Animal Protein Ingredients Market Size, Share, Opportunities, And Trends By Product Type (Egg Protein, Dairy Protein, Fish Protein, Gelatin, Others), By Form (Solid, Liquid, Others), By Application (Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals, Animal Feed, Others), And By Geography – Forecasts From 2025 To 2030

Animal Protein Ingredients Market Size:

The animal protein ingredients market will grow at a CAGR of 4.29% to be valued at US$45.09 billion in 2030 from US$36.541 billion in 2025.

Animal Protein Ingredients Market Highlights:

• Protein hydrolysis enhances bioavailability in protein supplements, boosting sports nutrition demand.
• Bioactive peptides from dairy proteins drive nutraceuticals, supporting health-conscious diets.
• Advanced dairy fractions improve functional food ingredients, enhancing texture in beverages.
• Clean-label ingredients align with consumer demand for sustainable, ethical animal-based proteins.

Animal protein ingredients refer to those types of ingredients that are derived from animal sources. The market is projected to witness healthy growth owing to the growing consumption of protein products in both developed and developing economies of the globe, due to growing awareness among millennials about a healthy and nutritious diet. Protein is considered one of the most essential parts of the diet as it helps to build, repair, and maintain the body's structures. The human body possesses proteins throughout the body in muscles and organs in the bones, skin, and hair; however, the inability of the body to store proteins, unlike other macronutrients, is a key factor for protein intake through the diet. The Animal Protein Ingredients Market is a dynamic segment of the global food and feed industry, encompassing animal-based proteins derived from sources such as dairy (whey, casein), eggs, meat, fish, and gelatin, which are critical for applications in food and beverages, protein supplements, animal feed, and pharmaceuticals. These protein ingredients are valued for their high nutritional profile, providingessential amino acids, and their functional properties, such as emulsification,gelling, and texture enhancement, making them integral to functional food ingredients. The market supports health-conscious consumers, fitness enthusiasts, and livestock industries by delivering protein-rich solutions that align with clean-label ingredients trends, emphasizing transparency, sustainability, and ethical sourcing. North America and Europe lead due to advanced processing technologies and regulatory frameworks, while Asia-Pacific shows rapid growth driven by urbanization and rising protein demand. The market is integral to meeting global protein demand, driven by health and wellness trends, population growth, and industrial applications. Animal-based proteins, such as whey protein, egg protein, and collagen, are prized for their complete amino acid profiles and bioavailability, making them essential in protein supplements for sports nutrition and clinical diets. For instance, Arla Foods’ Lacprodan® whey protein enhances muscle recovery in protein bars. Functional food ingredients, like gelatin and casein, improve texture and stability in dairy products, baked goods, and beverages, supporting clean-label ingredients by avoiding artificial additives. In animal feed, fish meal and poultry protein enhance livestock health, as seen in Darling Ingredients’ sustainable feed solutions. The market’s growth is fueled by consumer awareness of protein’s health benefits and technological advancements in protein extraction. The market serves diverse applications. In food and beverages, animal-based proteins like whey and egg protein are used in protein bars, shakes, and fortified snacks, addressing consumer demand for functional food ingredients. Protein supplements, particularly whey isolates, cater to fitness enthusiasts, with Glanbia’s Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard leading in sports nutrition. Animal feed applications utilize fish meal and meat by-products to improve livestock growth, supporting global meat production. Clean-label ingredients, such as organic dairy proteins, meet consumer preferences for natural products, as seen in Kerry Group’s grass-fed casein. Pharmaceuticals leverage collagen for nutraceuticals, enhancing joint health and skin vitality. These applications underscore the market’s role in nutrition and sustainability. The Animal Protein Ingredients Market is propelled by several drivers. First, rising health consciousness fuels demand for protein supplements and functional food ingredients, as seen in the popularity of whey protein among athletes. Second, global population growth and urbanization, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, increase meat and dairy consumption, driving animal feed protein demand. Third, technological advancements in protein extraction, like hydrolysis, enhance bioavailability, supporting clean-label ingredients. Finally, consumer demand for clean-label ingredients promotes organic and grass-fed proteins, aligning with sustainability trends. The market faces restraints, including rising demand for plant-based proteins, driven by veganism and environmental concerns, which compete with animal-based proteins.High production costs for clean-label ingredients, such as organic whey, increase due to sustainable sourcing, limiting affordability in emerging markets. Regulatory scrutiny over animal welfare and allergen labeling complicates compliance, as seen in EU regulations. Health concerns, like lactose intolerance, also hinder dairy protein adoption. Innovations, such as Arla’s hydrolyzed whey and Kerry’s grass-fed casein, underscore the market’s commitment to nutrition and sustainability, positioning animal-based proteins as essential for global food systems and consumer health.

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Animal Protein Ingredients Market Trends

Higher nutrition content in animal-based products is one of the major factors that has led to high demand for animal protein ingredients, thus playing a major role in amplifying market growth during the forecast period. Additionally, the wide applications of these products in the animal feed industry are anticipated to propel the business growth opportunities for the market players over the course of the next five years. Furthermore, increased consumption of dietary supplements due to health benefits associated with them, particularly among millennials and athletes to enhance their muscle building and performance, is also supplementing the demand during the given time frame. The growing participation by food companies in the R&D investments for the launch of new and enhanced foods with high protein content, coupled with the launch of the new and enhanced products by protein manufacturers, further provides an impetus for market growth in the near future. The market is rapidly evolving, driven by innovative processing techniques and health-focused consumer demands, reshaping food, feed, and pharmaceutical applications. Protein hydrolysis, particularly through enzymatic processing, enhances bioavailability and digestibility, as seen in Arla Foods’ Lacprodan® Hydro.Clear, a hydrolyzed whey protein for clear protein drinks. Enzymatic processing produces bioactive peptides, which offer health benefits like immune support andmuscle recovery, driving demand for nutraceuticals in protein supplements. Advanced dairy fractions, such as whey protein isolates, improve functional properties in sports nutrition, with Glanbia’s Optimum Nutrition range enhancing texture in protein bars. Bioactive peptides from collagen, as developed by Nitta Gelatin, support joint health in nutraceuticals. These Animal Protein Ingredients market trends highlight innovation, sustainability, and health-focused solutions, positioning animal-based proteins as key drivers in global nutrition. Some of the major players covered in this report include Cargill Inc., Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Kerry Group Plc., Tyson Foods Inc., Darling Ingredients Inc., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, and Glanbia PLC, among others.

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Animal Protein Ingredients Market Drivers

• Rising Health and Wellness Trends
  The Animal Protein Ingredients Market is significantly driven by health and wellness trends, as consumers increasingly prioritize protein-rich diets to support fitness, muscle recovery, and overall health. Animal-based proteins, such as whey and egg proteins, are favored for their complete amino acid profiles and high bioavailability, making them staples in protein supplements and functional food ingredients. For instance, Glanbia’s Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard whey caters to athletes, enhancing muscle growth. Bioactive peptides derived from protein hydrolysis, as seen in Arla Foods’ Lacprodan® Hydro.Clear, support immune health and nutraceuticals. This driver fuels market growth by aligning with consumer preferences for clean-label ingredients and nutritional products, particularly in North America and Europe, where health-conscious lifestyles dominate.
• Growing Global Population and Urbanization
  The Animal Protein Ingredients Market is propelled by global population growth and urbanization, particularly in the Asia-Pacific, which increases demand for animal-based proteins in food, feed, and protein supplements. Urban consumers seek convenient, protein-rich foods like dairy beverages and meat products, driving animal feed applications, as seen in Darling Ingredients’ sustainable fish meal for aquaculture.Advanced dairy fractions, such as casein, support infant formula production, addressing nutritional needs in urban markets.Urbanization in China and India boosts meat consumption, increasing feed protein demand, further supported by enzymatic processing for improved digestibility. This driver accelerates market expansion by necessitating scalable protein solutions for growing populations.
• Advancements in Protein Processing Technologies
  Innovations in protein processing technologies, such as protein hydrolysis and enzymatic processing, drive the Animal Protein Ingredients Market by enhancingfunctional properties and bioavailability of animal-based proteins. Advanced dairy fractions, like whey protein isolates, improve texture and stability in functional foods, as seen in Kerry Group’s grass-fed casein for protein drinks. Bioactive peptides produced via enzymatic processing support nutraceuticals, offering health benefits like joint support, as demonstrated by Nitta Gelatin’s collagen peptides. These advancements drive market growth by enabling clean-label ingredients and innovative formulations, meeting consumer demand for high-quality, sustainable protein products in food and pharmaceuticals.

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Animal Protein Ingredients Market Restraint

• Rising Vegan Population Challenges Market Growth
  The growing vegan population, particularly in developed economies, is expected to hinder the growth of the animal protein market. Consumers increasingly opt for plant-based alternatives, like pea protein, due to sustainability and ethical concerns about animal welfare, as highlighted by the Plant-Based Food Association’s 2024 report on vegan product growth. Government initiatives promoting vegan diets are further limiting the consumption of animal-based products. The increasing preference for plant-based proteins among vegans is likely to negatively impact the market in the long term. Additionally, many governments are working to reduce animal slaughter, thereby decreasing the demand for meat-based proteins and related products. For example, the Congress of Mexico City passed an agreement encouraging public institutions to prioritize plant-based meals to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases linked to high meat consumption. This shift challenges animal-based proteins, particularly in developed markets like Europe, where plant-based diets are mainstream. Nutraceuticals and functional foods incorporating plant proteins compete with dairy and egg proteins, limiting market share. Health concerns, such as lactose intolerance, further hinder dairy protein adoption, necessitating innovation in clean-label animal proteins to maintain competitiveness.
• High Production Costs for Clean-Label Ingredients
  High production costs for clean-label ingredients, such as organic and grass-fed animal-based proteins, pose a significant restraint for the Animal Protein Ingredients Market. Sustainable sourcing and advanced processing, like enzymatic hydrolysis, increase expenses, particularly for small manufacturers in emerging markets. For instance, organic whey production requires specialized feed and certification, raising costs, as noted in Kerry Group’s grass-fed casein launch. Regulatory compliance for allergen labeling and animal welfare further escalates production costs, limiting affordability in price-sensitive regions like Africa. This restraint slows market growth, requiring cost-effective technologies to balance sustainability and scalability.

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Animal Protein Ingredients Market Segmentation Analysis

• The Dairy Protein segment is dominating the market
  Dairy Protein dominates the product type segment of the Animal Protein Ingredients Market due to its high nutritional value, versatility, and widespread use in protein supplements, functional foods, and beverages. Derived from milk (e.g., whey and casein), dairy proteins offer complete amino acid profiles and bioavailability, making them ideal for sports nutrition and clinical diets. Arla Foods’ Lacprodan® Hydro.Clear, a hydrolyzed whey protein, enhances muscle recovery in protein drinks. Dairy proteins support clean-label ingredients through grass-fed and organic options, as seen in Kerry Group’s grass-fed casein for protein bars. Their functional properties, like emulsification, drive market growth by meeting consumer preferences for healthy, sustainable products.
• The Food & Beverages segment is anticipated to grow substantially
  Food & Beverages lead the application segment of the Animal Protein Ingredients Market, driven by consumer demand for protein-rich foods, functional food ingredients, and clean-label products in dairy, bakery, and beverage sectors. Dairy proteins like whey and egg proteins enhance texture and nutrition in protein bars, shakes, and fortified snacks, as seen in Glanbia’s Optimum Nutrition range for sports nutrition. Bioactive peptides from protein hydrolysis improve health benefits, such as muscle support, in functional beverages. Food & Beverages drive market expansion by addressing health-conscious trends and sustainability, with clean-label ingredients like organic whey gaining traction in global markets.
• Asia-Pacific to Maintain Significant Market Share
  The Asia-Pacific region is projected to hold a substantial share of the animal protein market, driven by strong demand for these ingredients across various applications. High demand for animal feed in the region will further support market growth during the forecast period. China, a major consumer of food, beverages, and animal feed, is experiencing a shift in consumption patterns, increasing the need for animal protein. According to the International Institute of Applied System Analytics' CHINAGRO Model II, China will need to produce an additional 200 million pigs, 3 billion poultry, and billions of fish by 2030 to meet rising demand. This surge in animal husbandry is expected to significantly boost the demand for animal protein ingredients, positively impacting market growth in the region.
• North America is also expected to hold a considerable market share
  North America, particularly the United States, dominates the Animal Protein Ingredients Market due to its advanced processing infrastructure, strong consumer base for protein supplements, and regulatory support for clean-label ingredients. The region leads in dairy protein adoption, with whey and casein powering sports nutrition and functional foods, as seen in Milk Specialties Global’s high-protein dairy ingredients. Smart processing technologies, like enzymatic processing, enhance bioavailability, supporting nutraceuticals, as evidenced by Arla Foods’ innovations. North America drives market growth by fostering sustainable sourcing and consumer-driven demand for health-focused protein products.

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Animal Protein Ingredients Market Key Developments

• In July 2025, ADM released its 2025 Protein Report, which highlighted new product innovations in both plant and animal protein ingredients. The report emphasized the growing consumer interest in hybrid and blended protein products, combining different sources to achieve specific nutritional, functional, and sensory attributes. ADM's innovation focuses on creating ingredients that offer superior taste and texture while providing high nutritional value and affordability, targeting younger consumer demographics who are more open to diverse protein sources.
• In February 2025, Calysseo launched FeedKind Pet, a protein ingredient for pet food derived from a proprietary fermentation process. This product represents a major innovation in the pet food industry by providing a sustainable, high-quality, and traceable protein source that doesn't rely on traditional animal agriculture. Its introduction addresses the growing consumer demand for environmentally-friendly pet nutrition and offers an alternative to conventional proteins like meat and fishmeal, reducing the industry's ecological footprint.
• In October 2024, dsm-firmenich, a leading company in nutrition and health, inaugurated a new animal nutrition factory in Brazil. This strategic move was accompanied by the launch of advanced feed additives, including those designed to enhance the health and productivity of beef and dairy cattle. These products focus on precision nutrition and improving feed efficiency, which are critical for sustainable livestock farming. The innovation aims to help farmers meet the rising global demand for meat and dairy while reducing costs and environmental impact.
• In July 2024, Ingredion expanded its line of protein fortification solutions with the launch of VITESSENCE Pea 100 HD. This new pea protein ingredient is specifically optimized for use in cold-pressed bars, a popular segment in the snack and nutrition market. With a protein content of 84% on a dry basis, it is designed to function similarly to traditional animal proteins like whey or soy, providing a high-quality, plant-based alternative that meets the growing demand for "clean label" and non-GMO ingredients.

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Animal Protein Ingredients Market Segmentations:

• Animal Protein Ingredients Market Segmentation by product type
  • Egg Protein
  • Dairy Protein
  • Fish Protein
  • Collagen and Gelatin
  • Meta Protein
  • Others
• Animal Protein Ingredients Market Segmentation by form
  • Solid
  • Liquid
  • Others
• Animal Protein Ingredients Market Segmentation by application
  • Food & Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals & Nutraceuticals
  • Animal Feed
  • Others
• Animal Protein Ingredients Market Segmentation by regions:
  • North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico)
  • South America (Brazil, Argentina, and Others)
  • Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, and Others)
  • Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Others)
  • Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Others)

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Arla Foods amba

Darling Ingredients Inc.

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited

Glanbia plc

Kerry Group plc

Nitta Gelatin Inc.

Milk Specialties Global

Ingredion Incorporated

ADM Animal Nutrition

Cargill, Incorporated