Marine Derived Proteins Market By Type (Hydrolyzed Marine Proteins, Concentrated Marine Proteins, Isolated Marine Proteins), By Source (Fish-based Proteins, Crustacean-based Proteins, Mollusk-based Proteins, Seaweed-based Proteins, Microalgae-based Proteins), By Form (Powder, Liquid, Capsules, Tablets), By Application (Food & Beverages, Animal Feed, Nutraceuticals & Supplements, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals), and By End-user (Health-conscious Consumers, Fitness Enthusiasts, Vegetarians, Healthcare Providers), Global Market Size, Segmental Analysis, Regional Overview, Company Share Analysis, Leading Company Profiles and Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035.

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Industry Outlook

The Marine Derived Proteins Market accounted for USD 7.82 Billion in 2024 and USD 8.47 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 18.84 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 8.32% between 2025 and 2035. Growing health awareness, clean-label demand, and extraction innovations propel the marine protein market growth. Marine-derived proteins include those derived from marine creatures, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, seaweed, or any other marine life forms. They are consumed across a wide range of food chains, such as food & beverages, functional foods & supplements, cosmetics, animal feed & livestock, and medicinal products, owing to their nutritional value, market availability, and health benefits like antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and muscle-building properties.

The market is rapidly expanding due to the growing market for plant-based and sustainable protein and the introduction of nutritionally sound marine proteins. About this, the market is benefiting from increased emphasis on the use of eco-friendly resources in the production process, and innovations in the development of sources of protein extraction. The increasing trend towards natural and clean-label products has ensured a favorable market outlook and a constant introduction of new and innovative uses and formats for marine proteins.

Industry Experts Opinion

"This acquisition reinforces our commitment to sustainable, science-backed nutrition and allows us to expand our reach in marine-based health solutions."

•  Anna Mohl, CEO, Nestlé Health Science.

"Our marine protein isolate is a breakthrough for sports nutrition, offering enhanced bioavailability and performance support sourced responsibly from the sea."

• Shuji Yamada, President, Nippon Suisan Kaisha.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Growing awareness of marine proteins’ health benefits, like anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

The increase in the popularity of the health benefits of MARs as a source of proteins in numerous markets. These proteins possess high contents of essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and bioactive peptides that are known to have beneficial effects on the human body, some of which include anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant effects, and immune stimulation. One of the main elements that has gained consumers’ awareness is the need for marine proteins for joint, muscle, and cardiovascular health, which makes the nutraceutical and functional food products highly valuable. Also, the marine protein is a natural ingredient fit for the current market trends since it is pure and free from chemicals, and it comes as a source from the natural environment.

This makes it easy for their absorption and thus makes it extremely prized among the elderly and athletes. Research is also in line with the position of recommending its use in the reduction of oxidative stress-associated diseases and support of metabolic health. With people’s awareness of LRDs increasing day by day around the world, marine proteins are seen as helpful food remedies. Such health benefits are not only impacting consumer preference but also driving manufacturers to get into the marine products production line. I believe that this increasing awareness regarding health issues is likely to ensure continued future market growth.

The expanding nutraceutical and functional food industries are driving demand for clean-label protein ingredients.

Globalization and the growth of the nutraceutical and functional food market a leading factor that fuels the need for clean-label proteins, especially those sourced from marine sources. Consumers are no longer concerned only with the nutritional value of food, but they demand convenient, tasty, and functional foods, particularly those with health-promoting effects, for instance, strengthening the immunity and digestive system, and supplying energy. This move has led to increasing demand for marine proteins, which are viewed as natural, as little processed as possible, and very healthy. The increasing awareness of the clean label, which avoids chemicals, allergens, and genetic modifications, promotes the application of marine proteins in supplements, bars, beverages, and the retention of fortified food products.

Marine peptides and collagen are being added to functional foods due to benefits such as anti-aging, anti-inflammation, and regulation of metabolism. Another driver of growth in the nutraceutical market is that regulatory support for health claims is facilitating new product development. Also, more and more people today are concerned about their health, and a significant percentage of the population is aged; all this leads to the fact that producers are searching for environmentally friendly proteins with high functionality. Thus, marine proteins are turning into new trends for brand companies, which intend to supply necessary nutrients and provide transparent information. This is likely to continue being the trend, given that functional health is set to be incorporated into everyone’s dietary regimens.

Limited availability of raw marine biomass due to overfishing and environmental regulations.

Restricted access to raw biomass from the sea is another challenge that hinders the growth of marine-derived proteins, mainly due to overfishing and stringent measures put in place on the same. The amount of marine resources as sources of proteins continues to diminish while the global population continues to rise; this greatly constrains the availability of good-quality fish resources for extraction. Governments of various states and international agencies have set restrictions and proper standards in terms of finely regulating the amount of biomass to be taken from the sea for business purposes to preserve the sea’s flora and fauna.

This limited access affects not only the chain of supply and availability of the sources but also the production of marine proteins from fish and other creatures from the ocean. Furthermore, issues such as seasonal variations and climate change complicate the struggle by influencing the environment in which fish live and breed. Not only do these restrictions increase the cost of the raw materials input, but they also bring a high level of risk to manufacturers and investors. For this reason, companies are now faced with intense pressure to explore other means of sourcing proteins in the long run, which includes procuring proteins from byproducts of aquaculture or farming microalgae.

Rising consumer interest in plant-based and alternative proteins expands marine protein product applications.

The increasing demand for plant-based and other proteins has created new prospects for the growth of marine proteins. As people turn to vegetarianism due to the effects of climate change and increased demand for protein sources, deep-sea proteins become an additional source of protein among consumers. Marine proteins found in fish and other seafood can be even more beneficial as they have all the essential amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and bioactive peptides that plant proteins do not have, let alone the fact that the former source of proteins is more bioavailable and contributes more to muscle building.

This tendency of increasing plant-based food consumption opens up possibilities for the use of marine proteins in various outlets, from functional food to sports nutrition and supplements. Also, the consumers are being more conscious about health, thus making the marine proteins a noble resource, as they come from microalgae and the byproducts from aquaculture. The need for clean-label, natural, and nutrient-dense ingredients expands the application of marine proteins and fortifies their position as an effective ingredient in plant protein blends. This is as a result of the realization of health consciousness due to changes in diets, a whole nutrition approach, and eco-friendly consumption.

Advancements in marine protein extraction technologies can lower production costs and improve efficiency.

New understanding in marine protein extraction techniques is ensuring the reduction of the cost of production regarding marine-derived proteins. In gambling, tricks increase in skillfulness, and companies achieve high protein yield with low waste, hence improving profitability. Techniques used in its synthesis include enzymatic hydrolysis, membrane filtration, and fermentation, which enable the synthesis product to be of high purity and environmentally friendly. They also enable the overcoming of such challenges as the high energy and water intensity of the conventional extraction processes.

Newer technologies also help in obtaining protein from additional raw materials such as the heads, bones, skin, scales, and shells of fish, which were earlier largely unused. This implies that costs are reduced while the utilization of raw material is also enhanced. Thirdly, efficiency also increases the scalability of the production to improve the availability of marine proteins to consumers. In summary, it can be concluded that increased extraction technology provides new opportunities for more development within the economy and efficient production in the marine protein industry.

Segment Analysis

Based on the type, the Marine-Derived Proteins Market is classified into hydrolyzed, concentrated, and isolated marine proteins that have different functionalities. Marine proteins are hydrolyzed into peptides, which increases their digestibility and bioavailability to make them suitable for consuming nutritional supplements and functional foods. Concentrated marine proteins have a higher protein concentration and are mainly suitable for use in dietaries, especially those products that need to contain high protein concentrations, and in animal feed.

Marine proteins that are isolated proteins, therefore, become more desirable for specific uses, such as in fancier products, such as vitamins and superior-quality protein-enhanced products. Hydrolyzed proteins remain the most consumed in functional food industries due to their excellent bioavailability, while concentrated proteins are also finding their way into human and animal diets as well. These proteins are more targeted toward the smaller yet premium segments, such as sports nutrition. There is an increase in demand for clean-label and sustainable protein sources, pushing all product types to grow, especially due to technology developments in protein extraction.

Based on the application, the Marine-Derived Proteins Market is classified into food and beverage, animal feed, nutraceuticals and supplements, cosmetics and personal care, and pharmaceuticals. In the food & beverages segment, marine proteins are applied in protein bars and shakes and as a meat substitute due to their nutritional value. The animal feed segment includes fishmeal for the farmed animals and aquaculture products. In the nutraceutical and supplement industry, they are great sources of amino acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and collagen that can be beneficial to joint, skin, and body health.

Marine proteins are used in cosmetics since they serve as emulsifying agents and help to hydrate the skin and hair, besides having an anti-aging effect. The application of marine proteins is mainly in the pharmaceutical chain, where the proteins act as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. For this reason, all these sectors are enjoying continued growth well into the future as consumer demands expand their appetites for natural, sustainable, and nutritious products.

Regional Analysis

The North American Plant-based Foods Market is considered dominant due to the increased demand for animal feed products with earth-friendly protein content. The North American region remains the most advanced region as far as the consumption of marine proteins in the nutraceuticals, food and beverages, and personal care industries is concerned. Consumers’ changing preferences, increased health awareness, and functional foods and beverages also contribute to the market growth. Also, the renewed focus on sustainable production and sourcing of products and raw materials, particularly in the marine environment, has occasioned enhanced investment in the extraction of proteins from the sea. North America is also well-equipped when it comes to research and development, hence enhancing innovative practices in protein formulations. Thus, the key players and inclination of consumers toward clean-label products play a very significant role in enhancing the region's prospects in the market. The demand for marine proteins, being nutritious, has shifted the market progressively in North America and is forecasted to grow soon.

The Asia-Pacific Marine Derived Proteins Market is the fastest growing due to factors such as an increased rate of urbanization, increasing disposable income, and growing consciousness about health and nutrition. For instance, these countries include China, Japan, and South Korea, where demand for sources of sustainable protein is growing along with seafood consumption. The new trends of plant-based and functional foods have seen the uptake of marine protein, particularly from microalgae and seaweed, due to their remarkable health qualities. In addition, the increasing popularity of sports nutrition and dietary supplements in countries like Japan and South Korea is leading to the enhancement of applications of marine proteins. With its high emphasis on sustainability and environmental friendliness in the sources of materials that it uses, the region is further accelerating the growth of its market. Bucking the trend, Asia Pacific is expected to continue with its rapid growth trajectory in marine protein as the shelves start moving, where entrenched arguments about meat and rice seem to fall away in favor of growth in the middle class and health consciousness.

Competitive Landscape

The global marine-derived proteins market share has a presence of many big multinational companies and a few local firms that are engaged in the development of sustainable sources of protein and the advancement of extraction technologies. Marine-derived proteins are popular with industry majors that include DSM, Kerry Group, CP Group, and BASF, where they supply marine-derived proteins mostly for food and beverages, items, nutraceuticals, and personal care products. Notable examples include Aquamin, Evonik Industries, and Nutrex Hawaii, especially in microalgal protein-producing companies, which are quickly emerging as the ideal ones due to their advantageous characteristics. Another trend is that regional participants specialize in the particular needs and demands of different areas, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.

These are venture products, capital mergers, and product research collaborations with universities to design and introduce new products with higher added value. Due to increasing concern over sustainability and environmentally friendly and clean-label products, the competition is rising substantially, and many companies are spending a lot of money on research and development to enhance the protein extraction method to fulfill the consumers’ needs and their demand for products like protein that are sourced ethically. Thus, innovation and partnership are two important factors that will determine a sustainable market recipe for success in the marine protein industry in the coming years.

Marine Derived Proteins Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In May 2024, Nissui Launches Marine Protein Isolate for Sports Nutrition
  Japanese company Nippon Suisan Kaisha (Nissui) introduced an innovative marine protein isolate specifically designed for sports nutrition applications. Developed in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, the product demonstrates superior absorption properties and enhanced muscle protein synthesis compared to conventional protein sources, opening new opportunities in the premium sports nutrition segment.
• In January 2024, Nestlé Health Science Acquires Marine Protein Technologies Ltd.
  Nestlé Health Science acquired Norway-based Marine Protein Technologies Ltd. for $750 million. This acquisition includes advanced processing facilities and proprietary extraction technologies, strengthening Nestlé's position in the functional protein market and expanding its marine-based ingredient portfolio.

Report Coverage:

By Type

• Hydrolyzed Marine Proteins
• Concentrated Marine Proteins
• Isolated Marine Proteins

By Source

• Fish-based Proteins
• Crustacean-based Proteins
• Mollusk-based Proteins
• Seaweed-based Proteins
• Microalgae-based Proteins

By Form

• Powder
• Liquid
• Capsules
• Tablets

By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Animal Feed
• Nutraceuticals & Supplements
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals

By End-user

• Health-conscious Consumers
• Fitness Enthusiasts
• Vegetarians
• Healthcare Providers

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 the Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• DSM Nutritional Products
• Kerry Group
• BASF SE
• Cargill, Inc.
• Evonik Industries AG
• Marine Harvest ASA
• Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd.
• Nutrex Hawaii, Inc.
• FMC Corporation
• Algisys LLC
• Aker BioMarine
• Seagarden AS
• Kona Bay Marine Resources
• Triton Algae Innovations
• Norwegian Fish Oil and Marine Products AS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)