Single-Cell Protein Market to Reach US$19.7 Bn by 2032 Driven by Demand for Sustainable Food

✅ The Global Single-Cell Protein Market: Growth Trajectory, Insights, and Forecast to 2032

The global single-cell protein market is rapidly gaining momentum, driven by the pressing need for sustainable and efficient protein alternatives. Valued at approximately US$11.2 billion in 2025, the market is forecasted to reach US$19.7 billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2025 to 2032. This growth is largely attributed to increasing demand for alternative proteins in food, feed, and pharmaceutical sectors due to global population growth, sustainability concerns, and rising awareness around animal welfare and environmental preservation.

The microorganism-based protein segment is expected to dominate the market, owing to its high nutritional profile and scalability. Among the geographical regions, North America holds the leading position due to its robust biotechnology infrastructure, supportive governmental initiatives, and heightened demand for alternative proteins in both human consumption and animal feed industries. Furthermore, Europe and Asia-Pacific are emerging as significant contributors due to increasing R&D investments and changing dietary preferences.

Get a Sample PDF Brochure of the Report (Use Corporate Email ID for a Quick Response): https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/29020

✅ Key Highlights from the Report

➤The global single-cell protein market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% between 2025 and 2032.
➤North America is the leading regional market, driven by advancements in biotech and protein innovation.
➤Microorganism-based proteins dominate the product type segment.
➤The animal feed sector remains a major end-user due to increasing demand for sustainable protein sources.
➤High demand for alternative proteins is transforming food and beverage product development.
➤Collaborations between biotech firms and food companies are driving innovation in the market.

✅ Frequently Asked Question

What is single-cell protein and why is it gaining importance in global food and feed markets?

Single-cell protein (SCP) refers to protein extracted from cultivated microbial biomass such as algae, fungi, yeast, and bacteria. These microorganisms can be grown using agricultural residues, industrial wastes, or even carbon dioxide and methane, making the process highly sustainable. SCP offers a complete amino acid profile, high digestibility, and a faster production cycle compared to conventional protein sources like animal meat or plant-based protein. It serves as a valuable supplement in animal feed, human food, aquaculture, and pharmaceuticals. With growing concerns over the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming, SCP presents an eco-friendly alternative with minimal land and water requirements. Furthermore, it supports global food security efforts by offering a scalable, efficient solution to meet the rising protein demand without exacerbating climate or resource constraints.

✅ Market Segmentation

The single-cell protein market can be segmented based on source type, including algae, yeast, fungi, and bacteria. Yeast and bacteria segments hold a significant share owing to their rapid growth rates, scalability, and suitability for various applications. Algae-based proteins are also gaining traction due to their rich nutrient content and use in dietary supplements and cosmetics.

By end-use, the market is classified into animal feed, food and beverage, and others (pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals). Animal feed dominates due to the urgent need for sustainable protein-rich feed ingredients. However, the food and beverage sector is experiencing rapid growth, supported by the expanding vegan and health-conscious consumer base demanding high-quality, sustainable proteins.

✅ Regional Insights

North America leads the global market, with the U.S. spearheading technological innovations and strong investments in microbial fermentation platforms. Government policies supporting clean protein and advanced food-tech are further catalyzing the market in the region.

Asia-Pacific, particularly China, India, and Japan, is witnessing fast-paced growth due to rising food demand, increasing livestock populations, and government initiatives to reduce reliance on traditional protein sources. Europe also stands as a key region due to its regulatory support for novel food production.

✅ Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

The increasing demand for sustainable protein sources, concerns about environmental degradation due to livestock farming, and the need to ensure global food security are strong market drivers. Rapid technological advancements in biotechnology, fermentation, and synthetic biology are enabling scalable, cost-efficient production of SCP. Growing consumer demand for clean-label and eco-friendly products is also encouraging manufacturers to incorporate SCP into functional foods, pet food, and dietary supplements.

Market Restraints

Despite its benefits, the market faces barriers such as high production costs, limited public awareness, and regulatory hurdles in novel food approval. Also, sensory limitations such as taste and texture may restrict its adoption in certain food applications. Moreover, some consumers still associate microbial protein with synthetic or unnatural ingredients, which could impact acceptance rates.

Market Opportunities

The rising popularity of alternative protein diets, veganism, and functional foods presents untapped opportunities for market players. Innovations in precision fermentation, investment in bio-based waste utilization, and collaborations between startups and multinational food firms could dramatically reduce costs and expand SCP's applications. Markets in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa are also ripe for entry due to rising food insecurity and growing industrial feed requirements.

✅ Reasons to Buy the Report

☑️Gain detailed market insights, trends, and future growth potential from 2025 to 2032
☑️Understand region-wise market dynamics and investment hotspots
☑️Identify key drivers, restraints, and emerging opportunities shaping the industry
☑️Analyze competitor strategies and recent developments to stay ahead
☑️Access comprehensive segmentation by product type, end-user, and region

✅ Company Insights

✦UniBio A/S
✦Calysta Inc.
✦Cargill Inc.
✦Archer Daniels Midland Company
✦Corbion N.V.
✦KnipBio Inc.
✦Deep Branch Biotechnology Ltd.
✦Cyanotech Corporation
✦Algatech Ltd.
✦Lallemand Inc.

■In 2024, Calysta Inc. partnered with Adisseo to expand FeedKind® single-cell protein production across Asia-Pacific.

■Deep Branch Biotechnology announced the opening of a new carbon-to-protein demonstration facility in the Netherlands to accelerate SCP commercialization.

✅ Conclusion

The global single-cell protein market is on an impressive growth trajectory, propelled by rising demand for sustainable protein alternatives in both human and animal nutrition. With an anticipated market value of US$19.7 billion by 2032, it reflects a strategic shift in global food systems toward more eco-conscious, resource-efficient, and scalable solutions. While the market faces hurdles such as production costs and regulatory compliance, advancements in biotechnology and fermentation techniques, along with growing public and private investment, are paving the way for the mainstream adoption of SCP across various industries. As companies innovate and expand into new markets, single-cell proteins are poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of global nutrition and sustainability.

✅About Persistence Market Research:

At Persistence Market Research, we specialize in creating research studies that serve as strategic tools for driving business growth. Established as a proprietary firm in 2012, we have evolved into a registered company in England and Wales in 2023 under the name Persistence Research & Consultancy Services Ltd. With a solid foundation, we have completed over 3600 custom and syndicate market research projects and delivered more than 2700 projects for other leading market research companies' clients.

Our approach combines traditional market research methods with modern tools to offer comprehensive research solutions. With a decade of experience, we pride ourselves on deriving actionable insights from data to help businesses stay ahead of the competition. Our client base spans multinational corporations, leading consulting firms, investment funds, and government departments. A significant portion of our sales comes from repeat clients, a testament to the value and trust we've built over the years.

Contact Us:

Persistence Market Research
G04 Golden Mile House, Clayponds Lane
Brentford, London, TW8 0GU UK
USA Phone: +1 646-878-6329
UK Phone: +44 203-837-5656
Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com
Web: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

This release was published on openPR.