Lentil Protein Market

Lentil Protein Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global lentil protein market expanded at 6.9 % CAGR between 2018 and 2022 and ended up with a valuation of US$ 153.2 million in 2023. As per this study by Persistence Market Research, the sales of lentil protein across the world are expected to increase at 5.0% CAGR to reach a market size of US$ 237.6 million by the end of 2033.

Lentils are a part of the legume family, and considered to be a vital protein source. The protein and fiber content in lentils is high, and the fat content is low. The increasing awareness of protein-rich food products is leading to higher demand for plant protein, and subsequently growth rate of different types of protein ingredients. The consumer behavior pattern towards food consumption is changing, which is a vital factor fueling the growth of the lentil protein market. Lentil protein is an affordable and healthy plant-based protein. The growing awareness regarding the benefits of vegan products over animal-based products in developed countries is leading to flourishing demand for lentil protein in developed countries. Consumers are seeking healthier and low-cost protein source alternatives, which improve their health. Other plant-based protein sources such as soy and wheat, are also suitable protein sources but these contain gluten and other harmful compounds, which may not be suitable for all consumers. The intolerance towards soy and protein sources and prohibition of animal protein in diets are among the prime factors, which are expected to influence the growth of the lentil protein market.

What are the Key Trends Driving the Demand for Lentil Protein?

“Growing Awareness of Nutritional Value and Benefits of Lentil Protein”

Lentil proteins are extracted from lentils, which contain high amount of lysine, glutamic acid, arginine, and aspartic acid. Lentil is also an excellent source of essential amino acids, which are challenging to find in other plant-based protein sources. The presence of essential amino acids in lentil protein improve the functionality of the immune system and prevent different types of viral infections. Lentil also contains health beneficial lysine and arginine, which are considered to be suitable nutrition for those with active lifestyle. Furthermore, lentil protein contains sufficient amount of iron that can fulfill the requirement of iron in the body. Since consumers across the world are avoiding the consumption of red meat, the interest in plant-based products is growing, which is beneficial for the growth of lentil protein market.

“Increasing Consumer Health Consciousness Driving the Demand for Lentil Protein”

Health consciousness is becoming the prime objective for more number of consumers. Food products that contain synthetic colors and additives offer exciting tastes and flavors to food products but have a negative impact on the body for a long time. As consumers are becoming more aware of these additives and preservatives, they are opting for healthy food products, which can help them for maintaining good health. Most consumers are consuming functional foods, dietary supplements, and other nutritional substitutes. Prevention of chronic diseases is also a priority for consumers, which is influencing them towards the consumption of health beneficial food. Lentil protein is considered to be a vital source of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, and others. It also possess disease protective properties. Developed regions such as Europe and North America are increasingly moving towards health consciousness as the consumer base in these regions has become very proactive. Since health consciousness is a leading trend among consumers, the demand for lentil protein is also growing across the world.

“Lentil Protein Use in Meat Analogues”

The negative publicity of animal-based products is influencing consumers to move towards meat analogs or meat substitutes. These products contains high amount of protein with the presence of essential amino acids, and help meet the daily protein intake demand. Sometimes the animal sources of protein are not able to provide all the essential dietary requirements, hence, consumers resort to vegan products to fulfil their dietary requirements. However, lentil protein comprises essential amino acids, which is why it is becoming a favorite substitute to meat products. Thus, the growing demand for meat analogues is also creating opportunities for the lentil protein market.

What are the Hindrances to the Adoption of Lentil Protein?

“Lack of Awareness of Lentil Protein”

Consumers seem to prefer low processed food due to the negative impact of ultra-processed food on nutrition and health. This is due to the lack of information about upcoming products and its health benefits.

Due to the lack of technological knowledge about lentil processing, especially among small firms, many companies were forced to search for external partners. Most of the firms do not have a relationship with agricultural growers or co-operatives. Moreover, they were not particularly concerned about the environmental benefits of Lentil.

Country-wise Insights

What Makes East Asia a Lucrative Market for Manufacturers of Lentil Protein?

“Prominence of Lentil Protein in Developing Countries”

China accounts for almost 73% consumption of lentil proteins in the East Asian region with the major share being contributed by the food and beverage sector. However, the fastest growth is expected by the sports and energy nutrition based on the estimated value CAGR of 7.9%.

What is the Demand Outlook for Lentil Protein in the United States?

“High Consumption of Isolate Lentil Protein in the Country”

North America holds almost 30% of the market share in the global market whereas U.S. holds around 86% of the North American market.

Out of these, the maximum consumption is exhibited by the isolated form with a valuation of approximately US$ 23 million in 2022 and will continue to grow at the fastest rate of roughly 4.1% CAGR.

Category-wise Insights

Which Cultivated Nature of Lentil Protein is Being Widely Utilized?

“Conventional Nature Contributing to Market Growth”

Based on the nature, conventional dominates the market with roughly 93% share in the market. This is due to the high capital cost incurred during organic farming. Moreover, the adaptation of lentil protein is rather slow as compared to alternatives such as dairy based proteins.

Which Sector Utilizes the Maximum Amount of Lentil Protein?

“Use of Lentil Protein in the Food and Beverage Sector to Dominate the Market in the Forecast Duration”

The global lentil protein market is categorized based on the various industries it finds use in including food and beverage, infant nutrition, pharmaceutical, animal feed among others. Among these, the market is dominated by the food and beverage with a market value of approximately US$ 32 million in 2022.

Competitive Dashboard

Global lentil protein market is primarily characterized by large number of regional players. An approximate share of 40-50% is accounted by the companies of North America and Western Europe. Plant-based protein manufacturers are targeted towards offering their products especially to vegan population, and consumers seeking for nutritional and products with extra added health benefits and increasing demand for organic food and beverages among the consumers.

• In February 2018, Ingredion Incorporated invested in a soy processing facility which helps to produce protein isolates that enhance the company’s current protein isolate line.
• Archer Daniels Midland Company’s growth strategy is spread across its five key growth platforms: Taste, Nutrition, Animal Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Carbohydrates. The company desires to execute this vision and these strategies by conducting its business in accordance with its core values of operating with integrity, treating others with respect, achieving excellence, being resourceful, displaying teamwork, and being responsible.
• In Dec 2017, AGT Food and Ingredients announced that it has entered into a long-term terminal service agreement with Fibreco Export Inc., pursuant to which, among other things, Fibreco will construct an agriproducts export terminal facility at Fibreco’s current bulk handling and loading facility located at the Port of Vancouver.
• In September 2017, Ebro Foods, S.A. incorporated 52% of the Italian company Geovita into its Group. Geovita is a leader in the production and marketing of pulses, rice, and quick cooking grains.

Lentil Protein Industry Report Scope

Lentil Protein Industry Research Segmentation

By Form:

• Isolates
• Concentrates
• Hydrolysates

By Nature:

• Organic
• Conventional

By Application:

• Food and Beverages
  • Bakery & Confectionery
  • Snacks & Cereals
  • Meat Additives
  • Beverages
  • Others
• Infant Nutrition
• Pharmaceuticals
• Animal Feed
• Sports & Energy Nutrition

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• South Asia & Pacific
• East Asia
• Middle East & Africa

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