United States Pea Protein Market Size and Share

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

The United States pea protein market size stands at USD 354.41 million in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 443.54 million by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 4.59% during the forecast period. This growth is primarily driven by rising consumer preference for plant-based and clean-label protein sources. Increasing incorporation of pea protein in meat alternatives, dairy-free products, and nutritional supplements continues to expand its application base. The ingredient’s allergen-free profile and suitability for vegan and flexitarian diets further support demand. Food and beverage manufacturers are also investing in improved formulations to enhance taste, texture, and functionality. Additionally, sustainability advantages and lower environmental impact compared to animal proteins strengthen market adoption.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By form, isolates led with 56.49% revenue share in 2025, whereas concentrates are forecast to advance at a 5.04% CAGR to 2031.
  • By nature, conventional grades accounted for 79.38% of 2025 revenue, while organic variants are set to grow at a 5.89% CAGR through 2031.
  • By application, animal feed held 64.41% of the United States pea protein market share in 2025, and supplements represent the fastest-growing segment with a 5.58% CAGR to 2031.

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

Segment Analysis

By Form: Isolates Dominate, Concentrates Accelerate

Pea protein isolates accounted for the largest share of the United States pea protein market in 2025, capturing 56.49% of total revenue, primarily due to their high protein concentration and functional advantages. With protein purity levels typically ranging between 85–90%, isolates are widely preferred in applications requiring consistent nutritional value and clean sensory attributes. Their neutral taste profile and excellent solubility make them especially suitable for ready-to-drink protein beverages, nutritional powders, and medical nutrition products. Isolates are also extensively used in infant formula and clinical nutrition, where digestibility and allergen-free characteristics are critical. Food and beverage manufacturers increasingly favor isolates for premium and performance-driven formulations.

Pea protein concentrates are projected to be the fastest growing segment in the market, registering a CAGR of 5.04% during the forecast period (2026-2031). Growth is largely driven by their cost-effectiveness compared to isolates, making them attractive for price-sensitive and high-volume applications. Concentrates are increasingly adopted in bakery, snacks, cereals, and meat analog formulations where moderate protein enrichment is sufficient. Their relatively lower processing intensity also aligns with clean-label and minimally processed ingredient trends. Additionally, food manufacturers are leveraging concentrates to balance functionality and affordability without compromising on plant-based positioning.

United States Pea Protein Market: Market Share by Form
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By Nature: Conventional Leads, Organic Surges

Conventional grades dominated the United States pea protein market in 2025, accounting for 79.38% of total revenue, supported by their widespread availability and cost advantages. These products are extensively used across mainstream food and beverage applications, including bakery products, snacks, beverages, and meat alternatives. Conventional pea protein benefits from established supply chains and large-scale production capabilities, which help manufacturers maintain consistent quality and pricing. Food processors often prefer conventional variants for high-volume formulations where affordability and functional reliability are key considerations. The segment also enjoys strong demand from sports nutrition and general wellness products aimed at mass-market consumers.

Organic pea protein is expected to be the fastest growing segment in the United States market, expanding at a CAGR of 5.89% through 2031. Growth is driven by rising consumer preference for organic, non-GMO, and clean-label food ingredients. Increasing awareness around sustainable agriculture and chemical-free farming practices is further supporting demand for organic variants. Organic pea protein is gaining traction in premium plant-based foods, nutritional supplements, and infant nutrition products. Although organic variants carry higher prices, consumers are increasingly willing to pay for perceived health and environmental benefits. Continued expansion of organic-certified product lines and retail availability is expected to accelerate segment growth during the forecast period.

By Application: Animal Feed Dominates, Supplements Surge

By application, animal feed dominated the United States pea protein market in 2025, accounting for 64.41% of total market share, driven by its growing use as a sustainable plant-based protein source in livestock and pet nutrition. Pea protein is increasingly incorporated into feed formulations due to its favorable amino acid profile and high digestibility. Feed manufacturers value pea protein as an alternative to soy-based ingredients, particularly amid concerns related to allergens and price volatility. Its compatibility with poultry, aquaculture, and companion animal diets further supports widespread adoption. The segment also benefits from rising demand for plant-based and clean-label pet food products.

The supplements segment is projected to be the fastest growing application in the United States pea protein market, registering a CAGR of 5.58% through 2031. Growth is fueled by increasing consumer focus on fitness, active lifestyles, and protein-enriched diets. Pea protein is widely used in protein powders, meal replacements, and functional nutrition products due to its allergen-free and vegan-friendly attributes. The segment is further supported by rising adoption among lactose-intolerant and health-conscious consumers. Product innovation, including improved flavor masking and enhanced solubility, is expanding its use in nutritional supplements. As demand for plant-based sports and wellness nutrition continues to rise, the supplements segment is expected to experience sustained growth over the forecast period.

United States Pea Protein Market: Market Share by Application
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Geography Analysis

The United States pea protein market shows significant regional diversity, with production and consumption patterns influenced by agricultural capacity and consumer preferences. The Midwest region, known as the nation’s primary pea-growing area, accounts for a substantial portion of domestic pea cultivation. States such as North Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota have favorable climatic conditions and soil quality that support high-yield pea farming, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for protein extraction. This region also benefits from well-established processing infrastructure, enabling manufacturers to produce isolates and concentrates efficiently. The availability of locally sourced raw materials helps reduce transportation costs and ensures consistent quality, making the Midwest a strategic hub for the pea protein industry.

The Western and Southern regions of the United States are emerging as key consumption markets, driven by growing demand in foodservice, retail, and supplements. Urban centers such as Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago show high adoption of plant-based diets, fueling the use of pea protein in snacks, beverages, and meat alternatives. Health-conscious and flexitarian consumers in these regions prefer allergen-free, sustainable, and clean-label protein options, which has increased market penetration.

The Northeastern and Southeastern U.S. markets are witnessing gradual growth due to increased awareness of plant-based nutrition and environmental sustainability. Retail and e-commerce channels are expanding in these regions, offering greater accessibility to pea protein products. Institutional adoption in schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias is also contributing to demand. Organic and specialty product lines are gaining popularity in high-income urban centers, reflecting consumer willingness to pay a premium for quality and sustainability.

Competitive Landscape

The United States pea protein market is highly consolidated, with a limited number of key players controlling a significant share of production and distribution. Major companies, including Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated and Roquette Frères, dominate the market through established manufacturing capacities, extensive supply networks, and strong brand recognition. These companies leverage their technological expertise to produce high-quality pea protein isolates and concentrates that meet the diverse needs of food, beverage, and supplement manufacturers. The consolidation allows leading players to maintain pricing power and influence market standards, particularly regarding protein purity, solubility, and functional performance.

Market competition is primarily driven by product innovation and functional differentiation. Companies are investing heavily in research and development to improve taste, texture, and solubility of pea protein, catering to applications ranging from ready-to-drink beverages to infant nutrition. Collaborations and strategic partnerships between ingredient manufacturers and foodservice brands further strengthen competitive positioning. Leading players also focus on clean-label, non-GMO, and allergen-free certifications to meet consumer preferences, creating additional differentiation.

Despite the dominance of key players, emerging trends offer opportunities for new entrants and niche brands. Specialty organic pea protein variants and innovative blends for sports nutrition and functional foods are gaining traction. Smaller companies and startups are targeting premium and health-conscious consumer segments, often focusing on sustainability and traceability as key selling points. However, the consolidated nature of the market means that competitive pressure remains high, requiring continuous product innovation, strategic partnerships, and marketing investments to capture and retain market share.

United States Pea Protein Industry Leaders

  1. Archer Daniels Midland Company

  2. Kerry Group PLC

  3. Bunge Global SA 

  4. Cargill, Incorporated

  5. Ingredion Incorporated

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

  • January 2025: Axiom Foods launched Vegotein N Neutral, a pea protein ingredient, to address the rising demand for plant-based proteins in the market. This product, derived from yellow non-GMO peas, offers an 80% protein concentration and is fully digestible, making it a suitable choice for various applications.
  • December 2024: Burcon NutraScience unveiled Peazazz C, a pea protein concentrate tailored for high-moisture extrusion in meat alternatives. Boasting a 15% superior water-holding capacity compared to rival concentrates, Peazazz C promises juicier plant-based patties and sausages. The product is aimed at food manufacturers in search of clean-label texturizers.
  • April 2024: Ingredion rolled out VITESSENCE Pea 200 D, a textured pea protein concentrate crafted for plant-based nuggets and tenders. Utilizing twin-screw extrusion to align protein fibrils, the product achieves a chew profile that sensory panels rated within 10% of traditional poultry. Priced at USD 5-6 per kilogram, it strategically undercuts isolates.

Table of Contents for United States Pea 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 Growing adoption of plant-based and flexitarian diets
    • 4.2.2 Consumer preference for clean and transparent labeling
    • 4.2.3 Strong demand from sports nutrition and protein supplements
    • 4.2.4 Rising health and wellness awareness among consumers
    • 4.2.5 Increasing use in meat alternatives and plant-based foods
    • 4.2.6 Sustainability and environmental benefits of pea cultivation
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Higher production and processing costs than conventional proteins
    • 4.3.2 Price sensitivity among mass-market consumers
    • 4.3.3 Raw material supply volatility and dependence on pea harvests
    • 4.3.4 Taste and flavor challenges in certain food applications
  • 4.4 Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

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

  • 5.1 By Form
    • 5.1.1 Concentrates
    • 5.1.2 Isolates
    • 5.1.3 Textured/Hydrolyzed
  • 5.2 By Nature
    • 5.2.1 Conventional
    • 5.2.2 Organic
  • 5.3 By Application
    • 5.3.1 Animal Feed
    • 5.3.2 Personal Care and Cosmetics
    • 5.3.3 Food and Beverages
    • 5.3.3.1 Bakery
    • 5.3.3.2 Beverages
    • 5.3.3.3 Breakfast Cereals
    • 5.3.3.4 Condiments/Sauces
    • 5.3.3.5 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
    • 5.3.3.6 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
    • 5.3.3.7 RTE/RTC Food Products
    • 5.3.3.8 Snacks
    • 5.3.4 Supplements
    • 5.3.4.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula
    • 5.3.4.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
    • 5.3.4.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Positioning Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Archer Daniels Midland Company
    • 6.4.2 Cargill, Incorporated
    • 6.4.3 Ingredion Incorporated
    • 6.4.4 Kerry Group PLC
    • 6.4.5 Bungee Global SA
    • 6.4.6 Glanbia PLC
    • 6.4.7 Roquette Frères S.A.
    • 6.4.8 Farbest Brands
    • 6.4.9 International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    • 6.4.10 The Scoular Company
    • 6.4.11 Puris Proteins LLC
    • 6.4.12 AGT Food and Ingredients Inc.
    • 6.4.13 Axiom Foods Inc.
    • 6.4.14 Burcon NutraScience Corp.
    • 6.4.15 Cosucra Groupe Warcoing
    • 6.4.16 Emsland Group
    • 6.4.17 Sotexpro S.A.
    • 6.4.18 Anchor Ingredients Co.
    • 6.4.19 Louis Dreyfus Company
    • 6.4.20 NOW Foods

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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United States Pea Protein Market Report Scope

Pea protein is a high-quality, plant-based protein powder made from yellow split peas, popular in vegan, dairy-free, and allergen-friendly diets, valued for its digestibility, iron content, and essential amino acids. The United States pea protein market is segmented by form, nature, and application. By form, the market is segmented into concentrates, isolates, and textured/hydrolyzed. By nature, the market is segmented into conventional and organic. By application, the market is segmented into animal feed, personal care and cosmetics, food and beverages, and Supplements. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Tons). 

By Form
Concentrates
Isolates
Textured/Hydrolyzed
By Nature
Conventional
Organic
By Application
Animal Feed
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Food and BeveragesBakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
SupplementsBaby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
By FormConcentrates
Isolates
Textured/Hydrolyzed
By NatureConventional
Organic
By ApplicationAnimal Feed
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Food and BeveragesBakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
SupplementsBaby 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.
KeywordDefinition
Alpha-lactalbumin (α-Lactalbumin)It is a protein that regulates the production of lactose in the milk of almost all mammalian species.
Amino acidIt 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.
BlanchingIt is the process of briefly heating vegetables with steam or boiling water.
BRCBritish Retail Consortium
Bread improverIt is a flour-based blend of several components with specific functional properties designed to modify dough characteristics and give quality attributes to bread.
BSFBlack Soldier Fly
CaseinateIt is a substance produced by adding an alkali to acid casein, a derivative of casein.
Celiac diseaseCeliac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
ColostrumIt is a milky fluid that’s released by mammals that have recently given birth before breast milk production begins.
ConcentrateIt is the least processed form of protein and has a protein content ranging from 40-90% by weight.
Dry protein basisIt refers to the percentage of "pure protein" present in a supplement after the water in it is completely removed through heat.
Dry wheyIt is the product resulting from drying fresh whey which has been pasteurized and to which nothing has been added as a preservative.
Egg proteinIt is a mixture of individual proteins, including ovalbumin, ovomucoid, ovoglobulin, conalbumin, vitellin, and vitellenin.
EmulsifierIt is a food additive that facilitates the blending of foods that are immiscible with one another, such as oil and water.
EnrichmentIt is the process of addition of micronutrients that are lost during the processing of the product.
ERSEconomic Research Service of the USDA
ExtrusionIt 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.
FavaAlso known as Faba, it is another word for yellow split beans.
FDAFood and Drug Administration
FlakingIt 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 agentIt 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.
FoodserviceIt 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.
FortificationIt 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.
FSANZFood Standards Australia New Zealand
FSISFood Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAIFood Safety and Standards Authority of India
Gelling agentIt is an ingredient that functions as a stabilizer and thickener to provide thickening without stiffness through the formation of gel.
GHGGreenhouse Gas
GlutenIt is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.
HempIt is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use.
HydrolysateIt 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.
HypoallergenicIt refers to a substance that causes fewer allergic reactions.
IsolateIt 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.
KeratinIt is a protein that helps form hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.
LactalbuminIt is the albumin contained in milk and obtained from whey.
LactoferrinIt is an iron‑binding glycoprotein that is present in the milk of most mammals.
LupinIt is the yellow legume seeds of the genus Lupinus.
MillenialAlso known as Generation Y or Gen Y, it refers to the people born from 1981 to 1996.
MonogastricIt 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.
MPCMilk protein concentrate
MPIMilk protein isolate
MSPIMethylated soy protein isolate
MycoproteinMycoprotein is a form of single-cell protein, also known as fungal protein, derived from fungi for human consumption.
NutricosmeticsIt is a category of products and ingredients that act as nutritional supplements to care for skin, nails, and hair natural beauty.
OsteoporosisIt 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.
PDCAASProtein 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 proteinIt 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 proteinIt 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.
QuornIt 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.
RTDReady-to-Drink
RTSReady-to-Serve
Saturated fatIt is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
SausageIt 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.
SeitanIt is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
SoftgelIt is a gelatin-based capsule with a liquid fill.
SPCSoy protein concentrate
SPISoy protein isolate
SpirulinaIt is a biomass of cyanobacteria that can be consumed by humans and animals.
StabilizerIt is an ingredient added to food products to help maintain or enhance their original texture, and physical and chemical characteristics.
SupplementationIt 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.
TexturantIt is a specific type of food ingredient that is used to control and alter the mouthfeel and texture of food and beverage products.
ThickenerIt 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 fatAlso called trans-unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids, it is a type of unsaturated fat that naturally occurs in small amounts in meat.
TSPTextured soy protein
TVPTextured vegetable protein
WPCWhey protein concentrate
WPIWhey 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
research-methodology
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