The wheat protein market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• In recent times, the market for wheat protein has seen a strong increase in size. Projected growth is from $3.48 billion in 2024 to $3.7 billion in 2025, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2%.
Factors contributing to growth during the historic period include its conventional use in food and bakery items, high level of nutrients and protein, rising demand from consumers for foods enriched in protein, the burgeoning interest in meat substitutes and vegetarian eating habits, as well as the broadening of the food processing and bakery sector.
The wheat protein market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• In the next few years, the wheat protein market is anticipated to experience robust growth. It's estimated that by 2029, it's projected to be valued at $5.08 billion, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%.
The predicted growth during this period can be traced back to several factors. These include an increased focus on clean label and natural ingredients, the rise of the gluten-free and allergen-friendly product segment, progressive research and development for advanced functional attributes, emphasis on sustainable sourcing and manufacturing methods, and growth in demand from developing economies. Key trends anticipated during the forecast period encompass technological growth in wheat protein extraction, alternatives to gluten-free wheat protein, the use of plant-based protein in snacks and convenience foods, the application of textured wheat protein for meat substitutes, and the incorporation of wheat protein in personal care and cosmetics industry.
The rise in the number of people adopting a vegan lifestyle is predicted to fuel the expansion of the wheat protein market. The vegan populace encompasses those individuals who refrain from consuming any animal-based products, such as meat, dairy, eggs, and often honey, as part of their lifestyle. This surge in veganism can be attributed to a number of key reasons, including increased consciousness about ethical animal treatment, environmental sustainability, and health advantages. Given its high protein value, a complete amino acid profile, and functional qualities allowing it to be used in a range of food items, like meat substitutes and baked products, wheat protein is a preferred choice for vegans. For instance, a study carried out on the UK vegan populace by Finder.com LLC, an American personal finance comparison site, in the early part of 2024 indicated that 2.5 million individuals were vegans, a rise from 1.1 million the previous year. Therefore, the burgeoning vegan population is stimulating the growth of the wheat protein market.
The wheat protein market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Product Type: Gluten, Protein Isolate, Textured Protein, Hydrolyzed Protein, Other Product Types
2) By Form: Dry, Liquid
3) By Nature: Organic, Conventional
4) By Application: Dairy, Bakery and Snacks, Animal Feed, Confectionary, Processed Meat, Nutritional Supplements, Other Applications
Subsegments:
1) By Gluten: Vital Wheat Gluten, Wheat Gluten Flour
2) By Protein Isolate: Isolated Wheat Protein
3) By Textured Protein: Textured Wheat Protein
4) By Hydrolyzed Protein: Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein Isolate
5) By Other Product Types: Wheat Protein Concentrates, Wheat Protein Blends
Leading firms in the wheat protein market are introducing innovative products such as plant-based substitutes to address the escalating demand for healthier and more sustainable food options among consumers. For example, in October 2023, Nestlé - a renowned Swiss food company, broadened its product catalogue with plant-based substitutes. These items, a combination of wheat and pea protein, have high protein levels and low saturated fat, meeting various dietary requirements and are certified vegan. Their offerings include alternatives to breaded fish fillets, nuggets, and fingers, providing noteworthy nutritional advantages and a taste and texture that emulate white fish.
Major companies operating in the wheat protein market include:
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Cargill Inc.
• Agrana Beteiligungs-AG
• MGP Ingredients Inc.
• Roquette Freres SA
• Glico Nutrition Co. Ltd.
• Tereos Starch & Sweeteners
• Agridient Inc.
• Manildra Group
• Crop Energies
• Kröner-Stärke GmbH
• Crespel & Deiters GmbH & Co. KG
• AB Amilina
• Kerry Inc.
• Permolex Ltd.
• Chamtor Ltd.
• Sedamyl SRL
• Meelunie B.V.
• Bryan W Nash & Sons Ltd.
• Aminola BV
• Agridient Inc.
• The Scoular Company
• Südzucker AG
• Axiom Foods Inc.
• Batory Foods Inc.
• Emsland Group GmbH
• Beneo-Remy N.V.
North America was the largest region in the wheat protein market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the wheat protein market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the wheat protein market report include Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa.