United Kingdom Plant Protein Market Size

The United Kingdom Plant Protein Market is experiencing growth driven by increasing demand in the food and beverage sector, particularly for meat and dairy alternatives, as veganism rises in popularity. The market's expansion is further supported by the supplements segment, which is witnessing rapid growth due to the popularity of plant-based sports nutrition products. Additionally, plant proteins play a crucial role in the animal feed industry, although a significant portion of the UK's protein needs is imported.

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Market Size of united kingdom plant protein Industry

United Kingdom Plant Protein Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 293.9 Million
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 361.8 Million
svg icon Largest Share by End User Food and Beverages
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.25 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by End User Supplements

Major Players

United Kingdom Plant Protein Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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United Kingdom Plant Protein Market Analysis

The United Kingdom Plant Protein Market size is estimated at 293.9 million USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 361.8 million USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.25% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

293.9 Million

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

361.8 Million

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

4.99 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

4.25 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Market by Product Type

69.59 %

value share, Soy Protein, 2023

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Soy protein dominates all plant protein types due to its high protein content, low viscosity, solubility, etc., which help it cater to extensive applications in all sectors.

Largest Market by End User

38.57 %

value share, Food and Beverages, 2023

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The F&B sector dominates the market, primarily led by the meat and dairy alternatives industry due to plant protein's functionalities, which make it a highly preferred ingredient in these industries.

Fastest Growing Market by Product Type

8.84 %

Projected CAGR, Pea Protein, 2024-2029

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Pea proteins are gaining high demand from meat alternatives as they provide quick rehydration, neutral taste, and texturizing properties. This is resulting in numerous product launches.

Fastest Growing Market by End User

8.32 %

Projected CAGR, Supplements, 2024-2029

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The rising consumer focus on health and sports fitness is anticipated to drive the supplements segment. The preference for soy in the sector is propelling segmental growth.

Leading Market Player

22.94 %

market share, Archer Daniels Midland Company, 2021

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Archer Daniels Midland Company holds the largest share of the market. The company focuses on expanding its consumer base and has collaborated with regional clients.

Rising veganism across the country drove the application of plant protein especially in animal feed and F&B sector

  • The high demand for the F&B sector is attributable to the growing demand for meat and dairy alternatives amid the rising veganism in the country. Thus, the segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 4.59%, by volume, during the forecast period. In January 2021, around 500,000 people in Europe, of whom 125,000 are based in the United Kingdom, took the Vegan Pledge to eat only vegan food, which was up by 100,000 from 2020 and almost double the number of people who signed up in 2019. In 2019, there were 600,000 vegans in the country, which accounted for 1.16% of the British population.
  • The supplements segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 7.67% during the forecast period. This segment is majorly driven by applications of soy protein, with a share of 40.4% in 2020. It is also anticipated to be the fastest-growing protein type in the segment, with a CAGR of 8.83% during the forecast period. Consumers are shifting toward vegan sports nutrition products to improve performance and have healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. In the United Kingdom, 62% of sports nutrition users in 2021 believed that sports nutrition products made with plant proteins are healthier.
  • Plant proteins hold a significant share of the animal feed industry, projected to register a growth of 2.61%, by value, in the forecast period. The UK feed industry imports more than 70% of its maize, soy, and rapeseed requirements annually. At least 90% of soy in the country is fed to animals, and, at most, 10% is used for food yearly. Soy protein is majorly fed to livestock, especially beef, chicken, egg, and dairy production.
United Kingdom Plant Protein Market

United Kingdom Plant Protein Industry Segmentation

Hemp Protein, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Rice Protein, Soy Protein, Wheat Protein are covered as segments by Protein Type. Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Supplements are covered as segments by End User.

  • The high demand for the F&B sector is attributable to the growing demand for meat and dairy alternatives amid the rising veganism in the country. Thus, the segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 4.59%, by volume, during the forecast period. In January 2021, around 500,000 people in Europe, of whom 125,000 are based in the United Kingdom, took the Vegan Pledge to eat only vegan food, which was up by 100,000 from 2020 and almost double the number of people who signed up in 2019. In 2019, there were 600,000 vegans in the country, which accounted for 1.16% of the British population.
  • The supplements segment is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 7.67% during the forecast period. This segment is majorly driven by applications of soy protein, with a share of 40.4% in 2020. It is also anticipated to be the fastest-growing protein type in the segment, with a CAGR of 8.83% during the forecast period. Consumers are shifting toward vegan sports nutrition products to improve performance and have healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. In the United Kingdom, 62% of sports nutrition users in 2021 believed that sports nutrition products made with plant proteins are healthier.
  • Plant proteins hold a significant share of the animal feed industry, projected to register a growth of 2.61%, by value, in the forecast period. The UK feed industry imports more than 70% of its maize, soy, and rapeseed requirements annually. At least 90% of soy in the country is fed to animals, and, at most, 10% is used for food yearly. Soy protein is majorly fed to livestock, especially beef, chicken, egg, and dairy production.
Protein Type
Hemp Protein
Pea Protein
Potato Protein
Rice Protein
Soy Protein
Wheat Protein
Other Plant Protein
End User
Animal Feed
Food and Beverages
By Sub End User
Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Confectionery
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements
By Sub End User
Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
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United Kingdom Plant Protein Market Size Summary

The United Kingdom plant protein market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing demand for meat and dairy alternatives as more consumers adopt vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. This shift is largely influenced by the rising awareness of health and environmental benefits associated with plant-based diets. The food and beverage sector is a major contributor to this market expansion, with a notable increase in the consumption of plant-based proteins such as soy, which is extensively used in both food products and animal feed. The supplements segment, particularly those incorporating soy protein, is projected to grow rapidly as consumers seek healthier and more sustainable sports nutrition options. The market is also seeing a rise in the adoption of plant-based diets among younger demographics, such as Millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly prioritizing vegan sports nutrition products.

The UK's plant protein market is moderately consolidated, with key players like Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill Incorporated, and Ingredion Incorporated leading the industry. The market's growth is supported by the country's strong production capabilities in crops like wheat and peas, although soy production faces challenges due to environmental conditions. Despite this, the demand from the food and animal feed sectors is encouraging increased soy cultivation. The market is further bolstered by innovations in plant-based ingredients, such as the introduction of new rice protein products by Roquette and the expansion of pea protein offerings by Ingredion Inc. These developments reflect the broader trend towards plant-based diets and the growing consumer preference for sustainable and health-conscious food options in the United Kingdom.

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United Kingdom Plant Protein Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Protein Type

      1. 1.1.1 Hemp Protein

      2. 1.1.2 Pea Protein

      3. 1.1.3 Potato Protein

      4. 1.1.4 Rice Protein

      5. 1.1.5 Soy Protein

      6. 1.1.6 Wheat Protein

      7. 1.1.7 Other Plant Protein

    2. 1.2 End User

      1. 1.2.1 Animal Feed

      2. 1.2.2 Food and Beverages

        1. 1.2.2.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.2.1.1 Bakery

          2. 1.2.2.1.2 Beverages

          3. 1.2.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals

          4. 1.2.2.1.4 Condiments/Sauces

          5. 1.2.2.1.5 Confectionery

          6. 1.2.2.1.6 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products

          7. 1.2.2.1.7 Meat/Poultry/Seafood and Meat Alternative Products

          8. 1.2.2.1.8 RTE/RTC Food Products

          9. 1.2.2.1.9 Snacks

      3. 1.2.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics

      4. 1.2.4 Supplements

        1. 1.2.4.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.4.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula

          2. 1.2.4.1.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition

          3. 1.2.4.1.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition

United Kingdom Plant Protein Market Size FAQs

The United Kingdom Plant Protein Market size is expected to reach USD 293.89 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.25% to reach USD 361.79 million by 2029.

In 2024, the United Kingdom Plant Protein Market size is expected to reach USD 293.89 million.

United Kingdom Plant Protein Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029