Dive Brief:
- Research and Markets said the global protein ingredients market is projected to reach $48.77 billion by 2025, according to Business Wire.
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This growth is the result of rising market acceptance of protein ingredients among consumers, especially in dietary supplements and functional foods.
- The report also noted that economic development combined with increased purchasing power in countries like China, India, South Korea and South East Asian countries has also impacted the growth of protein ingredients.
Dive Insight:
Rising consumer demand for healthier food has resulted in the meteoric growth of the protein ingredient segment. A recent Nielsen Global study showed that today’s consumers look for fresh, natural and minimally processed foods, while those with beneficial ingredients that help fight disease and promote good health are also on their wish list.
Another study said that the intensity of market rivalry is growing as manufacturers rely on new research and development efforts to improve functional properties of proteins and attract food and beverage manufacturers.
Nutrition experts caution that eating too much protein can lead to a higher calorie intake and crowd out other important sources of nutrition, like fruits and vegetables. High consumption of animal-based proteins can also undermine environmental sustainability and animal welfare efforts.
These side-effects could signal a decline in the protein trend in the future, which manufacturers should be aware of when they strategize ways to add protein to their products.