United Kingdom Protein Market Size and Share

United Kingdom Protein Market (2026 - 2031)
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
View Global Report

United Kingdom Protein Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The United Kingdom protein market size is valued at USD 661.25 million in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 858.39 million by 2031, reflecting a 5.36% CAGR over the period. Consumer preferences are shifting from traditional animal proteins to premium options, particularly plant-based, functional, and specialty proteins. This transition is driven by Gen-Z's inclination toward social-media-inspired snacking and the growing acceptance of sports nutrition. Factors such as flexitarian diets, post-Brexit supply chain disruptions, and dairy price volatility are shaping purchasing behaviors. Simultaneously, advancements in extraction, filtration, and precision fermentation are enabling cleaner flavors and higher protein concentrations. Retailers are dedicating more shelf space to protein-enriched snacks, cereals, and ready-to-drink beverages. Ingredient suppliers are also expanding their formulation support, focusing on collagen, whey isolate, and innovative insect applications. The competitive landscape remains moderately intense, with multinationals consolidating high-margin assets and start-ups exploring opportunities in microbial and insect proteins.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By source, plant protein led with 60.84% of the United Kingdom protein market share in 2025, while animal protein is forecast to advance at a 6.32% CAGR through 2031. 
  • By end user, food and beverages held a 42.34% share of the United Kingdom protein market size in 2025, whereas supplements are projected to expand at a 6.47% CAGR to 2031. 

Note: Market size and forecast figures in this report are generated using Mordor Intelligence’s proprietary estimation framework, updated with the latest available data and insights as of January 2026.

Segment Analysis

By Source: Animal Proteins Reclaim Margin-Rich Applications

Animal protein is anticipated to grow at a 6.32% CAGR through 2031, surpassing the overall market, even as plant protein holds a 60.84% share in 2025. This growth underscores a shift towards premium products such as whey protein isolates, collagen peptides, and the emerging commercialization of insect protein, all of which command higher per-kilogram prices compared to standard soy or pea concentrates. Whey protein remains a key driver; Arla's acquisition of Volac's Felinfach facility in Wales, approved in November 2024, enhances its access to whey protein isolate production, fueled by increasing demand in sports nutrition and infant formulas. Casein and its derivatives cater to specialized applications in clinical nutrition and baking, leveraging their slow-digesting properties for sustained amino acid release. Collagen, sourced from bovine and marine origins, is gaining traction in personal care and supplements with claims of joint health and skin elasticity, though these claims lack consistent clinical validation.

Egg protein occupies a niche in baking and confectionery due to its emulsifying and foaming capabilities, while gelatin plays a critical role in gummy supplements and pharmaceutical capsules. Insect protein, led by yellow mealworm, is on the verge of broader commercialization. Milk protein concentrates and isolates act as a bridge between whey and casein, providing formulators with flexibility to adjust protein-to-lactose ratios in dairy beverages and nutrition bars. The "other animal protein" category highlights emerging sources like cricket powder and bovine blood plasma, both of which face regulatory and sensory challenges that limit their short-term scalability.

United Kingdom Protein Market: Market Share by Source
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

By End User: Supplements Outpace Food and Beverages

Supplements are anticipated to grow at a 6.47% CAGR through 2031, making them the fastest-growing end-user segment. This growth is fueled by the alignment of sports nutrition, infant formulas, and elder nutrition around high-protein, low-sugar formulations. In 2025, food and beverages accounted for a 42.34% market share, driven by protein-fortified cereals, snacks, and dairy alternatives. However, growth is decelerating as core categories like Greek yogurt and protein bars approach market saturation. In 2024, Glanbia's Optimum Nutrition and Isopure brands achieved double-digit volume growth in the UK, propelled by the popularity of ready-to-drink formats and clear whey innovations, which appeal to mainstream consumers beyond competitive athletes. Baby food and infant formulas represent a high-margin niche; whey protein isolate and hydrolyzed proteins comply with the UK's stringent regulations, ensuring they meet the required minimum protein content and amino acid profiles.

In the food and beverage sector, bakery products use wheat gluten and egg protein to achieve the desired structure and texture. Beverages, including plant-based milks and clear protein drinks, emphasize solubility and a neutral taste. Protein fortification is becoming more common in breakfast cereals; for example, Kellogg's High Protein Bites and Weetabix's Ufit cereals, with 15 grams of protein per serving, leverage the UK's 20%-energy-from-protein threshold for high-protein claims. Confectionery and condiments remain underdeveloped due to challenges with taste and texture when replacing sugar or fat with protein. Meat, seafood, and their alternatives rely on soy, pea, and mycoprotein. Quorn's Fusarium venenatum fermentation provides a chicken-like protein profile with a fibrous texture that mimics whole muscle. Ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meals now include protein to support "balanced nutrition" positioning. Snacks, such as protein crisps and nut bars, are capitalizing on Gen-Z's mid-morning and afternoon snacking preferences.

United Kingdom Protein Market: Market Share by End User
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.

Note: Segment shares of all individual segments available upon report purchase

Get Detailed Market Forecasts at the Most Granular Levels
Download PDF

Geography Analysis

England captures the largest value pool, driven by dense retail networks and a high concentration of fitness facilities. London leads the way in innovation with pop-up high-protein cafés and influencer-led product launches, while manufacturing clusters in the Southeast benefit from their proximity to EU export routes. Scotland demonstrates above-average per-capita spending on sports-nutrition supplements, reflecting its active lifestyle culture and strong university sports programs.

Northern Ireland depends heavily on cross-border trade with the Republic of Ireland, but new border checks have caused transit delays, disrupting the just-in-time delivery of refrigerated protein drinks. In Wales, the Felinfach whey isolate facility provides a local supply advantage for sports-nutrition brands operating in the region. Additionally, regional governments in the Midlands and Yorkshire are offering grants to support plant-protein extrusion lines, aiming to enhance domestic capacity and reduce reliance on imports.

Consumer preferences vary across regions: vegan and vegetarian adoption peaks in London and the Southwest, prompting retailers to allocate more shelf space to plant-based products. In the Northeast, flexitarian consumers prefer hybrid burgers that combine beef and pea protein, showcasing a balanced approach to protein diversification. These regional differences offer a roadmap for targeted marketing and localized supply-chain strategies, driving the growth of the UK's protein market.

Competitive Landscape

The United Kingdom protein market is moderately fragmented. Top multinationals such as Arla Foods AmbA, Glanbia Plc, Kerry Group Inc., and DSM-Firmenich dominate dairy and plant protein inputs, reflecting a moderately concentrated market. Roquette is expanding pea protein production in France and the Netherlands, supplying U.K. snack manufacturers that value consistent functionality. Quorn Foods operates Europe’s largest mycoprotein fermentation facility in Billingham, but faces growing competition from start-ups exploring alternative fungal strains. Ynsect is advancing insect protein development but awaits regulatory approvals and increased consumer awareness.

The United Kingdom protein market is highly competitive, with major players actively pursuing innovation and expansion strategies. Companies are heavily focused on creating novel protein ingredients, particularly in the plant-based and alternative protein segments, to cater to changing consumer preferences. Key industry strategies include capacity expansions, facility upgrades, and advancements in protein processing technologies. Companies demonstrate operational flexibility by quickly responding to evolving market demands, especially the increasing preference for clean-label and sustainable protein sources. Market leaders are solidifying their positions through partnerships with research institutions and technology providers, while also investing in research and development to develop specialized protein solutions for applications across the food, beverage, and nutrition sectors.

Strategic efforts include precision-fermentation collaborations between DSM-Firmenich and U.K. biotech firms, upgrades to extrusion lines in Midlands facilities to enhance meat-alternative textures, and retailer-supplier partnerships emphasizing allergen-safe packaging. Small and mid-sized firms face challenges with high capital requirements and compliance costs under Natasha’s Law, driving consolidation. As dairy price volatility continues, integrated players mitigate risks by diversifying their protein portfolios, while niche innovators focus on areas such as collagen peptides and functional clear drinks.

United Kingdom Protein Industry Leaders

  1. Archer Daniels Midland Company

  2. Arla Foods AmbA

  3. Darling Ingredients Inc.

  4. International Flavors and Fragrances Inc.

  5. Kerry Group Plc

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
United Kingdom Protein Market Concentration
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Need More Details on Market Players and Competitors?
Download PDF

Recent Industry Developments

  • May 2024: Roquette introduced NUTRALYS® Fava S900M, a fava bean protein isolate, in Europe, including the United Kingdom. The company added this product to its NUTRALYS® plant protein range, marking it as the first protein isolate derived from fava beans in its lineup.
  • April 2024: Arla Foods Ingredients has signed an agreement to acquire Volac's Whey Nutrition business. The acquisition involves purchasing shares in Volac Whey Nutrition Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries, Volac Whey Nutrition Limited and Volac Renewable Energy Limited. Volac, a UK-based company, specializes in processing whey into ingredients for sports nutrition, with by-products sold for food and animal nutrition.

Table of Contents for United Kingdom Protein Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 High-protein snacking trend among Gen-Z consumers
    • 4.2.2 Growth in sports-nutrition and active-lifestyle adoption
    • 4.2.3 Technological advancements in protein extraction, processing, and formulation
    • 4.2.4 Surge in vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based lifestyles boosting alternative proteins
    • 4.2.5 Expansion of protein-fortified foods, snacks, cereals, and meat alternatives
    • 4.2.6 Innovations in functional proteins for recovery, satiety, and vitality.
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Price volatility of dairy-based proteins
    • 4.3.2 Regulatory uncertainty for insect and cultivated proteins
    • 4.3.3 Allergen-related labelling liabilities
    • 4.3.4 Supply-chain fragility for pea/soy imports post-Brexit
  • 4.4 Consumer Behaviour Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Technological Outlook
  • 4.7 Porter's Five Forces
    • 4.7.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.7.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.7.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.7.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.7.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Source
    • 5.1.1 Animal Protein
    • 5.1.1.1 Casein and Caseinates
    • 5.1.1.2 Collagen
    • 5.1.1.3 Egg Protein
    • 5.1.1.4 Gelatin
    • 5.1.1.5 Milk Protein
    • 5.1.1.6 Whey Protein
    • 5.1.1.7 Insect Protein
    • 5.1.1.8 Other Animal Protein
    • 5.1.2 Plant Protein
    • 5.1.2.1 Soy Protein
    • 5.1.2.2 Pea Protein
    • 5.1.2.3 Wheat Protein
    • 5.1.2.4 Hemp Protein
    • 5.1.2.5 Rice Protein
    • 5.1.2.6 Potato Protein
    • 5.1.2.7 Other Plant Protein
    • 5.1.3 Microbial Protein
    • 5.1.3.1 Mycoprotein
    • 5.1.3.2 Algae Protein
  • 5.2 By End User
    • 5.2.1 Food and Beverages
    • 5.2.1.1 Bakery
    • 5.2.1.2 Beverages
    • 5.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals
    • 5.2.1.4 Confectionery
    • 5.2.1.5 Condiments/Sauces
    • 5.2.1.6 Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
    • 5.2.1.7 Meat/Seafood and Meat Alternatives
    • 5.2.1.8 RTE/RTC Meals
    • 5.2.1.9 Snacks
    • 5.2.2 Animal Feed
    • 5.2.3 Supplements
    • 5.2.3.1 Sport/Performance Nutrition
    • 5.2.3.2 Baby Food and Infant Formula
    • 5.2.3.3 Elderly and Medical Nutrition
    • 5.2.4 Personal Care and Cosmetics

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Archer Daniels Midland Company
    • 6.4.2 Arla Foods Amba
    • 6.4.3 A. Costantino and C. SpA
    • 6.4.4 Volac International Ltd
    • 6.4.5 Glanbia PLC
    • 6.4.6 Kerry Group PLC
    • 6.4.7 Roquette Freres
    • 6.4.8 Cargill Inc.
    • 6.4.9 Tate and Lyle PLC
    • 6.4.10 DSM-Firmenich AG
    • 6.4.11 International Flavors and Fragrances Inc.
    • 6.4.12 Darling Ingredients Inc.
    • 6.4.13 Beneo GmbH
    • 6.4.14 Quorn Foods Ltd
    • 6.4.15 Kernel Mycofood
    • 6.4.16 Ynsect SAS
    • 6.4.17 Ingredion Inc.
    • 6.4.18 Meelunie BV
    • 6.4.19 Novozymes A/S
    • 6.4.20 Nestle SA

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

You Can Purchase Parts Of This Report. Check Out Prices For Specific Sections
Get Price Break-up Now

United Kingdom Protein Market Report Scope

By Source
Animal Protein Casein and Caseinates
Collagen
Egg Protein
Gelatin
Milk Protein
Whey Protein
Insect Protein
Other Animal Protein
Plant Protein Soy Protein
Pea Protein
Wheat Protein
Hemp Protein
Rice Protein
Potato Protein
Other Plant Protein
Microbial Protein Mycoprotein
Algae Protein
By End User
Food and Beverages Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Confectionery
Condiments/Sauces
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
Meat/Seafood and Meat Alternatives
RTE/RTC Meals
Snacks
Animal Feed
Supplements Sport/Performance Nutrition
Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly and Medical Nutrition
Personal Care and Cosmetics
By Source Animal Protein Casein and Caseinates
Collagen
Egg Protein
Gelatin
Milk Protein
Whey Protein
Insect Protein
Other Animal Protein
Plant Protein Soy Protein
Pea Protein
Wheat Protein
Hemp Protein
Rice Protein
Potato Protein
Other Plant Protein
Microbial Protein Mycoprotein
Algae Protein
By End User Food and Beverages Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Confectionery
Condiments/Sauces
Dairy and Dairy Alternatives
Meat/Seafood and Meat Alternatives
RTE/RTC Meals
Snacks
Animal Feed
Supplements Sport/Performance Nutrition
Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly and Medical Nutrition
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Need A Different Region or Segment?
Customize Now

Market Definition

  • End User - The Protein Ingredients Market operates on a B2B basis. Food, Beverages, Supplements, Animal Feed, and Personal Care & Cosmetic manufacturers are considered to be end-consumers in the market studied. The scope excludes manufacturers buying liquid/dry whey to be used for application as a binding agent or thickener or other non-protein applications.
  • Penetration Rate - Penetration Rate is defined as the percentage of Protein-Fortified End User Market Volume in the Overall End User Market Volume.
  • Average Protein Content - Average protein content is the average protein content present per 100 g of product manufactured by all end-user companies considered under the scope of this report.
  • End User Market Volume - End-user market volume is the consolidated volume of all types and forms of end-user products in the country or region.
Keyword Definition
Alpha-lactalbumin (α-Lactalbumin) It is a protein that regulates the production of lactose in the milk of almost all mammalian species.
Amino acid It is an organic compound that contains both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups, which are required for the synthesis of body protein and other important nitrogen-containing compounds, such as creatine, peptide hormones, and some neurotransmitters.
Blanching It is the process of briefly heating vegetables with steam or boiling water.
BRC British Retail Consortium
Bread improver It is a flour-based blend of several components with specific functional properties designed to modify dough characteristics and give quality attributes to bread.
BSF Black Soldier Fly
Caseinate It is a substance produced by adding an alkali to acid casein, a derivative of casein.
Celiac disease Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
Colostrum It is a milky fluid that’s released by mammals that have recently given birth before breast milk production begins.
Concentrate It is the least processed form of protein and has a protein content ranging from 40-90% by weight.
Dry protein basis It refers to the percentage of "pure protein" present in a supplement after the water in it is completely removed through heat.
Dry whey It is the product resulting from drying fresh whey which has been pasteurized and to which nothing has been added as a preservative.
Egg protein It is a mixture of individual proteins, including ovalbumin, ovomucoid, ovoglobulin, conalbumin, vitellin, and vitellenin.
Emulsifier It is a food additive that facilitates the blending of foods that are immiscible with one another, such as oil and water.
Enrichment It is the process of addition of micronutrients that are lost during the processing of the product.
ERS Economic Research Service of the USDA
Extrusion It is the process of forcing soft mixed ingredients through an opening in a perforated plate or die designed to produce the required shape. The extruded food is then cut to a specific size by blades.
Fava Also known as Faba, it is another word for yellow split beans.
FDA Food and Drug Administration
Flaking It is a process in which typically a cereal grain (like corn, wheat, or rice) is broken down into grits, cooked with flavors and syrups, and then pressed into flakes between cooled rollers.
Foaming agent It is a food ingredient that makes it possible to form or maintain a uniform dispersion of a gaseous phase in a liquid or solid food.
Foodservice It refers to the part of the food industry which includes businesses, institutions, and companies which prepare meals outside the home. It includes restaurants, school and hospital cafeterias, catering operations, and many other formats.
Fortification It is the deliberate addition of micronutrients that are not found in them naturally or which are lost during processing, to improve a food product's nutritional value.
FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand
FSIS Food Safety and Inspection Service
FSSAI Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
Gelling agent It is an ingredient that functions as a stabilizer and thickener to provide thickening without stiffness through the formation of gel.
GHG Greenhouse Gas
Gluten It is a family of proteins found in grains, including wheat, rye, spelt, and barley.
Hemp It is a botanical class of Cannabis sativa cultivars grown specifically for industrial or medicinal use.
Hydrolysate It is a form of protein manufactured by exposing the protein to enzymes that can partially break the bonds between the protein's amino acids and break down large, complicated proteins into smaller pieces. Its processing makes it easier and quicker to digest.
Hypoallergenic It refers to a substance that causes fewer allergic reactions.
Isolate It is the purest and most processed form of protein which has undergone separation to obtain a pure protein fraction. It typically contains ≥ 90% of protein by weight.
Keratin It is a protein that helps form hair, nails, and the outer layer of skin.
Lactalbumin It is the albumin contained in milk and obtained from whey.
Lactoferrin It is an iron‑binding glycoprotein that is present in the milk of most mammals.
Lupin It is the yellow legume seeds of the genus Lupinus.
Millenial Also known as Generation Y or Gen Y, it refers to the people born from 1981 to 1996.
Monogastric It refers to an animal with a single-compartmented stomach. Examples of monogastric include humans, poultry, pigs, horses, rabbits, dogs, and cats. Most monogastric are generally unable to digest much cellulose food materials such as grasses.
MPC Milk protein concentrate
MPI Milk protein isolate
MSPI Methylated soy protein isolate
Mycoprotein Mycoprotein is a form of single-cell protein, also known as fungal protein, derived from fungi for human consumption.
Nutricosmetics It is a category of products and ingredients that act as nutritional supplements to care for skin, nails, and hair natural beauty.
Osteoporosis It is a medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes, or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.
PDCAAS Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) is a method of evaluating the quality of a protein based on both the amino acid requirements of humans and their ability to digest it.
Per-capita consumption of animal protein It is the average amount of animal protein (such as milk, whey, gelatin, collagen, and egg proteins) that is readily available for consumption by each person in an actual population.
Per-capita consumption of plant protein It is the average amount of plant protein (such as soy, wheat, pea, oat, and hemp proteins) that is readily available for consumption by each person in an actual population.
Quorn It is a microbial protein manufactured using mycoprotein as an ingredient, in which the fungus culture is dried and mixed with egg albumen or potato protein, which acts as a binder, and then is adjusted in texture and pressed into various forms.
Ready-to-Cook (RTC) It refers to food products that include all of the ingredients, where some preparation or cooking is required through a process that is given on the package.
Ready-to-Eat (RTE) It refers to a food product prepared or cooked in advance, with no further cooking or preparation required before being eaten.
RTD Ready-to-Drink
RTS Ready-to-Serve
Saturated fat It is a type of fat in which the fatty acid chains have all single bonds. It is generally considered unhealthy.
Sausage It is a meat product made of finely chopped and seasoned meat, which may be fresh, smoked, or pickled and which is then usually stuffed into a casing.
Seitan It is a plant-based meat substitute made out of wheat gluten.
Softgel It is a gelatin-based capsule with a liquid fill.
SPC Soy protein concentrate
SPI Soy protein isolate
Spirulina It is a biomass of cyanobacteria that can be consumed by humans and animals.
Stabilizer It is an ingredient added to food products to help maintain or enhance their original texture, and physical and chemical characteristics.
Supplementation It is the consumption or provision of concentrated sources of nutrients or other substances that are intended to supplement nutrients in the diet and is intended to correct nutritional deficiencies.
Texturant It is a specific type of food ingredient that is used to control and alter the mouthfeel and texture of food and beverage products.
Thickener It is an ingredient that is used to increase the viscosity of a liquid or dough and make it thicker, without substantially changing its other properties.
Trans fat Also called trans-unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids, it is a type of unsaturated fat that naturally occurs in small amounts in meat.
TSP Textured soy protein
TVP Textured vegetable protein
WPC Whey protein concentrate
WPI Whey protein isolate
Need More Details on Market Definition?
Ask a Question

Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: The quantifiable key variables (industry and extraneous) pertaining to the specific product segment and country are selected from a group of relevant variables & factors based on desk research & literature review; along with primary expert inputs. These variables are further confirmed through regression modeling (wherever required).
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step-1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set and the model is built on the basis of these variables.
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
Image © Mordor Intelligence. Reuse requires attribution under CC BY 4.0.
Get More Details On Research Methodology
Download PDF