Hemp Protein Market - Global Industry Size, Shares, Trends, Opportunity & Forecast, Segmented By Source (Organic and Conventional), By Application (Functional Food, Functional Beverage, Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care, and Other Industrial Uses), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 70.67 Million
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.95%
Fastest Growing Segment	Organic
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 94.43 Million

Market Overview

The Global Hemp Protein Market will grow from USD 70.67 Million in 2025 to USD 94.43 Million by 2031 at a 4.95% CAGR. Hemp protein is a plant-derived nutritional supplement obtained by milling the meal of cold-pressed Cannabis sativa seeds, distinguished by its complete amino acid profile and high digestibility. The market is primarily supported by the escalating global demand for non-allergenic, sustainable dietary alternatives as consumers increasingly shift toward vegan and flexitarian lifestyles. This growth is further bolstered by the rising application of hemp ingredients in functional foods and sports nutrition products. According to the National Hemp Association, in 2025, domestic hemp grain production totaled 3.41 million pounds for the 2024 crop year, marking a 10% increase that underscores the strengthening agricultural foundation for protein manufacturing.

Despite these positive developments, the industry faces a significant challenge regarding inconsistent regulatory frameworks across international jurisdictions. Varied legal thresholds for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content and complex compliance requirements, such as the Novel Food regulations in the European Union, create operational uncertainty for manufacturers. This regulatory fragmentation complicates supply chain logistics and hinders the standardization necessary for the product to achieve broader commercial adoption in mainstream markets.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in global vegan and plant-based dietary adoption acts as a primary catalyst for the Global Hemp Protein Market, driven by consumers seeking sustainable, non-animal nutrition sources. As individuals increasingly prioritize health and environmental impact, hemp protein is gaining traction due to its status as a complete plant protein containing all nine essential amino acids, positioning it as a superior alternative to incomplete plant sources. This shift is quantitatively supported by the sector's robust financial performance; according to the Good Food Institute, April 2025, in the '2024 State of the Industry Report', global retail sales of plant-based meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs reached $28.6 billion in 2024. Such market vitality encourages manufacturers to integrate hemp-based ingredients into diverse product lines, solidifying its role in the expanding plant-based landscape.

Concurrently, the expansion of applications in functional foods and sports nutrition is broadening the commercial scope of hemp ingredients beyond basic dietary supplements. Manufacturers are leveraging hemp’s high digestibility and neutral flavor profile to formulate innovative products, ranging from fortified beverages to performance-focused nutrition bars. This trend is particularly evident in the sports nutrition segment, where demand for clean-label ergogenic aids is rising; according to the same report by the Good Food Institute, April 2025, consumer demand for protein enrichment drove an 11% increase in U.S. sales of protein powders in 2024. These commercial advancements are underpinned by a strengthening raw material supply chain, which is essential for consistent industrial scaling. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 2025, the total value of industrial hemp production in the United States reached $445 million for the 2024 crop year, signaling a robust agricultural trajectory that supports the growing requirement for high-quality protein feedstocks.

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Key Market Challenges

Inconsistent regulatory frameworks and varied legal thresholds across international jurisdictions constitute a formidable barrier to the expansion of the Global Hemp Protein Market. This regulatory fragmentation creates a volatile operating environment where manufacturers must navigate a complex web of compliance requirements, particularly regarding THC limits and novel food designations. Such disparities force companies to customize formulations for specific regions, thereby disrupting supply chain efficiency and preventing the standardization required for mass-market adoption. Consequently, the inability to establish a cohesive global trade strategy stifles the industry's ability to scale production and distribution networks effectively.

The financial implication of these regulatory hurdles is profound and directly restricts market entry for many potential stakeholders. According to the European Industrial Hemp Association, in 2025, the estimated compliance cost for a single company to register a product under the stringent Novel Food guidelines ranges between €350,000 and €500,000. This substantial capital requirement disproportionately affects smaller enterprises, consolidating market power among larger entities while simultaneously slowing the overall pace of product development and commercial availability in key consumer markets.

Key Market Trends

Manufacturers are utilizing specialized dehulling and processing technologies to produce "white" hemp protein powders. Unlike traditional green variations, these isolates offer a neutral flavor and color, expanding their applicability in dairy alternatives and baked goods where sensory aesthetics are critical. This technical evolution addresses the flavor barriers that previously restricted the ingredient's adoption in mainstream formulations. According to Let's Talk Hemp, May 2025, in the article 'Victory Hemp Boosts Capacity with U.S. Expansion', Victory Hemp Foods launched a new processing line to scale the production of V-70™ Hemp Heart Protein, a white isolate designed to meet the manufacturing requirement for neutral-tasting, allergen-free ingredients.

The market is simultaneously observing increased hemp protein incorporation within the premium pet food sector. Brands are formulating hypoallergenic dog and cat treats that leverage hemp’s digestibility and omega fatty acid profile to support animal skin and coat health, differentiating these products from those using standard grain-based fillers. This integration coincides with the overall expansion of the pet nutrition industry, creating opportunities for functional plant-based ingredients. According to Alltech, May 2025, in the '2025 Agri-Food Outlook', global pet food production reached 37.7 million metric tons in 2024, representing a 4.5% increase that highlights the growing industrial scale available for novel protein integrations.

Segmental Insights

The Organic segment represents the fastest-growing category within the Global Hemp Protein Market, fueled by a marked consumer shift toward natural and chemical-free ingredients. This growth is anchored in the rising demand for products cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which health-conscious buyers associate with greater safety and product purity. Certification standards established by authorities such as the USDA and the European Commission play a critical role in validating these claims, thereby strengthening consumer confidence. As a result, food and beverage manufacturers are actively prioritizing organic hemp protein to meet the market expectation for transparency and environmental responsibility.

Regional Insights

North America holds the leading position in the global hemp protein market, driven primarily by favorable regulatory developments and increasing consumer preference for plant-based nutritional alternatives. The enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States legalized commercial hemp cultivation, ensuring a consistent supply of raw materials for manufacturers. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status to hulled hemp seed, protein powder, and seed oil, which encouraged widespread adoption in food and beverage sectors. These legislative milestones, combined with a mature sector for dietary supplements, solidify North America's dominance.

Recent Developments

• In August 2024, Victory Hemp Foods announced a strategic expansion of its manufacturing operations in Carroll County, Kentucky, supported by a $2.5 million investment. The initiative was designed to upgrade the company’s existing production facility, thereby increasing its capacity to process hemp seeds into high-value proteins and oils. This project aimed to meet the rising demand from food and beverage manufacturers for functional, allergen-free hemp ingredients. The expansion was also projected to create numerous full-time positions, reinforcing the company's commitment to strengthening the domestic hemp supply chain and supporting the local agricultural economy.
• In April 2024, Burcon NutraScience Corporation and HPS Food and Ingredients Inc. achieved the first commercial sales of their jointly developed hemp protein isolate. This event marked a critical milestone in their strategic partnership, which focused on bringing high-purity, soluble hemp protein ingredients to the global food and beverage industry. The companies reported that the new ingredient offered superior flavor and functionality, leading to its immediate adoption in various consumer product formulations. This commercialization effort was executed to capture a significant share of the plant-based ingredient market by providing a sustainable, high-performance protein alternative.
• In March 2024, Manitoba Harvest, a subsidiary of Tilray Brands, significantly expanded its breakfast product portfolio by launching Superseed Instant Oatmeal. This innovative product line was formulated with hemp hearts to deliver a substantial amount of plant-based protein, dietary fiber, and essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The oatmeal was released in three distinct flavors and adhered to strict quality standards, ensuring it was certified organic and non-GMO. This strategic launch aimed to meet the growing consumer demand for convenient, nutrient-dense meal solutions and reinforced the company's leadership role within the competitive global hemp foods sector.
• In March 2024, Hemp Foods Australia, a subsidiary of Elixinol Wellness, broadened its functional food offerings with the introduction of a new plant-based collagen supplement. The product was developed to include the company's flagship hemp gold protein as a foundational ingredient, combined with a proprietary blend of amino acids and antioxidants. This launch was designed to address the increasing market preference for vegan and allergen-free beauty supplements that support skin, hair, and nail health. The initiative highlighted the company's commitment to diversifying its portfolio by utilizing hemp protein in high-value wellness applications.

Key Market Players

• Axiom Foods, Inc.
• ETChem
• Green Source Organics
• GFR Ingredients Inc.
• Foodcom S.A.
• Bioway Organic Group Limited
• Tilray Brands, Inc.
• Sunwarrior LLC
• India Hemp & Co.
• Navitas LLC

By Source	By Application	By Region
Organic and Conventional	Functional Food Functional Beverage Dietary Supplements Pharmaceuticals Personal Care Other Industrial Uses	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Hemp Protein Market, By Source:

• Organic and Conventional

• Hemp Protein Market, By Application:

• Functional Food
• Functional Beverage
• Dietary Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals
• Personal Care
• Other Industrial Uses

• Hemp Protein Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE