High Protein-Based Food Market Size 2024-2028

The high protein-based food market size is forecast to increase by USD 50.2 billion, at a CAGR of 8.65% between 2023 and 2028. The market experiences a shift towards natural and herbal products, coupled with the expansion of sales outlets and optimization of manufacturing processes for high-protein-based food items. This trend is driven by consumer preferences for healthier choices and sustainable lifestyles. Additionally, there's a growing focus on disease prevention and enhanced quality of life, influencing purchasing behaviors. The increasing availability of natural and herbal products caters to these evolving consumer demands, fostering market growth. Furthermore, the expansion of sales outlets and streamlining of manufacturing processes for high-protein foods enhance accessibility and affordability, further propelling market expansion. These interconnected factors underscore a broader movement towards holistic wellness and sustainable consumption patterns, shaping the future landscape of the food industry.

Market Overview

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Market Dynamics

The market is experiencing a surge in popularity as consumers increasingly prioritize nutritious diets and seek protein fortification in their food choices. Whey protein and other alternative proteins like tofu and legumes are gaining traction, catering to diverse taste preferences while addressing concerns about saturated fat and cholesterol found in traditional animal products. With a focus on environmental sustainability and the conservation of natural resources, plant-based protein options offer accessible and eco-friendly alternatives. Innovations in food technology and culinary innovation have led to the development of plant-based burgers, sausages, and meatless chicken options, appealing to a broad consumer base. These products not only provide essential nutrients and fiber but also contribute to reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional animal agriculture. As the demand for high-protein, shelf-life products grows, the high-protein-based food market continues to expand, offering a diverse array of options to support healthier lifestyles and sustainable eating habits.

Market Driver

One of the key factors driving growth in the market is the shift in preference toward natural and herbal products. The demand for natural and herbal products in this space is on the rise, attributable to a shift in consumer preference from synthetic ingredients to more natural formulations. Since these natural products have lesser side effects and are effective for a longer period, their demand is gaining momentum. Vendors have now been focusing on developing herbal products to address the growing demand.

For instance, under the Arbonne PhytoSport brand name, Arbonne International offers a new line of clean, plant-powered supplements. The product features a blend of botanicals such as cayenne to support circulation and blood flow, ginseng to support energy and performance, and turmeric for joint support. Such factors will increase the market growth during the forecast period.

Market Trend

The emergence of non-traditional fitness activities is a market trend that is expected to have a positive impact in the coming years. Consumers are now looking beyond traditional gyms to improve their fitness. More women are now taking part in fitness activities such as yoga and aerobics. Half and full marathons are also some of the emerging fitness activity trends among consumers. Companies are trying to leverage these trends and are actively marketing their products in accordance with these activities. For instance, it was announced in 2016 that Monster Energy would continue to be the official sponsor for the NASCAR Cup Series season from 2017 to 2019.

Gatorade, PepsiCo's sports drink range, is one of the chief sponsors of the Boston Marathon. Sports and energy drink manufacturer LUCOZADE SPORT was the official drinks supplier for the London Marathon in April 2015. The increasing popularity of non-traditional fitness activities, such as yoga, is having a direct impact on consumer spending on products related to these activities. Such factors will increase the market growth during the forecast period.

Market Challenges

The stringent government regulations will be a major challenge for the market during the forecast period. The global high protein-based food market is governed by stringent regulations, complying with which may be a challenge for vendors. For instance, vendors that operate in the European market need to comply with strict regulations imposed by various regulatory authorities. In addition, all high protein products are closely regulated through the Foodstuffs for PARticular NUTritional (PARNUTS) regulation. The EFSA has set several regulations on the manufacturing, labeling, and marketing of high-protein products in Europe. It has also banned many ingredients that are used to produce sports nutrition products, such as sodium phosphate and beta-alanine, as they are not considered safe for human consumption.

Further, the EFSA closely inspects and verifies all health claims made by companies through various media, such as on-pack labels, hard copy ads, and websites. It has also increased the number of manufacturing plant inspections in recent years. These stringent government regulations put pressure on vendors, which, in turn, delays their production processes. Such factors will hinder the market growth during the forecast period.

Market Segmentation

By Product

The market share growth by the protein-rich drinks segment will be significant during the forecast period. The demand for protein-rich drinks is low in a few Asian countries because the perceived utility of these products is low, and there are a limited number of advertising and promotional activities that highlight the benefits of protein-rich drinks.

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The protein-rich drinks segment was valued at USD 26.80 billion in 2018. Protein rich-drinks are a vital source of high-protein-based products. Protein-rich drinks are great sources of electrolytes and provide optimal hydration. Most of the protein-rich drinks are consumed by athletes, sports, and bodybuilders to carry out excess workouts. The US, the UK, and Germany are the major countries that consume protein-rich drink products, as these countries are involved in huge sports activities. The benefit of protein-rich drinks, coupled with the aforementioned factors, will drive the global protein-rich drinks segment during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis 

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North America is estimated to contribute 36% to the growth of the global market research and growth during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have provided an extensive insight into the market forecasting, detailing the regional trends and drivers influencing the market's trajectory throughout the forecast period. The US is the largest market in this region, which is experiencing growth in terms of both volume and value. With the changing consumer demographics and the growing awareness of protein health benefits and of the importance of leading an active lifestyle, the demand for high-protein food and beverages is increasing not only from athletes and bodybuilders but also from users who are not involved in sports activities.

Additionally, manufacturers are capitalizing on the expanding market conditions by focusing on product innovations and improvements and are offering less complex formulations and more convenient formats. Sports nutrition products that are formulated specifically for the female consumer segment are also available in the market now. Further, the expansion of frequently visited distribution channels is expected to drive the market during the forecast period. However, the easy availability of counterfeit products and strict government regulations will likely prove to be limiting factors for the market growth in North America.

Key Companies & Market Insights

Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, which forecasts to enhance their presence in the market report.

• Archer Daniels Midland Co.: The company offers high protein-based food such as pea protein and soy protein.
• Cargill Inc.: The company offers high protein-based food such as Crave House plant-based proteins.
• Conagra Brands Inc.: The company offers high protein-based food such as Slim Jim Savage Original Flavor meat stick.

The market growth and forecasting report also includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:

• Abbott Laboratories
• Beyond Meat Inc.
• Campbell Soup Co.
• Chobani Global Holdings LLC
• Danone SA
• General Mills Inc.
• Hormel Foods Corp.
• Kellogg Co.
• Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
• Mars Inc.
• Mondelez International Inc.
• Nestle SA
• PepsiCo Inc.
• The Coca Cola Co.
• The Kraft Heinz Co.
• Tyson Foods Inc.
• Unilever PLC

The market analysis and report of qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key market players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Emerging Markets and Customer Landscape 

The market research report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator’s stage to the laggard’s stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth and trends strategies.

 Customer Landscape

Segment Overview

The market research and growth report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD billion" for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018 - 2022 for the following segments.

• Product Outlook
  • Protein-rich drinks
  • High-protein and high energy sports drink
  • Protein supplements
  • High-protein and nutritious sports drink
  • Protein-rich packaged foods

• Distribution Channel Outlook
  • Offline channel
  • Online channel

• Region Outlook 
  • North America
    • The U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • U.K.
    • Germany
    • France
    • Rest of Europe
  • APAC
    • China
    • India
  • South America
    • Chile
    • Argentina
    • Brazil
  • Middle East & Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • South Africa
    • Rest of the Middle East & Africa

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• Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Market Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Market Analysis Europe, North America, APAC, South America, Middle East and Africa - US, China, Australia, Finland, Denmark - Size and Forecast

Market Analyst Overview:

The market is rapidly evolving to meet the diverse needs and preferences of consumers focused on healthy living and nutrition. With a rise in mainstream products like protein-fortified drinks and nutrition bars, product and ingredient manufacturers are innovating to cater to taste preferences and address various dietary requirements. From traditional snacks to ready-to-drink products, the market encompasses a wide category of offerings, including chocolate, sports drinks, and meal replacers, all designed to support muscle mass and promote functional food consumption. Dairy protein and bitter whey protein are among the protein ingredients used, catering to older consumers seeking heat-stable options. While fish alternatives provide essential minerals, considerations for allergies, such as soybeans and wheat, drive the development of antinutritional components-free alternatives like aquatic plants from companies like Plantible Foods and Parabel. With offerings like water lentil protein from duckweeds, the High Protein-Based Food market continues to expand, offering accessible and nutritious options for a wide range of dietary needs.

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What are the Key Data Covered in this High Protein-Based Food Market Research and Growth Report?

• CAGR of the market report during the forecast period
• Detailed information market analysis and report on factors that will drive the growth of the market between 2024 and 2028
• Precise estimation of the size of the market and its contribution in focus to the parent market
• Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior
• Growth of the market across North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
• Thorough analysis of the market’s competitive landscape and detailed information about companies
• Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of market companies

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