Microbial Protein Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Microbial Protein Market is Segmented by Protein Type (Algae Protein, Mycoprotein, Bacterial Protein, and Yeast Protein), Application (Food and Beverages, Supplements, Animal Feed, and Industrial and Other Applications), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Tons).

Microbial Protein Market Size and Share

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Compare market size and growth of Microbial Protein Market with other markets in Food & Beverage Industry

Microbial Protein Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The microbial protein is estimated at market size of USD 1.33 billion in 2025 and is forecasted to reach USD 2.59 billion by 2030, posting a solid 14.19% CAGR. Rapid advances in precision fermentation, expanding regulatory acceptance, and corporate decarbonization targets are driving demand for low-impact protein ingredients. Europe's sustainability policies, Asia-Pacific's manufacturing investments, and North America's streamlined GRAS pathway create a diversified growth landscape for the microbial protein market. The FDA's GRAS status approvals for novel microbial proteins and EFSA's updated guidance for novel food applications enhance market penetration across key regions[1]European Food Safety Authority, "Navigating Novel Foods", www.efsa.europa.eu. While mycoprotein dominates current production volumes due to established infrastructure, bacterial protein technologies attract venture funding by offering reduced production costs and increased yields. The market continues to expand beyond meat alternatives and beverages into aquafeed, pet nutrition, and functional foods, establishing sustained growth potential.

Key Report Takeaways

• By protein type, mycoprotein led with 48.28% revenue share in 2024; bacterial protein is forecast to scale at a 17.18% CAGR between 2025-2030.

• By application, food and beverages held a 55.31% share of the microbial protein market size in 2024, whereas animal feed is advancing at a 19.63% CAGR to 2030.

• By geography, Europe captured 33.32% of the microbial protein market share in 2024, while Asia-Pacific is projected to register the fastest 18.75% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Protein Type: Bacterial Protein Drives Innovation

Mycoprotein holds the dominant market share at 48.28% in 2024, built on decades of commercial development by companies like Quorn Foods and established Fusarium venenatum cultivation methods. Bacterial protein is experiencing the highest growth rate with a 17.18% CAGR through 2030, supported by new production technologies that enable efficient scaling and high protein yields. Solar Foods demonstrates this potential with their Solein product, which produces protein from CO2 and hydrogen while using minimal land and water resources compared to conventional agriculture, as reported by European Biotechnology. Algae protein, including spirulina and chlorella variants, maintains steady growth through existing regulatory approvals and increased use in functional foods. Yeast protein advances through Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineering improvements that boost protein content and functionality.

The market segments show distinct development stages, with mycoprotein benefiting from existing production infrastructure while bacterial protein attracts venture capital for new production facilities. Cargill's investment in ENOUGH's mycoprotein production aims to produce over 1 million tons of ABUNDA mycoprotein by 2033 using zero-waste fermentation methods. Bacterial protein continues to grow through precision fermentation technology that produces animal-identical proteins without agricultural inputs. This segment is positioned for increased adoption as production costs decrease, and regulatory approvals expand globally.

Microbial Protein Market
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

By Application: Animal Feed Accelerates Adoption

Food and beverages represent the dominant application segment with a 55.31% market share in 2024, supported by increasing consumer demand for sustainable protein alternatives and favorable regulatory frameworks for novel food ingredients. The animal feed segment is experiencing rapid growth at a 19.63% CAGR through 2030, primarily due to increased adoption in aquaculture, where microbial proteins help address sustainability issues in fish meal production. The supplements segment capitalizes on high protein content and bioactive compounds for sports and medical nutrition, while industrial applications remain in early stages with potential for specialized protein ingredients.

The regulatory environment varies across application segments, with animal feed facing fewer approval requirements compared to human food applications. Industry collaborations strengthen the animal feed segment, as demonstrated by Nutreco's investment in BiomEdit for developing microbiome-based feed additives to improve animal health and productivity. In food and beverage applications, manufacturers continue to innovate through blended formulations, incorporating microbial proteins while maintaining familiar taste profiles to ensure consumer acceptance.

Microbial Protein Market
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Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Geography Analysis

Europe holds 33.22% market share in 2024, supported by established fermentation infrastructure, favorable regulations, and government funding for alternative protein development. The region demonstrates significant commercial progress, with Solar Foods' Factory01 in Finland producing up to 160 tons of Solein annually and Cargill's partnership with ENOUGH targeting over 1 million tons of ABUNDA mycoprotein by 2033 according to Europan biotechnology. Germany has emerged as an innovation center, with MicroHarvest achieving 10 tons daily production capacity and Nosh.bio operating at thousands of tons annual capacity in Dresden. The updated EFSA novel food guidance, effective February 2025, simplifies approval processes and reduces market entry barriers. While the region's regulatory environment and consumer preferences support market growth, high production costs and regulatory complexity remain challenges for smaller companies.

Asia-Pacific exhibits the highest growth rate at 18.75% CAGR through 2030, supported by biomanufacturing investments, increasing protein demand, and food security initiatives. Singapore maintains its position as a regulatory gateway, with Solar Foods and Ajinomoto Group planning Solein distribution across Asia following regulatory approval. Regional research advances include Nanyang Technological University's development of single-cell proteins from food processing wastewater for aquaculture applications. Growth continues through increasing consumer awareness and government support for biotechnology innovation in food security.

North America maintains market growth through efficient GRAS regulatory pathways and venture capital support, despite smaller market share compared to Europe and Asia-Pacific. Recent FDA approvals include Superbrewed Food's postbiotic cultured protein and various microbial protein GRAS notifications. Industry developments include Fonterra's partnership with Superbrewed Food for postbiotic protein ingredients using lactose permeate, NovoNutrients' USD 18 million funding for CO2-to-aquafeed protein, and Liberation Labs' precision fermentation facility funding. South America and Middle East & Africa show growth potential, demonstrated by NEOM Investment Fund's support for Saudi Arabia's precision fermentation facility and Enifer's collaboration with Brazilian company FS for mycoprotein production using corn ethanol byproducts.

Microbial Protein Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Note: Segment shares of all Individual segments will be available upon report purchase

Competitive Landscape

The microbial protein market shows moderate fragmentation with a concentration score of 4 out of 10. Some of the major players include Cargill, Incorporated., Corbion, DSM-Firmenich, among others. This creates opportunities for both established companies and new entrants to gain market share through technological innovation and strategic partnerships. Quorn Foods, a market leader, has expanded into blended meat-mycoprotein products to attract flexitarian consumers while maintaining its core mycoprotein production. The industry is experiencing strategic consolidation, as demonstrated by Cargill's investment in ENOUGH and their agreement to market ABUNDA mycoprotein, with production targets of over 1 million tons by 2033 using zero-waste fermentation.

Companies are competing primarily through technological advancement. MicroHarvest has achieved production scaling to 10 tons daily through its proprietary seed train technologies that reduce fermentation time. This advancement in production efficiency has enabled companies to meet growing market demand while maintaining product quality. The improved fermentation processes have also led to significant cost reductions in manufacturing operations.

New market entrants are developing innovative production methods to differentiate themselves. Solar Foods uses air-protein technology, while other companies utilize agricultural waste as feedstock to achieve cost and sustainability advantages. Regulatory compliance also shapes competition, as companies that obtain GRAS [3]Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), "novel food authorizations", https://www.knoell.com status and novel food authorizations gain advantages through faster market entry and lower regulatory risk.

Microbial Protein Industry Leaders

  1. Cargill, Incorporated.

  2. DSM-Firmenich

  3. Sensient Technologies Corporation

  4. Kerry Group plc.

  5. Corbion N.V.

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

  • March 2025: Solar Foods announced investment plan for Europe's largest emission reduction moonshot project, significantly expanding their microbial protein production capabilities beyond the initial Factory01 facility in Finland.
  • August 2024: Mycorena AB acquired by fellow mycoprotein producer Naplasol following Mycorena's bankruptcy filing due to insufficient financing for large-scale facility development, highlighting capital intensity challenges in the sector.
  • April 2024: MicroHarvest and VEGDOG launched first microbial protein dog treat featuring hypoallergenic ingredients with 1.4kg CO2 equivalent per kilogram carbon footprint.
  • March 2024: MicroHarvest became first biomass fermentation company to join Food Fermentation Europe, indicating industry recognition of microbial protein technologies.

Table of Contents for Microbial 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 Rising Demand for Sustainable Protein Sources
    • 4.2.2 Technological Advancements in Fermentation and Bioprocessing
    • 4.2.3 Increased Adoption in Pet and Aquafeed Sectors
    • 4.2.4 Regulatory support for novel food ingredients
    • 4.2.5 Expanding applications in functional food and beverages
    • 4.2.6 High protein content and rapid biomass generation
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Taste and sensory challenges in food formulations
    • 4.3.2 Competition from Other Alternative Proteins
    • 4.3.3 High Research and Development and production setup costs
    • 4.3.4 Limited consumer awareness and acceptance
  • 4.4 Supply-Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory and Technological Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. Market Size and Growth Forecasts (Value)

  • 5.1 By Protein Type
    • 5.1.1 Algae Protein
    • 5.1.1.1 Spirulina Protein
    • 5.1.1.2 Chlorella Protein
    • 5.1.1.3 Others
    • 5.1.2 Mycoprotein
    • 5.1.3 Bacterial Protein
    • 5.1.4 Yeast Protein
  • 5.2 By Application
    • 5.2.1 Food and Beverages
    • 5.2.1.1 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
    • 5.2.1.2 Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
    • 5.2.1.3 Bakery
    • 5.2.2 Supplements
    • 5.2.2.1 Sport/Performance Nutrition
    • 5.2.2.2 Elderly and Medical Nutrition
    • 5.2.3 Animal Feed
    • 5.2.3.1 Aquafeed
    • 5.2.3.2 Poultry Feed
    • 5.2.3.3 Pet Food
    • 5.2.4 Industrial and Other Applications
  • 5.3 By Geography
    • 5.3.1 North America
    • 5.3.1.1 United States
    • 5.3.1.2 Canada
    • 5.3.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.3.1.4 Rest of North America
    • 5.3.2 Europe
    • 5.3.2.1 Germany
    • 5.3.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.3.2.3 Italy
    • 5.3.2.4 France
    • 5.3.2.5 Spain
    • 5.3.2.6 Netherlands
    • 5.3.2.7 Poland
    • 5.3.2.8 Belgium
    • 5.3.2.9 Sweden
    • 5.3.2.10 Rest of Europe
    • 5.3.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.3.3.1 China
    • 5.3.3.2 India
    • 5.3.3.3 Japan
    • 5.3.3.4 Australia
    • 5.3.3.5 Indonesia
    • 5.3.3.6 South Korea
    • 5.3.3.7 Thailand
    • 5.3.3.8 Singapore
    • 5.3.3.9 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.3.4 South America
    • 5.3.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.3.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.3.4.3 Colombia
    • 5.3.4.4 Chile
    • 5.3.4.5 Peru
    • 5.3.4.6 Rest of South America
    • 5.3.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.3.5.1 South Africa
    • 5.3.5.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.3.5.3 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.3.5.4 Nigeria
    • 5.3.5.5 Egypt
    • 5.3.5.6 Morocco
    • 5.3.5.7 Turkey
    • 5.3.5.8 Rest of Middle East and Africa

6. Competitive Landscape

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products & Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Cyanotech Corporation
    • 6.4.2 Corbion N.V.
    • 6.4.3 ENOUGH (3F Bio Ltd.)
    • 6.4.4 Naplasol BV (Mycorena AB)
    • 6.4.5 Roquette Frères S.A.
    • 6.4.6 KnipBio Inc.
    • 6.4.7 Algenol Biotech LLC
    • 6.4.8 Alver World SA
    • 6.4.9 Enifer
    • 6.4.10 Zilor (Biorigin)
    • 6.4.11 Cargill, Incorporated
    • 6.4.12 DSM-Firmenich
    • 6.4.13 Allmicroalgae- Natural Products, S.A
    • 6.4.14 Sophie’s Bionutrients Pte. Ltd.
    • 6.4.15 NovoNutrients
    • 6.4.16 Sensient Technologies Corporation
    • 6.4.17 ABF Ingredients (Ohly)
    • 6.4.18 Kerry Group plc
    • 6.4.19 AngelYeast Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.20 Lallemand Inc.

7. Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

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Global Microbial Protein Market Report Scope

Microbial protein refers to protein derived from microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, or algae. 

The global microbial protein market is segmented based on protein type, end-user, and geography. Based on the protein type, the market is segmented as algae protein and mycoprotein. Based on the end-user, the market is segmented as food and beverages, and supplements. By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. 

For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of value (in USD) and in volume terms (in tons) for all the above-mentioned segments.

By Protein Type Algae Protein Spirulina Protein
Chlorella Protein
Others
Mycoprotein
Bacterial Protein
Yeast Protein
By Application Food and Beverages Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
Bakery
Supplements Sport/Performance Nutrition
Elderly and Medical Nutrition
Animal Feed Aquafeed
Poultry Feed
Pet Food
Industrial and Other Applications
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand
Singapore
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Chile
Peru
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
Egypt
Morocco
Turkey
Rest of Middle East and Africa
By Protein Type
Algae Protein Spirulina Protein
Chlorella Protein
Others
Mycoprotein
Bacterial Protein
Yeast Protein
By Application
Food and Beverages Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
Bakery
Supplements Sport/Performance Nutrition
Elderly and Medical Nutrition
Animal Feed Aquafeed
Poultry Feed
Pet Food
Industrial and Other Applications
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand
Singapore
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Chile
Peru
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
Egypt
Morocco
Turkey
Rest of Middle East and Africa
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Key Questions Answered in the Report

What is driving the rapid growth of the microbial protein market?

Technological breakthroughs in precision fermentation, supportive regulations such as EFSA’s 2025 guidance, and corporate sustainability goals are propelling the microbial protein market at a 14.19% CAGR to 2030.

Which protein type is expanding fastest?

Bacterial protein is the quickest-growing segment, projected at a 17.18% CAGR thanks to low resource requirements and cost-competitive scaling.

Why is Asia-Pacific the growth engine for microbial protein?

Government biomanufacturing investments, rising protein demand, and facilities such as Malaysia’s upcoming microalgae biorefinery support an 18.75% CAGR for the region through 2030.

What are the key barriers to wider consumer adoption?

Sensory challenges around taste and color plus high capital costs for new plants currently restrain faster penetration, though ongoing R&D and new financing models are addressing these hurdles.

Which regulations most influence market entry?

The FDA’s GRAS process and EFSA’s novel food pathway, both recently updated, provide clear and faster approval routes that lower commercialization risk for new microbial protein products.

Page last updated on: July 11, 2025

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