Single Cell Protein Market By Source (Bacteria, Yeast, Fungi, Algae), By Substrate (Agricultural Waste, Industrial Waste, Methane, Methanol, Natural Gas, Ethanol, Carbon Dioxide, Others), By Function (Protein Supplement, Flavor Enhancer, Fat Replacer, Emulsifying Agent, Thickening Agent), By Production Method (Fermentation, Continuous Process, Batch Process), By Distribution Channel (Direct, Distributors, Online Retail, Specialty Stores), By End User (Food & Beverage Industry, Animal Nutrition Industry, Agricultural Sector, Pharmaceutical Industry, Biotechnology & Industrial Processing Companies), 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 Single Cell Protein Market accounted for USD 10.58 Billion in 2024 and USD 11.66 Billion in 2025 is expected to reach USD 30.89 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 10.23% between 2025 and 2035. The Single Cell Protein market deals with the production and consumption of biomass rich in protein in microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, fungi, and algae. These proteins are sustainable and alternative sources of nutrition for both consumption by humans and feedstock for animals. There is an increased market demand due to an increase in demand for high-protein foods, awareness about sustainable sources of food, and the need to solve global food security problems. The benefits of Single Cell Protein products include rapid production cycles, less amount of land and water compared to other traditional sources of protein, and the use of different waste matter as substrates. Since consumers and industries are also demanding healthier and environmentally friendly protein, the Single Cell Protein Market is developing with technological advancements to ensure that production is efficient, and the quality of the product is also optimized.

Industry Experts Opinion

‘’Because production does not rely on climate patterns or long supply chains, SCPs are less volatile than conventional commodities, thus supporting food security and supply chain resilience.”

• Karim Kurmaly, Director at DSM-Firmenich

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Growing global demand for sustainable and alternative protein sources is boosting SCP adoption.

The high demand for sustainable and alternative sources of protein throughout the world is a great stimulus to the Single Cell Protein (SCP) Market. With the population of the world still growing, traditional protein sources such as meat and dairy items and plant-originated proteins are being pressured by issues of land use, water use, and environmental stresses. Single Cell Protein provides a promising solution because it provides a high-quality protein that is made utilizing microorganisms, e.g., bacteria, fungi, and algae, which consume fewer natural resources. This sustainability feature is appealing to consumers, food manufacturers, and governments scouting for eco-friendly protein alternatives.

Growing awareness regarding health and nutrition is forcing consumers to look for more environmentally friendly sources of protein apart from those that have high concentrations of essential amino acids and essential nutrients. Single Cell Protein meets this need very well because it can be mass-produced in controlled conditions in a short time, with a high standard of quality. Food and beverage companies also include Single Cell Protein in their products, like, protein supplements, animal feed, or meat substitutes, to respond to the demand of the consumer. This trend is to encourage market growth as the SCP becomes accepted as a viable and eco-friendly source of protein in the global market.

Rising awareness about nutritional benefits and high protein content in single-cell protein products supports market growth.

Increased prominence in the nutritional values of the Single Cell Protein (SCP) products is greatly driving the growth of the Single Cell Protein market. Consumers are getting informed on the need for protein intake in their diet as well as the role of protein in building muscles, immunity, and the overall body. Single-cell protein products obtained from microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae contain a high level of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. This awareness among the health-conscious consumer base and nutritionists is fueling the demand for SCP as an alternative option that is dependable and nutritious compared to conventional sources of protein.

The high protein content in Single Cell Protein products makes them appealing for different applications in the food and beverage industry. Single-cell protein is being adopted on a large scale in protein supplements, animal feeds, and meat substitutes, as it provides a concentrated protein that is efficient and sustainable. Driven by the needs of consumers to eat healthier and more balanced foods, manufacturers are using the nutritional profile of SCP to create innovative products to meet the needs of consumers. Gaining recognition of the health benefits of SCP is driving market expansion and research and development in this field.

High production and processing costs limit affordability and large-scale commercial use.

Heavy production and processing costs are a major setback to the Single Cell Protein (SCP) market as its affordability and commercial viability are affected in a big way. The growth of microorganisms and the harvesting of proteins involve the use of special equipment, controlled atmosphere, and energy-consuming platforms. These factors make the operational costs a bit higher in comparison with traditional sources of proteins, such as soy or animal-based proteins. Consequently, the products of SCP are characterized by high price tags, thus making them less affordable for price-conscious consumers and businesses.

Various processing techniques used to make sure the product is safe, pure, and nutritionally viable increase the end price. This cost barrier limits the general adoption of SCP by the food manufacturing and animal feed industry, particularly where the budgetary limitations are more severe, that is, in developing countries. Until the production costs are decreased due to technological advances and economies of scale, Single Cell Protein adoption will be limited when competing with more established protein alternatives on a large commercial scale.

Expanding plant-based and alternative protein markets create a favourable environment for Single Cell Protein innovation.

The growing markets for plant-based and alternative proteins make the Single Cell Protein (SCP) industry quite conducive to innovations. While consumers are asking for sustainable and nutritious protein alternatives, there is an increasing interest from consumers in novel sources, such as Single Cell Protein, which can fill these demands without undue impact on the planet. This change prompts businesses to make research and development investments for better SCP-yielding means, respectively, with a view of adding value in terms of taste and texture, as well as new formats for these products, which can be consumed by more people.

The increased use of plant-based diets and flexitarian lifestyles is creating demand for various protein sources, thus creating new avenues for SCP incorporation in food products, supplements, and animal feed. This growing business funds the commercialization of Single Cell Protein and encourages collaboration between biotech companies, food production firms, and investors who are interested in cashing in on the trend. In all, the increasing alternative protein space is a potential opportunity for SCP to become the mainstream, sustainable protein source in the future.

Technological advancements in fermentation and biomass conversion improve Single Cell Protein scalability.

Advancements in technology in Fermentation, as well as the conversion of biomass, highly enhance the scalability of Single Cell Protein (SCP) production. Such innovations allow for the use of more practical and cost-efficient technologies for the cultivation of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and algae from different sources of biomass, which makes large-scale SCP production possible. Better fermentation techniques assist in maximizing the biological growth, production time, and yield rate of proteins, eventually helping to minimize the total cost of SCP products.

The improvements in biomass conversion technologies provide an opportunity for using various and sustainable raw materials such as agricultural waste and industrial by-products as feedstock for Single Cell Protein production. This helps with environmental sustainability and also increases the resource pool, and Single Cell Protein becomes a more practical option for mass production. In combination, these technological advances present great opportunities for the market to expand because Single Cell Protein products become more accessible and affordable for food as well as feed applications.

Segment Analysis

Based on the Source, the single-cell protein Market is segmented into Bacteria, Yeast, Fungi, and Algae. The part of yeast holds a maximum share in the market because of its wide application in the processes of food and drink industries, such as the baking process and alcoholic drink production, a high level of protein in it, and its cultivation tolerance. Single Cell Protein products that are yeast-based are known for their nutritional benefits and their versatility when it comes to use. There is a great share of fungi since they are being used in innovative protein products and functional foods.

Based on Substrate, the Single Cell Protein Market is segmented into Agricultural Waste, Industrial Waste, Methane, Methanol, Natural Gas, Ethanol, Carbon Dioxide, and Others. Agricultural waste is the main segment of substrate because of the availability and cost-effective nature of this component, which makes Single Cell Protein production sustainable and friendly to the ecosystem. The utilization of agricultural waste aligns with the concept of the circular economy; this aspect is attractive to businesses that are sustainability-oriented. Industrial waste and methane also have significant portions as they provide alternative, cheap resources for SCP manufacturing, thus propelling the market further, due to cutting the cost of production and environmental footprint.

Regional Analysis

The North American Single Cell Protein Market is leading with the rising demand for sustainable alternative sources of protein by the consumer. Particularly, the United States is in the lead regarding this expansion, due to the evolution of biotechnology and fermentation technologies. Companies such as Nature’s Fynd, which produces microbial protein for meat and dairy substitutes, are a reflection of innovativeness in the application of SCPs in the region. The dominance of the US market is also buttressed by a focused research and development network, huge amounts of money being funnelled towards alternative protein sources, and a growing appetite among consumers for plant-based and sustainable food.

The Asia Pacific Single Cell Protein Market is gaining prominence with countries such as China and India becoming big in the appetite for protein-rich foods. This rise is due to population growth, urbanisation, and change in shifting from unsustainable agriculture to sustainable agriculture. The rising appetite for aquaculture in the region also spurs SCP enhancement in animal feed due to it being a sustainable alternative. Other initiatives by the government that favour food security and sustainable food production only underpin the growth potential of the market. Having a high consumer base and changing dietary tendencies, Asia-Pacific offers a promising market for Single Cell Protein manufacturers to strengthen their market shares.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the Single Cell Protein (SCP) market is rapidly evolving, marked by innovation, strategic partnerships, and a push for sustainability. Major players are also spending heavily on research and development to increase the efficiency of production, product quality, and create new uses for animal feed, aquaculture, and human nutrition. Collaborations, mergers, and partnerships are common to increase companies’ market access and technological capacity. In addition, innovation in the fermentation process and biomass utilization ensures a competitive advantage whereby several companies shift their concentration towards eco-friendly and cheap Single Cell Protein productions to match the demand for alternative proteins internationally.

Single Cell Protein Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

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Recent Developments:

• In October 2024, Proteintech Genomics Launched the MultiPro® Human Discovery Panel: A New Frontier in Single-Cell Multiomics.

Report Coverage:

By Source

• Bacteria
• Yeast
• Fungi
• Algae

By Substrate

• Agricultural Waste
• Industrial Waste
• Methane
• Methanol
• Natural Gas
• Ethanol
• Carbon Dioxide
• Others

By Function

• Protein Supplement
• Flavor Enhancer
• Fat Replacer
• Emulsifying Agent
• Thickening Agent

By Production Method

• Fermentation
• Continuous Process
• Batch Process

By Distribution Channel

• Direct
• Distributors
• Online Retail
• Specialty Stores

By End User

• Food & Beverage Industry
• Animal Nutrition Industry
• Agricultural Sector
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Biotechnology & Industrial Processing Companies

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:

• Unibio Group
• Calysta Inc.
• KnipBio Inc.
• Cargill, Incorporated
• Archer Daniels Midland Company
• Nutreco N.V.
• Alltech Inc.
• Lallemand Inc.
• Deep Branch Biotechnology Ltd.
• Solar Foods Oy
• Corbion N.V.
• Tide Ocean SA
• NovoNutrients Inc.
• Mootral SA
• Green AquaTech Co. Ltd.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)