Single Cell Protein Products Market
Updated Date : 22 January 2026   |   Report Code : 5617

Single Cell Protein Products Market Size, Growth, and Trends 2025 to 2035

The global single cell protein products market size is forecasted to expand from USD 13.09 billion in 2026 to reach around USD 31.12 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. This market growth is fueled by rising demand for sustainable and high-protein alternatives, especially in animal feed, aquaculture, and human nutrition.

Last Updated: 22 January 2026 Category: Plant-based Food & Beverages Insight Code: 5617 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

Single Cell Protein Products Market Size 2025 to 2035

The global single cell protein products market size reached at USD 11.89 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 13.09 billion in 2026 to reach nearly USD 31.12 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035. The global market is attributed to the increasing demand for protein consumption across the globe.

Single Cell Protein Products Market Size 2025 to 2035

Key Highlights

  • By region, North America dominated the global single cell protein products market by holding a market share of 32% in 2025 due to the increasing adoption of single cell protein products.
  • By region, Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a notable CAGR from 2026 to 2035 during the forecast period, which is driven by the increasing consumer lifestyles and trending diets.
  • By product, the yeast segment held a major market share in 2025 driven by the increasing demand for high protein content.
  • By product, the algae segment is projected to grow at a CAGR between 2026 and 2035, driven by the increasing high sustainability.
  • By end-user, the animal feed segment contributed the biggest market share in 2025, due to the growing livestock and aquaculture industries.
  • By end-user, the human food segment is expanding at a significant CAGR between 2026 and 2035, due to the increasing shift towards plant-based alternatives.

Single Cell Protein Products Industry Coverage

Study Coverage Details
Growth Rate from 2026 to 2035 CAGR of 10.1%
Market Size in 2026 USD 13.09 Billion
Market Size in 2027 USD 14.41 Billion
Market Size by 2035 USD 31.12 Billion
Largest Market North America
Base Year 2025
Forecast Period 2026 to 2035
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa

Rising Demand for Protein Products Accelerating the Market Expansion

The single cell protein products market deals with editable, processed, and raw protein products that are derived from pure microbial cultures, dried cell biomass, and dead and microbial cell cultures. They are appropriate for both animal and human feeds as a protein supplement. The growth of the market is witnessing rapid growth due to factors such as the increasing presence of nucleic acids, rising research and development expenditure for the development of new products, rising technological innovations for the advancements of cost-effective products, and increasing demand for protein across the globe.

Some of the major benefits may drive the global market across the globe, such as increasing environmental concerns and sustainability and increasing food demand. Due to the high demand for protein and food sources, the population is growing rapidly across the globe. In addition, as compared to conventional livestock farming, single-cell protein production has majorly reduced environmental impact. It needs less feed resources, water, and land which further generates less waste. The demand for alternative protein sources such as single cell protein products is expected to increase, as sustainability becomes a more crucial concern, which is expected to drive the growth of the single cell protein products market.

  • Increase in alternative protein sources: There has been an increasing preference for alternative protein sources, with concerns about the demand for protein and the environmental impact of traditional livestock farming, which is expected to drive market growth. 
  • Growing food and beverage industry: Single cell protein products are incorporated into several food products, such as protein-enriched snacks, dairy alternatives, and meat analogs, which is expected to increase the demand for single cell protein products market. 
  • Increasing rapid biomass generation: Microorganisms utilized in single cell protein production, including yeast and bacteria further allow scalable and efficient protein production, which is also anticipated to enhance the market growth during the forecast period.

Market Opportunity

Rising Technological Advancements

The rising technological advancements in single cell protein products may create major growth opportunities. The rising innovations such as synthetic biology and precision fermentation enable the genetic engineering of microbes to improve digestibility, enhance nutritional content, and increase protein yields. Companies are creating proteins with less environmental impact, by integrating carbon capture and renewable energy in single cell protein product production.

In addition, improved downstream processing techniques, such as filtration and spray drying, can expand single cell protein products used in pharmaceuticals, animal feed, and food and enhance product shelf life, taste, and purity. These innovative factors are expected to revolutionize the growth of the single cell protein products market in the coming years.

Market Challenge

High Production Costs

The high-cost manufacturing value related to raw substances, bioreactors, and fermentation are the major hindering factors that may restrain market growth. Single cell protein product manufacturing needs huge energy inputs, controlled environments, and specialized gadgets which are very expensive and may impact high-scale commercialization.

In addition, as many single cell protein product techniques are based on microbial cultivation, scalability problems prevent mass adoption, which can be sensitive to yield fluctuations and commercialization. Furthermore, the increasing need for client attractiveness and regulatory approvals may provide complexity, which is further expected to restrain the growth of the single cell protein products market across the globe.

Trade Analysis of the Single Cell Protein Products Market

  • The world exported 3,310 shipments of yeast protein, made by 128 exporters to 194 buyers. The main destinations for yeast protein exports are Poland, Uzbekistan, and the Czech Republic. 
  • The top three exporters of yeast protein globally are Russia, Brazil, and China, with Russia leading the way with 2,960 shipments, followed by Brazil with 109 shipments, and China with 90 shipments.
  • The world exported 2,749 shipments of spirulina from 652 exporters to 877 buyers, with the most significant exports going to the United States, Vietnam, and France. 
  • The leading exporters of spirulina are China, India, and Ecuador, with China again in the top spot at 1,014 shipments, followed by India with 880 shipments, and Ecuador with 153 shipments.

Single Cell Protein Products Market Regional Insights

North America Dominated the Single Cell Protein Products Market in 2025

The market growth is owing to the increasing number of consumers seeking health-conscious and sustainable food alternatives, increasing consumer preference towards plant-based diets, rising technological advancements in pharmaceutical and biotechnology, increasing trends towards flexitarian and veganism, and rising sustainability.

North America Single Cell Protein Products Market Size 2025 to 2035

The North America single cell protein products market size was valued at USD 3.8 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 4.19 billion in 2026 to reach nearly USD 10.11 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 10.28% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

North America Single Cell Protein Products Market Size 2025 to 2035

The U.S. dominated the market share in 2024, which contributed to the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, increasing government regulatory support, and growing the animal feed industry. Single cell protein products help consumers with weight loss, muscle-building, and overall health in the U.S. Plant-based and whey options are widely used products in the U.S. Consumers can maintain energy levels, support muscle growth, and ensure overall nutritional balance. In addition, single cell protein products in the U.S. also support consumer health and fitness goals such as immune support, hormone regulation, enzyme production, hair and skin health, bone health, brain function and mental clarity, appetite control, calorie burn and weight loss and muscle repair and growth, which further expected to drive the global single cell protein products market growth in the U.S.

U.S. Single Cell Protein Products Market Size 2025 to 2035

The U.S. single cell protein products market size was valued at USD 2.85 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow steadily from USD 3.14 billion in 2026 to reach nearly USD 7.64 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 10.36% during the forecast period from 2026 to 2035.

U.S. Single Cell Protein Products Market Size 2025 to 2035

  • In March 2025, a Dutch ingredients startup, Vivici launched Vivitein BLG in the U.S. market. The flagship ingredient enables B2B customers to launch. The company said that “differentiated and disruptive products to consumers in the U.S. market,” (Source: Dairy Foods)

How Asia Pacific is Revolutionizing Market Growth?

Asia Pacific is expected to grow fastest during the forecast period. The market growth in the region is attributed to factors such as the increasing demand for alternative and sustainable protein sources, rising innovations in biotechnology and fermentation, the growing food and beverage industry, and increasing focus on nutrition and health. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are the fastest growing countries that contributed to driving the market growth. India is the fastest and most significant country propelling global market growth. There is a high local consumer preference to buy protein-based products in India. Indian diets include almost 60% of protein from protein-based products with low quality and digestibility, which is expected to enhance the market in India.

Single Cell Protein Products Market Share, By Region, 2025 (%)

In Europe, the market for single-cell protein (SCP) products is experiencing steady growth, supported by stringent environmental regulations and strong backing for sustainable agriculture and food production. The European Union's Farm to Fork strategy, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting circular bioeconomy practices, is a key driver of this growth. SCP products, known for their ability to convert waste substrates into valuable proteins, align well with Europe's sustainability goals. 

The region boasts a robust infrastructure for biotech innovation, with countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark leading in fermentation-based protein research and development. Notably, in November 2023, MicroHarvest GmbH, a single-cell protein start-up, opened a prototype production plant in Lisbon, Portugal, in anticipation of launching its HILIX feed product for aquaculture in early 2024.

In Germany, the single-cell protein market is seeing growth fueled by advancements in technology, increasing end-user demand, and the necessity for cost-effective solutions. Favorable government initiatives and rising industrial adoption further enhance this momentum. The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag have earmarked €38m to fund sustainable protein transition projects in 2024; such initiatives are expanding the single cell protein products market. 

Single Cell Protein Products Market Segmental Insights

Product Insights

How do the Yeast Segment Dominate the Market in 2025?

The yeast segment dominated the single cell protein products market in 2025. The segment growth in the market is driven by factors such as the increasing consumer demand for alternative proteins, rising technological advancement, increasing awareness toward environment and sustainability, and rapid scalability and production. Yeast is a gluten-free and dairy-free product that can be added with a nutty flavor and savory to dishes. It offers proteins, minerals, and vitamins to the diet. Various people consume a significant quantity of nutritional yeast across the globe, which offers additional health benefits. Manufacturers can grow nutritional yeast from a variety of sources, such as sugar beets, whey, and molasses. Fortified nutritional yeast offers various benefits and is the most common type.

The Bacteria Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period

The bacteria segment growth in the single cell protein products market is driven by various benefits such as prevention from harmful bacteria, protection from pathogens, help to enhance the immune system and digestive health. Most bacteria play an important role in immune defense, nutrient production, and digestion, which increases market demand.

End-User Insights

How Animal Feed Segment Dominated the Market in 2025?

The animal feed segment led the market in 2025. The segment growth in the single cell protein products market is expected to lead to the growing aquaculture and livestock industry, increasing consumer awareness towards animal health and well-being. Animals are especially vulnerable to issues caused by insufficient and unbalanced nutrition. To maintain animals' productivity and overall health, they are heavily dependent on the feed. Animals get high energy from carbohydrates which are present in grain, hay, and grass.

Protein products play an important role in the growth of animals. Soy, milk, beef, and others are rich sources of protein for animals. In addition, there are various benefits of balanced nutrition in animal feed, such as high reproduction, increased milk production, improved immune system of animals, prevent weakness and disease, increased productivity, fertility improvement, support sustainability, saves money and resources, and promotion health and well-being of animals, which further expected to drive the segment demand. 

The Human Food Segment is Expected to Grow Fastest During the Forecast Period

Human feed plays an important role in human nutrition which provides nutrient-dense, affordable, and safe foodstuffs that support human well-being and health. Livestock production is crucial in the social and economic sustainability of developing and developed countries. Millions of individuals work across the food supply chain ranging from poultry workers, meat, truck drivers, grocery store employees, restaurant workers, agricultural workers, and many others, which further drives the demand for human feed.

Recent Developments in the Single Cell Protein Products Market

Müller Yogurt & Desserts

  • Launch: In May 2025, Müller Yogurt & Desserts launched a duo of high-protein yogurts, and a ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shake in collaboration with Myprotein. The products target the fastest growing potted dessert and chilled yogurt segment. (Source: FoodBev Media)

Iconic cereal brand Cheerios

  • Expansion: In December 2024, Iconic cereal brand Cheerios expanded its portfolio of flavors Cheerios Protein to introduce a new protein cereal offering to its lineup. This new Cheerios innovation is answering the call of consumers craving more options with 8 grams of protein per serving. (Source: General Mills)

Alpina Health Foods

  • Launch: In July 2024, the world’s only peanut protein company, Alpino Health Food launched India’s first 100% peanut-based protein powder. This innovation providing a superior alternative to traditional protein supplements, sets a new standard in the market and will transform India’s health industry. (Source: Business Of Food)

Single Cell Protein Products Market Leading Companies

Single Cell Protein Products Market Companies

Segments Covered in the Report

By Product 

  • Yeast 
  • Algae 
  • Bacteria 
  • Others

By End-User 

  • Animal Feed 
  • Human Food 

By Region

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

FAQ's

Answer : The global single cell protein products market was valued at USD 11.89 billion in 2025 and is expected to hit around USD 31.12 billion by 2035, at a compound annual growth rate of 10.1%.

Answer : North America led the global market in 2025, driven by the rising adoption of plant-based diets, sustainability concerns, and technological innovations in biotechnology and food production.

Answer : Technologies like precision fermentation and synthetic biology are enabling better yields, lower costs, and the development of novel proteins with improved taste, digestibility, and shelf life.

Answer : Key trends include clean-label demand, SCP integration in functional foods, flexitarian diets, and expanding use of SCP across pharma, cosmetics, and alternative protein sectors.
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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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