U.S. Soy Protein Concentrate Market Size to Hit $2,192.94 Bn by 2034

U.S. Soy Protein Concentrate Market Size, Trends and Future Opportunities

The U.S. soy protein concentrate market size is set for steady growth, increasing from USD 945.38 billion in 2025 to USD 2,192.94 billion by 2034, with a CAGR of 9.80% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Last Updated: 16 May 2025 Category: Food & Beverages Ingredients Insight Code: 5582 Format: PDF / PPT / Excel

U.S. Soy Protein Concentrate Market Size and Share

The U.S. soy protein concentrate market size was estimated at USD 861.00 billion in 2024 and is predicted to increase from USD 945.38 billion in 2025 to approximately USD 2,192.94 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 9.80% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Increasing demand for the plant-based protein and increasing health awareness among consumers propelling the market.

U.S. Soy Protein Concentrate Market Size 2025 to 2034

Key Highlights

  • By protein concentration, 20%-70% protein segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024. Soy Protein Concentrate with 20-70% has significant water-binding and emulsification properties and can be used as a nutritional protein component in various food products.
  • By protein concentration, >70% protein segment is observed to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Soy protein concentrates with more than 70% is widely used in the medical nutrition and clinical foods.
  • By modification type, thermal modification segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. Thermal modification is a key method in industrial food processing because of its ease, affordability, and adaptability.
  • By modification type, chemical modification segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. Chemical modification of proteins involves adding or removing chemical groups from a protein molecule to alter its function or stability.
  • By extraction process, aqueous alcohol wash process segment led the market in 2024. Aqueous-based alcohol washing is commonly utilized due to its efficiency in extraction and processing.
  • By extraction process, water wash process with heat denaturation segment is seen to grow at a notable rate during the predicted timeframe. This process is relatively table and easily scalable for industries and water is safer and cost-effective solvent. 
  • By form, dry segment held the dominating share of the U.S. soy protein concentrate market in 2024. The leading status of this segment is due to its widespread application in numerous food and beverage products. 
  • By form, liquid segment is observed to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Rising popularity of the high- protein drink, functional beverages, shake and smoothies need protein source which is easily dispersible and palatable, demanding liquid soy protein concentrate.
  • By category, single compound segment held the largest share of the market in 2024. The change in the preference of the consumers towards sustainable and environmentally friendly food production is contributing factor in the growth.
  • By category, fortified compound segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. Rising awareness regarding health, nutrition, and wellness, especially among Gen-Z and millennials, is a significant factor fueling the demand for protein-fortified food items.  
  • By application, food products segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024. The functional and nutritional characteristics of soy protein have rendered it appropriate for various food products. 
  • By application, nutraceuticals and dietary supplements segment is seen to grow at a notable rate during the predicted timeframe. This is attributed to the expanding elderly demographic, an increase in chronic illnesses, and heightened consumer awareness regarding nutraceutical items.
  • By function, emulsification segment led the U.S. soy protein concentrate market in 2024. Soy protein concentrates act as good emulsifying agent to stabilize emulsion and cost effective which increasing the demand. 
  • By function, water binding segment expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. Increasing demand for the processed meat and poultry products, plant-based meats, bakery products and dairy alternatives expanding the market.
  • By nature, conventional segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024. Conventional products due to their application in various industries and cost effectiveness are widely used.
  • By nature, organic segment is observed to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. Growth is attributed to the rising consumer interest in health and wellbeing, sustainable diets. 

Rising Demand for the Plant-Based Protein

Soy protein concentrates are important food components in various processed food systems, offering the functional performance and sensory qualities sought by both manufacturers and consumers. They also offer a nutritionally balanced, affordable, and high-quality protein that can be utilized either on its own or alongside other protein sources. Consumers globally are progressively looking for dietary choices that align with their health ambitions and that they can feel positive about. Increasing demand for the plant-based protein because of rising vegan and vegetarian population and lactose intolerance fueling the U.S. soy protein concentrate market. Soy protein concentrate is greatly appealing in the food industry to enhance color, aroma and protein content of the food products.

  • For instance, addition of soy protein concentrates in sausages up to 15% of the weight of the meat can keep up the appearance, texture and characteristics of the product.  
  • Sustainability trend among the consumers increasing the soy protein concentrates demand and forwarding the U.S. soy protein concentrate market ahead. In contrast to animal farming, soybean cultivation utilizes significantly less land and water, which is one reason soy protein concentrate is deemed environmentally friendly. Moreover, soybeans can fix nitrogen, contributing to enhanced soil health and decreasing the need for synthetic fertilizers. To attract environmentally conscious consumers, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on sustainable sourcing methods and certifications.
  • Soybean meal is predominantly utilized for animal feed since it is viewed as the main source of protein and amino acids necessary for the growth of animals. U.S. soybean meal holds an edge over soybean meal from other sources when evaluating its energy value. When analyzing soybean meal data from 2020 onward, U.S. soybean meal shows higher energy levels, including Net Energy, which most accurately reflects what can be utilized by the animal for growth. Utilization of soybean meal for livestock enhances the U.S. soy protein concentrate market.
  • Because of nutritional and versatile benefits of soy proteins demand for soy protein infused drinks increasing among health-conscious consumers looking for functional drinks. Therefore, producers are creating soy protein drinks by incorporating soy protein concentrates into the drink to complete dietary preference and enhance product appeal benefiting for the market expansion. 
  • Boasting the highest per capita consumption of sports nutrition products globally, the US has experienced remarkable growth and advancement in the sports nutrition sector in the last ten years. Currently, these products are attracting mainstream consumers as well, presenting brands with considerable potential in the U.S. soy protein concentrate market.
  • Government programs encouraging the use of plant-based proteins and soybean cultivation, along with soy protein, are serving as a driving force for the expansion of the market. The Title II Food for Peace program, the primary international food aid initiative of the U.S., is managed by the United States Agency for International Development. In FY2024, USAID acquired approximately $110 million in U.S. soy for the Food for Peace program. USAID has additionally used Food for Peace to acquire Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods, where soy serves as an essential component.

Market Opportunity 

Product Innovation and Technological Advancement Fueling the Market

Businesses are making investments in product innovation and product diversification to uphold their competitive advantage in the market. The U.S. soy protein concentrate market is experiencing advancements in extraction and processing technologies, leading to enhanced quality and greater functionality. Enhancing the protein content, solubility, and digestibility of soy protein concentrate is achieved through the application of advanced techniques like enzymatic hydrolysis and membrane filtration. These advancements in technology result in the development of products with enhanced sensory characteristics and better nutritional attributes. 

Market Challenge

Rising Soy Allergy Impeding the Market Growth  

Though soy protein concentrate offers nutritional advantages, it encounters challenges related to allergen issues. Soy ranks among the leading allergens, resulting in limitations on product formulations and reduced consumer acceptance. Food producers need to clearly label soy-derived items, affecting their attractiveness to wider customer groups. Moreover, the increase in soy allergies has led some consumers to look for alternative plant-derived proteins such as pea or almond protein. This change in preference diminishes the possible market share for soy protein concentrate.

County Level Analysis 

The U.S. Soybean Export Council links soybean growers with opportunities to enhance human nutrition, livestock farming, and aquaculture. organization achieve their mission through a science-driven technical basis and an expansive network of collaborations that includes soybean producers, exporters, agribusinesses, agricultural groups, researchers, and governmental bodies and boosting the U.S. soy protein concentrate market. Aquaculture is the quickest expanding animal farming sector in U.S. Aquaculture producers are pursuing more effective and sustainable methods to grow healthy species to meet increasing market demands in a world with a rapidly expanding population and food needs.

Numerous Soy Protein Concentrate items are created for particular human and animal food and feed applications There are three kinds of soy protein concentrates that are relevant to aquaculture. These are conventional, textured, and low-antigen soy protein concentrate items. The U.S. soybean sector is dedicated to a sustainable worldwide aquaculture sector that enhances food safety, safeguards the environment, utilizes renewable plant proteins, embraces sustainable production methods, and conserves and wisely employs all aquatic resources, benefiting for the expansion of market expansion.

  • Worldwide, topmost exporter of soy protein concentrate is the United States, with a total of 12,170 shipments. The United States sent out 1,705 shipments of soy protein concentrate between October 2023 and September 2024. These exports were conducted by 57 U.S. exporters to 73 buyers, indicating a growth rate of 2% in comparison to the previous twelve months. During this time frame, in September 2024 specifically, there were 154 shipments of soy protein concentrate exported from the United States. This signifies a 31% increase compared to September 2023 and no sequential growth from August 2024. (Source: Volza)

Segmental Insights 

Protein Concentration Insights

20%-70% Protein segment dominated the market with the largest share in 2024.

Soy protein concentrates with 20-70% remarkable water-binding and emulsifying capabilities, making it suitable as a nutritional protein component for food uses. Soybean protein concentrate retains most of the fiber of the original soybeans. It is commonly utilized as a functional or nutritional component in a diverse range of food items, primarily in baked goods, breakfast cereals, and certain meat products. 

>70% Protein segment is observed to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.

Soy protein concentrates with more than 70% is widely used in the medical nutrition and clinical foods. Consumers with high protein requirement because of high protein concentration which is easy to digest also. Furthermore, athletes and sport enthusiasts prefer high protein ingredients for muscle development and consuming soy protein concentrate more than 70% and therefore boosting the demand. 

Modification Type Insights

Thermal Modification segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.

Thermal modification is a key method in industrial food processing because of its ease, affordability, and adaptability. Thermal modification offers several benefits compared to other methods, such as not dissolving soy protein. Thermal processing or heating is a widely utilized method for modifying soy protein to enhance its functional and physical attributes. Adequate heating enhances sensory qualities and nutritional benefits.

Chemical modification segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period.

Chemical modification of proteins involves adding or removing chemical groups from a protein molecule to alter its function or stability. The altered proteins produce a greater quantity of essential amino acids compared to other proteins and exhibit increased stability. These changes are implemented in the food processing sector to enhance protein quality and efficiency. 

Extraction Process Insights

aqueous alcohol wash process segment led the U.S. soy protein concentrate market in 2024.

Aqueous-based alcohol washing is commonly utilized due to its efficiency in extraction and processing. The washing of ethanol with water has steadily emerged as the main method due to its ability to achieve high yields, and the resulting soy protein concentrate has a relatively mild taste with fewer beany flavors. Furthermore, it has been discovered that the process removes the allergenic properties of soy proteins. 

water wash process with heat denaturation segment is seen to grow at a notable rate during the predicted timeframe.

This process is relatively table and easily scalable for industries and water is safer and cost-effective solvent as compared to the other available solvent. Avoids use of alcohol and acid, making it more acceptable for clean label products and meet the consumers demand for the organic, clean label products. also, controlled heat treatment helps to retain functional properties like water absorption and emulsification. Denatured protein shows better digestibility and lower anti-nutritional factor which is increasing the demand of soy protein concentrate for the livestock feeding. Further rising demand for the organic, natural and sustainable products appealing this method to meet consumer demands. 

Form Insights 

Dry segment held the dominating share of the U.S. soy protein concentrate market in 2024.

The leading status of this segment is due to its widespread application in numerous food and beverage products, fueled by its significant protein levels and functional attributes. Dry soy protein concentrate provides enhanced stability, extended shelf life, and seamless integration into processed food items, leading to its broad acceptance. As consumer preference for plant-based diets keeps growing, the dry segment is anticipated to sustain its dominance, bolstered by continuous advancements in soy protein processing and application innovations.

Liquid segment observed to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.

Rising popularity of the high-protein drink, functional beverages, shake and smoothies need protein source, which is easily dispersible and palatable, demanding liquid soy protein concentrate. Liquid form offers better solubility and stability. Also, liquid form enhances emulsification, water holding capacity and widely used in soups, sauces and bakery fillings. 

Category Insights 

The single compound segment held the largest share of the U.S. soy protein concentrate market in 2024.

The change in the preference of the consumers towards sustainable and environmentally friendly food production is contributing factor in the growth. As individuals become more aware about the importance of gut health in overall wellness, the demand for probiotic-rich food products such as fermented soy protein concentrate is rising. The health benefits related with fermented soy protein concentrates, including enhanced digestion and spurred bioavailability of nutrients are significant factors for the market expansion. 

fortified compound segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period.

Rising awareness regarding health, nutrition, and wellness, especially among Gen-Z and millennials, is a significant factor fueling the demand for healthier and more nutritious foods, such as protein-fortified food items. Producers are responding to this trend by incorporating protein fortification across various food and beverage providing. 

Application Insights 

Food Products segment dominated the U.S. soy protein concentrate market with the largest share in 2024.

The functional and nutritional characteristics of soy protein have rendered it appropriate for various food products, such as bakery goods, sweets, dairy substitutes, emulsion-based sausages, nutritional bars, functional drinks, and cereals. These factors are driving the market for soy protein concentrate, along with enhanced health awareness among consumers, the increase in vegan and vegetarian food products, and the rising demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products.

Nutraceuticals and dietary supplements segment is seen to grow at a notable rate during the predicted timeframe.

This is attributed to the expanding elderly demographic, an increase in chronic illnesses, and heightened consumer awareness regarding nutraceutical items. Rising consumer expenditure on health and wellness items, coupled with increasing demands to meet the body's daily micronutrient needs, is expected to propel the market for food supplements and nutrition. The increasing demand from health-aware young individuals and the launch of protein supplements in unexplored markets are expected to create profitable opportunities for the growth of the protein supplement market and thus for U.S. soy protein concentrate market. 

Function Insights

Emulsification segment led the U.S. soy protein concentrate market in 2024.

Soy protein concentrates act as good emulsifying agent to stabilize emulsion. It is highly desirable for the products such as plant-based meat, processed meat and sausage and dairy analogue. Increasing demand for the vegan, plant-based emulsifier propelling the market. soy protein concentrate provides high protein content and good emulsification. These factors are contributing for the segment’s dominance.   

Water binding segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period.

Increasing demand for the processed meat and poultry products, plant-based meats, bakery products and dairy alternatives expanding the market. all these products need the water binder to retain moisture, improve mouthfeel and juiciness and to enhance yield during cooking and storage. Therefore, there is surge in the demand for soy protein concentrates as it has excellent water binding capacity. 

Nature Insights

Conventional segment dominated the U.S. soy protein concentrate market with the largest share in 2024.

conventional products are extensively utilized because of their use across different sectors and affordability. Additionally, traditional soy protein concentrate does not need organic certifications, enhancing their availability. Numerous countries are importing large amounts of traditional soy protein concentrate because of reduced costs and straightforward trade policies and also boosting the export. Additionally, altering and improving flavors is simple in traditional products.

Organic segment is observed to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period.  

Growth is attributed to the rising consumer interest in health and wellbeing, sustainable diets, and increased demand from health-conscious consumers, vegetarians, and vegans who prefer clean-label, non-GMO, and animal-free protein alternatives. In recent days, manufacturers are expanding their portfolio in accordance with rising demand of organic products and helping to boost the market of organic soy protein concentrate. 

Recent Developments in the U.S. Soy Protein Concentrate Market

Bunge

  • Launch: In May 2025, Bunge launched a range of soy protein concentrates at IFFA, set to be released this fall, for addressing the challenges related with plant-based protein sector. (Source: Vegconomist)

Cargill

  • Business Growth: Cargill impact report published in year 2024 showed that, their partnership spanning multiple years with U.S.-based Houdek assisted the company in expanding a soy protein concentrate known as ME-PRO®, which contains more protein compared to other concentrates and a possibly reduced effect on the environment in feeds via lowered phosphorus emissions. It is Certified by ProTerra and utilizes non-GM soy. 

U.S. Soy Protein Concentrate Market Leading Companies

Segments Covered in the Report

By Protein Concentration

  • <20% Protein
  • >70% Protein
  • 20%-70% Protein

By Modification Type

  • Enzyme Modification
  • Chemical Modification
  • Thermal Modification

By Extraction Process

  • Water Wash Process with Heat Denaturation
  • Acid Wash Process
  • Aqueous Alcohol Wash Process

By Form

  • Liquid
  • Dry

By Category

  • Fortified Compound
  • Single Compound

By Application

  • Others
  • Cosmetics and Personal care
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Nutraceuticals and Dietary Supplements
  • Beverages
  • Animal Feed
  • Food Products

By Function

  • Others
  • Gelation
  • Solubility
  • Foaming
  • Texturing Agent
  • Stabilizer
  • Thickening Agent
  • Water Binding
  • Emulsification

By Nature

  • Organic
  • Conventional

By Region

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

Related Insights

FAQ's

The U.S. soy protein concentrate market is estimated to be valued at USD 861.00 billion in 2024.

The U.S. soy protein concentrate market is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.80% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

The United States itself is the leading region, as the market pertains specifically to U.S. domestic trends and exports. The U.S. is also the top global exporter of soy protein concentrate.