China Plant Protein Market Size and Share

China Plant Protein Market Summary
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China Plant Protein Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The China Plant Protein Market size is estimated at 1.8 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 2.69 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.32% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Chinese plant protein industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and health consciousness. A notable shift is evident in fitness awareness, with 67.5% of people engaging in fitness activities at least once a week in 2022, creating a robust demand for protein ingredients. The market has witnessed substantial growth in health-focused retail channels, with e-commerce platforms becoming increasingly important for product distribution. This transformation is particularly evident in tier-one cities, where consumers are increasingly seeking premium vegan protein products with enhanced nutritional profiles.

Product innovation and diversification have become crucial strategies for manufacturers in the Chinese plant protein market. Companies are developing novel formulations to address specific consumer needs, particularly in the lactose-free segment, given that approximately 85% of Chinese adults are lactose intolerant. Major industry players are expanding their research and development capabilities, with several companies establishing innovation centers in key Chinese cities. For instance, in 2023, IFF expanded its plant protein portfolio with new formulations specifically designed for the Chinese market.

The market is witnessing significant developments in distribution channels and retail strategies. E-commerce has emerged as a dominant sales channel, with manufacturers increasingly adopting omnichannel approaches to reach consumers. Traditional retail channels are being complemented by direct-to-consumer models, particularly in urban areas. The integration of digital technology in distribution has enabled better inventory management and more efficient supply chain operations, leading to improved product availability and fresher offerings for consumers.

Manufacturing capabilities and supply chain optimization have become focal points for industry growth. Companies are investing in advanced production facilities and implementing sustainable plant-based protein manufacturing practices to meet growing demand. For example, in 2023, Danone entered the adult medical nutrition category in China with a new manufacturing facility, demonstrating the industry's commitment to local production capabilities. This trend towards localized production is accompanied by investments in quality control systems and certification processes, ensuring compliance with China's stringent food safety regulations while maintaining product quality and consistency. Additionally, the presence of a China vegan protein powder manufacturer highlights the growing importance of local production in meeting consumer demands for protein in China products.

Segment Analysis: Protein Type

Soy Protein Segment in China Plant Protein Market

Soy protein dominates the Chinese plant protein market, holding approximately 64% of the market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by its extensive applications in the animal feed and food & beverage sectors due to its beneficial amino acid profile, low anti-nutritional factors, and longer shelf life. The increasing soybean production in China has largely supported ingredient availability and market growth. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by its versatility in various applications, including meat alternative protein, dairy alternatives, and nutritional supplements. Soy protein's higher crude protein content, reaching up to 65%, makes it particularly complementary to maize meal for feed formulation. The segment's strong market position is also attributed to its cost-effectiveness and well-established processing infrastructure in China, which processes around 79% of global protein isolates.

Market Analysis of China Plant Protein Market: Chart for Protein Type
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Pea Protein Segment in China Plant Protein Market

The pea protein segment is projected to demonstrate remarkable growth, with an expected CAGR of approximately 9% during 2024-2029. This growth trajectory is primarily driven by increasing applications in meat and meat alternatives, dairy alternatives, and snack sub-segments. The segment's expansion is supported by pea protein's quick rehydration capabilities, neutral flavor profile, and superior texturizing abilities, making it an ideal choice for plant-based meat manufacturers. The rising prevalence of soy and dairy allergies has further accelerated the adoption of pea protein as a viable alternative. Additionally, pea protein's sustainability credentials, allergen-free status, and clean-label appeal have made it increasingly attractive to Chinese manufacturers and consumers, particularly in the health food and sports nutrition sectors.

Remaining Segments in Protein Type

The Chinese plant protein market encompasses several other significant segments including wheat protein, rice protein, potato protein, hemp protein, and other plant proteins. Wheat protein has established a strong presence in the bakery and meat alternative sectors due to its unique functional properties and texturizing capabilities. Rice protein has gained traction in beverages and sports nutrition due to its hypoallergenic properties and high digestibility. Potato protein serves niche applications in the food industry, while hemp protein has emerged as an innovative option in the health food sector. These segments collectively contribute to the market's diversity and cater to specific application needs across various industries, from food and beverages to animal feed and personal care products.

Segment Analysis: End User

Food and Beverages Segment in China Plant Protein Market

The food and beverages segment dominates the China plant protein market, accounting for approximately 53% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by the rising demand for alternative protein sources such as meat alternatives and dairy alternatives amid the growing trend of veganism in the country. The meat and dairy alternative sub-segments together account for more than 70% of the overall plant proteins consumed in the food and beverage segment. The segment's growth is further supported by increasing consumer awareness about health benefits associated with plant proteins, with retention rates rising significantly in recent years. Major applications include processed foods, especially in the ready-to-eat product category, where manufacturers are actively incorporating plant proteins to meet the growing consumer demand for healthier alternatives.

Animal Feed Segment in China Plant Protein Market

The animal feed segment is projected to exhibit the fastest growth rate in the China plant protein market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 9% during 2024-2029. This robust growth is primarily attributed to the increasing adoption of plant proteins as alternatives to traditional protein sources in animal feed formulations. The segment's expansion is particularly driven by the rising preference for soy protein due to its higher crude protein content, reaching up to 65%, making it complementary to maize meal for feed formulation. Additionally, wheat protein's growing application as a binding agent for pellet or granule feed forms, coupled with its excellent functionality as an alternative to fish and animal-based meals, is contributing to the segment's rapid growth trajectory.

Remaining Segments in End User Segmentation

The personal care and cosmetics segment, along with the supplements segment, represent the remaining end-user categories in the China plant protein market. The personal care and cosmetics segment is witnessing increased adoption of plant proteins, particularly pea protein and rice protein, due to their skin-enhancing properties and ability to improve product functionality. The supplements segment, while smaller in market share, plays a crucial role in serving specific consumer needs, particularly in sports nutrition and medical nutrition applications. Both segments are benefiting from the growing consumer preference for natural and plant-based ingredients, with manufacturers increasingly incorporating these proteins into their product formulations to meet evolving consumer demands.

Competitive Landscape

Top Companies in China Plant Protein Market

The Chinese plant protein market features prominent players like International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company, Kerry Group PLC, and Fuji Oil Group leading the competitive landscape. Companies are heavily investing in product innovation, particularly in developing new plant protein variants with enhanced functionality and applications across food and beverage segments. Operational agility is demonstrated through the establishment of R&D centers and innovation labs, with companies like ADM and Kerry Group setting up facilities in strategic locations across China. Strategic moves predominantly focus on expanding production capacities, strengthening distribution networks, and forming partnerships with local players to enhance market presence. Companies are also prioritizing sustainability initiatives, with many players developing eco-friendly production technologies and implementing responsible sourcing practices for raw materials.

Market Structure Shows Mixed Global-Local Dynamics

The Chinese plant protein market exhibits a fragmented structure with a mix of global conglomerates and local specialists competing for market share. Global players like IFF and ADM leverage their extensive R&D capabilities and international supply chain networks to maintain market positions, while local companies such as Shandong Jianyuan Bioengineering and Yantai Shuangta Food capitalize on their understanding of regional preferences and established domestic distribution channels. The market witnesses active participation from both food ingredient specialists and diversified agricultural processors, creating a dynamic competitive environment.

Merger and acquisition activities are becoming increasingly prominent as companies seek to expand their product portfolios and strengthen their market presence. Global players are particularly interested in acquiring local manufacturers to gain quick access to established distribution networks and production facilities. Meanwhile, local players are focusing on technological partnerships and joint ventures to enhance their production capabilities and expand their product offerings, particularly in specialized protein segments like pea and rice proteins.

Innovation and Sustainability Drive Future Success

Success in the Chinese plant protein market increasingly depends on companies' ability to innovate while maintaining cost competitiveness. Players must focus on developing proprietary extraction technologies and novel protein ingredients to differentiate their offerings in an increasingly crowded market. The ability to scale production while maintaining product quality and consistency is becoming crucial, particularly as end-users in the food and beverage industry demand higher standards. Companies need to establish strong relationships with raw material suppliers and invest in vertical integration to ensure supply chain stability.

Future market leadership will require companies to address growing consumer demands for sustainable and clean-label products while navigating potential regulatory changes in the food ingredient sector. Players must invest in building strong brand recognition and trust through transparency in sourcing and production processes. The development of application-specific protein solutions for different end-user segments, particularly in emerging areas like meat alternatives and sports nutrition, will be crucial for maintaining competitive advantage. Companies also need to strengthen their e-commerce presence and digital marketing capabilities to reach an increasingly sophisticated consumer base. Additionally, the role of a China vegan protein powder supplier and China organic vegan protein powder manufacturer is becoming significant as the demand for plant-based protein manufacturing grows.

China Plant Protein Industry Leaders

  1. Archer Daniels Midland Company

  2. Fuji Oil Group

  3. International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.

  4. Kerry Group PLC

  5. Wilmar International Ltd

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
China Plant Protein Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • June 2022: Roquette, a plant-based protein manufacturer, released two novel rice proteins to address the market demand for meat substitute applications. The new Nutralys rice protein line includes a rice protein isolate and a rice protein concentrate.
  • April 2021: ADM opened a new, cutting-edge plant-based innovation lab located in ADM’s Biopolis research hub in Singapore. The lab develops advanced products and customized solutions to meet the growing food and beverage demand in the Asia-Pacific region. The ADM Biopolis research hub in Singapore features a wide range of capabilities, including a food and flavor analytic lab, beverage and dairy applications lab and pilot plant, bakery and confectionery lab, meat and savory lab, sweet and savory creation lab, sensory evaluation facilities, customer innovation center, and a new plant-based innovation lab.
  • February 2021: DuPont's Nutrition & Biosciences and the ingredient company IFF announced their merger in 2021. The combined company will continue to operate under the name IFF. The complementary portfolios give the company leadership positions within a range of ingredients, including soy protein.

Table of Contents for China Plant 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 Plant
  • 3.3 Production Trends
    • 3.3.1 Plant
  • 3.4 Regulatory Framework
    • 3.4.1 China
  • 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 Hemp Protein
    • 4.1.2 Pea Protein
    • 4.1.3 Potato Protein
    • 4.1.4 Rice Protein
    • 4.1.5 Soy Protein
    • 4.1.6 Wheat Protein
    • 4.1.7 Other Plant 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 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
    • 4.2.2.1.8 RTE/RTC Food Products
    • 4.2.2.1.9 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 Archer Daniels Midland Company
    • 5.4.2 Foodchem International Corporation
    • 5.4.3 Fuji Oil Group
    • 5.4.4 International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    • 5.4.5 Kerry Group PLC
    • 5.4.6 Roquette Frères
    • 5.4.7 Shandong Jianyuan Bioengineering Co. Ltd
    • 5.4.8 Shandong Qufeng Food Technology Co. Ltd
    • 5.4.9 Shandong Yuwang Industrial Co. Ltd
    • 5.4.10 Wilmar International Ltd
    • 5.4.11 Wuxi Jinnong Biotechnology Co. Ltd
    • 5.4.12 Yantai Shuangta Food Co. Ltd

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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China Plant Protein Market Report Scope

Hemp Protein, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Rice Protein, Soy Protein, Wheat 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
Hemp Protein
Pea Protein
Potato Protein
Rice Protein
Soy Protein
Wheat Protein
Other Plant Protein
End User
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages By Sub End User Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat 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 Hemp Protein
Pea Protein
Potato Protein
Rice Protein
Soy Protein
Wheat Protein
Other Plant Protein
End User Animal Feed
Food and Beverages By Sub End User Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat 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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