United States Wheat Protein - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The United States Wheat Protein Market size is estimated at USD 856.20 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 984.34 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 2.83% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

Personal Care and cosmetics segment is expected to gain popularity in forecast period due to beneficial properties associated within skin care products

• The F&B sector witnessed the highest demand, followed by the animal feed sector in 2022. The growing demand for wheat protein in bakeries, breakfast cereals, and meat alternatives products is driving market growth. Thus, the F&B segment of the market is projected to register a CAGR of 1.99% from 2023-2029. Wheat protein is viewed as a more favorable source of plant-based protein by the vegetarian and vegan communities. A variety of traditional meat-based items are increasingly being replaced by substitutes made with wheat protein as part of the plant-based trend.
• The animal feed sector is projected to register the highest CAGR of 3.61% during the forecast period. The capabilities of vital wheat gluten, which works as an appropriate and highly functional alternative to fish- and animal-based feeds, have contributed to the enormous rise of the animal feed industry. In 2021, the 10% lower production of hard winter wheat in the US resulted in its higher price by the end of 2021, hindering its growth rate.
• The personal care and cosmetics segment is expected to grow the fastest, registering a CAGR of 4.97% during the forecast period. Currently, the utilization of wheat protein in cosmetics and skincare is very minimal. In recent years, hydrolysates have found their way into the sector as a natural ingredient in skincare and hair care products. Hydrolyzed wheat protein is known to increase the firmness of the skin and helps to form a film to retain moisture and provide luminosity. It also prevents the skin from drying out, diminishes the appearance of wrinkles, and nourishes and repairs hair. Only 0.01% of the hydrolysates used in the US go to the personal care sector, but this is anticipated to change in the coming years.

United States Wheat Protein Market Trends

Plant protein consumption growth fuels opportunities for key players in the ingredients sector

• The per capita consumption rate of plant proteins is increasing at a considerable rate in the United States, supported by investments and innovations, resulting in a consumption rate of 40.28 grams per day, primarily due to a rising number of consumers turning vegan to promote animal welfare. This is because factory farming, where animals are maltreated, is a norm in the United States. Most Americans eat less meat and animal products, but they do not eliminate their consumption entirely. They also tend to be more flexitarian than vegan or vegetarian. Nearly 12% of consumers in the country prefer a plant-based diet, whereas 7% of consumers follow a flexitarian diet. Although consumers of all generations in the United States are interested in plant-based meals, individuals in their 20s and 30s are the keenest to adopt plant-based diets.
• There is a constant rise in the per capita consumption of pea protein due to its wide applications in different food products, like meat, poultry, and bakery products. Around 41% of consumers are interested in plant-based food derived from pea protein. The usage of pea protein is mainly observed in sports nutrition and meal replacement applications. A typical serving of pea protein powder is 30 grams, with 25 grams of protein recommended to consumers.
• Soy and whey proteins are used primarily in the food and beverage, supplement, and sports nutrition industries. In 2021, around 36% of consumers were familiar with soy protein and had consumed the same, whereas 31% of individuals consumed whey protein in the United States. Similarly, the consumption of soy-based food and beverages favorably increased by 12.9% during 2014-2019, and it is likely to remain consistent throughout the forecast period.

Winter wheat accounts for 70-80% of total production in the United States

• Wheat holds the third position among the US field crops in planted acreage and production, behind corn and soybeans. In 2021, 1.65 billion bushels of wheat were produced, amounting to USD 9.1 billion, and harvested area of 37.2 million acres of cropland, an increase from the previous year's planted area. Although the United States produces about 7% of the world's wheat, it is still a major exporter and ranks among the top three global wheat exporters. It also exports wheat to other major regions and countries, like the European Union and Russia.
• Hard red spring (HRS) wheat is one of the major classifications of wheat, accounting for 20% of the production. Hard Red Spring wheat is valued for its high protein levels, making it suitable for specialty bread and blending with lower-protein wheat. The major restraint for the wheat protein market is the rising consumer interest in gluten-free foods and revived promotion of low carbohydrate diets, which may put downward pressure on per capita wheat consumption.
• Winter wheat accounts for 70-80% of total production in the United States, with the largest amounts produced in Kansas (10.8 million ton) and North Dakota (9.8 million ton). Spring wheat typically constitutes about 25% of total US wheat production or 340 million to over 600 million bushels. Wheat protein has versatility, and there is a 700-million-pound market for wheat protein in the United States each year, split between the bakery and alternative meat applications. The growing pet population in the country is also leading to the demand for high-quality wheat protein for pet foods. Manufacturers use wheat protein, or vital wheat gluten, to improve the crumbs and texture of slices of bread.

United States Wheat Protein Industry Overview

The United States Wheat Protein Market is moderately consolidated, with the top five companies occupying 55.46%. The major players in this market are Archer Daniels Midland Company, Kerry Group PLC, MGP Ingredients Inc., Sudzucker Group and The Scoular Company (sorted alphabetically).

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