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Hemp Protein Market

The market for Hemp Protein was estimated at $136 million in 2025; it is anticipated to increase to $268 million by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $528 million by 2035.

Report ID:DS1901138
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:
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Market Data
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Table of Contents

Global Hemp Protein Market Outlook

Revenue, 2025

$136M

Forecast, 2035

$528M

CAGR, 2026 - 2035

14.5%

The Hemp Protein industry revenue is expected to be around $136.4 million in 2026 and expected to showcase growth with 14.5% CAGR between 2026 and 2035. Building on this trajectory, Hemp Protein has emerged as a strategically important plant-based protein ingredient across global nutrition and feed value chains, underpinned by structural shifts toward clean-label, vegan protein powder solutions and heightened consumer focus on wellness and sustainability. Demand is being propelled by rising adoption of Hemp Protein in dietary supplements and animal feed, which together account for 62.7% of overall application share, as brand owners reformulate portfolios toward allergen-friendly, gluten-free protein options with strong digestibility and balanced amino acid profiles. The dominance of concentrates, which led Hemp Protein product forms with $56.89 million in revenue in 2025, underscores market preference for high-protein, minimally processed formats that can be efficiently incorporated into sports nutrition formulations, functional foods, and feed premixes. At the same time, the ingredient’s association with sustainable agriculture, non-GMO protein positioning, and naturally occurring omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids is consolidating its role as a differentiated, future-ready solution for manufacturers seeking to meet tightening regulatory, environmental, and consumer expectations.

Hemp Protein is a nutritionally dense, plant-based protein derived from hemp seeds, valued for its complete amino acid profile, high-fiber protein content, and favorable digestibility compared with many legacy animal-based proteins. Its key features include naturally low allergenicity, inherent gluten-free protein and lactose-free attributes, and the presence of essential fatty acids, which together support its use in premium dietary supplements, sports nutrition powders, functional foods and beverages, and performance-oriented bakery and snack applications. In parallel, Hemp Protein is gaining momentum in animal feed and specialty pet nutrition, where its protein quality and sustainability credentials support more responsible feed formulations and brand differentiation. Recent trends shaping demand include the expansion of organic hemp protein offerings, the development of finely milled and instantized formats for improved solubility, the integration of Hemp Protein into hybrid plant-based meat analogues, and increasing emphasis on traceability and regenerative, non-GMO supply chains that align with evolving consumer and retailer expectations.

Hemp Protein market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2025-2035
Hemp Protein Market Outlook

Market Key Insights

  • The Hemp Protein market is projected to grow from $136.4 million in 2025 to $528 million in 2035. This represents a CAGR of 14.5%, reflecting rising demand across Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed, and Cosmetics & Personal Care.

  • Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, Fresh Hemp Foods, and North American Hemp & Grain are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.

  • U.S. and Canada are the top markets within the Hemp Protein market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 13.1% to 17.4% between 2025 and 2030.

  • Emerging markets including Brazil, South Africa and Thailand are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 10.1% to 15.2%.

  • Transition like Market Shift towards Organic Nutritional Supplements is expected to add $32 million to the Hemp Protein market growth by 2030.

  • The Hemp Protein market is set to add $392 million between 2025 and 2035, with manufacturer targeting Animal Feed & Cosmetics & Personal Care Application projected to gain a larger market share.

  • With

    accelerating health trends, and

    Technological Advancements in Extraction Processes, Hemp Protein market to expand 287% between 2025 and 2035.

hemp protein market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032
Hemp Protein - Country Share Analysis

Opportunities in the Hemp Protein

European bakery and snack manufacturers are also exploring Hemp Protein concentrates to deliver allergen-light, clean label formulations, but mainstream brands use hemp in only limited biscuits, cereals, and protein bars. As consumers shift from soy toward diversified plant-based protein sources, hemp’s profile and nutty flavor support value-added positioning in functional foods. Concentrates are forecast globally to increase from $56.89 million to $105.75 million by 2030 at a 13.2% CAGR, with European clean-label bakery and snack applications expected to drive substantial growth.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Europe

In North America, the Hemp Protein market is primarily driven by Dietary Supplements, where hemp protein powder is positioned as a high-quality plant-based protein for health-conscious and sports nutrition consumers seeking clean-label, allergen-friendly options. Top opportunities include specialized formulations for performance and recovery, blended protein systems with other vegan protein sources, and value-added formats such as ready-to-mix beverages and functional foods that leverage organic hemp protein claims and sustainability messaging. Competitive intensity is high, with numerous regional natural product brands and private-label entrants focusing on differentiation through protein purity, flavor systems, and third-party certifications, which compels new entrants to invest in technical innovation, branding, and omni-channel distribution strategies. Structural demand drivers include the expansion of fitness and wellness lifestyles, rapid mainstreaming of plant-centric diets, increasing acceptance of hemp-derived ingredients under evolving regulations, and rising interest in incorporating Hemp Protein into emerging Animal Feed and premium pet nutrition concepts, creating room for strategic partnerships with contract manufacturers, sports specialists, and large retail chains to secure share.
In Europe, Hemp Protein adoption is led by premium Dietary Supplements and rapidly growing Cosmetics & Personal Care applications, where formulators prioritize traceable sourcing, sustainability credentials, and compatibility with organic and natural standards. Key opportunities are centered on integrating Hemp Protein into functional foods, nutraceuticals, and beauty-from-within products, as well as into skin and hair care ranges that highlight vegan protein positioning, low environmental impact, and synergy with botanical actives. The competitive landscape is shaped by established plant-based protein suppliers, regional organic specialists, and niche clean-beauty innovators, all competing on provenance, regulatory compliance, and alignment with strict European quality expectations, which raises barriers to entry but rewards differentiated, science-backed ingredient stories. Core market drivers include strong consumer demand for ethical and eco-friendly products, stringent regulations that favor transparent and high-quality Hemp Protein supply chains, rapid growth in flexitarian and plant-based eating patterns, and policy support for sustainable agriculture, collectively opening attractive avenues for investment in organic-certified processing capacity, co-development projects with cosmetic and nutraceutical brands, and localized marketing that emphasizes European standards of safety, purity, and environmental stewardship.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Rising Plant-Based Diet Adoption and Growing Demand for Sustainable Protein Alternatives

A major driver for the hemp protein market is also the increasing adoption of plant-based diets alongside the growing consumer demand for sustainable, eco-friendly protein sources. Consumers worldwide are also shifting toward vegan and vegetarian lifestyles to support health, ethical, and environmental goals, driving demand for hemp protein in dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages. Separately, sustainability concerns motivate manufacturers to seek protein ingredients with lower environmental impact compared with traditional animal-based proteins. Hemp protein fits this demand due to low water usage, minimal land requirements, and rapid growth cycles. Together, these factors are also expanding hemp protein incorporation across human nutrition, animal feed, and personal care applications, reinforcing its positioning as a clean-label, high-quality, plant-derived protein solution with strong market potential.
Processing innovations in hemp protein extraction and formulation are also another key market driver. Advanced technologies, including cold-press extraction, enzymatic hydrolysis, and protein isolation, improve digestibility, solubility, and amino acid retention. These enhancements enable incorporation into protein powders, ready-to-drink beverages, nutritional bars, and cosmetic products with improved texture, taste, and bioavailability. As a result, food formulators, supplement manufacturers, and cosmetic brands can also deliver high-quality hemp protein products that meet functional, clean-label, and sensory expectations, boosting adoption and supporting growth across multiple end-use industries.
02

Restraint: Regulatory Uncertainty and Legal Restrictions on Hemp Derivatives Limiting Market Growth

One of the primary restraints for the hemp protein market is ongoing regulatory uncertainty and legal restrictions surrounding hemp and cannabis‑related products in many regions. In some countries, strict limits on THC content and complex licensing requirements delay new product approvals and restrict cross‑border trade. For example, manufacturers in parts of Asia and Africa may face prolonged certification timelines, limiting distribution and reducing revenue opportunities. This slows market expansion into emerging markets, discourages investment in processing facilities, and pushes some companies to prioritize more established plant proteins with clearer regulatory frameworks.
03

Opportunity: Affordable textured Hemp Protein for plant-based meat alternatives in Asia and Expanding use of Hemp Protein isolates in North American sports nutrition

Rapid adoption of plant-based meat in China, India, and Southeast Asia is creating demand for affordable textured Hemp Protein that can replace soy and wheat proteins in patties, dumplings, and frozen meals. Extrusion and fiber-alignment innovations yield meat-like bite and higher protein density, enabling co-manufacturers to supply quick-service restaurants and private-label retailers. Globally, textured formats are projected to increase from $43.93 million to $88.28 million by 2030 at a 14.98% CAGR, with Asian hybrid and vegan nutrition meat alternatives expected to expand fastest.
North American sports nutrition brands are adopting Hemp Protein isolates to differentiate powders, ready-to-drink shakes, and recovery formulas, yet endurance and female-focused products remain underpenetrated. Advanced extraction and microencapsulation are improving solubility, taste, and protein quality, positioning hemp alongside leading plant-based protein ingredients. Globally, isolates are projected to rise from $35.61 million to $74.47 million by 2030 at a 15.9% CAGR, with sports nutrition formats in the United States and Canada expected to capture the greatest incremental demand.
04

Challenge: Price Sensitivity and Higher Production Costs Reducing Competitive Demand for Hemp Protein

Another key restraint is the relatively high cost of hemp protein production compared with mainstream plant proteins like soy or pea. Lower cultivation acreage, specialized processing needs, and supply chain fragmentation contribute to higher ingredient prices. As a result, some food, supplement, and feed formulators opt for cheaper alternatives to maintain competitive product pricing, reducing hemp protein uptake in cost‑sensitive segments. This price barrier affects demand, limits broader adoption in mainstream products, and places downward pressure on long‑term revenue growth in price‑competitive markets.

Supply Chain Landscape

1

Hemp Cultivation

North American Hemp & Grain Co. Ltd.Victory Hemp Foods
2

Hemp Protein Processing

Manitoba Harvest Hemp FoodsFresh Hemp Foods Ltd
3

Protein Product Manufacturing

Manitoba Harvest Hemp FoodsNavitas LLC
4

End-Use Applications

Sports nutritionFunctional foodsDietary supplements
Hemp Protein - Supply Chain

Use Cases of Hemp Protein in Dietary Supplements & Cosmetics & Personal Care

Dietary Supplements : Hemp protein isolates and concentrates, primarily derived from hemp seeds, are widely used in dietary supplements due to their high protein content, balanced amino acid profile, digestibility, and clean‑label appeal. These powders and capsules are popular among fitness enthusiasts and health‑conscious consumers seeking plant‑based, allergen‑friendly alternatives that support muscle recovery, energy, and overall wellness. Brands such as Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, Nutiva Inc., and Navitas Organics lead this space with diversified product lines of flavored and organic hemp protein supplements. Their strength lies in premium positioning, nutrient‑rich formulations, and strong distribution across health food retail and online channels.
Animal Feed : Hemp protein and seed meal are increasingly incorporated into animal feed formulations, providing a nutrient‑rich, digestible source of protein and essential fatty acids that support growth, immune function, and overall health in livestock and companion animals. Hemp’s hypoallergenic profile and sustainability appeal make it an attractive alternative to traditional feed proteins such as soy and fish meal. Companies like Hemp Oil Canada Inc. and North American Hemp & Grain Co. supply hemp protein ingredients tailored for poultry, swine, and aquaculture feeds, leveraging hemp’s nutritional strength and aligning with clean‑label feed trends.
Cosmetics & Personal Care : In the cosmetics and personal care sector, hydrolyzed hemp protein and hemp seed protein extracts are valued for their moisturizing, anti‑inflammatory, and skin‑conditioning properties, making them ideal for lotions, creams, serums, and hair care products. These proteins help improve skin elasticity and scalp health while aligning with consumer demand for plant‑based and sustainable beauty solutions. Ingredient suppliers like Hemp Oil Canada and Bioriginal Food & Science Corp. offer hemp protein actives used by clean‑beauty and natural skincare brands, reinforcing growth in the plant‑derived cosmetic ingredients market.

Recent Developments

The landscape of the health and wellness sector has been experiencing significant changes, with hemp protein emerging as a substantial component. An alternative to traditional sources of protein, hemp protein is derived from Hemp seeds and packs a potent punch of nutritional benefits, firmly establishing it as a staple in the diet of health-conscious consumers. Recent market developments have witnessed a surge in the awareness and consumption of hemp protein.

July 2024 : Fresh Hemp Foods Ltd, the parent company of Manitoba Harvest, completed the acquisition of The Humble Seed, a U.S. seed‑based snack brand, expanding its product portfolio to include seed‑based crackers that incorporate hemp protein and other super seeds. This strategic move broadens retail distribution and enhances shelf‑stable, plant‑based offerings across major grocery chains and ecommerce markets.
February 2025 : Nutiva Inc. expanded its California production facility in early 2025 to increase manufacturing capacity for organic hemp protein powders. This enlargement addresses growing demand for certified organic, plant‑based protein ingredients and strengthens Nutiva’s production and distribution capabilities in North America.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Hemp Protein Market

As a core segment of the Packaged & Processed F&B industry, the Hemp Protein market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Market Shift towards Organic Nutritional Supplements and Adoption of Hemp Protein in the Vegan Movement have redefined priorities across the Packaged & Processed F&B sector, influencing how the Hemp Protein market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Market Shift towards Organic Nutritional Supplements

The accelerating shift toward organic nutritional supplements is transforming the Hemp Protein market from a niche plant-based protein segment into a high-growth, value-generating category, projected to contribute an additional $32 million to market expansion by 2030. Driven by rapid urbanization and rising health consciousness, consumers increasingly favor clean-label, natural ingredients in dietary supplements, meal replacements, and protein bars, positioning Hemp Protein as a premium source of complete nutrition with essential fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This transition is catalyzing investment in advanced extraction technologies, product innovation, and sustainable ingredients, enhancing formulation versatility across vegan protein and sports nutrition applications. As brands realign portfolios toward organic, plant-based offerings, Hemp Protein captures a larger share of the organic nutritional supplements space, strengthening long-term growth prospects and competitive differentiation.
02

Adoption of Hemp Protein in the Vegan Movement

Recent developments in the hemp protein market reflect strong momentum in plant‑based nutrition and sustainable ingredient adoption. In 2025, the global hemp protein powder market is projected to grow significantly, driven by rising consumer preference for plant‑based proteins, functional foods, and clean‑label nutrition, with forecasts showing robust demand across dietary supplements and sports nutrition segments. Manufacturers are also enhancing product formulations to improve digestibility, amino acid profiles, and flavor, expanding hemp protein use beyond supplements into baked goods and beverages. A key trend is the increasing integration of hemp protein in cosmetics and personal care products, where its moisturizing and anti‑inflammatory properties bolster demand among clean beauty brands. This reflects broader consumer interest in plant‑derived ingredients that offer multifunctional benefits across food, wellness, and beauty categories.