Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Source (Plant Protein Extract Sources, Microbial Sources - Single Cell Proteins, Microbial Sources - Direct Use), By Application (Biotechnology (Pharma, Cell Culture Media, Others), Animal Feed, Agriculture &Fertilizers, Others), By Region,

Market Overview

Global Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market was valued at USD 20.33 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to project impressive growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 7.12% through 2029. In the realm of business, the main factors contributing to the growth of the market are the increasing need for low-fat, high-quality amino acid content in food and feed products. Additionally, there is a rising demand for goods produced through ethically sustainable methods, which is expected to propel advancements in this industry in the foreseeable future. While products derived from soy have successfully positioned themselves as a sustainable protein source, the focus on their functional attributes rather than their nutritional aspects is projected to be a primary driver for research and development efforts.

Key Market Drivers

Rising Global Population and Urbanization

The world is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with two pivotal trends shaping our future - rising global population and urbanization. As our planet becomes increasingly crowded and more people migrate to urban centers, these dynamics are driving significant changes in various industries, particularly in the realm of food and nutrition. One sector that is poised to benefit immensely from these shifts is the Global Protein Extracts Market, encompassing both Single Cell Protein (SCP) and conventional protein sources.

The world's population is on an upward trajectory, and this is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. According to the United Nations, the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050. With more mouths to feed, the demand for protein-rich food is on the rise. Concurrently, urbanization is an unceasing trend. More people are moving from rural areas to cities in search of economic opportunities and better living standards. This mass migration to urban centers is changing dietary habits, lifestyles, and food consumption patterns.

Urbanization is synonymous with fast-paced lifestyles, often leaving little time for traditional meal preparation. Consequently, there's a growing demand for convenient and quick sources of protein, such as protein-rich snacks and ready-to-eat meals. Protein extracts, particularly those derived from single-cell sources, can be incorporated into a wide range of products, including energy bars, protein shakes, and instant meals. These products cater to the urban consumer's need for on-the-go nutrition.

The rising global population has put immense pressure on our planet's resources. Traditional protein sources like livestock require vast amounts of land, water, and feed to meet the increasing demand. As urbanization continues, the need for more sustainable and resource-efficient protein options becomes apparent. Single Cell Protein (SCP), which can be cultivated in controlled environments using minimal resources, is emerging as a sustainable solution. Its scalability and low environmental impact make it an attractive choice for urbanized areas with limited resources for agriculture. Moreover, SCP production can be set up close to urban centers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.

Urban areas are often hubs of diverse cultures and dietary preferences. As people from different backgrounds come together, there's an increased demand for protein options that accommodate various dietary restrictions and choices. Protein extracts, whether from single-cell or conventional sources, offer a versatile ingredient that can be customized to fit dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, or allergen-free diets.

Urbanization fosters innovation, including advancements in food technology. The food industry continually evolves to meet the changing demands of urban consumers. Protein extraction and processing technologies have improved, leading to better-tasting, more versatile protein extracts that can be used in a wide range of urban-centric products.

Growing Health and Wellness Consciousness

In a world where health and wellness have become paramount concerns for an ever-growing number of individuals, the global protein extracts market is experiencing a significant surge. This remarkable growth can be attributed to the increasing consciousness of consumers regarding their health and well-being.

Health and wellness are not just passing trends; they have become a way of life for many. With more information found at than ever before about the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, and overall health maintenance, consumers are actively seeking products and dietary choices that align with their wellness goals. Proteins are the foundation of life and play a pivotal role in maintaining good health. They are essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, immune system function, and various metabolic processes. As consumers increasingly recognize the value of protein in their diets, they are seeking high-quality protein sources that can meet their health and wellness objectives.

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking nutrient-dense foods. Protein extracts, whether derived from single-cell sources or conventional sources, provide concentrated protein content in a small serving. This is appealing to those who want to ensure they are meeting their daily protein requirements while managing their caloric intake.

Protein is well-known for its role in weight management. High-protein diets have been shown to help with satiety and can aid in weight loss and muscle preservation. In response to this, protein extracts are finding their way into weight management products and muscle-building supplements, catering to consumers looking to improve their physique and overall well-being.

Wellness isn't just about personal health; it often extends to concerns about the environment and ethical practices. Consumers are increasingly interested in products that are sourced sustainably and produced ethically. Single Cell Protein (SCP), which can be cultivated with minimal resource usage and environmental impact, is seen as an eco-friendly and ethical protein source.

Health-conscious individuals often have specific dietary preferences and restrictions. These can include vegetarianism, veganism, or allergies to certain food groups. Protein extracts offer a versatile solution as they can be tailored to meet these specific dietary needs, ensuring that wellness-conscious consumers can find products that align with their chosen lifestyles.

Sustainable and Ethical Food Production

In an era where sustainability and ethical considerations have become paramount in consumer choices, the global protein extracts market is experiencing a remarkable surge. This growth is not merely due to the intrinsic nutritional value of protein but also to the emergence of sustainable and ethical food production practices.

As environmental concerns, animal welfare, and ethical considerations come to the forefront, consumers are seeking more than just nutrition from their food. They are looking for products that align with their values and address global challenges such as climate change and resource scarcity. Sustainable and ethical food production practices are gaining traction as consumers demand greater transparency in the supply chain.

Sustainability-conscious consumers are seeking products that have a minimal impact on the environment. SCP and other protein extracts, produced with reduced land and water requirements, offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources. They resonate with environmentally conscious consumers who are looking for ways to reduce their ecological footprint.

Animal welfare is a growing concern for many consumers. Traditional livestock farming often raises questions about animal rights and ethical treatment. Single Cell Protein and other non-animal protein sources are seen as a more ethical and humane option, eliminating concerns related to animal suffering.

Efforts to reduce food waste are integral to ethical food production. Protein extracts are known for their long shelf life and can be incorporated into various products, which can help reduce food waste by extending product lifespans and ensuring more efficient utilization of resources.

Protein extracts can be customized to meet ethical and dietary preferences, such as vegetarianism, veganism, and allergen-free diets. This customization empowers consumers to make choices that align with their personal values.

Companies are increasingly investing in research and development to create innovative and sustainable products. These products are designed to meet the demands of sustainability-conscious consumers, incorporating protein extracts as a key ingredient.

Dietary Preferences and Allergies

In an era where consumers are embracing a diverse range of dietary preferences and facing an increasing prevalence of food allergies, the global protein extracts market is experiencing a remarkable surge. This growth is not just driven by the intrinsic nutritional value of protein but also by the versatility and adaptability of protein extracts to cater to the specific needs of different dietary preferences and allergen considerations.

Modern consumers are asserting their dietary choices more than ever before. This includes preferences for vegetarianism, veganism, flexitarianism, pescatarianism, and various other diets with unique guidelines and restrictions. The demand for protein options that cater to these preferences is on the rise. Allergies and intolerances to common foods are increasingly prevalent. For example, gluten intolerance and dairy allergies are common concerns, causing consumers to seek alternatives. Protein extracts provide a versatile solution for individuals who must avoid allergenic foods while still meeting their protein needs.

Protein extracts, whether derived from single-cell sources or conventional sources, can be customized to meet specific dietary needs. This flexibility empowers consumers to adhere to their chosen diets while still ensuring adequate protein intake.

With the rise of veganism and plant-based diets, there's a growing demand for protein sources that do not rely on animal products. Single Cell Protein (SCP) offers a sustainable, plant-based protein option that aligns with the principles of vegan and plant-based diets.

Protein extracts can be processed to be gluten-free and allergen-free, catering to individuals with dietary restrictions and food allergies. This provides a safe and nutritious source of protein for those who must avoid certain allergenic ingredients.

For consumers who are both health-conscious and environmentally aware, protein extracts, particularly SCP, offer a solution that meets their dietary preferences while also addressing sustainability concerns. The cultivation of SCP requires fewer resources and has a lower environmental impact compared to traditional protein sources.

The food industry is constantly innovating to meet the evolving needs of consumers. Protein extracts are being incorporated into a wide range of dietary products, including plant-based meat substitutes, dairy-free alternatives, gluten-free snacks, and allergen-friendly baked goods, providing options for individuals with varying dietary needs.

Key Market Challenges

Consumer Acceptance and Education

While there's growing interest in protein extracts, consumer awareness and acceptance remain a challenge. Many consumers are still unfamiliar with the concept of protein extracts and educating them about the benefits and uses of these products can be a daunting task. Raising awareness and dispelling misconceptions about the taste, texture, and nutritional value of protein extracts is vital to expanding the market.

Taste and Texture

One of the primary hurdles in promoting protein extracts is their taste and texture, which can differ significantly from traditional protein sources. Achieving a taste and texture that rivals or surpasses conventional proteins is an ongoing challenge that requires innovation and development in the food industry.

Resource Sustainability

Sustainability is a significant concern for both producers and consumers. The challenge lies in ensuring that protein extraction processes minimize resource usage, energy consumption, and environmental impact while delivering a high-quality product. This is particularly relevant to SCP production, which aims to be an eco-friendly alternative.

Key Market Trends

Plant-Based Protein Dominance

The surge in plant-based diets and growing consumer interest in sustainable and ethical food choices are propelling plant-based proteins, including those extracted from single-cell sources to the forefront. Plant-based proteins are expected to continue gaining market share as more consumers opt for meat alternatives that are environmentally friendly and align with their values.

Clean Label and Transparency

As consumer demand for clean and transparent food products grows, the protein extracts market is responding with cleaner labeling and greater transparency in product sourcing and production processes. This trend aligns with the broader consumer movement toward knowing where their food comes from and what it contains.

Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods

The concept of food as medicine is gaining traction. Protein extracts are finding their way into the nutraceutical and functional food sectors, with products designed to deliver specific health benefits, such as improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and better heart health.

Segmental Insights

Source Insights

Notably, in 2023, the plant protein extract source segment secured the highest revenue share. This was primarily due to the multitude of techniques found at for extracting plant proteins, a trend expected to maintain its dominance in the foreseeable future.

An illustrative example of a plant protein is quinoa, which contains all nine essential amino acids required by humans. Research from Colorado State University suggests that substituting plant-based protein sources for certain animal-based proteins could potentially reduce the risk of chronic ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Plant-based diets, rich in essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, offer wide-ranging health benefits.

The microbial sources segment, specifically focusing on single-cell proteins, is poised to exhibit the most rapid CAGR over the forecast period. Bacteria have historically played a significant role in single-cell protein production, and this trend is anticipated to gain momentum in the coming years. Bacterial single-cell proteins generally contain 50-80% protein on a dry weight basis. Notably, methionine content in bacterial single-cell proteins surpasses that of algal or fungal proteins. When producing single-cell proteins for human consumption, food-grade substrates are typically employed, although other processes are currently in development for single-cell protein production from cost-effective waste materials.

These waste materials encompass sources from forestry, agriculture, and the food and beverage processing industries. Additionally, the market boasts a substantial array of single-cell proteins used as high-protein sources in animal feed, contributing significantly to this segment's market share. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in production capabilities are expected to augment the production of bacterial-based single-cell proteins, further fueling growth in this segment.

Application Insights

In 2023, the biotechnology sector emerged as the leader in terms of revenue market share. Biotechnology serves various roles in protein extraction, encompassing protein purification, identification, and characterization. Some concrete instances of biotechnology application in protein extraction involve employing recombinant DNA technology to generate proteins in bacterial or yeast cultures and utilizing liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for protein identification. Protein holds a pivotal position across multiple domains of biotechnology, including pharmaceuticals, cell cultivation, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Companies engaged in the production of nutraceuticals and cosmetics notably benefit from these developments, owing to the availability of diverse protein sources extensively utilized within these industries.

On the other hand, the animal feed sector is poised for the swiftest CAGR throughout the projected period. Domestic animals continue to be integral contributors to the global food supply, making animal feeds an increasingly crucial component of the interconnected food supply chain. Approximately 30% of the global agricultural value and 19% of food production value are attributed to animal products, which also supply 34% of the protein and 16% of the calories in human diets. A consistent, cost-effective, and safe supply of animal feeds is paramount to meeting the rising consumer demand for increased quantities of meat, dairy, eggs, and other livestock-derived products.

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Regional Insights

In 2023, North America took the lead in the market. The region's dominant position is attributed to the implementation of well-established biotechnology techniques and the presence of major corporations within the area, fueling regional expansion. Prominent U.S.-based companies such as Cyanotech Corporation, Nucelis, and KnipBio have played a pivotal role in capturing a significant share of the global single-cell proteins (SCPs) market. These companies are widely recognized as leading SCP producers and have significantly bolstered revenue by marketing their products, including Spirulina.

Key Market Players

• Unilever PLC
• Taiwan Chlorella Manufacturing Company
• XIAMEN HYFINE GELATIN CO.,LTD.
• BlueBioTech International GmbH
• Euglena Co. ltd
• Corbion NV
• KnipBio Inc.
• Earthrise Nutritionals, LLC