Single Cell Protein

Global Single Cell Protein Market to Reach US$15.5 Billion by 2030

The global market for Single Cell Protein estimated at US$10.0 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$15.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Yeast Species, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 9.2% CAGR and reach US$8.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Fungi Species segment is estimated at 4.7% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$2.7 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 12.1% CAGR

The Single Cell Protein market in the U.S. is estimated at US$2.7 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$3.3 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 12.1% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.7% and 7.4% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 5.0% CAGR.

Global Single Cell Protein Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Single Cell Protein Emerging as a Viable Alternative in Food and Feed Systems?

Single cell protein (SCP), derived from microbial sources such as algae, yeast, bacteria, and fungi, is gaining traction as a sustainable and high-efficiency protein alternative in both animal feed and human nutrition. Its ability to be produced on non-arable land using waste substrates, agricultural residues, or industrial by-products positions it favorably amid global concerns about food security, land use limitations, and protein demand from a growing population. SCP production processes require significantly less water, land, and time compared to traditional protein sources like soy, fishmeal, or meat, making it particularly relevant in the context of resource optimization and circular bioeconomy models.

From a nutritional standpoint, SCP provides high protein content-often exceeding 60% by dry weight-along with essential amino acids, vitamins (notably B-complex), and functional lipids. This makes it suitable not only for aquaculture feed and livestock supplementation but also for use in plant-based meat analogues, protein-enriched flours, and functional food additives. Recent advancements in microbial strain engineering and fermentation technology have improved protein yield, digestibility, and flavor-neutrality, expanding SCP-s scope beyond feed applications into the domain of food technology. Companies are increasingly exploring biomass fermentation, precision fermentation, and gas fermentation routes using methane or CO2 as carbon sources, aligning SCP production with climate-smart practices and carbon capture strategies.

How Are Production Technologies and Substrate Innovations Shaping the Market?

Technological innovation lies at the heart of SCP market evolution, with rapid strides in fermentation engineering, bioreactor design, and downstream processing driving cost efficiencies and scalability. Closed-loop fermentation systems with real-time monitoring, automated pH and temperature control, and optimized aeration techniques are allowing producers to fine-tune microbial growth and maximize biomass yield. Continuous fermentation methods are replacing traditional batch systems, reducing downtime and energy consumption. Furthermore, integration with waste treatment and industrial effluent streams is gaining momentum, enabling SCP producers to simultaneously manage waste and generate protein-rich biomass. This dual benefit is particularly attractive in brewery, pulp & paper, and dairy industries.

Substrate innovation is a key driver in diversifying SCP applications and reducing input costs. While molasses, ethanol, and glucose were historically used as feedstock, new-generation SCP platforms are leveraging lignocellulosic biomass, agro-industrial residues, glycerol from biodiesel plants, and methane-rich biogas. Gas fermentation, using hydrogen-oxidizing or methanotrophic bacteria, is enabling SCP production in biorefineries co-located with natural gas or anaerobic digestion units. Such approaches not only decouple SCP production from food-crop-based feedstocks but also contribute to net-zero emission goals. Producers are investing in strain engineering-employing CRISPR and synthetic biology tools-to enhance substrate versatility, resistance to inhibitors, and target nutrient profiles, thereby expanding commercial viability in diverse environments.

Post-fermentation processing is another area undergoing transformation, with advances in cell disruption, protein extraction, and drying methods (spray drying, freeze-drying, drum drying) helping retain nutritional integrity while achieving longer shelf life and palatability. These improvements are critical for SCP-s acceptance in human food applications, where texture, appearance, and digestibility are key determinants. The entry of food technology players into SCP innovation ecosystems-through partnerships with biotech firms and research institutes-is expected to accelerate product development cycles, especially in high-value markets like meat substitutes and protein beverages.

Which Application Domains Are Catalyzing Demand Diversification for SCP?

The SCP market is experiencing multidirectional expansion, driven by uptake in aquaculture, poultry, livestock, pet food, and increasingly, human food sectors. Aquafeed remains the dominant segment due to the high protein demand in fish farming and the ecological urgency to replace fishmeal. SCP derived from methane-oxidizing bacteria and yeast is particularly effective in delivering essential amino acids for salmon, tilapia, and shrimp feed formulations. Regulatory approvals in North America and Europe have bolstered industry confidence, with established players scaling operations to serve global aquaculture hubs in Asia and Latin America. Moreover, SCP-s digestibility and minimal anti-nutritional factors enhance feed conversion ratios, reinforcing its competitive edge.

In poultry and livestock sectors, SCP is being used as a partial replacement for soybean meal and maize in compound feed blends. As consumer concerns around deforestation, water use, and genetically modified crops intensify, SCP is seen as an environmentally neutral protein source that helps reduce reliance on imported feedstocks. Its standardized nutrient profile also makes it attractive for precision feeding systems that tailor diets based on animal species, age, and growth stage. Pet food manufacturers are tapping into SCP as a hypoallergenic and gut-friendly protein base, aligning with clean-label trends and plant-forward formulations for dogs and cats.

Human food applications, while still nascent, are gaining momentum through protein bars, fortified noodles, dairy alternatives, and savory snacks incorporating yeast or algal-derived SCP. Food-grade SCP must meet stringent safety and sensory standards, and ongoing work on flavor masking, mouthfeel optimization, and nutritional labeling is helping products enter mainstream distribution. Start-ups and established FMCG brands are exploring SCP-based ingredients for high-protein, low-carb, and vegan-friendly products. Regional cuisines in Southeast Asia and Africa, where microbial foods have cultural roots, are also being leveraged as beachheads for SCP-based product localization.

What Are the Growth Catalysts Propelling SCP Toward Mainstream Commercialization?

The growth in the global single cell protein market is driven by several factors that are coalescing around sustainability, food security, and biotechnology convergence. At the macroeconomic level, rising global protein demand-expected to increase by over 70% by 2050-combined with declining arable land and freshwater availability, is creating a structural shift toward alternative protein sources. SCP-s ability to be produced in bioreactors with minimal land and water footprint is positioning it as a scalable solution in national protein security strategies, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change or reliant on imports for protein supply.

Policy frameworks and regulatory enablers are also supporting SCP growth. Countries such as the U.S., Netherlands, and Singapore are providing funding incentives, fast-track approvals, and infrastructure support for fermentation-based protein production. At the same time, sustainability-linked investment trends are encouraging venture capital and corporate funding in SCP start-ups and technology developers. Large agri-food players are forming joint ventures or acquiring SCP producers to diversify protein portfolios and future-proof their supply chains. This influx of capital is catalyzing pilot-to-commercial scale transitions and supporting cost-reduction strategies, particularly in feed-grade and food-grade SCP production lines.

Consumer-driven shifts toward ethical eating, climate-smart consumption, and transparency in sourcing are playing a significant role in shaping demand for SCP-infused products. The clean-label, non-GMO, and allergen-free attributes of many SCP types appeal to flexitarians, vegans, and health-conscious consumers. Public acceptance is also improving due to educational campaigns and increasing visibility of SCP in food innovation narratives, particularly at food tech expos, sustainability summits, and product launch events. Collectively, these trends suggest a strong upward trajectory for SCP, both as a feed and food ingredient, underpinned by a global push toward circular bioeconomy, protein diversification, and microbial biotechnology integration.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Single Cell Protein market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Species (Yeast Species, Fungi Species, Bacteria Species, Algae Species); Application (Food & Beverages Application, Animal Feed Application, Supplements Application, Other Applications)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured) -

• AB Mauri
• ADM (Archer Daniels Midland)
• Alltech
• Angel Yeast
• Arbiom
• Calysta
• Corbion
• Deep Branch Biotechnology
• DSM (Koninklijke DSM)
• Evonik Industries
• FermBiotics
• KnipBio
• Lallemand
• Novozymes
• Nutreco
• Protix
• Solar Foods
• String Bio
• Unibio
• Ynsect

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