Next-Generation Protein Hydrolysates Market Size - By Technology Type, By Protein Source, By Application, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Next-Generation Protein Hydrolysates Market Size

The global next-generation protein hydrolysates market size was valued at USD 900 million in 2024. It is expected to grow from USD 990 million in 2025 to USD 2.3 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 10%, according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• The customized nutrition is hastening the introduction of the next-generation protein hydrolysates as consumers and medical professionals demand a growing level of ingredient-level customization based on metabolic requirement, allergic sensitization, and medical diet. International efforts on prevention healthcare and diet programs that are digitally advised are prominently persuading formulators to inject highly digestible peptide substances into individualized diet plans.
   
• The market is also getting stronger through increasing health awareness and the increasing use of functional foods. Year-by-year growth in the uptake of protein-enriched food and beverages has been reported by national health agencies in several regions, which has provided a good opportunity to use hydrolysates, as they are rapidly absorbed and less allergenic. To satisfy clean-label and wellness-conscious consumer trends, manufacturers are incorporating these peptides into ready-to-drink beverages, clinical meal replacement, and fortified snacks. This change is being supported by increased expenditure on self-care and increased retail access to high-protein foods.
   
• The industry is also changing due to technological improvements in the precision fermentation industry, which allows the achievement of consistent peptide sequencing and a greater level of purity, and a better bioactive performance regardless of the variability of the traditional raw materials. In North America, Europe, and Asia, governments are promoting bio-technological infrastructure, which is boosting commercialization of fermentation-produced proteins. These inventions are improving stability of supplies, the risk of contamination is decreasing, and new peptide structures are being developed, which have better digestibility and specific physiological advantages.
   
• Sports and performance nutrition demand remain wide-ranging in application as more people around the globe engage in fitness programs, endurance training and professional sports. Hydrolysates are increasingly being used in high-performance formulations due to their rapid amino-acid releasing profile and established functions in the recovery of muscle and maintenance of lean-mass. In several countries sports training facilities and sporting organizations are incorporating peptide products into structured nutritional programs and this is encouraging brands to increase their R&D resources into the development of high absorption protein forms and optimized peptide fractions.
   

Next-Generation Protein Hydrolysates Market Trends

• A structural change that is taking place in the industry is the incorporation of precision-fermented bioidentical peptides to complement plant-derived hydrolysates to improve functionality and sustainability. This convergence is making formulators beat the taste, solubility and digestibility factor, which was a weakness of plant proteins. There is a growing pace of collaboration between biotech fermentation platforms and large processors of plant-protein. Its marketing suggestion is that its premium SKUs will become hybrids introduced as clean-label peptides that fit the vegan, allergen-sensitive and clinical-nutrition markets together.
   
• Companies are developing beyond general hydrolysates into specific peptide fractionation which brings physiological effects (absorption, gut tolerance, immune modulation) to the target physiological effects. The trend is related to the development of enzymatic engineering, which enables the implementation of the fine-tuning of molecular weights and peptide sequences to the case of application. The firms that have created proprietary peptide fingerprints are gaining better IP positions, which have an impact on the long-term pricing power. As an example, several sports-nutrition and medical-nutrition brands are currently selling formulations with such label claim of differentiation as rapid-uptake peptide matrices.
   
• The increases in compliance requirements in infant and pediatric nutrition, as well as changing hospital procurement procedures, are driving manufacturers to release hydrolysates of higher purity that have been tested to have a validated digestibility profile. This tendency relates to investments in membrane filtration, multi-stage fractionation, and allergen-reduction technologies to satisfy the requirements of the regulations. The market implication is that there is a definite movement in the direction of premiumization since validated hypoallergenic hydrolysates are much more profitable.
   
• Hydrolysates are also finding their way into personal care, dermatology, and functional cosmetics in which bioactive peptides are appreciated because of their skin-repair, moisturizing as well as anti-inflammatory effects. This tendency is related to the clean-beauty movement and the increase in the demand for biotech-based ingredients that are traceable and have environmentally sound credibility. Market implications would be diversification of revenue base and less reliance on the conventional nutrition segments. Examples of this are cosmetic releases that contain marine and microbial peptide hydrolysates as so-called bioactive skin-repair complexes.
   

Next-Generation Protein Hydrolysates Market Analysis

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Based on technology type, the next-generation protein hydrolysates market is segmented into precision fermentation, enzyme immobilization & advanced enzymatic hydrolysis, bioactive peptide extraction, membrane filtration & fractionation, and supercritical fluid processing. Precision fermentation hold a significant share at a valuation of USD 405 million in 2024.
 

• The most significant portion of the next-generation protein hydrolysates market is controlled by Precision fermentation because the companies are utilizing its capacity to generate high-consistency, functional peptides that have high bioavailability. The scalability and lower batch variability of the technology along with consistency with clean-label formulations has seen it become a preferred path towards sports nutrition, medical foods and infant-grade proteins.
   
• Other complementary technologies like enzyme immobilization, membrane filtration and supercritical fluid processing are becoming more relevant because they are more efficient in purification, increase the functionality of peptides and lower operational costs. These techniques are also incorporated into highly sophisticated bioprocessing lines to optimize the texture, solubility and stability to support the formulation requirements of clinical nutrition, ready to mix beverages, and specialty dietary foods.
   

Based on protein source, the next-generation protein hydrolysates market is segmented into plant-based hydrolysates, animal-based hydrolysates, marine-based hydrolysates, microbial hydrolysates, and insect-based hydrolysates. Plant-based hydrolysates holds a significant share at a valuation of USD 360 million in 2024.
 

• The largest portion of the market is taken by plant-based hydrolysates as formulators focusing on the high-ability to meet the demands of clean-label, allergen-free, and sustainable protein. Their extensive range covering soy, peas, rice and wheat proteins- facilitates cost-effective manufacture, whilst providing a custom amino-acid makeup in sports nutrition, lifestyle drinks and metabolic health items. Plant-based hydrolysates are being incorporated into brands to enhance vegan and flexitarian product lines as the highly soluble, neutral-tasting versions are rapidly being commercialized.
   
• Hydrolysates of animals, marine, microbes and insects are finding increased popularity in niche and high-value markets where high bioactivity, specialty peptide fractions or special functionality is needed. Clinical nutrition and cosmeceuticals are experiencing significant absorption in both marine and microbial sources due to the enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In the meantime, insect and animal-derived hydrolysates are also useful in nutritional performance and high-quality pet food.
   

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Based on application, the next-generation protein hydrolysates market is segmented into clinical nutrition, sports & performance nutrition, infant & pediatric nutrition, functional foods & beverages, personal care & cosmetics, and others. Clinical nutrition is estimated to grasp a value of USD 274.8 million in 2025 and is expected to grow at 9.1% of CAGR during the forecast period.
 

• The most prominent application segment is clinical nutrition whereby health care systems, hospitals and medical nutrition brands are increasingly utilizing next generation hydrolysates to be applied in malnutrition, muscle wasting, metabolic and post operative recovery. The segment enjoys high regulatory acceptance of bioactive peptides, substantial advantages in digestibility, and demonstrated performance in the areas of elderly care and in the critical care. The dominance of clinical nutrition in the international markets is still pegged by the increasing demand for peptide-based enteral formulas and special medical drinks.
   
• Other uses such as sports performance, infant nutrition, functional foods and in personal care are advancing steadily as companies incorporate specific peptide functionality in consumer segments of high growth potential. Rapid-absorption hydrolysates are being introduced into sports brands to aid endurance and recovery, whereas manufacturers of functional foods are using them to aid satiety, metabolic health and formulas that are gut-friendly. Bioactive peptides are coming into the limelight in personal care as anti-aging and skin-repair cosmetics.
   

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North America accounted for USD 342 million in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• In the next-generation protein hydrolysates market, North America contributed to about 38% market share in 2024, of which the United States holds major share, because of its sophisticated nutrition industry, high demand of clinical nutrition products, and the existence of numerous performance and sports nutrition brands. This growth has been increasing at a faster rate with the advancement of hydrolyzed proteins in the medical nutrition sector to serving elderly patients and post-surgery patients and growing demand of clean-label, easily digestible, allergen-friendly protein sources.
   
• The fast-growing interest of plant-based nutrition with more than 35% of the American population shifting to a higher plant-protein consumption over the past few years is also compelling the companies to create enhanced plant-based hydrolysates. The high regulatory transparency in the region, the high protein consumption per-capita and the fact that most of the top nutrition manufacturing companies are there, only explains the fact that North America is the market most likely to be the next-generation protein hydrolysates.
   

Europe next-generation protein hydrolysates market accounted for USD 270 million in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• Europe controls approximately 30% market share of the next-generation protein hydrolysates market in 2024, with Germany, Netherlands, and France having the highest shares due to their high clinical nutrition, infant formula, and sports nutrition markets. The fast development of the region can be attributed to the strict sets of regulations that promote high purity and clinically proven hydrolysates, along with the high use of hypoallergenic and digestive-comfort formula in early-life nutrition.
   
• Europe population that is ageing with the projected number of above 30 years of age exceeding 60 years in 2030 is also boosting the demand since it is escalating the demand of the peptide base medical nutrition products. Sustainability efforts and clean-label innovation are also prevalent in the region, and manufacturers have created low-bitterness, traceable, and high-grade hydrolysates. Continued investment in research centers in Denmark, Germany and Ireland make Europe a major center of innovation in the specialized protein technologies.
   

Asia Pacific next-generation protein hydrolysates market accounted for USD 198 million in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• In Asia Pacific, the market share is about 22% in 2024 with China and Japan contributing the growing markets due to the rapidly rising infant nutrition, clinical nutrition and functional food market. The industry is enjoying faster development owing to high growth in disposable income, popularity of digestive health complications, and consumption of high-quality proteins with easy digestion.
   
• The high market momentum in China is increased by the high population of infants, stringent safety regulations, which favor high purity whey and plant-based hydrolysates, Japan and South Korea are driving the demand with the high-quality sports and aged care formula. Moreover, the increase in protein consumption in the Asian-Pacific region has risen by more than 25% over the past 10 years presenting prospects of superior peptide solutions. The increased manufacturing centers, the local nutrition industries are supported by the government, and the increased interest in the plant-derived hydrolysates is further cementing the region as one of the most vibrant growth markets in the world.
   

Latin America next-generation protein hydrolysates market accounted for 6% market share in 2024 and is anticipated to show steady growth over the forecast period.
 

• Latin America shows a consistently accelerating growth trend in the next-generation protein hydrolysates market, with Brazil and Mexico enjoying significant market shares due to the increased sports nutrition uptake and the growing popularity of specialized infant nutrition and medical nutrition. This trend is becoming more powerful in the region due to consumer shifts to greater interest in digestive health, increased consumption of high-quality functional proteins, and increased acceptance of global nutrition brands. In addition, progressive clinical nutrition programs modernization and the influx of international ingredient manufacturers into the domestic distribution channels are assisting LATAM to transform into a promising marketplace of advanced hydrolyzed proteins.
   

Middle East and Africa next-generation protein hydrolysates market accounted for 4% market share in 2024 and is anticipated to show steady growth over the forecast period.
 

• The Middle East & African market is experiencing a core but gradually developing, growth trend, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa taking center stage. The demand is growing due to the increase in the level of awareness about high-digestible proteins, the rising infant formula consumption, and the rising popularity of halal-certified hydrolysates.
   
• A young population that is increasingly interested in sports and functional wellness products as well as government-supported initiatives to improve healthcare and therapeutic nutrition effectively energize the nutrition sector in the region. The GCC market has serious compliance requirements of the Halal label, which is compelling global manufacturers to provide peptide-based formulations, which is facilitating a more impressive and well-structured adoption journey of next-generation protein hydrolysates in MEA.
   

Next-Generation Protein Hydrolysates Market Share

The next-generation protein hydrolysates industry has a moderately competitive environment wherein top five competitors, which include Kerry Group plc, DSM-Firmenich, Arla Foods Ingredients, Glanbia Nutritionals, and FrieslandCampina Ingredients, holds almost 65% market share in 2024. They control the market with large product lines of both dairy-, plant-, and specialty-grade hydrolysates with solid manufacturing presence on an international scale and strong technical background in enzyme hydrolysis and peptide formulation.
 

The fact that they are already present in the infant nutrition, clinical nutrition, sports nutrition, and functional foods sectors also allows them to continue having a considerable impact on pricing, innovation patterns, and regulatory fit in key regional markets.
 

To be competitive, the major manufacturers are making significant investments in high-level hydrolysis technology, clean-label processing, and functional improvement including better solubility, less bitter, and specific peptides profiles. Firms are increasing production capacity in the growing regions, enhancing sustainability credentials, and coming up with application-specific formulations to suit medical, early-life, sports and plant-based nutrition. Strategic alliances with research and development facilities, co-development with nutrition brands and ongoing research and development in bioactive peptides and specialized nutrition are also contributing to their differentiation in an increasingly performance-oriented clinically, regulatory, and traceable global supply chains.
 

Next-Generation Protein Hydrolysates Market Companies

Major players operating in next-generation protein hydrolysates industry are:

• Kerry Group plc
• DSM-Firmenich
• Arla Foods Ingredients
• Glanbia Nutritionals
• FrieslandCampina Ingredients
• Tessenderlo Group
• Fonterra
• Perfect Day
• Geltor
• Kemin Industries
• Carbery
• NiHTEK
   

Kerry Group plc is one of the top companies offering the most advanced nutrition solutions with a strong portfolio in the next-generation protein hydrolysates in infant, clinical, and performance nutrition. The Hyprol hydrolyzed protein range of the company is said to have a range of controlled peptide profile, high digestibility and better sensory performance. Kerry uses proprietary enzyme technologies and international research and development facilities to provide customized dairy and plant-based hydrolysates in compliance with clean-label and regulatory specifications.
 

DSM-Firmenich is a company with a combination of profound knowledge in nutrition science and biotechnology to produce high-value protein hydrolysates and bioactive peptides to meet medical, sports, and specialized nutrition needs. The firm combines accuracy fermentation, enzyme hydrolysis, and human nutrition studies to produce successor protein products that are more digestible, have specific functionality, and increase amino-acid delivery. Using its global innovation hubs, DSM-Firmenich develops plant-based and dairy-based hydrolysates in line with the sustainability and clean-label expectations.
 

Arla Foods Ingredients is one of the world leaders in protein hydrolysates with whey to be applied in infant formulas, sports, and medical nutrition. The company has a wide variety of dairy proteins and bioactive peptides under the Lacprodan and Peptigen brands including partial and full hydrolysis capabilities. It has manufacturing facilities in Denmark and Argentina that have stringent world quality and compliance guidelines, which promote traceability and special-nutrition guidelines.
 

Glanbia Nutritionals is a large functional whey-based hydrolysate manufacturer in sports and active lifestyle and medical nutrition. It has a portfolio of Hydrovon and ProTherma in the form of peptide ingredients that are heat-stable, fast-absorbing, and high-purity, utilized in ready-to-mix beverages, protein bars, and as clinical formulations. Glanbia uses a set of sophisticated hydrolysis systems to achieve the highest level of solubility, taste and bioavailability alongside high-order quality and regulatory requirements.
 

FrieslandCampina Ingredients is a manufacturer of whey and casein hydrolysates of high quality to use in infant food, early life, and medical nutrition, and with over 40 years of experience. The range of its Hyvital hydrolysates provides clinically proven advantages such as hypoallergic characteristics, gut comfort, and enhanced tolerability in vulnerable groups. The manufacturing plants of the company are subject to high quality systems, and the company has maintained a constant quality of its peptides and low bitterness levels.
 

Next-Generation Protein Hydrolysates Industry News

• In May 2025, Angel Yeast announced a collection of yeast-based protein hydrolysates designed specifically to be used in cell-cultured meat production media. The products will enhance the efficiency of cell-based growth, cost-cut the cost of production, and give a substitute to animal-based production on a large scale through cultured-meat production.
   
• In November 2024, Arla Foods Ingredients introduced Lacprodan DI-3092, a new generation whey protein hydrolysate that can be used in medical nutrition. The formulation provides 10 g/100ml of solubility and reduced bitterness with improved solubility and reduced bitterness to formulation issues in the field of peptide-based nutrition and to support the sustainable and functional ingredient base of the company.
   
• In May 2022, Kerry Group opened a new protein hydrolysate plant in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal, with an advanced EUR 38 million plant. The plant will also increase capacity of the company in specialized nutrition especially infant and clinical nutrition and enhance supply capacity within the African and Asian regions.
   

The next-generation protein hydrolysates market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Technology Type

• Precision fermentation
• Enzyme immobilization & advanced enzymatic hydrolysis
• Bioactive peptide extraction
• Membrane filtration & fractionation
• Supercritical fluid processing

Market, By Protein Source

• Plant-based hydrolysates
  • Soy protein hydrolysates
  • Pea protein hydrolysates
  • Rice protein hydrolysates
  • Wheat protein hydrolysates
  • Others
• Animal-based hydrolysates
  • Whey protein hydrolysates
  • Egg protein hydrolysates
  • Collagen hydrolysates
• Marine-based hydrolysates
  • Fish protein hydrolysates
  • Shellfish & seaweed protein
  • Algae & seaweed derived hydrolysates
• Microbial hydrolysates
  • Single-cell protein
  • Yeast & bacterial protein
• Insect-based hydrolysates
  • Cricket & Mealworm protein
  • Black soldier fly

Market, By Application

• Clinical nutrition
• Sports & performance nutrition
  • Protein powder & blends
  • Hydration & electrolyte
  • Collagen peptide based
  • Energy gels and bars
• Infant & pediatric nutrition
  • Hypoallergenic formula
  • Toddler & pediatric formulation
• Functional foods & beverages
  • Fortified snacks
  • Plant based drinks
  • Ready to drink beverages
  • Functional juice
• Personal care & cosmetics
  • Skincare
  • Haircare
  • Oral & dermal peptide
• 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