Protein Ingredients Market Size - By Source, By Type, By Application, Growth Forecast, 2026-2035

Protein Ingredients Market Size

The global protein ingredients market size was valued at USD 52.8 billion in 2025. The market is expected to grow from USD 56.7 billion in 2026 to USD 112.9 billion in 2035, at a CAGR of 7.9% according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• Protein ingredients are made from plants, animal, or microorganism of food, beverage, or fertilizers supplements. Among all these proteins, soy, whey, casein, pea, and marine proteins are keys to muscle growth and recovery and well-being. Rising health consciousness among consumers is affecting their choice and thus specifying their demand toward high-quality and functional protein sources.
   
• Due to population size, disposable incomes, and a growing middle class with health and nutritional preferences, it has been observed that the Asia-Pacific region holds the most substantial share in the protein ingredients market. Meanwhile, North America has emerged as the fastest-growing market due to developments in its manufacturing infrastructure, innovations in plant-based and alternative proteins, and a large consumer group seeking health-oriented products.
   
• Growing awareness triggered by the rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases regarding the need for adequate protein intake has been favoring the market. Additional demand relates to the burgeoning sports nutrition and fitness business as athletes and fitness enthusiasts increasingly recognize the importance of protein for muscle repair and recovery, thus spurring the demand for specialized protein ingredients.
   
• Plant-based diets are trending not only in consideration of health but also sustainability and that is yet another driving factor for this market. Governments across the globe support this transition by instituting initiatives intended to promote healthy dietary habits and sustainable food production, indirectly affecting the growth of protein ingredients. This combined effect of being health-conscious, the expansion of the fitness industry, and the inclination towards plant-based alternatives provides growth trajectory to the global protein ingredients market, fortified with regional dynamics to further the interdependent demand for it.
   

Protein Ingredients Market Trends

• With various innovations being developed in extraction technology-such as enzymatic extraction and membrane filtration- the pathways of production for protein ingredients are being altered. The processes are optimized to generate higher yields with lower energy input and help obtain a more purified product. These technologies will mature and allow for the development of highly specialized proteins with enhanced functions, setting new platforms for product innovation in the industry.
   
• From dietary patterns, plant-based industries are creating one of the larger disruptions to the protein ingredient landscape. Advanced texturization and flavoring will enable the further acceptance of plant-based proteins that mimic traditional flavor and mouth feel of animal proteins. It is this recent growth in interest caused by not just health and ethics but concerns for sustainability that continues to diversify the protein sources and open-up market opportunities.
   
• With the increasing awareness of environmental sustainability, industry practices are undergoing major change. Companies are taking up greener manufacturing processes with lower water and energy consumption and reduced carbon footprint involving renewable resources. Supply chain transparency and sustainable packaging are becoming increasingly important for consumers. These are basically responses to a society that is beginning to be active against climate change and conservation of resources; hence such attitudes are pushing industry toward greener and more responsible production avenues that would assure market growth in the long run.
   

Protein Ingredients Market Analysis

Based on source, the protein ingredients market is segmented into animal-derived proteins, plant-derived proteins and alternative proteins. Animal-derived proteins dominated the market with an approximate market share of 48.2% in 2025 and is expected to grow with a CAGR of 7.9% till 2035.
 

• Animal proteins are the most critical domain that has developed functional properties with bioavailability and consumer preference. The major sources are whey, casein, and eggs. These are extensively used by the sports nutrition, dairy, and processed food sectors.
   
• Plant proteins are gaining traction with growing consumer interest in plant-based diets, health awareness, and sustainable development. They are widely used in vegetarian and vegan products, snacks, and beverages, thus contributing to a rapidly expanding plant protein market.
   
• Alternative proteins, lab-grown, insect-based, and new plant-based sources are coming up as innovative segments. Growth is driven by sustainability, technology, and regulation. As sustainable innovations, these putative proteins offer future-proof solutions to satisfy the ever-increasing global demand for protein with minimal environmental impact. 
   

Based on type, the protein ingredients market is segmented into protein concentrates, protein isolates, protein hydrolysates and textured proteins. Protein concentrates held the largest market share of 42% in 2025.
 

• Protein concentrates leads the market due to their cost advantages and versatility for multiple uses. They are considerably used in sports nutrition, bakery, and snack products, a reason for their demand.  It is easy to process and available from different sources like soy, whey, pea, and many others.
   
• Protein isolates are gaining popularity mostly for sports and medical nutrition consumption because of the higher purity and digestibility. They are inculcated in premium formulations that cater to consumers wanting a clean label with minimally processed ingredients.
   
• Protein hydrolysates are increasingly entering clinical nutrition and infant formulas. They are highly digestible and less allergenic. The application specialization with quick absorption and bioavailability is driving development.
   
• Textured proteins are gaining recognition mostly for plant-based meat alternatives, where the fibrous texture resembles meat. They play a pivotal role in the innovation of products in this segment of plant protein, targeting flexitarian consumers. 
   

Based on application, the protein ingredients market is segmented into food applications, nutritional applications and non-food applications. Food application is expected to hold the significant market share.
 

• Food applications are at the forefront of the market on account of their rampant consumption in processed foods, beverages, bakery, dairy, and snacking. Manufacturers are now targeting functional proteins that will enhance texture, shelf-life, and nutritional profile; thus, food applications are the primary driver of growth.
   
• Nutritional applications are in high demand due to the growing consciousness toward health and wellness. Demand for innovation in protein formulations has increased owing to the dietary supplements, functional foods, and sports nutrition product boom.
   
• Non-food applications are steadily growing. Increasing pet food consumption of plant proteins and erecting protein-based biomaterial for industrial purposes are enlarging this segment. 
   

The North America protein ingredients market will grow at a CAGR from approximately 8% between 2026 and 2035. 
 

• The growing demand for plant-based or clean label protein ingredients in foods and nutritional products is boosting the market. Innovative extraction and processing are giving impetus to greenness and sustainability in efforts to minimize harm to the environment.
   
• The growing preference among consumers for health consciousness and sustainability is making companies multiply their investments in research and development for the pioneering establishment of new environmentally sustainable protein ingredients.
   

The protein ingredients market in Europe, especially in a few countries like Germany, are expected to grow with a rapid pace in the coming years.
 

• Industry and government regulations are stringent on environmental grounds, pushing the industry into newer sources and innovative production methods of protein ingredients. There has been much interest in bio-based and biodegradable formulations of plant proteins and microbial proteins.
   
• Development of environmentally friendly extraction methods and plant-based proteins for high-performance product developments by companies is encouraged by sustainable food systems and clean-label products. Furthermore, this legislative climate and the demand from consumers push for transparency in market growth and speed up progress in technology.
   

The protein ingredients market in China and India is expected to have lucrative growth between 2026 and 2035, with CAGR 8.1% in the Asia Pacific region.

• Urbanization, rising health awareness, and disposable income are driving consumption closer to healthier functional protein ingredients in foods, beverages, and nutritional supplements. Increasing importance of plant-based and clean-label nutrition would continue driving innovation into plant- and alternative protein sources.

Between 2026 and 2035, the market for protein ingredients in the Middle East is projected to grow significantly during this period.
 

• Some of the key driving factors include burgeoning demand emanating from hospitality, food processing, and nutritional sectors for clean-label, high-quality protein ingredients. Health wellness awareness among consumers has increased along with the endeavors of their respective governments to achieve sustainable and healthy food systems, putting these companies on alert for the manufacture of plant-based and sustainable protein solutions.
   

Between 2025 and 2035, a promising expansion of the protein ingredients sector is foreseen in Latin America.
 

• Increasing disposable incomes, more investment in research aimed at sustainable and plant-based proteins and growing consumer demand for eco-conscious food products are driving this growth. Demand for protein ingredients in functional foods, dietary supplements, and food safety applications is increasing.
   

Protein Ingredients Market Share

Protein ingredients industry is moderately consolidated with players like Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, Incorporated, Roquette Frères, Glanbia Nutritionals and Kerry Group accounts for 18.1% market share in 2025.
 

The protein ingredients market consists of such leading companies operating mostly in their regional areas. Their long years of experience with protein ingredients allow these companies to maintain a strong market position worldwide. Their product offerings are diverse and majorly supported by production capacities and distribution networks, which can serve the increasing demand for protein ingredients in various regions.
 

Protein Ingredients Market Companies

Major players operating in the protein ingredients industry includes:

• Archer Daniels Midland
• Cargill, Incorporated
• CropEnergies AG 
• Darling Ingredients
• Fonterra Co-operative Group 
• Glanbia Nutritionals
• Ingredion Incorporated
• International Flavors & Fragrances
• Kerry Group
• Kewpie Corporation
• MGP Ingredients, Inc
• Perfect Day, Inc.
• Roquette Frères
   

Archer Daniels Midland: The company has a broad portfolio encompassing soy, peas, wheat, dairy-adjacent inputs, with strengths in sourcing, large-scale processing, and application support for sports/clinical, mainstream foods.
 

Cargill, incorporated: Distributing soy, pea, canola, egg, and collagen proteins with a regional manufacturing footprint; Investing in plant-based and alternative platforms; and solutions tailored to the customer.
 

Glanbia Nutritionals: Major supplier to sports, clinical and functional foods. Portfolio includes whey/milk proteins and blends with plant proteins.
 

Kerry Group: Taste-plus-nutrition by proteins, with flavours, and stabilization systems; worldwide technical support and manufacturing presence.
 

Roquette Freres: Leader in pea protein in the EU and US; strong advances in plant protein isolates for meat and dairy substitution and sports nutrition.
 

Protein Ingredients Industry News

• In November 2025, Arla Foods Ingredients displayed innovative milk and whey protein ingredients at Fi Europe, focusing on high-protein dairy product types, new application concepts, and solutions for health-conscious consumers.
   
• In November 2025, Tetra Pak launched a sunflower protein ingredient (~50% protein plus fiber, vitamins, antioxidants), thus giving plant-source options to formulators.
   
• In August 2025, Burcon NutraScience announced its commercial launch of FavaPro (≥90% fava isolate) targeting dairy alternatives and sports nutrition.
   

This protein ingredients market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecasts in terms of revenue (USD Billion) and volume (Kilo Tons) from 2022 to 2035, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Source

• Animal-derived proteins
  • Dairy proteins
  • Egg proteins
  • Meat-based proteins
  • Marine proteins
  • Collagen & gelatin
• Plant-derived proteins
  • Legume proteins
  • Cereal proteins
  • Oilseed proteins
  • Others
• Alternative proteins

Market, By Type

• Protein concentrates
• Protein isolates
• Protein hydrolysates
• Textured proteins

Market, By Application

• Food applications
  • Bakery products
  • Beverages
  • Meat & seafood alternatives
  • Dairy alternatives
  • Snacks & bars
  • Pasta & noodles
  • Soups, sauces & gravies
  • Confectionery
  • Others
• Nutritional applications
  • Sports nutrition
  • Clinical & medical nutrition
  • Infant & child nutrition
  • Dietary supplements
  • Meal replacements
  • Others
• Non-food applications
  • Personal care & cosmetics
  • Pharmaceutical applications
  • Animal feed
  • Others

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

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