The wheat protein market size was estimated to be USD 3.4 billion in 2023, with total wheat protein revenue predicted to expand at a 5.3% CAGR from 2023 to 2033, anticipated to be reaching about USD 5.7 billion.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Wheat Protein Market Value (2023) | USD 3.4 billion |
| Wheat Protein Market Anticipated Value (2033) | USD 5.7 billion |
| Wheat Protein Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) | 5.3% CAGR |
Wheat proteins are plant-based proteins derived mostly from the processing of wheat using various enzymes. In its freshly extracted wet state, it is known as vital wheat gluten, and when carefully dried, it gives a cream-to-tan-colored free-flowing powder with high protein content and a bland taste.
Wheat protein has two insoluble protein groups: gliadin and glutenin. Wheat protein generates an elastic texture that allows for a high level of dough strength, making it beneficial for the manufacture of bread and noodles.
Wheat protein is widely employed in the food and beverage industries, most notably in sports foods, nutritional supplements, dairy, baking, and confectionery. Tenderizing, whipping, and foaming are a few examples. Consumer views of wheat-based protein, together with FDA permits for usage in food goods, lead to growing use in cosmetics and food products over the projected period.
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The wheat Protein Market was worth USD 3.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% during the forecast period. The global market's absolute dollar growth is USD 2.3 billion.
Growth and expansion of the food and beverage industry, increased focus on innovation in the food and beverage sector, rising consumer awareness of high protein food and beverage products, and rising personal disposable income by major companies are the major factors driving the growth of the wheat protein market.
Wheat proteins are a form of insoluble functional proteins derived from plants. Wheat protein is a whey protein isolate that contains lactalbumin, lactoglobulin, serum albumin, and immunoglobulins. Wheat protein is made up of two insoluble protein groups: gliadin and glutenin. Wheat protein is ingested to provide the body with the necessary amount of protein and amino acids to support muscle development and immunity.
Rising personal disposable income and growing consumer awareness of plant-based nutrition are the primary factors driving market expansion. Changing lifestyles, westernization increased awareness of the availability of both naturally and synthetically produced wheat proteins in developing economies, and greater health consciousness among the public are all influencing market expansion.
Improving distribution channels, an increasing number of gyms and fitness centers, the growing popularity of healthy and high protein powders, an increasing vegan population, and changing consumer tastes and preferences will all contribute to market value growth.
The health risks associated with high protein powder use will be a key impediment to market expansion. Fluctuations in raw material prices and supply chain interruptions caused by the epidemic would further limit the market's potential for expansion. The presence of gluten in wheat, which can induce illness sensitivity in people, will also slow market expansion.
On account of fluctuations in commodity pricing, wheat may become attractive in ruminant diets, replacing a portion of corn and barley in rations. In wheat, high protein lines with good yielding ability are available.
Wheat offers higher protein content than other common feed grains such as corn, barley, or oats. Hard red spring wheat (HRSW) has the greatest protein content among wheat varieties, followed by hard red winter wheat and durum.
Wheat proteins are considered the building blocks of nature. These proteins are among the basic ingredients essential in several cosmetic formulations. Various hair-care and skincare formulations are created using wheat proteins. Wheat proteins in cosmetic formulations are highly valued for their film-forming and strong moisturizing properties. They are frequently utilized in formulations to improve the quality of hair by offering moisture and binding protection.
Hydrolyzed wheat proteins help in thickening and adding volume to thinning hair, adding shine, and making frizzy hair manageable as well as repairing damaged hair. Hydrolyzed wheat proteins hold low molecular weight which easily penetrates inside the hair shaft and grips onto hair roots.
One of the main benefits of wheat protein is that it facilitates strong muscle building. Wheat protein isolate is an ideal supplement for bodybuilding. Wheat protein isolate helps in increasing muscle size, prevents muscle breakdown, allows protein synthesis in the muscles, facilitates strength for workouts, and mainly manages hunger cravings.
Wheat protein isolate is recommended for bodybuilders who are lactose intolerant or have gastric or bloating issues since it inhibits the micro-filtration process, which limits lactose absorption significantly. Wheat protein isolate helps in simulating higher insulin levels, which is directly concerned with athlete performance during training for sports.
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Nutritional advantages for lactose intolerant and health-conscious customers
Lactose intolerance is a disorder in which the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of natural sugar found in milk and other dairy products. Although some persons with lactose intolerance can digest whey protein isolates without adverse effects, others prefer to consume only plant-based proteins.
The wheat protein isolates are more processed and filtered to help eliminate more lactose than whey protein concentrates, anyone with even a moderate lactose intolerance should avoid these products. For those wishing to boost protein intake for health or training objectives, plant-based alternatives are the best option.
Pea protein isolates, brown rice protein, and wheat protein are other plant-based alternatives that could be utilized in place of whey proteins.
People nowadays desire to live healthy lifestyles. Concerns about health and well-being fuel consumers' demand for plant-based diets. Consumers' growing health consciousness has increased demand for food products that promote better health, notably low-fat and cholesterol-containing, protein-rich, and weight-management options.
As a result, the availability of plant-based protein-containing foods has increased dramatically in recent years. The rise of all-natural and clean-label trends in the food and beverage industries is expected to drive demand for natural ingredients such as wheat protein over the projected period.
The growing interest in gluten sensitivity and gluten-free diets
Gluten intolerance, often known as Celiac disease, is an autoimmune illness that destroys the small intestine lining and inhibits nutrients from being absorbed from food. This damage is primarily a result of ingesting foods containing gluten, a kind of wheat protein found in barley, rye, and oats. However, even if they do not have Celiac disease, some people may feel stomach discomfort. Amylase-trypsin inhibitors (ATIs) are a type of protein found in wheat that can cause an immunological response and contribute to the development of non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).
Other Nutritionally Rich Options for Wheat Protein to Hinder Growth
The availability of close replacements may be the most significant impediment to market growth. Plant-based proteins such as soy protein, rice protein, pea protein, and others are replacing wheat protein since they have similar nutritional value and health benefits. All these protein sources provide functional advantages such as dough strength, moisture retention, and carving capabilities.
As soy protein is becoming popular as a replacement for animal meat proteins, the need for wheat protein is decreasing. Furthermore, gluten-free diets are being promoted by a lot of celebrities, which will increase the number of people who select them. Significant health benefits associated with gluten-free products, such as weight loss and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, may further slow wheat protein market expansion throughout the forecast period.
Growing potential for plant-based proteins as people's preference for sustainable food sources grows
Consumers often search for phrases like natural, organic, and GMO-free to make quick purchasing selections. As a result, to capitalize on development potential, plant-based protein products remain the preferable option.
Plant-based proteins such as soy proteins, potato proteins, wheat proteins, pea proteins, and so on are expected to grow in demand due to their stance as sustainable food sources. Furthermore, the economic benefit and a certain amount of awareness about the authenticity of naturally-sourced products are only a few of the reasons why this sector has grown in popularity.
Nutrition and weight management are becoming increasingly important
Weight management has always been an issue in the community, but it has now become an epidemic of sorts. Obesity has more than doubled internationally. More than 1.9 billion adults were overweight in 2023, with 600 million obese.
41 million children under the age of five required good nutrition and weight management in 2023. This has enormous potential in the future as most of the population shifts to a healthy lifestyle in which good nutrition and weight management are essential. These industry developments will have a favorable impact on the global wheat protein market.
Technological advancements are limited
Although the wheat protein market is predicted to grow at a steady pace throughout the forecast period, limited technological improvements in the industry are expected to impede greater growth rates. While adjacent industries such as whey protein and the gluten-free market are likely to invest significantly in research and development operations to develop better, more convenient, and consumer-friendly goods, technological developments in the case of wheat proteins remain stalled.
For example, Friesland Campina DMV introduced a new product called the Nutri Whey Hydro. This product was developed by working on a specific and unique protein hydrolyzation process that was gentle on the product's taste and nutrients at the same time. Although the hydrolyzed protein market is predicted to grow during the forecast period, one of the market's significant hurdles is its bitter and terrible taste. The corporation has now successfully alleviated that problem by advancing new technology approaches to optimize tastes and nutritional capacities.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 3.6% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 729.0 million |
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 5.4% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 531.6 million |
| Country | China |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 5.5% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 738.0 million |
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 4.0% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 230.9 million |
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 5.7% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 426.6 million |
North America maintains the largest market share in the wheat protein market, owing to the busy lifestyle and hectic work schedules prevalent in the United States and Canada, which is increasing consumption of RTE food products and driving regional growth. Wheat protein market growth is being driven by increased product utilization in biscuits, cakes, bread, and other bakery items. Increased demand for plant-based food products due to nutritional benefits is driving market expansion.
Due to busy lifestyles and strenuous work schedules, notably in the United States and Canada, the North American wheat protein market is predicted to develop at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Furthermore, the consumption of RTE food products contributes to regional growth.
The rising use of vegan food products to attain nutritional improvements has resulted from shifting eating patterns. Increased awareness of health benefits among fitness-conscious customers will drive demand in this region for organic nutritional supplements with a high wheat protein concentration.
The wheat Protein market in Europe is predicted to develop at a good rate due to a rise in the consumption of healthy food products. France is anticipated to be a prosperous European market.
Lifestyle changes and a lack of time have resulted in the country's high consumption of functional meals. The increased demand for high-quality French bread items is also contributing to the region's prosperity. When designing new products, bakery product makers prefer wheat protein over dairy and animal proteins. Heavy investments by the country's key market participants, on the other hand, would help to enhance the wheat protein industry. Germany France and the United Kingdom are big revenue contributors, with the rising use of organic products increasing industry size.
Asia Pacific is expected to rise significantly over the projected period. This is due to an increasing vegan population and increased awareness of healthy food consumption among those seeking to live a healthy lifestyle. Product demand is being boosted by the industrial growth of the healthcare and cosmetics sectors in China, Japan, India, and South Korea, as well as expanding domestic consumption.
Cheap protein manufacturing prices in contrast to the United States and developed European countries are expected to drive the market over the forecast period.
Europe, accounting for about 2/5th of total sales, continues to capture significant investments of stakeholders. Research indicates that around 30% of wheat is produced in European countries, particularly Russia, France, Ukraine, and Germany. This is again a driving factor for the wheat protein market in Europe.
A similar scenario can be observed in China and India, and thus, the market for wheat protein in the Asia Pacific (APAC) also reflects opportunistic growth potential. The growth of this regional market is further complemented by the rapid expansion of the bakery & confectionery industry, in addition to the dietary supplements market.
Due to the existence of few competitors globally, the market for wheat protein is projected to witness intense competition among firms. Manufacturers are increasingly engaged in research and development operations to develop innovative products in response to rising consumer demand. To acquire a competitive advantage in the market, the companies focus on capacity and geographic expansions, as well as strategic mergers and acquisitions.
The key companies in the market for wheat protein are:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Size Value In 2023 | USD 3.4 billion |
| Market Size Value at End of Forecast (2033) | USD 5.3 billion |
| Market Analysis | USD billion for Value |
| Key Region Covered | North America; Latin America; Europe; Asia Pacific Excluding Japan; Japan; Middle East & Africa (MEA); Others |
| Key Segments | By Product, By Form, By Application, By Region |
| Key Companies Profiled | Archer Daniels Midland Company; Cargill, Inc.; Agridient B.V.; MGP Ingredients Inc.; Manildra Group; Roquette Frères SA; Glico Nutrition Co. Ltd; Kröner-Stärke GmbH; Tereos SA; Crespel & Deiters GmbH & Co. KG; Others |
| Report Coverage | Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives |
| Customization & Pricing | Available upon Request |
Owing to the rich nutritional profile and umpteen health benefits, consumption of wheat gluten remains maximal through 2027. While developed countries remain the prime consumers of wheat gluten, manufacturers of wheat gluten will reap over USD 0.2 billion by 2022 end. However, as consumers are accelerating their shift towards gluten-free products, the demand growth for wheat gluten is set to fluctuate in the following years.
This, in turn, is resulting in a preferential shift towards other products, including wheat protein isolates, and hydrolyzed wheat proteins. As they contain relatively lesser protein content, market players should look forward to producing wheat protein powders with added leucine.
Hydrolyzed wheat proteins help retain skin moisture as well as in reducing wrinkles, and fine lines. They are also beneficial in repairing damaged hair follicles. Owing to such benefits, wheat proteins have become a vital ingredient in various anti-aging and hair care formulations. Consistent regulatory approvals for the usage of wheat proteins in cosmetics in tandem with a growing preference for organic cosmetics products are further fueling the sales of wheat protein powder in the cosmetics & personal care industry.
The application of wheat protein in various industries is currently based on the rising consumption of wheat as a wholesome food item. Wheat proteins in the form of nutrition supplements continue to sell higher in the market, with a demand upsurge from lactose-intolerant athletes, and bodybuilders. Manufacturers should rope in various channels, including magazines, and online portals, as a part of their promotional strategies. Further, sales will also ramp up in the bakery & confectionery industry, and currently represent around 23% share in the market.
From 2023 to 2033, wheat gluten topped the product group, accounting for the greatest sales share of 3.2%. Wheat gluten has many functions, including texturing, viscoelasticity, foaming, binding, and emulsification, which makes it popular in baking items. It's also a great meat alternative for vegetarian and vegan items. During the projected period, these qualities are expected to drive segment demand.
Due to its high compatibility with diverse raw materials, the dry segment dominated the worldwide wheat protein market, accounting for 5.5% of revenue from 2023 to 2033. Powder forms are generally sought in the production process because they are free of contamination, easily measured, and function well. Furthermore, ease of transportation and storage, as well as long shelf life, are projected to drive sector demand throughout the forecast period.
The market is valued at USD 3.4 billion in 2023.
The market is estimated to capture a CAGR of 5.3% from 2023 to 2033.
Cargill, Inc., Agridient B.V., and MGP Ingredients Inc. are the leading market players.
From 2017 to 2022, the market held a CAGR of 4.7%.
The market is estimated to reach USD 5.7 billion by 2033.
| Expected Market Value (2023) | USD 62,400 million |
|---|---|
| Anticipated Forecast Value (2033) | USD 114,398.6 million |
| Projected CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 6% |
| Market Size (2023E) | US$ 1,890 million |
|---|---|
| Market Projected Size (2033F) | US$ 2,825 million |
| Value CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 4.1% |
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