Feed Plant-based Protein - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2031)

According to Mordor Intelligence, the plant-based feed protein market was valued at USD 4.21 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 4.58 billion in 2026 to USD 6.99 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 8.81% between 2026 and 2031.

This report is Segmented by Source (Soy Protein, Pea Protein, Wheat Protein, Canola Protein, and More), by Livestock (Poultry, Swine, Ruminant, Aquaculture, and More), by Form (Concentrates, Isolates, and Textured Proteins), and by Geography (North America, South America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

Global Feed Plant-based Protein Market Trends and Insights

Rising Demand for Sustainable Animal Nutrition

Rising demand for sustainable animal nutrition is supporting growth in the plant-based feed protein market because feed manufacturers and livestock producers are increasingly prioritizing lower-emission and traceable protein ingredients. According to Donau Soja, 54% of European Union soy intake complied with the European Feed Manufacturers' Federation Soy Sourcing Guidelines in 2025 . This shift reflects stronger adoption of certified and sustainably sourced plant proteins across commercial feed supply chains. Feed producers are increasingly incorporating soy, pea, and wheat proteins into livestock and aquaculture formulations to align with sustainability targets, procurement standards, and carbon-reduction strategies within global animal nutrition systems.

Cost Volatility in Fishmeal and Animal Proteins

Cost fluctuations in fishmeal and animal proteins are driving increased demand for plant-based feed proteins, as feed manufacturers seek more cost-effective and stable protein alternatives for livestock and aquaculture diets. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the Food and Agriculture Organization, Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034, global oilseed meal usage in aquaculture is projected to grow by 37%, reaching 11 million metric tons by 2034, while fishmeal usage is anticipated to increase by only 16% during the same period. This trend highlights the rising adoption of soy, pea, and wheat proteins in feed formulations, as producers focus on cost efficiency, supply reliability, and reducing reliance on marine-based protein sources.

Amino-Acid Profile Gaps Versus Animal Proteins

Amino acid profile limitations continue to constrain growth in the plant-based feed protein market, as many plant-derived proteins are deficient in methionine and other sulfur-containing amino acids compared to animal-based proteins. Research published in Food and Function by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2025 indicates that high-temperature texturization processing reduced lysine content in pea protein by up to 23.4%, underscoring the nutritional losses associated with protein processing. These amino acid deficiencies complicate formulation in poultry, swine, and aquaculture diets, particularly for smaller feed manufacturers that lack advanced balancing capabilities and consistent access to supplemental amino acids.

Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:

1. Processing Innovations Enhancing Digestibility
2. Aquaculture Feed Capacity Expansion
3. Allergen Concerns in Soy-Dominant Rations

For complete list of drivers and restraints, kindly check the Table Of Contents.

Segment Analysis

The feed plant-based protein market share for the soy protein segment accounted for the largest 39.0% in 2025. Soy protein remains the leading ingredient due to the established global soybean processing infrastructure, efficient supply chains, and compatibility with various livestock. Poultry, swine, and aquaculture producers continue to rely on soybean meal and soy concentrates because of their well-defined nutritional profiles, digestibility standards, and cost-effectiveness. Canola and wheat proteins play complementary roles in livestock diets, aiding in amino acid balancing and cost optimization. Additionally, large integrated processors benefit from mature soybean trading networks and the widespread availability of soy across global commercial feed markets.

The feed plant-based protein market size for the pea protein segment is projected to grow at the fastest 11.8% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. Pea protein is gaining traction due to its alignment with non-genetically modified feed programs, lower-emission sourcing strategies, and the diversification of protein sources beyond soy-dependent supply chains. Livestock and aquaculture feed manufacturers are increasingly incorporating pea proteins to enhance formulation flexibility and mitigate risks associated with soybean market fluctuations. Other alternative proteins, such as canola, wheat, fava bean, and lupin, are also gaining prominence in blended formulations, driven by growing emphasis on digestibility, amino acid composition, and sustainability considerations among global commercial feed producers.

Geography Analysis

The feed plant-based protein market share for North America held the largest 37.1% in 2025. The region's dominance is attributed to the extensive soybean processing, canola crushing, and pea protein manufacturing infrastructure in the United States and Canada. Additionally, the presence of large integrated livestock and poultry industries supports consistent demand for plant-derived feed proteins within industrial feed systems. North America benefits from advanced agricultural logistics, export-oriented oilseed production, and significant feed-manufacturing capacity. Furthermore, growing investments in traceable sourcing and alternative proteins are enhancing regional production capabilities for pea, sunflower, and canola-based feed ingredients in commercial animal nutrition markets.

The feed plant-based protein market size for Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest 8.9% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. This rapid growth is driven by strong industrial livestock production, aquaculture expansion, and increased adoption of compound feed across countries such as China, India, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia. Europe also continues investing heavily in sustainable protein diversification and lower-emission feed systems supported by regulatory and research initiatives. Meanwhile, South America remains a key player, with Brazil and Argentina serving as major hubs for soybean production and exports. These regions are witnessing growing demand for scalable plant-based proteins as global livestock and aquaculture industries prioritize feed security and sustainable sourcing practices.

The Middle East and Africa currently represent a smaller share of the plant-based feed protein market. However, demand in these regions is increasing as feed security and formal livestock production become more significant. Gulf countries continue to depend heavily on imported plant proteins, highlighting the importance of long-term supply agreements and regional processing partnerships, particularly during periods of commodity market volatility. In Africa, the market remains limited in value, but key livestock-producing countries like Nigeria and South Africa are transitioning toward more industrialized feed formulation systems. Cowpeas present a viable regional protein source due to their nitrogen-fixing properties, drought tolerance, and nutritional benefits, which can be enhanced through processes such as fermentation or sprouting.

1. Cargill, Incorporated
2. Archer Daniels Midland Company
3. Roquette Freres S.A.
4. Kerry Group plc
5. Ingredion Incorporated
6. Bunge Global SA
7. Wilmar International Limited
8. Sudzucker AG
9. Hamlet Protein A/S (Royal Agrifirm Group B.V.)
10. CHS Inc.
11. Meelunie B.V. (Hoogwegt Groep B.V.)
12. The Scoular Company
13. Cooperatie Koninklijke Avebe U.A.
14. Emsland-Starke GmbH

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support