June 2025
The global wheat gluten market size reached at USD 10.07 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to increase from USD 10.99 billion in 2025 to an estimated USD 24.06 billion by 2034, witnessing a CAGR of 9.10% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034. Increasing demand for plant-based proteins globally is the key factor driving the growth of the market.
Study Coverage | Details |
Growth Rate from 2025 to 2034 | CAGR of 9.10% |
Market Size in 2025 | USD 10.99 Billion |
Market Size in 2026 | USD 11.99 Billion |
Market Size by 2034 | USD 24.06 Billion |
Largest Market | North America |
Base Year | 2024 |
Forecast Period | 2025 to 2034 |
Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
The market refers to the global industry involved in the extraction of protein from wheat flour that offers chewiness and elasticity to dough. It's a substantial market division within the much broader food ingredient market, covering different products and applications such as meat alternatives, baking, and processed foods. The high reliance of the food and bakery industry on wheat gluten due to its viscoelastic properties along with the surge in numbers of vegetarians and vegans across the globe is driving the market expansion soon.
The Indian government is supporting the market by regulating overall wheat exports to monitor domestic prices and speculative trading, while also relaxing quality standards and extending procurement seasons to ensure diverse farmer's benefit. In certain cases, the government releases wheat from the main pool under the OMSS and sells it to cooperative organizations and state governments.
The US government has imposed many measures to support the market, such as initiatives and trade restrictions to optimize the development and marketing of wheat gluten products. These policies aim to safeguard domestic producers from raised imports and facilitate innovation within the market. Like, In 1998, the US government implemented protective regulations on imports of wheat gluten, to limit the amount that could be imported into the country.
The food industry is experiencing an ongoing advancement in gluten-based food products, propelled by consumer demand for plant-based, high-protein, and functional foods. Wheat gluten is popular for its unique texturizing and viscoelastic properties and is being utilized to design an extensive range of advanced food products specific to shifting dietary preferences. Furthermore, Gluten-based advancements are also revolutionizing the snack food and bakery industry, creating lucrative opportunities in the wheat gluten market soon.
Gluten often holds a negative perception in the mind of most of the population due to its relation to inflammation, bloating, and digestive issues. The surge in gluten-free initiatives has led many individuals to take gluten as an unhealthy dietary ingredient, despite not verifying clinical necessity. Moreover, this consumer perception can decrease demand and necessitates additional education efforts to keep gluten-based products in a positive light.
North America dominated the wheat gluten market in 2024.
The dominance of the region can be attributed to the increasing demand for plant-based diets, high-protein food, and functional bakery products. Consumers in the region are increasingly seeking substitutes like high protein baked goods and seitan, which fuels the demand for wheat gluten. In addition, the strong presence of well-established pet food and food processing markets is impacting positive regional growth further.
Wheat gluten market in the United States
In North America, the US led the market owing to the increasing demand for plant-based foods and high-protein solutions the country is the leading provider of wheat gluten globally. Also, major food startups and producers are continuously developing gluten-rich formulations, simultaneously doing research into organic and non-GMO sources of wheat gluten, which is boosting consumer interest and innovation in the market.
Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The growth of the region can be credited to the expanding food processing market along with the rising adoption of plant-based foods in countries such as China and India. Additionally, the region's increasing aquaculture and livestock industries also create a lucrative demand for wheat gluten as a protein-rich feed source. Growing urbanization and disposable income in emerging economies can drive market expansion shortly.
Wheat gluten market of India
In Asia Pacific, India is experiencing significant growth due to the vibrant wheat gluten sector coupled with the raised usage in different food applications. The country's increasing interest in fortified foods and health supplements further supports the demand for functional ingredient such as gluten. The rise in veganism and cultural openness to various food advancements are propelling the utilization of wheat gluten across many applications.
Who are the Top Wheat Exporters Countries in 2024?
Country | Total Wheat Exports (in billion USD) |
Canada | US$7.6 billion |
United States | $6 billion |
Australia | $5.6 billion |
Russia | $4.9 billion |
Ukraine | $3.74 billion |
(Source: World's Top Exports)
Why bakery & confectionery segment dominate the wheat gluten market?
The bakery & confectionery segment dominated the market in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be attributed to the growing consumer demand for bakery products because of the functional properties of wheat gluten in the dough. In addition, the segment also benefits from the growing consumption of cakes, bread, and pastries. The bakery market is constantly diversifying and innovating its product offerings, generating future market demand for wheat gluten.
The animal feed segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
The growth of the segment can be credited to the rising focus of market players on enhancing the protein content of animal feed with high palatability and digestibility of wheat gluten, which is creating new business opportunities in the market. Furthermore, raised demand for dairy, meat, and eggs across the globe leads to a greater demand for livestock feed like gluten-based solutions.
Which form type segment held the dominating share of the wheat gluten market in 2024?
The powder segment held the largest market share in 2024. The dominance of the segment can be linked to the rapid increase in the use of wheat gluten in confectionery and bakery applications. Moreover, powder form is witnessing substantial growth due to growing health awareness among the majority of the population. The powder form also provides versatility and convenience which makes it a popular choice for consumers and manufacturers.'
The liquid segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the projected period.
The growth of the segment can be driven by easy solubility, high protein content, and better digestibility of liquid gluten than the other forms. The demand for wheat gluten in liquid form is increasing because of its suitability for different applications such as nutraceuticals, food and beverage formulations, and animal feed. Liquid forms provide an easy way to add protein to food products, by simplifying the overall production process.
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