Egg Protein Market

Market Overview

The global egg protein market size was valued at USD 35.2 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 59.8 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% during the forecast period (2023–2031).

Proteins are the building blocks of many vital body components, including bones, muscles, skin, and blood. Ovalbumin and lysozyme are just two examples of the proteins found in eggs. These proteins are frequently regarded as cheap and plentiful protein sources. They are perfect for creating various food ingredients due to their low toxicity, antibacterial traits, and biodegradability. It is recommended because it is easy to digest and includes a lot of branched-chain amino acids, essential for developing muscle.

In addition to other fortified foods, it is a typical ingredient in protein bars. These products contain vital amino acids, proteins, and bioactive components specifically chosen to support healthy bone and muscular growth. Egg proteins like egg white protein, whole egg protein, and egg yolk protein function as thickening agents, gelling agents, foaming agents, carriers, and texturizers, which are used to prepare a wide range of food products. In addition, they are utilized in animal feed, personal care, nutrition, and textiles.

Highlights

• Egg white protein dominates the type segment
• Solid form dominates the form segment
• Food and beverages dominate the application segment
• Europe is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Growing Consumer Awareness about Healthy Diet

With the rise in health concerns and a surge in fitness trends among youth, a shift toward healthy products like protein supplements is expected to boost the demand for egg protein. The market is expanding rapidly because of the high demand from health-conscious consumers for egg white protein. In addition, the prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiac conditions, has increased quickly due to dietary changes and sedentary lifestyles. As a result, many have started eating healthier to lower their risk of getting such chronic diseases. This has increased demand for egg protein worldwide, propelling the market's expansion.

Increasing Demand for Proteins as Nutritional and Functional Ingredients

Protein is the building block of blood, muscles, skin, and bones. This is so the body can manufacture the hormones, enzymes, and other chemicals that comprise body chemistry. Presently, protein supplements are used on a large scale due to a rise in health awareness among people and an increase in obesity concerns. Therefore, consumers are shifting their preference toward a healthy diet and increasing their protein intake to get extra nutrients in these supplements, which fuels the market growth for egg protein. In addition, egg white protein offers several benefits, such as it helps individuals to feel full for a longer time and stay energized, thus preventing unnecessary cravings. This aids in keeping their weight in check. All these factors collectively drive the demand for egg protein, fueling the market's growth.

Market Restraint

Surge in Demand for Plant-Based Proteins

Nonvegetarians are gradually reducing the consumption of beef, pork, and poultry and are significantly accepting vegan lifestyles, boosting the demand for plant-based protein. Meat & meat products contain cholesterol and saturated fats, which might cause heart attacks, diabetes, strokes, and various cancers. This shift is observed due to increased consumer preference for a healthy diet. In addition, an increase in awareness among consumers about the living condition of cattle in cattle farms has further changed the preference of nonvegetarians for vegetarian food. Therefore, consumers seek other protein alternatives, further propelling the demand for plant-based proteins. Such factors restrain global market growth.

Market Opportunities

Product Innovation

Introducing new products made from organic ingredients is expected to break the notion of egg protein ingredients containing artificial ingredients. In addition, introducing lactose-free and organic egg proteins is expected to fuel their demand among health-conscious populations, creating opportunities for future growth of the egg proteins market, as lactose-free protein increases muscle mass and strength. Organizations such as Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and egg ingredient manufacturers have been engaged in R&D activities to enhance the properties such as flavor, aroma, and performance of egg protein ingredients. This is anticipated to generate lucrative opportunities for manufacturers to offer an improved variety of egg protein ingredients, which aids them in achieving higher market share.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global egg protein market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Europe Dominates the Global Market

Europe is the most significant global egg protein market shareholder and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.01% during the forecast period. The market for egg proteins is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period because of the development of the food and beverages industry and the rise in demand for food such as bakery products and confectioneries, which require egg protein for their preparation. In addition, egg white and whole egg protein has witnessed increased demand from the personal care and cosmetics industry in Europe, as egg protein aids in skin smoothing and reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Owing to the rise in demand for a refreshment/sports drink and an increase in youth sports participation, the consumption of egg white protein is expected to be highest in the region, fueling the market growth.

North America is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.7% over the forecast period. The North American egg protein market is studied across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. North America is the most established market for egg protein, attributable to the rise in the number of health-conscious customers in the region. The nutritional industry in the North American region is expected to grow faster during the forecast period. This is attributed to the rise in U.S. consumers adopting a healthy lifestyle or indulging in activities promoting an active and healthy life. Approximately 20% of American people belong to a fitness club, and this percentage is likely to rise soon. Furthermore, due to a rise in health consciousness among customers, increasing demand for protein-rich food is expected to propel the need for egg protein, thereby accelerating market size. In addition, consumers are gradually shifting their preference from industrial-scale processed food to egg protein products, further driving the region's market growth.

In Asia-Pacific, the egg proteins market witnessed significant growth and is expected to grow at the quickest CAGR over the forecast period. This is attributed to the development of the food and beverage industry and the increase in awareness about nutritional supplements among consumers. In addition, egg white protein is widely used in various applications such as food and beverages, feed, and nutrition in the region. With the growth in awareness about egg white protein and whole egg protein as a sports or refreshment drink, the market is expected to grow significantly in the region. Furthermore, the development of the cosmetics and personal care industries in the region propels the demand for egg proteins, as egg protein aids in skin tightening and absorbs excess oil from the skin, thus improving the overall appearance.

In LAMEA, Latin America is the major producer of egg proteins. The surge in disposable income fosters the demand for food and beverages and nutrition products, which, in turn, augments the demand for egg proteins. Therefore, market players have been launching new and innovative foam-based egg protein products such as sponge cakes and angel cakes to cater to the market demand. In addition, consumers in the area are adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes egg protein supplements as a part of their diet, which is expected to fuel the market's growth. Moreover, the potential health benefits of nutraceutical ingredients, the high demand for egg white protein in food products, and the easy availability of fresh eggs drive the growth of the LAMEA egg protein market.

Segmental Analysis

The global egg protein market is segmented by type, form, and application 

Based on type, the global egg protein market is bifurcated into egg white protein, whole egg protein, and egg yolk protein. 

The egg white protein segment dominates the global market and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.0% over the forecast period. Egg white proteins, available in liquid and solid forms, are most widely used commercially. These proteins are treated by automated equipment and then filtered, pasteurized, and some ingredients are added to improve their shelf life. Liquid and solid egg white protein products react similarly in baked goods. In addition, egg white protein is applied in various foods and beverages. This is attributed to its high content of dense nutrients, such as vitamin B, riboflavin, folate, B12, and B6, which are essential for the growth of the body. The adoption of protein ingredients in nutritional foods and cosmetics products has increased the demand for egg white proteins in the market, which boosts market growth.

Egg yolk proteins comprise neutral lipids, phospholipids (31%), and proteins (17%)—mostly phosvitin. These proteins are used commercially in both liquid and solid forms. Yolk egg protein consists of cholesterol, fats, and saturated fats. The consumption of eggs has increased considerably, as it serves as the major source of proteins. In addition, egg yolk proteins have numerous applications due to their multi-functionalities, such as thickening, leavening, binding, preservatives/antimicrobial, emulsifying, and crystallization, which are expected to fuel their demand across the food and beverages industry.

Based on form, the global egg protein market is divided into solid and liquid forms. 

The solid form segment is the largest contributor to the market and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period. The solid form of the egg proteins Is a dried version of fresh eggs. Solid form, also called powder form, finds its major application in the food industry for its better handling properties in food applications. The solid form has various functions, such as foaming, gelling, and emulsifying, which are beneficial in producing foods and cosmetics. In addition, the solid form of egg protein has better shelf stability and eases handling and storage than the liquid form. Egg protein powder considered a convenient food item but whose consumption is still higher than the solid form, has seen increased uptake. This factor has impacted the application of egg protein powder, especially in food and beverage.

The liquid form of proteins provides a concentrated dose of protein for those with higher protein needs. The liquid egg proteins are used for involuntary weight loss; pre- and post-surgeries; and to treat anorexia, stress, and trauma. An increase in demand for liquid egg protein, consumer awareness about healthy diets and nutritional food, and innovation in the egg protein industry are the major factors projected to enhance the market growth during the forecast period. Consumers' busy lifestyles have boosted the adoption of the liquid form of egg protein, which is expected to enable egg protein manufacturers to restore their market share in the industry.

Based on application, the global egg protein market is segmented into food and beverages, nutrition, personal care and cosmetics, feed, and others. 

The food and beverages segment owns the highest market share and is predicted to exhibit a CAGR of 4.12% during the forecast period. The egg protein products such as whole egg and yolk eggs are widely consumed in the food and beverages industries. This is attributed to the fact that egg proteins are considered an ideal source of essential amino acids; thus, egg proteins are utilized as a significant protein source in many food and beverages. In addition, the growth of the food and beverages industry is boosted by a surge in consumer demand for protein-rich food products Increase in demand for egg protein products in the food and beverages sector is a prominent factor driving the market growth rate.

Egg protein-based feed produces fodder that various livestock and poultry animals consume. Egg-based protein plays a vital role in animal health. According to the American Feed Industry Association, in 2018, feed ingredients worth USD 20 billion was purchased to feed various livestock and poultry animal. This demand for feed is expected to increase over a while due to the rise in demand for meat and meat-based products among consumers. Therefore, poultry and livestock farmers are investing in advanced feed that helps and promotes the quick growth of animals, thereby boosting the market's growth.

Recent Developments

• March 2023- Israeli firm PoLoPo obtained funding for potato-based egg protein production. The funding will support PoLoPo's technology platform, beginning with the replication of ovalbumin, an egg white protein. The company expects to have prototypes within the next 18 months, including protein-rich potato tubers and ovalbumin functional samples.
• November 2022- Nepra Foods Inc., a developer of nutritious plant-based and allergen-free foods, announced commercial production and in-plant trials of their Essential brand Egg White Replacement Powder (EPB-ER1), a plant-based egg white powder replacement intended for use in wholesale bread bakeries where the producer seeks to eliminate or reduce eggs in an existing product formulation.