Rising Demand for Plant-Based Nutrition: Sunflower Protein Market to Flourish with Key Players like Axiom Foods, SunOpta, Bioriginal, Wilmar Ingredients, and GoodMills Innovation

According to a new study by DataHorizzon Research, the "Sunflower Protein Market" is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2025 to 2033, driven by the surging demand for sustainable plant-based proteins, rising health-conscious consumer preferences, and the increasing shift towards vegan and vegetarian diets worldwide. Sunflower protein, derived from defatted sunflower seed meal, is gaining recognition as a clean-label, allergen-free, and cost-effective protein source. Its versatility in beverages, snacks, bakery products, sports nutrition, and meat alternatives positions it as a high-potential ingredient in the global food and beverage industry. As plant-based nutrition continues to capture mainstream attention, sunflower protein is emerging as one of the most promising alternatives to soy and dairy proteins.

Market Size & Insights

The sunflower protein market is evolving rapidly, supported by robust consumer interest in clean-label, allergen-free proteins. Unlike soy or wheat proteins, sunflower protein is naturally non-GMO, gluten-free, and free of common allergens, making it highly appealing to consumers seeking safe and healthy dietary solutions. The market has expanded significantly in recent years, with manufacturers investing in advanced processing technologies to improve the taste, solubility, and nutritional profile of sunflower protein concentrates and isolates.

As of 2024, sunflower protein is being increasingly incorporated into high-growth categories such as plant-based meat, dairy alternatives, protein shakes, bakery items, and infant nutrition products. Companies are also exploring its potential in sports nutrition due to its amino acid composition and digestibility. The global sunflower protein market was valued at approximately USD 485 million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 892 million by 2033, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2025 to 2033. Demand is expected to accelerate, fueled by consumer awareness of sustainability and the environmental footprint of traditional animal-based proteins.

North America and Europe are currently the largest markets due to strong consumer demand for plant-based foods, while Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region. The market outlook suggests that sunflower protein will transition from a niche ingredient to a mainstream protein source, competing closely with pea, rice, and soy proteins in the coming decade.

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Key Factors Driving the Future Growth of the Sunflower Protein Market:

• Growing adoption of vegan and vegetarian diets driving plant-based protein demand.
• Rising consumer preference for allergen-free and clean-label ingredients.
• Increased use of sunflower protein in meat alternatives and dairy substitutes.
• Expanding applications in sports nutrition, bakery, and functional beverages.
• Sustainability and eco-friendly farming practices promoting sunflower cultivation.
• Technological advancements in protein extraction and flavor enhancement.

Top 10 Market Companies

• Axiom Foods
• SunOpta
• Bioriginal Food & Science Corp.
• Wilmar Ingredients
• GoodMills Innovation
• Austrade Inc.
• Sovital Ingredients
• Omega Protein Corporation
• Lecico GmbH
• BioTechnologie Group

Market Segments

By Product Type
o sunflower protein Concentrates
o sunflower protein Isolates
o Hydrolyzed sunflower protein
o Others

By Form
o Powder
o Liquid
o Granules
o Others

By Application
o Food & Beverages
o Dietary Supplements
o Animal Feed
o Cosmetics & Personal Care
o Others

By Distribution Channel
o Online Retail
o Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
o Specialty Stores
o Direct Sales (B2B)
o Others

Recent Developments

• Introduction of sunflower protein isolates with improved solubility for beverages.
• Strategic collaborations between ingredient manufacturers and plant-based food startups.
• Expansion of sunflower protein applications into infant nutrition and senior nutrition formulas.
• Launch of organic and non-GMO certified sunflower protein products.
• Investments in innovative extraction and processing technologies to enhance taste and texture.
• Increased focus on sustainable farming and carbon-neutral protein production initiatives.

Region Insights

The sunflower protein market demonstrates distinct growth patterns across global regions. North America leads with strong demand for clean-label proteins, driven by consumers who prioritize wellness, fitness, and sustainable eating. The presence of established plant-based food companies and protein innovators further accelerates adoption.

Europe is another prominent region, with countries such as Germany, the U.K., and France driving demand due to high awareness of allergen-free and non-GMO food ingredients. The European Union's support for sustainable agriculture and alternative proteins also contributes to growth.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest-growing market, with rising disposable incomes, growing health awareness, and surging demand for plant-based alternatives in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Urban consumers in these regions are increasingly experimenting with dairy-free and meat-free protein options.

Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are emerging markets where sunflower protein is gradually being introduced in functional foods and fortified beverages. These regions hold untapped potential as consumer awareness expands and plant-based diets gain traction.

Market Outlook

The sunflower protein market outlook from 2025 to 2033 is highly promising, fueled by the growing momentum of plant-based and allergen-free proteins in global diets. With heightened consumer focus on sustainability, sunflower protein stands out as an eco-friendly and versatile option capable of replacing traditional animal proteins in multiple food categories. The demand trajectory will be supported by innovative product launches, improved processing methods, and greater incorporation of sunflower protein into mainstream foods and beverages.

In the near future, sunflower protein will expand beyond its traditional niche to become a household staple in protein powders, dairy alternatives, and bakery products. Companies are expected to continue investing in flavor masking technologies and nutritional enrichment to increase consumer acceptance. Furthermore, the expansion of vegan and flexitarian populations worldwide will accelerate market penetration across both developed and emerging economies.

By 2033, sunflower protein is projected to become one of the top contenders in the global plant protein market, alongside pea and soy. With its allergen-free profile, nutritional benefits, and sustainability credentials, sunflower protein is poised to play a transformative role in shaping the future of clean-label nutrition.

Contact:
Ajay N
Ph: +1-970-633-3460

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Company Name: DataHorizzon Research
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Colorado, United States.
Mail: sales@datahorizzonresearch.com

DataHorizzon is a market research and advisory company that assists organizations across the globe in formulating growth strategies for changing business dynamics. Its offerings include consulting services across enterprises and business insights to make actionable decisions. DHR's comprehensive research methodology for predicting long-term and sustainable trends in the market facilitates complex decisions for organizations.

This release was published on openPR.