United States Animal Protein Market Size and Share

United States Animal Protein Market Summary
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United States Animal Protein Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The United States Animal Protein Market size is estimated at 2.1 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 2.69 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.04% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The United States animal protein industry continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences and dietary habits. In 2022, approximately 80% of US adult consumers preferred traditional protein sources like pork, beef, poultry, and fish as their main protein sources, demonstrating the sustained demand for animal protein-based products. This preference has driven manufacturers to focus on product quality and nutritional value while addressing environmental concerns. The industry has witnessed significant investments in sustainable production methods and transparent supply chain practices, with companies implementing advanced tracking systems and quality control measures to meet consumer expectations.

The health and wellness trend remains a significant force shaping the market landscape. With current statistics showing that 36.5% of US adults are obese and 32.5% are overweight, consumers are increasingly seeking protein ingredients that support their health goals. The fitness industry plays a crucial role in driving demand, with approximately 64.19 million Americans maintaining health and fitness club memberships in 2022. This health-conscious consumer base has prompted manufacturers to develop specialized animal nutrition products targeting specific nutritional needs and fitness objectives.

Product innovation has become a key differentiator in the market, particularly in the ready-to-consume segment. Manufacturers are introducing new formats and formulations to meet diverse consumer preferences, with a notable trend toward clean-label products and enhanced functionality. The bakery sector exemplifies this evolution, with 74% of consumers consuming protein-enriched bakery items weekly in 2022, driving manufacturers to develop novel protein-fortified products that maintain taste and texture while delivering improved nutritional profiles.

The distribution landscape has undergone significant transformation, with companies adopting omnichannel strategies to enhance market penetration. E-commerce has emerged as a crucial sales channel, complementing traditional retail networks and enabling direct-to-consumer relationships. Major players are investing in digital platforms and logistics infrastructure to improve product accessibility and maintain a competitive advantage. This shift has been accompanied by increased investment in cold chain logistics and storage facilities to ensure product quality and extend shelf life, particularly for premium meat and poultry products.

Segment Analysis: Protein Type

Whey Protein Segment in US Animal Protein Market

Whey protein dominates the US animal protein market, commanding approximately 45% market share in 2024, primarily driven by its extensive applications in sports nutrition and functional foods. The segment's strong performance is attributed to whey protein's exceptional nutritional profile, high digestibility, and versatile functionality in various food and beverage applications. The demand is particularly strong in the sports nutrition segment, where whey protein isolates and concentrates are preferred for their ability to support muscle recovery and growth. The segment's growth is further supported by increasing consumer awareness about protein supplementation and the rising popularity of protein-fortified beverages and snacks.

Market Analysis of United States Animal Protein Market: Chart for Protein Type
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Casein and Caseinates Segment in US Animal Protein Market

The casein and caseinates segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth trajectory in the US animal protein market during 2024-2029, with an expected CAGR of approximately 6%. This robust growth is primarily driven by the supplements segment, particularly in sports and performance nutrition applications, where casein's slow-digesting properties make it ideal for sustained protein release. The segment's expansion is further supported by increasing applications in food and beverage products, especially in dairy alternatives and functional foods. Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating casein and caseinates into their formulations due to their superior emulsifying properties and high protein content, making them valuable ingredients in premium protein ingredients.

Remaining Segments in Protein Type

The US animal protein market encompasses several other significant segments including milk protein, collagen, egg protein, gelatin, and insect protein, each serving unique applications and market needs. Milk protein is valued for its complete amino acid profile and applications in infant formula and medical nutrition. Collagen has gained prominence in beauty and joint health supplements, while egg protein is preferred in the animal feed sector due to its high digestibility. Gelatin maintains its position in confectionery and pharmaceutical applications, while insect protein represents an emerging sustainable protein source. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and cater to specific consumer preferences and application requirements across various industries.

Segment Analysis: End User

Food and Beverages Segment in US Animal Protein Market

The Food and Beverages (F&B) segment dominates the US animal protein market, commanding approximately 47% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by consumers' pivoting interest from carbonated beverages toward healthier protein-enriched drinks and protein-based snacks. The segment's growth is further supported by the rising demand for nutritious snack food options as consumers become increasingly conscious about nutrition, clean labels, and the value of dairy protein in healthy lifestyles. Within the F&B segment, snacks and breakfast cereals are witnessing particularly strong demand, with one in four US consumers indicating "high in protein" as a very important attribute when deciding which snacks to consume, especially among millennial consumers. The segment's dominance is also reinforced by the growing incorporation of animal proteins in various applications including dairy products, bakery items, and beverages, where manufacturers are continuously innovating to meet consumer demands for protein-fortified options.

Personal Care and Cosmetics Segment in US Animal Protein Market

The Personal Care and Cosmetics segment is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the US animal protein market, projected to expand at a robust CAGR of approximately 7.1% during 2024-2029. This remarkable growth is primarily driven by increasing awareness about the usage of bioactive components in personal care products, coupled with rising consumer spending on self-care products. The segment's growth is particularly notable in collagen protein-based applications, as consumers increasingly focus on maintaining skin health and appearance. With the rise in work-from-home trends, consumers are placing greater emphasis on wellness, especially skin health, leading to increased demand for nutricosmetics. The segment is witnessing strong growth in natural ingredient-based products, with nearly 64% of US beauty customers prioritizing maintaining a youthful appearance, and 54% incorporating beauty regimens into their daily routines. This trend is expected to significantly impact market growth during the forecast period.

Remaining Segments in End User Segmentation

The Animal Feed and Supplements segments also play crucial roles in the US animal protein market. The Supplements segment has established itself as a significant market contributor, particularly driven by the sports nutrition sub-segment, where protein supplements are increasingly popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The segment's growth is supported by the rising health consciousness among consumers and the expanding fitness industry. Meanwhile, the Animal Feed segment maintains a steady presence in the market, primarily utilizing proteins like egg protein and insect protein. This segment's stability is maintained through consistent demand from the livestock and pet food industries, where protein-rich feed products are essential for animal health and growth. Both segments continue to evolve with technological advancements and changing consumer preferences, contributing to the overall market dynamics.

Competitive Landscape

Top Companies in United States Animal Protein Market

The animal protein market in the United States is characterized by companies focusing heavily on product innovation as their primary growth strategy, particularly in developing specialized protein ingredients for specific applications. Companies are investing significantly in expanding their production capabilities through new facility constructions and existing plant upgrades to meet the growing demand for animal protein. Operational agility has become crucial, with manufacturers implementing advanced ERP systems and quality tracking mechanisms to ensure consistent product quality and supply chain efficiency. Strategic partnerships, especially between protein manufacturers and food companies, have emerged as a key trend to strengthen market presence and distribution networks. Geographic expansion remains a priority, with companies establishing regional warehouses and distribution centers to better serve local markets and reduce delivery times. The focus on sustainable and clean-label products has driven companies to invest in research and development, leading to the introduction of grass-fed, organic, and specialized protein variants.

Fragmented Market with Strong Regional Players

The United States animal protein market exhibits a fragmented structure with a mix of global conglomerates and specialized regional players competing for market share. Global players like Glanbia PLC, Darling Ingredients, and Kerry Group leverage their extensive research capabilities and worldwide distribution networks to maintain their market positions, while regional specialists focus on niche segments and local customer relationships. The market is characterized by a strong presence of dairy cooperatives that have vertically integrated operations from milk collection to protein processing, providing them with supply chain advantages and quality control capabilities.

The industry has witnessed significant merger and acquisition activity, particularly focused on expanding protein portfolios and gaining access to new geographic markets. Companies are increasingly acquiring specialized protein manufacturers to diversify their product offerings and enter high-growth segments like sports nutrition and functional foods. Vertical integration has become a prominent strategy, with companies acquiring suppliers to secure raw material sources and downstream processors to expand their value-added product portfolio. The market also sees strategic partnerships between ingredient companies and food manufacturers to develop application-specific protein solutions.

Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Growth

Success in the United States animal protein market increasingly depends on companies' ability to innovate while maintaining sustainable practices throughout their operations. Manufacturers need to focus on developing specialized protein formulations that cater to specific end-user requirements, particularly in high-growth segments like sports nutrition and functional foods. Building strong relationships with key food and beverage manufacturers through collaborative product development and ensuring consistent supply becomes crucial for maintaining market position. Companies must also invest in sustainable production practices and transparent supply chains to meet growing consumer demands for environmentally responsible products.

Market contenders can gain ground by focusing on underserved niches and developing innovative protein solutions for emerging applications. Success factors include establishing strong quality control systems, obtaining relevant certifications, and building efficient distribution networks. Companies need to carefully monitor regulatory changes, particularly regarding protein sourcing and labeling requirements, as these can significantly impact market dynamics. The ability to quickly adapt production processes to meet changing consumer preferences and regulatory requirements will be crucial for long-term success. Investment in research and development capabilities, along with strategic partnerships with application developers, will help companies maintain competitive advantages in this evolving market. Additionally, the integration of processed animal protein in product lines can offer new opportunities for growth, aligning with the increasing demand for animal nutrition solutions.

United States Animal Protein Industry Leaders

  1. Arla Foods amba

  2. Darling Ingredients Inc.

  3. Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited

  4. Glanbia PLC

  5. Kerry Group PLC

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

  • August 2022: Optimum Nutrition announced the launch of its new Gold Standard Protein Shake. The RTD is available in chocolate and vanilla flavors and is formulated with 24 grams of protein per serving.
  • June 2022: Fonterra JV entered a joint venture with Tillamook country creamery association (TCCA) and a three-mile canyon farm in the United States to launch Pro-Optima TM, a grade A functional whey protein concentrate (fWPC).
  • April 2022: Symrise Pet Food announced a USD 65.5 million investment in its North American headquarters, located in Greenwood County. The expansion will help meet the increased pet food demand and allow the company to grow its powder palatant product offerings.

Table of Contents for United States Animal Protein Industry Report

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & KEY FINDINGS

2. INTRODUCTION

  • 2.1 Study Assumptions & Market Definition
  • 2.2 Scope of the Study​
  • 2.3 Research Methodology

3. KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS

  • 3.1 End User Market Volume
    • 3.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula
    • 3.1.2 Bakery
    • 3.1.3 Beverages
    • 3.1.4 Breakfast Cereals
    • 3.1.5 Condiments/Sauces
    • 3.1.6 Confectionery
    • 3.1.7 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
    • 3.1.8 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
    • 3.1.9 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
    • 3.1.10 RTE/RTC Food Products
    • 3.1.11 Snacks
    • 3.1.12 Sport/Performance Nutrition
    • 3.1.13 Animal Feed
    • 3.1.14 Personal Care and Cosmetics
  • 3.2 Protein Consumption Trends
    • 3.2.1 Animal
  • 3.3 Production Trends
    • 3.3.1 Animal
  • 3.4 Regulatory Framework
    • 3.4.1 United States
  • 3.5 Value Chain & Distribution Channel Analysis

4. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2030 and analysis of growth prospects)

  • 4.1 Protein Type
    • 4.1.1 Casein and Caseinates
    • 4.1.2 Collagen
    • 4.1.3 Egg Protein
    • 4.1.4 Gelatin
    • 4.1.5 Insect Protein
    • 4.1.6 Milk Protein
    • 4.1.7 Whey Protein
    • 4.1.8 Other Animal Protein
  • 4.2 End User
    • 4.2.1 Animal Feed
    • 4.2.2 Food and Beverages
    • 4.2.2.1 By Sub End User
    • 4.2.2.1.1 Bakery
    • 4.2.2.1.2 Beverages
    • 4.2.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals
    • 4.2.2.1.4 Condiments/Sauces
    • 4.2.2.1.5 Confectionery
    • 4.2.2.1.6 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
    • 4.2.2.1.7 RTE/RTC Food Products
    • 4.2.2.1.8 Snacks
    • 4.2.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics
    • 4.2.4 Supplements
    • 4.2.4.1 By Sub End User
    • 4.2.4.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula
    • 4.2.4.1.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
    • 4.2.4.1.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition

5. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 5.1 Key Strategic Moves
  • 5.2 Market Share Analysis
  • 5.3 Company Landscape
  • 5.4 Company Profiles (includes Global Level Overview, Market Level Overview, Core Business Segments, Financials, Headcount, Key Information, Market Rank, Market Share, Products and Services, and Analysis of Recent Developments).
    • 5.4.1 Agropur Dairy Cooperative
    • 5.4.2 Ajinomoto Co. Inc.
    • 5.4.3 AMCO Proteins
    • 5.4.4 Arla Foods amba
    • 5.4.5 Baotou Dongbao Bio-tech Co. Ltd
    • 5.4.6 Darling Ingredients Inc.
    • 5.4.7 Enterra Corporation
    • 5.4.8 ETChem
    • 5.4.9 Farbest-Tallman Foods Corporation
    • 5.4.10 Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
    • 5.4.11 Gelita AG
    • 5.4.12 Glanbia PLC
    • 5.4.13 Groupe Lactalis
    • 5.4.14 Kerry Group PLC
    • 5.4.15 Milk Specialties Global
    • 5.4.16 Symrise AG

6. KEY STRATEGIC QUESTIONS FOR PROTEIN INGREDIENTS INDUSTRY CEOS

7. APPENDIX

  • 7.1 Global Overview
    • 7.1.1 Overview
    • 7.1.2 Porter’s Five Forces Framework
    • 7.1.3 Global Value Chain Analysis
    • 7.1.4 Market Dynamics (DROs)
  • 7.2 Sources & References
  • 7.3 List of Tables & Figures
  • 7.4 Primary Insights
  • 7.5 Data Pack
  • 7.6 Glossary of Terms
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United States Animal Protein Market Report Scope

Casein and Caseinates, Collagen, Egg Protein, Gelatin, Insect Protein, Milk Protein, Whey Protein are covered as segments by Protein Type. Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Supplements are covered as segments by End User.
Protein Type
Casein and Caseinates
Collagen
Egg Protein
Gelatin
Insect Protein
Milk Protein
Whey Protein
Other Animal Protein
End User
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages By Sub End User Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements By Sub End User Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
Protein Type Casein and Caseinates
Collagen
Egg Protein
Gelatin
Insect Protein
Milk Protein
Whey Protein
Other Animal Protein
End User Animal Feed
Food and Beverages By Sub End User Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements By Sub End User Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
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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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