Plant-Based Food Market
Updated Date : 30 December 2025   |   Report Code : 5637

Plant-Based Food Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

The global plant-based food market size is rising from USD 63.36 billion in 2026 to reach around USD 181.43 billion by 2035. This projected expansion reflects a CAGR of 12.4% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. This market growth is driven by rising health consciousness, growing environmental and ethical concerns, and increasing adoption of vegan and flexitarian diets.

Last Updated: 30 December 2025 Category: Plant-based Food & Beverages Insight Code: 5637 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Plant-Based Food Market Size 2025 to 2035

The global plant-based food market size reached at USD 56.37 billion in 2025 with projections indicating a rise from USD 63.36 billion in 2026 to hit approximately USD 181.43 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 12.4% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. The market is attributed to the increasing consumer preference towards vegetarian food.

Plant-Based Food Market Size 2025 to 2035

Key Highlights

  • By region, Asia Pacific dominated the global plant-based food market with highest share of 40% in 2025, due to the growing vegetarian and vegan population. 
  • By region, North America is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2026 to 2035 during the forecast period which is driven by the rising investment in the plant-based sector. 
  • By type, the dairy alternatives segment held a major market share in 2025, driven by increasing demand for dairy products.
  • By type, the egg substitute segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2026 and 2035, driven by the increasing consumer preference towards protein-rich food.
  • By source, the soy segment contributed to the biggest market share in 2025, due to the increasing popularity of sports, excercise and vegan diets. 
  • By source, the pea segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2026 and 2035, due to the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives. 
  • By distribution channel, the business-to-consumer (B2C) segment held a major market share in 2025, driven by the increased sales of plant-based food. 
  • By distribution channel, the business to business (B2B) segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2026 and 2035, driven by the faster accessibility offered by the online retail industry.

Plant-Based Food Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2026 to 2035 CAGR of 12.4%
Market Size in 2026 USD 63.36 Billion
Market Size in 2027 USD 71.22 Billion
Market Size by 2035 USD 181.43 Billion
Largest Market Asia Pacific
Base Year 2025
Forecast Period 2026 to 2035
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

How Plant-Based Foods Helps Consumers to Enhance their Health and Wellbeing? 

The plant-based food market deals with a combination of ethical, environmental, and health factors. The increasing concerns related to resource-intensive livestock farming, deforestation, and climate are encouraging consumers to seek sustainable additives. The increasing consumer consciousness towards health risks also led to an increased preference for plant-based foods. The market for plant-based food is experiencing rapid growth due to factors such as the increasing demand for sustainable food options, rising number of venture investments, growing focus on animal welfare, rising innovation in food technology, and increasing consumer preference towards gluten and soy-free products.

One of the major factors driving the growth of the market is the increasing consumer demand for sustainable food options. The global market is experiencing growth in the integration of alternative protein alternatives, with materials such as jackfruit, lentils, and pea protein gaining popularity among customers looking for health-conscious and sustainable dietary options. In addition, the rising innovation in food technologies, including cellular agriculture and precision fermentation which further enhance nutritional flavors and profiles, is further expected to enhance the growth of the market.

  • Increasing trend of clean label products: The increasing consumer preference towards clean label products such as recognizable and simple ingredients, which focus on minimal processing and transparency, contributed to propelling market growth. 
  • Increasing preference towards healthier options: Due to the increased shift away from traditional animal-based products, there is awareness of the health benefits connected to plant-based foods are further expected to drive the growth of the plant-based food market during the forecast period. 
  • Supports the immune system: The increased presence of antioxidants, phytochemicals, minerals, and vitamins in plants helps keep consumers healthy, which increases the demand for plant-based food.

Market Opportunity

Advancements in Plant-Based Food Technology

The development of high-quality plant-based protein is one of the most significant advancements in plant-based food technology. These proteins are derived from various sources, such as hemp, rice, peas, and soy, each offering unique applications and benefits. In the evolution of plant-based foods, advancements in cultivation and fermentation technologies play an important role. To create dairy heme and proteins, various companies are using precision fermentation. These innovations allow the production of plant-based products that are similar to the nutritional profile, texture, and taste of their animal-based counterparts.

In addition, extrusion technology also played an important role and revolutionized the production of plant-based meat additives. The resulting products can be transformed into various forms, including nuggets, sausages, and burgers, and offer consumers a familiar eating experience, which is further expected to enhance the growth of the plant-based food market.

Market Challenge

Nutrient Deficiency Risk and Health Risks

There are some challenging factors that restrain market growth and increasing consumer awareness of health risks and nutrient deficiency is one of them. Plant-based diets may have insufficient nutrients found in animal products, including protein, omega-3fatty acids, calcium, iron, and vitamin B12, without careful planning, which may create major challenges in the market. In addition, health concerns are also a major challenge in the market. Plant-based diets can be healthy, but they contain extreme versions such as strict veganism without a lack of supplementation, which may cause health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, or the geriatric population. These factors are expected to restrain the growth of the plant-based market.

Trade Analysis of the Plant-Based Food Market 

  • The majority of Plant Food exports from India are sent to the United States, Malaysia, and the Maldives. Worldwide, the leading three exporters of Plant Food are China, the United States, and South Korea. China tops global Plant Food exports with 348 shipments, followed by the United States with 255 shipments, while South Korea ranks third with 212 shipments. 
  • On a global scale, India, China, and the European Union are the leading exporters of Ready Vegan Food. India tops global exports of Ready Vegan Food with 1,291 shipments, while China follows with 85 shipments, and the European Union ranks third with 1 shipment. 

Value Chain Analysis of the Plant-Based Food Market

Raw Material Procurement 

  • It includes sourcing proteins from soy, pea, wheat, rice, pumpkin, fibers, starches, and oils from sustainable, quality-focused suppliers, often through FPOs or direct farmer links. 
  • Key Players: BENEO, BeneoPro, Leiber, The Ingredients Experts

Processing 

  • It involves methods like extrusion, high heat or pressure to create fibrous textures, blending, mixing, molding, and 3D printing, high moisture extrusion and low moisture extrusion. 
  • Key Players: Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods

Plant-Based Food Market Regional Insights

How did Asia Pacific Dominated the Plant-Based Food Market Revenue in 2025?

The Asia Pacific plant-based food market size reached at USD 22.55 billion in 2025 with projections indicating a rise from USD 25.34 billion in 2026 to hit approximately USD 72.57 billion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 12.4% throughout the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

Asia Pacific Plant-Based Food Market Size 2025 to 2035

The growth of the market is attributed due to increasing dietary diversity, a growing middle-class population, increasing consumer preference towards health and well-being, and increasing demand for plant-based foods. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are dominating countries driving the market growth.

India is the Largest Country in the Food and Beverage Industry

The well-known and most important parts of Indian food are veggies, beans, dals, and spices, and which market has witnessed a transformational shift. The market is also experiencing growth through cross-industry collaborations and product innovations. The market is growing at 18% and reached a value of INR 300 Crore in 2024, which further drives the demand for the market in India.

North America Plant-Based Food Market Trends

North America expected to grow fastest in the market during the forecast period. The market growth in the region is attributed to the combination of technological, ethical, environmental, and health factors. Due to concerns over lactose intolerance and chronic diseases, health-conscious people are minimizing dairy and meat intake. In addition, increased availability in food service and retail sectors, increasing government initiatives, including promoting plant-based choices in public institutions and schools, rising technological advancements in tastes and flavors, and increasing adoption of sustainable options are expected to drive the growth of the market in the region. The U.S. and Canada are the fastest growing countries driving the market growth across the region.

Plant-Based Food Market Share, By Region, 2025 (%)

Europe Plant-Based Food Market Trends

The plant-based food sector in Europe is seeing strong expansion. This expansion is fueled by the rising consumer acceptance of flexitarian and vegan lifestyles, along with the enforcement of more robust sustainability regulations by the European Union. Investments from global brands, the incorporation of locally sourced ingredients, and progress in sensory technologies have allowed companies to successfully introduce new products. In 2024, 37% of German households purchased plant-based milk, while 32% purchased plant-based meat at least once. In 2024, private-label sales increased by 13.9% in volume, while the volume of branded sales remained steady. 

The rising trends in health and wellness, heightened focus on environmental sustainability, concerns for ethics and animal welfare, advancements in product innovation, supportive government policies, growing interest in vegetarian and flexitarian diets, and greater product availability in retail stores and restaurants are key factors positively influencing the UK plant-based food market share.

Middle East Plant-Based Food Market Trends

The Middle East is emerging as a hub for plant-based food, with a rapidly increasing demand for meat and dairy substitutes, especially since the pandemic. Sales of processed meat and dairy products are currently quite low in the area, and as obesity increases, plant-based foods are being viewed more and more as healthier alternatives. Concerns regarding environmental and animal welfare matters are increasing, although they still tend to be relatively low. The increasing worries of Middle Eastern populations regarding the consumption of traditional animal-derived food and drink items and the shift towards vegan diets. 

The plant-based food market in the UAE is rapidly expanding due to heightened health awareness, lactose intolerance, sustainability issues, and government initiatives such as the National Food Security Strategy, resulting in greater demand for dairy substitutes and vegan ready-to-eat products, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with key players and startups innovating in product creation and distribution

Plant-Based Food Market Segmental Insights

Type Insights

Why did Dairy Alternatives Segment Held the Largest Share in the Plant-Based Food Market Revenue in 2025?

The dairy alternatives segment held a major market share in 2025 driven by increasing growth in health awareness, rising technological advancements and innovations, an increasing number of plant-based options for ethical, environmental, and health reasons, increasing demand for dairy alternatives, and an increasing number of lactose-intolerant consumers. Various food and beverage products are concentrating on increasing and implementing dairy alternative products. Plant-based dairy alternatives, including soy milk and almond milk, are typically lower in calories and fat than traditional dairy products, which further drives the segment's growth.

The Egg Substitute Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Predicted Period

The segment growth in the market is driven by the growing number of new product launches, rising technological advancements and innovations in egg alternatives, increasing consumer demand for egg alternatives, and increasing demand for protein-rich foods. Eggs are incredibly versatile and healthy and are a popular food choice across the globe. Egg substitutes are rich in antioxidants, which can prevent inflammation and regulate blood pressure, which is expected to increase the demand for egg substitutes.

Source Insights

Why did the Soy Segment Dominated the Plant-Based Food Market Revenue in 2025? 

The soy segment dominated the market share in 2025. The segment growth in the market is attributed to the increasing consumer trend towards fitness and sports, rising innovation in product development and processing, rising environmental advantages and sustainability, increasing consumer preferences towards nutritional and health benefits, and increasing demand for vegan and plant-based products.

The Pea Segment Expects Significant Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period

The segment growth in the plant-based food market is attributed to the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives. Peas are a good source of zinc, vitamins C and E, and other antioxidants that improve the immune system. Other nutrients help lower the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, and reduce inflammation. In addition, there are various health benefits of peas such as a useful source of vegan food, cancer protection, helping to balance cholesterol, supporting heart health, improving blood sugar control, and enhancing the immune system, further increasing segment growth.

Distribution Channel Insights

What Factors Help to Drive the Business to Consumer (B2C) Segment in the Plant-Based Food Market? 

The business to consumer (B2C) segment held the largest share in the plant-based food market in 2025. The growth of the segment is attributed by factors such as increasing consumer expenditure on vegan food products, increasing consumer trend for shopping due to availability and easy access, increasing demand for hypermarket and supermarkets, increasing preference towards plant-based food, and increasing awareness towards health and wellness.

The Business to Business (B2B) Segment Expects the Fastest Growth During the Predicted Period

The segment growth in the market is attributed to the growing online retail industry, cost-effectiveness, convenience, and faster accessibility, increasing demand from food brands and manufacturers, and increasing government support and policies.

Recent Developments in the Plant-Based Food Market

Malak AI Tawouk

  • Launch: In May 2025, Malak AI Tawouk, a Middle Eastern fast-casual brand launched a new line of plant-based chicken menu items in partnership with Switch Foods. (Source: Vegconomist)

Plantaway

  • Launch: In July 2024, Plantaway, a plant-based brand launched a new chicken alternative, the Chicken Fillet in India. This is the first plant-based chicken fillet in India. The aim behind this launch was to replicate the texture and taste of chicken. (Source: Vegconomist)

Nestle 

  • Launch: In July 2024, a plant-based meat alternative, Maggi Rindecarne was launched by Nestle. The aim behind this launch was to extend meals, in Chile. The mix of spices and soy enables consumers to make a dish combining plant-based proteins and meat. The prepared dish retains its nutritional value without compromising taste by adding Maggi Rindecarne. (Source: FOOD Engineering)

Plant-Based Food Market Leading Companies

Plant-Based Food Market Companies

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type

  • Dairy Alternatives
    • Milk
    • Cheese
    • Yogurt
    • Butter
    • Ice Cream
    • Creamer
    • Other Dairy Alternatives
  • Meat Substitutes
    • Tofu
    • Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
    • Tempeh
    • Burger Patties
    • Hot Dogs & Sausages
    • Seitan
    • Ground Meat
    • Meatballs
    • Crumbles
    • Nuggets
    • Shreds
    • Others Meat Substitutes
  • Plant-Based Meals
  • Plant-Based Baked Goods
  • Plant-Based Confectionery
  • Plant-Based Beverages
  • Egg Substitutes
  • Fish and Seafood Alternatives
  • Others Plant-Based Food

By Source

  • Soy
  • Almond
  • Wheat
  • Pea
  • Rice
  • Oat
  • Other Sources

By Distribution Channel

  • Business-To-Business
  • Business-To-Consumer
  • Modern Groceries/Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialty Stores
  • Online Retail Stores
  • Other B2b Distribution Channels

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)
  • Latin America

FAQ's

Answer : The global plant-based food market size stands at USD 56.37 billion in 2025. It is projected to grow to USD 63.36 billion in 2026, reaching approximately USD 181.43 billion by 2035, expand at a CAGR of 12.4%.

Answer : Asia Pacific led the global plant-based food market in 2025, driven by a large vegetarian and vegan population, dietary diversity, and rapid market growth in countries such as India, China, Japan, and South Korea.

Answer : Dairy alternatives held the largest share in 2025, driven by growing awareness of lactose intolerance and sustainability. Meanwhile, egg substitutes are expected to witness the fastest growth as consumers seek protein-rich, allergen-free, and cholesterol-free options.

Answer : Soy was the dominant source in 2025 due to its high protein content and versatility. However, pea protein is growing rapidly as a clean, hypoallergenic, and sustainable alternative, especially in sports nutrition and functional foods.

Answer : Extrusion technology, cellular agriculture, and precision fermentation are enabling realistic textures, improved taste, and higher nutritional value. These technologies are narrowing the gap between plant-based and driving consumer adoption.

Answer : Nutritional deficiencies particularly lack of B12, iron, omega-3s, and calcium pose challenges, especially for vulnerable groups. Additionally, consumer skepticism, taste limitations, and the need for well-balanced formulations limit adoption in some segments.

Answer : Key players include Beyond Meat, Danone, Nestlé, Impossible Foods, Amy’s Kitchen, Tyson Foods, and Lightlife Foods (Maple Leaf Foods). These companies are leading through innovation, global expansion, strategic partnerships, and advanced R&D in plant protein science.

Answer : The B2B segment is growing due to retail chains, QSRs (quick-service restaurants), and food manufacturers seeking cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable plant-based ingredients. E-commerce platforms further accelerate B2B accessibility and logistics efficiency.
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  • Report Covered: [Revenue + Volume]
  • Historical Year: 2021-2023
  • Base Year: 2024
  • Estimated Years: 2025-2034

Meet the Team

Vidyesh Swar, Senior Research Analyst at Towards Food & Beverages, specializes in market research, focusing on supply-demand evaluation, pricing analysis, alternative proteins, plant-based foods, and sustainable food technologies within the industry.

Learn more about Vidyesh Swar

Aditi Shivarkar, with 14+ years in Food and Beverages market research, specializes in food, beverage, and eco-friendly packaging. She ensures accurate, actionable insights, driving Towards FnB's excellence in industry trends and sustainability.

Learn more about Aditi Shivarkar

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