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Sunflower Protein Market

Sunflower Protein Market

The market for Sunflower Protein was estimated at $923 million in 2024; it is anticipated to increase to $1.39 billion by 2030, with projections indicating growth to around $1.96 billion by 2035.

Report ID:DS1805062
Author:Debadatta Patel - Senior Consultant
Published Date:July 2025
Datatree
Life Science
Nutraceuticals
Sunflower Protein
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Report Summary
Table of Contents
Methodology
Market Data

Global Sunflower Protein Market Outlook

Revenue, 2024

$923M

Forecast, 2034

$1.83B

CAGR, 2024 - 2034

7.1%
The Sunflower Protein industry revenue is expected to be around $988.6 million in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 7.1% CAGR between 2025 and 2034. The market for Sunflower Protein has definitely been seeing growth lately due to its increasing demand across different industries. Factors like protein content, hypoallergenic properties and easy digestibility have all played a part in its continued relevance in the market. The increasing health and fitness consciousness among consumers along with more people looking for protein sources and the expanding food industry featuring vegan and vegetarian options have all contributed to the continued need, for and appeal of Sunflower Protein. The versatility of this protein source, in uses has driven a robust market growth.

The unique characteristics of Sunflower Protein stand out notably due to its origin from the leftover sunflower seed cake oil extraction process known for its abundance in vital amino acids and fibers content beneficial for the human bodys well being and health needs. Primarily utilized in food sectors like protein bars and shakes as well as in vegan food items due to the rising trend among consumers towards healthier eating habits and embracing plant based diets such, as Sunflower Protein.

Sunflower Protein market outlook with forecast trends, drivers, opportunities, supply chain, and competition 2024-2034

Market Key Insights

  • The Sunflower Protein market is projected to grow from $923.1 million in 2024 to $1.83 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 7.1%, reflecting rising demand across Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed and Functional Foods.
  • Axiom Foods Inc., Scoular Company, Glanbia plc are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.
  • U.S. and China are the top markets within the Sunflower Protein market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 4.6% to 6.8% between 2024 and 2030.
  • Emerging markets including Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 8.2% to 9.8%.
  • Transition like Shift to Plant-based Proteins is expected to add $133.7 million to the Sunflower Protein market growth by 2030
  • The Sunflower Protein market is set to add $910 million between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Sports Nutrition & Animal Feed Application projected to gain a larger market share.
  • With Emerging health conscious demographics, and Outstanding nutritional profile, Sunflower Protein market to expand 99% between 2024 and 2034.
sunflower protein market size with pie charts of major and emerging country share, CAGR, trends for 2025 and 2032

Opportunities in the Sunflower Protein

Sunflower protein shows promise in the sports nutrition industry due to its rich protein content that makes it a perfect fit for inclusion, in workout supplements and energy bars aimed at health conscious individuals seeking added protein intake options.

Growth Opportunities in North America and Europe

North America Outlook

In North America's market scenario for Sunflower Protein is on the rise thanks to the growing health awareness and vegan choices made by consumers in this region. In the United States and Canada where plant based protein markets are strong and expanding opportunities for Sunflower Protein are emerging as a result of this trend. With an increasing emphasis on agricultural methods driving demand ever higher due to the environmental advantages and economic benefits that sunflower crops offer. Despite these factors encouraging growth in the Sunflower Protein sector competition remains fierce with other plant based proteins such, as pea and soy currently holding sway over the market. In this region businesses can establish their presence by focusing on creating new products and implementing effective marketing strategies.

Europe Outlook

Europe has seen a rise in the demand for Sunflower Protein in recent years, especially in Western Europe, thanks to the growing health conscious population and the increasing number of people adopting a vegan lifestyle there. Additionally the European Unions commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions highlights the importance of protein sources such as sunflower derived proteins. However the market in Europe is already saturated with plant based protein options, which presents a challenge, for businesses operating in this sector. The competitive landscape is crowded with manufacturers making it essential for companies to set themselves apart by focusing on innovative product offerings and effective marketing strategies. The increasing interest, in allergen proteins is a key factor driving the market and creating new opportunities.

Market Dynamics and Supply Chain

01

Driver: Emerging Health Conscious Demographics, and Technological Advancements in Extraction Processes

The increasing number of health individuals globally plays a significant role in the expansion of the sunflower protein markets growth trajectory. Consumers are also increasingly leaning towards plant based protein options as opposed to animal derived proteins. Sunflower protein stands out due to its protein content and minimal allergenic properties—making it a preferred option among these consumers, for promoting muscle development and enhancing general well being. Sunflower proteins market penetration is also further bolstered by technological improvements in extraction processes. Advanced methods now allow for more efficient isolation and purification of sunflower protein, enhancing its stability, functionality, and overall appeal to consumers. This advancement could also significantly spur the expansion of sunflower protein within the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors.
02

Restraint: Limited Awareness and Misconceptions

The market for Sunflower Protein faces challenges because of awareness and misunderstandings surrounding plant based proteins despite their health advantages and wide range of uses. Some may view this protein source as valuable than animal based proteins due to incorrect beliefs, about its protein and amino acid content. This misconception could lead to decreased demand and hinder market expansion.
03

Opportunity: Strategic Collaborations to Enhance Market Reach and Technological Advances in Sunflower Protein Extraction

Businesses in industries such as food and beverage and health and wellness could explore partnerships with sunflower protein producers to create opportunities for expansion and development together. They could work together strategically to combine resources and boost the value of sunflower protein overall. This collaboration could generate awareness and interest, in sunflower protein in untapped markets.
The progress in technology and processing methods has greatly enhanced the effectiveness and output of extracting sunflower protein. With these enhanced techniques becoming readily available the production of sunflower protein can be increased, opening up possibilities for expansion and diversification in uses across industries, like food and drinks pharmaceutical products and beauty products.
04

Challenge: High Production Costs

The extraction process of Sunflower Protein is complex and involves numerous phases that could increase the overall production costs. This in turn, leads to a higher retail price for sunflower protein products compared to other plant-based proteins, influencing consumers purchasing preferences and presenting a substantial challenge to the market expansion.

Supply Chain Landscape

1
Seed Procurement

SunOpta

Agropro

2
Oil Extraction & Sunflower Meal Production

Bunge

Archer Daniels Midland Company

3
Isolation & Refinement

Helm AG

Cargill

4
End Industry

Food and Beverage

Cosmetics

Animal Feed

*The illustration highlights the key stakeholders within the supply chain ecosystem.

Applications of Sunflower Protein in Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed & Functional Foods

Dietary Supplements

Sunflower protein, being a plant-based protein, is widely used in dietary supplements. Its highly rich in essential amino acids, which are vital for human health. The protein is primarily sourced from sunflower seeds and is known for its high digestibility, making it an increasingly popular choice for supplement manufacturers. Top players in this field leverage the unique nutritional profile of sunflower protein to enhance their product offerings and strengthen their market position.

Functional Foods

Sunflower protein also finds extensive use in the functional foods sector. The high protein content coupled with beneficial nutrients makes it an ideal ingredient in products like energy bars, protein-rich snacks, and meal replacements. Its an ideal choice for consumers following vegetarian or vegan diets due to its plant-based nature. The industry giants driving this application niche capitalize on the health and wellness trend, utilizing the advantages of sunflower protein.

Animal Feed

The animal feed industry also utilizes sunflower protein extensively. Its high protein and fiber content contribute to balanced nutrition for livestock, aiding in their growth and health. Moreover, sunflower protein is a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to other protein sources in animal feed. The leading businesses in this domain are notably implementing sunflower protein to improve feed quality while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Recent Developments

December 2024

SunPro Nutritionals announced a technological breakthrough in producing hypoallergenic sunflower protein isolate, offering customers with dietary restrictions a new, safe alternative for their protein needs.

October 2024

Healthy Choice Ingredients launched a new sunflower protein powder, with improved bioavailability and enhanced nutritional profile, asserting their forward-thinking approach in catering to the burgeoning demand for plant-based proteins.

August 2024

SustainaPro made waves by unveiling their proprietary process that increased the solubility of sunflower protein, facilitating its incorporation in a wider range of food and beverage applications.

Sunflower protein, a plant-based dietary supplement, is fast gaining popularity in the health and fitness industry. It is no surprise, as recent market developments have highlighted a collective shift towards more conscious and sustainable dietary practices. As an integral player in the plant protein market, Sunflower Protein is positioning itself as an industry frontrunner.

Impact of Industry Transitions on the Sunflower Protein Market

As a core segment of the Nutraceuticals industry, the Sunflower Protein market develops in line with broader industry shifts. Over recent years, transitions such as Shift to Plant-based Proteins and Sustainable Agriculture Practices have redefined priorities across the Nutraceuticals sector, influencing how the Sunflower Protein market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics. These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01

Shift to Plant-based Proteins

The focus on health and well being has had an influence on how people view their food choices lately; this shift has caused a noticeable increase in the popularity of plant based proteins among consumers. Sunflower protein stands out due to its nutrient content and easy digestibility and has seen significant growth thanks to this trend. Its use in a variety of food items like protein shakes for workouts and baked goods highlights the extent of this change, in preferences. This industry transition is expected to add $133.7 million in the industry revenue between 2024 and 2030.
02

Sustainable Agriculture Practices

To combat environmental challenges, several industries have initiated a shift towards sustainable farming practices. Sunflower protein industry, being an integral part of the agricultural sector, is also part of this transition. Adoption of organic and eco-friendly farming methods not only enhances yield but also the quality of sunflower proteins, thereby driving consumer preference and accelerating industry growth.

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