Hemp Protein Market By Product Type (Concentrates, Isolates, Others), By Form (Powder, Bars, Capsule, Liquid, Others), By Source (Organic, Conventional), By Application (Food & Beverages {Smoothies, Baked goods, Protein shakes}, Animal Feed {Pet food additives, Livestock supplements}, Personal Care {Hair care products, Skin care formulations}, Pharmaceuticals, Dietary Supplements, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline {Supermarkets, Specialty health stores, Pharmacies, Others}), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Hemp Protein Market accounted for USD 112.8 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 252.5 Million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 7.6% between 2025 and 2035. Hemp protein is another powdered nutritious supplement derived from the Cannabis sativa plant's seeds. Overall, this manner of cooking supplies the human body with adequate amounts of vital amino acids and protein. Thus, it is ideal for bodybuilders, vegetarians, and vegans. This hemp-based snack contains fiber, healthy fats, and minerals like magnesium and iron.

People now require new sources of plant protein, and hemp protein is an essential contribution for health and environmental reasons. Furthermore, the growing vegan and gluten-free diet trend is driving demand for the hemp protein market as an alternative to animal protein.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Health-conscious consumers seek plant-based protein alternatives for better nutrition.

One of the most prominent aspects driving the hemp protein market is the growing need for plant protein. Clients turning to plant-based items include clean-label consumers and those motivated by environmental considerations like animal product sustainability. Hemp protein, a complete protein containing all essential amino acids, is rapidly gaining popularity due to its high protein content, which includes fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Consumers understand the environmental benefits of hemp growing, which uses less water and chemicals than other crops. Dairy consumption has increased over time, and according to USDA data, plant-based food purchases climbed by 27% between 2019 and 2021. Further, there is a growing need for foods connected to chronic heart disease, which raises the hemp protein market.

Hemp legalization in many regions opens new markets for protein.

The hemp protein market is driven by several factors. As the legal usage of hemp in various markets expands, so does the possibility of producing the plant, making hemp protein more widely available. Consumption of plant-based protein sources is fast increasing as people become more aware of the benefits of healthy eating, and hemp is one of the amino acids on the list. Other advantages of hemp cultivation include its natural, organic, and sustainably farmed nature, which will appeal to environmentally aware buyers. Another factor driving hemp protein acceptance is growing awareness about veganism and a rise in the use of plant proteins.

Hemp protein is also used in supplements, functional foods, and functional beverages, and its marketability is continuously increasing. This is due to the current clean-label and minimally processed foods trend, as hemp protein is a natural, non-GMO product. Advanced research into hemp protein extraction technologies is improving the quality and accessibility of products in the marketplace. Governments are establishing rules that specifically support hemp growth and processing. All of these reasons contribute to the rapid expansion of the hemp protein market.

Competition from established plant-based proteins challenges hemp protein adoption.

New plant-based proteins, including soy, pea, and rice protein, continue to hinder hemp protein market expansion. Consumers have long embraced these alternatives as supply chain networks have already been established and production costs are significantly lower. Hemp protein has a unique nutritional value and composition owing to its high fiber content and certain essential amino acids, yet it faces some common consumer challenges, including poor knowledge and negative evaluations of taste and texture. At the same time, there are other limitations, such as state regulation issues, concerns about rising THC concentration, and a lack of vital information on CBD products, all of which limit the market's growth.

Hemp cultivation has remained relatively modest, given the capacity limits of large-scale production. These considerations, together with the fact that non-meat products from plants are more expensive to produce than animal proteins, impose certain constraints. As a result, this product has not undergone rigorous quality control and only contains a limited number of health-promoting ingredients, such as hemp protein. As consumer demand shifts, a few questions about customer needs and wants arise. Therefore, education and innovation may alleviate these challenges regarding the supply of goods.

Growing gluten-free trend increases demand for hemp protein alternatives.

Gluten-free diets are becoming more popular, which presents a significant opportunity for the hemp protein market to expand. This is crucial for consumers looking for plant protein sources that are free of allergens like gluten, dairy, and soy. Hemp protein contains more amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber than animal protein, making it a viable alternative. Hemp protein is gradually making its way into the food and supplement industries as people become more health-conscious and adopt vegan lifestyles. Its inclusion in protein powders, snacks, and ready-to-drink beverages responds to customer demand for 'Clean-Label' functional foods.

Consumers in the gluten-free and wellness niches may consume more hemp protein as demand for its nutrition grows. Its cultivation process is environmentally friendly, making it a perfect meal for eco-conscious individuals.

Collaboration with sports brands boosts hemp protein’s market visibility exponentially.

Aligning hemp protein with sports brands provides another excellent opportunity for marketing the product in the market. Since consumer interest in green, plant-based, and sustainable proteins is growing, marketers can assist sports-related industries in finding hemp protein suitable for the physically active audience. Hemp protein is well-suited to modern sports nutrition owing to its nutritional value, essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber content.

Marketing collaborations can leverage well-known and widely publicized sports figures to promote hemp protein as a nutritious, sustainable, and ecologically friendly protein alternative to conventional meats. Moreover, co-branding and endorsements build confidence, accelerate product penetration, and create market growth potential for hemp protein in global areas such as sports nutrition and plant-based protein snacks. This relationship benefits the hemp protein market and sports companies by allowing them to extend their product options and meet new consumer demands.

Industry Experts Opinion

"Hemp protein continues to be a key player in the growth of the plant-based protein market. It is an excellent choice due to its balance of protein, fiber, and omega fatty acids. As the demand for clean-label and non-GMO products rises, hemp protein's popularity is expected to increase in both health food and beverage sectors."

• Dr. Emily Robinson, a plant-based nutrition expert and Senior Researcher at Plant-Based Foods Association.

Segment Analysis

Based on the product type, the Hemp Protein Market is classified into Concentrates, Isolates, and Others. Concentrates are the most established segment of the hemp protein market. Hemp protein concentrates are particularly popular due to their protein-to-carbohydrate and fat-to-fiber ratios. It contains 50–70% protein and is ideal for daily intake in smoothies, energy bars, and other plant-based goods. Their market popularity has been established by their working features and the fact that they are less expensive than isolates. Due to the increased demand for plant protein and clean-label products, hemp protein concentrates remain the most popular among users.

Based on the application, the Hemp Protein Market is classified into Food & Beverages, Animal Feed, Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Dietary Supplements, and Others. Dietary supplements are the largest application segment in the hemp protein market. This is due to consumers' growing health consciousness, as they recognize hemp protein as a nutritionally dense protein food source that is plant-based and contains all essential amino acids.

Demand for protein from plant sources is increasing as people substitute animal meat with plant protein sources, making hemp protein popular due to its capabilities as an aid in muscle repair, immunity booster, and general health advantages. Therefore, demand for vegan and clean-label diet supplements is projected to increase.

Regional Analysis

The North American hemp protein market is rapidly growing due to the increasing consumer preference for plant proteins, veganism and vegetarianism, and the need for healthy products from Cannabis sativa. The United States and Canada are the largest creators and consumers, but the United States dominates in both categories. The adoption of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp farming in the United States, provides an opportunity for increased market growth by increasing hemp protein production and development.

Hemp protein is used in a variety of meals and beverages, including supplements, smoothies, and snack bars. The clean-label trend and customer demand for sustainable natural products in their foods are also increasing the use of hemp protein. Considerations such as the considerably higher level of consumer knowledge required and the relatively high cost of hemp protein all contribute to its slow introduction into mainstream markets. However, as plant protein consumption grows, the market for hemp protein in North America has the potential to expand.

Some factors contribute to the Asia-Pacific Hemp Protein Market, including increased interest in vegetal protein, health awareness, veganism, and vegetarianism among individuals. China and India dominate the industry due to demographics and the growing prominence of wellness in countries like Australia and Japan. This shift is driven by an increased understanding of hemp's nutritional benefits, notably that it is a complete protein source with essential amino acids.

Furthermore, permissive regulations in several parts of the world are encouraging improvements in hemp farming, and these factors are influencing the market. However, issues such as a lack of customer knowledge and various regulatory limits in several countries continue to impede the technology's widespread use. The industry is expected to continue increasing as customers become more concerned about ecologically sustainable proteins.

Competitive Landscape

The hemp protein market is highly fragmented, with important manufacturers launching innovative products such as Manitoba Harvest, Nutiva, HempFusion, Vega, etc. These companies are keen to address the growing need among global clients for more plant-based products and nutritious hemp proteins in their stated product lines. Tilray has acquired Manitoba Harvest, a renowned hemp processor and distributor.

Similarly, Nutiva has boosted its market share in organic hemp protein, while Vega, a Danone-owned company, has expanded its plant-based protein offerings. HempFusion just developed a line of full-spectrum hemp extracts as more customers become aware of hemp's nutritional benefits. These innovations, combined with the growing popularity of clean-label, vegan, and sustainable products, have a significant impact on market competition.

Hemp Protein Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In April 2024, AltaGreen, a Canadian feed company, announced its collaboration with InnoTech Alberta and the University of Alberta to develop hemp-based feed formulations. These formulations, with minor adjustments, could be fed to fish, swine, and poultry to provide plant proteins that help build immunity in these animals without the need for preventive antibiotics.
• In April 2023, Hemerella introduced a unique line of hemp-based superfood products, including hemp protein powder, to 900 LIDL stores in Poland and 400 LIDL stores in the Netherlands. This move aimed to establish Hemerella as the leading hemp superfood brand for those seeking a healthier lifestyle.

Report Coverage:

By Product Type

• Concentrates
• Isolates
• Others

By Form

• Powder
• Bars
• Capsule
• Liquid
• Others

By Source

• Organic
• Conventional

By Application

• Food & Beverages
  • Smoothies
  • Baked goods
  • Protein shakes
• Animal Feed
  • Pet food additives
  • Livestock supplements
• Personal Care
  • Hair care products
  • Skin care formulations
• Pharmaceuticals
• Dietary Supplements
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline
  • Supermarkets
  • Specialty health stores
  • Pharmacies
  • Others

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada

Europe

• U.K.
• France
• Germany
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• HempFusion
• Nutiva
• The Green Organic Dutchman (TGOD)
• Canadian Organic Hemp Corporation (COHC)
• Manitoba Harvest
• Hemp Foods Australia
• HealthForce SuperFoods
• Vital Proteins
• Pea & Hemp Protein Co.
• CannaVest
• Sunwarrior
• Orgain
• Vega
• Sprout Living
• NutraHemp

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)