Spray-Dried Protein Hydrolysates Market - By Protein Source, By Hydrolysis Method & By Application - Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Spray-Dried Protein Hydrolysates Market Size

The global spray-dried protein hydrolysates market was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2024. It is expected to grow from USD 2.2 billion in 2025 to USD 4.2 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 7.3%, according to latest report published by Global Market Insights Inc.

• Emerging trends of increased protein consumption all over the world are essentially broadening the target base of spray-dried protein hydrolysates. The growth of protein requirements in vegetarians has been persistent over the past twenty years according to global food-security estimates with consumers affected by the need to consume higher quality and easily digested protein food. This growth of structure is causing food and beverage manufacturers to enrich regular products with hydrolyzed proteins to enhance nutritional content.
   
• Another powerful boost to this market is the expanding sports nutrition and active lifestyle market. Reports by governments and public-health agencies around the world indicate an increase in the number of people getting involved in fitness, recreational sports and endurance activities leading to the rise of increased awareness of rapid-absorption protein formats. Hydrolysates dried using sprays are becoming popular in these applications due to their high bioavailability and shorter digestion duration which result in a quicker recovery of muscles.
   
• There is increasing demand for clinical and medical nutrition as the world population is rising towards aging, which also develops the stable consumption of hydrolyzed proteins. Medical systems in various areas have emphasized the rising incidences of sarcopenia and post-surgical nutritional requirements and malabsorption in old population due to chronic illnesses. Protein hydrolysates, in particular, spray-dried forms can be found in high protein digestibility and peptide profiles that can be used in both elderly nutrition and therapeutic preparations.
   

Spray-Dried Protein Hydrolysates Market Trends

• Manufacturers are aiming to provide extremely regulated enzymatic activity to provide specific peptide distributions to provide application-related functionalities. This tendency is intertwined with the emergence of precision nutrition, where the brands are pursuing proteins that provide a certain digestibility or bioactivity. The market implication is that sophisticated processing and QC will be required and investments in membrane filtration and chromatographic purification are made. Indicative of this, several European ingredient companies have brought peptide fractions to sports powders and hypoallergenic infant blends that can absorb faster.
   
• Clean-label movements around the world are forcing firms to use more gentle methods of hydrolysis and drying to maintain natural integrity and minimize processing indicators. This movement relates to consumer investigation of additives, allergens and processing intensity. The implication of this on the market is more enzyme-selection R&D, shorter-temperature spray-drying, and open supply-chain reporting. As an example, some of the North American food brands are currently labeling their products using the expression mildly hydrolyzed protein on their packages to attract label-conscious consumers.
   
• The increased solubility, heat stability and controlled-release properties are facilitated using modern spray-drying systems. The trend is related to the demand of multifunctional ingredients that are consistent in RTDs, bars, soups, and clinical liquids. The inference is a competitive change in terms of differentiation that is focused on technology in place of raw material sourcing on its own. Examples are the use of microencapsulated hydrolysates by manufacturers to enhance flavor masking and oxidative stability in pediatric and elder formulations.
   

Spray-Dried Protein Hydrolysates Market Analysis

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Based on protein source, the market is segmented into dairy-based protein hydrolysates, plant-based protein hydrolysates, animal-based (non-dairy), and marine-based protein hydrolysates. Dairy-based protein hydrolysates hold a significant share at a valuation of USD 943 million in 2024.
 

• Protein hydrolysates, derived from dairy, have the highest proportion of the market in the spray-dried protein hydrolysate market, with their excellent functional properties, clean taste, and excellent applicability in sports, infants, and medical nutrition. The amino-acid composition, quick absorption and established regulatory acceptance of whey and casein hydrolysates makes them the choice of high-end formulations. The dominance is also supported by the presence of advanced dairy-processing ecosystems in North America and Europe which have large streams of whey, strong supply chains and well-developed enzymatic hydrolysis and spray-drying systems that allow production of high quality and consistency.
   
• Comparatively, these hydrolysates of plants, animals and marine are growing but still niche since they vary in terms of their functional properties, difficulty in formulation and lack of large-scale spray-drying facilities. The segments are currently being propelled by increased demand in allergen-free, sustainable and specialized bioactive peptide components, in clean-label and nutraceutical markets. Nevertheless, they are yet to be adopted in large numbers due to taste, solubility, and cost factors as compared to dairy based counterparts.
   

Based on hydrolysis method, the spray-dried protein hydrolysates market is segmented into enzymatic hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis, microbial/fermentation, and autolysis. Enzymatic hydrolysis holds a significant share at a valuation of USD 1.5 billion in 2024.
 

• Enzymatic hydrolysis is the leading portion of the market of spray-dried protein hydrolysates, which mostly can be explained by its accuracy, controllability, and the possibility to achieve reproducible peptide profiles with minimum losses of nutrients. The approach assists in the creation of better quality, better digestibility hydrolysates, better flavor, better bioactive peptide content and better functional performance in the use of infants, medical and sports nutrition.
   
• Other processes like acid hydrolysis, microbial/fermentation-based hydrolysis, and autolysis have lower market shares due to lack of control over peptide structure, off-flavors, or the high cost of the process. The approaches are selectively utilized in specialized nutraceutical, flavor-enhancement and industrial applications but are limited by less predictable production and reduced commercialization.

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Based on application, the market is segmented into infant & pediatric nutrition, sports & performance nutrition, clinical & medical nutrition, functional foods & beverages, dietary supplements & nutraceuticals, and animal nutrition & pet food. Infant & pediatric nutrition is estimated to grasp a value of USD 855 million in 2025 and is expected to grow at 6.9% of CAGR during the forecast period.
 

• The infant and pediatric nutrition divide has the most significant portion of the spray-dried protein hydrolysates market, due to the rigorous regulatory requirements, the high demand of. The Hydrolyzed whey and casein are popular infant formula ingredients to overcome the lactose intolerance, cow-milk protein allergy, and sensitive digestion.
   
• The other applications such as sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, functional foods, dietary supplements, and pets’ nutrition all have shown growth, but they are still secondary in terms of volume share. The segments are dependent on hydrolysates to provide quick absorption, muscle recovery, gut health benefits, and improved bioavailability but are not adopted by all markets at identical rates depending on the level of market maturity and consumer expenditures. The clean-up of hydrolysates using functional foods and nutraceuticals is experiencing steady adoption since there is increased health-conscious consumption, and pet nutrition is using hydrolysates as a method of enhancing palatability and digestibility.

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North America spray-dried protein hydrolysates market accounted for USD 656 million in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• North America dominated with 32% market share in 2024, with United States having the largest portion owing to the presence of powerful sports nutrition market, well established medical nutrition market, and a clustering of large dairy processors with advanced spray-drying and enzymatic hydrolysis technology.
   
• The fast growth of the region is backed by increasing the number of high-performance protein ingredients being consumed, greater acceptance of readily digested hydrolysates in the clinic and the ongoing investment in processing facilities. The recent example being the launch of next-generation whey production plants in the U.S., such as high-capacity plants with eco-friendly spray-drying technologies, is increasing the local supply and providing a chance to innovate with peptide-rich formulations. The increasing high demand for clean-label, fast-absorbing, and application-specific protein formats continue to increase market momentum in North America.
   

Europe spray-dried protein hydrolysates market accounted for USD 574 million in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• Europe controls about 28% market share of the spray-dried protein hydrolysates in 2024, with nations like Germany, Netherlands and Denmark taking the biggest part of this market since they boast of robust dairy-processing ecosystems and existence of top hydrolysate producers. The demand is aided by stringent standards of quality and regulation in infants, clinical and sports nutrition that supports the growth of the region and encourages the consumption of high-purity, highly digestible hydrolysate ingredients.
   
• Ongoing investments in high-technology enzyme processing, sustainability-oriented spray-drying plants, and low-allergen peptide technologies reinforce the standpoint of Europe even more. There are also good R&D networks and association of ingredient suppliers and nutrition brands in the region, which allows quick creation of specialized hydrolysates in medical diets, gut-health products and high-performance products.
   

Asia Pacific spray-dried protein hydrolysates market accounted for USD 512.5 million in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.
 

• Asia Pacific holds 25 % market share in 2024, which is influenced by high demand in sports nutrition, infant formulas, and clinical nutrition industries. China has kept on surpassing the others because of its infant formula giant industry and growing use of the hydrolyzed whey and casein proteins in high-end formulas. Advanced dairy-processing systems, production of high-quality whey, and good export capacity are used to improve regional supply of Australia and New Zealand.
   
• Health-conscious consumer segments in the region are also growing fast, especially in Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia whereby fast absorbing and easy digestible proteins are taking off. Growing retail distribution of sport nutrition, increasing popularity of clean-label and hypoallergenic protein delivery, and continued capacity growth in local spray-drying and enzymatic processing plants only serve to speed up market penetration.
   

Latin America accounted for 8% market share in 2024 and is anticipated to show steady growth over the forecast period.
 

• Latin America shows stable and consistent market growth, which is reflected in the fact that the dairy-processing infrastructure is improving and the incorporation of hydrolyzed protein ingredients in sports and functional nutrition products is increasing. The share in Brazil is the highest because of the growing health and fitness consumer market and growing domestic supply of whey-based products. Argentina and Chile are sources of dairy and increasing investment in value added nutrition ingredients.
   
• The increasing popularity of international sports nutrition brands and the increasing popularity of high-digestibility types of proteins such as muscle recovery and weight management products also contribute to the increase in market expansion. Nevertheless, the expansion is held in check by economic fluctuations and the discrepancies in technological potentials among processing plants, which prevents the shift to a specialized hydrolysate generation.
   

Middle East and Africa spray-dried protein hydrolysates market accounted for 7% market share in 2024 and is anticipated to show steady growth over the forecast period.
 

• The Middle East & Africa market is growing at a low but steady rate mainly due to the need to promote clinical nutrition, pediatric formulations, and high-quality sports nutrition. Imports have become a high dependence area of the region because of the small local dairy-processing and hydrolysate manufacturing capacities, and UAE and Saudi Arabia are the biggest consumption centers. It is facilitated by the increasing healthcare spending, the use of specialized medical diets, and greater adoption of the international sports nutrition brands using hydrolyzed whey and casein protein.
   
• The gradual adoption of functional foods and fortified beverages that is being witnessed in markets like South Africa is also a boost to the demand. However, the structural limitations like lack of cold-chain facilities, deficiency of high-tech spray-drying equipment and reliance on the international suppliers slacken the market acceleration.
   

Spray-Dried Protein Hydrolysates Market Share

The competitive environment of the spray-dried protein hydrolysates marketplace is moderately consolidated with the top five players Fonterra (NZMP), FrieslandCampina Ingredients, DSM-Firmenich, Kemin Industries and Uelzena Ingredients in aggregate commanding approximately 47.1% market share in 2024. Owing to the dominance with formidable dairy-processing facilities, high technologies of enzymatic hydrolysis and large-scale spray-drying systems, which facilitate the production of high-purity ingredients in consistent and high quantities across nutrition and specialty applications.
 

Companies are increasing their investments in research and development to optimize peptide profiles, improve taste and functionality to suit specific end-use industries to enhance their competitiveness. Businesses are also spending money on manufacturing sustainability, digital optimization of processes, and capacity building to provide stability in supply. Moreover, they are keeping ahead of technology and market leaders through strategic partnerships with nutrition brands, regulation-enhancing efforts and the production of application-specific hydrolysates.
 

Spray-Dried Protein Hydrolysates Market Companies

Major players operating in spray-dried protein hydrolysates industry are:
 

• CRESCENT BIOTECH
• Aumgene Biosciences
• Eklavya Biotech Private Limited.
• Fonterra (NZMP)
• Uelzena Ingredients
• Buchi
• Kemin Industries
• DSM-Firmenich
• FrieslandCampina Ingredients
   

Fonterra International ingredients division (NZMP) is a major producer of dairy-derived proteins, such as whey and casein hydrolysates that are applied in sports, medical, and infant nutrition. The company can use high functionality peptide ingredients through large-scale processing of milk and high-capacity spray-drying equipment. Its portfolio focuses on cleansing, speed of absorption, and clean formulation. The robust distribution of NZMP in the world facilitates vast application in performance nutrition and clinical formulations.
 

FrieslandCampina Ingredients is a supplier of a wide variety of whey protein hydrolysates such as infant, medical and active nutrition. The company applies precision enzymatic hydrolysis and spray-drying technology in the production of low-allergenic, very digestible peptide powders. Its Hyvital and Nutri Whey brands have been known to be of quality and meeting high standards across the world. FrieslandCampina is still investing in R&D towards a taste optimization, peptide profile and versatility as an application.
 

DSM-Firmenich is a large producer of nutritional ingredients, which have bespoke protein hydrolysates and peptide solutions to performance, early-life and medical nutrition. The company uses hi-tech enzyme technologies, controlled hydrolysis as well as hi-tech drying systems to provide science-based formulations. Its portfolio is directed at bioactive peptides, reduces bitterness and improved functional performance. DSM-Firomenich has good regulatory knowledge that is used to promote commercialization of high-purity hydrolysates worldwide.
 

Kemin Industries manufactures specialty hydrolyzed protein products mostly used in pet nutrition and feed production and is a process based on controlled enzymatic treatment and effective spray-drying. In its hydrolysate products, the company focuses on digestibility, palatability and absorption of nutrients. Kemin maintains uniformity in the global markets with vertically integrated production as well as stringent quality control. Its product development channel is on functional peptides and immune supporting products.
 

Uelzena Ingredients focuses on spray dried dairy ingredients, such as whey-based hydrolysates that are infant and clinical nutrition specific. The company has sophisticated spray-drying towers and contract manufacturing facilities which are used in the production of hydrolysates on custom basis. Its processing skills guarantee the high quality of fine powders, stable peptide structure, and maximum solubility.
 

Spray-Dried Protein Hydrolysates Industry News

• In September 2025, Kerry opened a Biotechnology Centre in Leipzig, Germany, to speed up its enzyme and fermentation innovation capabilities that could then be used to create more advanced protein hydrolysates with enhanced functionality and application-specific peptide profiles.
   
• In March 2025, Hilmar Cheese established a state-of-the-art whey production plant in Dodge City, Kansas. The plant incorporates the recycled water, heat recovery and energy saving cleaning systems that augment the capacity of the plant in manufacturing whey and hydrolyzed protein ingredients.
   
• In November 2024, Arla Foods Ingredients purchased the Whey Nutrition business of Felinfach (Wales)-based Volac with its performance- and medical- nutrition markets offering much new whey-isolate and lactose capacity.
   

The spray-dried protein hydrolysates 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 Protein Source

• Dairy-based protein hydrolysates
  • Whey protein hydrolysates (WPH)
  • Casein hydrolysates
  • Milk protein hydrolysates 
• Plant-based Protein Hydrolysates
  • Soy protein hydrolysates
  • Pea protein hydrolysates
  • Rice protein hydrolysates
  • Wheat protein hydrolysates
  • Other Plant Sources (lentil, chickpea, faba bean, etc.)
• Animal-based Protein Hydrolysates (Non-dairy)
  • Collagen/gelatin hydrolysates
  • Meat (beef/poultry/pork) hydrolysates
  • Egg protein hydrolysates
• Marine-based protein hydrolysates
  • Fish protein hydrolysates
  • Shellfish/crustacean protein hydrolysates

Market, By Hydrolysis Method

• Enzymatic hydrolysis
• Acid hydrolysis
• Microbial/fermentation
• Autolysis

Market, By Application

• Infant & pediatric nutrition
  • Hypoallergenic formulas
  • Lactose-free formulations
  • Premature infant nutrition 
• Clinical & medical nutrition
  • Geriatric nutrition
  • Enteral & tube-feeding formulas
  • Recovery & therapeutic diets
• Sports & performance nutrition
  • Pre-workout & post-workout blends
  • Protein recovery drinks & bars
  • Weight management supplements
• Functional foods & beverages
  • Bakery & confectionery fortification
  • Dairy alternatives (RTD, yogurt, smoothies)
  • Nutrient-dense snacks
• Dietary supplements & nutraceuticals
  • Powdered mixes
  • Tablets / capsules
  • RDT supplement drinks
• Animal nutrition & pet food
  • Companion animal feed
  • Aquafeed (fish/shrimp feed)
  • Livestock performance boosters

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