Oh Peas! The Rise of Pea Protein in Snacks and Foods

According to the new market research report by Markets and Markets, the Pea Protein industry is projected to grow from $745 million in 2020 to $1,400 million by 2025. This is a staggering CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 13.5%. So what has led to this dramatic rise, and what can we expect from the pea protein market going forward? 

What is Pea Protein Powder?

So what’s the deal with pea protein? Pea protein powder is pretty simple to understand. It’s the protein extracted from peas blended into a purpose-made protein powder. Peas themselves are a naturally protein-rich legume, which don’t require any interaction with animal products or by-products. This in turn makes them a great choice for vegans and vegetarians. Pea protein is only minimally processed, and is brimming with great nutritional content and essential fatty acids. It is a rich source of iron (with most products containing five or more milligrams per serving), lysine and it also has a low glycemic index. Key pea protein manufacturers in the US include Puris (US), Ingredeion Inc. (US), DuPont (US), A&B Ingredients (US), Batory Foods (US), and NP Nutra (US).

The Meat Substitute Market

In recent years pea protein has been increasingly used as a key ingredient in the manufacturing of meat substitute products, including burgers, sausages, and other product types. Industry leaders Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are leading the way in the meat substitutes market, and both use pea protein as a key ingredient in their products. It seems likely as these companies (and others like them) continue to thrive, we will continue to see an increased demand for pea protein going forward. A great benefit of dry textured pea protein is, when it’s hydrated it resembles meat, and can be used to authentically substitute traditional meat products. 

Pea protein power is also becoming a staple in sports nutrition, as an alternative to whey. And UK meal-replacement company, Huel, have just hit £40 million in sales globally. Co-founder James Collier sees pea protein as being a vital ingredient in delivering its vegan yet “nutritionally complete” meal-replacement products. Furthermore, Mintel have stated recently that meal replacement drinks and shakes accounted for 16% of all pea protein launches in 2019.

Sustainability 

Environmental concerns are another big reason behind the predicted pea protein market growth. All over the world, consumers are now often scrutinizing the integrity and sustainability initiatives of food supply chains, and more and more people are moving away from meat consumption towards a plant-based diet.  Veganism has increasingly become both a widespread, accepted diet and a political mainstay in Western society. And each vegan consumer requires and searches for valid sources of protein in their diet on a daily basis. 

The Future

Pea protein powder’s benefits are numerous and varied. Those businesses who can harness the power and demand for the product are likely to succeed. May it be in pea protein shakes, snacks, or meat substitutes. 

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