United Kingdom Rice Protein Market Size, Share, Opportunities, COVID-19 Impact, And Trends, By Source (Organic Rice Protein, Inorganic Rice Protein), By Product-Type (Protein Isolates, Protein Concentrates), By Application (Animal Feed, Cosmetics, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Others), And By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline) - Forecasts From 2022 To 2027

The United Kingdom rice protein market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.52% during the forecast period, to reach a market size of US$29.643 million in 2027, from US$15.688 million in 2020.

Due to the growing preference for plant proteins, rice protein is increasingly being preferred as one of the main sources of proteins other than the traditional ones. Further, the number of people with allergies to traditional sources of protein as well as dairy products has increased. In view of above the rice protein is considered as one of the most consumer-friendly as well as healthy alternatives for those who wish to seek the inclusion of a good proportion of protein in their diet. It is also a preferred source of proteins for an ever-expanding group of people who are adhering to the vegan lifestyle.

Further, the dearth of time among the growing working population has fueled the need for a certain specific type of diet that compensates for the loss in protein intake.

To this end, Huel Inc. launched the Huel Black Edition in December 2019 which contains half the share of carbohydrates and 40 grams of 100% plant-based protein that is inclusive of but not limited to pea protein, flaxseed, and brown rice protein, among others. Further, to increase the range of natural ingredients, there has been the inclusion of green tea and kombucha extract. Besides, the aforesaid, the company offers a wide range of flavoured drinks, power bars, and granola cereal. They market their beverages as food.

Moreover, the country's food and beverage industry is continuously expanding and is being augmented by the increasing investments by big players in the food and beverage space.

This new interest is poised to propel the market in the UK to new heights during the forecast period. To this end, another development should be noted, which pertains to that of the functional food ingredients supplier, Healy Group, which has endeavoured in an expansion of plant-based protein in the country that has launched a range of micronized rice protein among others. The brand is called PrimaPro. According to the statement made by the company, this brand is suitable to be used in plant-based diets, sports nutrition, and high-protein beverages and snacks.

Moreover, in 2019, The Meatless Farm Co. based out of the United Kingdom secured a distribution deal with the grocery chain Whole Foods Markets that will carry two of its vegan products: Meat Free Mince, which is essentially a ground beef alternative, and Meat-Free Burgers, which are comprised of a pea, soy, and rice protein. Before this deal, the company launched its vegan burgers at a number of Sainsbury’s during the previous year. Also, the UK pub chain JD Wetherspoon added its first-ever alternative burger to its menu. It is further planned to roll out this plant-based burger in all its outlets after a successful trial of six months. Furthermore, Vive Natural Protein Snack Bars, based out of the United Kingdom, are available in 3 flavours: Hazelnut, Peanut Butter, and salted caramel. They are primarily made of nuts, dates, and organic cacao sourced from the Peruvian Amazon and fortified with rice and pea proteins to aid muscle growth.

Thus, it is evident that preference for the plant as a source of protein other than traditionally sourced meat is set to drive the growth of the rice protein market to new heights. Moreover, the growing emergence of players offering meal substitutes in the form of functional beverages is also poised to drive the growth of the rice protein market significantly. Further players emerging with micronized protein are also driving the growth of the British rice protein market during the forecast period.

Recent development and expansions

• Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a pioneer of plant proteins, launched two rice proteins in June 2022. Roquette offers consumers a familiar, safe, and nutritious alternative protein with premium quality and high production standards with NUTRALYS® rice protein. The new NUTRALYS® rice protein range, which includes a rice protein isolate and a rice protein concentrate, was introduced in North America and Europe first. Nutralys rice protein is a non-GM and gluten-free plant protein that can be combined with Nutralys pea protein from Roquette for complete vegetarian protein supplementation for specialised nutrition.
• Müller Rice launched a new high protein line in the United Kingdom in March 2021. Müller Rice Protein is available in two varieties, with more than double the protein content of its existing rice pudding line. The dairy company's aim was to target consumers who want high-protein products that will keep them healthy for longer.

COVID-19 impact on the United Kingdom Rice Protein Market

The COVID19 pandemic is a major health and economic shock that is affecting both UK and global food and nutrition security. Brexit has complicated matters even more in the United Kingdom. The persistence of COVID-19 for an extended period of time has disrupted the supply chain. The manufacturers were unable to obtain raw materials for rice protein, causing the manufacturing process to halt. Because of its functional properties and the growing demand for alternatives to animal protein and other plant proteins such as soy and whey, the demand for rice protein has increased dramatically following COVID-19. Furthermore, consumers are gravitating toward protein-rich foods and healthy food options. Rising demand for rice protein, combined with changing lifestyles and healthy eating habits, will drive up demand for rice protein.

United Kingdom Rice Protein Market Scope:

Market Segmentation

• By Source
  • Organic rice protein
  • Inorganic rice protein
• By Product-Type
  • Protein Isolates
  • Protein Concentrates
• By Application
  • Animal Feed
  • Cosmetics
  • Food & Beverages
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Others
• By Distribution Channel
  • Online
  • Offline