The global shift toward healthier, more sustainable eating habits continues to reshape the food and ingredients landscape. One of the strongest beneficiaries of this movement is the plant-based protein market, which is projected to grow from USD 23.89 billion in 2025 to USD 34.97 billion by 2030, registering a robust CAGR of 7.9%.
As veganism, flexitarian diets, and the demand for meat and dairy alternatives rise worldwide, plant-based protein is becoming a staple ingredient for consumers, food manufacturers, and innovators across the food-tech ecosystem.
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Why Plant-Based Proteins Are Gaining Momentum
Plant-based proteins have surged in popularity due to their impressive nutritional value, including:
- A complete protein profile
- High digestibility
- Balanced amino acid composition
- Ability to meet essential nutrient and caloric requirements
Consumers are increasingly choosing alternatives derived from peas, chickpeas, lentils, and other emerging protein sources. Pea protein, in particular, has experienced remarkable growth as more people seek non-soy options due to allergies and intolerance concerns.
This consumer shift is expected to continue through 2030 as awareness of plant-based nutrition, sustainability, and clean eating strengthens globally.
Milled Protein Flour: A Rising Star in the Market
One of the fastest-growing segments within plant-based proteins is milled protein flour. The demand for these finely processed flours is rising due to their:
- Versatility in food applications
- High protein concentration
- Ability to blend seamlessly into recipes
- Positive impact on texture, mouthfeel, and nutrition
Common sources include soy, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, making these flours ideal for:
- Bakery products
- Snack formulations
- Meat and poultry analogs
With health-conscious consumers seeking plant-rich, nutrient-dense foods, milled protein flours are well-positioned for strong growth throughout the forecast period.
Conventional Plant-Based Proteins Dominate Market Share
Plant-based protein ingredients are available in both organic and conventional formats. However, the conventional segment is expected to maintain the largest market share during the forecast period.
Why?
- Wider availability and large-scale sourcing capabilities
- Fewer regulatory hurdles compared to organic-certified production
- Slightly higher protein content due to conventional farming inputs like fertilizers and pesticides
- Broad usage across F&B applications such as bakery items, snacks, beverages, and alt-meat products
With more consumers transitioning away from animal proteins, conventional plant-based protein sources are meeting growing demand efficiently and cost-effectively.
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Europe: A Major Hub for Plant-Based Protein Growth
Europe is set to remain one of the most significant regional markets for plant-based protein through 2030.
Driving factors include:
- Rapid growth of vegan and flexitarian diets
- Strong consumer focus on sustainability
- Increased adoption of healthy lifestyle practices
- Expansion of alternative protein innovation across industries
European consumers are not only influencing retail food trends but also shaping product development within the region’s food processing and ingredients sectors. This growing shift away from animal-based protein continues to unlock new opportunities for plant-based protein manufacturers.
Key Players Shaping the Global Plant-Based Protein Landscape
The market features a competitive mix of global ingredient companies and specialized innovators. Prominent players include:
- Cargill, Incorporated (US)
- ADM (US)
- Kerry Group PLC (Ireland)
- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (US)
- Ingredion Incorporated (US)
- Wilmar International Ltd. (Singapore)
- Roquette Frères (France)
- Glanbia PLC (Ireland)
- DSM-Firmenich (Switzerland)
- AGT Food and Ingredients (Canada)
- Tate & Lyle (UK)
- Burcon (Canada)
- Emsland Group (Germany)
- PURIS (US)
- COSUCRA (Belgium)
These companies continue to drive innovation in extraction technologies, protein quality enhancement, sustainability practices, and alternative protein applications.

