The hydrolyzed vegetable protein market is projected to grow from USD 1.8 billion in 2025 to USD 2.9 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 7.2% over the forecast period. The market growth is driven by increasing demand for umami flavor enhancers, clean-label food ingredients, and plant-based protein sources across processed food, snacks, and ready-meal applications.
Market Metrics
Metrics | Values |
---|---|
Industry Size 2025 | USD 1.8 billion |
Industry Value 2035 | USD 2.9 billion |
CAGR 2025 to 2035 | 7.2% |
HVPs, derived from sources such as soy, corn, and wheat, are increasingly used in seasonings, bouillons, soups, and sauces to provide depth of flavor without added MSG. The food industry's shift toward natural alternatives, combined with rising global interest in plant-based diets, is fueling demand for hydrolyzed protein-based flavor systems.
The hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) market is projected to reach USD 1.8 billion in 2025. Within the broader food ingredients market, valued at over USD 1 trillion, HVP holds a modest 0.2-0.3% share, used extensively in soups, broths, sauces, and seasonings. In the flavor enhancers segment, it accounts for approximately 10-12%, contributing savory umami and meaty depth.
As part of the natural and clean‑label ingredients market, HVP captures around 2-3%, appreciated for its plant‑based, label‑friendly credentials. In the animal feed additives market, it represents about 1-2%, particularly in pet food and aquafeed formulations. In the cosmetic and personal care ingredients market, HVP holds under 1%, where it is occasionally used for its binding and moisturizing properties.
The market is being shaped by rising consumer demand for natural savory ingredients, increasing use of vegan and vegetarian seasonings, and the growing popularity of umami-rich flavor profiles in global cuisines. Regulatory support for MSG alternatives and advancements in enzymatic hydrolysis techniques are enabling higher-quality HVP production. Manufacturers are focusing on improving label transparency, enhancing protein purity, and adopting non-GMO sourcing strategies. As a result, HVPs are gaining traction not only in foodservice but also in clean-label CPG formulations.
The hydrolyzed vegetable protein market is expected to see substantial growth by 2025, driven by a rise in soy protein demand and the increasing adoption of direct distribution channels. Companies like Archer Daniels Midland and Cargill are heavily investing in innovation and advancing production techniques to meet growing market demand.
Granules are projected to dominate the hydrolyzed vegetable protein market with a 30.2% share in 2025, owing to their solubility and flavor-enhancing properties. Their granular structure allows for easy blending in food formulations, making them ideal for soups, gravies, seasonings, and sauces.
Granules dissolve efficiently without altering texture, making them preferred by food manufacturers aiming for consistency and clean labels. Their ability to retain taste and improve mouthfeel, while also delivering protein fortification, adds to their commercial appeal. As food processing companies aim for faster and more functional ingredients, granules are being prioritized for large-scale, high-speed production lines.
Soy protein is expected to lead the product category in the hydrolyzed vegetable protein market with a 32.9% share in 2025, driven by its complete amino acid profile and affordability. Its compatibility with meat analogues, protein bars, ready meals, and sauces ensures broad usage across food applications.
In addition to its nutritional value, soy protein enhances the taste, texture, and shelf life of processed food. Its plant origin and widespread acceptance among vegan and vegetarian consumers are major factors supporting segment growth. Companies are leveraging soy protein to meet the surge in demand for clean-label, protein-rich formulations.
The food industry is forecasted to account for 22.3% of the hydrolyzed vegetable protein market by 2025, primarily due to growing demand for functional and processed foods. HVPs are being incorporated into ready meals, sauces, frozen items, and canned goods to boost flavor and nutritional profiles.
The shift toward plant-forward eating habits is compelling food manufacturers to invest in ingredient innovation that includes HVPs for both functionality and labeling benefits. These proteins offer a savory umami flavor, replacing MSG in many recipes. As demand rises for meat-alternative and fortified foods, the food industry’s usage of HVPs is expected to climb further.
The direct distribution channel is anticipated to dominate the hydrolyzed vegetable protein market with a 54.6% share by 2025, owing to its streamlined delivery, lower costs, and enhanced brand engagement. Manufacturers are increasingly bypassing intermediaries to gain better control over logistics and customer experience.
Direct sales via online platforms and company-run stores have become pivotal in catering to B2B and B2C demands efficiently. Additionally, direct models support greater product transparency, batch traceability, and rapid product customization. The surge in online health and specialty food purchases is further accelerating adoption of direct-to-consumer channels across global and regional markets.
Heart Health Improvement to Gain Traction among Consumers and Spur Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Demand
Statistics released by the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that cardiovascular conditions contribute to around 2 deaths per minute in the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 18 million people die from cardiovascular diseases globally every year.
Stress and unhealthy lifestyles are triggering a wide variety of cardiovascular conditions. FMI anticipates this trend to prevail from 2023 to 2033. It should translate to escalating hydrolyzed vegetable protein demand as consumers are likely to prioritize lowering cardiovascular health risks.
Hydrolyzed vegetable proteins can significantly reduce the levels of blood LDL-cholesterol. This can improve heart health among consumers. Animal protein consumption is likely to plummet owing to its potential of triggering negative health effects.
Region | North America |
---|---|
Country | The United States |
CAGR | 6.2% |
BPS Analysis | (-)104 |
Market Value (2035) Million | USD 297.5 Million |
Region | Europe |
---|---|
Country | The United Kingdom |
CAGR | 6.5% |
BPS Analysis | (-)259 |
Market Value (2035) Million | USD 105.4 Million |
Region | Asia |
---|---|
Country | China |
CAGR | 6.9% |
BPS Analysis | (-)37 |
Market Value (2035) Million | USD 88.1 Million |
Region | Asia |
---|---|
Country | India |
CAGR | 7.4% |
BPS Analysis | (-)382 |
Market Value (2035) Million | USD 59.2 Million |
Region | Asia |
---|---|
Country | Japan |
CAGR | 8.1% |
BPS Analysis | 97 |
Market Value (2035) Million | USD 44.8 Million |
Prevalence of Cardiovascular Diseases and Presence of Reputed Manufacturers to Propel Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Sales
FMI expects North America to dominate the global market for hydrolyzed vegetable protein between 2025 and 2035. The United States looks set to lead the regional market in the years ahead. Right now, the United States market holds a 20.6% share in the global industry.
In the United States, hydrolyzed plant protein products are increasingly finding favor among athletes. Professional athletes in the country are gradually moving away from the consumption of animal proteins. In the long run, FMI anticipates this to generate substantial hydrolyzed vegetable protein sales.
The United States is also home to prominent hydrolyzed vegetable protein manufacturers such as Synergy and Basic Food Flavors. These manufacturers are likely to amplify their efforts in making hydrolyzed vegetable protein products more affordable and effective in the years ahead.
Diabetes Prevention Priorities to Drive Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Demand in the United Kingdom
At present, the United Kingdom market for hydrolyzed vegetable protein holds a 7.3% share in the global industry. Consumers in the United Kingdom are looking for safer and healthier alternatives to animal proteins. This trend is set to gain momentum in the coming years and generate hydrolyzed plant protein demand.
On the healthcare front, diabetes is a prominent challenge facing people living in the United Kingdom. Predictions suggest that a whopping 5 million people will fall prey to the disease in the country in 2025. As diabetes prevention measures gain further momentum, adoption of hydrolyzed vegetable protein looks inevitable.
Tate & Lyle, a reputed hydrolyzed vegetable protein manufacturer, is based out of London. FMI anticipates the manufacturer to play a prominent role in shaping the United Kingdom market over the next decade.
Obesity Combined with Thriving Fast Food Industry to Spur Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Sales in China
China is facing an obesity crisis right now. Unchecked chronic obesity can significantly raise risks of developing severe cardiovascular disorders. Shifting from animal protein to vegetable protein can be effective in keeping the risks in check.
According to FMI research, China market for hydrolyzed vegetable protein is likely to attain a USD 88.1 million in 2035. This expectation is a result of the burgeoning popularity of hydrolyzed vegetable protein products in the country.
In China, it is not only the health benefits of vegetable protein that are contributing to escalating demand. The country is home to a thriving fast food sector, where preparations’ flavors and tastes can be efficiently enhanced by hydrolyzed vegetable protein products.
The hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) market is led by prominent food ingredient manufacturers focusing on flavor enhancement and clean-label protein solutions. Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Cargill Inc., and Tate & Lyle Plc. are top players offering a wide range of HVPs used in soups, snacks, sauces, and meat analogs, backed by global production capabilities and technical support.
Key participants like Glanbia Plc., DuPont de Nemours, Inc., and Fuji Oil Holdings, Inc. are investing in sustainable sourcing and non-GMO formulations to meet growing plant-based demand. Emerging and specialized firms such as Puris Proteins LLC, Burcon NutraScience Corporation, Axiom Foods, Inc., and AMCO Proteins focus on novel plant sources and allergen-free options. Companies like Roquette Frères, The Scoular Company, and Innova Flavors further strengthen the market with innovative protein hydrolysates and regional supply chain advantages.
Recent Industry Developments
On June 4, 2025, Ajinomoto Health & Nutrition North America opened a USD 2.1 million quality control lab in Raleigh, NC. The facility uses advanced analytics to ensure high-purity hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) that complies with strict food safety standards.
Report Attributes | Details |
---|---|
Market Size (2025) | USD 1.8 billion |
Projected Market Size (2035) | USD 2.9 billion |
CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 7.2% |
Base Year for Estimation | 2024 |
Historical Period | 2020 to 2024 |
Projections Period | 2025 to 2035 |
Quantitative Units | USD billion for value and thousand metric tons for volume |
Form Analyzed (Segment 1) | Chunks, Slice, Flakes, Granules |
Product Type Analyzed (Segment 2) | Soy Protein, Wheat Protein, Pea Protein, Rice Protein, Chia Protein, Flax Protein, Corn Protein |
End Use Analyzed (Segment 3) | Household, Commercial, Industry (Food Industry, Snacks & Functional Bars, Ready Meals, Sports Nutrition, Clinical Nutrition, Baby Food, Meat Analogues/Meat Extenders, Animal Feed) |
Distribution Channel Analyzed (Segment 4) | Direct, Indirect (Hypermarket, Convenience Stores, Traditional Store, Online Retails) |
Regions Covered | North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Oceania, Middle East and Africa |
Countries Covered | United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, GCC Countries |
Key Players influencing the Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Market | Glanbia Plc., Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Cargill Inc., Tate & Lyle Plc., DuPont de Nemours, Inc., Puris Proteins LLC, Fuji Oil Holdings, Inc., The Scoular Company, Innova Flavors, Axiom Foods, Inc., Wilmar International Limited, Burcon NutraScience Corporation, AMCO Proteins, Roquette Fréres |
The market is estimated to secure a valuation of USD 1.8 billion in 2025.
The market is forecast to register a CAGR of 7.2% through 2035.
The market developed at a CAGR of 6.8% from 2020 to 2024.
The popularity of ready-to-eat and processed foods drives sales.
The global market size is estimated to be worth USD 2.9 billion by 2035.
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