Global Protein Ingredients Market to Hit USD125bn by 2031 Amid Demand for Functional Nutrition and Sustainable Proteins
The global protein ingredients market, valued at USD75.6bn in 2022, is forecast to reach USD125.1bn by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% between 2024 and 2031, according to DataM Intelligence. The steady expansion reflects how protein ingredients have evolved from niche sports nutrition components into mainstream elements across food, beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical applications.
The sector’s growth is being fuelled by the global shift toward health-conscious lifestyles, the rising popularity of plant-based diets, and increased protein fortification in everyday products. With demand for functional, sustainable and clean-label nutrition accelerating, both plant- and animal-derived protein ingredients are becoming central to modern diets and product innovation.
Market Dynamics: From Nutrition to Innovation
Global demand for protein continues to rise, driven by population growth, fitness culture, and the pursuit of balanced nutrition.
Key growth drivers include:
* Rising consumer health awareness: Growing demand for protein-enriched foods and beverages among younger and ageing populations is boosting uptake in key regions including North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
* Surge in plant-based innovation: Non-allergenic, sustainable proteins sourced from soy, pea, rice and fava bean are transforming the competitive landscape.
* Functional food expansion: Protein fortification is increasingly used to improve texture and nutritional value in bakery, dairy and meat-alternative products.
* Cosmetic applications: Collagen and keratin are in growing demand for skin repair, elasticity and haircare.
* Technological progress: Advances in extraction, hydrolysis and purification are enhancing protein quality, bioavailability and flavour, making them more appealing across industries.
Product Segmentation: Animal vs. Plant Proteins
Animal-derived proteins, including whey, casein, collagen and gelatin, continue to dominate, representing around 58% of total market revenue in 2024—equivalent to roughly USD45bn. Their strong position is reinforced by demand from the sports nutrition and functional dairy sectors.
However, plant proteins are the fastest-growing category, expanding at over 8% annually. Pea and soy proteins lead this surge, supported by consumer demand for non-GMO, lactose-free and eco-friendly options. The segment is projected to exceed USD55bn by 2031, as vegan and flexitarian diets become firmly established in mainstream consumption.
Form Segmentation: Dry Dominates, Liquid Rising
Dry protein ingredients accounted for more than 70% of global market share in 2024, or about USD53bn, due to their extended shelf life and cost-efficient handling in large-scale processing.
Liquid protein ingredients, though smaller in share, are gaining ground through their growing use in ready-to-drink shakes, fortified beverages and cosmetic formulations. This segment is expected to approach 35% of total market share by 2031, driven by demand for convenience-based nutrition.
Food and beverages is accounting for 45% of global revenue (around USD34bn in 2024), this segment is driven by high-protein snacks, bakery innovations and dairy alternatives.
Market Outlook
With health, sustainability and functionality driving consumer preference, the global protein ingredients market is on track for steady long-term growth. Advances in extraction technologies, cross-sector applications and continuous innovation are expected to strengthen market performance through 2031.
As consumers increasingly view protein as an essential component of balanced living—rather than a supplement—producers and brands that prioritise clean-label transparency, sustainable sourcing and superior formulation quality are likely to capture the strongest growth opportunities in the decade ahead.