The extruded protein crispies and inclusions market size is projected to grow from USD 0.29 billion in 2026 to USD 0.46 billion in 2031, at a CAGR of 9.9%.
The extruded protein crispies and inclusions market is growing as food manufacturers increase the use of protein-rich ingredients in a wide range of food products. Extruded protein crispies and inclusions are made from protein sources such as soy, pea, rice, wheat, milk, and whey proteins using extrusion technology. These ingredients are commonly used in protein bars, breakfast cereals, granola, bakery products, confectionery, snacks, meal replacement products, and sports nutrition products. They help increase protein content while adding crunch, texture, and visual appeal to finished products.
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Growing demand for high-protein foods, functional products, and convenient nutrition is supporting market growth. Consumers are paying more attention to protein intake, active lifestyles, and healthier food choices. In response, manufacturers are adding protein crispies and inclusions to both new and existing product formulations. Demand is particularly strong in sports nutrition products, high-protein snacks, breakfast cereals, and meal replacement products. The increasing popularity of plant-based foods is also supporting the use of protein crispies made from soy, pea, rice, and other plant proteins.
Ongoing improvements in extrusion technology are helping manufacturers expand their product offerings. Companies are developing protein crispies and inclusions with different protein levels, textures, shapes, sizes, and protein sources to meet specific product requirements. This gives food manufacturers greater flexibility when developing products across different applications. As demand for protein-enriched and functional foods continues to rise, the use of extruded protein crispies and inclusions is expected to increase across the food and beverage industry.
PGP International (US), ADM (US), Glanbia plc (Ireland), Balchem Corp (US), and Actus Nutrition (US) are among the key players in the extruded protein crispies and inclusions market. These companies offer extruded protein crispies and inclusion solutions derived from protein sources such as soy, pea, rice, milk, and whey proteins for use in protein bars, breakfast cereals, granola products, bakery products, confectionery, snacks, and sports nutrition products. To address growing demand for high-protein and functional foods, they continue to expand their product portfolios through product development, formulation expertise, and advancements in extrusion technology. Their manufacturing capabilities, established customer relationships, and application support services help strengthen their market presence and support the development of new protein-enriched food products.
PGP International (US)
PGP International, based in the US, produces specialty extruded ingredients and inclusion solutions for the food and beverage industry. The company has a comprehensive range of extrusion protein crisps made from soy, pea, rice, and grains, for formulation and application in protein bar, breakfast cereals, granola products, bakery products, confectionery, snacks, and nutritional products. Its product portfolio also includes customized extruded crisps designed to meet specific formulation and application requirements.
In October 2023, PGP International collaborated with Brightseed to develop an extruded crisp product with Brightseed‘s plant-based bioactive ingredients for gut health applications. The collaboration brought together PGP International's extrusion abilities with Brightseed's bioactive ingredients platform. This demonstrates the company's focus on exploring the application potential of protein crispies and inclusion products. Through its diversified portfolio and application expertise, PGP International continues to strengthen its position in the extruded protein crispies and inclusions market.
Glanbia plc (Ireland)
Glanbia plc is a global nutrition company headquartered in Kilkenny, Ireland, with a portfolio of nutritional ingredients and performance nutrition products serving the food, beverage, and sports nutrition industries. Within the extruded protein crispies and inclusions market, the company offers its Crunchie range of extruded protein inclusions, including protein crisps, bites, loops, flakes, puffs, and curls made from dairy- and plant-based protein sources. These products are used in protein bars, breakfast cereals, granola products, confectionery, snacks, and other nutrition-focused applications where they help increase protein content while delivering texture and crunch.
In March 2026, Glanbia announced the construction of a new production facility in Suzhou Industrial Park (SIP), China, expanding its manufacturing footprint in Asia. The facility will support localized production of protein powders and nutritional ingredients supplied to sports nutrition and beverage customers. This expansion strengthens Glanbia's regional presence and supports its ability to meet growing demand for protein-based ingredients and inclusion solutions across the Asia Pacific market.
ADM (US)
ADM is a global food processing and nutrition company engaged in the origination, processing, and distribution of agricultural commodities and food ingredients. Through its Nutrition business, the company offers a broad portfolio of protein ingredients for food and beverage applications. ADM provides soy protein crispies and inclusions with varying protein levels, including identity-preserved (IP) and non-GMO options. These products are used in protein bars, breakfast cereals, bakery products, confectionery, and dairy and dairy alternative applications, helping manufacturers increase protein content while enhancing texture and product appeal.
In September 2022, ADM expanded its protein production capabilities in Europe by opening a new extrusion facility in Serbia. The facility increased regional capacity for non-GMO soy proteins and strengthened ADM’s ability to supply protein ingredients to food manufacturers across the region. The expansion supports growing demand for protein-enriched and plant-based food products while enhancing the company’s production and application capabilities for extrusion-based protein ingredients.
Market Ranking
The extruded protein crispies and inclusions market comprises global ingredient manufacturers, specialized protein ingredient suppliers, dairy ingredient companies, and extrusion-focused food ingredient producers. The market is led by established players such as PGP International, ADM, Glanbia plc, Balchem Corp, and Actus Nutrition, which offer a broad range of protein crispies and inclusion solutions for applications including protein bars, breakfast cereals, granola products, bakery products, confectionery, snacks, dairy products, and sports nutrition products. These companies continue to strengthen their market presence through product development, application expertise, capacity expansion, and investments in extrusion and protein processing capabilities.
Regional and specialized manufacturers, including Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, MGP Ingredients, PURIS, AGT Food and Ingredients, Richardson International, GB Food Inc., Cowin Food, CII Foods, Stephano Group, and Reifon, also play an important role in the market. These companies offer protein crispies and inclusions derived from sources such as soy, pea, rice, milk, whey, and other proteins. Their products support growing demand for high-protein, functional, and better-for-you food products across multiple regions and application areas.
To remain competitive, companies are expanding their protein source offerings, developing customized inclusion formats, and enhancing product functionality to meet evolving customer requirements. Competition is based on factors such as product quality, protein content, texture performance, application support, manufacturing capabilities, and customer relationships. As demand for protein-enriched foods continues to increase, manufacturers are focusing on innovation, portfolio expansion, and application-specific solutions to strengthen their position in the global extruded protein crispies and inclusions market.
Related Reports:
Extruded Protein Crispies and Inclusions Market By Protein Source Type (Plant-Based, Dairy-Based, and Animal-Based), Protein Content, Application (Sports Nutrition, Functional Foods, Breakfast Cereals, and Others), and Region – Global Forecast To 2031
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