Pea Protein Market: Vegan Diet Adoption, Sustainable Proteins & Market Forecast

Rising demand for plant-based nutrition, clean-label ingredients, and allergen-free proteins is accelerating pea protein adoption. According to IMARC Group's latest research publication, global pea protein market size reached USD 1,237.3 Million in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 3,183.7 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 12.54% during 2025-2033.

How AI is Reshaping the Future of Pea Protein Market

• Protein Extraction Optimization: Machine learning models analyze pea variety differences, protein fractions, starch levels, and fiber content to maximize yield during wet and dry fractionation processes while controlling undesirable flavors and color variations, increasing extraction efficiency by up to 40%.
• Functionality Mapping and Product Development: AI predicts how various pea protein isolates and concentrates perform across applications like meat analogs, dairy alternatives, and beverages. Systems evaluate solubility, gelation, emulsification, and thermal stability parameters, reducing formulation trial cycles by 50%.
• Real-Time Process Control Systems: AI monitors pH, temperature, shear forces, and moisture content during extraction, purification, and drying stages. These systems minimize batch-to-batch inconsistencies and detect anomalies in real-time, preventing quality deviations before products reach the market.

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Pea Protein Industry Overview:

Europe's plant-based protein sector is benefiting from government support totaling $560 million disbursed globally in 2024 for alternative protein development. Canada's Protein Industries Canada invested over $10 million in pea processing innovation projects with Roquette in Portage la Prairie. The European Investment Bank granted €50 million to Lantmännen for a new pea protein isolate facility in Lidköping, Sweden, with 40,000 tonnes annual processing capacity.

Pea Protein Market Trends & Drivers

Explosive growth in plant-based meat alternatives is transforming ingredient demand patterns across food manufacturing sectors. The plant-based protein market reached over $23 billion in 2025, with pea protein serving as a primary ingredient in burgers, sausages, and alternative chicken products. Companies like Ingredion launched VITESSENCE® Pea 100 HD in July 2024, specifically designed for cold-pressed bars, maintaining softness throughout shelf life while delivering 84% protein content.

Dietary supplement market expansion is driving concentrated demand for high-purity pea protein isolates among health-conscious consumers seeking allergen-free alternatives. Over 25.8 million people globally adopted veganism in 2025, creating sustained demand for plant-based protein supplements. Pea protein isolates containing 80-85% protein are gaining traction in sports nutrition, with manufacturers developing products supporting muscle recovery, weight management, and overall wellness.

Government initiatives and collaborative research programs are accelerating innovation in pea protein cultivation and processing technologies. Canada's National Research Council established the Sustainable Protein Production program to increase plant-based protein value through genomic resources, advanced processing technologies, and compositional characterization platforms. Protein Industries Canada co-invested $173 million into 55 projects between 2018-2023, creating 303 intellectual property assets and leveraging $304 million in private investment.

Leading Companies Operating in the Global Pea Protein Industry:

• Axiom Foods, Inc.
• Cosucra-Groupe Warcoing
• Nutri-Pea Limited
• Roquette Frères S.A.
• Shandong Jianyuan Foods Co., Ltd
• Sotexpro SA
• The Scoular Company
• Naturz Organics
• Fenchem
• Glanbia Plc

Pea Protein Market Report Segmentation:

By Product Type:

• Isolates
• Concentrates
• Textured

Isolates represent the largest class, as they typically contain the highest protein content (80-85%) compared to concentrates, making them particularly attractive for high-protein applications.

By Application:

• Dietary Supplements
• Bakery Products
• Meat Substitutes
• Beverages
• Others

Meat substitutes dominate the market since pea protein offers a sustainable and nutritionally rich protein source that can effectively mimic the texture and taste of meat.

By End Use:

• Retail
• Institutional

Retail has the largest market share as retail stores offer a wide range of products including supplements, ready-to-eat meals, plant-based meat substitutes, and baked goods infused with pea protein.

Regional Insights:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa
• Latin America

Europe exhibits a clear dominance in the pea protein market due to stringent regulations for food labeling, allergens, and GMOs, combined with strong environmental sustainability focus.

Recent News and Developments in Pea Protein Market

• July 2025: Protein Industries Canada partnered with Louis Dreyfus Company and Seven Oaks Hospital Chronic Disease Innovation Centre to launch a $35.6 million pilot project focused on developing better-tasting and more nutritious pea protein.
• June 2025: Roquette enhanced its NUTRALYS® plant protein range with two innovative textured options: NUTRALYS® T WHEAT 600L textured wheat protein and NUTRALYS® T PEA 700XC textured pea protein. These components help food producers meet increasing demand for healthy, cost-effective, and sustainable protein sources in next-generation food applications.
• June 2025: Meala FoodTech collaborated with dsm-firmenich to introduce Vertis PB Pea, an innovative texturizing pea protein ideal for functional foods. The ingredient replaces modified binders like hydrocolloids, enabling producers to create clean-label, plant-based meat substitutes with enhanced texture and functionality.

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