Wheat Protein Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product (Wheat Gluten, Wheat Protein Isolate, Textured Wheat Proteins, Wheat Protein Hydrolysates), By Form (Dry, Liquid), By Application (Bakery and Snacks, Pet Food, Nutritional Bars and Drinks, Processed Meat, Meat Analogy and Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Wheat Protein Market was valued at USD 2.65 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 3.71 billion in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.72% through 2030. Wheat proteins are plant-based proteins classified as insoluble functional proteins. They are derived from whey and consist of lactalbumin, β-lactoglobulin, serum albumin, and immunoglobulins. Wheat protein is composed of two insoluble protein groups, namely gliadin and glutenin. Its consumption is crucial in meeting the body's protein and amino acid requirements, supporting muscle development, and enhancing immune function.

The growing consumer inclination toward plant-based and clean-label ingredients is significantly driving the demand for wheat protein in various applications, including bakery, snacks, dairy alternatives, and nutritional supplements. Rising health consciousness, especially among millennials and fitness enthusiasts, has accelerated the adoption of wheat protein-enriched products owing to their role in muscle repair, energy balance, and digestive health. Additionally, the demand for high-protein, low-fat food products has prompted food manufacturers to innovate and incorporate wheat protein as a versatile and cost-effective functional ingredient.

Key Market Drivers

Extensive Range of Application

Wheat protein has emerged as a versatile and functional ingredient with applications spanning multiple industries. It plays a pivotal role in bakery items where its gluten content imparts elasticity and chewiness to dough, essential for high-quality bread production. Its utility extends to pasta, breakfast cereals, and snack bars, offering enhanced texture and nutritional value. Additionally, wheat protein serves as a key component in flour milling and baker’s adjustment, ensuring consistency in flour quality. This wide applicability continues to support the market’s momentum across the food and feed sectors.

In recent years, the demand for meat alternatives has surged, further expanding wheat protein’s footprint in the food industry. According to a 2024 report by the Good Food Institute, global plant-based meat sales grew by over 8% in volume, indicating a steady consumer shift toward sustainable food sources. Wheat protein, with its fibrous texture and functional properties, is commonly used in meat analogs like seitan, helping manufacturers create products that closely mimic the texture and taste of animal-based meat while catering to vegan and flexitarian consumers.

Another critical driver is the rising number of lactose-intolerant individuals globally, pushing the preference for non-dairy protein alternatives. As per the National Institutes of Health, approximately 68% of the global population is lactose intolerant to some degree, with higher prevalence in Asia and Africa. While whey protein isolate is often marketed as a low-lactose product, even trace levels can cause discomfort in sensitive individuals. Wheat protein presents a dairy-free solution that supports muscle development and energy metabolism without triggering allergic or digestive responses.

Moreover, the health and wellness trend has amplified consumer interest in clean-label, allergen-free, and sustainable ingredients. Wheat protein fits well within these expectations due to its natural origin, low allergenicity (compared to soy or dairy), and compatibility with vegan diets. Its growing inclusion in protein bars, shakes, and nutritional supplements reflects its broad acceptance among health-conscious consumers. With continuous innovation in processing technologies, manufacturers are now able to improve the solubility, digestibility, and sensory qualities of wheat protein, making it suitable for more refined and premium product formulations.

Growing Demand for Plant Based Nutrition

Rising disposable incomes and heightened health consciousness are fueling the global shift toward plant-based nutrition. Consumers are increasingly choosing nutrient-dense, ethically sourced, and environmentally friendly protein options such as wheat protein. In 2024, personal disposable income in major developing economies grew by over 6%, allowing greater spending on premium wellness products. As awareness around clean eating grows, especially in urban areas, more individuals are transitioning to plant-derived diets, contributing to the rising demand for wheat protein across a range of applications like powders, snacks, and functional foods.

The rise of veganism and flexitarianism is reshaping food consumption patterns, especially among younger demographics. In 2024, over 25 million people participated in global vegan initiatives, reflecting a substantial shift toward plant-based lifestyles. Additionally, nearly 4 in 10 consumers now identify as flexitarians, deliberately reducing animal protein intake. These lifestyle trends are driving strong consumer interest in wheat protein as a versatile and sustainable alternative that supports energy levels, satiety, and muscle health without involving animal-derived ingredients.

Improved access to fitness facilities and rising fitness culture are supporting the consumption of high-protein, plant-based products. The number of registered gym-goers globally increased by 7% in 2024, with many turning to plant-based protein powders for workout recovery and wellness maintenance. Wheat protein, being dairy-free and easy to digest, appeals to fitness-conscious consumers looking for effective post-workout solutions. With plant-based protein shakes and supplements gaining traction among health enthusiasts, wheat protein continues to gain preference due to its balanced amino acid profile.

Distribution advancements and evolving consumer preferences are further amplifying wheat protein demand. From e-commerce platforms to health specialty stores, plant-based nutrition is becoming more accessible than ever. Flavored wheat protein powders, bars, and ready-to-drink shakes are gaining popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize convenience and clean-label products. Moreover, ongoing innovation in food processing has improved the solubility, taste, and functionality of wheat protein, enabling its incorporation into a wider range of everyday food items aligned with modern dietary preferences.

Increasing Use in in Gym Supplement

Wheat protein is extensively utilized in the food and beverage industry, particularly in nutritional supplements, sports foods, dairy products, confectioneries, and baked goods, among other applications. Two insoluble protein groups, namely glutenin and gliadin, can be found in wheat protein. Its incorporation in the production of noodles and bread enables a high level of dough strength, resulting in an elastic texture. The food and cosmetic industries are expected to witness an increase in the utilization of these products, driven by evolving consumer perceptions of wheat proteins and FDA approval for their use in food products during the projected period.

Whey protein weight loss, whey protein powder, whey protein isolate, and whey protein for weight gain, as well as gluten allergy, are among the significant factors influencing market growth. Additionally, the report provides detailed discussions on best protein powder options for muscle gain, men, and lean muscle, along with gluten-free diet, recipes, and snacks. The price of whey protein powder, the difference between whey protein isolates and concentrate, wheat berries and substitutes, and their relationship with gluten are also addressed. Notably, leading market players investing extensively in research and development related to these factors have experienced substantial business growth.

Increasing Demand for Vegan Products

They play a significant role in market growth. Consumers are increasingly adopting meatless diets and seeking cleaner product labels, positioning wheat protein as a crucial source of nutrition. Furthermore, wheat protein products are gaining traction across diverse applications such as pet food, processed meat, bakery items, and more. These innovative ingredients offer benefits in new product development by reducing sugar content and enhancing protein content in final food products. They also contribute to the taste and texture improvement of various processed food items including baked goods, snacks, noodles, confectionery, and processed meat. Additionally, they serve as substitutes for egg and dairy-based protein in formulations such as sauces, dressings, desserts, and cakes. The increasing demand for wheat protein is greatly supported by the prevailing trend of veganism. As awareness of the numerous health advantages of vegan diets continues to rise, the global adoption of vegan lifestyles is on the upswing. Wheat protein is swiftly being integrated into functional food products to address nutritional imbalances caused by today's demanding lifestyles. Wheat protein-based products are non-genetically modified organisms (GMOs), rich in gluten, and are available in a wide range of flavors, offering customers numerous options. Manufacturing firms have an opportunity for innovation to expand their product portfolio. Consequently, the expanding global vegan population will significantly contribute to the growth of the global wheat protein market.

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Key Market Challenges

Lack of Technological Advancement

The wheat protein market faces several challenges, primarily stemming from a lack of technological advancement. The existing production methods for wheat proteins are inefficient, resulting in low yields and subsequently driving up prices. Consequently, the market's growth has been hindered. Furthermore, the absence of standardized technology has made it challenging for manufacturers to achieve consistent product quality. Consequently, the wheat protein market has experienced sluggish development and remains relatively small in scale.

Presence of Wheat Protein Substitutes

The presence of substitutes poses a significant challenge for the wheat protein market during the forecast period. Notable alternatives to wheat gluten include high gluten flour, bread flour, xanthan gum, eggs, and protein powder. Plant-based protein is experiencing rapid growth worldwide, leading producers to shift towards other plant-based proteins like pea, rice, pulse, canola, flax, and chia protein. The increasing intolerance towards gluten products among the population has resulted in reduced demand for wheat proteins. Consequently, the availability of alternative plant-based substitutes presents a potential threat to the growth of the global wheat protein market.

Key Market Trends

Increasing Focus on E-commerce Distribution

The growing prominence of online shopping is a notable trend in the wheat protein market, expected to have a positive impact in the coming years. The e-commerce distribution channel has significantly fueled the growth of the global wheat protein market over the past decade. E-commerce provides customers with access to regional and global brands of wheat protein products, offering a wide variety of options and enhancing cross-regional flavors of wheat-protein-based food products. Online shopping offers personalized assistance and recommendations for wheat protein-based products, delivering two major benefits to consumers. With the increasing presence of online retailing, the sales of wheat protein and related products through e-commerce channels are expected to experience significant growth, further propelling the expansion of the global wheat protein market.

Rise of Vegan and Vegetarian Products

As the number of vegans and vegetarians continues to increase worldwide, food manufacturers are introducing a wide range of vegan and vegetarian products to cater to this growing consumer base. Wheat protein serves as a valuable ingredient in many of these products due to its functional properties and high protein content.

Consumers are increasingly seeking products with clean and natural labels. Wheat protein, being derived from wheat flour, is perceived as a natural and minimally processed ingredient, making it appealing to consumers who prioritize clean and recognizable ingredients. The increasing availability of delectable alternatives has contributed to a growing trend of reducing animal product consumption. Additionally, heightened public awareness of the adverse health effects, ecological implications, and ethical concerns associated with animal agriculture has fueled the vegan food industry. Consequently, this factor has led to a rapid expansion of the market for wheat protein.

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

In terms of product type, Wheat gluten was expected to dominate the wheat protein market share during the forecast period. This can be attributed to its wide availability, high protein and mineral content, and exceptional binding properties. Wheat gluten has witnessed significant adoption across various sectors including confectionery, bakery, dairy, nutritional supplements, and sports supplements. Additionally, the hydrolysed wheat protein segment is projected to exhibit the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) throughout the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the rising demand for plant-based nutritional products and technological advancements in personal care formulations.

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Regional Insights

The North American wheat protein market was anticipated to exhibit the highest growth rate during the forecast period, primarily driven by busy lifestyles and hectic work schedules prevalent in the United States and Canada. Moreover, the increasing consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) food products contributes to the regional growth. The evolving dietary patterns have led to a rise in the utilization of vegan food products for nutritional benefits. Growing awareness among health-conscious consumers regarding the advantages of organic nutritional supplements with a high wheat protein content is expected to drive the demand in this region.

Recent Developments

• In June 2025, Roquette has launched its first textured wheat protein, NUTRALYS® T WHEAT 600L, offering over 60% protein content, a natural light color, and fibrous texture ideal for meat alternatives. Alongside, the company introduced NUTRALYS® T PEA 700XC, a large-chunk textured pea protein with 70% protein and excellent thermal resistance, designed for ready meals requiring enhanced bite, juiciness, and cooking stability.
• In May 2025, GoodMills Innovation has introduced VITATEX® Wheat Fava Flakes SVP Pro, a co‑extruded wheat gluten and fava bean protein flake engineered to deliver meat-like, fibrous texture with distinct layers and firm bite. The flakes absorb up to 1.9× their weight in water, withstand cooking, frying, freezing and pasteurization, and offer a cleaner sensory profile with enhanced amino acid balance and structural stability.
• In March 2025, ACI Group has unveiled a comprehensive plant‑based protein line combining pea, soy, and wheat proteins with a proprietary multi‑ingredient blend. The range includes high‑purity pea isolates, soy nuggets, textured wheat flakes and crispies, and a versatile concentrate ideal for bakery and meat‑alternative products. Designed to optimize taste, texture, shelf‑life, and clean‑label appeal, it enables brands to innovate sustainable, high‑protein formulations for diverse applications.
• In August 2024, Above Food Ingredients has expanded its plant‑based pet food ingredient platform by acquiring The Redwood Group’s specialty crop division for US $34 million. The deal brings Montana-based grain, pulse and oilseed processing into Above Food’s vertically integrated “seed‑to‑fork” model, boosting its pet food segment to around US $110 million in pro forma revenues. The acquisition reinforces its leadership in plant‑based pet nutrition across North America. 

Key Market Players

• Archer Daniels Midland (Adm)
• Agridient
• Mgp Ingredients
• Ab Amilina
• Cargill Inc.
• Manildra Group
• Crespel & Deiters GmbH and Co. Kg
• Crop Energies AG
• Kroener Staerke
• Roquette

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Wheat Protein Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

            ·         Wheat Protein Market, By Product:

o   Wheat Gluten

o   Wheat Protein Isolate

o   Textured Wheat Proteins

o   Wheat Protein Hydrolysates

            ·         Wheat Protein Market, By Form:

o   Dry

o   Liquid

            ·         Wheat Protein Market, By Application:

o   Bakery and Snacks

o   Pet Food

o   Nutritional Bars and Drinks

o   Processed Meat

o   Meat Analogy

o   Others

            ·         Wheat Protein Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Wheat Protein Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Wheat Protein market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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