Duckweed Protein Market Size - By Species, Form, End Use, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025- 2034

Duckweed Protein Market Size

The global duckweed protein market size was valued at USD 72.7 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 7.9% from 2025 to 2034, as a sustainable and nutrient-rich alternative within the plant-based protein industry. Known for its high protein content, complete amino acid profile, and minimal environmental impact, duckweed offers a compelling solution to the growing demand for eco-friendly protein sources. Its applications include dietary supplements, functional foods, animal feed, aquaculture, catering to diverse industries.
 

Market growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of plant-based diets, environmental sustainability concerns, and advancements in cultivation and extraction technologies. With ongoing research and innovation, the duckweed protein market is poised to play a significant role in meeting the global need for sustainable nutrition.
 

Duckweed Protein Market Trends

The duckweed protein industry is witnessing significant growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences, technological advancements, and increasing awareness of sustainable protein sources. Duckweed’s rapid growth rate, high protein content, and minimal resource requirements make it an ideal alternative to traditional plant and animal proteins, aligning with global efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of food production. A key trend is its rising adoption in the food and beverage sector, particularly in functional foods and plant-based dietary supplements, as consumers prioritize high-nutrition, eco-friendly products.
 

In the animal feed and aquaculture industries, duckweed is gaining attention for its cost-effective, nutrient-dense properties, which improve livestock health while lowering dependency on conventional feedstocks. Regulatory support for sustainable farming practices and increased funding for alternative protein research are creating favorable conditions for market expansion. The cosmetics and personal care sectors are also exploring duckweed protein for its antioxidative and skin-nourishing benefits, opening new revenue streams.
 

Duckweed Protein Market Analysis

The duckweed protein industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by its high protein yield, sustainable cultivation practices, and rising demand for alternative protein sources. Duckweed, a fast-growing aquatic plant, offers an eco-friendly solution with minimal land, water, and energy requirements, making it an attractive option in addressing global food security and environmental concerns.

The market is gaining traction in sectors such as food and beverages, animal feed, and aquaculture, where nutritional profile and affordability are valued. Technological advancements in farming and protein extraction processes are enhancing scalability and efficiency, further broadening its market potential. Additionally, regulatory support for sustainable agriculture and increasing consumer interest in plant-based diets are fueling market expansion.

While the market shows promise, challenges such as limited awareness, regulatory hurdles, and the need for substantial investment in infrastructure and research persist. Efforts are underway to address these barriers through educational campaigns, public-private partnerships, and innovation in product development. The adoption of duckweed protein in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals also highlights its versatility and potential to diversify applications.

Based on species, the duckweed protein market is segmented lemna minor (common duckweed), spirodela polyrhiza (great duckweed), wolffia globose, others. The lemna minor (common duckweed) segment, dominate the market by generating USD 24.4 million revenue in the year 2024, driven by several factors, including its rapid growth rate, high protein content, and adaptability to various climatic and water conditions. Lemna minor's ability to double its biomass in a matter of days makes it a highly efficient protein source, appealing to industries focused on sustainability and resource efficiency.
 

Rising consumer preference for plant-based proteins and the increasing need for environmentally sustainable agricultural practices amplify its adoption. Additionally, advancements in hydroponic farming and closed-loop water systems are enhancing large-scale cultivation capabilities. Government and organizational support for alternative proteins and sustainable food production further propel market growth. However, challenges such as scaling up production, ensuring consistent quality, and navigating regulatory frameworks need to be addressed to unlock its full potential.
 

Based on form, the duckweed protein market is segmented into the powder, liquid, paste. The powder segment hold a dominant market share of 66.3% in 2024, due to its versatility, longer shelf life, and ease of incorporation into various food and feed applications. Duckweed protein in powdered form is highly sought after in the food and beverage industry for use in protein shakes, energy bars, and functional foods, catering to the rising demand for plant-based protein alternatives. Its lightweight and stable nature make it ideal for transport and storage, addressing logistical challenges faced by other forms.
 

Additionally, the powder form allows for precise formulation and blending in nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. Advances in drying and milling technologies have improved the protein retention and quality of duckweed powders, further increasing their appeal. The growing focus on sustainability and clean-label products also drives consumer preference for powdered plant-based proteins.
 

Based on end use, the duckweed protein market is segmented into food processing, animal & fish feed, and others. The food processing segment holds a dominant market share of 56.9 % in 2024, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable and nutrient-rich plant-based protein sources in human diets.
 

Duckweed protein's high protein content, complete amino acid profile, and rapid growth cycle make it an attractive alternative to traditional protein sources such as soy and pea. It is being widely incorporated into plant-based meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, protein bars, and beverages to meet the growing consumer preference for healthy, eco-friendly, and allergen-free food products.
 

Additionally, the shift toward clean-label and minimally processed ingredients aligns with duckweed protein's natural and sustainable production process, further enhancing its market potential. Increasing research on improving the flavor and texture of duckweed-based ingredients is also accelerating its adoption in food applications. Regulatory approvals and recognition of duckweed protein as safe for human consumption in key markets are further bolstering its growth in the food processing sector.
 

The U.S. duckweed protein market size dominated around USD 18.1 million in 2024, due to its alignment with key consumer trends, such as rising demand for plant-based and sustainable protein sources. The country's growing vegan and flexitarian population is driving demand for alternatives to animal-derived proteins.
 

Additionally, the U.S. food industry is investing in innovative products incorporating duckweed protein, supported by advancements in food technology. Environmental concerns and regulatory pressures to adopt eco-friendly practices further encourage producers to prioritize sustainable protein sources like duckweed. Moreover, the presence of advanced agricultural infrastructure and research facilities in the U.S. is accelerating the cultivation and production of duckweed for commercial use.
 

In North America, the duckweed protein market is driven by strong consumer awareness of health, sustainability, and environmental impact. The region’s established plant-based food ecosystem, coupled with the increasing adoption of functional and high-protein foods, fosters market growth. Countries like Canada are also embracing duckweed protein due to government incentives supporting sustainable agriculture and clean-label food production.
 

The rising collaborations between food manufacturers and agricultural firms to scale up duckweed cultivation highlight its growing market significance. Additionally, North America's dynamic food and beverage industry and the integration of duckweed protein into diverse product categories, such as snacks, beverages, and meal replacements, are expanding its market potential across the region.
 

Duckweed Protein Market Share

The growth of the duckweed protein industry is fueled by increasing demand for sustainable and nutrient-rich plant-based protein sources, supported by companies such as Plantible Foods, SETA Organics, Parabel, Barentz, and Hinoman. Duckweed's high protein content, rapid growth cycle, and low environmental footprint make it an attractive alternative to traditional protein sources. Companies like Plantible Foods and Parabel are driving innovation with advanced cultivation and processing technologies, while Barentz focuses on efficient distribution to meet rising global demand.
 

Hinoman’s focus on research and development ensures enhanced product quality, catering to the growing health-conscious consumer base. SETA Organics emphasizes eco-friendly production practices, aligning with sustainability goals. The market is further boosted by its applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and plant-based meat alternatives, supported by favorable regulations and increasing awareness of environmental sustainability. These collaborative efforts among key players are shaping a robust growth trajectory for the market.
 

Duckweed Protein Market Companies

Major players operating in the duckweed protein industry are:

• Barentz
• Bio Healthife
• Hinoman
• LemPro
• Parabel
• Plantible Foods
• SETA Organics
• Xi'an Healthway Biotech
   

Duckweed Protein Industry News

• In December 2022, Crop One Holdings and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory secured a USD 1.5 million FFAR grant to advance research on plant-based proteins. Focused on Lemna aquatic plants, the project aims to develop efficient methods for high-quality protein production in controlled environments.
   
• In October 2023, Plantible Foods and ICL Food Specialties introduced ROVITARIS, a clean-label binding solution for plant-based meat and seafood, featuring RuBisCO protein extracted from Lemna (duckweed). It was touted as a revolutionary alternative to methylcellulose, advancing sustainability in food production.
   

This duckweed protein market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

Click here to Buy Section of this Report

Market, By Species

• Lemna minor (common duckweed)
• Spirodela polyrhiza (great duckweed)
• Wolffia globose
• Others

Market, By Form

• Powder
• Liquid
• Paste

Market, By End Use

• Food processing
• Animal & fish feed
• Others

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

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