In recent years, the health-conscious consumer trend has led to a thriving fitness culture, with many fitness enthusiasts adopting a new habit of supplementing with high-quality protein. In fact, it's not just athletes who require protein; it's essential for maintaining normal bodily functions. Especially in the post-pandemic era, people's demand for health, quality, and personalized nutrition has been on the rise, leading to a significant increase in the demand for protein.
At the same time, as consumer awareness of health, environmental issues, animal welfare, and ethical concerns continues to grow, many consumers are opting for food made from alternative proteins like plant-based proteins, in addition to animal-based sources like meat, milk, and eggs.
Market data from Markets and Markets shows that the plant protein market has been growing at a CAGR of 14.0% since 2019 and is expected to reach $40.6 billion by 2025. According to Mintel, it is projected that by 2027, 75% of protein demand will be plant-based, indicating a continuous upward trend in global demand for alternative proteins.
In this emerging plant protein market, pea protein has become a key focus for the industry. Leading brands are exploring its potential, and its use is expanding beyond animal feed to various other categories, including plant-based products, dairy alternatives, soft drinks, and ready-to-eat meals.
So, what makes pea protein the rising star in the market, and which brands are entering the fray, leading to innovative trends? This article will analyze the latest innovative cases and look ahead to the future prospects and directions.
I. The Power of Peas
As a new form of alternative protein, pea protein, derived from peas (Pisum sativum), has gained substantial attention. It's generally categorized as pea isolate protein and pea concentrate protein.
In terms of nutritional value, studies show that pea protein is richer in typical legume amino acids, vitamins, and dietary fiber compared to soy and animal-based proteins. Additionally, it is lactose-free, cholesterol-free, low in calories, and less likely to cause allergies, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals, those with digestive issues, and those who prefer a plant-based diet.
Pea protein not only meets the demand for high-quality protein but also contributes to environmental sustainability. Peas can fix nitrogen from the air, reducing the need for nitrogen-intensive fertilizers in agriculture, thereby promoting cleaner water environments and lower carbon emissions.
Especially in recent years, as people's dietary awareness has increased, research on alternative proteins has deepened, and governments worldwide have placed greater emphasis on environmentally sustainable agriculture, the demand for pea protein has been steadily rising.
By 2023, the global pea protein market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 13.5%. According to Equinom, the global pea protein market is projected to reach $2.9 billion by 2027, surpassing the supply of yellow peas. Currently, the pea protein market includes numerous well-known manufacturers and suppliers from various regions worldwide, including the Americas, the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and more.
In recent years, numerous biotech startups have been using modern biological innovation techniques to accelerate the extraction and development of pea protein and its nutritional components. They aim to create high-nutritional-value raw materials and products that are attractive to the market.
II. The Pea Protein Revolution
From production and processing to market consumption, the tiny pea has connected countless professionals from many countries, forming a formidable new force in the global plant protein industry.
With its high nutritional value, exceptional product performance, low environmental requirements, and sustainability, more and more pea protein raw materials are being widely applied in the food and beverage industry to meet the growing demand for health and environmental sustainability.
Combining foreign pea protein product innovations, we can summarize several major application trends that can provide valuable inspiration for innovation in the food and beverage industry:
1. Product Innovation:
- Plant-Based Revolution: With the increasing focus on health by young consumers and the diversification of new consumption concepts, there is a growing demand for plant-based foods. Plant-based foods, with their advantages of being green, natural, healthy, and less allergenic, perfectly align with the trend of consumer upgrading, seen as a healthier choice.
- Advances in Plant-Based Meat: In response to the popularity of plant-based products, consumers are demanding higher product quality. Companies are innovating by developing different processing techniques and materials for plant-based meats. Pea protein, distinct from soy and wheat proteins, is being used to create plant-based meat with improved texture and nutritional value.
- Upgrading Plant-Based Dairy: Companies like Ripple Foods in Silicon Valley use new technologies to extract pea protein, producing low-sugar, high-protein pea milk suitable for those with allergies.
2. Functional Nutrition:
- Gut Health Focus: People are increasingly realizing that maintaining a healthy gut is essential for overall mental and physical well-being. Foods rich in fiber help control glucose absorption in the small intestine and maintain the stability of the gut microbiota.
- Protein with Prebiotics: To meet the demand for fiber products, more brands are combining pea protein with ingredients promoting gut microbiota to create products that help manage health.
- Probiotic Pea Snacks: Products like Qwrkee Probiotic Puffs use pea protein as the main ingredient, rich in dietary fiber and containing probiotics, aiming to assist with digestion and gut health.
3. Pea Protein
Beverages:
- Non-Dairy Alternatives: Non-dairy milk made from pea protein, such as pea milk, has become a hit, especially among consumers who are lactose-intolerant or prefer plant-based options. It provides a creamy texture and flavor similar to traditional milk.
- Post-Workout Protein Drinks: Pea protein beverages have gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts, providing a convenient way to consume protein post-workout.
III. The Key Players
Numerous players in the food and beverage industry are capitalizing on the rise of pea protein, aligning their strategies with consumer preferences for healthier, sustainable, and plant-based options. Here are some key players who are making waves:
1. Beyond Meat: Known for its plant-based meat alternatives, Beyond Meat uses pea protein as a key ingredient in its products, aiming to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat.
2. Ripple Foods: Ripple has gained recognition for its pea-based milk and protein-rich products. The brand promotes the nutritional benefits of peas and offers dairy alternatives to health-conscious consumers.
3. Qwrkee: Qwrkee's probiotic pea snacks have successfully combined the goodness of pea protein with digestive health, offering consumers a convenient and tasty way to support their gut microbiota.
4. Equinom: Equinom is an agriculture technology company that specializes in non-GMO seed breeding for improved pea protein crops. They aim to supply the growing demand for high-quality pea protein raw materials.
5. DuPont: The multinational food ingredient company DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences is heavily investing in pea protein research and development, providing manufacturers with the tools and expertise to incorporate pea protein into their products.
6. Roquette: Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients, offers a range of pea protein solutions for various food applications, emphasizing the benefits of plant-based proteins for both nutrition and sustainability.
7. NutraBlast: NutraBlast, a new entrant in the market, is making waves with its innovative pea protein-based supplements, catering to the fitness and health-conscious consumer segment.
IV. Future Perspectives
Pea protein's meteoric rise is not only a response to consumers' evolving dietary preferences but also a reflection of the broader trend towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly food sources. As we look to the future, several factors will play a significant role in shaping the trajectory of pea protein:
1. Technological Advances: Continued advancements in food processing and biotechnology will drive innovation in pea protein product development. Companies will continue to refine the texture, taste, and nutritional profile of pea-based products.
2. Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration between food manufacturers, agricultural technology companies, and research institutions will help further optimize the production and quality of pea protein.
3. Regulatory Support: Regulatory bodies and governments are expected to provide clearer guidelines and support for the growing plant protein industry, ensuring product safety and labeling standards.
4. Consumer Education: As consumer awareness of plant-based proteins grows, education about the nutritional benefits and environmental impact of pea protein will be crucial in driving its adoption.
5. Global Expansion: The pea protein market is expanding globally, with increased demand in regions like Asia and Europe. This growth will lead to more diverse products and applications.
In conclusion, the rise of pea protein is not merely a trend but a reflection of the changing landscape of the food industry. As consumers continue to prioritize their health, the environment, and ethical concerns, pea protein offers a promising and versatile solution. This tiny legume, once overshadowed, has now emerged as a powerful force in the world of nutrition and sustainability, influencing what's on our plates and the future of the food industry.
As the market continues to evolve, businesses will play a crucial role in shaping the future of pea protein, offering consumers a wide range of innovative and sustainable options. For those seeking to meet their protein needs in a healthy and sustainable way, the pea protein revolution is only just beginning, offering a world of possibilities and exciting developments on the horizon.
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Post time: Oct-31-2023
