Synthetic Food Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Product Type, Source, Distribution Channel, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Synthetic Food Market is accounted for $19.00 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $31.88 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period. Food items that are produced artificially, frequently with the use of biotechnology, to replicate the flavour, consistency, and nutritional content of conventional foods are commonly referred to as synthetic foods. This includes foods made by fermentation or cellular agriculture, lab-grown meats, and plant-based substitutes. The goal of synthetic food is to address concerns about food security and animal welfare while lowering the environmental effect of traditional farming by offering ethical, resource-efficient, and sustainable substitutes for conventional food.

According to the Good Food Institute, plant-based food retail sales in the U.S. have increased by 1% to reach USD 8.1 billion in 2023.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Rising demand for sustainable food

Growing environmental consciousness and the demand for environmentally friendly food production practices are the main drivers of the growing demand for sustainable food. Customers are become increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the foods they choose. A sustainable alternative to conventional meat production is provided by synthetic foods, such as lab-grown meat and plant-based substitutes. These substitutes generate fewer greenhouse gases and use fewer resources, including land and water. Government programs and laws that encourage environmentally friendly behavior also contribute to the trend toward sustainable food procurement.

Restraint:

Competition with traditional foods

Traditional foods have established consumer trust, cultural value, and taste preferences, which make them fierce competitors in the synthetic food business. It is challenging for synthetic substitutes to become widely accepted as traditional foods are seen as healthier and more natural. Many consumers remain skeptical about the safety and nutritional benefits of synthetic foods, associating them with artificial additives. Synthetic foods can also be more expensive to produce, which makes them less accessible than conventional options. Further impeding the synthetic food market's capacity to compete with the established presence of conventional foods are regulatory obstacles and restricted supply.

Opportunity:

Increased demand for protein

Synthetic foods, such as lab-grown meat and plant-based protein alternatives, offer a promising solution to meet this demand. These alternatives provide a sustainable and scalable source of protein without the environmental impact of traditional meat production. Additionally, synthetic foods can be engineered to have enhanced nutritional profiles, catering to health-conscious consumers. The growing trend of fitness and health awareness further supports the demand for protein-rich synthetic foods. This presents a significant opportunity for the synthetic food market to expand.

Threat:

Lack of infrastructure

The lack of infrastructure necessary for large-scale production and distribution presents serious hurdles for the synthetic food sector. Establishing facilities for lab-grown meat and other artificial food items necessitates a large equipment and technological investment. Gaining the trust of customers also depends on upholding strict safety and quality control requirements. Entering the market for synthetic meals is made more difficult by the lack of established supply chains and distribution networks. Moreover, regulatory hurdles and the need for approval from food safety authorities can delay the commercialization process.

Covid-19 Impact

The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of synthetic foods as consumers seek safer and more sustainable food options. The disruption of traditional meat supply chains and concerns about zoonotic diseases have highlighted the need for alternative protein sources. The pandemic has also increased consumer awareness of the environmental impact of food production, driving demand for sustainable alternatives. However, the economic downturn has affected investment in synthetic food startups, posing a challenge to their growth.

The synthetic meat segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The synthetic meat segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its potential to address environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional meat production. Lab-grown meat offers a sustainable alternative that requires fewer resources and produces lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, synthetic meat can be produced with enhanced nutritional profiles, catering to health-conscious consumers.

The beverages segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the beverages segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to the increasing demand for innovative and functional beverages. Synthetic ingredients, such as lab-grown coffee and tea, offer sustainable alternatives to traditional beverage production. Additionally, the growing trend of health and wellness is driving demand for beverages with enhanced nutritional benefits. Furthermore, the rise of ready-to-drink functional beverages is boosting the demand for synthetic ingredients.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, Asia Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share, due to growing population and increasing disposable incomes. The region's large consumer base is driving demand for sustainable and protein-rich food alternatives. Additionally, government initiatives and investments in sustainable food production are supporting the growth of the synthetic food market in Asia Pacific. Moreover, the rising awareness of environmental issues and health benefits associated with synthetic foods is driving consumer adoption.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to the strong presence of synthetic food start-ups and research institutions. Increasing consumer awareness of environmental and health issues is boosting demand for synthetic food alternatives. Government support and favourable regulatory frameworks are also contributing to the market growth in North America. The rising trend of plant-based diets and alternative protein sources is further supporting the growth of the synthetic food market.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Synthetic Food Market include Beyond Meat, Aleph Farms, DSM, Tyson Foods, Mosa Meat, Memphis Meats, Future Meat Technologies, Impossible Foods, Perfect Day, New Culture, Remilk, Formo, Wildtype, Eat Just, SuperMeat, Finless Foods, Wild Earth, Geltor, Shiok Meats, and CellulaREvolution.

Key Developments:

In Feb 2019, Chr. Hansen developed a novel sweet potato variety specifically designed for its usage as a food coloring agent. The product was the outcome of the Danish company's ten-year breeding program. The Hansen sweet potato was used as the basis for Chr. Hansen's FruitMax range of vivid red solutions. These solutions have been utilized in confectionery, water ice, bakery items, bakery decorations, fruit preparation, and fermented milk product.

Product Types Covered:

• Synthetic Dairy
• Synthetic Meat
• Flavoring Agents
• Proteins and Amino Acids
• Synthetic Sweeteners
• Food Colorants
• Enzymes
• Other Product Types

Sources Covered:

• Animal-Based
• Plant-Based

Distribution Channels Covered:

• Online Retail
• Specialty Stores
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores

Applications Covered:

• Beverages
• Bakery and Confectionery
• Dairy and Frozen Products
• Animal and Pet Food
• Savoury and Snacks
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:

• Health-Conscious Consumers
• Vegetarians/Vegans
• Children and Adolescents
• Adults and Elderly
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances