Protein Ingredients: Powering the Future of Functional Nutrition

The global protein ingredients market is on a powerful growth trajectory, projected to reach USD 85.6 billion by 2028 from USD 61.0 billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.0%. This surge is fueled by the global health and wellness wave, high-protein diet trends, and the booming demand for plant-based nutrition.
Consumers are increasingly turning to protein-packed foods and beverages to support fitness, immunity, and everyday vitality. According to the International Food Information Council’s 2024 survey, 71% of consumers now actively try to consume more protein—up from 59% in 2022. With fitness culture on the rise and food innovation accelerating, proteins are fast becoming the cornerstone of modern diets.

The Growth Engine: Why Protein is the New Essential

Health and wellness priorities are transforming eating habits worldwide. Proteins are now recognized not just as muscle-builders but as everyday essentials for weight management, energy, and immunity. From dairy to plant-based innovations, brands are using proteins in everything from alternative meats to functional snacks. According to Glanbia, bioactive dairy proteins and sustainable plant sources are leading the next wave of nutritional innovation.

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The Roadblock: Rising Plant Protein Allergies

While demand is strong, plant protein allergies—especially to soy, peas, and nuts—pose challenges to manufacturers. Soy allergy, affecting 0.4% of US infants, limits product development options and increases the cost of safety testing and allergen-free formulations. These hurdles are slowing innovation and raising production costs across the value chain.

The Big Opportunity: Plant Power Meets Vegan Lifestyle

The global shift toward vegan and flexitarian diets is creating immense potential for plant-based proteins. Consumers driven by environmental, ethical, and health motivations are fueling this movement. The Good Food Institute reports that vegan food sales—including dairy and meat alternatives—rose by 54% between 2018 and 2021. This mainstream adoption of plant proteins opens up new possibilities for brands focused on sustainability and clean-label nutrition.

The Challenge: Battling GM Ingredient Concerns

Growing consumer awareness around genetically modified ingredients is reshaping the protein ingredients landscape. With rising demand for transparency and non-GMO sourcing, producers face added pressure to ensure purity and traceability. These standards, though challenging, are driving long-term improvements in quality control and brand trust.

Source Spotlight: Plant Proteins Take the Lead

Among all sources, plant-based proteins are growing the fastest. Consumers increasingly see them as sustainable, heart-friendly, and ethical choices. US sales of plant-based protein powders and liquids surged 29% from 2018 to 2021, reflecting a strong market preference for cleaner and greener options.

Application Hotspot: Pharmaceuticals Fueling New Growth

The pharmaceutical segment is emerging as the fastest-growing application area. Proteins are crucial for advanced treatments, preventive health supplements, and biopharmaceutical innovations. As health awareness rises, the demand for high-purity and bioactive proteins in drug development and therapy is accelerating.

Regional Focus: South America’s Protein Powerhouse

South America is becoming a key growth region, driven by its dominance in global protein production. Brazil and Argentina lead in soy and soymeal exports, strengthening the region’s position as a vital supplier. With expanding production capacity and rising global demand, South America is emerging as a strategic growth hub in the protein ingredients market.

Market Leaders: Innovation Meets Expansion

The protein ingredients industry is home to several global leaders and innovators, including DuPont, ADM, Cargill, Kerry Group, Arla Foods, BRF Global, The Scoular Company, Roquette Freres, AMCO Proteins, and Puris. These companies are expanding through partnerships, technology investments, and diversified product portfolios—ensuring strong footprints across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and South America.

The Outlook: A Protein-Powered Tomorrow

As consumers embrace healthier, more sustainable lifestyles, the global protein ingredients market stands at the forefront of change. From plant-based innovation to advanced pharmaceuticals, the opportunities are vast. Brands that champion transparency, allergen safety, and environmental responsibility will lead the way in shaping a protein-powered future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the current size of the global protein ingredients market?

The global protein ingredients market was valued at USD 61.0 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 85.6 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period.

2. What are the main factors driving the market growth?

Key drivers include rising health and wellness awareness, growing demand for high-protein foods, an increase in fitness and sports nutrition trends, and the global shift toward plant-based and functional foods.

3. Which type of protein ingredient is expected to grow the fastest?

Plant-based protein ingredients are expected to witness the highest growth due to sustainability benefits, ethical considerations, and consumer preference for vegan and flexitarian diets.

4. What challenges are limiting the protein ingredients market?

Challenges include allergies linked to certain plant proteins such as soy and peas, consumer concerns about genetically modified (GM) ingredients, and higher production costs associated with allergen-free or non-GMO formulations.

5. How is the vegan trend influencing the protein ingredients market?

The growing vegan population is creating significant opportunities for plant-based protein producers. With consumers prioritizing ethical, clean-label, and sustainable food choices, the demand for non-animal protein sources has surged globally.

6. Which application segment is expected to show the fastest growth?

The pharmaceutical segment is projected to grow the fastest, driven by increasing use of proteins in advanced therapies, preventive healthcare supplements, and biopharmaceutical formulations.