India Protein Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

India Protein Market Analysis

The India Protein Market size is estimated at 1.52 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 2.08 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.52% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The protein industry in India is experiencing a significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and dietary habits. A notable shift towards plant protein is evident, with 74% of Indians viewing a vegan diet as healthy in 2023. The market is witnessing increased innovation in protein sources, particularly in plant-based alternatives, as manufacturers respond to growing health consciousness among consumers. This evolution is further supported by government initiatives, exemplified by Maharashtra's allocation of INR 2,399 crore in September 2024 to support soybean farmers, demonstrating the strategic importance of protein sources in agricultural policy.

The industry is witnessing substantial technological advancement and infrastructure development. In May 2024, the launch of the Centre for Smart Protein and Sustainable Material Innovation in Bengaluru, a collaboration between IKP Knowledge Park and the Good Food Institute (GFI), marked a significant milestone in protein innovation. Major players are expanding their production capabilities, as evidenced by Nitta Gelatin's INR 200 crore investment in its Kakkanad facility for collagen peptide production. The sector is also seeing increased research and development activities, with companies like Roquette introducing new multi-functional pea proteins in February 2024.

Consumer awareness and health consciousness are reshaping market dynamics, particularly in urban areas where approximately 64,148 gyms were operational as of 2023. The market is experiencing a notable shift in consumer preferences, with about 63% of Indians expressing willingness to purchase plant-based meat regularly. This trend is particularly significant given that approximately 60-65% of the population was lactose-intolerant in 2022, driving demand for alternative protein sources.

Sustainability and clean-label products are emerging as key market differentiators, with 61% of consumers favoring brands that emphasize sustainable packaging. The personal care and cosmetics segment is witnessing increased incorporation of protein ingredients, with working women allocating approximately 35% of their income for personal expenditure. The industry is responding with innovative product formulations, particularly in natural and organic offerings, as consumers increasingly scrutinize ingredient lists and manufacturing processes.

India Protein Market Trends

Increase in per capita animal protein consumption to create a favorable environment for whey protein and collagen suppliers

• The country's food industry has tripled in the past decade and is expected to follow the same trend over the coming years. Functional foods, beverages, and protein products are becoming widely popular due to their health benefits. The demand for personal care products containing whey protein has also increased in the country. Due to the country's increasing awareness of fitness, the demand for whey protein powder among bodybuilders and young Indians is increasing. About 33% of urban Indians have easy access to a gym. Meanwhile, 25% of the population in India who had never joined a gym or taken a lesson from a fitness teacher began going to the gym for the first time in the first half of 2022.
• The market is driven by factors such as a growing inclination toward beauty and health supplements and increased R&D activities. The spectrum of applications of collagen is broad, with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies incorporating collagen-based products for better drug delivery systems. However, there is a strong preference for natural and ayurvedic products, boosting the market for natural ingredients such as animal proteins.
• In 2020, the yield of animal byproducts ranged between 50% and 60% of the live weight. Hides and skins are typically among the most valuable animal byproducts, producing end products like edible gelatin. The weight of the hides ranges from 4% to 11% of the live animal's weight. Increased usage of gelatin as a viable biodegradable food packaging material and a boost in fortified confectionery and sports nutrition products may lead to new prospects for the Indian market from 2024 to 2029.

Increase in per capita animal protein consumption to create a favorable environment for whey protein and collagen suppliers

• The raw materials considered in the graph are meat from cattle, pigs, and chickens (fresh and chilled), raw milk from cattle and goats, skim milk from cows, and dry whey powder. India is the world's leading producer of milk, which is the basic raw material used to manufacture various animal protein types. The per capita availability of milk in India stood at 459 grams per day for 2022-2023, significantly higher than the global average of 322 grams per day, as reported in Food Outlook in June 2023. India contributed to 24% of the global milk production in the year 2021-2022. India’s milk production has registered a 51% increase during the last eight years.
• Animal proteins, such as whey, are widely generated in India as a byproduct of paneer and cheese manufacturing. The production of these byproducts is continuously increasing. The production of cheese from whole cow milk was registered at 5,190.8 tonnes in India in 2021. However, much of the cheese market remains untapped, implying that the production of cheese and its byproducts has huge growth potential in India.
• Gelatin and collagen-producing industries rely heavily on slaughterhouses and cattle, pig, and fish farms for their raw materials. In 2022, the country had 63 government-approved abattoirs, becoming one of the world's largest meat producers. However, most abattoirs in India dispose of their waste, including skin, bones, and hooves, posing a significant difficulty for the animal protein industry. Government initiatives and the construction of new modern slaughterhouses nationwide are helping boost the industry. Similarly, raw materials are supplied to the country's marine-based food makers by the marine industries, which are primarily based in the state of Bengal.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

• Growing concerns about infant nutrition are driving the market
• The increasing presence of organized bakeries is anticipated to impact the market
• Non-alcoholic drinks are predicted to support market growth
• Fortification and innovative packaging trends are expected to influence the breakfast cereals segment
• Home cooking is driving the market
• Growing per capita consumption and retail infrastructure are driving market growth
• Dairy alternatives to witness significant growth rate
• Increase in the geriatric population is driving the segment
• Growing preference for a protein-rich diet to influence segment growth
• The RTE/RTC segment is dominant in the food processing industry
• The healthier snacking option is driving the market
• Rising Awareness Regarding Sport/Performance Nutrition Is Increasing the Consumer Base in the Market
• Compound Feed Supporting the Demand for Animal Feed in India
• Premiumization and growing preference for natural ingredients boosting the segment
• India emerging as one of the major markets in terms of plant protein consumption
• India to focus more on soybean and pea production among plant protein types

Segment Analysis: Source

Plant Protein Segment in India Protein Market

Plant protein dominates the Indian protein market, commanding approximately 65% of the total market value share in 2024. This significant market position stems from the immense availability, superior functionality, and cost-effectiveness of key plant protein sources like soy, wheat, and peas. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by India's large vegetarian population and a growing consumer shift away from animal-based products, with around 77% of consumers being open to trying alternative protein sources. Government support has also played a crucial role in boosting this segment, particularly through initiatives by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to support the development of plant protein products. The segment's strong performance is additionally driven by the increasing soybean production in the country, with soy protein demonstrating enhanced functionalities including increased water binding capacity, gelling properties, and improved texture.

Animal Protein Segment in India Protein Market

The animal protein segment is projected to demonstrate robust growth with an expected CAGR of approximately 7% during 2024-2029, emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the Indian protein market. This accelerated growth trajectory is primarily attributed to the segment's complete amino acid profile, making it highly preferred for sports protein applications. The growth is further supported by India's position as the world's largest milk producer, contributing nearly 25% to global milk production. The segment's expansion is also driven by the rising demand for protein-enriched products in the sports nutrition sector, with whey protein particularly gaining traction due to its superior nutritional profile and versatile applications. Additionally, the increasing adoption of collagen and gelatin in various applications, from supplements to personal care products, is contributing to the segment's rapid growth.

Remaining Segments in Source Segmentation

The microbial protein segment, while currently holding a smaller market share, represents an emerging segment in the Indian protein market. This segment encompasses innovative protein sources such as algae protein and mycoprotein, offering sustainable protein alternatives to traditional protein sources. The segment is gaining traction due to the gradually expanding knowledge of these protein components, which is propelling the scope of innovations and building customer confidence. Microbial proteins are particularly valued for their sustainability credentials, using significantly less land and water resources compared to traditional protein sources. The segment is seeing increased applications in various industries, from sports nutrition to meat alternatives, driven by growing consumer awareness and acceptance of alternative protein sources.

Segment Analysis: End User

Food and Beverages Segment in India Protein Market

The food and beverages segment dominates the India protein market, commanding approximately 71% market share in 2024, establishing itself as the cornerstone of protein applications in the country. This dominance is primarily driven by the meat/poultry/seafood and meat alternatives sub-segment, which accounts for nearly 34% of the segment's value, followed closely by dairy and dairy alternative products at around 25%. The segment's leadership position is reinforced by increasing consumer awareness about protein-rich diets and the growing demand for protein functionalities across various food applications. The rising trend of veganism and concerns about animal cruelty have particularly boosted the demand for plant-sourced products within this segment, with plant proteins accounting for over 82% of the total consumption volume in protein food and protein beverage applications.

Personal Care and Cosmetics Segment in India Protein Market

The personal care and cosmetics segment is experiencing remarkable growth in the India protein market, projected to expand at approximately 10% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. This accelerated growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness regarding natural ingredients and a growing preference for protein-enriched personal care products. The segment's expansion is particularly notable in the natural personal care products category, which commands about 40% of the total market share. A significant shift towards sustainability is evident, with approximately 61% of consumers favoring brands that emphasize sustainable packaging. The segment is witnessing substantial innovation in product formulations, especially with the integration of various protein types such as collagen, which holds nearly 70% value share in personal care applications, and plant-based proteins that are gaining traction due to their natural properties and consumer preference for botanical ingredients.

Remaining Segments in End User Market

The supplements and animal feed segments play vital roles in shaping the overall protein market landscape in India. The supplements segment is primarily driven by the sports/performance nutrition sub-segment, which has gained significant traction due to increasing health consciousness and fitness trends among Indian consumers. The segment is witnessing substantial growth in baby food and infant formula applications, driven by rising awareness about children's protein nutrition. Meanwhile, the animal feed segment maintains a steady presence in the market, supported by India's position as one of the world's largest feed-producing nations. This segment is particularly important for the livestock industry, with various protein types being utilized to enhance feed quality and animal nutrition outcomes.