The global protein ingredients market is expected to register a CAGR of 8.7% over the forecast period, 2020-2025.

The protein ingredient industry in most of the established markets, such as the United States, witnessed a considerable increase in the consumption of animal proteins, in the recent past. A further increase in the concumption of animal protein is anticipated over the next few years.

On the other hand, in terms of plant protein, new compositional research and modified high-moisture extrusion processes are helping in the growth of the market. For instance, plant protein-based chocolates, which are free from animal proteins, witness a good demand in the market, from consumers who do not consume dairy. Plant-based milk has observed a significant growth in the recent years, with an increasing number of people turning to dairy-free options. This innovative product line of ready-to-eat products, with no compromise in taste and texture, has, in turn, boosted the overall plant protein market.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Awareness about the Benefits of Soy Protein

Health management through food has become a trend, and consumers are looking for food and beverage products that will help them treat or prevent specific conditions. In a PDCAAS (protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score) method, which provides protein quality rankings by comparing the amino acid profile of a food protein against a standard amino acid profile, it was found that soy protein has the highest possible score of 1.0. This score implies that after digestion, soy protein provides per unit of protein, 100% or more of the indispensable amino acids required, thereby, making it a suitable source of nutrient. Additionally, soy protein is a biologically-active non-isoflavone component of soy, with health benefits, such as cholesterol-lowering effects, blood pressure-lowering effects, reduction of cancer risks and diabetes incidence, and favorable effects on kidney functioning and cardiac health.

Increasing Demand from the Sports Industry

The sports-nutrition industry is rapidly becoming mainstream, which is pushing the market for dairy ingredients, such as whey protein, casein, and milk proteins, among others. Dairy ingredients render the desired nutritional value to sports food products, thus, contributing toward their increasing usage in various supplements. Dairy ingredients are important sources of protein. For example, whey is well known for its high quality, high absorption, and a superior content of amino acids, which are essential for muscle growth. This factor makes it a popular sports-nutrition ingredient.

The use of whey and lactose ingredients, both in the processed food and nutritional sectors, has helped the market grow. Research suggests that dairy proteins, such as whey proteins and milk proteins, can also act as anti-aging agents. Moreover, these proteins might help decrease stress and reduce the cortisol concentration levels. Awareness among the masses, to become fit, remain in shape, and enhance immunity, has led to a significant growth in the demand for dairy proteins in the urban areas.

Competitive Landscape

The global protein ingredients market is fragmented, and the players capturing the leading market shares are the ones dominating the global food ingredients industry. On the other hand, some of the major strategies adopted by the companies operating in the protein ingredients market are geographical expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions. For instance, in 2017, DuPont Nutrition & Health launched its new SUPRO XT55 Isolated Soy Protein, designed specifically to improve the profitability of ready-to-drink, high-protein beverages by helping the beverage manufacturers manage the protein costs more effectively.

The major players operating in the region are Cargill, Bunge, DuPont, ADM, and Mead Johnson, among others.

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