Algae Protein Market Size - By Source, Dosage Form, Application, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Algae Protein Market Size

The global algae protein market size was estimated at USD 933 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 987.6 million in 2025 estimated to USD 1.54 billion in 2034, at 5.1% CAGR from 2025 to 2034, according to the latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• The algae proteins market is growing every year as sustainability becomes a topic of the food system. It remains a strategic alternative protein source since the UN FAO reported that the world produced 37.8 million tons of algae (mostly seaweed) in 2022, as algae production shows rapid biomass scaling and does not require arable land or freshwater. In Europe, an EU Algae Initiative has been launched by the European Commission to fast-track the production and implementation of algae into food, feed and nutraceuticals, making the sector a contributor to climate and nutrition objectives in Europe.
   
• The increasing consumer demand of vegan and plant-based foods is also fueling algae protein demand. According to the Good Food Institute (GFI) plant-based protein drinks and powders achieved double-digits growth in 2024 as consumers show growing interest in functional, nutrient-rich protein that unique algae can also provide. Likewise, algae-derived products such as spirulina and chlorella are finding their way into fortified beverages and snacks as well as supplements as flexitarian and vegan customer bases continue to grow worldwide.
   
• Government driven plans are posing robust pull forces towards supply growth. As per the government of India, the Ministry of Fisheries has set a target of producing 1.12 million tons of seaweed by 2025 under PMMSY, which would help to supply raw materials to process food and nutraceuticals. In the U.S., Department of Energy has allocated USD 20.2 million in 2023 to algae-based research to increase bioenergy and bioproducts production efficiencies with spillover effects on food-grade protein production.
   
• North America and Europe are geographical regions that are experiencing massive infrastructure development in sustainable protein. Upstream, 2023 is set to become a banner year in U.S. retail sales of spirulina and chlorella supplements, with sales growth up by greater than 8 percent over the prior year
   
• In Europe, the farm to fork strategy has identified algae as an important protein source to diversify, and France and Germany are investing in algal and seaweed mass production centers. Meantime, the Asia-Pacific region is becoming a global supply hub, with South Korea, India, and China increasing commercial seaweed aquaculture to supply local and export markets.
   
• On innovation side, the market is enjoying technological and commercial contributions that seek to increase efficiency and product diversification. A recent example is Corbion, which has developed algae fermentation to create DHA protein powder used in food and beverage offerings to lessen reliance on fish oil.
   

Algae Protein Market Trends

• There is increased interest in bio-based fertilizers as a substitute to synthetic inputs. The microbial supplemented products improve the health of soil and the uptake of nutrients. This shift is illustrated by work of Novozymes and FMC through microbial fertilizers. The latter goes in line with the spread of organic farming and the regulatory pressure toward greener strategies so it is likely to involve the gradual replacement of commodity fertilizers by niche, value added ones.
   
• The active lifestyle and sports segments are using spirulina and chlorella-based powders to support their muscle recovery and their endurance. Firms such as NOW Food and GNC have introduced algae-derived protein supplement. This is also coupled with the increase in consumer demand of plant-based performance enhancing product which further increases the market into the premium sports nutrition segments.
   
• Sustainability and its high amino acid profile have led algae protein into the realms of aquafeed and animal stock feed. DSM & Evonik JVs (Veramaris) are using algae protein as alternative to fishmeal in salmon farming. This factor lowers the dependence on the sea, which is an indicator of the long-term implication in sustainable aquaculture.
   
• Innovations such as photobioreactor and precision fermentation are bringing prices and scalability to the microalgae production. Heliae patented algae growth technology enhances the yield efficiency. This relates to supply-chain resilience and places algae protein in a comparative advantage to traditional proteins.
   
• Protein extracts of algae are used in skin-care and hair-care products as a result of antioxidant and anti-aging effects. Products by brands such as L'Oréal and Estee Lauder are testing out algae based products. This cross-sectorial movement increases the versatility of algae and adds various revenue avenues outside the food markets.
   

Algae Protein Market Analysis

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Based on source the market is segmented into seaweed, and micro algae. Seaweed segment holds a significant share at a value of USD 469.1 million in 2024.
 

• The seaweed segment occupies the largest market share in the algae protein market due to large scale cultivation, comparatively low production cost, and variety of uses in food and beverages, nutraceuticals, animal feed, and cosmetics. Seaweed that are brown are the greatest contribution due to their high protein production and utility in industrial application as a food ingredient and in the bioactive compound. Also supporting this segment are red and green algae that possess special nutritional characteristics and carry growing use in formulating plant-based products. The issue of scalability and sustainable methods of seaweed growth affirms its status as a market leader.
   
• Though with smaller share, the microalgae segment is growing faster, especially in the case of spirulina and chlorella. With its extraordinarily high protein content (up to 60 to 70 %) and recommendations by international health agencies, Alga Spir, or Spirulina as people like calling it, has become an indicator product in the superfood and dietary supplement market. Eyeing further is the chlorella which is in demand due to its detoxification properties and in functional beverages as well as health supplements. These two sub segments are driving consumer education and developing a high-end market in microalgae-derived proteins.
   

Based on dosage form, the algae protein market is segmented into Capsules, Liquid, Powder, and Others. Capsules section was valued at USD 477.5 million in 2024.
 

• The largest portion of market lies in the powdered form, as it is highly versatile and can easily be combined with dietary supplements, smoothies, functional foods, sports nutrition compositions, etc. The powders also present the preferred form to the manufacturer and consumer because of high stability and longer shelf life.
   
• The capsule market forms a major part of the market owing to the accurate dosage, the ease and convenience of consuming supplements, and more health conscience consumers demanding supplements in small and convenient-to-swallow size and form. Spirulina- and chlorella-containing capsules are popular nutraceuticals commonly available over the counter or online, as well as in health stores. Their increased popularity in preventative care and immune-enhancing product collections is keeping market demand high.
   

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Based on application, the algae protein market is segmented into dietary supplements, food & beverage, animal feed, cosmetics, and others. Dietary supplements were valued at USD 405 million in 2024.
 

• Dietary supplements market segment acquires the largest share of the algae protein market, owing to the increasing market demand of spirulina and chlorella based on the nutrient-dense, plant-based proteins. The supplements have become very popular due to their antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects used within the region of North America and Europe where placebo choices are high.
   
• The clean-label trend and increasing number of vegans are also contributing to demand, so the algae protein supplements market can become mainstreamed in the future instead of being a replacement to usual sources of protein.
   
• The food & beverage market is growing at a high rate with its application encompassing bakery and confectionary, protein beverages, breakfast food and snacks. Algae protein is highly used as a functional ingredient in fortification due to the high levels of amino acids as well as potential as a natural colorant.
   
• Protein drinks and nutrition bars are the most powerful sub-segments, and it goes in line with the increase of sports nutrition and convenience foods all over the globe. A good example is that in the U.S., and Asia-Pacific, some beverage brands have recently added spirulina-based protein mixes to their product mix to reach fitness-seeking consumers and health-conscious buyers.
   

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With over 84% market share, U.S. is leading the algae protein market that is valued at USD 16.7 million in 2024.
 

• North America is one of the fastest-developing regions holds largest share in the market and the U.S. has the biggest share of algae protein, since it has an established nutraceuticals sector, and an advanced biotechnology environment, as well as better acceptance of plant-based alternatives. The U.S. market is led by functional foods, dietary supplements, and sports nutrition products in which spirulina and chlorella proteins are being marketed because of their amino acid profile, antioxidant content, and sustainability profile.
   
• Canada is another emerging market, which enjoys the growing attention of the government in areas of plant-based innovation and the shift towards sustainable proteins in diets.
   
• The momentum of the region is backed by the increase in the number of vegans and flexitarians. In a 2024 Good Food Institute (GFI) survey, it was shown that more than 69% of American consumers would be receptive to algae protein when advertised under the banners of health and sustainable nutrition. The momentum is supported by large supplement companies such as NOW Foods and GNC incorporating spirulina and chlorella into their portfolios, and by start-ups who are using online sales as a direct means of promoting single ingredient algae protein powder products, as well as algae protein beverages.
   
• Development in biotechnology and large-scale cultivation is also a growing factor. Even microalgae companies such as Heliae Development (Arizona) that only focus on nutraceuticals are diversifying production platforms using synergies to supply aquaculture feed as well as nutraceuticals. There is also research-intensive collaborations, with examples such as the University of Manitoba developing researcher-driven algae protein extraction technologies with the aim of bringing food-grade algae ingredients to market, which points to the possibility of localized innovation.
   

The algae protein market in the Germany is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Europe has a share of 24.2 % of the world market in algae protein, clearly indicating the high demand of consumers on sustainable and plant-based nutrients. Increasing levels of sustainability regulation in the EU, the popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets, and mature nutraceutical and functional food sectors aid the development in the region to a great extent.
   
• Spirulina and chlorella are widely used in Germany, France, and the UK, and the related products are widely purchased as supplements, food fortification and beverages. The European Green Deal is also one of the initiatives in the European region benefiting alternative proteins and low-carbon food sources, thus increasing its standing.
   
• Germany is the largest player in the European algae protein market due to the healthy health food and supplements industry and increase in demand of natural ingredients. German consumers show high technology and a strong concern in organic-certified and clean-label products, which makes spirulina and chlorella nutritious ingredients in both B2C and B2B segments. For instance Roquette Klotze GmbH & Co. KG of Saxony-Anhalt, that runs possibly the largest indoor algae farm in Europe to provide chlorella used in dietary supplements, bakery and beverage industries. The well-developed biotech sector in Germany will support research partnerships with university and startups interested in high-quality protein isolation and development of algae.
   

The algae protein market in the China is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Asia-Pacific holds 22% of the worldwide market of algae proteins and is on an upward trajectory due to an increase in the consumption of strong foods, nutraceutical solutions and sustainable proteins. The potential markets that have been emerging include countries like China, India and Japan, given the consumer base of the health supplements that the markets have along with traditional acceptance of algae within diets.
   
• Spirulina and chlorella already have an established reputation in the area, particularly within East Asian countries as they are included in health products and in fortified foods. Recent rapid pace of urbanization increased disposable income, and lifestyle related pathologies are also factors that are escalating the demand of algae protein as a prophylactic nutrition source.
   
• China dominates the Asia-Pacific with the highest market share as it has large-scale production units of spirulina and chlorella. They include Fuqing King Dnarmsa Spirulina Co., Ltd and FEBICO (Taiwan) which play important roles in relation to global supply. The presence of supportive government policies in promoting culturing of algae and its status as a leading exporter of algae-based products makes China the regional giant.
   

The algae protein market in the Brazil is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Latin America contributes 10.8 % in the world algae protein market with Brazil coming up as the leading country. The development of spirulina and chlorella in functional food, animal feed, and nutraceuticals contribute to the growth of the region to a large extent. Brazil especially has a good base in the natural products and biotechnology with increasing consumer demand in sustainability and plant-based protein. Increasing knowledge regarding algae as a rich source of nutrition with alternative to the conventional protein is further surging forward by the health-conscious middle-class population in Brazil.
   
• Brazil is even looking into the regional hub of production, taking into consideration favorable climatic factors, and research alliances to develop algae cultivation. Companies in Brazil and research institutions are investing in massive algae growing projects, in a bid to meet the needs of the country and export to foreign markets. In another example, pilot initiatives in southern Brazil concentrate on spirulina production to be utilized in sports nutrition and dietary supplementation whereby demand is increasing at a double-digit rate.
   

The algae protein market in the South Africa is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Middle East & Africa region holds 12.2 % share of the global algae protein market, and its growth is backed in a very strong way by the increasing demand in health supplements and algae strategic farming initiatives. The rising emphasis of the region on food security, and diversification of nutrition, has led to algae proteins presenting a good option as a source of sustainable nutrition.
   
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are also supporting the growth of algae farming to meet the nutritional supplementation demands, as well as the rising popularity of plant-based products among the youth.
   
• South Africa is becoming one of the most active markets in Africa, and there is high adoption of spirulina and chlorella in nutraceuticals, particularly those used in programs addressing immune-building and malnutrition-cure programs.
   
• In the Middle East, pilot projects on algae production are started in the UAE, as well as Saudi Arabia, with support of international biotech companies. Such programs are used to introduce algae proteins to functional food, drinks, and even farmed fish food in the name of sustainability.
   

Algae protein Market Share

• The top 7 companies in the algae protein industry are Corbion N.V, Cyanotech Corporation, BASF SE, Nutrex Hawaii Inc, Veramaris, ENERGYbits Inc, and Roquette Frères, contributing around 56% of the market in 2024.
   
• Corbion N.V. is a globally active sustainable ingredients company specializing in closed-fermentation technology, which produces AlgaPrimeTM DHA and AlgaVitTM proteins. The Aquaculture, pet food and human nutrition sectors are some of the areas where the company has penetrated well. For the same period in H1 2025, Corbion will record sales of 1.645.6 million in its ingredients segment with Adjusted EBITDA margin approximating 30%. Its digital capabilities developed in its strain optimization portfolio and its regulatory entry in China in 2025 will consolidate its lead as the broadest algae protein provider in the globe.
   
• Cyanotech Corporation is one of the first companies to produce microalgae and it has nearly 90-acre vertically integrated farm located in Hawaii. Its has been producing Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica and BioAstin astaxanthin, both FDA-GRAS certified, and is distributed throughout the world as dietary supplements. Cyanotech specializes in sun, natural cultivation and quality control, positions it well to be a preferred supplier of value-added nutraceutical and health-conscious consumers across the globe.
   
• BASF SE incorporates its algae protein solutions into the bigger scope of nutrition & health offerings of the company. With collaborations, BASF has been able to position algae proteins and omega-3s derived form algae as the key to lessen dependence on fish-based oils, in line with its corporate net-zero approach. BASF combines its track record in large-scale bioprocessing and sustainability certifications, positioning the company well in the industrial food market and feed producers in search of ESG-compliant protein alternatives.
   
• Nutrex Hawaii Inc. is a subsidiary of Cyanotech Corporation, and one of the most Bar-known consumer facing brands of algae protein and nutraceuticals in the United States. The firm is based in Kona, Hawaii and focuses on Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica(r) and BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin as the premium superfood. Nutrex has been able to achieve high brand equity through its emphasis on naturally grown and sun-dried algae with conscientious third-party screening of purity and safety.
   
• The joint venture between Evonik and DSM, Veramaris, has now risen to become a key producer of algal variants of omega-3 and proteins. Lebara in Nebraska is doing large quantities of natural algae oil and protein thus taking the pressure off the wild-caught fish. Its emphasis on sustainable aquaculture, chain of supply traceability and collaborations with feed producers is a winning combination to place it in a winning position in marine and animal nutrition.
   
• ENERGYbits Inc is aiming the consumer nutrition sector with spirulina and chlorella tablets in the form of bits. Its competitive advantage can be attributed to the direct advert to the consumer aspect, its rigorous purity, and the attraction of beauty and wellness and athletics markets. By marketing algae protein as a superfood, not as raw material, ENERGYbits distinguishes itself with the industrial suppliers and makes enough profit in the products segment that sells at a premium.
   
• Roquette Klotze GmbH & Co. KG focuses on plant-based ingredients and have established an integrated algae-cultivation and processing facility in Europe. Roquette has strengths in extraction and texturizing technology, which it uses in solidifying the place of algae protein in its broader offering in alternative proteins. It has a competitive advantage of developing scalable B2B solutions to food manufacturers across the European market, which has a favorable regulatory framework about novel algae proteins.
   

Algae Protein Market Companies

Major players operating in the algae protein industry are
 

• AlgalR NutraPharms Pvt Ltd
• BASF SE
• Corbion
• Cyanotech Corporation
• ENERGYbits Inc
• Far East Bio-Tec Co. Ltd
• Fuqing King Dnarmsa Spirulina Co., Ltd
• Heliae Development LLC
• JUNE Spirulina
• Nutrex Hawaii Inc
• Roquette Frères
• Veramaris
   

Algae protein Industry News

• In June 2025, Pacific Bio (Ayr, Australia) also opened a macro-algal wastewater treatment facility using RegenAqua. It extracts municipal wastewater utilizing sunlight and algae with a chemical free process, yielding by-products such as fertilizers and paper. The plant, which will be operational in the middle of 2025, is five times cheaper and more sustainable to water treatment in the region.
   
• In May 2025, it started the FutureProteins initiative at Fraunhofer Institutes (Germany) with photobioreactor systems that permits year-round algae production. Project aims are to generate algae protein innovations including plant-based burgers, milk candidates, and algae-infused beer by using algae in combination with fungal and plant protein in the context of sustainable food solutions.
   
• In 2025, Microalgas Future (Navarra, Spain) started to develop the largest microalgae R&D and production facility in Europe covering an area of 50,000 m 2. The facility will be financed by an initial EUR 4 million capital budget (EUR 30 million total capital budget), producing 60 tons of spirulina, as well as other algae strains such as Haematococcus and Schizochytrium, as development ingredients to satisfy food, omega-3 and cosmetic segments.
   

The algae protein market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Kilotons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Source

• Seaweed
  • Brown algae
  • Green algae
  • Red algae
• Micro algae
  • Spirulina (blue-green algae)
  • Chlorella (green algae)
  • Others

Market, By Dosage Form

• Capsules
• Liquid
• Powder
• Others

Market, By Application

• Dietary supplements
• Food & beverage
  • Bakery & confectionery
  • Protein drinks
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Snacks
• Animal feed
• Cosmetics
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa