Global Functional Proteins Market Assessment, By Type [Whey Protein, Soy Protein, Casein Protein, Collagen Protein, Egg Protein, Others], By Source [Animal, Plant], By Form [Dry, Liquid], By Application [Dietary Supplements, Sports Nutrition, Functional Food, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F

Global Functional Proteins Market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.75% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 6.40 billion in 2024 to USD 10.01 billion in 2032. The market demand for functional proteins is anticipated to thrive drastically in the forecast years due to the rising consumer awareness about functional proteins in maintaining health, improving immunity, and increasing demand for food and beverages.

Functional proteins are bioactive compounds that provide certain physiological benefits over the provision of nutrition. They are vital in several biological processes, including tissue building and repair, as well as their participation in immune function, enzyme activity, and hormone regulation. Functionally, the functional proteins market is growing due to increased awareness of applications for functional proteins in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and animal nutrition sectors, with rising health consciousness of consumers regarding protein-rich diet consumption. The growth in clean-label, sustainable, and plant-based protein products, along with the growth in protein extraction and formulation technologies, is also driving the expansion in this market. An aging population and a high prevalence of chronic diseases are other factors driving the adoption of functional proteins for therapeutic as well as nutritional applications. The rise in sporting and fitness activities is further fueling the demand for functional proteins in the market. For instance, in February 2024, Roquette Frères S.A., a leading ingredients company, launched four innovative pea protein solutions under its NUTRALYS plant protein portfolio, enhancing taste, texture, and functionality in plant-based foods and high-protein products. These protein isolates, hydrolysates, and textured options address development challenges for applications like nutritional bars, protein drinks, and plant-based meat, boosting innovation opportunities.

Increasing Usage in Chronic Disease Management

Functional protein use in chronic disease management is one of the highest growth drivers for the functional protein market. An increasingly growing prevalence of chronic conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and gastrointestinal disorders, is fueling the demand for protein-based therapeutic and nutritional products. Proteins of key functional importance include bioactive peptides, immunoglobulin, and collagen. These facilitate the management of such conditions by promoting muscle health, regulating blood sugar levels, enhancing gut health, and reducing inflammation. Healthcare providers and consumers increasingly emphasize preventive care and dietary management, driving the market growth for functional proteins. For instance, in February 2024, Vivici B.V. introduced a groundbreaking nature-equivalent whey protein derived from fermentation, offering a sustainable, lactose-free, and cholesterol-free alternative to traditional dairy proteins. Rich in essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), this highly pure beta-lactoglobulin is suitable for diverse applications, including protein powders, beverages, and dairy products, supporting a sustainable and resilient food system.

Technological Advancements in Protein Extraction and Production Drives Market Growth

Technological developments concerning protein extraction and production processes are significant drivers of growth within the global functional proteins market. These include enzymatic hydrolysis, membrane filtration, and advanced fermentation techniques that have significantly improved extraction efficiency, yield, and purity in various sources. These developments have allowed the high production of quality functional proteins with improved bioavailability and targeted health benefits to answer the dynamic demands of consumers. In addition, the introduction of green and sustainable technologies dissolved environmental issues at the cost of lesser production costs; these technological advances are driving market growth.

For instance, in June 2024, Tetra Pak International S.A. launched the Tetra Pak Industrial Protein Mixer, an innovative solution addressing foaming issues in liquid protein mixing. By reducing air ingress and optimizing automation, the mixer minimizes product loss, eliminates the need for de-foaming agents, and improves efficiency, quality, and shelf life for food and beverage manufacturers.

Animal-Based Proteins Segment to Dominate the Functional Proteins Market

Animal-based protein is likely to lead the functional protein market because of its better nutritional profile and higher bioavailability than plant-based protein. This has a wider range of applications in food, beverage, and nutraceutical products. Animal-derived proteins, including whey, casein, collagen, and egg proteins, are rich in essential amino acids, thereby suitable for muscle repair, weight management, and enhancement of overall health conditions. The product line holds a strong market share in sports nutrition, infant formula, and clinical nutrition. Recent advances in protein processing technologies have further improved the functional properties of solubility and stability of animal-derived proteins, leading to new applications of animal proteins in high-performance formulations. Taste profile and consumer preference for animal-based proteins place this segment at the drivers' growth spot in the global functional proteins market. For instance, in June 2024, Imperial College London launched the Bezos Centre for Sustainable Protein with USD 30 million in funding from the Bezos Earth Fund. The Centre focuses on advancing precision fermentation, cultivated meat, and AI-driven food innovations to create sustainable, nutritious, and affordable protein alternatives, addressing global food security and environmental challenges.

North America Dominates the Functional Proteins Market

North America region is anticipated to be the dominant region in the functional protein market as consumers have a strong interest in health and wellness products, advanced protein extraction technologies, and an already well-established nutritional supplement industry. In North America, an overall high awareness of general health importance is coupled with a focus on sports nutrition, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. Other essential factors that have further strengthened North America's dominance in the market are the leading functional protein manufacturing companies, research initiatives, and a sound network for distribution. Lifestyle-related health issues also continue to fuel the demand for functional proteins. For instance, in August 2024, Herbalife International of America, Inc., launched Protein Chips, a plant-based snack with 8 grams of pea protein per serving, in the United States and Puerto Rico. Catering to the growing demand for on-the-go, high-protein snacks, the gluten-free, vegetarian chips offer a mild barbecue flavor, supporting consumers' weight management and healthy lifestyle goals.

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Future Market Scenario (2025-2032F)

The future scenario of the global functional proteins market is likely to see significant growth in the market. Due to evolving consumer preferences, technological advancement, and increasing health consciousness. Continuously growing demand for personalized nutrition, plant-based diets, and functional foods will drive the market toward more innovative protein sources and formulations. This market is furthered by growth drivers such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, advances in the markets for fitness and sports nutrition, and developing technologies for extracting and processing proteins to make functional proteins more accessible and bioavailable. Sustainability trends, such as the growing desire for clean-label and ethically sourced proteins, are also expected to shape this landscape.

For Instance, in May 2024, Shiru, Inc. launched ProteinDiscovery.ai, the first marketplace for natural proteins. The platform enables users to search, discover, and purchase molecules for food, agriculture, personal care, and advanced materials. With AI-powered tools and a database of 33 million molecules, it accelerates protein discovery, research and development, and commercialization.

Report Scope

“Functional Proteins Market Assessment, Opportunities and Forecast, 2018-2032F”, is a comprehensive report by Markets and Data, providing in-depth analysis and qualitative and quantitative assessment of the current state of global functional proteins market, industry dynamics, and challenges. The report includes market size, segmental shares, growth trends, opportunities, and forecast between 2025 and 2032. Additionally, the report profiles the leading players in the industry, mentioning their respective market share, business models, competitive intelligence, etc.

Report Attribute	Details
Base Year of the Analysis	2024
Historical Period	2018-2023
Forecast Period	2025-2032
Projected Growth Rate	CAGR of 5.75% between 2025 and 2032
Revenue Forecast in 2032	USD 10.01 billion
Segments Covered	Type, Source, Form, Application
Regions Covered	North America, Europe, South America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa
Key Companies Profile	Glanbia PLC, Abbott Nutrition, Amway Corporation, DuPont de Nemours, Inc., DSM-Firmenich AG, ADM, GNC Holdings, LLC, Maxi Nutrition, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Kerry Group plc.
Customization Scope	15% free report customization with purchase
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail the customized purchase options to fulfill your precise research needs
Delivery Format	PDF and Excel through email (subject to the license purchased)

In the report, global functional proteins market has been segmented into the following categories: 

• By Type
  • Whey Protein
  • Soy Protein
  • Casein Protein
  • Collagen Protein
  • Egg Protein
  • Others
• By Source
  • Animal
  • Plant
• By Form
  • Dry
  • Liquid
• By Application
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Functional Food
  • Others
• By Region
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The global functional proteins market is highly competitive, with key players including major protein manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and biotechnology companies. Prominent players lead the market, leveraging advanced protein extraction and formulation technologies to enhance product offerings. These companies dominate across various segments, including whey, casein, soy, and plant-based proteins, and are continuously innovating to meet the rising demand for clean-label, sustainable, and bioavailable protein solutions.

For instance, in June 2024, The EVERY Company and Landish Foods launched FERMY, a new line of ready-to-mix powders featuring EVERY’s egg white protein. The Protein Coffee Enhancer and Protein Matcha Latte deliver 8 grams of digestible protein per serving, blending sustainability, clean ingredients, and brain-boosting benefits like medium chain triglycerides and lion’s mane mushroom for health-conscious consumers.

For instance, in January 2024, Abbott Nutrition launched PROTALITY, a high-protein nutrition shake designed to support weight loss while preserving muscle mass. Targeting adults using Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, weight-loss surgeries, or calorie-restricted diets, PROTALITY addresses the increased protein needs for muscle preservation and weight management, aligning with rising health and wellness trends.

Key Players Operating in Global Functional Proteins Market are:

• Glanbia PLC
• Abbott Nutrition
• Amway Corporation
• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.
• DSM-Firmenich AG
• ADM
• GNC Holdings, LLC
• Maxi Nutrition
• Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
• Kerry Group plc.

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• What is the current and future market size of the product/service in question globally or specific to different countries?
• How are the markets divided into different product/service segments and the market size and growth of each segment?
• What is the market potential of different product segments and their investment case?
• How are the markets predicted to develop in the future and what factors will drive or inhibit growth?
• What is the business environment and regulatory landscape specific to the product/service?

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