Global Protein Ingredients Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In July 2021, Cosucra, based in Belgium, secured an $11.8 million investment from The Société Régionale d'lnvestissement de Wallonie (SRIW), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Sofiprotéol, a financing entity of the Avril Group from France. This funding aimed to bolster its chicory and pea ingredient production capacity, reinforcing its position in the plant-based protein sector.

• In January 2020, Burcon, headquartered in Canada, along with its joint-venture partner Merit Functional Foods Corporation, formed a strategic alliance with Nestlé. This collaboration aimed to develop and commercialize plant-based protein ingredients for Nestlé's range of plant-based foods.

In this report, the Protein Ingredients Market has been segmented by Source, Form, Application, and Geography.

Protein Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Source

The Protein Ingredients Market has been segmented by Source into Animal Source, Milk Protein, Whey Protein, Egg Protein, Gelatin, and Plant Source.

Animal Source
The animal-sourced protein ingredients segment continues to dominate due to its complete amino acid profile and high biological value. These proteins are especially prevalent in sports and clinical nutrition products. Currently, animal-based sources contribute to over 55% of the global market.

Milk Protein
Milk protein is valued for its excellent digestibility and functional performance across various applications like infant formula, meal replacements, and dietary supplements. It represents approximately 25% of the global protein ingredients market.

Whey Protein
Recognized for its rapid absorption and rich leucine content, whey protein is a key component in muscle-building and weight-loss formulations. It captures around 18% share of the overall protein ingredients industry.

Egg Protein
Egg protein is well-regarded for offering a complete amino acid profile and being cholesterol-free, making it ideal for health-conscious consumers. It is frequently used in nutraceuticals and baked goods, representing roughly 6% of the market.

Gelatin
Derived from animal collagen, gelatin plays a functional role as a stabilizer and gelling agent in the food and pharmaceutical sectors. This segment contributes close to 5% of the total protein ingredients market.

Plant Source
Driven by rising demand for clean-label and vegan products, the plant-based protein segment is expanding rapidly. Sourced from soy, pea, and rice, these proteins now comprise over 30% of the global market, highlighting the shift toward sustainable nutrition.

Protein Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Form

The Protein Ingredients Market has been segmented by Form into Dry, and Liquid.

Dry
The dry form of protein ingredients holds a significant share in the market, largely due to its extended shelf stability, easy storage, and broad applicability across food and nutrition industries. Widely used in protein powders, meal replacements, and bakery applications, dry proteins represent about 70% of the global market.

Liquid
Liquid protein ingredients are gaining momentum in applications that require fast absorption and easy integration, such as ready-to-drink beverages, infant formulas, and clinical nutrition products. This segment accounts for roughly 30% of the market, appealing to consumers seeking convenience and functionality.

Protein Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Application

The Protein Ingredients Market has been segmented by Application into Food & Beverages, Cosmetics & Personal Care Products, Feed, and Pharmaceuticals.

Food & Beverages
The food and beverages segment leads the protein ingredients market, fueled by the increasing popularity of high-protein diets, functional foods, and health-focused beverages. This segment dominates the application landscape, contributing nearly 45% of the global share.

Cosmetics & Personal Care Products
Protein ingredients are gaining ground in the cosmetics and personal care industry due to their roles in hydration, anti-aging, and skin regeneration. While still a smaller portion of the market, this segment is expanding steadily and holds close to 10% share.

Feed
In the animal feed industry, protein ingredients are essential for promoting growth, immunity, and productivity in livestock and aquaculture. As global demand for animal products rises, this segment accounts for about 30% of the total market.

Pharmaceuticals
Within the pharmaceutical sector, protein ingredients are applied in nutraceuticals, clinical nutrition, and therapeutic formulations. This specialized segment comprises approximately 15% of the market, bolstered by its role in treating malnutrition and chronic conditions.

Protein Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Protein Ingredients Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Protein Ingredients Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America
The North American protein ingredients market leads globally, fueled by robust demand for sports nutrition, functional foods, and dietary supplements. With a mature consumer base and advanced food processing industry, the region contributes nearly 35% to the global share.

Europe
In Europe, strong consumer preference for clean-label and health-focused products, combined with regulatory support, drives significant demand for protein ingredients. The region accounts for approximately 30% of the market.

Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region represents the fastest-growing segment in the protein ingredients landscape, supported by a rising population, growing health awareness, and increased consumption of protein-fortified foods. It currently holds about 20% of the market.

Middle East and Africa
The Middle East and Africa region is emerging as a promising market due to rising urbanization, growing health consciousness, and expanding food industries. It contributes nearly 8% to the global protein ingredients market.

Latin America
Latin America is witnessing consistent growth, driven by increasing demand for processed foods and nutritional supplements. The region holds an estimated 7% of the total market, with potential for further expansion.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Protein Ingredients Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers

• Health and wellness trends
• Growing consumer awareness
• Increasing demand for protein-enriched products
• Technological advancements in food processing

• Rising vegan and vegetarian population: The increasing global population of vegans and vegetarians is significantly influencing the dynamics of the Global Protein Ingredients Market. As more consumers adopt plant-based diets for health, ethical, and environmental reasons, the demand for alternative protein sources is rising. This shift is particularly evident in developed regions like North America and Europe, where awareness of sustainable eating habits is high. Plant-based proteins such as soy, pea, rice, and wheat are gaining traction as substitutes for animal-derived proteins traditionally dominant in the market.

  Technological advancements in food processing and ingredient extraction have improved the taste, texture, and nutritional profiles of plant-based proteins, enhancing their appeal to a broader consumer base. Companies in the protein ingredients market are increasingly investing in research and development to innovate and meet the growing demand for plant-based alternatives. Moreover, partnerships and collaborations across the food industry are fostering the development of new products that cater to vegan and vegetarian preferences, further driving market expansion.

Restraints

• High production costs
• Stringent regulations and certifications
• Allergen concerns
• Fluctuating raw material prices

• Limited consumer acceptance in some regions: In North America and Europe, the protein ingredients market has thrived on the back of increasing consumer interest in functional foods and beverages, dietary supplements, and sports nutrition products. Proteins are valued for their role in muscle building, weight management, and overall health maintenance, which has driven demand among health-conscious consumers. The market here is further propelled by innovations in protein sources such as plant-based proteins, which cater to vegetarian and vegan dietary preferences, thereby expanding the consumer base.

  Regions with limited consumer acceptance, factors such as cultural dietary habits, lower awareness of health benefits, and availability of alternative food sources play significant roles. For instance, in some parts of Asia-Pacific, traditional diets rich in carbohydrates and limited exposure to protein-centric products contribute to slower market uptake. However, as urbanization and awareness campaigns around health benefits increase, there is a growing potential for market expansion in these regions.

Opportunities

• Expansion in functional food applications
• Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific
• Innovations in plant-based proteins
• Product differentiation through research

• Strategic mergers and acquisitions: The global protein ingredients market is witnessing strategic mergers and acquisitions as key players seek to expand their market presence and enhance their product portfolios. These strategic moves are driven by several factors, including the increasing consumer demand for protein-enriched food products, advancements in protein extraction technologies, and the growing awareness about the health benefits of proteins.

  Companies in the protein ingredients sector are actively pursuing mergers and acquisitions to expand their geographical presence. By acquiring regional players or establishing partnerships, companies can gain access to new markets and distribution channels. This strategic approach helps them cater to diverse consumer preferences and regulatory requirements across different regions.

Key players in Global Protein Ingredients Market include:

• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Kerry Group plc
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• Glanbia plc
• Ingredion Incorporated
• Roquette Frères
• Arla Foods Ingredients Group
• FrieslandCampina
• Tate & Lyle plc

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis