Wheat Protein Market Analysis | 2024-2032

“The Wheat Protein Market size was US$ 2.4 billion in 2023 and is likely to grow at a decent CAGR of 4.8% in the long run to reach US$ 3.4 billion in 2032”.

Market Dynamics

Introduction

Wheat protein, primarily in the form of gluten, is derived from wheat grains. It consists of glutenin and gliadin, which together give the dough its elasticity and structure.

This protein is crucial in baking, helping dough rise and providing texture to baked goods. It's also used in products like seitan, a meat substitute. While wheat protein is a good protein source, it is not complete and should be avoided by those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Market Drivers

Wheat protein demand contributes to market growth, which is owed to people's demand for food with meat-like meat substitutes. Indeed, people desire to substitute meat with food whose taste, texture, and nutritional content resembles that of meat.

There has therefore been intensified development of food produced from plants that contain protein content that substitutes meat. This trend has been popularized through increased awareness of healthy and nutritious dietary choices among health-conscious consumers and a new breed of consumers known as "flexitarians," who look forward to reducing meat intake.

Historically, the production of meat substitutes was initiated by TVP, which is produced through cooking extrusion of defatted soy meals, soy protein concentrates, or wheat gluten. These products have an elastic and spongy texture that is used in dishes such as stews, patties, and sauces. Wheat gluten and soy protein have been one of the main raw materials used in the production of meat substitute products.

With changing market demand and changing consumer preferences, other sources of plants, such as peas, chickpeas, lupins, rice, corn, and canola, are now being used to manufacture meat substitutes. This diversification of raw material sources has highlighted the increasing importance of wheat protein as a source of several plant proteins for meat substitute products.

More consumers are switching to a meat-free diet and the increasing demand for healthier food. Wheat gluten is one of the favored consumer products because of its richness in proteins. It is a desirable option, especially with the awareness of obesity and the demand for low-calorie food. As consumers become health-conscious, the demand for wheat protein is increasing, standing for a much wider trend in plant-based and healthier diets.

Market Challenges

The lack of similarly high degrees of technological advancement as in the whey and pulse protein sectors hinders the growth rates in the Wheat Protein Market. While enterprises spend a lot of money on R&D to improve the convenience and applicability of their products, wheat protein technology is developing slowly.

For example, Ingredion launched innovative pea flour and pea protein products in 2021 for various uses, while wheat proteins have not seen the same technological breakthroughs. Despite every effort to maximize nutritional value and flavor, the Wheat Protein Market is unable to keep up with shifting consumer demands and preferences.

Recent Product Development

• In January 2023, Amber Wave completed North America's largest wheat protein facility with an investment from Summit Agricultural Group. Under the brand AmberPro™ Vital Wheat Gluten, the facility supplies domestic gluten to a wide array of industries, such as commercial bakeries, food ingredient plants, alternative meat producers, pet food processors, and specialty feed companies.
• In November 2022, the Crespel & Deiters Group launched their new textured wheat protein to the market. The launch was for their line of textured vegetable protein.
• In January 2021, MGP Ingredients, Inc. is one of the leading suppliers of distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, and the company completed the acquisition of Luxco, Inc., and its affiliates. Luxco is a well-recognized branded beverage alcohol company with a rich legacy of over 60 years. This acquisition is an important industry expansion step for MGP Ingredients, Inc.

Segments Analysis

By Product Type

“Wheat Gluten is expected to remain dominant in the market during the forecast period”.

• Wheat gluten is the most preferred product in the wheat gluten market for its versatility in many applications across various industries.
• With unique functional properties such as elasticity and binding ability, wheat gluten is a very important ingredient in food processing, especially in bakery and confectionery products.
• It is also an important ingredient in the production of meat alternatives, as wheat gluten provides texture and protein content.
• Its widespread availability and cost-efficiency contribute to dominance in the market.

By Concentration Type

“75% concentration is expected to remain the largest concentration for the market during the forecast period”

• There are three kinds of protein contents of wheat: 75%, 80%, and 95%.
• As of 2021, the 75% protein concentration leads the market, due to its ease of use, affordability, and higher concentration of diluted protein fit for dietary supplements.
• 95% and 80% protein content formulations also pose problems concerning aggregation, gelation, precipitation, and high viscosity.
• These characteristics pose difficulties in formulation development and manufacturing process stability, limiting the overall demand for higher protein concentration formulations.

By Form Type

“Dry Form is expected to remain the largest form for the market during the forecast period”

• The growing dry wheat protein market has increased awareness around plant-based diets and alternative protein sources.
• The extended shelf life and ease of storage, combined with versatility in food applications, make it popular.
• The liquid wheat protein market has been growing on the back of its versatility in applications and ease of use in food and beverage formulations.
• As the demand for plant-based and clean-label products increases, liquid wheat protein is an easily versatile ingredient in beverages, sauces, and dressings due to its soluble nature.

By Application Type

“Bakery & Snacks is expected to remain the dominant and fastest-growing application in the market during the forecast period”.

• Bakery and Snack products comprised almost 40% of the worldwide revenues in 2023, which shows a high demand for wheat protein.
• Among the major drivers leading to the demand for wheat protein are better moisture content, enhanced water absorption, and softer finished products in the bakery sector. In addition, the increasing consumption of convenient snacks and confectionery products due to changing lifestyles is further increasing the demand.
• As lifestyles are changing in favor of quick-bite foods, the market is expected to grow continuously. Wheat protein consumption is poised to increase as it will be used to produce a wide variety of bakery items, like pastries, bread, cakes, and rolls, to answer the increasing demand from consumers.

Regional Analysis

“Europe is expected to remain the largest market for wheat protein during the forecast period”.

• Europe leads in wheat protein consumption, driven by a preference for plant-based proteins due to the high cost of animal-sourced proteins.
• Wheat and vegetable proteins are gaining popularity as substitutes for animal-sourced proteins, contributing to the growth of low-cost plant-based protein options.
• Germany stands out as an attractive market for manufacturing and exporting companies, particularly in the bakery and snacks industry.
• Bread plays a significant role in the German diet, making the bakery sector crucial, with a focus on nutritious products without compromising taste.
• Health-conscious consumers in Germany drive demand for nutritive baked goods, prompting industry players to innovate and introduce new products.
• Barley and wheat are primary sources of feed products in Germany, reflecting the country's agricultural landscape and consumption patterns.

Key Players

The market is highly fragmented with over 100 players across the region. Most of the major players compete in some of the governing factors including price, service offerings, regional presence, etc. The following are the key players in the Wheat Protein Market.

Here is the list of the Top Players (Based on Dominance)

• ADM (US)
• Cargill
• Incorporated (US)
• Tereos (France)
• Südzucker AG (US)
• MGP Ingredients (US)
• Roquette Frères (France)
• Glico Nutrition Foods Co., Ltd. (Japan)
• Kerry Group PLC (Ireland)
• Manildra Group (Australia)
• Kröner-Stärke (Germany)
• Crespel & Deiters Group (Germany)
• Batory Foods (US)
• Agridient B.V. (Netherlands)
• Tate & Lyle (UK)
• The Scoular Company (US)

Note: The above list does not necessarily include all the top players in the market.

Are you the leading player in this market? We would love to include your name. Write to us at sales@stratviewresearch.com

Report Features

This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights into the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision-making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market.

What Deliverables Will You Get in this Report?

Research Methodology

• This strategic assessment report from Stratview Research provides a comprehensive analysis that reflects today’s Wheat Protein Market realities and future market possibilities for the forecast period. 
• The report segments and analyzes the market in the most detailed manner to provide a panoramic view of the market.
• The vital data/information provided in the report can play a crucial role for market participants as well as investors in the identification of the low-hanging fruits available in the market as well as to formulate growth strategies to expedite their growth process.
• This report offers high-quality insights and is the outcome of a detailed research methodology comprising extensive secondary research, rigorous primary interviews with industry stakeholders, and validation and triangulation with Stratview Research’s internal database and statistical tools.
• More than 1,000 authenticated secondary sources, such as company annual reports, fact books, press releases, journals, investor presentations, white papers, patents, and articles, have been leveraged to gather the data.
• We conducted more than 15 detailed primary interviews with market players across the value chain in all four regions and industry experts to obtain both qualitative and quantitative insights.

Customization Options

With this detailed report, Stratview Research offers one of the following free customization options to our respectable clients:

Company Profiling

• Detailed profiling of additional market players (up to three players)
• SWOT analysis of key players (up to three players)

Competitive Benchmarking

• Benchmarking of key players on the following parameters: Service portfolio, geographical reach, regional presence, and strategic alliances

Custom Research: Stratview Research offers custom research services across sectors. In case of any custom research requirement related to market assessment, competitive benchmarking, sourcing and procurement, target screening, and others, please send your inquiry to sales@stratviewresearch.com