The wheat gluten market is undergoing significant trends driven by the increasing demand for plant-based proteins, the growth of the meat alternative sector, and the versatile applications of wheat gluten in the food industry. Wheat gluten, a natural protein derived from wheat, has gained prominence as a valuable ingredient in various food products. One prominent trend in the wheat gluten market is the rising popularity of plant-based diets and the surge in demand for meat alternatives. Wheat gluten, with its unique elastic and texturizing properties, is a key ingredient in plant-based meat substitutes, such as burgers, sausages, and nuggets. This trend aligns with the broader movement towards sustainable and cruelty-free food choices, positioning wheat gluten as a crucial component in the plant-based protein market.
Moreover, the sports and nutrition industry is contributing to the growth of the wheat gluten market, with an emphasis on clean-label and high-protein products. Wheat gluten, being a protein-rich ingredient, is gaining traction in the formulation of protein bars, shakes, and supplements. This trend reflects the increasing consumer demand for natural and minimally processed protein sources, aligning with the broader movement towards health and wellness.
Additionally, the market is witnessing innovation in product development, with a focus on improving the functional properties of wheat gluten and expanding its applications. Wheat gluten's ability to enhance dough elasticity and contribute to texture in baked goods has been well-established, but ongoing research and development efforts are exploring new formulations and applications. From gluten-based meat alternatives to gluten-enhanced plant-based dairy products, the versatility of wheat gluten is driving its adoption in novel and innovative food formulations. This innovation trend is contributing to the broader acceptance of wheat gluten in various culinary applications.
Sustainability is emerging as a key trend in the wheat gluten market, with consumers and manufacturers prioritizing environmentally friendly practices. Wheat gluten is derived from wheat, a widely cultivated and renewable crop, contributing to the overall sustainability of the ingredient. Brands are increasingly focusing on sustainable sourcing, efficient production processes, and eco-friendly packaging to align with consumer values. This sustainability trend not only addresses environmental concerns but also positions wheat gluten as a responsible and ethical choice within the plant-based protein market.
Furthermore, the market is experiencing a geographical expansion, with increased demand for wheat gluten in various regions. Europe, in particular, is a significant player in the wheat gluten market, driven by the region's strong focus on plant-based diets and sustainable food choices. The Asia-Pacific region is also emerging as a promising market, influenced by the growing awareness of plant-based nutrition and the increasing prevalence of vegetarian and flexitarian lifestyles. This regional diversification is shaping the market dynamics, with key players strategically expanding their presence to capitalize on diverse consumer preferences.
Wheat Gluten Market Size was valued at USD 8.4 billion in 2022. The wheat gluten market industry is projected to grow from USD 9.2 Billion in 2023 to USD 15.4 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% during the forecast period (2023 - 2030). Because of the shift in consumer eating habits and growing awareness of good eating and nutrition, customers now prefer organic and natural foods, which is driving demand for wheat gluten: Health-conscious consumers favor sugar- and fat-free items.
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Wheat Gluten Market Trends
Rising numbers of vegans, rising demand for meat substitutes and the development of new plant-based proteins are driving the market growth
Certain grains, including wheat, barley, and rye, naturally contain the protein called gluten. Gliadins and Glutenin protein components make up wheat glutens. Glutenins include inter-molecular disulfide contacts, whereas gliadins contain a single polypeptide chain linked by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic bonds, and intra-molecular disulfide interactions. Wheat starch and wheat gluten are two crucial co-products created during wheat flour's wet processing from an economic standpoint. As a common food ingredient, wheat gluten is mostly used in baked pastries and processed meat products. It has special qualities like forming an extremely extensible, elastic structure after being hydrated and combined, which gives bread dough its capacity to hold gas. It can be combined with wheat flour and other additions to create a texturized product without soy.
The demand for meat substitutes is rising along with the vegan population. Individuals are switching to vegan diets as they become more aware of the health benefits of plant-based proteins, where wheat gluten can serve as a meat substitute.
Due to several factors, most consumers favor diets high in protein. A few of them include the fact that protein is essential for a healthy and active lifestyle and that it serves as the basis for the body and muscles of humans. One of the high-protein diets that may be made from wheat is gluten. Gluten has a high protein concentration, along with antioxidants, fiber, vitamin B, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals.
Also, in recent years, high-protein meals and products have significantly impacted nutrition and changed consumers' perspectives on the importance of protein in their diets. Adequate nutrition is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle for all people. Many studies have demonstrated the health advantages of plant-based proteins, and overall public awareness has grown. As a result, consumers favor diets that are heavy in protein.
Wheat Gluten Market Segment Insights
Wheat Gluten Application Insights
Based on application, the wheat gluten segmentation includes dietary supplements, bakery & confectionery, animal feed and others. The bakery & confectionery segment held the majority share in 2022. The market for bakery & confectionery is also expected to grow at the fastest rate. Using wheat protein in the bakery and confectionery sector will expand market opportunities. - Wheat gluten, essential for making bread, is utilized to the utmost extent feasible. Wheat gluten is created when water is added to flour. The dough's continuous protein network maintains its structure throughout mixing, giving it strength and elasticity. By holding the gas created during the fermentation phase, the protein network helps the bread rise. These two roles of the protein network are what gives bread its chewy feel. Bread, spaghetti, crackers, bagels, cakes, muffins, and muffins are some foods that include vital wheat gluten components.
Wheat Gluten Form Insights
Based on form, the wheat gluten segmentation includes liquid and powder. The material sciences powder segment had the largest share of the wheat gluten market in 2022 and is expected to increase the market growth as the market for organic goods is expanding quickly. Vegan and vegetarian consumers can regularly replace meat and other non-vegetarian items with organic dietary elements like plant-based proteins. Organic goods are a great alternative to animal proteins since they include all essential amino acids and have high fiber content.
Due to its numerous health advantages, such as a reduced risk of developing diabetes, ease of digestion, cardiovascular health, and others, organic components in wheat gluten and its products are in high demand in the nutritious diet industry. The demand for food and beverage items increased as customers became more aware of the health advantages of organic components such as plant-based proteins.
Figure 2: Wheat Gluten Market by Form, 2022 & 2030 (USD billion)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Wheat Gluten Regional Insights
By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American wheat gluten market accounted for USD 3.8 billion in 2022. The market is expected to exhibit significant CAGR growth during the forecast period. Due to the growing number of vegans, North America controls most wheat gluten business. The abundance of uses for wheat gluten in the food sector and the demand for fiber-rich foods among health-conscious consumers in nations like the United States and Mexico will propel the market's expansion throughout forecasting. The wheat gluten market is expanding significantly due to changing consumer preferences for healthy food and the increased demand for meat-free diets. A prominent role for wheat gluten is also being taken up in the diets of bodybuilders and athletes with celiac disease or stomach and bloating issues. Manufacturers are showing interest in creating clean-label and organic products due to the increased demand for wheat gluten from different end users, which will help them increase their chances of making sales.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Figure 3: WHEAT GLUTEN MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (%)
Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
In the assessment period, Asia Pacific wheat gluten market is anticipated to maintain its second-place ranking. This development can be attributed to the public's growing preference for plant-based, regenerative, sustainable foods that contain immunity-boosting components. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is a developing problem in India, where 8.7% of people with the disease are between the ages of 20 and 70. The rise in life expectancy, tobacco use, fast urbanization, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles are to blame for the rise in diabetes prevalence in this nation. These elements are anticipated to increase the demand for wheat gluten in Asia. Further, the China wheat gluten market held the largest market share, and the India wheat gluten market was the fastest-growing market in the Region.
Europe's wheat gluten market accounts for a significant market share due to the rising prevalence of several illnesses, including high pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Further, the German wheat gluten market held the largest market share, and the UK wheat gluten market was the fastest-growing market in the European Region.
Wheat Gluten Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Leading market players spend much on R&D to diversify their product lines, increasing demand for wheat gluten industry. Participants in the market engage in strategic actions such as the launch of new goods, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, market developments and collaborations with other businesses to increase their worldwide footprint and respond to key industry trends. Competitors in the wheat gluten industry must offer products at reasonable prices if they want to develop and succeed.
Local production to reduce operational costs is one of the primary business strategies wheat gluten industry use to satisfy consumers and grow the market sector. The major wheat gluten markets players, such as Royal Ingredients Group BV (Netherlands), Pioneer Industries Limited (India), Cargill Incorporated (US), Meelunie B.V. (Netherlands), and others,, are working on expanding the market demand by investing in research and development activities.
Founded in Wilmington, Delaware and headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Cargill, Incorporated is a privately held American multinational food conglomerate. Established in 1865, it has the greatest revenue of any privately held company in the US. It would be ranked number 15 on the Fortune 500 as of 2015, behind McKesson and before AT&T, if it were a publicly traded business. The trading, buying and distribution of grains and other agricultural products, including palm oil, the trading of energy, steel, and transportation; the raising of livestock and the production of feed; and the production of food ingredients like starch and glucose syrup, vegetable oils and fats for use in processed foods and industrial use are some of Cargill's key businesses. Cargill made a $25 million investment in Puris in 2018; Puris is a provider of pea protein utilized in Beyond Meat products. Cargill made an additional $75 million in investments in 2019.
Meelunie is a leading provider of plant-based ingredients, such as sweeteners, fibers, proteins and starches. The product line includes well-known brands like Windmill Potato Starch and the recently launched House Of Proteins brand, which debuted at the FiE, and covers a wide spectrum of culinary and non-food uses. Meelunie will diversify its product offering in 2022 by adding fava isolate proteins made in a brand-new Danish facility. These incredibly cutting-edge goods are full flavor- and color-neutral, making them perfect for various food applications.
Key Companies in the wheat gluten market include
Wheat Gluten Industry Developments
2022: Now available is gluten-free wheat starch from Lantmännen Biorefineries, grown from carefully chosen fall wheat in western Sweden.
2022: To fulfill the rising demand for sustainable wheat protein, PureField Ingredients stated that it has finished expanding its facility in Russell, Kansas, by increasing the capacity by 50%.
2021: ICM Inc. and Summit Sustainable Ingredients, a subsidiary of Summit Agricultural Group, entered into a design-build agreement to create a plant in Phillipsburg, Kansas, to produce components containing wheat protein (vital wheat gluten).
Wheat Gluten Market Segmentation
Wheat Gluten Application Outlook
Wheat Gluten Form Outlook
Wheat Gluten Regional Outlook
© 2024 Market Research Future ® (Part of WantStats Reasearch And Media Pvt. Ltd.)