Soy Protein Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends and Forecast (2026 - 2031)

The Soy Protein Market Report is Segmented by Form (Soy Protein Concentrates, Soy Protein Hydrolyzed, and Soy Protein Isolates), Category (Organic, and Conventional), End User (Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, and Nutritional Supplements), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (tonnes).

Soy Protein Market Size and Share

Soy Protein Market Size
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Soy Protein Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The soy protein market size was valued at USD 8.28 billion in 2025 and is estimated to grow from USD 8.60 billion in 2026 to reach USD 10.89 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 4.83% during the forecast period (2026-2031). This growth is driven by consistent demand for plant-based nutrition, clean-label requirements from retailers, and the cost advantage of soy compared to emerging protein sources. Soy protein isolates maintained their position as the volume leader due to their 90% protein purity, neutral flavor, and versatile functionality, enabling formulators to achieve protein targets with minimal impact on texture. Hydrolyzed soy protein is experiencing the fastest growth, driven by demand from sports nutrition and medical brands seeking rapid-absorption peptides. Regionally, North America accounts for one-third of global demand, supported by its vertically integrated crushing capacity, while the Asia-Pacific region leads in volume growth, driven by fortification programs in China and India.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By form, soy protein isolates are expected to account for 40.13% of the soy protein market share in 2025, while hydrolyzed soy protein is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.04% through 2031.
  • By category, conventional grades are anticipated to represent 79.34% of the soy protein market size in 2025, whereas organic grades are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.74% between 2026 and 2031.
  • By end user, the food and beverages segment is projected to account for 56.41% of the 2025 volume, while nutritional supplements are expected to achieve the highest CAGR of 5.54% through 2031.
  • By geography, North America is estimated to capture 33.43% of the 2025 revenue, with the Asia-Pacific region forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.44% 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.

Soy Protein Market Segment Analysis

By Form:

Isolates Anchor Premium Applications While Hydrolyzed Variants Target Rapid Absorption

Soy protein isolates accounted for 40.13% of the market share in 2025, leading applications such as sports nutrition, infant formula, and high-protein beverages. Their 90% protein content and neutral organoleptic (sensory) properties support premium pricing in these segments. Hydrolyzed soy protein, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.04% through 2031, is gaining popularity in clinical nutrition and post-workout recovery products. Its enzymatic pre-digestion produces di- and tri-peptides that bypass gastric breakdown, enabling faster amino acid absorption.

Companies like Abbott Nutrition and Nestlé Health Science are incorporating hydrolyzed soy protein into enteral feeding formulations for patients with compromised digestion, benefiting from its hypoallergenic properties and reduced immunogenicity compared to intact proteins. Meanwhile, soy protein concentrates, with 65-70% protein content, are used in cost-sensitive applications such as bakery products, processed meats, and pet food. In these cases, functional properties like water binding, emulsification, and texture enhancement are prioritized over protein purity.

Soy Protein Market Share by Form, 2025
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Soy Protein Market Share by Form, 2025

By Category:

Conventional Dominates on Cost, Organic Climbs on Clean-Label Mandates

Conventional soy protein held 79.34% of the market share in 2025, primarily due to cost advantages. Conventional soy protein isolates were priced at USD 5 to 7 per kilogram, compared to USD 9 to 12 per kilogram for organic alternatives. Additionally, well-established supply chains from major soybean-producing countries, including the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, further supported its market dominance.

Organic soy protein, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.74% through 2031, is steadily gaining market share in North America and Europe. Retailers such as Whole Foods Market and Alnatura require organic certification for private-label plant proteins, contributing to this growth. Certifications like United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Organic and European Union (EU) Organic involve a three-year land transition period, prohibit synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organism (GMO) inputs, and require segregated handling. These factors limit supply flexibility and increase costs. In 2025, organic soybean production in the United States reached 180,000 metric tons, representing 1.8% of total soybean output. However, expansion remains constrained due to lower yields, with organic soybeans producing 2.2 to 2.5 metric tons per hectare compared to 3.0 to 3.5 metric tons for conventional varieties.

By End User:

Food and Beverages Lead, Nutritional Supplements Accelerate

In 2025, the food and beverages segment accounted for 56.41% of soy protein demand. This includes applications in meat alternatives, dairy analogs, bakery products, snacks, and ready-to-eat (RTE) meals. Soy protein concentrate and isolates are used in these products for their functional properties, such as emulsification, water binding, and texture formation, as well as for nutritional fortification.

The nutritional supplements segment is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.54% through 2031, driven by demand in sports nutrition, infant formula, and elderly nutrition. The complete amino acid profiles and high digestibility of soy protein support its premium pricing in this segment. The remaining demand is attributed to animal feed, where soy protein concentrate serves as a cost-effective protein source for aquaculture and poultry diets. However, this segment faces margin pressures due to competition from soybean meal, which provides comparable protein content at a lower cost. 

Soy Protein Market Share by End User, 2025
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Soy Protein Market Share by End User, 2025

Geography Analysis

North America Soy Protein Market

North America led the global soy protein market in 2025, holding a 33.43% share. This dominance was supported by the United States' vertically integrated supply chain, which spans soybean cultivation, crushing, refining, and isolate production. The region's demand was strong across categories such as meat alternatives, sports nutrition, and pet food. North America's mature market is driven by innovation, with brands launching products like hydrolyzed soy protein beverages, organic soy protein bars, and hybrid meat products that combine soy with animal proteins to address cost and sustainability objectives. Regulatory support, including Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for soy protein isolates and concentrates, enables faster product development cycles, allowing brands to refine formulations without lengthy approval processes. In Canada, the plant-based protein sector is growing, backed by federal investments exceeding CAD 150 million (USD 110 million) through the Protein Industries Canada initiative, which is enhancing soy protein processing capacity and fostering innovation in texturized soy protein for meat analogs [2].

APAC Soy Protein Market

The Asia-Pacific region is the fastest-growing segment, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.44% through 2031. This growth is led by China's USD 2.8 billion soy protein market, which accounted for 28% of the region's volume in 2025. China's market growth is driven by government-supported protein fortification programs, urbanization, and increasing disposable incomes. The domestic soy protein industry benefits from a soybean crushing capacity exceeding 100 million metric tons annually. However, its reliance on imported soybeans from Brazil and the United States exposes the market to risks associated with currency fluctuations and trade policies. In India, the soy protein market is growing at a CAGR of 6.2%, fueled by vegetarian dietary traditions, government nutrition programs such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) initiative that incorporates soy-fortified foods, and increasing demand for sports nutrition among urban millennials[3].

Europe Soy Protein Market

Europe's soy protein market is also experiencing steady growth, with a CAGR of 4.6%. This growth is shaped by strict regulatory frameworks, including European Union (EU) Regulation No 1169/2011 on allergen labeling and Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified organism (GMO) traceability. While these regulations increase compliance costs, they also strengthen consumer trust in certified non-GMO and organic soy proteins. Germany, the largest market in the region, valued at USD 420 million in 2025, is driven by the growing consumption of meat alternatives. Brands such as Rügenwalder Mühle and Veganz are incorporating soy protein isolates into plant-based sausages and deli slices to meet this demand.

Soy Protein Market Growth Rate by Region
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Soy Protein Market Growth Rate by Region

Competitive Landscape

Top Companies in Soy Protein Market

Key players like Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Cargill, and Bunge dominate the soy protein market, employing vertical integration from soybean origination to isolate production. This strategy bolsters cost leadership and strengthens supply chain resilience. Collectively, these companies command around 45% of global soy protein capacity. By operating crushing facilities in major soybean-producing areas such as the U.S. Midwest, Brazilian Cerrado, and Argentine Pampas, they can respond to demand shifts and commodity price changes. Mid-tier processors like Wilmar International, CHS Inc., and Fuji Oil Holdings differentiate through regional focus and specialized products. Wilmar, with integrated assets in China and Southeast Asia, has a strong position in the Asia-Pacific market. Fuji Oil Holdings supplies high-functionality soy proteins for Japan and Europe's confectionery and bakery sectors. Newer entrants such as Sonic Biochem in India and Gushen Biotechnology in China compete in cost-sensitive markets through lower-cost manufacturing and localized distribution. However, constrained research and development budgets can limit participation in premium isolate and hydrolyzed protein segments.

Market players are focusing on capacity expansions in high-growth regions. For instance, ADM invested USD 75 million in a North Dakota soy protein isolate facility that opened in 2024, targeting North America's demand for sports nutrition and meat alternatives. Cargill expanded its Wichita, Kansas texturized soy protein capacity by 30% in 2025, aligning with the needs of plant-based meat brands. Interest is also increasing in fermented soy proteins, which can enhance digestibility through microbial fermentation, and bioprocessed soy proteins produced via precision fermentation for animal-free heme proteins in advanced meat analogs. Processors are adopting technologies such as membrane filtration and enzymatic hydrolysis to increase protein purity and reduce environmental footprints. Blockchain systems are also being used to verify non-GMO and organic claims, supporting premium pricing.

Companies like Bühler Group and Clextral are pioneering patent activities in extrusion technology and shear-cell processing, refining texturized soy proteins to closely resemble whole-muscle meat cuts. These advancements not only fill a sensory void in plant-based meats but also propel market expansion.

Soy Protein Industry Leaders

  1. Archer Daniels Midland Company

  2. Cargill, Incorporated

  3. Bunge Limited

  4. Wilmar International Limited

  5. CHS Inc.

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Soy Protein Market Concentration
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Soy Protein Market Companies Covered in this Report

  • Archer Daniels Midland Company
  • Cargill, Incorporated
  • Bunge Limited
  • Wilmar International Limited
  • CHS Inc.
  • Fuji Oil Holdings Inc.
  • International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
  • Kerry Group plc
  • A. Costantino & C. SpA
  • Shandong Yuwang Ecological Food Industry Co., Ltd.
  • Sonic Biochem Extractions Pvt. Ltd.
  • Farbest Brands
  • Gushen Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd.
  • Ingredion Incorporated
  • Sojaprotein AD
  • Biopress S.A.S.
  • House Foods Group Inc.
  • MGP Ingredients, Inc.
  • Vicentin S.A.I.C.
  • Crown Soya Protein Group

Recent Industry Developments in Soy Protein Market

  • December 2025: Bunge launched a new line of soy protein concentrates at IFFA, backed by a USD 550 million investment in its Morristown, Indiana facility—the world's largest food-grade plant protein site. Offering 70% protein and 17% fiber in conventional and non-GMO formats, these products feature clean taste, neutral color, and affordability for plant-based meats, snacks, baked goods, and beverages, while prioritizing sustainability through regenerative agriculture.
  • November 2024: ICL Food Specialties partners with DAIZ Engineering to launch ROVITARIS SprouTx, a innovative textured soy protein using germination technology. It enhances taste, texture, and nutrition for plant-based meat and seafood analogs, eliminating beany flavors.
  • August 2025: ADM has decided to streamline its global soy protein production network. The company will halt operations at its Bushnell, Illinois plant and instead focus on its recommissioned Decatur East facility, as well as other international sites. This move not only boosts efficiency but also caters to the rising global demand. Furthermore, it solidifies ADM's competitive edge through enhanced operational excellence and a more simplified portfolio.

Table of Contents for Soy 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 Increasing consumer shift toward vegan and vegetarian diets boosts soy protein adoption in meat substitutes
    • 4.2.2 Surge in plant-based protein demand for snacks, beverages, and ready-to-drink products accelerates market expansion
    • 4.2.3 Rising popularity of clean-label and non-GMO ingredients favors soy over animal proteins
    • 4.2.4 Expansion of sports nutrition and high-protein supplements incorporates soy
    • 4.2.5 Growing use in infant nutrition and dairy alternatives due to complete amino acid profile
    • 4.2.6 Pet food industry adoption of soy-based proteins for sustainable nutrition solutions
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Allergen concerns limit soy protein use in sensitive consumer food formulations
    • 4.3.2 Competition from pea, whey, and other plant proteins fragments market share
    • 4.3.3 High processing costs for isolates raise pricing versus basic protein sources
    • 4.3.4 Strict regulatory scrutiny on soy safety slows new product approvals
  • 4.4 Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Outlook
  • 4.6 Porter’s Five Forces
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

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

  • 5.1 By Form
    • 5.1.1 Soy Protein Concentrates
    • 5.1.2 Soy Protein Hydrolyzed
    • 5.1.3 Soy Protein Isolates
  • 5.2 By Category
    • 5.2.1 Organic
    • 5.2.2 Conventional
  • 5.3 By End User
    • 5.3.1 Animal Feed
    • 5.3.2 Food and Beverages
    • 5.3.2.1 Bakery
    • 5.3.2.2 Beverages
    • 5.3.2.3 Breakfast Cereals
    • 5.3.2.4 Condiments/Sauces
    • 5.3.2.5 Confectionery
    • 5.3.2.6 Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
    • 5.3.2.7 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
    • 5.3.2.8 RTE/RTC Foods
    • 5.3.2.9 Snacks
    • 5.3.3 Nutritional Supplements
    • 5.3.3.1 Baby and Infant Formula
    • 5.3.3.2 Elderly and Medical Nutrition
    • 5.3.3.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition
  • 5.4 By Geography
    • 5.4.1 North America
    • 5.4.1.1 United States
    • 5.4.1.2 Canada
    • 5.4.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.4.1.4 Rest of North America
    • 5.4.2 Europe
    • 5.4.2.1 Germany
    • 5.4.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.4.2.3 Italy
    • 5.4.2.4 France
    • 5.4.2.5 Spain
    • 5.4.2.6 Netherlands
    • 5.4.2.7 Poland
    • 5.4.2.8 Belgium
    • 5.4.2.9 Sweden
    • 5.4.2.10 Rest of Europe
    • 5.4.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.4.3.1 China
    • 5.4.3.2 India
    • 5.4.3.3 Japan
    • 5.4.3.4 Australia
    • 5.4.3.5 Indonesia
    • 5.4.3.6 South Korea
    • 5.4.3.7 Thailand
    • 5.4.3.8 Singapore
    • 5.4.3.9 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.4.4 South America
    • 5.4.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.4.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.4.4.3 Colombia
    • 5.4.4.4 Chile
    • 5.4.4.5 Peru
    • 5.4.4.6 Rest of South America
    • 5.4.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.4.5.1 South Africa
    • 5.4.5.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.4.5.3 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.4.5.4 Nigeria
    • 5.4.5.5 Egypt
    • 5.4.5.6 Morocco
    • 5.4.5.7 Turkey
    • 5.4.5.8 Rest of Middle East and Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Ranking Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global-level Overview, Market-level Overview, Core Segments, Financials (if available), Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share, Products and Services, Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Archer Daniels Midland Company
    • 6.4.2 Cargill, Incorporated
    • 6.4.3 Bunge Limited
    • 6.4.4 Wilmar International Limited
    • 6.4.5 CHS Inc.
    • 6.4.6 Fuji Oil Holdings Inc.
    • 6.4.7 International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    • 6.4.8 Kerry Group plc
    • 6.4.9 A. Costantino & C. SpA
    • 6.4.10 Shandong Yuwang Ecological Food Industry Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.11 Sonic Biochem Extractions Pvt. Ltd.
    • 6.4.12 Farbest Brands
    • 6.4.13 Gushen Biotechnology Group Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.14 Ingredion Incorporated
    • 6.4.15 Sojaprotein AD
    • 6.4.16 Biopress S.A.S.
    • 6.4.17 House Foods Group Inc.
    • 6.4.18 MGP Ingredients, Inc.
    • 6.4.19 Vicentin S.A.I.C.
    • 6.4.20 Crown Soya Protein Group

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

Global Soy Protein Market Report Scope

The global soy protein market processes protein-rich ingredients derived from soybeans into versatile forms. These forms find diverse applications, spanning food processing, animal nutrition, and health products. As health consciousness rises, so does the demand for plant-based alternatives. This surge bolsters the market, supporting meat substitutes, functional foods, supplements, and feed solutions. 

The Global Soy Protein market is segmented by form into soy protein concentrates, soy protein hydrolyzed, and soy protein isolates. By category, the market is segmented into organic and conventional. The market is segmented by end user animal feed, food and beverages, and nutritional supplements. The market is segmented by geography into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa. The market sizing has been done in value terms in USD and volume in tonnes for all the abovementioned segments. 

By Form
Soy Protein Market segmentation breakdown
Soy Protein Concentrates
Soy Protein Hydrolyzed
Soy Protein Isolates
By Category
Soy Protein Market segmentation breakdown
Organic
Conventional
By End User
Soy Protein Market segmentation breakdown
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Foods
Snacks
Nutritional Supplements Baby and Infant Formula
Elderly and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
By Geography
Soy Protein Market segmentation breakdown
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
Soy Protein Market segmentation breakdown
By Form Soy Protein Concentrates
Soy Protein Hydrolyzed
Soy Protein Isolates
By Category Organic
Conventional
By End User Animal Feed
Food and Beverages Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Foods
Snacks
Nutritional Supplements Baby and Infant Formula
Elderly and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
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

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.
Soy Protein Market Glossary of Terms
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

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
research-methodology
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03. Exhaustive Data
Tracking a million data points on the proteins industry. Our constant market tracking covers over 1 million+ data points spanning 30 countries and over 175 companies just for the proteins industry.
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04. TRANSPARENCY
Know where your data comes from. Most market reports today hide the sources used behind the veil of a proprietary model. We proudly present them so you can trust our information.
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05. CONVENIENCE
Tables belong in spreadsheets. Like you, we also believe that spreadsheets are better suited for data evaluation. We dont clutter our reports with data tables. We provide an excel document with each report that contains all the data used to analyze the market.

Key Questions Answered in the Report

How large is the soy protein market in 2026?

The soy protein market size reached USD 8.60 billion in 2026 and is forecast at USD 10.89 billion by 2031.

Which form dominates commercial demand?

Soy protein isolates lead with 40.13% of 2025 revenue because their 90% purity and neutral flavor suit beverages, sports nutrition, and infant formula.

What region is growing the fastest?

Asia-Pacific posts the highest growth at a projected 5.44% CAGR through 2031, driven by China and India’s fortification programs and rising disposable incomes.

Why is hydrolyzed soy protein important?

Hydrolyzed soy protein is advancing at 6.04% CAGR because its di- and tri-peptides deliver rapid absorption for clinical and sports-nutrition applications.

How do allergen regulations affect soy demand?

Mandatory soy allergen labeling in the United States and Europe forces segregated production lines and encourages some brands to switch to pea or rice protein, slightly tempering growth.

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