Wheat Protein Market

Wheat Protein Market Overview

The global wheat protein market is projected to grow from $2.5 billion in 2023 to $3.2 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% during this period. Owing to the increase in demand for meat-free diets, rising obesity cases resulting in demand for low-calorie foods, and consumers seeking healthy foods. Wheat gluten, being rich in proteins, is a suitable option and has boosted the demand for it in the global wheat protein market.

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Market Dynamics

Driver: Increase in consumer preference for meat analogs

Various plant-based alternatives to meat products have acquired an increasingly growing market globally. Consumers demand meat alternatives that emulate the fibrous structure, texture, and mouthfeel of meat products. This has increased interest in developing plant protein-based meat alternatives globally. Rising awareness about healthy and nutritious food options among consumers has also led to a growing number of new consumer groups called "flexitarians" looking to reduce their daily meat consumption. This gradual shift in consumers' eating patterns has also led to the creation of novel products aimed at fulfilling consumer demand for meat products, which act as the perfect substitute not only for their taste but also for their high protein nutritional value. For instance, academic researchers and many small and medium-sized enterprises have successfully developed new meat alternatives under the European research project called LikeMeat. The project created fibrous meat-like structures from plant proteins using an adapted cooking extrusion process, which was eventually processed into different food products.

The initial launch of meat alternatives began with the production of texturized vegetable protein (TVP), which is produced by the cooking extrusion of defatted soy meals, soy protein concentrates, or wheat gluten. These products have an elastic and spongy texture, which can be used in stews, patties, and sauces. Soy protein and wheat gluten formed the two most important and dominant raw materials for meat alternatives for a long time, only to be recently joined by protein products from other plant-based raw materials, such as peas, chickpeas, lupins, rice, corn, and canola.

Restraint : Ban on plant proteins and wheat of GM origin

Research studies have cited many health and environmental risks associated with the production and consumption of genetically modified (GM) commodities, including soybean, pea, and wheat. They are opposed by the various industry stakeholders, including regulatory bodies of countries in Europe and Asia Pacific, who are demanding non-genetically modified (non-GMO) sources of plant-based proteins. Thus, most of the countries in these regions have made it mandatory to declare the GM/non-GM status of food ingredients on the packaging of all processed foods. India also brought into effect, in 2013, the rule that packaged food products containing GM products as ingredients should carry labels as a mandate. Some European countries, such as Germany and the UK, have made it mandatory even for dairy and processed meat products. A legal ruling in Argentina's Province of Buenos Aires has officially barred the release of HB4, the first-ever GMO wheat. The group "Un Trigo de Libertad" put forth a case that gathered substantial evidence of the risks associated with introducing a new GMO, describing the new creation as exotic and invasive and warning that it could result in irreversible genetic contamination of native Argentine wheat varieties.

Opportunity: Growing role of wheat protein in the pet industry

The pet food market is driven by two primary trends globally. These trends are premiumization and humanization. There is a growing trend of pet humanization as a "family member" among owners. Due to this, there is a rise in the demand for premium pet food with nutritional benefits, better digestibility, and improved ingredient quality for pets. Considering this changing human tendency, the major players, such as Crespel & Deiters Group (Germany), are offering wheat protein as an ingredient that can be incorporated in pet food products.

In dry dog foods and biscuits, wheat is a grain that provides high-quality carbohydrates. In addition to giving us energy for daily tasks, it also gives food the ability to be processed. Wheat is a major source of nutrients and offers a wide range of advantages. Wheat-based products offer holistic, wheat-based solutions for optimizing pet food because they are rich in starches, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and fiber, which aid in the formation of balanced pet food products.

Challenge: Limited technological developments

Although the market for wheat protein is expected to witness progressive growth rates during the forecast period, limited technological developments in the market are expected to hinder higher growth rates. While related industries like those of whey and pulse protein and the market for gluten-free products are expected to invest substantially in R&D activities to develop better, convenient, and more consumer-suitable products, technological advancements in the case of wheat proteins remain stunted. For example, Ingredion launched the new Prista line, HOMECRAFT Prista P 101 pea flour, and VITESSENCE Prista P 155 pea protein in 2021. It facilitates the inclusion of plant protein into more applications, including instant and Ready-To-Eat (RTE) products, to help brands heighten consumer appeal. Also, in 2020, Ingredion launched certified-organic pulse protein. The protein provides key formulation functionality while helping manufacturers create in-demand, high-protein products that support consumer demand for pulse ingredients. By advancing new technological methods to optimize tastes and nutritional capabilities, the company has now successfully mitigated that challenge.

Adoption of plant-based meat substitutes is projected to drive the demand for textured wheat protein

Textured wheat protein, also known as wheat meat, wheat gluten, or seitan, is a popular plant-based protein source used as a meat substitute for many years. A study published in the journal, Foods, in 2021 found that the demand for meat substitutes, including textured wheat protein, is increasing worldwide due to health, ethical, and environmental concerns associated with meat consumption. In 2019, a survey by the International Food Information Council found that 22% of US consumers reported consuming plant-based meat substitutes, including textured wheat protein, at least once a week.

Therefore, the demand for textured wheat protein is increasing globally, driven by factors such as the growing popularity of plant-based diets and the increasing demand for sustainable and ethical food products.

Use of wheat protein to improve pellet quality is expected to boost the market growth

In the pet food industry, wheat gluten is used in products where its water absorption and fat-binding properties improve yield and quality. It is known for its unique binding capacity for improved pellet quality. An increase in the demand for organic and premium food products is one of the major drivers for the wheat protein market. According to a report by the US Department of Agriculture, the market for plant-based pet food is growing rapidly. In 2020, sales of plant-based pet food in the US increased by 27% compared to the previous year, with the total sales reaching USD 600 million. The Pet Food Institute, a trade association representing pet food manufacturers, notes that wheat gluten is a high-quality protein source that is easily digestible for pets. It also states that wheat gluten is a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for pet food manufacturers.

Europe is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period

The consumption of wheat protein in Europe is the highest as compared to the other regions. Consumers increasingly prefer plant-sourced proteins, such as wheat protein, due to the high prices of animal-sourced protein. This has led to the growth of low-cost plant-sourced protein, such as wheat and vegetable proteins, which act as a substitute for animal-sourced protein.

Germany is an attractive market for manufacturing companies as well as exporters. Bread constitutes a significant part of the baked goods sector as it is one of the main components of the German diet. The bakery & snacks industry of Germany is well-established and has a large consumer base with high purchasing power. Health-conscious consumers in this country demand nutritive baked goods without compromising on the taste of products. Key players in the bakery products industry are taking the initiative to develop and promote new products to meet this demand. In Germany, barley and wheat are predominantly used as sources for feed products.

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Top Companies in the Wheat Protein Market

The key players in this market include ADM (US), Cargill, Incorporated (US), Tereos (France), Südzucker AG (US), MGP Ingredients (US), Roquette Frères (France), Glico Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd. (Japan), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), Manildra Group (Australia), Kröner-Stärke (Germany), Crespel & Deiters Group (Germany), Batory Foods (US), Agridient B.V. (Netherlands), Tate & Lyle (UK), and The Scoular Company (US).

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Scope of the Report

This research report categorizes the wheat protein market, based on type, type, application, form, and region.

By Application

• Bakery & Snacks
• Pet food
• Nutrition Bars & Drinks
• Processed Meat
• Meat Analogs
• Other Applications

By Form

• Dry
• Liquid

By Product

• Wheat Gluten
• Wheat Protein Isolate
• Textured Wheat Protein
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein

By Concentration

• 75%
• 80%
• 95%

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• RoW

Target Audience:

• Supply-side: Wheat protein producers, suppliers, distributors, importers, and exporters
• Demand-side: Large-scale food & beverage manufacturers, manufacturers of animal feed products, food ingredient manufacturers, and research organizations
• Regulatory side: Related government authorities, commercial Research & Development (R&D) institutions, and other regulatory bodies
• Other related associations, research organizations, and industry bodies: International Wheat Gluten Association (IWGA), European Vegetable Protein Association (EUVEPRO), US Wheat Associates (USW), Canadian Celiac Association (CCA), Kansas Wheat Commission and Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, North American Millers’ Association (NAMA), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Wheat Protein Market Industry News

• In November 2022, Crespel & Deiters Group introduced its new textured wheat protein in the market. This launch expanded its textured vegetable protein line.
• In April 2022, ADM invested USD 300 million to expand its alternative plant-protein production capacity in Illinois to meet the growing demand for plant-based ingredients.
• In February 2022, MGP Ingredients announced its plant for the construction of a new manufacturing facility for the production of textured protein. This expansion is aimed at meeting the growing demand for plant-based meat. 
• In April 2020, MGP Ingredients expanded its line of textured protein to cater to meat analogs. This expansion further enhanced its product portfolio.

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