Plant-Based Protein Market to Soar as Vegan Trends and Health Awareness Fuel Growth

Plant-Based Protein Market Size, Share and Forecast Trends

The global plant-based protein market size reached at USD 18.70 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 20.33 billion in 2025 to reach nearly USD 43.07 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 8.7% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. The rising adoption of vegan and vegetarianism in people which causes the increased demand for the vegetarian food and clean source of protein accelerate the growth of the market. 

Key Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the plant-based protein market in 2024.
• By region, Asia Pacific expects the fastest growth in the market during the forecast period.
• By type, the soy protein segment holds the highest share of the plant-based protein market in 2024. 
• By type, the pea protein segment expecting a significant growth in the market during the forecast period. 
• By end use, the food & beverages segment led the market in 2024. 
• By end use, the supplement segment is projected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. 

Industry Coverage

Rising Popularity and Industry Growth

The proteins that are derived from plant sources are plant-based proteins. Proteins like soy, tempeh, tofu, peas, hemp, and many more are types of plant-based protein. Growing ethical concerns about animal welfare, allergies, and lactose intolerance drive the growth of the market. Consumers are widely looking for alternative sources of meat and meat products. Factors like consumer interest in health-conscious food & beverages, wide adoption of veganism & major innovation in food products drives the market growth.

Rising trend of vegetarianism and veganism worldwide

Consumers are more aware of what they are eating. Consumers are giving preference for vegetarian or vegan food due to ethical concerns. People choose a vegan lifestyle for numerous reasons such as environmental sustainability, health benefits, and many more reasons. A vegan & vegetarian diet reduces the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and certain types of cancer. They have less cholesterol and saturated fats.

The fiber content in a plant-based diet is high due to this it is easy to digest. Plant-based protein promotes good gut health, and it takes less time to digest. Some consumers believe that animals have the right to live their lives, and they choose vegan life. Plant-based diets are sustainable for the environment, and they reduce pollution also. The plant-based food industry innovated new products for their consumer. Vegetarianism and veganism a key driving factors for the plant-based protein industry.

Plant-Based Protein Market Trends

• Rising lactose intolerance: Many consumers are facing lactose intolerant problems. Consumers are looking for plant-based options like soy, almond, coconut, rice, and oat. Consumers give preference to lactose-free milk, cheese, yogurt, and other products.
• Ethical concerns: Many consumers give preference to plant-based protein due to animal welfare. They avoid food made from animals. They don’t want to harm animals.
• Natural and clean-label products: Consumers demand natural and clean label products. Consumers are reading the labels of products due to health concerns.
• Trending fiber-rich diets: Plant-based proteins are also the best source of fiber. They are healthy, easy to digest, and overall good for well-being.
• Lowers risk of diseases: Plant-based proteins provide ample amount of health benefits. They help to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. They consist of lower cholesterol and saturated fats.
• Upcycling & Waste Valorization: Upcycled materials such as oat pulp, pea starch, or juice byproducts are being used more frequently by plant-based brands in their protein formulations. This adds nutritional value, lowers the cost of raw materials, and lessens food waste. Businesses are converting food waste (such as okara or spent grains) into high-protein powders or flours. Snacks, protein bars, and meat substitutes all contain these ingredients. As a dual solution to supply chain stability and sustainability, upcycling is becoming more popular.

Market Opportunity

Booming Innovations in the Plant-Based Protein Industry

Innovating new sources of plant-based protein is a major opportunity for the plant-based protein industry. Plant-based industries can focus on improving processing technologies, creating more sustainable alternatives, and finding new sources of protein. Plant-based industries can innovate new protein powders, protein bar, and beverages using natural sources like legumes, hemp proteins, and many more. Consumers always search for a healthier option that can help manufacturers innovate new products and technology to enhance the lifestyle of consumers.

Manufacturers can create 3D printing technology to provide more customized structures and textures to users. Focus on innovating the tastes, appearance, and texture of food products to make them more attractive to consumers. Innovating new sources that will avoid nutritional deficiency among consumers is needed. In the future, innovations in plant-based protein technology will help in the growth of the market.

Market Challenge

Side Effects Associated with the Consumption of Plant-Based Protein 

With the several benefits related to the plant-based protein, there are some constraints like side effects that originated in some cases by the consuming plant-based protein like digestive discomfort, gas, bloating, kidney issues, and allergies which limits the adaptation of products, and the hormonal imbalance causes by the excessive consumption of plant based protein is also one of the leading factor that hampers the market growth.

Plant-Based Protein Market Regional Insights

North America Takes Over Plant-Based Protein Industry

North America Dominated the Plant-Based Protein Market in 2024. The rising vegan population, fitness culture, and established food and beverage section fuel the growth of the market. The regional consumers are looking for alternatives to traditional meat. The growing health awareness and dietary habits help in the growth of the market. The modern lifestyle of consumers raises the need for healthy protein-rich and digestible food. Additionally, the innovation of the region in food technology and established distribution channels extends the market.

United States leads the plant-based market In the U.S. due to well-established research and development, strong economic growth, and a focus on health and wellness. The growing vegan population in the region influences the growth of the market. The US continuously innovates new technology regarding protein extraction and processing methods driving the growth of the market.

Plant-Based Protein Industry Transforms Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific Expects the Fastest Growth in the Market During the Forecast Period. Growing awareness about protein-rich foods, increasing vegan population, and rising health consciousness drive the growth of the market in the region. Increasing population and rising disposable income help in market growth. Countries in the regions are looking for plant-based meat alternatives. Some people in the region are lactose intolerant and causes the higher demand plant-based alternatives which boosts the growth of the market in the region.

China dominates the plant-based protein market in the Asia Pacific region. The rising population in the country is one of the factors for the growth of the market. The Chinese government took the initiative to promote plant-based proteins among consumers. The production of soybean and wheat in the country builds a strong foundation for the market. Rising health consciousness and environmental awareness drive the growth of the market.

Segmental Insights

By Type

The Soy Protein Segment Dominated the Plant-Based Protein Market in 2024. 

The high protein content, affordability, and diverse applications in the food industry drive the growth of the market. Soy protein reduces cholesterol and has numerous nutritional benefits. Soy protein is a great alternative to meat and & dairy due to this it’s dominating the food and beverage industry. Whereas pea protein segment witnesses the fastest growth during the forecast period. The naturally gluten-free and lactose-free quality of peas fuels the growth of the market. Pea protein provides great digestion and consists of amino acids.

Furthermore, ingredients used in a variety of products such as protein powder, protein bars & beverages drive the growth of the market. Innovations in the food processing industry to enhance the taste and quality fuel the growth of the market. It causes a lower environmental impact than other varieties of proteins.

By End Use

The Food & Beverages Segment Holds the Largest Share of the Plant-Based Protein Market in 2024. 

The rising demand for meat and dairy alternatives drives the growth of the market. Soy, peas, and many more types of plant proteins are used in departments like bakeries, beverages, and snacks. The rising consumer demand for protein-rich food helps in the growth of the market. Consumer's awareness of clean-label and natural ingredients fuels the market growth. Whereas the supplement segment is anticipated fastest growing market during the forecast period.

The availability of protein powder and nutritional supplements to complete dietary and fitness goals helps in the growth of the market. The growing demand for plant-based protein among sportspersons, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts drives the growth of the market. Manufacturers create personalized and specialized supplement formulations for consumers. Additionally, the segment is benefiting due to rising consumer awareness about healthy lifestyles.

Recent Developments in the Plant-Based Protein Market

• In March 2025, the Europe-based organization Schouten launched two new snacks: Sea Bites and Power Bites. Power Bites offers rich and nutty flavor. They do not contain nuts but provide the same taste experience. 
• In January 2025, Zyra Protein introduced a plant-based protein powder made with four ingredients that include date powder, pea protein, salt, and strawberry powder. This protein powder is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, non-GMO, and 100% natural.
• Growing Focus on Clean Labels: Customers are requesting ingredient lists for plant-based products to be clearer and more straightforward. Whole, identifiable plant ingredients are becoming more popular instead of overprocessed meat substitutes. Companies are changing their formulas to emphasize clean-label products with fewer preservatives and additives. Non-GMO gluten-free and no artificial flavors are becoming increasingly prominent when new products are introduced. This is a reflection of growing consumer confidence in openness and health-conscious purchasing. In the highly competitive protein market, clean-label innovation is now regarded as a crucial brand differentiator. (Source: FoodDive)
• Ingredient Innovation: Emerging protein sources that go beyond soy and peas include fava beans, chickpeas, flaxseed, oats, and even algae. In addition to improving nutrition profiles and enhancing texture and taste variety in new products, these ingredients aid in the resolution of problems such as allergen avoidance. Businesses are combining different plant proteins to improve digestibility and produce more comprehensive amino acid profiles. Additionally, local sourcing and regional crop utilization are supported by this strategy. Pulses in particular are prized for their soil-friendly qualities and inherent protein density.
• Tech-Driven Product Enhancements: Food-tech companies are using AI and precision fermentation to design better plant-based proteins closer in texture and taste to animal products. These technologies allow for custom formulations, boosting amino acid profiles and creating cleaner textures. AI helps speed up product development cycles and personalize products to regional flavor preferences. Precision fermentation enables brands to mimic dairy or egg proteins using microbes, without animal inputs. These tools also help tackle off-notes or grittiness in legacy plant proteins. (Source: Food Business News)

Plant-Based Protein Market Top Leading Companies

• Fuji Oil Group
• International Flavors & Frangrances Inc.
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Kerry Group PLC
• Kansas Protein Foods LLC
• Cargill Incorporated
• Wilmar International Ltd.
• Kerry Group PLC
• Burcon NutraScience Corporation
• DuPont
• Wilmar International Ltd.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Type 

• Soy Protein
• Pea Protein
• Rice Protein
• Hemp Protein
• Wheat Protein 
• Others

By End Use 

• Food & Beverages
• Supplements
• Personal Care & Cosmetics
• Animal Food

By Region

• North America 
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Middle East & Africa
• Latin America