Alternative Protein Market Size for Food Application - By Source (Plant-based, Insect-based, Microbial-based), Application (Food {Meat Analogs, Bakery, Dairy Alternatives, Cereals & Snacks, Beverages}), Regional Outlook & Forecast, 2024- 2032

Alternative Protein Market Size for Food Application

Alternative Protein Market Size for Food Application size was valued at USD 79.7 billion in 2023 and is set to grow at 11% CAGR between 2024 and 2032, driven by combination of environmental, health, and ethical considerations. Increased awareness of the environmental impacts of conventional livestock farming practices, such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water use, has driven the consumer demand for food.

Alternative proteins, including plant-based and lab-grown meats, require fewer ingredients and produce fewer carbon dioxide emissions, further appealing to environmentalists. Ethical concerns about animal welfare in traditional meat production have also stimulated the interest in cruelty-free protein sources.
 

Furthermore, many people consider plant-based proteins in the laboratory to be a healthier option compared to traditional meat as they are lower in cholesterol and free of antioxidants and hormones that are commonly used in livestock. The increasing prevalence of food allergies and intolerances has also led to the demand for different types of proteins. As per Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), around 220 million people worldwide suffer from food allergies. Advancements in food technology and investments in R&D activities have also improved the taste, texture, and nutritional value of new protein products, making them appealing to many consumers.
 

However, the higher cost of meat processing, especially for lab grown meat, is driving up retail prices relative to traditional animal proteins, creating limited accessibility. Differences in flavor and texture between alternative and conventional proteins may also hinder widespread adoption, as some consumers are reluctant to switch due to differences in cooking experience. The cultural and habitual preference for traditional meat in different regions will further slowdown the transition to alternative sources of protein.
 

Alternative Protein Market Trends for Food Application Trends

The integration of advanced biotechnology and fermentation processes to enhance product quality and scalability will favor the market growth. Precision fermentation, which uses genetically engineered microorganisms to produce protein components, is gaining momentum due to its ability to produce high-quality proteins with specific nutritional values and functions. Emerging hybrid products that combine plant-derived and cell-derived proteins are also resulting in improved taste and texture with optimized production costs. For instance, in February 2024, Vivici launched its nature-identical whey protein made using precision fermentation.
 

Alternative Protein Market Analysis for Food Application Analysis

Based on source, the market share from the plant-based segment will generate over USD 149.17 billion by 2032, due to its broad appeal, sustainability benefits, and continuous innovation. Plant-based proteins from sources, such as soy, peas and lentils are becoming increasingly popular as they meet the growing consumer demand for healthy, sustainable food choices. These products tend to have a lower environmental footprint compared to proteins of animal origin, further requiring more land, water, and greenhouse gases. Continuous advancements in food technology have also improved the taste, texture, and nutritional value of plant-based products.
 

Based on application, the alternative protein market size for food application from the food segment is expected to witness 11.4% CAGR through 2032, backed by the growing consumer awareness of health, environmental, and ethical issues associated with traditional animal-based products. As more people realize the negative impacts of conventional meat production, such as climate change, waste, and animal welfare concerns, they are increasingly turning to alternative proteins as sustainable and ethical options.
 

The rise of convenience food, where consumers reduce but do not eliminate meat intake, has also created a huge market for high-quality, plant-based, processed proteins that are included in everyday meals.
 

North America alternative protein market size for food application dominated around USD 12.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to exceed USD 32.1 billion by 2032, attributed to rising investments in food technology, strong focus on sustainability, and evolving consumer preferences. Significant investments and corporate funds have accelerated R&D activities in this region, resulting in new products with improved taste, texture, and nutritional value. Government policies and programs for supporting conventional agri-food production have also significantly boosted the regional product uptake.
 

Alternative Protein Market Share for Food Application Share

Leading alternative protein firms are heavily investing in R&D activities to enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional value of their products for ensuring they meet consumer expectations. Strategic partnerships and collaborations with food technology companies, academic institutions and agricultural organizations are commonly deployed to facilitate innovation and development. Marketing efforts are also focusing on educating consumers about the environmental health benefits of alternative protein targeting.
 

Alternative Protein Market Companies for Food Application Share

Major players operating in the alternative protein industry size for food application include:

• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Scoular Company
• Cargill
• DSM NV
• Ingredion
• Kerry Group
   

Alternative Protein Industry News for Food Application

• In June 2024, Brevel, Ltd. launched a new commercial plant spanning 27,000 sq feet, capable of producing large quantities of microalgae protein powder for the growing alternative protein industry size for food application.
   
• In May 2024, Roquette introduced NUTRALYS Fava S900M, its first fava bean protein isolate in Europe and North America in a bid to expand its plant-based ingredient offerings.
   

The alternative protein market for food application includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue and volume (USD Million) (Tons) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Source

• Plant-based
  • Soy Protein Isolates
  • Soy Protein Concentrates
  • Fermented Soy Protein
  • Duckweed Protein
  • Others
• insect-based
• Microbial-based
  • Bacteria
  • Yeast
  • Algae
  • Fungi
• Others

Market, By Application

• Food
  • Meat analogs
  • Bakery
  • Dairy alternatives
  • Cereals & snacks
  • Beverages
  • Others
• Animal feed
  • Poultry
    • Broiler
    • Layer
    • Turkey
    • Others
  • Swine
    • Starter
    • Grower
    • Sow
  • Cattle
    • Dairy
    • Calf
    • Others
  • Aquaculture
    • Salmon
    • Trout’s
    • Shrimps
    • Carp
    • Others
  • Petfood
  • Equine
  • Others

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

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