Wheat Protein Market Forecast: Insights into Market Trends, Growth, and Innovation

MarketsandMarkets™

The global wheat protein market is expected to expand from an estimated USD 2.5 billion in 2023 to approximately USD 3.2 billion by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. This growth is driven by several converging trends: rising interest in meat-free diets, increasing obesity rates that boost demand for lower-calorie foods, and a broader consumer shift toward healthier ingredients. Wheat gluten’s high protein content makes it particularly attractive, fueling its uptake across the broader wheat protein market.

Market Drivers: Why is Wheat Protein Gaining Popularity?

• Rising Demand for Plant-Based Proteins: As consumer preferences shift towards plant-based diets, the demand for plant-based protein alternatives is skyrocketing. Wheat protein is seen as an affordable and versatile alternative to animal-based proteins, making it highly appealing to the growing vegan and vegetarian population.
• Health and Wellness Trends: With a growing emphasis on health and wellness, consumers are becoming more conscious about their protein sources. Wheat protein offers a healthy option, being rich in essential amino acids, low in fat, and cholesterol-free. This has led to its increasing popularity in nutritional supplements, protein-rich snacks, and functional foods.
• Sustainability Concerns: As sustainability becomes a priority for both consumers and manufacturers, wheat protein stands out due to its environmental benefits. Unlike animal-based proteins, which require large amounts of water and land, wheat protein is more sustainable and has a lower carbon footprint. This makes it an appealing choice for eco-conscious consumers.
• Growth of the Plant-Based Meat Industry: The plant-based meat industry is one of the biggest drivers of wheat protein demand. With products like plant-based burgers, sausages, and chicken nuggets becoming mainstream, manufacturers are using wheat protein as a core ingredient to replicate the texture and mouthfeel of traditional animal proteins.

Current Trends in the Wheat Protein Market

• Innovation in Food Applications: Manufacturers are continuously innovating and developing new applications for wheat protein. From plant-based dairy alternatives to baked goods and ready-to-eat meals, wheat protein is being incorporated into a wide variety of products. Its ability to improve texture, moisture retention, and overall mouthfeel makes it a versatile ingredient.
• Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein in Cosmetics: The cosmetic industry is increasingly using hydrolyzed wheat protein in skincare and haircare products. Due to its moisture-retention properties, wheat protein is found in shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, providing nourishment and strength to the skin and hair.
• Expansion in Emerging Markets: While the wheat protein market is well-established in North America and Europe, there is significant growth potential in emerging markets. Countries in Asia-Pacific, particularly China and India, are witnessing rising demand for plant-based proteins, driven by dietary shifts and the increasing popularity of vegan and vegetarian diets.
• Clean Label Movement: The clean label trend, which emphasizes transparency and natural ingredients, is also benefiting the wheat protein market. Consumers are increasingly looking for foods with recognizable ingredients, and wheat protein fits this demand perfectly, as it is a natural, plant-based protein source without the additives and preservatives often found in animal-derived proteins.

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Textured wheat protein gains traction as a meat alternative

Textured wheat protein—often referred to as seitan, wheat “meat,” or wheat gluten—is a long-standing staple in plant-based cuisine. Its meaty texture and protein density have made it a go-to for meat substitutes. Health, ethical, and environmental concerns around animal-based proteins are catalyzing a spike in demand: for example, a 2021 Foods journal study highlighted a global uptick in meat-alternative consumption, including textured wheat protein, while a 2019 survey by the International Food Information Council found that 22% of U.S. consumers ate plant-based meat substitutes weekly.

Wheat protein enhances pet food formulations

In the pet food sector, wheat gluten’s water-absorption and fat-binding properties improve pellet yield and structural integrity, offering both functional and nutritional benefits. As the premium and organic pet food segment grows, manufacturers are turning to wheat protein as a sustainably sourced, digestible protein. U.S. Department of Agriculture data show plant-based pet food sales jumped 27% in 2020 to reach USD 600 million, and the Pet Food Institute underscores wheat gluten’s role as a high-quality, eco-friendly protein option.

North America poised for sustained growth

Within North America—encompassing the United States, Canada, and Mexico—the market is bolstered by heightened consumer awareness of dietary protein’s role in health, spurring demand for functional food and beverage products. Wheat protein’s versatility, especially in baking applications, has underpinned steady consumption, while innovations in hydrolyzed wheat protein are fostering long-term usage trends. Nevertheless, rising dialogue around gluten intolerance presents a potential barrier. Overall, wheat-derived proteins’ strong functional profile, relatively low carbon footprint, and cost competitiveness continue to support their widespread adoption, particularly in baked goods and formulation-driven food sectors.

Top Wheat Protein Companies:

The key players in this market include ADM (US), Cargill, Incorporated (US), Tereos (France), Südzucker AG (US), MGP Ingredients (US), Roquette Frères (France), Glico Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd. (Japan), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), Manildra Group (Australia), Kröner-Stärke (Germany), Crespel & Deiters Group (Germany), Batory Foods (US), Agridient B.V. (Netherlands), Tate & Lyle (UK), and The Scoular Company (US).

Key Questions Addressed by the Wheat Protein Market Report:

• What is the projected market value of the global wheat protein market?
• What is the estimated growth rate (CAGR) of the global wheat protein market for the next five years?
• What are the major revenue pockets in the wheat protein market currently?
• What are the nutritional benefits of wheat protein?
• What are the factors driving the growth of the wheat protein market?
• What are the major players operating in the wheat protein market?

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