Rice Protein Market

Global Rice Protein Market Size (2024 to 2032)

The global rice protein market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period 2024 to 2032 to reach USD 249.83 million by 2032 from USD 132.99 million in 2024. The global rice protein market is expected to witness a path in the market due to the variety of benefits that the market offers.

Rice protein is rich in vitamin E, amino acids, ferulic acid, starch, and allantoin. It helps maintain the health of the body and skin. It is a type of vegetable protein and acts as a substitute for whey and oy-based additives. It is also rich in sulfur, cysteine, and methionine-containing amino acids. This is ideal for use in the pharmaceutical industry. Eating rice protein lowers blood sugar levels, helps burn fat, and helps lose fat. Rice protein also contains significant amounts of alanine and glutamine, which improves the hydration of skin cells. It is widely used in various bakery items and energy supplements due to its high nutritional value and functional properties. Additionally, rice protein helps strengthen the body's metabolism and regulate sugar levels. It is a vegetarian food extracted from brown rice and white rice. Rice protein is derived from brown rice and white rice by separating carbohydrates from protein. It can also replace soy protein and whey. The latest trend of a healthy and balanced lifestyle is likely to act as a propellant for the rapid expansion of the global rice protein industry.

MARKET DRIVERS

Verticals like pharmaceutical, sports nutrition, and cosmetic industries are finding huge demand, which is likely to propel the global rice protein market in the coming years.

In addition, as per capita income and consumer preferences for nutritional diets intensify, the overall demand for rice protein across the globe has strengthened. The vegan population has grown in recent years as the demand for organic rice protein increases, on the verge of several medicinal benefits. As the world's vegan group expands, the number of consumers opting for healthy and clean food increments. This further promotes the growth of the global rice protein market. The need for organic cosmetic products that reduce the risk of side effects is assumed to result in a positive impact on the future growth of the global rice protein business. Rising demand in the nutrition, cosmetics, and sports industries is presumed to lead the world market for rice proteins in the following years.

The rice protein industry serves as a platform for waste utilization. During the polishing process, rice bran gradually becomes the production of value-added products, and protein is one of them. Rice protein isolates and concentrates are increasingly produced from rice bran. Functional foods, especially dietary supplements, are emerging as one of the leading applications in the rice protein market, and manufacturers are taking a mixed approach to plant-based protein products. With increased diet and nutrition awareness and increased purchasing power, the demand for rice protein increases. Therefore, it is promoting a broad expansion of the rice protein market worldwide. The vegan population expects alternative sources of protein, which increases the demand for rice protein, making rice protein worldwide grow substantially.

Expanding needs from the food and beverage industry are anticipated to spur the expansion of the global rice protein market in the foreseen years. The ability to leave carbohydrates and intake of proteins makes them healthier. Therefore, the presence of high proteins expands the demand for these rice proteins. The advent of new players in the rice protein trade and the introduction of new products have been the supporting aspects of growth. This is expected to be further augmented with the non-soy protein enrichment solutions persevered by end-use industries. Rice protein producers are making efforts to launch distinct products, which are suspected of quickening market growth as demand surges. Rice protein is also rich in antioxidants and amino acids, making it a prominent factor in the boom of the global rice protein market.

Furthermore, the high protein content has increased the demand for organic rice protein, which has become a trend factor that plays a catalyst in the expansion of the fructose market worldwide. Natural rice protein can accommodate a population with lactose intolerance. Furthermore, gluten is not supposed to provide growth opportunities for the global rice protein market.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Low consumer awareness is expected to be a factor hindering the growth of the global rice protein market. Regardless of limitations, demand for clean, non-allergenic, gluten-free, and GMO-free alternatives is assumed to accelerate growth in the worldwide rice protein market.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Product Insights

The concentrates segment held the leading share of the global rice protein market in 2024. Rice protein concentrates are produced by isolating the protein from rice grains, typically containing around 70-80% protein. They are widely used in plant-based protein supplements, food products, and beverages due to their affordability, digestibility, and hypoallergenic properties. The widespread use of rice protein concentrates in the food and beverage industry, especially in plant-based and vegan products, contributes to their dominant position in the market.

The hydrolysates segment is predicted to witness the fastest growth in the global market over the forecast period. Hydrolyzed rice protein is produced by breaking down proteins into smaller peptides, improving digestibility and absorption. This type of rice protein is gaining popularity in sports nutrition and specialized dietary products due to its enhanced bioavailability and muscle recovery benefits. The rising demand for high-quality, easily digestible proteins in the health and wellness sector, particularly for athletes and individuals with digestive concerns, is driving the rapid growth of the hydrolysates segment in the rice protein market.

By Type Insights

The organic rice protein segment captured the major share of the global market in 2024. Organic rice protein is derived from rice grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Due to the increasing demand for clean-label, non-GMO, and organic food products, organic rice protein is highly preferred, especially in the plant-based food and supplement markets. Its appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking natural and sustainable ingredients drives its dominance in the market.

The inorganic rice protein segment is anticipated to grow at a promising CAGR during the forecast period. Inorganic rice protein is typically more affordable and is used in various commercial food applications. Although it does not carry the premium status of organic protein, its rapid growth is driven by the increasing demand for plant-based proteins in mainstream food and beverage products. As more companies seek cost-effective plant protein sources to cater to the growing vegan and vegetarian market, inorganic rice protein is seeing significant market expansion.

By Application Insights

The food & beverages segment occupied the major share of the global market in 2024 and the lead of the F&B segment in the global market is primarily driven by its application in sports and energy nutrition, bakery & confectionery, meat analogues & extenders, and dairy alternatives. Rice protein is increasingly used in plant-based foods due to its high digestibility, hypoallergenic nature, and nutritional profile. Its versatile use in protein shakes, bars, dairy-free products, and meat substitutes, coupled with the growing demand for plant-based and vegan food products, contributes to its leading role in the market.

The pharmaceuticals segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR in the global market over the forecast period. Rice protein’s bioactive properties, such as aiding in muscle recovery and supporting immune function, make it an attractive ingredient in nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. As the trend for natural, plant-based health solutions continues to rise, the demand for rice protein in pharmaceutical applications, particularly in functional foods and supplements, is growing rapidly. This growth is also supported by increasing awareness of the benefits of plant-based proteins in maintaining health and wellness.

By Form Insights

The dry form segment was the leading segment in the global market in 2024. Dry rice protein is typically in the form of a powder, which is highly convenient for use in various food products, supplements, and formulations. It is commonly used in protein powders, meal replacements, snack bars, and baked goods due to its ease of incorporation and long shelf life. The dry form is preferred for its versatility and storage stability, which drives its dominance in the market.

The Liquid Form segment is expected to be the most promising segment in the global market currently. Liquid rice protein is gaining popularity in beverages, ready-to-drink products, and smoothies due to its easy dissolvability and smoother texture when mixed. As the demand for convenient and functional beverages, such as plant-based protein drinks, increases, the liquid form of rice protein is seeing rapid growth. This segment is also benefiting from the rise of liquid nutritional products that cater to on-the-go lifestyles.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

North America was the largest market, accounting for about 47% of total volume due to the high demand in the food and beverage industry. It has helped increase the global market share in the region due to a large number of manufacturers. The production was dominated by the United States, which accounted for most of the volume and revenue share. Advances in technology, along with the rate of new product adoption in the region, are likely to play an essential role in increasing demand during the projection period. The main Asia Pacific markets are Japan, China and India. As consumer awareness of a healthy lifestyle increases, demand for protein-based nutritional products is presumed to drive demand for these products during the forecast period. The Food Safety Standards Act of India, the Japan Food and Nutrition Association, and the Japan Food and Drug Administration are some of the agencies that regulate the use of various ingredients in food and beverages to ensure the quality of the food. These organizations also promote the consumption of nutritious foods and participate in R&D activities in this field to create awareness among consumers and support the development of new products, respectively. Europe is estimated to dominate the global rice protein market in the near future due to the high demand for products in this region. This growth may be due to the high demand in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom that can motivate local growth by focusing on increased demand for allergen and gluten-free products, as well as a healthy lifestyle.

KEY PLAYERS IN THE GLOBAL RICE PROTEIN MARKET

Major Key Players in the global rice protein market are RiceBran Technologies, AIDP Inc., Nutrition Resource Inc., Axiom Foods Inc., Golden Grain Group Ltd, Nutribiotic, Bioway Organic Ingredients Co., Ltd, Shafi Gluco Chem Pvt. Ltd., Shaanxi Fuheng (FH) Biotechnology Co., Ltd    

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

• In 2018, Kerry Group PLC launched the "ProDiem" mix of rice and pea protein. This product was launched as an alternative to soy protein to increase the demand for plant-based protein in the food processing industry.
• In 2019, Axiom Foods Inc. entered into a contract with Univar Solutions as a major distributor and supplier in the United States. The agreement focused on the distribution of plant-based products, including rice protein, using Univar Solutions' extensive distribution network.
• In 2019 Healy Group Limited released 'PrimaPro'. This product is a trace of pea and rice protein, intended to increase palatability and application.
• In 2020 Milk Specialties launched 'PROriz Brown Rice Protein' and introduced the product at 'Natural Products Expo West 2020'. PROriz aims to meet various nutritional requirements, as well as functional properties such as thermal stability.

DETAILED SEGMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL RICE PROTEIN MARKET INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT

This research report on the global rice protein market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on product, type, application, form, and region.

By Product

• Concentrates
• Isolates    
• Hydrolysates      

By Type

• Organic Rice Protein           
• Inorganic Rice Protein        

By Application

• Pharmaceuticals  
• Food & Beverages
  • Sports and Energy Nutrition
  • Bakery & Confectionary
  • Meat Analogues & Extenders
  • Dairy Alternatives             
• Cosmetics
• Animal Feed 

By Form

• Dry Form 
• Liquid Form              

By Region

• North America 
• Europe 
• The Asia Pacific 
• Latin America 
• The Middle East and Africa