Europe Protein Ingredients Market (2025 - 2033)

Europe Protein Ingredients Market Summary

The Europe protein ingredients market size was estimated at USD 16,531.4 million in 2024, and is projected to reach USD 27,361.9 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2033. The food & beverages sector is expected to be one of the leading segments demanding protein ingredients due to the growing popularity of baked products, low-fat foods, and dairy products.

Increasing demand for baked products and dairy products is likely to increase the use of plant & animal protein ingredients as food additives to impart functional and nutritional value to food. Moreover, the incorporation of animal & plant proteins, especially pea, canola, and soy, in animal feed applications is likely to remain high, on account of their growing demand in the manufacturing of fish meal and pet food items in developed regional economies, such as Germany, France, and the UK. The protein ingredients market in Europe accounted for a revenue share of 31.4% of the global protein ingredients market in 2024.

The increasing use of proteins in the food and healthcare industry is predicted to fuel the demand for protein ingredients in Europe over the next few years. Increasing R&D expenditure by various companies on the development of protein ingredients from multiple sources in the region is further expected to indirectly fuel the animal & plant protein sector during the forecast years.

According to a report by the Good Food Institute (GFI) Europe, the sales of plant-based food products in 13 European economies grew by 21% from 2020 to 2022, indicating a strengthening consumer demand. Another study by ProVeg International stated that Germany has a significant share of plant-based food consumers and flexitarians, while the UK has shown substantial sales of plant-based meat and is home to a vegan & vegetarian population. As a result, continued initiatives by manufacturers to satisfy customer demands are expected to positively shape the protein ingredients market in the region.

A drastic change in consumer behavior when it comes to the quality and health impact of beverages, such as sports drinks, fruit juices, and bottled water, has further resulted in significant market advancement. For instance, brands operating in this space are incorporating clear whey protein isolates in their products as they lead to the development of clear beverages that can leverage transparent packaging to attract customers. In addition, the usage of clear whey proteins in sports drinks and protein beverages results in the development of low-lactose products containing all essential amino acids that meet the nutritional requirements of lactose-intolerant consumers.

Moreover, target consumers, such as athletes, prefer bottled water incorporated with proteins, as it provides several functional benefits. Clear whey protein isolates in bottled water combine the popularity of no-sugar water-based drinks with the functionality of proteins. Thus, this product meets the demand of modern consumers for convenient, on-the-go, low-calorie, and tasty beverages with no preservatives, artificial flavors, and sugars that offer extra nutrition.

Product Insights

The animal/dairy protein market accounted for the largest revenue share of 65.6% in 2024. The segment includes products, such as egg protein, whey protein concentrates, whey protein isolates, gelatin, and collagen peptides. The demand for animal protein ingredients is projected to witness substantial growth in the coming years, aided by the availability of extensive scientific evidence regarding their health benefits. For example, whey protein enhances immunity and nutritional status, while also increasing glutathione (GSH) levels in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Whey protein concentrates are used in numerous applications including the manufacturing of dairy desserts, beverages, and yogurt products. Furthermore, these concentrates are employed as a source of protein fortification for infant food and nutritional products. Thus, their versatility and usefulness have elevated their popularity and demand in key application areas. Because of such growing demand, innovation in protein ingredients is also gaining momentum. For instance, in December 2024, the European Union approved Every Co.’s patent for its precision-fermented egg white protein, marking a strategic advancement in the region’s protein ingredient market and strengthening the company’s position in sustainable food innovation.

The insect protein product market is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 14.8% during the forecast period. The demand for these ingredients has risen sharply in recent years on the back of evidence provided by experts regarding their health benefits, which have been promoted by manufacturers. For instance, cricket offers 65% protein, which is much higher than that provided by beef (50%).

Moreover, insect protein contains several useful amino acids, along with vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, and minerals. Insect farming has emerged as a sustainable practice that has resulted in its steadily increasing adoption in Europe. The European Union is currently looking towards insects as an alternate source of livestock protein to reduce emissions, and as such, has been relaxing regulations and offering subsidies to manufacturers of insect-sourced food. For instance, in March 2023, the European Union approved Nutrition Technologies’ export of insect‑based protein from its Malaysia facility.

Application Insights

The food & beverages market accounted for the largest revenue share of 60.3% in the Europe protein ingredients market in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The increasing demand for protein ingredients owing to their properties, including their ability to act as a complexing/stabilizing agent, emulsifying salt, and flavor enhancer in the food & beverage industry, is expected to drive market expansion in the coming years.

The bakery sector, for instance, makes use of various animal protein ingredients, such as whey protein concentrate, to manufacture diet truffles, superfood bites, protein brownies, and protein grazers. Utilization of whey protein aids in elevating the dough strength, dietary fiber content, moisture retention capacity, finished product volume, and texture of these items, elevating the overall quality. Owing to such potential in the industry, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) completed the acquisition of Serbia‑based Sojaprotein, a leading European non‑GMO soy ingredients producer in December 2021. The transaction expanded ADM’s alternative protein capabilities and solidified its presence in Europe’s growing plant‑based food and beverage market.

The animal feed market is expected to grow at the second-fastest CAGR of 5.6% from 2025 to 2033. The increasing cattle population in Europe and a steady focus on improving animal performance and output have led to the increased incorporation of protein ingredients in animal feed products. Both plant- and animal-based proteins are used in powder or liquid form in animal feed additives to provide essential nutrition to animals. Adding these ingredients to feed mixtures improves the rate of weight gain in animals, prevents diseases and nutrient deficiencies in them, and improves feed digestion and conversion. Protein ingredients in animal feed provide various nutritious components, including amino acids, which are necessary for muscle building and improving vitamin and mineral intake.

Country Insights

The Germany protein ingredient market accounted for the largest revenue share of 23.63% in Europe protein market in 2024. The rapidly rising demand for healthy ingredients from the food & beverage industry in Germany and growing awareness among German consumers about the benefits of protein-based food have created significant market demand in the country.

Furthermore, organizations, such as the German Association for Alternative Protein Sources (Bal-Pro), are taking initiatives to connect different entities involved in the alternative protein marketplace, such as private players and government bodies, to promote the use of alternative proteins. These initiatives, in turn, are expected to expand the penetration of plant-based proteins in the economy. Increasing awareness regarding health and weight management benefits offered by protein supplements, the rising geriatric population, and the surging demand for non-medical dietary supplements are some factors expected to boost the demand for protein ingredients.

UK Protein Ingredient Market Trends

The UK protein ingredient market is expected to advance at a substantial growth rate during the forecast period. Rising consumer focus on incorporating a dietary lifestyle that can address various lifestyle disorders, as well as concentrated efforts by marketers to drive sales of protein-based products, are driving market expansion in the region. There has been a steady demand for both plant- and animal-based proteins, with products such as pea protein, soy protein, whey protein, and collagen being particularly popular among health-conscious citizens. Moreover, the insect protein industry has also shown promising growth, with government initiatives promoting sustainability & having a positive impact on this business in recent years. As a result, the market is poised to remain key to the European region’s expansion in the coming years in this sector.

Key Europe Protein Ingredients Company Insights

Some notable organizations involved in developing protein ingredient solutions in Europe include Rousselot Inc., Roquette Frères, DSM, Ingredion, and Tessenderlo Group. These companies focus on acquisitions, geographical expansions, and investments in R&D activities to develop better-quality products and gain a higher market share.

Recent Developments

• In July 2025, Poland-based Proteine Resources secured €9.5 million (USD 11.20 million) via the EIC Accelerator to construct the world’s first autonomous insect‑protein factory. The funding advanced its launch of a beef‑equivalent insect protein for premium pet food across Europe.

• In April 2025, Eat Just entered a strategic partnership with Vegan Food Group, securing exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights for its JUST Eggplant-based egg. It invested £11.5 million (~USD 15.71 million) to build an automated production line in Lüneburg, Germany for launch across the UK and EU.

• In November 2024, ICL Food Specialties and DAIZ Engineering unveiled ROVITARIS SprouTx textured soy protein at Food Ingredients Europe in Frankfurt, Germany, paving the way for its commercial distribution across Europe with improved taste, texture, nutrition, and affordability.

• In May 2024, Tate & Lyle announced the opening of its dietary fiber capacity at its Boleráz, Slovakia-based facility for its renowned non-GMO ‘PROMITOR Soluble Fibers’. The capacity expansion represents an investment of around USD 27 million and forms the initial phase of the company’s program to increase its fiber capacity and better serve its global and European customers.

• In May 2024, Roquette announced the launch of the fava bean protein isolate NUTRALYS Fava S900M for the European and North American markets. The product forms part of the company’s NUTRALYS plant protein portfolio and claims to offer 90% protein content in applications such as baked goods, non-dairy alternatives, and meat substitutes.

• In May 2023, Prinova Europe displayed a range of products focusing on the sports nutrition space at the Vitafoods Europe event held in Geneva. These included the Enduracarb carbohydrate to improve athletic endurance and enhance performance; the Aquamin plant-based marine multimineral-complex product range; and the EAAlpha blend of essential amino acids to aid muscle protein synthesis. The company also displayed products in the wellness and lifestyle categories, including the ‘Radiance Retainer’ gummy, the ‘Move, Flex & Soothe’ joint health drink, the ‘Chill Out Chocolate’ drink, and the ‘Hydrate & Replenish’ functional hydration beverage

• In April 2022, the European Commission approved Eat Just’s mung bean protein as a novel food ingredient, enabling the launch of its plant-based JUST Egg across Europe. The exclusive five‑year authorization strengthened its position in Europe.

• In July 2021, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) finalized its acquisition of Sojaprotein, a major European non-GMO soy ingredients producer. The deal expanded ADM’s alternative protein capabilities, strengthened its European footprint, and accelerated growth in plant-based food and beverage markets.

• In May 2021, Ingredion EMEA launched its textured pulse proteins, Vitessence Tex, across Europe. Developed from pea and faba bean with 65 % protein, the range enabled manufacturers to produce non‑soy, gluten‑free meat analogues with improved taste, texture, and nutritional claims.

Europe Protein Ingredients Market