The global lentil market size reached 17.7 Million Tons in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach 42.7 Million Tons by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% during 2025-2033. The increasing focus on personal health and wellness, growing demand for plant-based diets, emerging culinary trends, implementation of supportive government policies, and rising production of lentils owing to their sustainability are some of the major factors propelling the market.
Lentil refers to a type of legume that grows in pods and is known for its lens-shaped seeds. It includes brown, green, red, and black lentils, each with a distinctive flavor and texture. They are rich in dietary fiber, iron, protein, and vitamin B, making them a valuable part of a nutritious diet. Lentils are widely used in soups, salads, stews, dips, casseroles, vegetarian dishes, baby food, flour, and animal feeds. They assist in digestion, promoting heart health, maintaining blood sugar levels, assisting in weight loss, supporting immunity, providing sustained energy, and enhancing skin health.
The rising production of lentils owing to their sustainability, low water consumption, and ability to enrich the soil with nitrogen is boosting the market growth. Furthermore, the widespread product consumption due to its cost-effectiveness and high nutritional values is positively influencing the market growth. Additionally, the expanding product application across various culinary traditions across the globe is acting as another growth-inducing factor. Apart from this, the implementation of various government initiatives to support lentil cultivation through favorable policies, research initiatives, and financial subsidies is contributing to the market growth. Moreover, the increasing investment in efficient supply chain mechanisms, including modern storage, transportation, and retail practices that are enhancing product availability in urban and remote areas, is strengthening the market growth. Besides this, the recent advancements in agricultural technology, such as improved seed varieties and farming techniques, which aids in optimizing lentil yields and quality, are supporting the market growth.
Lentil Market Trends/Drivers:
The increasing focus on personal health and wellness
The increasing focus on personal health and wellness is prompting many consumers to seek foods that offer significant nutritional benefits. Lentils, rich in protein, dietary fiber, iron, and essential vitamins, stand out as a nutritional powerhouse. They are recognized for their role in aiding digestion, promoting heart health, and maintaining blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the escalating incidences of lifestyle diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, are facilitating the incorporation of lentils into daily diets as a proactive step towards healthier living. Apart from this, the healthcare community, including nutritionists and dietitians, often recommends lentils as part of a balanced diet, which is further propelling the market growth. Moreover, the media coverage highlighting product health benefits, coupled with endorsements from fitness experts, is also contributing to the growing perception of lentils as a wholesome food choice.
The growing demand for plant-based diets
The shift towards plant-based diets, including vegetarianism and veganism, has become a prominent trend in recent years. People are choosing plant-based diets for various reasons, including ethical beliefs, environmental concerns, and health considerations. Lentils, being a rich source of plant-based protein, align perfectly with these dietary preferences. They provide essential amino acids that are often lacking in plant-based diets, thus becoming a staple for vegetarians and vegans. Moreover, the recent innovations in plant-based culinary are widening the appeal of lentils beyond traditional vegetarian circles. In line with this, various brands are utilizing lentils in innovative products, such as meat substitutes and dairy-free options. Furthermore, educational campaigns about the environmental and health advantages of plant-based eating are reinforcing the shift towards plant-based diets, thus making lentils an increasingly vital component in modern culinary practices.
The emerging culinary trends across the globe
The global culinary landscape is continuously evolving, with chefs and food enthusiasts seeking diverse and unique ingredients to experiment. Lentils, with their variety of types and flavors, offer a versatile base for culinary creativity. They are used in traditional dishes, such as soups and stews, as well as in gourmet preparations in fine dining. The adaptability of lentils to different cooking techniques and their compatibility with various spices and flavors are attracting chefs across different cuisines. Furthermore, the introduction of fusion cooking, which blends culinary traditions from different cultures, is facilitating lentil demand as a highly versatile ingredient. Additionally, the rising number of cooking shows, food blogs, and culinary workshops that widely utilize lentils, showcasing their potential in innovative recipes, is supporting the market growth. As culinary trends continue to shape the consumption pattern, lentils are emerging as an ingredient of choice for professional chefs and home cooks.
Lentil Industry Segmentation:
IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global lentil market report, along with forecasts at the global and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on end use.
Breakup by End Use:
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