United States Soy Protein Market Size and Share

United States Soy Protein Market (2026 - 2031)
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
View Global Report

United States Soy Protein Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The United States soy protein market is projected to reach USD 3.12 billion by 2026 and is expected to grow to USD 3.79 billion by 2031, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.96% during the forecast period. This growth reflects steady, structurally driven expansion rather than rapid acceleration. The market's progress is supported by soy protein's established position as a nutritionally complete, functionally reliable, and industrially scalable plant protein, backed by decades of scientific research and regulatory acceptance. The increasing adoption of plant-based dietary patterns, coupled with greater awareness of protein's importance in long-term health and wellness, continues to drive demand for soy protein within the food and nutrition industry. Additionally, the growing focus on clean-label transparency and ingredient familiarity is favoring well-established proteins like soy over newer, less familiar alternatives. 

Key Report Takeaways

  • By form, soy protein isolates held 43.09% of the United States soy protein market share in 2025 and are expanding at a 4.26% CAGR through 2031.
  • By category, organic soy proteins commanded 23.37% share in 2025 and posted the fastest 5.67% CAGR to 2031.
  • By end-user, supplements lead value growth at a 4.63% CAGR, even though food and beverages retained 51.69% volume share in 2025.

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 on Functionality, Concentrates Compete on Cost

Soy protein isolates accounted for 43.09% of the United States soy protein market in 2025 and are projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.26% through 2031. This reflects their strong positioning as the most refined and performance-oriented form of soy protein. Their dominance is primarily attributed to their high protein concentration, low fat and carbohydrate content, and consistent functional reliability. These characteristics make isolates particularly appealing to manufacturers aiming for precise nutritional specifications. As product developers increasingly focus on protein density, amino acid quality, and formulation control, isolates provide a clear advantage over concentrates and flours. Advancements in isolation and purification technologies have further improved solubility, dispersibility, and flavor neutrality, enabling their broader application across modern food systems without compromising sensory appeal.

Hydrolyzed soy proteins occupy a niche within the soy protein market, particularly in savory applications such as soups, sauces, seasonings, and meat marinades. Controlled enzymatic hydrolysis enhances umami intensity, flavor depth, and water-binding capacity, making them valuable in these formulations. However, their growth trajectory remains modest and specialized, influenced by technical and regulatory factors rather than widespread adoption. On the supply side, growth is constrained by the limited availability of food-grade protease suppliers and the need for highly controlled processing conditions to manage the degree of hydrolysis. Inadequate control can result in the formation of bitter peptides and inconsistent flavor profiles, limiting their broader use in formulations. 

United States Soy Protein Market: Market Share by Form
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

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

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

By Category: Conventional Volume Anchors Market, Organic Captures Premium Growth

Conventional soy protein accounted for 76.63% of the United States soy protein market in 2025, highlighting its position as the most widely available and commercially scalable category. This dominance is attributed to its established sourcing ecosystem, high processing efficiency, and consistent quality standards, which enable manufacturers to procure large volumes with reliable specifications. Conventional soy protein benefits from agronomic optimization and mature downstream processing, allowing ingredient suppliers to deliver competitive functionality and protein performance without the yield losses or certification challenges associated with organic alternatives. Additionally, conventional variants provide greater flexibility in protein standardization, solubility control, and functional customization, making them ideal for manufacturers focused on reproducibility and high throughput.

The organic soy protein segment is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 5.67% through 2031, surpassing the overall soy protein market growth despite its smaller base. This accelerated expansion is driven by increasing demand for certified sourcing, non-GMO positioning, and reduced use of synthetic inputs, aligning with the evolving clean-label and transparency expectations of food manufacturers. Organic soy protein offers stronger traceability and auditability across the supply chain, supporting brand narratives centered on ingredient integrity and responsible sourcing. Furthermore, advancements in organic soybean yields, processing efficiency, and segregation infrastructure are gradually reducing the functionality gap between organic and conventional variants, enhancing the viability of organic soy protein for performance-oriented formulations.

By End-User: Food and Beverages Lead Volume, Supplements Drive Margin Expansion

In 2025, the food and beverages segment accounted for 51.69% of the United States soy protein market, establishing itself as the primary consumption channel for soy protein ingredients. This dominance is attributed to the sector's emphasis on nutritional optimization, functional consistency, and scalable formulation solutions within mainstream food systems. Soy protein's balanced amino acid profile, familiarity in labeling, and versatility under various processing conditions make it a reliable choice for food and beverage manufacturers aiming to enhance protein content without compromising product stability or shelf life. Additionally, reformulation efforts to improve nutritional density and align with evolving protein labeling standards further support soy protein's integration into food and beverage portfolios.

The supplements segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.63% through 2031, driven by increasing clinical validation of plant-based proteins and shifting consumer health priorities across different age groups. The growing acceptance of soy protein in clinical and lifestyle nutrition underscores its credibility for muscle maintenance, metabolic health, and long-term protein supplementation. Within this segment, sports nutrition serves as a key growth driver, with manufacturers incorporating soy isolate into formulations to provide balanced amino acid delivery, improved digestibility, and allergen-conscious alternatives to dairy-based products. According to the United States Census Bureau, 23.6% of men in the United States engaged daily in sports, exercise, and recreational activities in 2024, highlighting a consistent consumer base for performance and recovery-focused supplements [2]Source: United States Census Bureau, Average percentage of the population engaged in sports, exercise, and recreation", census.gov.

United States Soy Protein Market: Market Share by End-User
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

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

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

Geography Analysis

The United States soy protein market demonstrates significant regional specialization, influenced by agricultural concentration, processing infrastructure, and end-market demand. The Midwest soy belt, comprising Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana, serves as the primary hub for soybean production, forming the foundation of the domestic soy protein supply. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, these three states were the leading soybean producers in 2024, collectively contributing over 37% of the nation's total soybean output [3]Source: United States Department of Agriculture, "Soybeans and Oil Crops", ers.usda.gov. This concentration facilitates large-scale crushing, protein isolation, and ingredient standardization, ensuring consistent quality, high throughput, and cost-efficient upstream integration for soy protein manufacturers. Additionally, proximity to raw material sources minimizes logistical complexities and supports stable, industrial-scale production.

The West Coast, particularly California, Washington, and Oregon, operates primarily as a demand-driven market rather than a production hub. This region exhibits a strong preference for organic and non-GMO soy protein, driven by consumer demand for sustainability, clean-label products, and transparent sourcing. Food, beverage, and supplement manufacturers on the West Coast increasingly prioritize certified ingredients and traceable supply chains, fostering demand for premium soy protein variants despite limited local soybean cultivation. As a result, the region relies heavily on inbound shipments of soy protein ingredients while exerting significant influence on product specifications, certification standards, and innovation priorities.

The Southern United States, led by Texas and North Carolina, is emerging as a secondary region for soy protein processing and utilization. Growth in this area is closely tied to the expansion of poultry and livestock integrators, which are investing in localized feed milling and seeking reliable, regionally available protein sources. While the demand in this region is primarily focused on feed-grade and functional protein inputs, it is gradually driving increased crushing and processing activity. Over time, this trend is expected to enhance supply chain resilience and diversify processing activities beyond the Midwest, solidifying the South’s strategic role in the broader United States soy protein market.

Competitive Landscape

The United States soy protein market is moderately concentrated, with a small group of globally integrated agribusiness and ingredient leaders dominating the landscape. Key players include Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Incorporated, Bunge Global SA, Kerry Group plc, and Wilmar International Limited. These companies benefit from extensive vertical integration, encompassing soybean origination, crushing, protein isolation, and downstream ingredient refinement. This integration enables them to achieve scale efficiencies and cost advantages that smaller or regional processors find challenging to replicate. Additionally, their control over raw material sourcing and logistics ensures consistent supply, standardized quality, and stable pricing across food, feed, and nutrition channels.

The competitive landscape reveals a clear division between volume-driven and margin-driven business models. Large agribusiness players focus on throughput, operational efficiency, and long-term supply contracts, positioning soy protein as a reliable and scalable ingredient for mainstream food and industrial applications. Conversely, specialty ingredient firms and innovation-focused divisions within larger companies are targeting higher-margin segments. These efforts emphasize improved flavor neutrality, enhanced solubility, and tailored functional performance. 

White-space opportunities are becoming evident in fermented soy proteins, including enzymatically and microbially modified variants. These products offer enhanced umami intensity, improved digestibility, and greater flavor complexity. Patent activity in this area is increasing, reflecting growing research and development efforts. However, commercial-scale production remains limited due to challenges such as process complexity, fermentation control, and regulatory validation. As a result, competitive intensity in this niche is relatively low, presenting opportunities for technologically advanced entrants or incumbents willing to invest in sophisticated bioprocessing. Over the medium term, fermented and functionally enhanced soy proteins have the potential to reshape competitive dynamics by shifting value creation from commodity-scale production to proprietary processing and differentiated performance.

United States Soy Protein Industry Leaders

  1. Archer Daniels Midland Company

  2. Cargill, Incorporated

  3. Bunge Global SA

  4. Kerry Group plc

  5. Wilmar International Limited

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United States Soy Protein Market Concentration
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF

Recent Industry Developments

  • August 2025: ADM announced plans to streamline and enhance its global soy protein production network. The company aims to improve efficiency and better serve customers worldwide by leveraging operational capabilities at its recommissioned soy protein facility in Decatur, Illinois, along with other facilities across its global network.
  • May 2025: Bunge has invested EUR 484 million in a soy protein facility in Morristown, Indiana. This facility will process an additional 4.5 million bushels of soybeans each year.

Table of Contents for United States 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 Rising adoption of plant-based diets
    • 4.2.2 Rising demand for clean-label and familiar ingredients
    • 4.2.3 Health benefits awareness
    • 4.2.4 Product innovation is supporting the market growth
    • 4.2.5 Broad acceptance in sports and clinical nutrition
    • 4.2.6 Increasing focus on high-protein and fortified foods
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Competition from alternative plant proteins
    • 4.3.2 Allergen labeling requirements
    • 4.3.3 Flavor and beany off-notes in certain applications
    • 4.3.4 Textural limitations in premium meat analogues
  • 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 Soy Protein Concentrates
    • 5.1.2 Soy Protein Hydrolyzed
    • 5.1.3 Soy Protein Isolates
  • 5.2 By Category
    • 5.2.1 Conventional
    • 5.2.2 Organic
  • 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 Personal Care and Cosmetics
    • 5.3.4 Supplements
    • 5.3.4.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula
    • 5.3.4.2 Elderly 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 CHS Inc.
    • 6.4.4 Bunge Global SA
    • 6.4.5 International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF)
    • 6.4.6 Kerry Group plc
    • 6.4.7 Wilmar International Limited
    • 6.4.8 Devansoy Inc.
    • 6.4.9 The Scoular Company
    • 6.4.10 Farbest Brands
    • 6.4.11 Benson Hill Inc.
    • 6.4.12 Gushen Biological Tech Group
    • 6.4.13 Fuji Oil USA
    • 6.4.14 Axiom Foods Inc.
    • 6.4.15 Nordic Soya USA
    • 6.4.16 Prinova Group LLC
    • 6.4.17 CJ Selecta USA
    • 6.4.18 Ingredion Incorporated
    • 6.4.19 Burcon NutraScience Corp.
    • 6.4.20 Benson Hill TruVail

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

United States Soy Protein Market Report Scope

The 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. 

The United States soy protein market is segmented by form into soy protein concentrates, soy protein hydrolysates, and soy protein isolates. By category, the market is segmented into conventional and organic. By end user, the market is segmented into animal feed, food and beverages, personal care and cosmetics, and supplements. Market sizing has been done in value terms in USD and in volume in tons for all the abovementioned segments.  

By Form
Soy Protein Concentrates
Soy Protein Hydrolyzed
Soy Protein Isolates
By Category
Conventional
Organic
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
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
By Form Soy Protein Concentrates
Soy Protein Hydrolyzed
Soy Protein Isolates
By Category Conventional
Organic
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
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now

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
Need More Details on Market Definition?
Ask a Question

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
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Get More Details On Research Methodology
Download PDF