The global phenylalanine market reached USD 742.9 million in 2023. Subsequently, demand for phenylalanine grew by 4.5% in 2024 and is estimated to reach USD 811.1 million by 2025. Over the assessment period from 2025 to 2035, worldwide product demand is projected to exhibit a 4.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), resulting in a market size of USD 1,285.5 million by the end of 2035.
A notable growth can be seen in the phenylalanine industry owing to the health and technological aspects. This advancement is primarily driven by the growing concern for mental health and other cognitive functions. Phenylalanine is known to be a vital elementary neurotransmitter (dopamine) which is highly important in all aspects of cognitive-related tasks.
This has also contributed to the increased need for such amino acid-based supplements amongst consumers looking for means to improve their mental activity and emotions naturally. Also, its use for therapeutic purposes has increased due to increased cases of chronic diseases like arthritis and skin conditions like vitiligo.
Its use in therapies for these diseases is beneficial due to its anti-inflammatory and melanin-stimulating properties. Companies, Ajinomoto co. Inc. and Kyowa Hakko Bio Co. Ltd for example, are the leaders in the production of quality amino acids needed for both nutrition and medical purposes and they ensure that there is a consistent supply of the commodity that meets the demand.
Another factor that helps to expand the industry is the food and beverage sector. Aspartame is a low-calorie sweetener that is used in diet Coke and sugar-free products and to make aspartame, phenylalanine is required. With the increasing awareness of customers towards their health and sugar substitutes, demand for aspartame has gone up, thus boosting the industry.
This trend is particularly pronounced in the developed regions where there is an increasing trend of dietary supplements and functional aliments. Furthermore, the progress of biotechnology has improved the efficiency of phenylalanine biosynthesis and its cost and supply characterization. This has in turn allowed manufacturers to expand their size and serve a larger sector.
| Attributes | Description |
|---|---|
| Estimated Global Phenylalanine Industry Size (2025E) | USD 811.1 million |
| Projected Global Phenylalanine Industry Value (2035F) | USD 1,285.5 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 4.7% |
In conclusion, the combination of factors that work hand in hand in enhancing the industry for phenylalanine includes its wide applications in mental health, chronic diseases, the food industry, and most importantly technological advancements and the eco-friendly manner of production that is becoming the standard trend.
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The below table presents a comparative assessment of the variation in CAGR over six months for the base year (2024) and current year (2025) for the global phenylalanine industry. This analysis reveals crucial shifts in performance and indicates revenue realization patterns, thus providing stakeholders with a better vision of the growth trajectory over the year. The first half of the year, or H1, spans from January to June. The second half, H2, includes the months from July to December.
| Particular | Value CAGR |
|---|---|
| H1 | 3.8% (2024 to 2034) |
| H2 | 4.1% (2024 to 2034) |
| H1 | 4.5% (2025 to 2035) |
| H2 | 4.7% (2025 to 2035) |
In the first half (H1) of the decade from 2025 to 2035, the business is predicted to surge at a CAGR of 3.8%, followed by a higher growth rate of 4.1% in the second half (H2) of the same decade. Moving into the subsequent period, from H1 2025 to H2 2035, the CAGR is projected to increase to 4.5% in the first half and remain considerably high at 4.7% in the second half. In the first half (H1) the sector witnessed an increase of 30 BPS while in the second half (H2), the business witnessed a decrease of 20 BPS.
The Pivotal Role of Phenylalanine in Functional Food Innovations
The market for functional foods is growing as consumers wish to consume food or drinks that besides nutrition provide benefits like improvement of microbiome or enhancement of psychological abilities. In response to this trend, key firms such as Ajinomoto Co. Inc. and Kyowa Hakko Bio Co. Ltd have started formulating an array of functional foods containing phenylalanine.
For example, amino acid-containing protein bars by Ajinomoto meet the growing demand of consumers for high-protein snacks used as meal replacements for busy, active individuals. Likewise, amino acid-containing energy and sports drinks are among the functional drinks trend that continues to gain popularity as they provide both muscle and brain fuel.
In an era where consumers are sensitive to constituents of food, the use of ingredients with proven scientific backing such as amino acids has been able to create a competitive edge in the functional foods industry.
Phenylalanine's Synergistic Partnerships in Nutraceuticals
Amino acids are beginning to be combined with other ingredients that would add value to producing new nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products. For instance, Ajinomoto and Kyowa Hakko Bio are leading this movement by creating Phenylalanine-centred items enhanced with vitamins, and minerals alongside other helpful components.
Such combinations of synergistic ingredients aim at improving a variety of health issues including enhancing cognitive capabilities as well as providing weight management assistance. Such advanced nutraceuticals are attracting consumers due to increased consciousness of phenylalanine alongside other active ingredients. Since such multi-functional and innovative formulations are emerging, the amino acid industry will thrive targeting issues of increasing demand for natural and science-based health products.
Innovative Delivery Systems are Revolutionizing the Industry
The introduction of advanced distribution models like time-released capsules and liquid formulations is disrupting the industry. This is all great news for formulators who have had to endure an endless demand from consumers to make supplementation easier and more effective. Several companies including Ajinomoto and Kyowa Hakko have taken the lead in developing these technologies.
For example, Ajinomoto has launched time-released capsules that allow for a constant supply of phenylalanine to the cells throughout the day thus enabling maximum bioavailability of the compound.
Kyowa Hakko, on the other hand, has developed a liquid formulation that enables an easy and quick way, especially for people who are always busy. These new distribution models will not only improve the delivery but also resonate well with the increased consumer trend toward customized and efficient health products.
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Global sales increased at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2020 to 2024. For the next ten years (2025 to 2035), projections are that expenditure on such products will rise at 4.7% CAGR.
The last few years have seen large growth in sales for the industry, and this upward trend is only expected to increase in the next decade. This is because the functional forms gradually accrue recognition. The development of the functional food and beverage industry has been one of the key factors. Companies are adding amino acids to their protein bars, fortified beverages, and other food and drinks that target specific health goals and mood enhancement.
Production giants like Ajinomoto and Kyowa Hakko Bio, have been boosting their production capacity to cope with increasing demands. Moreover, consumers are becoming more aware, and more demands are coming up for supplements that are tailor-made for them. This is because most consumers are now looking for specific health problem solutions which, for instance, amino acid formulations can provide.
Several factors have caused this market to evolve rapidly. These include the continuous advancements of demand for health-centric ingredients, the increasing recognition as a mood enhancer along with cognition, the trend of food consumption as per dietetics, and growth in the subsequent stages of product development, and supply. The industry is expected to take advantage of these trends as they are relevant to the global population’s health needs and further establish itself within the factors of health and fitness.
At the top tier, there are industry giants, such as Ajinomoto and Kyowa Hakko Bio, who command a significant portion of the global market. These tier 1 players have turned out to be the preferred providers for such major functional food, nutraceutical, as well as pharmaceuticals owing to seasonable capacity, strong supply chain, and technical know-how. Their revenue and market share are usually the biggest. This helps them invest in research and development to sustain the competition.
Tier 2 can be classified as mid-sized companies that have managed to hold a commanding regional or specialized position. They could target specific applications or specific industry segments, such as organic or vegan-friendly products. A couple of Tier 2 companies include Hubei Provincial Bafeng, Amino Gmbh, and many others as these companies have been able to establish themselves in regional segments.
Tier 3 is comprised of smaller, often local or regional players, which respond to the requirements of smaller-scale customers, such as independent supplement manufacturers or regional food and beverage producers. Such companies may provide simpler solutions or special formulations to create an edge in the industry. A few examples of Tier 3 suppliers include the likes of Jirong Pharm and Prinova Europe who cater to their respective regional and local clients.
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The following table shows the estimated growth rates of the top three territories. USA and China are set to exhibit high consumption, recording CAGRs of 3.1% and 4.5%, respectively, through 2035.
| Countries | CAGR 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|
| USA | 3.1% |
| Germany | 3.6% |
| China | 4.5% |
| Japan | 4.9% |
| India | 5.4% |
With the rise in the burden of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, there is a growing demand for such amino acid-based supplements which, in turn, has led to the growth in the USA. This prompted Ajinomoto, Kyowa Hakko, and several other players to engage in developing new products designed for those who place a job on their mental health.
Another key trend for this growth is the increasing interest in custom-tailored health solutions that call for the use of amino acids, a key nutrient commodity. Along with this trend, the USA has a rigid regulatory system designed to foster innovation in the dietary supplements industry. This encourages stakeholders to seek out innovative nutritional formulations.
For instance, through a keen emphasis on the manufacture of high-quality raw materials, Kyowa Hakko has become a prominent company within the industry. The above reasons as well as the increasing understanding of the benefits of amino acids among consumers ensure the continued expansion in the USA
One of the important reasons for the development in Germany is the increasing organic and vegan product offerings. This is the case for Amino GmbH which produced and marketed phenylalanine-rich supplements and food additives to suit the preferences of the eco-friendly German consumer. The increasing amino acid consumption in the country has also been buoyed by the growth of its pharmaceuticals sector since the amino acid is used in a variety of drug formulations.
Also, the German government's policy of encouraging healthy aging and taking care of the elderly population's needs has affected the boosting awareness and use of such products especially those enhancing mood and cognition. Given that there is an increasing demand for wholesome, scientifically validated health solutions in Germany, the dynamics in the German industry for amino acids appear to be favorable.
The market has developed significantly in the region, given the presence of a strong pharmaceutical and food sector. As a result, amino acid sales increased thanks to the need for dietary supplements and functional foods among health-oriented people. On top of that, China's Meihua Holdings Group and BBCA Group produce such amino acids in bulk for diverse applications, thus controlling the supply.
There is also the factor of government support of biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovations that are very important to the growth of the industry. Furthermore, the use of phenylalanine in medicines for the treatment of malnutrition owing to the upsurge in global chronic diseases has been enhanced.
The movement towards individualized nutrition is also accelerating, with consumers looking for health products incorporating such amino acids for their benefits on mood and cognitive function. Such reasons together with the high manufacturing volume and quality focus that China is well known for, explain the continuous growth of the Chinese sector.
| Segment | D-phenylalanine (By Form) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2025) | 41.3% |
There has been a notable shift in the growth of the D-phenylalanine market owing to its application for the management of pain and mental stress. D-form is well regarded for its effectiveness in blocking the breakdown of endorphins, making it a preferred ingredient in pain relief supplements, unlike the L-form. Companies like Kyowa Hakko and Ajinomoto are using this trait to formulate new products to help people suffering from chronic pain.
The increased consumer demand for this variant is also attributable to the growing awareness regarding the use of natural products for pain management. The anti-opioid pain quest of the pharmaceutical industry has also contributed to the growth of the industry as well.
For example, Kyowa Hakko’s high-purity D-Phenylalanine is used in different nutraceuticals targeting mental health and pain management. These combined, together with ongoing research on the D-form benefits are also causing an increase in the adoption and sales in the health and wellness categories.
| Segment | Pharmaceutical Grade (By Grade) |
|---|---|
| Value Share (2025) | 43.3% |
There has been an increased purchase of such amino acids especially of high grade, as more pharmaceutical-grade formulations call for the usage of this amino acid. Increasingly, Pharma companies are including phenylalanine in their products to be able to treat a variety of health problems which include but are not limited to various forms of mental disorders and metabolic problems.
The medicinal forms are given a lot of importance as they aid in curing diseases that are yet to have effective cures or even help make the already existing cures even more efficient. In addition, the increasing prevalence of neurological and mental conditions and personalized medicine have added to the requirement for pharmaceutical-grade forms.
Hence, manufacturers are making it a point to not only expand their networks with research institutes and healthcare providers but also manufacture selective pharmaceutical-grade variants that address the needs of the patients.
The competition in the business landscape is intense and top players include Ajinomoto, Kyowa Hakko, and Evonik Industries, among others. While several of these businesses use various principles to boost sales support, Ajinomoto's tactics include an emphasis on research and development to create conventional and quality products. This way of doing business not only increases the effectiveness of the products but also fits with the growing requirements of health-oriented customers.
Kyowa Hakko utilizes its strengths in biotechnology to manufacture products of high purity and serve the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical markets. Their plan includes establishing strategic alliances and cooperation to grow their market and diversify the range of products offered.
Evonik Industries focuses on green production systems that cater to consumers sensitive to environmental issues. This, in addition to the pressure on quality and innovation, helps these companies to remain competitive in the fast-changing business ecosystem.
For instance
As per form, the industry has been categorized into D-phenylalanine, L-Phenylalanine, and DL-Phenylalanine.
This segment is further categorized into Food Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade, Nutritional Grade, and Cosmetic Grade.
This segment is further categorized into Food & Beverage, Medical, Animal Feed, Dietary Supplements, Cosmetics & Creams, and Others.
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Balkans & Baltic, Russia & Belarus, Central Asia, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa.
The global industry is estimated at a value of USD 811.1 million in 2025.
Sales increased at 4.1% CAGR between 2020 and 2024.
Some of the leaders in this industry include Ajinomoto Co., Daesang Corp., Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd., Amino Gmbh, Sino Sweet, Hubei Provincial Bafeng, Wuxi Jinghai Amino Acid, Jirong Pharm, Siwei Amino Acid, and Wuhan Chemfaces Biochemical.
The North American territory is projected to hold a revenue share of 26.5% over the forecast period.
The industry is projected to grow at a forecast CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2035.
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Phenylalanine Market
