North America Plant Protein Market Size, Share, COVID-19 Impact, Opportunities, And Trends By Source (Pea, Rapeseed, Soy, Hempseed, Others), By Form (Protein Concentrates, Protein Isolates, Protein Hydrolysate), By Application (Dietary Supplement, Food And Beverages, Pharmaceuticals, Animal Feed), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), And By Country - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

The North American plant protein market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.94%, from US$4,228.408 million in 2020 to US$7,700.240 million in 2027.

Recent trends are leading the way towards a vegan society, which is being fueled by the growing trend of veganism in countries such as the US and Canada. Additionally, the risks of excess red meat consumption are slowly dawning upon people and making them more health-conscious, further pushing them to consume foods that are gluten-free, have low sodium content, and have low cholesterol levels, so that the risks associated with them can be effectively mitigated. Therefore, these factors are increasing the demand for plant-based proteins among the population and are acting as driving factors for the market’s growth over the forecast period and beyond.

Increased inclination toward animal-based protein alternatives

Moreover, the governments and public institutions in Canada and Mexico are taking imperative steps in order to facilitate the widespread adoption of meat alternatives and foods that are low in sodium content and fat-free. For instance, the consumption of plant-based foods containing more plant protein than animal protein, in accordance with Guideline 1, presented in Canada’s Dietary Guidelines 2019. In addition, according to the statistics presented by UNICEF, the top spot in childhood obesity is held by Mexico, and according to the OECD, the number of Mexican adults that are suffering from the problem of obesity will be about 40% by 2030.

In order to tackle this problem, the Congress of Mexico City is encouraging organizations working in the public sector, such as the System for the Integral Development of the Family (DIF), and the SECITI (Secretariat of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation) to take the necessary steps required for the implementation of plant protein diets in community kitchens, once a week. These steps are necessary to reduce the risk of diabetes type 2 and serious diseases such as high cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity, the chances of which are further reduced by consuming legumes and plant proteins in daily diets. However, a majority of individuals are still inclined towards the consumption of animal protein, which hampers the market growth over the forecast period to some extent.

Product launches by key market players

Furthermore, the market players are also contributing to the increasing demand for plant proteins by launching new products in order to improve their market position and positively impact the market growth. For instance, recently in February 2020, Calbee North America’s product Harvest Snaps announced that they are launching a new product called the “Crunchions”, at Expo West Booth N5662, where three new flavours will be available, which are Sour Cream and Onion, Tangy Sweet Chili, and Kick’n BBQ. This snack is made using red lentils, which are rich in plant proteins, containing about 4g of protein and picked directly from the farm. Additionally, they are planning to relaunch the Popper Duos flavour at the Expo West along with the launch of other new flavours like Yellow & White Cheddar, BBQ Ranch, and Salsa & Cheddar, which are made using green peas and red lentils.

Pea-based plant protein and soy-based plant protein hold a significant share

By source, the plant-based protein market has been segmented into pea, rapeseed, soy, hempseed, and others. Pea-based plant protein is expected to hold a significant market share over the forecast period, due to an increase in adoption among the young and adult population alike in the US, due to the plethora of health benefits consumption of pea protein. The benefits it provides, such as the continuous supply of BCAA’s (branched-chain amino acids) and the appropriate amount of energy supply to facilitate proper muscle growth, make it a popular supplement in the daily diets of the population.

Additionally, the usage and consumption are rising in Canada as the government and health institutions are putting forward surveys and studies, such as the Canadian Cardiovascular Society say that the risk of cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by consuming soy. Similarly, Health Canada 2015 presents an assessment that proves the integral role soy plays in warding off the chances of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance, gluten allergy, and sensitivity is causing individuals suffering to adopt soy protein products.

Key Developments in the Market

• In June 2022, leading plant-based ingredients and protein manufacturer Roquette launched two rice proteins to its portfolio. The new Nutralys rice proteins offer high-standard and premium-quality protein alternatives. The new NUTRALYS® rice protein line included a rice protein isolate and a rice protein concentrate and was launched in Europe and North America.
• In December 2021, AGT Foods, a Canada-based pulse processor, and FrieslandCampina, a Dairy supplier, collaborated to develop and launch new plant-based protein series, Plantaris. The newly launched two products are Plantaris Faba Isolate 90 A and Plantaris Pea Isolate 85.
• In September 2021, Ingredion upgraded and expanded its production facility in Saskatchewan. This investment aid in meeting the increasing consumer demands for plant-based proteins. This facility is primarily responsible for the production of protein concentrate for peas, faba beans, and lentils.

COVID-19 Insights

COVID-19 had a positive impact on the North America Plant-based protein market. Consumption of a nutritionally balanced, nutritious diet grew amid the pandemic. Taking advantage of this paradigm trend, multiple market players actively sought to develop and launch plant-based protein offerings. The growing number of vegans further added impetus to the market growth.

Segmentation

• By Source
  • Pea
  • Rapeseed
  • Soy
  • Hempseed
  • Others
• By Form
  • Protein Concentrates
  • Protein Isolates
  • Protein Hydrolysate
• By Application
  • Dietary Supplement
  • Food and Beverages
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Animal Feed
• By Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline
• By Countries
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico