Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Source (Plant Protein Extract Sources, Microbial Sources - Single Cell Proteins, Microbial Sources - Direct Use), By Application (Biotechnology (Pharma, Cell Culture Media, Others), Animal Feed, Agriculture &Fertilizers, Others), By Region, and By Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market, valued at USD 21.78 Billion in 2024, is projected to experience a CAGR of 7.20% to reach USD 33.05 Billion by 2030. Protein extracts from single-cell protein and other conventional sources encompass concentrated protein ingredients derived from microbial fermentation, such as yeast and algae, alongside established agricultural commodities including soy, pea, and dairy. This market is primarily driven by escalating global protein demand attributed to population growth, increasing consumer emphasis on health and wellness, and a strong preference for sustainable and plant-based dietary options. Advancements in protein extraction and processing technologies further support market expansion, improving product functionality and appeal. According to the International Dairy Federation's World Dairy Situation Report 2024, global unprocessed milk production, a key conventional source, increased by 2.1% in 2023.

A significant challenge impeding this market's growth involves the complex regulatory landscape surrounding novel protein sources and achieving broad consumer acceptance for non-traditional protein ingredients. Production cost efficiencies for emerging single-cell protein technologies also remain a notable impediment to wider market penetration.

Key Market Drivers

The global protein extracts market is profoundly influenced by increasing protein demand due to population growth, pressuring existing food systems. Meeting the nutritional needs of a growing populace necessitates efficient protein production from diverse sources, including novel alternatives. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, in June 2024, global animal protein production is expected to reach 371 million tons by next year. Concurrently, a significant shift in consumer preferences towards plant-based and health-conscious options strongly influences market evolution. Consumers increasingly prioritize ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and personal health, fostering demand for plant-derived and microbial proteins. This trend is exemplified: according to the Plant Based Foods Association, in May 2024, e-commerce sales of plant-based foods reached $394 million in 2023, demonstrating a 16.4% annual growth rate over three years. These converging factors create a dual demand for both increased protein volume and qualitatively different, more sustainable protein types.

This confluence presents a compelling opportunity for protein extracts from single-cell protein and other conventional sources to secure a critical role in the food system. Industry players are improving extraction efficiencies, innovating new functional ingredients, and expanding product applications across food, animal feed, and nutraceuticals. This trajectory reflects a commitment to scaling production and innovating in alignment with evolving consumer values and nutritional requirements. According to GlobeNewswire, in September 2025, the global Single Cell Protein market is projected to reach an estimated $10,000 million by 2025. This growth signifies the industry's ability to adapt and contribute effectively to addressing worldwide protein supply challenges and advancing sustainable consumption practices.

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Key Market Challenges

The complex regulatory landscape governing novel protein sources significantly impedes market growth. Companies face lengthy and resource-intensive approval processes before new ingredients can reach consumers. For instance, according to a study published in npj Science of Food, analyzing European Food Safety Authority novel food applications between 2018 and 2024, the average duration from submission to publication was approximately 2.56 years. This extended timeline for market authorization creates substantial uncertainty, deters investment, and delays innovation from effectively contributing to market expansion.

Simultaneously, achieving broad consumer acceptance for non-traditional protein ingredients presents another critical hurdle. Many consumers remain hesitant to integrate novel proteins into their diets due to various concerns. According to GFI Europe, citing the Smart Protein Project 2023, 38% of European consumers perceive plant-based products as too expensive, 30% find them lacking in taste, and 25% require more information about these alternatives. These perceptions directly limit widespread adoption, irrespective of product availability, thus constraining overall market penetration and growth for protein extracts from diverse sources.

Key Market Trends

The global protein extracts market is significantly shaped by evolving production methodologies and resource optimization strategies. Precision fermentation advancements are emerging as a pivotal trend, revolutionizing the production of novel proteins by utilizing microbial hosts to create specific, functional protein ingredients. This approach enables the tailored creation of high-quality proteins with precise sensory and functional attributes that can replicate animal-derived components or introduce entirely new functionalities. According to The Good Food Institute, its company database identified 165 companies focused primarily on fermentation for alternative proteins in 2024. This technological shift is further underscored by strategic industry collaborations, such as the partnership announced in November 2023 between Novozymes and Arla Foods Ingredients to develop advanced protein ingredients using precision fermentation.

Concurrently, the upcycling of agricultural and industrial byproducts for protein extraction represents another influential trend, driven by sustainability imperatives and the pursuit of circular economy principles within the food system. This trend involves valorizing waste streams by recovering valuable proteins from materials traditionally discarded or used for lower-value applications. The focus on extracting protein from these abundant byproducts contributes to reducing environmental impact and enhancing resource efficiency. Innovative extraction technologies for protein recovery from plant-based by-products were highlighted in a review published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules in May 2025, emphasizing the conversion of waste streams into high-value ingredients. This approach is gaining traction as industries seek to minimize waste and unlock new protein sources from existing agricultural and industrial processes.

Segmental Insights

The Global Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market identifies Biotechnology as the fastest-growing segment. This rapid expansion is primarily fueled by continuous technological advancements in bioprocessing, including precision fermentation and recombinant DNA technology, which enable the efficient and sustainable production of high-quality protein extracts from microbial sources. These innovations are crucial for meeting the escalating global demand for novel, functional, and environmentally responsible protein ingredients across food, feed, and nutraceutical applications. Furthermore, established regulatory frameworks, exemplified by the reviews from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), are instrumental in facilitating the market entry and widespread adoption of these biotechnologically derived protein products.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market due to its robust biotechnology infrastructure and significant investment in research and development. The region benefits from the early adoption of alternative protein technologies and a strong presence of key market players driving innovation. Furthermore, favorable regulatory frameworks, such as the Food and Drug Administration's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for novel protein ingredients, provide a supportive environment for market expansion. This is coupled with a growing consumer demand for plant-based protein alternatives and increasing health consciousness among the population.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, Solar Foods expanded its market presence by launching Solein, a single-cell protein, in the United States. This innovative ingredient, produced from air and electricity through a unique bioprocess utilizing a single microbe, marked its commercial debut in the country following its initial introduction in Singapore. Solar Foods had secured self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in September 2024 and registered its Finnish production facility with the US FDA, enabling its commercialization. Solein offers a nutritionally rich, versatile, and sustainable alternative to conventional plant and animal-based proteins, with potential applications across various food products.

• In October 2024, LanzaTech Global, a carbon recycling company, announced the expansion of its biorefining platform to produce LanzaTech Nutritional Protein (LNP). This breakthrough involved creating a microbial protein directly from CO2, offering a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional protein sources for pet food and animal feed. The company planned to establish pre-commercial facilities by 2026, aiming to produce 0.5 to 1 metric ton of LNP daily. LanzaTech’s proprietary gas fermentation technology underpinned this development, representing significant research and product development in protein extracts from single cell protein sources.

• In the second half of 2024, ADM, a global leader in human and animal nutrition, and Marel, a provider of advanced food processing solutions, finalized a joint venture to open an innovation center in the Netherlands. This collaborative facility was designed to accelerate the development of next-generation alternative protein foods, spanning from concept to commercialization. Situated at the Wageningen Campus, the center provided a dedicated space for food manufacturers to work alongside food scientists and extrusion experts. This partnership aimed to advance protein innovation by exploring novel processing techniques and prototyping new plant-based and alternative protein products.

• In the second half of 2025, Vivici aimed to launch lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein, to the market. This new product represented a significant step in precision fermentation, a method central to developing advanced protein ingredients within the Global Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market. The company focused on securing regulatory approval in the U.S. and other regions for this protein, which is typically available in small concentrations in milk but offers numerous health benefits. This strategic product launch showcased the scaling of fermentation technology for novel protein ingredient production.

Key Market Players

• Unilever PLC
• Taiwan Chlorella Manufacturing Company
• XIAMEN HYFINE GELATIN CO.,LTD.
• BlueBioTech International GmbH
• Euglena Co. ltd
• Corbion NV
• KnipBio Inc.
• Earthrise Nutritionals, LLC

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market, By Source:

o   Plant Protein Extract Sources

o   Microbial Sources - Single Cell Proteins

o   Microbial Sources - Direct Use

• Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market, By Application:

o   Biotechnology

o   Animal Feed

o   Agriculture &Fertilizers

o   Others

• Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources 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 presents in the Global Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources 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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