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

The global single-cell protein market is witnessing substantial expansion, with its value projected to reach US$11.2 billion in 2025 and expected to attain US$19.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032. This robust growth trajectory is fueled by the increasing global demand for sustainable, alternative protein sources amid rising environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional animal farming. Single-cell proteins, derived from microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, yeast, and fungi, have gained considerable attention as viable substitutes for conventional protein sources due to their high nutritional value, rapid production rate, and minimal environmental footprint. The market's momentum is being further accelerated by global trends in plant-based and microbial protein consumption, advancements in biotechnology, and growing investments in alternative protein production facilities. Moreover, the increasing need for sustainable food solutions to meet the protein demands of the expanding global population is significantly driving the adoption of single-cell protein technologies across the food, feed, and industrial sectors.

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What is driving the rapid growth of the single-cell protein market globally?
The single-cell protein market is primarily driven by the need for environmentally sustainable and nutritionally rich protein sources that can complement or replace traditional animal and plant proteins. With global protein demand expected to surge by over 70% by 2050, single-cell proteins offer a scalable and resource-efficient solution. Their production requires significantly less water, land, and energy compared to animal-based proteins, making them a sustainable alternative. Furthermore, rising consumer awareness regarding the environmental impact of livestock farming, coupled with innovations in fermentation technology, has enhanced production efficiency and product quality, thereby supporting market growth.

Segmentation Analysis

By Type
The global single-cell protein market can be segmented based on type into algae, yeast, fungi, and bacteria. Among these, yeast-based single-cell proteins currently hold the largest market share, driven by their wide application in animal feed, aquaculture, and human nutrition. Yeast offers high digestibility, a favorable amino acid profile, and strong adaptability to various production processes. However, the algae segment is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period due to increasing adoption of microalgae-based protein ingredients in dietary supplements and functional foods. Algae-based single-cell proteins are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them highly appealing to health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the ability of algae to grow in diverse conditions with minimal resource input enhances its attractiveness as a sustainable protein source.

By Product/Application
Based on application, the single-cell protein market is categorized into animal feed, human food, and industrial applications. The animal feed segment dominates the global market, accounting for a significant share due to its widespread use as a protein supplement in livestock and aquaculture feeds. The growing pressure to reduce reliance on fishmeal and soybean meal in feed production is propelling the adoption of single-cell protein as a viable alternative. Furthermore, the human food segment is gaining momentum, supported by increasing consumer acceptance of alternative proteins and the rising popularity of meat substitutes, protein supplements, and fortified foods. Innovations in food processing have enabled manufacturers to incorporate single-cell proteins into bakery, beverage, and snack products without compromising taste or texture, thereby boosting their market penetration.

By Production Technology
The market is segmented by production technology into fermentation, phototrophic cultivation, and mixed culture systems. The fermentation segment dominates the industry, as it provides consistent yields, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. Continuous advancements in fermentation technology, coupled with improved microbial strains and process optimization, are enabling large-scale production of high-quality single-cell proteins. In contrast, phototrophic cultivation, primarily used for algae production, is gaining attention due to its ability to utilize sunlight and carbon dioxide directly, aligning with sustainability goals. The growing integration of bioreactor automation and real-time monitoring systems is further enhancing production efficiency, supporting market expansion.

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Regional Insights

Regionally, North America leads the global single-cell protein market, accounting for a dominant share in 2025. The region's growth is driven by strong consumer awareness regarding sustainability, extensive investments in biotechnology, and the presence of established alternative protein manufacturers. The United States, in particular, is witnessing rapid adoption of single-cell proteins in both food and feed sectors, with several start-ups and established food tech companies investing in microbial protein production. Europe follows closely, with growing governmental support for sustainable protein initiatives and increasing incorporation of microbial protein ingredients in functional foods and animal nutrition products. The European Union's focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting circular bioeconomy practices has further supported market development.

The Asia-Pacific region, however, is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing market during the forecast period. This growth is driven by expanding populations, rising protein consumption, and increasing investments in sustainable agriculture and aquaculture. Countries such as China, India, and Japan are witnessing growing adoption of single-cell protein-based feed ingredients to address food security challenges and reduce dependence on imported soymeal. Moreover, regional governments are promoting research collaborations and infrastructure development for bio-based protein production, further propelling market growth across the region.

Unique Features and Innovations in the Market

Modern single-cell protein production technologies are characterized by their efficiency, scalability, and sustainability. Advanced fermentation processes, coupled with genetic engineering and bioprocess optimization, have significantly improved yield and cost-efficiency. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) are increasingly being integrated into production facilities to monitor microbial growth, nutrient utilization, and process parameters in real-time, ensuring consistent product quality and resource optimization. Furthermore, biotechnological advancements are enabling the customization of protein composition, allowing manufacturers to tailor nutritional profiles for specific end-use applications such as aquafeed or meat alternatives.

The introduction of closed-loop production systems that utilize agricultural waste, carbon dioxide, or methane as feedstocks for microbial growth represents a breakthrough in circular economy solutions. Such innovations not only enhance sustainability but also contribute to carbon reduction efforts, aligning with global environmental goals. Additionally, partnerships between food tech start-ups and established food manufacturers are accelerating commercialization and consumer acceptance of single-cell protein products.

Market Highlights

The increasing adoption of single-cell proteins across various industries is driven by multiple factors, including resource efficiency, sustainability, and nutritional superiority. The ability of single-cell proteins to provide complete amino acid profiles and essential nutrients positions them as ideal alternatives for both human consumption and animal nutrition. Moreover, growing regulatory support for sustainable food sources, particularly in Europe and North America, is encouraging wider adoption of microbial proteins.

Another key market highlight is the cost reduction achieved through advances in fermentation and downstream processing. The optimization of production processes and the development of low-cost feedstocks have made single-cell protein production economically viable at scale. Additionally, the rising global focus on sustainability and reduction of carbon emissions is leading industries to adopt cleaner protein production methods. Food and feed manufacturers are increasingly integrating single-cell proteins into their products to meet consumer demand for environmentally responsible ingredients, thereby driving steady market expansion.

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Key Players

• Calysta Inc.
• Unibio Group
• KnipBio Inc.
• Corbion N.V.
• Novozymes A/S
• Lallemand Inc.
• Deep Branch Biotechnology Ltd.
• Solar Foods Oy
• Alltech Inc.
• Kiverdi Inc.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the single-cell protein market is characterized by a mix of established biotechnology firms and emerging start-ups focused on innovative protein production technologies. Calysta Inc. has been a leading player in developing gas fermentation-based protein solutions, with its FeedKind® protein gaining strong traction in aquaculture and livestock feed markets. The company continues to expand its production capabilities through strategic partnerships and facility expansions in Europe and Asia. Unibio Group is another major player leveraging methane-based fermentation technology to produce single-cell protein, focusing on reducing environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for alternative proteins.

KnipBio Inc. has positioned itself as a pioneer in single-cell protein production for aquafeed, employing proprietary biotechnology to enhance nutrient profiles and digestibility. Meanwhile, Corbion N.V. and Novozymes A/S are focusing on integrating microbial protein production into their existing fermentation and enzyme manufacturing portfolios, enabling cost synergies and technological advancements. Lallemand Inc., a key player in yeast-based protein production, continues to innovate in the feed and food markets through product diversification and regional expansion. Emerging companies such as Deep Branch Biotechnology and Solar Foods are making notable strides by developing carbon capture-based production systems that utilize CO2 as a raw material, contributing to the sustainability agenda.

The market is witnessing increasing collaborations between research institutes, technology providers, and food manufacturers aimed at improving scalability and reducing production costs. Strategic investments in bioprocess optimization and sustainable infrastructure are enabling market players to enhance efficiency and strengthen their competitive edge.

Outlook

The future of the global single-cell protein market appears promising, driven by rising consumer awareness, technological advancements, and growing support for sustainable food systems. With the global population projected to exceed 9 billion by 2050, the need for alternative protein sources is becoming increasingly urgent. Single-cell proteins are poised to play a pivotal role in bridging the global protein gap while minimizing environmental impact. Emerging technologies in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are expected to further enhance yield, nutritional value, and functional properties of microbial proteins, opening new avenues for innovation.

Moreover, as regulatory frameworks around alternative proteins become clearer and more supportive, market penetration is likely to accelerate across food, feed, and industrial applications. The integration of renewable energy and carbon capture technologies in production systems will strengthen the market's alignment with global sustainability goals. Overall, the single-cell protein market is set to become a cornerstone of the future food economy, offering a scalable, sustainable, and nutrient-rich solution to the world's growing protein needs.

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