Plant-Based Protein Market Report 2025

This Plant-Based Protein report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.

The plant-based protein market size has grown exponentially in recent years. It will grow from $52.08 billion in 2024 to $64.38 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.6%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increased health and wellness awareness, rise in concerns about environmental sustainability, growth in preference for vegetarian and vegan diets, expansion of plant-based food and beverage industry, demand for allergen-free and non-gmo protein sources.

The plant-based protein market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $124.55 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to regulatory support and labeling standards for plant-based foods, rising consumer demand for clean label and natural ingredients, market penetration in emerging economies and middle-income countries, increasing applications in functional foods and nutraceuticals, growing interest in sports nutrition and performance enhancing supplements. Major trends in the forecast period include technological advancements in protein extraction and processing, hybrid and blended products, fermented and cultivated proteins, customized protein solutions, innovations in dairy alternatives.

The growing awareness of health and wellness is anticipated to drive the growth of the plant-based protein market during the forecast period. Plant-based proteins support weight loss and provide essential building blocks for healthy muscles and tissues. They are high in fiber and contain fewer calories and fats compared to animal protein. For example, in 2022, the Office for National Statistics, a UK-based national statistics organization, reported that UK healthcare expenditure reached approximately $354.88 billion (£283 billion), reflecting a nominal increase of 0.7% compared to spending in 2021. Therefore, the increasing focus on health and wellness is propelling the growth of the plant-based protein market.

The transformation in the preferences of health-conscious consumers and lifestyles is set to propel the plant-based protein market's growth. This shift indicates an increasing awareness and emphasis on making healthier choices in diet and daily routines. Plant-based protein, recognized for its health benefits, is gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers seeking healthier and more sustainable food options. According to Koninklijke DSM N.V., a Netherlands-based health and bioscience company, in response to the pandemic, 60% of consumers worldwide are now more concerned about their health, emphasizing leading healthy lives to avoid health problems. Moreover, reports from Food Insight, a US-based non-profit organization, indicate that in 2022, 52% of Food and Health Survey participants followed a specific diet or eating pattern, up from 39% in 2021. Notably, clean eating (16%), mindful eating (14%), and calorie counting (13%) were the top choices. Consequently, the changes in health-conscious consumers and lifestyles are expected to act as a driving force for the plant-based protein market.

Major companies in the plant-based protein market are concentrating on developing innovative products, such as Meal Extender, to enhance nutritional profiles and improve the sensory experience of meat alternatives. A meal extender is an ingredient added to a dish to increase its volume or bulk without significantly changing its flavor. Commonly utilized in various cuisines, meal extenders can include ingredients like grains, vegetables, or legumes, which help reduce costs and increase portion sizes. For example, in July 2024, Nestle, a Switzerland-based food company, introduced Maggi Rindecarne to enhance meals by combining it with traditional minced meat. Maggi Rindecarne is a plant-based meat extender that enhances dishes when mixed with conventional minced meat, providing approximately 5.2 g of protein per serving while maintaining low fat content. This cost-effective solution allows families to double their servings, making it an economical choice for budget-conscious consumers.

Major companies in the plant-based protein market are embracing strategic partnerships to introduce innovative products, exemplified by GreenProtein AI. This initiative aims to revolutionize the alternative protein space by leveraging advanced AI technology to optimize the extrusion of plant-based meats. In August 2023, Food System Innovations collaborated with AI and machine learning expert Noa Weiss, based in the US, to launch GreenProtein AI. Through partnerships with extrusion facilities and plant-based meat manufacturers, GreenProtein AI will offer targeted insights and solutions, enhancing the predictability and efficiency of the production process.

In June 2024, Ahimsa Industries, a US-based plant-based food holding company that unites CPG brands, manufacturers, and sales enablement businesses, acquired Wicked Foods, Inc. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to enhance Ahimsa Industries' market presence, foster innovation, and stabilize the plant-based food sector through strategic consolidation. Wicked Foods, Inc. is a UK-based pioneering food company that specializes in plant-based food products.

Major companies operating in the plant-based protein market include Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences, Axiom Foods Inc., Cargill Inc., Kerry Group, Ingredion Inc., Roquette Freres SA, Wilmar International Ltd., Glanbia plc, Cosucra Groupe Warcoing SA, Sotexpro SAS, Emsland Group, Puris Proteins LLC., Beyond Meat Inc., ETChem Ltd., BENEO GmbH, Tate & Lyle plc, Shandong Jianyuan group, American Casein Company, Proeon Foods, Australian Plant Proteins Pty Ltd., Impossible Foods Inc., Nestle SA, Kellogg Company, Conagra Brands Inc., Tyson Foods Inc., Turtle Island Foods, Lightlife Foods Inc., Field Roast Grain Meat Co. Inc., Quorn Foods Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the plant-based protein market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the plant-based protein market analysis report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the Plant-Based Protein market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA.

Plant-based protein is derived from plants and includes ingredients such as beans, lentils, tofu, and quinoa. This type of protein is utilized to support muscle growth, enhance nutritional intake, and accommodate dietary choices that exclude animal products. As health and sustainability become increasingly important, plant-based proteins are becoming essential components of many diets globally.

Plant-based proteins come in several forms, primarily isolates, concentrates, and textured varieties. Isolates are consumed in a concentrated form, extracted chemically into a powder from the whole food source. Derived from sources like soy, wheat, pea, and others, plant-based proteins are accessible in dry and liquid forms, finding applications in feed, food, and various other uses.

The plant-based protein market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides plant-based protein market statistics, including plant-based protein industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a plant-based protein market share, detailed plant-based protein market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the plant-based protein industry. This plant-based protein market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The plant-based protein market consists of sales of wheat protein, soy protein, pea protein, and other plant-based proteins. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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