Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market (2026 - 2033)

Protein Extracts From Single Cell Protein And Other Conventional Sources Market Summary

The global protein extracts from single cell protein and other conventional sources market size was valued at USD 5.4 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 5.7 billion in 2026 to USD 9.6 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2026 to 2033. North America dominated the market, accounting for the largest share of 36.5% in 2025. Key drivers of market expansion include growing demand for low-fat food and feed with optimal amino acid composition.

Furthermore, demand for products manufactured using ethically sustainable production methods is anticipated to drive progress in this sector over the forecast period. Although soy-derived products enjoy the success of proactively positioning themselves as a sustainable source of protein, a higher preference for the functional role than the nutritional role is projected to drive R&D.

The growing demand for protein-rich food and beverages is fueling the market's growth. According to a report by Wellness Creative Co., in 2025, over 184 billion people worldwide have gym memberships and require high-protein diets to build muscle or lose weight. Applications for proteins in biomedicine include tissue engineering, medication delivery, and diagnostics. For instance, proteins can produce new tissues or organs or deliver medications to certain cells or tissues. These are various drivers fueling the market growth.

Source: Grand View Research, IR Documents, Primary Interviews, Paid Databases

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Technological advancements in single-cell protein production are expected to drive lucrative growth in the industry. Product development for personalized nutrition is anticipated to contribute to growth in this sector, as R&D in nutraceuticals is expected to aid the acceptance of such products. Several research papers are being published using proteins obtained from the single-cell proteins and other microbial origins.

Genetically modified yeast obtained from bioethanol factories is already employed as feed for cattle in several countries. Owing to the advantages of single-cell protein (SCP), these products are preferred in animal feed and for human consumption. Companies such as DuPont are engaged in yeast genetic engineering to produce long-chain omega-3 fatty acids essential to human health. A substantial number of players producing Spirulina and Chlorella are major revenue generators in this market.

For instance, BlueBiotech Int GmbH is a micro-algal biotechnology company that has operated for over 20 years, producing large quantities of Spirulina and Chlorella. Similarly, Cyanotech Corporation produces spirulina with sales in the U.S. and 30 other countries. Moreover, spirulina has obtained Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the U.S. FDA for its usage as a food ingredient.

Also, the companies are engaged in providing spirulina in the form of a nutritional drink. The drink contains the live form of spirulina to serve as a probiotic rather than just a nutritional supplement. Companies are masking spirulina's taste to gain a competitive edge.

The application of spirulina as a multipurpose nutraceutical drives the research interest of manufacturers in a single cell-derived product, thus boosting growth in this sector. The applications include antioxidants, B vitamin sources, chlorophyll enhancers, and alkalisers. Spirulina production is considered a low-income, high-investment program as it promises the farmers a better income than regular crops with low investment.

Analyst Perspective

The protein extracts from single cell protein and other conventional sources industry is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising demand for sustainable nutrition, and growing interest in vegan protein sources. Consumers are increasingly incorporating single-cell and conventional proteins as alternatives to meat, beverages, and dietary supplements due to their overall nutritional completeness. The expanding popularity of plant-based diets is further supporting market growth. As demand for nutrient-dense, sustainably produced protein sources continues to rise, companies that focus on product innovation, nutritional enhancement, and diversification of applications will be well positioned to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities.

Source Insights

The plant protein extract source segment led the market with the largest revenue share of more than 25.0% in 2025. The presence of a large number of methods for the extraction of plant proteins is anticipated to result in the dominance of this segment in the coming years. Quinoa is a plant protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. According to research from Colorado State University, substituting plant-based protein sources for certain animal-based proteins may help reduce the risk of developing chronic illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain malignancies. Important antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in plant-based diets support overall health.

The microbial sources - single-cell protein segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Bacteria have been widely used as SCPs over the past years, and this usage rate is anticipated to grow during the forecast period. Bacterial SCP generally contains 50-80% protein on a dry weight basis. Methionine content in bacterial SCP is observed to be more than in algal or fungal proteins. Food-grade substrates are typically used the produce SCP for human consumption.

Application Insights

However, other processes are under development the produce SCP from inexpensive waste materials. The waste materials include forestry, agricultural sources, and food & beverage processing industries. Moreover, the availability of a substantial number of SCPs in the market used as a high-protein source for animal feed has resulted in a significant share of this segment. Furthermore, developments continue to take place, and these developments are expected to maintain the growth of SCP extract throughout the forecast period. Bacteria have been widely used as SCPs over the past years, and this usage rate is anticipated to grow during the forecast period. This segment continues to witness development concerning production capabilities, which is expected to enhance the production of bacteria-based SCPs.

The biotechnology segment led the market with the largest revenue share of approximately 57.0% in 2025. Biotechnology has various uses in protein extraction; it is used in protein purification, identification, and characterization. Some specific examples of biotechnology in protein extraction are recombinant DNA technology to produce protein in bacteria or yeast use of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify proteins.

Protein plays a pivotal role in various fields of biotechnology, including pharmacy, cell cultivation, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Companies involved in the manufacture of nutraceuticals and cosmetics are observed to be the major beneficiaries. This can be attributed to the availability of many sources used in the nutraceuticals and cosmetics industries. For instance, in April 2026, a liquid nutraceutical supplier, Tosla, launched signaling collagen shots in partnership with biotechnology company Geltor. The vegan, ready-to-drink signaling collagen shots contained Geltor’s biotechnologically produced peptides and proteins, along with Tosla’s specialty in designing liquid ingredients for longevity-focused supplementation.

The animal feed segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Domestic animals continue to make substantial contributions to the global food supply, making animal feed an increasingly important component of the integrated food chain. Approximately 30% of the worldwide value of agriculture and 19% of the value of food production are accounted for by animal products, which also provide 34% of the protein and 16% of the calories in human diets. A steady stream of acceptable, reasonably priced, and secure animal feeds is crucial to satisfying customer demand for more meat, milk, eggs, and other livestock products.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global protein extracts from single cell protein and other conventional sources market with the largest revenue share of approximately 36.5% in 2025. The introduction of mature biotechnology techniques, coupled with major firms operating in this region, is driving regional growth. U.S.-based companies like Cyanotech Corporation, Nucelis, and KnipBio have contributed to a major share in the global SCPs market. These companies are recognized as prominent producers of SCP and have generated significant revenue from products such as Spirulina.

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Middle East & Africa Protein Extracts from Single Cell Protein and Other Conventional Sources Market Trends

The protein extracts from single-cell protein and other conventional sources market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of over 8.0% during the forecast period, as countries are undertaking efforts to enhance their share in the global animal feed industry.

Asia Pacific Protein Extracts from Single Cell Protein and Other Conventional Sources Market Trends

The protein extracts from single-cell protein and other conventional sources market in the Asia Pacific is expected to emerge as a highly lucrative growth region. Furthermore, although China has maintained its position as the top feed-producing country, with billions of metric tons, India, Japan, Pakistan, and Vietnam have also made significant contributions to the Asian region.

Key Protein Extracts from Single Cell Protein and Other Conventional Sources Company Insights

The protein extracts from single cell protein and other conventional sources industry features a range of global, regional, and local players, making it a competitive market. The world’s leading companies are using partnerships, collaborations, acquisitions, mergers, and agreements as strategies to withstand the intense competition and increase their market share.

Key Protein Extracts from Single Cell Protein and Other Conventional Sources Companies

The following key companies have been profiled for this study on the protein extracts from single cell protein and other conventional sources market:

• Unilever

• Taiwan Chlorella Manufacturing Company

• CBH

• Xiamen Hyfine Gelatin Co., Ltd

• BlueBio Tech GmbH

• Euglena Co., Ltd

• Corbion Biotech, Inc.

• KnipBio

• Hangzhou

• Earthrise Nutritional

Recent Developments

• In June 2026, a fermentation startup, The Protein Brewery, got first approval from the EU for novel mycelium ingredient Fermotein, a whole-cell bioproduct made from microbial fermentation. The resulting mycoprotein yields 26 times more protein than meat, five times more than soy, and four times more than peas. And compared to beef, Fermotein uses just 1% of the land, consumes 5% of the water, and releases 3% of the emissions.

• In November 2025, Angle Yeast expanded its infrastructure capacity and started its next-generation yeast protein production line at Yichang. The facility has an annual production capacity of 11,000 tons of high-purity yeast protein with a protein content exceeding 80%. This marks a key step in meeting growing global demand for sustainable protein, significantly enhancing the company's global manufacturing footprint and reinforcing its leadership in the alternative protein and sustainable nutrition markets.

Global Protein Extracts from Single Cell Protein and Other Conventional Sources Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities across each sub-segment from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global protein extracts from single cell protein and other conventional sources market report based on source, application, and region:

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• Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Plant Protein Extract Sources

  • Microbial Sources - Single Cell Proteins

  • Microbial Sources - Direct Use

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Biotechnology

    • Pharma

    • Cell Culture Media

    • Others

  • Animal Feed

    • Animal Feed by Sources

      • Plant Protein Extract Sources

      • Microbial Sources - Single Cell Proteins

        • Bacteria

        • Yeast

        • Algae

        • Fungi

      • Microbial Sources - Direct Use

    • Animal Feed by Grades

      • Concentrates

      • Isolates

      • Hydrolysates

    • Animal Feed by Animal Type

      • Livestock

        • Poultry

        • Pig

        • Cattle

        • Other Livestock

    • Fish Feed

    • Companion/Pet Animals

  • Agriculture & Fertilizers

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait