Inc. (U.S.)
• Jungbunzlauer Suisse AG (Switzerland)
• Glanbia PLC (Ireland)
• Roquette Frères (France)
• Reliance Private Label Supplements (U.S.)
• Ingredion (U.S.)
• Batory Foods (U.S.)
• Cambridge Commodities (UK)
• PLT Health Solutions (U.S.)
• Axiom Foods, Inc. (U.S.)
• Greenleaf Foods, SPC. (Canada)
• Medix Laboratoires (Canada)
• Prinova Group LLC. (U.S.)
• Sonic Biochem (India)
• Chaitanya Agro Biotech Pvt. Ltd. (India)
• Bioway Organic Group Limited (China)

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