Plant-Based Protein Market Size - By Type, By Form, By Application, By Distribution Channel, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Plant-Based Protein Market Size

The global plant-based protein market size was valued at USD 18.7 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 20.3 billion in 2025 to USD 40.1 billion in 2034, at a CAGR of 7.9% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• The plant-based protein market has been growing tremendously over the past four years. It has grown from a niche trend to a high-demand global product market. After 2019 and the COVID pandemic, the demand really skyrocketed to a whole new level due to the need for healthy, shelf-stable, and immune-boosting meat-free protein alternatives. The demand for meat-free protein alternatives has grown tremendously, especially in North America and Europe. The spike in demand wasn’t the only reason for the interest in plant-based protein products.
   
• The progressive health-conscious consumer is driving this market. The negative health and eco narrative surrounding red and processed meat, and livestock rearing for meat, has been promoted since 2015. The carbon negative narratives promoted by brands, the large flexitarian population has increased plant-based options. The increased interest in plant protein has encouraged brands to diversify their range. The spread of meat alternatives like burgers, shakes, and even dairy substitutes, shows the growing global interest in meat alternatives. The accelerated changes by large brands have resulted in increased demand and acceptance of meat alternatives.
   
• Between 2020 and 2023, modern technologies in farming significantly boosted production in many countries. To cut back on imported protein, countries such as Canada and France began domestically growing pulses and legumes. In 2022, Canada’s exports included over 2.1 million metric tons of yellow peas, a substantial portion of which was processed for food and supplement manufacturers as yellow pea protein isolate. Along with this, new types of protein, such as fermented fungi and algae-based ingredients, entered the commercial stage and expanded plant protein innovation beyond the usual sources of soybeans and wheat.
   

Plant-Based Protein Market Trends

• Health-driven consumers are shifting towards more plant-based diets, and this change comes from growing health awareness and ethical considerations. Flexitarians, the practice of occasionally eating meat, is particularly popular in North America and Europe. From 2020 to 2023, the FAO stated, the plant-based protein consumption per person increased by more than 6%. Beyond Meat and Oatley are examples of successful companies that embraced the trendy consumer lifestyle.
   
• Expanding innovation on R&D for clean label and allergen-free products product lines that demand soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO proteins have triggered the innovative use of chickpeas, lentils, and fava beans in plant-based proteins. For example, hypoallergenic marketed pea protein isolates and expanded consumer Roquette. Proponents of clean-label products, particularly those aimed at North America and the EU, increased their market and defended their clean-label stance.
   
• Regional Growth and Localized Ingredient Sourcing Countries Canada, India, and Brazil sponsor programs on pulse production to lessen the reliance on soy imports. For instance, Canada shipped more than 2.1 million metric tons of yellow peas in 2022. Government-imposed sustainability goals defend on-shore commodity trading but also offer competitive market advantages. Brands are more responsive to supply chain traceability and carbon reduction mandates.
   
• Uses in Cosmetics and Functional Foods, Plant proteins are being used in more industries than just food and beverages. They are used in personal care and functional nutritional products as well. Conditioning hydrolyzed rice and pea proteins are used in hair and skin care products. Textured pea and wheat proteins are used in the Pharma and supplements industry for satiety-enhancing meal replacements and medical nutrition solutions.
   

Plant-Based Protein Market Analysis

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Based on type, the plant-based protein market is segmented into soy protein, pea protein, wheat protein, rice protein, potato protein, canola protein, and others. The soy protein segment was valued at USD 7 billion in 2024, and it is anticipated to expand with 7.2% CAGR during 2025 to 2034.
 

• As customers look for alternative proteins, soy, pea, and wheat continue to be the most utilized sources. This is because they have high protein composition and processing networks already in place. Soy is the leader in the production of meat alternatives and soy-based dairy. On the other hand, pea protein is gaining popularity because of the claims of being allergen-free and non-GMO. Wheat protein is still in demand for its textured proteins which are used in the bakery and ready-meal market.
   
• With the rise of personalized nutrition, clean-label, and infant-friendly offerings, other proteins such as rice, potato, canola, and legumes are being incorporated for functional innovation. These 'next-gen' proteins can be sourced regionally and target flexitarian, vegan, and gluten-free space. Companies in the food, beverage, and nutraceutical industries are diversifying to minimize soy dependency because of shifting regulations, sustainability targets, and new formulation requirements.
   

Based on form, the plant-based protein market is segmented into isolates, concentrates, textured proteins, hydrolysates. Isolates segment was valued at USD 6.2 billion in 2024, and it is anticipated to expand to 8% of CAGR during 2025 to 2034.
 

• Protein isolates offer the highest purity and bioavailability and consequently dominate the performance-oriented sports nutrition, dietary supplements, and protein-rich beverages markets. On the other hand, concentrates are cost-efficient and have a balanced nutritional profile, which is why they continue to dominate mainstream food products. In ready-to-eat meals, plant-based meats, and other meals marketed to flexitarians, textured proteins continue to drive innovation by providing the required chew and bite which is important for meat analogues.
   
• In medical nutrition, infant food, and the allergen-sensitive markets, the digestibility and lower allergenic potential of hydrolysates make them more sought after. The industry is seeing improvements in more advanced hydrolysate processing that can create a neutral taste, which is otherwise difficult to achieve. Balancing the competing priorities of form, cost, functionality, and clean label has become a greater challenge for many companies in the industry. Companies are being pushed to broaden their portfolios to include baked goods, beverages, and fortified foods that integrate ingredients designed to specifically address the interrelated problems of nutrition and textural deficits.

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Based on application, the plant-based protein market is segmented into Food & beverage, Animal feed (pet food, livestock feed), Cosmetics & personal care, Pharmaceuticals. The food & beverage was largest and valued at USD 12.6 billion in 2024, and it is anticipated to expand to 7.9% of CAGR during 2025 to 2034, constituting 67.3% in overall market share.
 

• The largest application of plant-based proteins continues to be in the food and beverage industry, specifically in the rapidly growing meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and protein-enriched baked goods. Leading brands incorporate soy, pea, and rice proteins to be able to promote allergen-free, fortified, and more nutritionally balanced options. Functional beverages, particularly ready-to-drink protein shakes, are popular among health-conscious Millennials and Gen Z consumers, who are also interested in sustainability and ethical consumption, and are growing in prevalence worldwide.
   
• In addition to food, plant proteins are being used in animal feed, feed for pets, the cosmetics industry, and the formulation of pharmaceutical companies. For pet food, meat substitutes are being marketed as hypoallergenic. In cosmetics, particularly for anti-aging, hydrolyzed proteins are included in creams, shampoos, and other treatments. The pharmaceutical industry and clinical nutrition specifically for the elderly is focusing on plant proteins for specialized nutritionally balanced formulations for weight control, diabetes, and other chronic diseases due to the proteins’ greater digestibility and clean-label appeal.
   

In distribution channel segment, Supermarkets / Hypermarkets segment was valued at USD 7.2 billion in 2024, and it is anticipated to expand to 8.1% of CAGR during 2025 to 2034, constituting 38.3% in overall plant-based protein market share.
 

• Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the dominant retail channel for plant-based protein products because of their range and in-store promotions. Buyers usually prefer comparisons. For products like milk alternatives and meat substitutes, just having products on the shelf encourages buyers to purchase. But for buyers that care for their health, and for curated, clean labels, or organic plant proteins that fit their diet, specialty stores for plant protein offerings are growing in popularity.
   
• With COVID-19 and beyond, the online retail market for protein powders, supplements, and bulk proteins has grown, aided by subscription services and influencer marketing. B2B supply remains essential for the foodservice, nutraceutical, and manufacturing industries for sourcing ingredients for private labels and mass production. There is a trend towards using omnichannel market approaches where direct-to-consumer strategies are combined with institutional sales. This is driven by customization, traceability, and demand which continues to increase on both the niche and mainstream sides.

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• North America accounts for the largest market value worldwide and is projected to grow from USD 5.4 billion in 2024 to 11 billion USD in 2034. This is due to the popularity of sports nutrition and clean label products. The U.S. market alone was valued at 4.5 billion USD in 2024 and is projected to grow at a 7.3% CAGR from 2025 to 2034.
   
• In the U.S., the main drivers of growth are protein-enriched functional foods, clean label supplements, and the expansive retail growth of plant based alternative foods. The U.S. also has a matured supply chain and branding power, facilitating rapid penetration of products in mainstream supermarkets and online health platforms.
   
• Demand for plant protein functional foods, particularly pea, soy, and rice proteins within the U.S. has led to aggressive investment from food technology companies. The growth of high protein packaged foods, particularly those with FDA compliant label claims, has also been fueled by regulatory and marketing positioning for health.
   
• Growth of the Europe market is projected from USD 5.1 billion in 2024 to USD 11 billion in 2034 due to the adoption of regulatory standards for vegan certifications and sustainability goals. In 2024, Germany's market was valued at 912.3 million USD and will grow at a 7.8% CAGR through 2034.
   
• Germany continues to be the top country when it comes to the clean-label consumer market, particularly when it comes to plant-based proteins, as they are established in the dairy-free, gluten-free, and organic product sectors. In the bakery and meal solution sectors, the use of soy and wheat proteins is most widely adopted as plant proteins.
   
• Investments in innovations based on peas and fava beans have also been growing, made possible by the EU sustainability framework. German retailers are quickly adjusting their consumer and private label product lines to have RSPO-certified and no GMOs ingredients, maintaining environmentally sustainable practices.
   
• The most rapidly growing region is the Asia Pacific, which is expected to grow from USD 4.5 billion in 2024 to USD 9.9 billion by 2034. This is primarily because of the rising protein consumption in the middle class. In 2024, the market in China alone is worth USD 2 billion and is expected to grow at a rate of 8 percent annually.
   
• Urban health shifts are taking place in China, which is increasing the consumption of plant proteins through meal replacements, nutrition drinks, and meat-free meal kits. The country’s protein processing infrastructure is also growing, getting significant support from the government and private institutions.
   
• The rising demand is also due to increased awareness of lactose intolerance, the health impacts of air pollution, and the use of rice, pea, and soy proteins in functional foods. To boost health and nutrition, China promotes functional food labeling, increasing the circulation of rice, pea, and soy proteins in everyday meals.
   
• According to recent forecasts, the Latin America market will grow to USD 4.7 billion from USD 2.2 billion between 2024 and 2034. This will be due to the region's food security strategies, including incentives to adopt more plant-based food policies. Brazil's market will grow from USD 712.3 million to 7.5% CAGR during this time.
   
• This is the result of Brazil's expansion of domestic production of peas and beans, locally made plant-based products. Local marketers are targeting the fitness and wellness market of plant-based products, which is dominated by Generation Z and Millennials.
   
• As plant-based meats and soy or wheat protein foods are integrated into the Brazilian diet, the demand in the health and wellness sector will grow. Thanks to domestic innovations, planting protein snacks that cater to the local market have started to emerge.
   
• Untapped potential due to increased urbanization and demand for alternative dairy products will sustain MEA growth which is expected to grow from USD 1.5 billion in 2024 to USD 3.5 billion by 2034. In 2024 Saudi Arabia's market was USD 514.3 million and is expected to grow 8.5% CAGR through 2034.
   
• Saudi Arabia's interest in fortified and halal-certified plant-based proteins is rapidly increasing; this is influenced by improvements in retail and new food and nutrition initiatives under the Vision 2030 plan.
   
• There is a fast-growing demand for clinical nutrition and women's health supplements. The imports of hydrolyzed rice and pea isolates are increasing to meet formulation needs for nutraceuticals and beverages.
   

Plant-Based Protein Market Share

• Roquette Frères, Cargill, Ingredion Inc., ADM (Archer Daniels), and DuPont Nutrition collectively accounted for 52% of the plant-based protein industry share in 2024.
   
• Roquette Frères, Cargill, and Ingredion Inc. dominate the market and going through the benefits of integrated supply chains and strategic industry relationships. They have invested early in allergen-free clean label and textured proteins, placing them at the forefront of plant-based innovation, especially in North America and Europe, where functional foods and meat alternatives are booming.
   
• Similarly, ADM and Kerry Group also focus on soy isolates and protein-enhanced baking and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage proteins. These companies have B2B ingredient market, branded consumer goods, and turnkey formulation systems, which are also supported by their global manufacturing and regulatory approvals in emerging markets, especially in the Asia-Pacific and Latin America.
   

Plant-Based Protein Market Companies

The major players operating in plant-based protein industry include:

• Roquette Frères
• Cargill
• Ingredion Inc.
• ADM (Archer Daniels)
• DuPont Nutrition
   
• Roquette Frères: With a 14% market share, Roquette Frères is a pioneer in the innovation of pea and wheat proteins. The company’s NUTRALYS® line is the industry leader in meat alternatives and functional beverages. Roquette recently increased production of pea proteins in Canada, strengthening their position in North America and addressing the growing demand for clean-label, allergen-free proteins.
   
• Cargill: With 12% of the market, Cargill has established a strong presence with soy and pea proteins. Its investment in Puris has further established Cargill’s North American leadership in pea protein. Cargill's recent introduction of the RadiPure® pea protein line expands their food formulation offerings, targeting dairy alternatives and blends for a broader global reach across various end-user markets.
   
• Ingredion Inc.: Holding a 10% market share, Ingredion has positioned itself with a diversified protein offer that includes pea, faba bean, and lentil-based ingredients. The VITESSENCE® Pulse line is directed at the dairy and snack markets. As health-conscious and vegan consumers drive demand, Ingredion’s pulse protein facility in Nebraska, and the large-scale operations focused on the growing demand, are perfectly positioned to deliver.
   
• ADM (Archer Daniels Midland): ADM accounts for about 9% share having a strong global processing capability in soy isolates and wheat proteins. ADM's Arcon and ProFam brands are widely used in meat substitutes and nutraceuticals. ADM has opened a new innovation lab for plant-based products in Illinois to further promote collaboration with customers in product development for meat substitutes.
   
• DuPont Nutrition (IFF): Acquiring 7% share assigned to DuPont Nutrition, now with IFF, focuses on textured soy proteins, soy concentrates and isolates, and other products under the SUPRO® brand. It caters to the sports nutrition, dairy alternatives, and baking industries. The company focuses on food product sustainability, high protein functional foods, and the growing needs of markets (mature and emerging) in Europe and Asia.
   

Plant-Based Protein Industry News

• May 2024: To fulfill growing demand for allergen-free, clean label, plant proteins in North America, Roquette opened its second pea protein processing plant in Canada, improving supply chain effectiveness for nutrition and food manufacturers.
   
• August 2023: Cargill introduced a new pea protein brand, RadiPure, which is geared toward dairy alternatives and functional smoothies. The company has also expanded its partnership with Puris for local U.S. yellow pea procurement.
   
• February 2022: ADM opened its Plant-Based Innovation Lab in Deerland, Illinois, concentrating on the development of textured plant proteins and meat analogues. The installation aids food manufacturers in the development of tailored protein solutions that are clean labels, and in multiple, diverse markets around the world.
   

The plant-based protein market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Billion) & Volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Soy Protein
• Pea Protein
• Wheat Protein
• Rice Protein
• Potato Protein
• Canola Protein
• Others

Market, By Form

• Isolates
• Concentrates
• Textured Proteins
• Hydrolysates

Market, By Application

• Food & Beverage
  • Meat Substitutes & Analogues
  • Dairy Alternatives
  • Bakery & Confectionery
  • Sports & Nutritional Supplements
  • Functional Beverages
• Animal Feed (Pet Food, Livestock Feed)
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Online Retail
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Specialty Stores
• Business-to-Business (B2B Supply)

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