The global wheat protein market size is anticipated to reach a value of $2.5 billion by 2023 and $3.2 billion by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2023 to 2028. Owing to the increase in demand for meat-free diets, rising obesity cases resulting in demand for low-calorie foods, and consumers seeking healthy foods. Wheat gluten, being rich in proteins, is a suitable option and has boosted the demand for it in the global wheat protein market.

Wheat Protein Market Drivers: Increase in consumer preference for meat analogs

Various plant-based alternatives to meat products have acquired an increasingly growing market globally. Consumers demand meat alternatives that emulate the fibrous structure, texture, and mouthfeel of meat products. This has increased interest in developing plant protein-based meat alternatives globally. Rising awareness about healthy and nutritious food options among consumers has also led to a growing number of new consumer groups called “flexitarians” looking to reduce their daily meat consumption. This gradual shift in consumers’ eating patterns has also led to the creation of novel products aimed at fulfilling consumer demand for meat products, which act as the perfect substitute not only for their taste but also for their high protein nutritional value. For instance, academic researchers and many small and medium-sized enterprises have successfully developed new meat alternatives under the European research project called LikeMeat. The project created fibrous meat-like structures from plant proteins using an adapted cooking extrusion process, which was eventually processed into different food products.

Wheat Protein Market Opportunities: Growing role of wheat protein in the pet industry

The pet food market is driven by two primary trends globally. These trends are premiumization and humanization. There is a growing trend of pet humanization as a “family member” among owners. Due to this, there is a rise in the demand for premium pet food with nutritional benefits, better digestibility, and improved ingredient quality for pets. Considering this changing human tendency, the major players, such as Crespel & Deiters Group (Germany), are offering wheat protein as an ingredient that can be incorporated in pet food products.

In dry dog foods and biscuits, wheat is a grain that provides high-quality carbohydrates. In addition to giving us energy for daily tasks, it also gives food the ability to be processed. Wheat is a major source of nutrients and offers a wide range of advantages. Wheat-based products offer holistic, wheat-based solutions for optimizing pet food because they are rich in starches, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and fiber, which aid in the formation of balanced pet food products.

Adoption of plant-based meat substitutes is projected to drive demand for textured wheat protein

Textured wheat protein, also known as wheat meat, wheat gluten, or seitan, is a popular plant-based protein source used as a meat substitute for many years. A study published in the journal, Foods, in 2021 found that the demand for meat substitutes, including textured wheat protein, is increasing worldwide due to health, ethical, and environmental concerns associated with meat consumption. In 2019, a survey by the International Food Information Council found that 22% of US consumers reported consuming plant-based meat substitutes, including textured wheat protein, at least once a week.

Therefore, the demand for textured wheat protein is increasing globally, driven by factors such as the growing popularity of plant-based diets and the increasing demand for sustainable and ethical food products.

North America to boost market growth during the forecast period

Countries such as the US, Canada, and Mexico have been considered in this study. The market in the US is driven by growing consumer awareness about the importance of protein in the diet, which, in turn, has encouraged the demand for functional food & beverages. The versatile functionality of wheat protein has sustained demand in the baking industry, leading to constant growth in consumption. Research and technological developments in hydrolyzed wheat protein have also led to a long-term consumption trend of wheat protein in the US. However, the increase in discussion on gluten intolerance acts as a hindrance to the growth of the wheat protein market in this region. The high functional profile, low carbon footprint, and low price of wheat-sourced proteins are the key factors encouraging the consumption of wheat protein, particularly in baked products.

Top Companies in the Wheat Protein Market

The key players in this market include ADM (US), Cargill, Incorporated (US), Tereos (France), Südzucker AG (US), MGP Ingredients (US), Roquette Frères (France), Glico Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd. (Japan), Kerry Group PLC (Ireland), Manildra Group (Australia), Kröner-Stärke (Germany), among others. The study includes an in-depth competitive analysis of these key players in the wheat protein market with their company profiles, recent developments, and key market strategies.

Key questions addressed by the Wheat Protein Market Report:

• What is the projected market value of the global wheat protein market?
• What is the estimated growth rate (CAGR) of the global wheat protein market for the next five years?
• What are the major revenue pockets in the wheat protein market currently?
• What are the nutritional benefits of wheat protein?
• What are the factors driving the growth of the wheat protein market?
• What are the major players operating in the wheat protein market?