23 Alternative Protein Statistics To Make You Feel Good (2025)


Alternative Protein Statistics

As alternative protein statistics show, non-meat-based protein consumption is increasing on a global level.

This plant-based substitute to animal protein is seeing an increase in demand as more and more people become aware of its numerous benefits.

The human body is designed to require both essential and non-essential types of protein for proper functioning. Alternative proteins are non-essential types of protein but are also necessary for consumption due to the various values they contain.

Let’s dive into the numbers and see where the world stands on consuming alternative proteins.

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Current Alternative Protein Facts & Findings

1. One portion of a vegetarian-based alternative protein product contains 1.36 grams of salt.

(WHO)

One of the most positive aspects of alternative protein is the amount of salt in each product. Namely, a piece of vegetarian Chicken Chunk has almost four times less than the required daily intake.

What this means is, high salt intake can increase the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.

Nutritionists and scientists advise people to consume food that contains a low salt value, and alternative protein is ideal.

 

2. Only 4% of all plant-based products are low in sodium.

(PubMed)

According to a report on the nutritional value of over 150 plant-based products, only 4% had low amounts of salt.

Even though it is advisable to consume products with low sodium value, it appears there is only a handful available.

 

3. 24% of plant-based products contain vitamin B12.

(PubMed)

Just a little less than a quarter of plant-based products contain a vital nutrient in the form of vitamin B12.

This vitamin is one of the eight B vitamins and helps keep our body’s nerve and blood cells healthy, while also making DNA.

The recommended dose for consumption in adults is 2.4 micrograms and these vitamins are safe even if consumed in higher doses.

 

4. 63% of products on the supermarket shelf include an on-pack claim about protein.

(PubMed)

PubMed’s report indicates that a little less than two-thirds of plant-based products contain protein. This trend also caused a rise in meat substitute innovations.

However, it’s important to note that alternative proteins’ nutrients and levels of sodium highlight the need for proper development to ensure that plant-based products’ protein is equivalent to animal-based products’ proteins.

 

5. Approximately $2.1 billion has been invested in plant-based technologies.

(Fairr)

Investments in plant-based technologies have seen a rapid increase between the period of 2010 and 2020.

Contrastingly, about $1 billion have been invested across cell-cultured technologies during the same period.

With a combined $3.1 billion, this growth succumbs to questions about sustainability as the standardization of these technologies is not easy at all.

 

6. 14.5% of GHG emissions on a global level come from livestock production.

(Fairr)

Livestock production is one of the largest contributors to deforestation due to the heavy need for soy production and cattle ranching.

With 14.5% of global emissions being caused by this sector, alternative proteins are becoming key players at a time when there are increasing concerns about global food and nutritional security.

 

7. Venture capital’s investments in alternative protein amounted to $1.5 billion in 2020.

(GFI)

According to this report, in 2020 alone venture capitalists have invested roughly $1.5 billion in research and production of alternative protein.

This type of investment is making the alternative protein industry incredibly visible. Moreover, that money almost doubled compared to 2019, seeing an increase of up to 80% in investments.

 

Worldwide Stats About Alternative Protein

How does the alternative protein market fare across the globe, though?

Let’s find out below.

8. In 2020 there were a total of 44 fermentation companies around the world.

(GFI)

The number of fermentation companies that are focusing on alternative proteins has increased by an outstanding percentage of 91 in just a little over a 12-month period.

The number stood at 23 in 2018 and jumped to 44 by mid-2020. Half of these (21) are located in the United States.

Many of these companies are producing fermentation-derived alternative protein products to meet the growing demand, but also to stay competitive within this highly progressed industry.

 

9. Fermentation-focused companies raised a whopping $435 million.

(GreenBiz)

Just as the number of companies keeps on rising, so does the value of this market. Namely, by July of 2020, these companies managed to raise $435 million in venture capital, which is a staggering 58% increase compared to the year before.

Even Bill Gates saw the potential of the need for alternative protein and invested about $80 million into Nature’s Fynd.

 

10. 48.3% of under 19 year-olds in Japan have tried alternative proteins.

(Statista)

It appears that Japanese folks are widely considering the switch from animal-based proteins to alternative ones.

According to this report, nearly half of all under 19 year-olds have tried consuming food containing alternative proteins.

The highest percentage is evident among 60+ year-olds, as 78.5% have tried alternative sources.

 

11. The majority of adults in Japan have consumed proteins, ranging from 62.9% to 67.5%.

(Statista)

Even though elderly Japanese people are the ones who consume alternative proteins the most, adults in the Land of the Rising Sun are also consuming various types of food and drinks that contain alternative proteins.

Here’s a breakdown of the people who tried food and drinks containing substitutes for animal proteins:

AgePercentage
20-29 years64.1%
30-39 years62.9%
40-49 years63%
50-59 years67.5%

 

12. By 2030, the Asia-Pacific region will dominate the alternative protein market.

(Food Business News)

According to some estimates, the Asia-Pacific region is going to dominate the plant-based protein market within the next eight years.

In 2020, this region recorded a value of $13.5 billion and within the next eight years, it will grow to reach a stunning $64.8 billion.

With an estimated population of about 5 billion by 2030, it’s no surprise that the Asia-Pacific region is welcoming alternative protein solutions with open arms.

 

13. Contrastingly, Europe and North America may reach $40 billion by 2030.

(Food Business News)

Experts believe that plant-based alternative proteins are going to dominate the market as people are becoming increasingly aware.

Latin America is projected to reach $8.8 billion in alternative protein products sales, with Africa and Middle-East regions also expected to see an increase, with predictions placing the value of this market at $8.2 billion by 2030.

 

14. Beyond Meat is the leading company with a net worth of $9 billion.

(Statista)

The California-based company producing alternative-protein products is the highest valued company in this sector.

In second place comes Impossible Foods, another California-based company, with a value of $5.2 billion.

These companies offer products intended to replace meat patties in direct competition with each other to get on top of this market.

 

15. Oatly, one of the most successful companies in the alternative protein space, is worth $2 billion.

(Statista)

Oatly, the Swedish food company, breaks into the top three alternative protein food companies, breaking the US domination.

With a value of $2 billion, it sits in third place far behind the biggest competitors in the world, Beyond Meat, and Impossible Foods.

 

Alternative Protein Future Trends & Predictions

16. By 2035, the alternative protein market is expected to encompass about 11% of the global protein market.

(BCG)

Food habits, such as consuming dairy, meat, eggs, and seafood, are expecting to see a change into alternative protein plant-based substitutes.

Consumers are switching from their old food diets to more growing and sustainable alternatives. And this will be reflected in the years to come as experts believe this market will grow to reach 11% of the total global protein market.

 

17. Alternative protein consumption is estimated to grow to 3% by 2025.

(Consultancy)

Consumers have spent about 13 million metric tons of products containing alternative proteins in 2021 alone.

Experts believe this number will continue to grow, and we should expect that by 2025, a compound annual growth rate of 3% or reaching 97 million metric tons.

 

18. The alternative protein market is set to reach a value of $290 billion by 2035.

(Green Queen)

According to recent reports, evaluations, and analysis, this market is likely to reach just south of $300 billion in mid-2030s.

This is an incredible and mind-blowing number, to say the least, as experts dub it an “unparalleled growth”.

The demand for such products continues to rise, and the future looks bright for the alternative protein market.

 

19. The alternative protein market is predicted to be worth $1.1 trillion by 2040.

(Fairr)

Latest data suggests the demand for alternative proteins is going to increase tenfold. This means that by 2040, the market could occupy an astonishing 60% on a global level.

The total value is estimated to reach $1.1 trillion as numerous other companies are likely to enter the fray and vie for a piece of the cake.

 

20. Plant-based substitutes could save up to 39 billion cubic meters of water.

(BCG)

Shifting to plant-based substitutes from eggs and meat alone could save the earth a substantial amount of water usage.

And with earth’s natural resources in dire condition, this move could turn out to save our precious assets for our own benefit.

Namely, with the introduction of alternative proteins, its full implementation may lead to saving up to 39 billion cubic meters of water. Interesting enough, this amount is enough to supply London for the next 40 years.

 

21. Approximately 1.8 billion people will live in inadequate regions with low freshwater supplies by 2025.

(Globe News Wire)

Earth’s natural resources aren’t the only things in dire condition. Data shows that within the next three years, close to 1.8 billion people might end up living their lives in regions where freshwater supplies are considered a commodity rather than a necessity.

This fact alone shows us just how vital the alternative protein market is for the whole world. With that in mind, it’s no surprise the demand is growing to new heights with each passing day.

 

22. Egg alternatives will dominate the market in the next three years.

(Food Navigator)

The latest reports on the consumption of alternative proteins per product indicate that egg alternatives will note the highest growth rate of all products.

With a 68% increase over the next three years, consumers’ focus is turned toward egg alternative proteins. Over the next five years after that, in the period between 2025 and 2030, this demand will see an even higher growth rate, or 79% to be precise.

 

23. Cheese and fresh dairy are second and third on the scale of high demand.

(Food Navigator)

Consumption of alternative cheese products will increase by 40% over the next three years, and by 50% between 2025 and 2030.

Fresh dairy products will record steady increases of 36% by 2030, as this market share is expected to reach parity and continue expanding over the next eight years.

 

Conclusion

We’ve looked at all the data, and now that we’ve got it all laid out in front of us, it’s time we talked about what it means.

  • Alternative proteins are the future.
  • Consumers are concerned about their health.
  • Plant-based meat is popular.
  • Meat alternatives are healthier than meat.
  • Vegan is a lifestyle for some people, as well as a diet for others.
  • Alternative proteins can help feed the world.

The food industry’s capability to innovate and adapt to trending demands is impressive. This initiative for more sustainable diets reflects a rise in the market for alternative proteins.

As we can see by the latest alternative protein statistics, these products are becoming more available to consumers. This, in turn, can actually help relieve the pressure on the food system.

Yet questions still arise about these products’ nutritional value and how they can help move us toward worldwide food security.

Overall based on the recent alternative protein statistics and predictions, this market will exceed all expectations in the future, as demand continues to increase exponentially. 

That’s all for now.

We’re looking forward to showing you more data-driven content in the future.

In the meantime, check out our other article about 20 Eye-Opening Plant-Based Meat Statistics

Sources

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