Rice Protein Market By Product (Isolates, Concentrates, Hydrolysates), By Application (Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, Cosmetics), By Form (Powder, Liquid), By Nature (Organic, Conventional), and By End-User (Individuals, Food Manufacturers, Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry, Pharmaceutical Companies), Global Market Size, Segmental analysis, Regional Overview, Company share analysis, Leading Company Profiles And Market Forecast, 2025 – 2035

Industry Outlook

The Rice Protein market accounted for USD 228.3 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 470.75 Million by 2035, growing at a CAGR of around 6.8% between 2025 and 2035. We identify the rice protein market as the global market for this plant-based protein ingredient, which serves as a meat substitute in many applications.

Rice protein is steadily emerging as a popular candidate for protein supplementation owing to its low allergenicity and potential for satisfying specific dietary requirements such as limited or no animal proteins and no gluten. The market size is expected to register high growth due to the increasing application of plant-based proteins in food and beverages, various dietary supplements, and various cosmetic products. Demand is also driven by the need to make more environmentally friendly products and clean-label ingredients. The market segment can include isolates, concentrates, and hydrolysates; food and beverages; pharmaceuticals; animal feed and pet food; and cosmetics and personal care products. With the increasing trend of plant-based diets, the rice protein market is expected to grow at the international level, especially in North America and Europe.

Report Scope:

Market Dynamics

Rising demand for plant-based protein alternatives in food products.

The rice protein market is growing daily, as people opt for functional protein sources with plant origins due to reasons of health, principle, or sustainability. A large number of people are opting for plant sources of protein because of issues of animal rights, the sustainability of livestock production, climate change, and so on. It is also a plant protein, and therefore, it can easily market itself to vegans, vegetarians, the gluten intolerant, and the lactose intolerant. With the increase in demand for meat substitutes and dairy products, as well as protein bars, the demand for plant protein, like rice protein, is quickly increasing too. This market trend has created a great rice protein market because consumers are opting for more healthy and sustainable options.

The health benefits and nutritional value of rice protein are widely known and understood by consumers.

The market expands due to increasing consumer recognition of rice protein's health advantages and nutritional qualities. Rice protein acts as a preferred plant-based food ingredient due to its excellent digestion properties along with hypoallergenic properties and balanced amino acids that appeal to health-conscious consumers and those who follow dietary restrictions.

Rice protein consumption continues to increase in functional foods, sports nutrition, and dietary supplements because consumers actively seek clean-label plant-based nutrition products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that more than 515 million metric tons of rice were harvested worldwide during 2023, which secured consistent supplies for protein extraction. The rice protein market continues to grow because consumers are choosing plant-based proteins in addition to the versatility and nutrition benefits it offers.

The high production costs continue to be a barrier to market penetration and, market growth.

The extensive production costs of rice protein discourage market expansion and growth because they act as a major market limitation. Rice protein extraction through enzymatic hydrolysis or chemical treatment demands sophisticated technology and extensive energy usage, leading to elevated costs compared to soy and whey protein availability costs.

Rice proteins deliver fewer yields than standard plant-based proteins, which increases manufacturing expenses. The high prices of rice protein-based products discourage budget-conscious customers together with lower-scale producers. Rice protein presents health advantages, but the market adoption faces barriers, mainly due to cost-competitiveness, especially in price-sensitive environments.

Increasing utilization of rice protein in new and improved product varieties in the food and beverage sector.

The expanding use of rice protein in innovative food and beverage products presents a significant rice protein market opportunity. Manufacturers are incorporating rice protein into plant-based dairy alternatives, protein bars, meat substitutes, and sports nutrition products to meet the growing consumer demand for clean-label and allergen-free ingredients. Its neutral taste and high digestibility make it an ideal choice for functional foods, while its hypoallergenic nature expands its appeal to consumers with soy or dairy allergies. morever, advancements in food technology have enhanced the texture and solubility of rice protein, making it more suitable for diverse formulations. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global plant-based food sales have seen steady growth, reflecting the increasing preference for alternative proteins. As consumers seek sustainable, high-protein options, the development of new rice protein-based products is expected to drive market expansion, creating opportunities for manufacturers to differentiate and capture a larger customer base.

High tendency of people to use plant-derived foods for nutritional supplements and functional foods.

Rice protein benefits from market growth because consumers choose plant-food ingredients for supplements and functional foods. More consumers adopt vegetarian eating habits because they want to protect their health and value environmental sustainability and dietary restrictions. Researchers identify rice protein as an optimal ingredient for protein powders because it shows excellent digestibility and balanced amino acid content as well as hypoallergenic traits.

Because of its 'clean-label' image and capabilities to fit into vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free product development, the market demand is growing. Food derived from plants has shown continuous growth in consumption based on data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that tracks dietary preference evolutions. The rice protein market will strengthen, and suppliers will introduce new products through the use of rice protein as an excellent plant-based component for the industry.      

Industry Experts Opinion

"Rice protein is gaining attention as a valuable plant-based protein source due to its hypoallergenic properties and digestibility. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with gluten allergies or sensitivities, as rice protein lacks gluten and is less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to other cereal grains."

• Dr. Geetha K. Venkatachalam, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babeş-Bolyai University

Segment Analysis

Based on the product type, the Rice Protein Market has been classified into Isolates, Concentrates, and Hydrolysates. The rice protein concentrates market leads as the largest segment because customers find their balance in protein content and their affordable pricing attractive. Rice protein concentrates provide food and beverage producers with a useful ingredient because they consist of 70-80% protein content. Rice protein concentrates attract strong demand from sports nutrition together with the dietary supplements and plant-based food sector because they effectively replace animal-based proteins. Concentrates respond well to a variety of formulations because of their high digestibility and functional qualities, which outperform those of isolates and hydrolysates.

The market adoption of these proteins further increases due to consumer demands for non-GMO and clean-label proteins. Manufacturers find these products affordable and yet capable of providing adequate protein content at lower prices than isolates. Rice protein concentrates enable a smooth texture combined with mild flavor characteristics that improve their usage in protein-based bar products and shakes alongside functional foods. Market demand for rice protein concentrates keeps growing because of the increasing vegan population as well as rising lactose intolerance cases in society.

Based on the Application, the Rice Protein Market has been classified into Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Animal Feed, Pharmaceuticals, and Cosmetics. In the rice protein market, food & beverages emerge as the most dominant segment due to their extensive use in plant-based diets and functional food products. Consumers increasingly prefer rice protein as a clean-label, allergen-free, and non-GMO protein source, making it ideal for protein bars, dairy alternatives, and meat substitutes.

The growing trend of veganism and lactose intolerance has further fueled demand in this segment. Rice protein’s excellent digestibility and amino acid profile enhance its appeal in sports nutrition and meal replacement products. Its mild taste and smooth texture make it a preferred ingredient in beverages like protein shakes and plant-based milk. The demand for natural and organic ingredients in the food industry also supports the widespread adoption of rice protein. With the rise in health-conscious consumers and innovations in plant-based formulations, the food & beverages segment continues to lead the market.

Regional Analysis

The North American rice protein market develops because consumers need plant-based protein alternatives throughout the U.S. and Canada. Rice protein finds increased applications in food and beverage manufacturing markets since consumer numbers rise for both vegans and vegetarians and the growing prevalence of lactose intolerance. Sports nutrition keeps growing rapidly as rice protein has become popular because it provides excellent digestive capabilities and essential amino acids. The market expands due to the activities of the functional food industry, which produces protein bars and meal replacements. The market benefits from government authorization of plant proteins as well as customer demand for simple labeling systems.

The market growth results from increased awareness about allergen-free protein alternatives as these substitutes expand their applications between infant nutrition and dietary supplements and multiple industries. Rice protein extraction technologies have developed within the region, which enhances both the quality of produced items and their applicable usage areas. Other plant proteins, including pea and soy, create market competition for rice proteins. Market expansion for rice protein is stimulated by the activities of main manufacturers and ongoing scientific investigations about increasing its nutritional content. The adoption of rice protein remains profitable throughout North America because product development via innovative formulations coincides with shifting dietary choices in this market.

Rice protein demands in the Asia Pacific market expanded because consumers chose plant proteins as their preferred nutrition source across China, India, and Japan. Rice protein production receives steady raw material streams because this region maintains a strong agricultural foundation. Functional foods and beverages, along with dietary supplements, require rice protein because there is growing awareness among consumers about lactose intolerance and the need for gluten-free diets. The Chinese food processing sector controls the market as the government provides support for plant-based nutrition while expanding its food-processing infrastructure. India is experiencing market growth in rice protein due to rising consumer interest in veganism and the increasing personal wealth of its citizens. Rice protein-based products are experiencing technological advancements within South Korean and Japanese markets, where they are primarily used in sports nutrition and infant food products. Food safety standards obligate manufacturers to focus on premium rice protein products and organic ingredients for their business operations.

Competitive Landscape

Rice protein market competition reveals that important market players undertake three main strategies, which include new product research as well as strategic network formation and plant capacity growth. The companies Axiom Foods, Inc. and Roquette Frères take leadership in research through the innovation of high-purity rice protein for functional foods and sports nutrition applications. Through their advanced processing capabilities and global supply systems, Ingredion Incorporated and Cargill Inc. improve their products and extend their market reach worldwide.

Shandong Jianyuan Group and Sunshine Biotech International Inc. continue their Asian market expansion by providing affordable rice protein products. The clean-label market receives attention from Tata Chemicals Limited and Ceres Organics as they establish production lines for sustainable and organic rice protein. The high-protein formulations made by Vital Proteins and Nutritional Technologies International focus on serving specific market demands for health-oriented consumers in the premium segment.

The success of companies in the market depends heavily on strategic business combinations, including purchases and partnerships, where ConAgra Brands Inc. and Emsland Group actively add rice-based protein products to their product list. The Green Labs LLC, together with Herbochem, operates to supply premium botanical ingredients and superior plant-based proteins, particularly for the nutraceutical and dietary supplement industries.

Rice Protein Market, Company Shares Analysis, 2024

To explore in-depth analysis in this report - Request Free Sample Report

Recent Developments:

• In January 2024, RiceBran Technologies revealed that it had sold the Golden Ridge rice mill located in Wynne, Arkansas, for a deal value of USD 2.15 million. Taken in a strategic nature, this was expected to bring down the company’s annual net loss to approximate a figure of USD 1.5 million as per the third quarter of 2023 results.
• In June 2023, the Anhui-based company Anhui Shunxin Shengyuan Biological Food Co., Ltd. was the first to officially present HydroRice PA80 in partnership with ZXChem USA: a new rice protein powder specially developed for plant-based end-use portfolios, especially in the dairy replacement products segments. It is suitable for several product categories such as ready-to-drink powdered beverages, yogurt, cream cheese, and ice cream.

Report Coverage:

By Product

• Isolates
• Concentrates
• Hydrolysates

By Application

• Food & Beverages
• Dietary Supplements
• Animal Feed
• Pharmaceuticals
• Cosmetics

By Form

• Powder
• Liquid

By Nature

• Organic
• Conventional

By End-User

• Individuals
• Food Manufacturers
• Cosmetic & Personal Care Industry
• Pharmaceutical 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 Middle East & Africa

List of Companies:

• Axiom Foods, Inc.
• RiceTec, Inc.
• Ingredion Incorporated
• The Green Labs LLC
• Shandong Jianyuan Group
• Cargill, Inc.
• Sunshine Biotech International, Inc.
• Nutritional Technologies International
• Vital Proteins
• Roquette Frères
• Herbochem
• ConAgra Brands, Inc.
• Ceres Organics
• Tata Chemicals Limited
• Emsland Group

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)