The alternative protein market is estimated to capture a valuation of USD 76.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 423 billion by 2033. The market is estimated to secure a CAGR of 19% during the forecast period.
Proteins sourced from insects, plants, and microbes are widely used to replace conventional animal-based proteins. Alternative proteins are non-meat proteins obtained from various sources such as plants, fungi, and insects. Alternative proteins are used in dairy-free foods and meat-free diets, such as meat analogs and various animal feed products.
Consumers have shown a keen interest in health, ethical considerations, and minimal intake of protein calories to stay healthy daily.
The surge in clean protein consumption, along with increased awareness and adoption of sustainably sourced proteins by consumers, is likely to fuel product demand. Consumers are becoming aware of the importance of clean protein in their daily diet for energy and weight management which is anticipated to positively impact the alternative protein market growth.
Alternative protein provides several health benefits, such as increasing the nutritional constitution of the body and strengthening the immune system, which should increase the global market for food application, which should favor market growth.
Which are the Prominent Drivers of the Global Market?
Animal nutrition is increasing the demand for alternative protein.
Alternative protein is important in the livestock sector as it feeds various animals such as cattle, aquaculture, poultry, swine, pet food, and equine. A higher demand for alternative protein sources for animal feed has been observed due to greater emphasis on lowering the overall cost of feed, which is expected to drive the alternative protein market share.
Alternative protein is a key source for animal feed application owing to the high composition of amino acids and vitamins of plant-based proteins.
In addition, animal nutrition has become a key concern across the globe. Epidemics amongst animals are increasing at a rapid scale. To combat the same, livestock owners are investing in alternative proteins that are rich in nutrition and do not negatively impact animal health.
Manufacturers of alternative proteins are focusing on innovating different types of plant protein for animals that suit different species and breeds of animals.
Plant-based proteins supply nutrition and taste
Plant-based protein sources, such as soy protein, are widely used in burger patties, minces, and sausages owing to the acceptable quality attributes of meat analogs in terms of texture & taste.
In addition, increasing awareness among consumers regarding the harmful health effects of meat & meat products drives the demand for meat analogs, which is expected to positively influence the global market.
Consumer focus on sustainability, growing health concerns, and the craving for great taste in meat analogs are a few factors driving the demand for meat analogs, which is expected to positively impact the global market growth.
Texturized vegetable proteins offer elastic, spongy texture and a wide array of other properties favorable for utilization in analog meat products.
Moreover, meat analogs provide better shelf life and safety advantages than meat products. Thus, alternative proteins are used in various food products.
What are the Challenges Faced by the Global Market?
Stringent regulatory compliances, along with the inability to digest protein, hamper growth
Edible insects have a lack of regulatory clarity in the food industry applications.
The consequences of consuming edible insects can differ from person to person, thus, complicating the process for approval. It, in turn, restricts the growth of the insect-based protein market.
Furthermore, allergies associated with alternative proteins, such as plant- and insect-based proteins, hamper the market's growth.
Moreover, stringent feed regulatory compliances for the livestock industry are creating obstacles to market growth.
Despite the variety of proteins available in the market, all types of protein are not suitable for the livestock industry and humans. It leads to large investments in researching alternative proteins for different species of animals.
Although the lactose-intolerant population is demanding alternative proteins, most consumers are still getting accustomed to the taste of the proteins. All these factors are slowing down the progress of the market.
| Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Market CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 19% |
| Market Valuation (2023) | USD 76.3 billion |
| Market Valuation (2033) | USD 423 billion |
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As per Future Market Insights (FMI), the global market grew at a steady CAGR of 5.8% between 2018 and 2022. The market captured a valuation of USD 73.4 billion in 2022.
The demand for alternative protein has always been high in the livestock industry and humans. It has led manufacturers of food products to diversify into the global market and satisfy consumer needs.
Moreover, innovation has led to the development of various alternative proteins ranging from microbial to plant proteins.
Furthermore, veganism is becoming common across different geographical regions in the world. Owing to this, plant-based proteins such as pea, soy, and nut protein are gaining popularity.
Demand for external protein, such as microbial protein, is expected to rise rapidly in the forecast period.
High protein diet increasing demand for microbial-based alternative protein.
The growth of the microbial-based alternative protein market is attributed to the high adoption of sustainable sources for food and animal nutrition.
Growing health awareness among consumers for consuming a high-protein diet and rising environmental concerns among the population are expected to increase the consumption of microbial-based protein.
Microbial-based protein sources, such as bacteria, algae, yeast, and fungi, are widely used in food applications. Microbial-based proteins are widely used in dietary supplements as they are a healthy source of vitamins, carotenes, and carbohydrates which should boost microbial-based protein demand.
The microbial-based proteins are nutritive protein sources and can be used in various functional foods & beverages, which is expected to stimulate the global market growth.
Breed and species-specific alternative proteins sufficing nutritional needs for animal feed
Animal feed is expected to be a large contributor to the global market. It is owing to the requirement for the special dietary need of animals. From plant-based pet food to alternative proteins for aquaculture, the demand for animal protein alternatives is vast.
Alternative protein manufacturers focus on producing breed and species-specific proteins to obtain better results.
Furthermore, incidences of animal protein alternative allergies have opened doors for manufacturers to innovate newer protein alternatives. Thus, alternative protein companies are expanding their product portfolio for different animals.
For these reasons, animal feed is expected to procure a 55% market share in 2022.
| Countries | Forecast Share Between 2023 to 2033 |
|---|---|
| United States | 13.4% |
| Germany | 2.7% |
| Japan | 2.9% |
| Australia | 2.6% |
| Countries | Forecast CAGR Between 2023 and 2033 |
|---|---|
| China | 5.3% |
| India | 29.5% |
| United Kingdom | 4.5% |
Nutritious ingredients and food innovation are propelling the demand for alternative protein.
North American consumers are concerned regarding the ingredients used in food products. Sustainability and health impacts play a key role while making choosing alternative proteins.
In addition, the growing demand for nutritious ingredients and increasing consumer attention toward preventive healthcare are accelerating the sales of alternative protein, especially in the United States.
The United States dominates the global market by securing a share of 13.4% during the forecast period.
Furthermore, an increase in poultry meat consumption for high protein intake and as a less harmful source of animal protein than red meat is driving the demand for poultry feed, which is estimated to escalate the global market revenue.
Moreover, significant investments in Research and Development for product innovations in the food & beverage sector and a focus on animal nutrition and health should contribute towards regional industry growth.
Plant-based protein options serving protein intake
Europe is experiencing a growing trend of veganism. People from the United Kingdom and Germany are inclined to invest in plant-based protein.
Plant proteins extracted from soy, peas, lentils, chickpeas, and nuts have penetrated the European market. These proteins are available in a wide variety of flavors and types, attracting consumers on a large scale.
The United Kingdom is estimated to capture a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period.
Furthermore, the livestock industry present in the European region is contributing to the growth of the market. Livestock owners are investing in different plant-based proteins to keep animals healthy.
It, in turn, is creating opportunities for alternative protein markets in the region. Thus, for the above reasons, Europe is expected to possess a 25% market share for alternative proteins in 2022.
Start-ups and international players launching newer products
Countries such as China and India are accelerating the growth of the protein alternative market owing to the growing lactose-intolerant population in the region.
In addition, sourcing protein from organic food components is easier in the Asia Pacific owing to the large agriculture sector. Not only is the region manufacturing alternative protein on a large scale, but it is also supplying the same to other regions.
Furthermore, research and development activities and an increase in start-ups innovating different kinds of alternative proteins work in favor of the market.
Asia Pacific is comparatively a newer market for alternative proteins. Thus, international players are launching alternative proteins to strengthen their regional presence. Thus, Asia Pacific is expected to procure an 11.7% market share for alternative proteins in 2022.
China and India are estimated to secure a CAGR of 5.3% and 29.5%, respectively, by 2033.
Key start-up players in the global alternative protein industry are Alver, Amai Proteins, Plantable Foods, Mycorena, Innovopro, Leaf Protein Co, Mushroom Meat Co, Kabocha, Genesea, Meatless Kingdom, Green Rebel Foods, and Umami Limited.
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Key players play a vital role in the global market by launching improved products and adopting advanced technologies. These players invest heavily in research and development activities to upsurge the global market.
Other Players in the Global Market are:
Market players are focusing on collaborating for strategies such as partnerships, product launch mergers & acquisitions, for applications such as food and animal feed.
Recent Developments in the Global Market are:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Forecast Period | 2023 to 2033 |
| Historical Data Available for | 2018 to 2022 |
| Market Analysis | USD billion for Value |
| Key Countries Covered | United States, United Kingdom, Japan, India, China, Australia, Germany |
| Key Segments Covered | Source, Application, Region |
| Key Companies Profiled | Cargill Incorporation; Royal DSM NV; AMCO Proteins; Puris; Axiom Foods; Darling Ingredients; Innovafeed; Lallemand Inc; Hamlet Protein; Archer Daniel Midland Company; AB Mauri; Soja Protein; Angel Yeast; Calysta Inc. |
| Report Coverage | Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives |
| Customization & Pricing | Available upon Request |
The alternative protein market is predicted to expand at a 19% CAGR through 2033.
Animal feed sector drives the alternative protein market.
The alternative protein market is expected to surpass USD 423 billion by 2033.
The alternative protein market is anticipated to be USD 76.3 billion in 2023.
The United States is dominating the global alternative protein market by 2033.
| Estimated Market Size (2024E) | USD 18.6 billion |
|---|---|
| Projected Market Value (2034F) | USD 42.5 billion |
| Value-based CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 8.6% |
| Market Size (2024E) | USD 3,675.1 million |
|---|---|
| Market Value (2034F) | USD 8,573.2 million |
| Market CAGR (2024 to 2034) | 8.8% |
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