United Kingdom Protein - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The United Kingdom Protein Market size is estimated at 622 million USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 807.7 million USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.36% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

Emerging indulgence towards health-oriented products with public awareness on protein is impacting the growth

• By application, in 2022, the F&B industry was the leading application sector for protein in the region, followed by the animal feed sector. In the F&B category, the meat/meat alternatives segment accounted for the major volume share of 32.40%, followed by the dairy and dairy alternatives segment, with 27.9% by volume share in 2022. The United Kingdom is the leading market for the meat and dairy alternative products. The market is continuously launching healthy sources of protein derived from plants, seaweed, non-animal cell culture, fermentation, or cultivated meat, which provide an alternative to more traditional protein sources.
• The animal feed segment occupied the second-largest share in the market, i.e., 35.5% by volume in 2020, which is anticipated to drive the market with a nominal CAGR value of 2.65% during the forecast period. One of the main factors fueling market expansion is the growing public awareness of the health benefits of algae-based protein ingredients in animal feed. In the early stages of bovine development, microalgae are crucial for adding nutrients to animal feed. It also promotes physical growth and ensures the production of high-quality eggs, milk, and meat.
• By value, among all the end-user segments, the supplement segment is anticipated to register the fastest growth rate of 6.47% during the forecast period. The emerging indulgence toward health-oriented products, along with rising interest in the list of ingredients, is highly driving the market's growth. Under the supplement category, sport and performance nutrition holds a prominent share of the market, mainly due to the rising awareness regarding daily nutritional intake, and sports nutrition products aid in compensating for nutrients lost during digestion and consumption.

United Kingdom Protein Market Trends

The consumption growth of animal protein fuels opportunities for key players in the ingredients segment

• Consumers in the United Kingdom are looking for healthier food options due to increasing urbanization, the growing geriatric population, lifestyle changes, and the increasing number of women in the registered workforce. The demand for protein-fortified foods is also growing among consumers in the country to meet their daily dietary requirements. Animal protein has transformed from a low-profile commodity to a value-enhancing ingredient. The per capita consumption of overall animal protein increased from 60.4 g in 2018 to 65.2 g in 2022.
• The highly matured food and beverage industry witnessed a rising demand for high-quality protein ingredients from health-conscious people. There is also a growing popularity of personal care and sports nutrition products in the United Kingdom. These industries are boosting the animal protein market. Animal protein is one of the primary ingredients in products that promote weight management and boost immunity. As of July 2022, around 40% of consumers in the United Kingdom looked for protein while choosing foods and beverages for their exercise schedules. The demand rose by almost 50% among people aged 18-29 years.
• With a significant focus on overall health and clean-label products, the demand for natural ingredients from the sports nutrition segment is growing. The market for whey protein is mostly driven by the rising intention of leading healthy lifestyles. The number of health and fitness clubs increased largely due to this trend, significantly enhancing the market's growth possibilities. The UK whey protein market was also driven by the industry's experience in consumers' demand for high-quality protein ingredients. The number of gyms and fitness centers in the United Kingdom increased from 2,642 in 2017 to 3,060 in 2021.

Rapid development in dairy processing industry to drive milk production

• The animal protein market and the graph given include the production of distinct raw materials, like meat from cattle, chickens, and pigs with bone, raw milk from cattle, skim milk from cows, and dry whey powder. Consumers are inclined toward consuming home-slaughtered meat, including beef/veal and pig. In 2020, the demand for beef/veal and pig meat increased by 1.92% and 2.81%, respectively, amounting to 932.10 thousand tons and 984.30 thousand tons, respectively. The constant rise in meat production is catering to the country's animal protein sector.
• Milk production is constantly rising in the United Kingdom despite the continuous decline in the number of dairy cows. During 2016-2019, the average daily protein intake of individuals aged 19 to 64 years was 76 g per person, which was more than the 64 g/day average adult daily requirement. This number was calculated using a reference intake value of 0.83 g/kg of body weight per day. The average daily consumption of animal protein per person is projected to be 39.6 g, with 25.9 g coming from meat and meat products and 9.9 g from milk and milk products. Accordingly, the total domestic milk production has risen. Less than 7% of the domestic production is exported, providing easy access to manufacturers.
• The forecast year, 2023, was challenging for the UK pig industry. The contraction in the breeding herd in 2022 led to a significant reduction in the number of finishing pigs in 2023. This, in turn, was expected to result in production volumes falling Y-o-Y as clean pig slaughter fell to its lowest number in a decade. The estimated cost of pig production fell in 2023 and moved net margins into a positive position for the first time in over two years.

United Kingdom Protein Industry Overview

The United Kingdom Protein Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 27.23%. The major players in this market are Archer Daniels Midland Company, Arla Foods AmbA, Darling Ingredients Inc., International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. and Kerry Group PLC (sorted alphabetically).

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