Germany Protein Market Size and Share

Germany Protein Market (2026 - 2031)
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Germany Protein Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

Germany's protein market, valued at USD 0.88 billion in 2026, is set to grow to USD 1.11 billion by 2031, marking a steady CAGR of 4.66%. This market is not only resilient but also driven by innovation, influenced more by enduring trends in nutrition, health, and sustainability than by fleeting consumption patterns. In Germany, protein is increasingly recognized as essential for muscle health, healthy aging, metabolic wellness, and active lifestyles. This recognition is propelling its incorporation into daily diets across various consumption moments. The market is further driven by rising consumer awareness of the benefits of protein, the growing demand for plant-based and alternative protein sources, and the increasing focus on clean-label and sustainable products. Moreover, advancements in processing technologies are boosting protein's functionality and sensory appeal, paving the way for wider applications and increased repeat consumption.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By product type, animal proteins held 36.54% of the Germany protein market share in 2025; plant proteins are projected to register a 4.86% CAGR through 2031. 
  • By application, food and beverages captured 69.92% revenue share in 2025; cosmetics and personal care are set to grow at a 5.54% CAGR through 2031. 

Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of January 2026.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Plant Proteins Gain Despite Animal's Volume Lead

In 2025, animal proteins accounted for a 36.54% share of Germany's protein market, driven by their nutritional completeness and functional reliability. Deeply woven into the nation's food and health fabric, animal proteins consistently outshine their alternatives, thanks to their high biological value and digestibility. Central to this narrative is whey protein, benefiting from Germany's strategic position in Europe's dairy belt. Here, advanced processing, stringent quality standards, and established supply chains guarantee its consistent performance. Highlighting whey’s significance, trade data from the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) reveals Germany's 2024 import of whey worth USD 169.06 million, a testament to its industrial demand and pivotal role in the nation's protein landscape [3]Source: World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS), "Germany imports of Whey and modified whey",wits.worldbank.org.

Plant proteins are on the rise in Germany, boasting a CAGR of 4.86% through 2031. While they start from a smaller base than animal proteins, they're quickly becoming the fastest-growing segment in the country's protein market. This surge is largely attributed to a shift in dietary habits. Instead of strict veganism, many Germans are adopting a flexitarian approach, curbing meat consumption and turning to proteins from legumes, cereals, and seeds. Additionally, plant proteins align with Germany's growing focus on sustainability, climate-conscious consumption, and animal welfare, which are increasingly shaping consumer preferences. The rising demand is further supported by innovations in plant-based protein processing and product development, making these alternatives more appealing in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional value. 

Germany Protein Market: Market Share by Product Type
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By Application: Beauty Outpaces Food as Collagen Demand Surges

In 2025, food and beverage applications accounted for 69.92% of Germany's protein market, solidifying this segment as the primary driver of both volume demand and value realization within the protein ecosystem. This dominance underscores the evolving perception of protein: once seen as a niche ingredient for sports or medical use, it's now recognized as a staple in daily nutrition. Manufacturers are embedding proteins across a diverse range of products from bakery items, dairy and its alternatives, and beverages to snacks, cereals, meat and its alternatives, and even ready-to-eat or cook foods. This strategic inclusion allows them to cater to various consumer needs, including satiety, muscle maintenance, digestive health, and balanced nutrition, all within familiar eating contexts. The growing consumer awareness of protein's role in overall health and wellness further amplifies its integration into everyday food and beverage products, driving innovation and market expansion.

While cosmetics and personal care applications represent a smaller segment, they're witnessing a robust expansion at a 5.54% CAGR through 2031. This growth positions them as one of the fastest-growing end-use areas for proteins in Germany. The surge is fueled by a merging of beauty, health, and nutrition realms. Here, proteins are not just seen as functional ingredients but as bioactive compounds enhancing skin structure, hair strength, and overall aesthetic wellness. German consumers, with their keen understanding of ingredients and a scientific approach, are gravitating towards protein-based formulations. They prioritize products that are dermatologically tested, clinically validated, and transparently labeled, underscoring a demand for high-quality, traceable protein sources. Additionally, the increasing focus on sustainability and ethical sourcing in the cosmetics industry is driving the adoption of innovative protein solutions, further strengthening this segment's growth trajectory.

Germany Protein Market: Market Share by Application
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Geography Analysis

Germany, as Europe's largest economy and most populous nation, boasts a protein market bolstered by a diverse consumption base that caters to both volume-driven and premium demands. The nation's robust ecosystem in food, nutrition, and life sciences facilitates the swift scaling of protein ingredients across various sectors, including food and beverage, supplements, and personal care. With strong institutional frameworks, advanced logistics, and a harmonized regulatory landscape, Germany not only meets its domestic protein demand efficiently but also serves as a redistribution hub for broader European markets. This central geographic position cements Germany's status as a pivotal market for animal, plant, and emerging protein formats.

Germany's protein market is anchored by a formidable manufacturing base, predominantly in Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Baden-Württemberg. These regions are home to dense clusters of dairy processors, ingredient manufacturers, food technology firms, and biotechnology entities. This concentration fosters robust upstream integration for whey, milk proteins, plant proteins, and fermentation-derived inputs. Their proximity to agricultural raw materials, coupled with advanced processing infrastructure and reasearch and development (R&D) capabilities, ensures consistent quality, functional reliability, and innovation-driven product development. Consequently, southern and western Germany serve as the industrial backbone of the national protein market, catering to both domestic needs and export-oriented production.

Urban hubs like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg significantly influence the demand for sports nutrition, premium plant-based proteins, and functional protein-enriched foods. This trend is bolstered by the cities' younger demographics, heightened health consciousness, and vibrant retail innovation. Often at the forefront of adopting flexitarian, vegan, and performance-centric protein products, these urban centers frequently set the tone for national consumption trends. Conversely, rural and suburban areas show a pronounced preference for traditional animal proteins, especially dairy and meat, underscoring deep-rooted dietary habits and regional food traditions. This urban-rural dynamic crafts a well-rounded geographic demand profile, harmonizing metropolitan innovation with stable consumption patterns

Competitive Landscape

Germany's protein market is characterized by moderate fragmentation, influenced by global ingredient multinationals, robust European cooperatives, and specialized protein processors. Key players in the market include Agrial Group, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, and Kerry Group PLC. These companies leverage diversified portfolios that encompass both animal- and plant-based proteins. They also benefit from strong sourcing networks and are deeply integrated into Germany’s food, beverage, nutrition, and personal care sectors. Their competitive edge is bolstered by long-term supply agreements, expertise in navigating regulations, and a commitment to delivering consistent quality at an industrial scale. This is especially crucial in a market governed by stringent food safety and labeling standards.

Technology stands out as the dominant competitive lever, setting industry leaders apart from mid-tier and niche players. Innovations in precision fermentation, enzymatic processing, and advanced fractionation are enhancing solubility, taste neutrality, digestibility, and overall functional performance. Notably, precision fermentation is emerging as a game-changer. It facilitates the creation of animal-identical proteins sans livestock, resonating with Germany’s sustainability goals while preserving the nutritional benefits of traditional animal proteins. Companies boasting robust capabilities and pilot-to-scale fermentation infrastructure are reaping significant advantages, particularly in lucrative sectors like medical nutrition, dairy alternatives, and functional beverages.

Simultaneously, strategic partnerships are redefining the competitive landscape of Germany's protein sector. Top ingredient suppliers are forging alliances with food manufacturers, retailers, and biotech firms. These collaborations aim to secure feedstock access, hasten innovation, and co-create tailored protein solutions. Such partnerships not only cement demand but also mitigate formulation risks for clients and expedite the commercialization of novel proteins. The industry is witnessing a paradigm shift: companies are moving away from volume-centric competition to a solution-oriented approach. They're now emphasizing customized protein systems, sustainability credentials, and comprehensive technical support. Consequently, Germany's protein market is morphing into a dynamic ecosystem where collaboration and competition coexist, underscoring the importance of technological prowess and partnership depth alongside traditional metrics like scale and sourcing.

Germany Protein Industry Leaders

  1. Agrial Group

  2. Archer Daniels Midland Company

  3. Arla Foods amba

  4. Cargill, Incorporated

  5. Kerry Group PLC

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Germany Protein Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • October 2025: Ehrmann, in collaboration with Alzchem Group AG, announced the expansion of its High Protein product line, Creavitalis. Alzchem’s high-quality creatine, produced in a certified facility in Germany, is specifically designed for use in foods and dietary supplements.
  • April 2025: Beneo has inaugurated its first pulse-processing plant at a cost of approximately EUR 50 million at its site in Obrigheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The plant will produce pulse-derived proteins, such as those from faba beans, which are used in meat and dairy alternatives as well as egg replacements.
  • November 2024: ICL Food Specialties and DAIZ Engineering Unveiled and Extensively Promoted ROVITARIS SprouTx Textured Soy Protein with Enhanced Features at Food Ingredients Europe 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Table of Contents for Germany Protein Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Strong sports, fitness, and active lifestyle culture
    • 4.2.2 Aging population driving functional protein demand
    • 4.2.3 Advanced plant-based innovation ecosystem
    • 4.2.4 Clean-label and ingredient transparency expectations
    • 4.2.5 Increasing demand for high-quality, easily digestible proteins
    • 4.2.6 Functional and convenient food formats
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Stringent novel food approval processes
    • 4.3.2 Allergen and intolerance constraints
    • 4.3.3 Consumer skepticism toward highly processed proteins
    • 4.3.4 Supply consistency and raw material variability
  • 4.4 Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Product Type
    • 5.1.1 Animal
    • 5.1.1.1 Casein and Caseinates
    • 5.1.1.2 Collagen
    • 5.1.1.3 Egg Protein
    • 5.1.1.4 Gelatin
    • 5.1.1.5 Insect Protein
    • 5.1.1.6 Milk Protein
    • 5.1.1.7 Whey Protein
    • 5.1.1.8 Other Animal Proteins
    • 5.1.2 Plant
    • 5.1.2.1 Hemp Protein
    • 5.1.2.2 Pea Protein
    • 5.1.2.3 Potato Protein
    • 5.1.2.4 Rice Protein
    • 5.1.2.5 Soy Protein
    • 5.1.2.6 Wheat Protein
    • 5.1.2.7 Other Plant Proteins
    • 5.1.3 Microbial
    • 5.1.3.1 Algae Protein
    • 5.1.3.2 Mycoprotein
    • 5.1.4 Insects
  • 5.2 By Application
    • 5.2.1 Food and Beverages
    • 5.2.2 Nutritional Supplements
    • 5.2.3 Animal Feed
    • 5.2.4 Cosmetics and Personal Care
    • 5.2.5 Pharmaceutical
    • 5.2.6 Others

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Positioning Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Agrial Group
    • 6.4.2 Archer Daniels Midland Company
    • 6.4.3 Arla Foods amba
    • 6.4.4 BASF SE
    • 6.4.5 Cargill, Incorporated
    • 6.4.6 Kerry Group PLC
    • 6.4.7 Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
    • 6.4.8 Darling Ingredients Inc.
    • 6.4.9 Lactoprot Deutschland GmbH
    • 6.4.10 Lantmannen
    • 6.4.11 Meggle Group
    • 6.4.12 Roquette Freres S.A.
    • 6.4.13 Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.
    • 6.4.14 Sudzucker AG
    • 6.4.15 Tereos Group
    • 6.4.16 Tessenderlo Group
    • 6.4.17 Ynsect
    • 6.4.18 DMK Group
    • 6.4.19 DSM-Firmenich AG
    • 6.4.20 ALPAVIT GmbH & Co. KG

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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Germany Protein Market Report Scope

Protein ingredients are derived from various animal, plant, and microbial sources that are often used to enhance the functional properties of foods, beverages, personal care products, and animal feed.

The Germany protein market is segmented based on the product type and application. Based on the product type, the market is segmented into animal, plant, microbial, and insects. Based on the application, the market is segmented into food and beverages, nutritional supplements, animal feed, cosmetics and personal care, pharmaceuticals, and others. 

The report provides market size and forecasts in both value (USD) and volume (tons) for all the mentioned segments. 

By Product Type
Animal Casein and Caseinates
Collagen
Egg Protein
Gelatin
Insect Protein
Milk Protein
Whey Protein
Other Animal Proteins
Plant Hemp Protein
Pea Protein
Potato Protein
Rice Protein
Soy Protein
Wheat Protein
Other Plant Proteins
Microbial Algae Protein
Mycoprotein
Insects
By Application
Food and Beverages
Nutritional Supplements
Animal Feed
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Pharmaceutical
Others
By Product Type Animal Casein and Caseinates
Collagen
Egg Protein
Gelatin
Insect Protein
Milk Protein
Whey Protein
Other Animal Proteins
Plant Hemp Protein
Pea Protein
Potato Protein
Rice Protein
Soy Protein
Wheat Protein
Other Plant Proteins
Microbial Algae Protein
Mycoprotein
Insects
By Application Food and Beverages
Nutritional Supplements
Animal Feed
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Pharmaceutical
Others
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Market Definition

  • End User - The Protein Ingredients Market operates on a B2B basis. Food, Beverages, Supplements, Animal Feed, and Personal Care & Cosmetic manufacturers are considered to be end-consumers in the market studied. The scope excludes manufacturers buying liquid/dry whey to be used for application as a binding agent or thickener or other non-protein applications.
  • Penetration Rate - Penetration Rate is defined as the percentage of Protein-Fortified End User Market Volume in the Overall End User Market Volume.
  • Average Protein Content - Average protein content is the average protein content present per 100 g of product manufactured by all end-user companies considered under the scope of this report.
  • End User Market Volume - End-user market volume is the consolidated volume of all types and forms of end-user products in the country or region.
Keyword Definition
Alpha-lactalbumin (α-Lactalbumin) It is a protein that regulates the production of lactose in the milk of almost all mammalian species.
Amino acid It is an organic compound that contains both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups, which are required for the synthesis of body protein and other important nitrogen-containing compounds, such as creatine, peptide hormones, and some neurotransmitters.
Blanching It is the process of briefly heating vegetables with steam or boiling water.
BRC British Retail Consortium
Bread improver It is a flour-based blend of several components with specific functional properties designed to modify dough characteristics and give quality attributes to bread.
BSF Black Soldier Fly
Caseinate It is a substance produced by adding an alkali to acid casein, a derivative of casein.
Celiac disease Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Colostrum It is a milky fluid that’s released by mammals that have recently given birth before breast milk production begins.
Concentrate It is the least processed form of protein and has a protein content ranging from 40-90% by weight.
Dry protein basis It refers to the percentage of "pure protein" present in a supplement after the water in it is completely removed through heat.
Dry whey It is the product resulting from drying fresh whey which has been pasteurized and to which nothing has been added as a preservative.
Egg protein It is a mixture of individual proteins, including ovalbumin, ovomucoid, ovoglobulin, conalbumin, vitellin, and vitellenin.
Emulsifier It is a food additive that facilitates the blending of foods that are immiscible with one another, such as oil and water.
Enrichment It is the process of addition of micronutrients that are lost during the processing of the product.
ERS Economic Research Service of the USDA
Extrusion It is the process of forcing soft mixed ingredients through an opening in a perforated plate or die designed to produce the required shape. The extruded food is then cut to a specific size by blades.
Fava Also known as Faba, it is another word for yellow split beans.
FDA Food and Drug Administration
Flaking It is a process in which typically a cereal grain (like corn, wheat, or rice) is broken down into grits, cooked with flavors and syrups, and then pressed into flakes between cooled rollers.
Foaming agent It is a food ingredient that makes it possible to form or maintain a uniform dispersion of a gaseous phase in a liquid or solid food.
Foodservice It refers to the part of the food industry which includes businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
Fortification It is the deliberate addition of micronutrients that are not found in them naturally or which are lost during processing, to improve a food product's nutritional value.
FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Gelling agent It is an ingredient that functions as a stabilizer and thickener to provide thickening without stiffness through the formation of gel.
GHG Greenhouse Gas
Gluten It is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.
Hemp It is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use.
Hydrolysate It is a form of protein manufactured by exposing the protein to enzymes that can partially break the bonds between the protein's amino acids and break down large, complicated proteins into smaller pieces. Its processing makes it easier and quicker to digest.
Hypoallergenic It refers to a substance that causes fewer allergic reactions.
Isolate It is the purest and most processed form of protein which has undergone separation to obtain a pure protein fraction. It typically contains ≥ 90% of protein by weight.
Keratin It is a protein that helps form hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.
Lactalbumin It is the albumin contained in milk and obtained from whey.
Lactoferrin It is an iron‑binding glycoprotein that is present in the milk of most mammals.
Lupin It is the yellow legume seeds of the genus Lupinus.
Millenial Also known as Generation Y or Gen Y, it refers to the people born from 1981 to 1996.
Monogastric It refers to an animal with a single-compartmented stomach. Examples of monogastric include humans, poultry, pigs, horses, rabbits, dogs, and cats. Most monogastric are generally unable to digest much cellulose food materials such as grasses.
MPC Milk protein concentrate
MPI Milk protein isolate
MSPI Methylated soy protein isolate
Mycoprotein Mycoprotein is a form of single-cell protein, also known as fungal protein, derived from fungi for human consumption.
Nutricosmetics It is a category of products and ingredients that act as nutritional supplements to care for skin, nails, and hair natural beauty.
Osteoporosis It is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.
PDCAAS Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) is a method of evaluating the quality of a protein based on both the amino acid requirements of humans and their ability to digest it.
Per-capita consumption of animal protein It is the average amount of animal protein (such as milk, whey, gelatin, collagen, and egg proteins) that is readily available for consumption by each person in an actual population.
Per-capita consumption of plant protein It is the average amount of plant protein (such as soy, wheat, pea, oat, and hemp proteins) that is readily available for consumption by each person in an actual population.
Quorn It is a microbial protein manufactured using mycoprotein as an ingredient, in which the fungus culture is dried and mixed with egg albumen or potato protein, which acts as a binder, and then is adjusted in texture and pressed into various forms.
Ready-to-Cook (RTC) It refers to food products that include all of the ingredients, where some preparation or cooking is required through a process that is given on the package.
Ready-to-Eat (RTE) It refers to a food product prepared or cooked in advance, with no further cooking or preparation required before being eaten.
RTD Ready-to-Drink
RTS Ready-to-Serve
Saturated fat It is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
Sausage It is a meat product made of finely chopped and seasoned meat, which may be fresh, smoked, or pickled and which is then usually stuffed into a casing.
Seitan It is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
Softgel It is a gelatin-based capsule with a liquid fill.
SPC Soy protein concentrate
SPI Soy protein isolate
Spirulina It is a biomass of cyanobacteria that can be consumed by humans and animals.
Stabilizer It is an ingredient added to food products to help maintain or enhance their original texture, and physical and chemical characteristics.
Supplementation It is the consumption or provision of concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances that are intended to supplement nutrients in the diet and is intended to correct nutritional deficiencies.
Texturant It is a specific type of food ingredient that is used to control and alter the mouthfeel and texture of food and beverage products.
Thickener It is an ingredient that is used to increase the viscosity of a liquid or dough and make it thicker, without substantially changing its other properties.
Trans fat Also called trans-unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids, it is a type of unsaturated fat that naturally occurs in small amounts in meat.
TSP Textured soy protein
TVP Textured vegetable protein
WPC Whey protein concentrate
WPI Whey protein isolate
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: The quantifiable key variables (industry and extraneous) pertaining to the specific product segment and country are selected from a group of relevant variables & factors based on desk research & literature review; along with primary expert inputs. These variables are further confirmed through regression modeling (wherever required).
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
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