Pea Protein Market Size & Outlook, 2025-2033

Pea Protein Market Size

Key Takeaways

• The global pea protein market was valued at USD 2.42 billion in 2024 with a CAGR of 12.78% by Straits Research.

• Growing awareness about strict food regulations pertaining to clean-label food coupled with consumer awareness about the benefits of consuming plant-based proteins has propelled this market.

• Pea protein due to its protein content is surpassing Aquafaba in sales and preference.

• North America leads this market specifically due to US. 

• Dry pea protein have massive adoption due to easier storage and minimal transportation cost.

Overview of the Market

According to Straits Research, the global pea protein market size is estimated to grow from USD 2.73 billion in 2025 to reach USD 7.13 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 12.78% during the forecast period (2025–2033).

Latest Market Trend

Innovation in Sports Nutrition

The report states that the global pea protein market is gaining momentum, particularly driven by constant research in sports nutrition. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are increasingly seeking plant-based alternatives to whey and soy proteins. Pea protein offers a complete amino acid profile, easy digestibility, and allergen-free benefits.

• In December 2024, Burcon NutraScience Corporation announced the launch of its next-generation pea protein isolate, Peazazz®C. Designed to meet the rising demand for plant-based protein ingredients, Peazazz®C boasts over 90% protein purity, low sodium and a neutral taste, making it suitable for numerous applications such as beverages, nutrition bars, lifestyle nutrition products and vegetarian and vegan offerings.

Such advancements are expanding the versatility of pea protein in sports nutrition, reinforcing its role as a mainstream protein choice.

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Pea Protein Market Drivers

Rising Demand for Plant-Based Diets Globally

According to this report, the global market is witnessing significant growth driven by the rising demand for plant-based and vegan diets. Consumers are now prioritizing health, environmental sustainability, and ethical food choices, leading to a surge in plant-based lifestyles.

• 79 million people globally identify as vegan, as per our latest reports, reflecting a steady increase in plant-based lifestyles. Major institutions such as the University of Stirling in the UK have transitioned to 100% plant-based catering. Uppsala University in Sweden has also embraced this shift and endorsed a full plant-based shift with a 90% majority vote.

This growing acceptance of plant-based diets across diverse sectors is directly influencing the demand for high-quality alternatives like pea protein, further propelling market growth.

Restraining Factors

Competitive Pressure from Other Plant Proteins

According to this report, growing competitive pressure from other plant-based protein sources such as soy, rice, hemp, and chickpea protein are one of the key restraints which are likely to hamper the growth of this market. These alternatives are well-established and often preferred due higher protein content, lower cost and better taste and texture profiles. 

Soy protein continues to dominate as the traditionally preferred choice in meat substitutes and as dairy alternatives due to its versatility and widespread consumer acceptance. This intense competition challenges the market share, especially in regions where traditional plant proteins are more ingrained in consumer habits and food manufacturing.

Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements in Taste, Texture, and Protein Concentration

Research-backed technological advancements in taste, texture, and protein content are creatingopportunities for growth in the global pea protein market. Companies are heavily investing in research to overcome longstanding limitations like raw flavors, chalky textures, and inadequate protein levels.

Ingredion’s VITESSENCE® Pea 100 HD, launched in July 2024, serves as a notable example. Tailored for cold-pressed bars, this protein solution is ensures softness throughout the shelf life of the product. 

VITISSENCE® provides 84% protein and offers a delectable taste by minimizing the powdery mouthfeel commonly found in other proteins. Its proprietary processing technology delivers a consistently functional product with improved texture.

As companies continue to refine the taste and texture of pea protein, its adoption across mainstream food categories is expected to grow rapidly, opening new market opportunities.

Pea Protein Faring Better than Aquafaba as A Plant-Based Protein Source

This report also includes data on how pea protein surpasses Aquafaba in terms of protein content by a substantial amount. It shows an increase in protein content by upto 97% and is preferred over aquafaba as a plant-based protein source due to its superior nutritional valueand scalability making it a good choice for large-scale food manufacturing. 

Key Differences between Pea Protein and Aquafaba

With a high protein content of  approximately90%, pea protein serves as a complete protein powerhouse for muscle recovery, vegan diets, and clean-label formulations. In contrast, aquafaba, which is typically derived from canned peas contains only 1–2% protein and is mainly used as an egg alternative in vegan confectionery items. 

Pea protein is more versatile, widely used in protein shakes, meat substitutes, dairy alternatives, and functional foods, making it suitable for sports nutrition and mainstream food manufacturing. Its longer shelf-life attribute also adds to its selection in a variety of food products. 

Its long shelf life, allergen-friendly profile, and sustainability further reinforce its dominance. Backed by leading brands like Beyond Meat, which has a longstanding deal with French-based pea protein supplier Roquette since 2020 and incorporates 20 g of protein in its burger patty, continues to gain traction as the preferred alternative to traditional proteins and limited-use ingredients like aquafaba.

Regional Insights

According to Straits Research, North America currently leads the global pea protein market, driven by the rising adoption of plant-based diets and the growing demand for clean-label food products. The region's well-established food and beverage industry, coupled with strong consumer awareness about sustainable protein sources, supports this dominance. 

In addition, innovation in product development, such as pea protein-based meat alternatives, sports nutrition, and functional foods, continues to expand market presence. The increasing focus on health and wellness trends, alongside a preference for allergen-free protein sources, further strengthens North America's leading position.

Europe: Significantly Growing Region

This report also states that Europe is witnessing remarkable growth, fueled by a surge in veganism and heightened environmental concerns among consumers. The rising interest in ethical food production and sustainability is boosting the demand for plant-based protein alternatives. 

European food manufacturers are rapidly innovating to meet the growing appetite for high-protein and allergen-free food products. Moreover, advancements in food technology and widespread investment in alternative protein research are enhancing product offerings across multiple sectors, from ready-to-eat meals to nutritional supplements, positioning Europe as a key region for rapid expansion.

Key Players in Europe

Asia-Pacific Pea Protein Market: Substantial Potential for Growth

Asia-Pacific presents significant potential for growth due to the region’s evolving dietary patterns and increasing focus on health and wellness. Rising disposable incomes, growing urbanization, and a shifting preference toward plant-based nutrition are creating opportunities for pea protein applications across a wide range of food and beverage products. 

Moreover, heightened awareness of food safety and quality is pushing manufacturers to explore plant-derived ingredients. As demand for fortified foods rises, coupled with expanding vegan and vegetarian populations, Asia-Pacific is set to become a major contributor to the future market growth.

Key Players in Asia-Pacific Region

product Insights

Pea protein isolates are the dominant segment due to their high protein content, typically around 90%. They are widely used in meat substitutes, beverages, protein bars, and dietary supplements.

Smooth texture, neutral flavour and excellent solubility make them a preferred choice for manufacturers. The increasing demand for plant-based proteins and their ability to meet the nutritional needs of consumers is driving growth in this segment.

Form Insights

Dry pea protein is the leading form in the market due to its versatility and ease of storage. It has a longer shelf life compared to wet forms, which makes it cost-effective for large-scale production and transportation. 

The dry segment is primarily used in meat substitutes, dietary supplements, and bakery goods. Its easy incorporation into products enhances its appeal among manufacturers and consumers seeking convenient, high-protein alternatives.

Applications Insights

This report also states that the meat substitute segment is the largest application for pea protein, driven by the surge in plant-based eating. Pea protein is an essential ingredient in plant-based burgers, sausages, and other meat alternatives because of its high protein content and functional properties.

 As consumer interest in vegan and vegetarian diets rises, the market demand in this segment continues to expand rapidly, making it a dominant application in the market.

Company Market Share

In the global market, companies are actively focusing on expanding their product portfolios to cater to diverse application areas such as meat alternatives, dairy substitutes, nutritional supplements, and functional foods. They are investing heavily in research and development to improve the taste, solubility, and functional properties of pea protein ingredients.

List of key players in Pea Protein Market

1. Burcon
2. Roquette Frères
3. The Scoular Company
4. DuPont
5. Cosucra
6. Nutri-Pea
7. Shandong Jianyuan Group
8. SOTEXPRO
9. Yantai Oriental Protein Tech Co.LTD
10. PURIS
11. Ingredion
12. Axiom Foods Inc.
13. FENCHEM
14. Martin & Pleasance
15. The Green Labs LLC

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Recent Developments

• March 2025 – Daily Harvest expanded its plant-based offerings with the launch of a new Organic Pea Protein Powder, designed to meet the growing demand for clean, sustainable protein sources. This USDA-certified organic powder delivers 24 grams of protein per serving and is crafted from just one ingredient organic yellow peas ensuring a clean label with no additives or preservatives.