Exploring the Future of Protein Ingredients: Market Insights by Animal and Plant Proteins Across Key Applications (2025-2033)

The global protein ingredients market size reached USD 44.0 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 65.3 Billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period 2025-2033. Growth is driven by increasing demand for both plant-based and animal-derived proteins in food and beverages, fueled by health-conscious consumers and rising awareness of nutritional benefits. Key sectors contributing to this expansion include sports nutrition, functional foods, and dietary supplements.

Study Assumption Years

Base Year: 2024
Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033

Protein Ingredients Market Key Takeaways

The global protein ingredients market size was USD 44.0 Billion in 2024.
The market is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.5% during 2025-2033.
The forecast period spans from 2025 to 2033.
Health-conscious consumers and rising nutritional awareness are primary market drivers.
Animal proteins currently dominate the market due to their nutritional value and availability.
Food and beverages represent the largest application segment, driven by protein-enriched products and plant-based diets.
Europe is the largest regional market, supported by high consumer awareness and regulatory environments.

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Market Growth Factors

The global protein ingredients market is fundamentally driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers. There is a growing demand for healthy lifestyle products enriched with proteins, as individuals recognize the importance of a balanced diet supporting muscle building, immune function, weight control, and overall wellness. High-protein products and protein-enriched categories are increasingly popular, supported by intense marketing campaigns and endorsements by medical experts.

The shift towards plant-based diets, including veganism and vegetarianism, is another significant growth factor. Motivations such as animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and personal well-being encourage consumers to seek plant-based protein alternatives like soy, lentils, peas, and other legumes. The U.S. plant proteins market, valued at $8 billion in 2022, exemplifies this trend, with consumers citing taste and dietary restrictions as prime influences for their choices.

Technological advancements in protein harvesting, preparation, and finishing processes significantly impact the market's efficiency and product functionality. Techniques like microencapsulation, hydrolysis, and spray drying have led to diverse protein ingredient functionalities used across various products. Government funding supports emerging proteins based on lab-grown meats and algae, expanding regional market coverage and fostering innovation tailored to consumer health needs.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type

Animal Proteins: This category includes egg protein, whey protein, gelatin, casein, and milk protein concentrates/isolates. Animal proteins dominate the market because they are complete proteins essential for nutrition and are widely available from sources such as poultry, milk, and fish. Consumer preference for meat proteins, their accessibility, and applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals contribute to market dominance.
Plant Proteins: Includes wheat protein, soy protein, pea protein, and others. The plant proteins segment is growing due to rising veganism and consumer interest in sustainable and ethical protein sources.

By Application

Food and Beverages: This segment dominates, as protein ingredients are incorporated into a wide range of foods and beverages such as meat substitutes, dairy products, snacks, bakery items, and drinks. Growth is supported by increasing protein importance in diets, rising plant-based diets, and fitness trends emphasizing protein supplementation.
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Pharmaceuticals
Animal Feed

Regional Insights

Europe holds the largest share in the global protein ingredients market due to widespread demand for animal and plant protein ingredients. The region benefits from strong public awareness about health and wellness, a rich regulatory environment covering food quality, safety, and labeling, and significant funding for research and development. The growing trend towards vegetarianism and veganism further drives sales of plant proteins, while consumer and animal feed producers' shift toward eco-friendly sources supports the market's sustainable growth.

Recent Developments & News

On March 28, 2024, Cargill increased its contracted renewable energy capacity by 42%, adding 300 megawatts of wind and solar power to reach 716 megawatts total offsite renewable energy. This helps achieve a 10% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
On March 22, 2024, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) contributed $1 million to Water.org to support safe water and sanitation projects in six countries, benefiting over 116,800 people.
On November 9, 2022, Omega Protein Corporation supported the ASMFC's decision to raise the Atlantic menhaden coastwide quota by 20% to 233,550 metric tons, maintaining a conservative harvest management approach.

Key Players

Cargill, Inc.
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
Kerry Group
Omega Protein Corporation
Mead Johnson

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This release was published on openPR.