Algae and Seaweed Protein Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis By Type (Algae and Seaweed/Macroalgae), Application (Food and Beverages, Animal Feed & Additives, Dietary Supplements, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Pharmaceuticals, Biofuels and Other Appl

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Algae and Seaweed Protein Market is accounted for $555.09 million in 2024 and is expected to reach $956.85 million by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 9.5% during the forecast period. Seaweed and algae protein are becoming more and more well-known as nutrient-dense, sustainable substitutes for conventional animal-based proteins. Packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential amino acids, these plant-based proteins have many health advantages, such as supporting the immune system and promoting better digestive health. A promising option for food production with little negative impact on the environment, algae like spirulina and chlorella are especially well-known for their high protein content and capacity to flourish in challenging environments.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Increased interest in plant-based proteins

One of the main factors propelling the market for algae and seaweed protein is the worldwide trend toward plant-based diets. Customers are increasingly choosing plant-based substitutes as worries about the environmental effects of animal husbandry, including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption, increase. Since algae and seaweed proteins offer a complete protein profile—which is necessary for muscle growth, repair, and general health—they are regarded as the perfect answer. Additionally, the market for these proteins is growing as vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets gain popularity, particularly as more food producers try to include seaweed and algae in their product formulas.

Restraint:

High costs of production

The costs of producing and processing seaweed and algae proteins are still high, despite their sustainability and many advantages. Protein must be separated from algae and seaweed using extraction and refinement procedures, which are frequently difficult and energy-intensive, raising the production cost. This may result in the cost of seaweed and algae proteins being higher than that of more conventional protein sources like wheat, peas, or soy. Furthermore, it takes a substantial investment in infrastructure and technology to grow algae on a large scale for commercial purposes, particularly in controlled environments like bioreactors.

Opportunity:

Growing need for clean and sustainable protein sources

Demand for more environmentally friendly and sustainable substitutes is rising as consumers grow more conscious of the effects that conventional animal-based proteins have on the environment. Due to their renewable nature and low environmental impact, algae and seaweed offer a special chance to satisfy this need. Compared to traditional livestock, these proteins require a lot less land, water, and energy to produce, and their cultivation lowers carbon emissions while promoting marine biodiversity. Moreover, algae and seaweed proteins have a significant chance to become important components of food in the future as the world's population continues to rise and the demand for sustainable food production systems increases.

Threat:

Unawareness and consumer skepticism

Algae and seaweed proteins are still unknown to a sizable section of the consumer population, despite the growing interest in plant-based proteins. Due to a lack of knowledge, many consumers may be reluctant to include these proteins in their diets until they have a better understanding of their advantages. Compared to more traditional plant-based proteins like soy and peas, algae and seaweed proteins are relatively new and might not yet be considered commonplace food ingredients. Additionally, some consumers might have reservations about these proteins' safety, flavor, or texture, which could make it difficult for them to be included in common food items.

Covid-19 Impact:

The market for algae and seaweed protein was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly as a result of changes in consumer demand, labor shortages, and disruptions in global supply chains. The availability of raw materials for protein extraction was impacted by the pandemic's restrictions on international trade, travel, and production, which caused delays in the harvesting and processing of seaweed and algae. Furthermore, the introduction of products based on algae and seaweed proteins into the mainstream market was delayed by the temporary closure of foodservice establishments and a slowdown in product innovation. But the pandemic also hastened the transition to sustainable and plant-based food options, increasing consumer demand for protein sources that are both ecologically friendly and health-conscious.

The Seaweed/Macroalgae segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The Seaweed/Macroalgae segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Seaweed proteins, which come from different kinds of macroalgae, are becoming more and more popular because of their potential uses in food and drink, sustainability, and nutritional advantages. Seaweed proteins are especially prized for their use in plant-based diets and functional foods because they are abundant in fiber, bioactive compounds, and essential amino acids. Moreover, in contrast to conventional animal-based proteins, seaweed offers a renewable and environmentally friendly source of protein, which has helped the segment gain dominance in the global market due to the growing demand for sustainable and plant-based protein substitutes.

The Dietary Supplements segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the Dietary Supplements segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate. The growing consumer preference for natural and plant-based products to promote general health and wellness is what is driving this growth. Proteins from algae and seaweed are perfect for supplementation in the form of powders, capsules, and functional drinks because they are high in vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Dietary supplements made from algae and seaweed are growing in popularity among health-conscious consumers as a result of increased knowledge about the advantages of plant-based diets and a growing emphasis on sustainable and clean-label ingredients.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to hold the largest market share. The main cause of this is the region's long-standing custom of consuming seaweed and algae, especially in nations like China, Japan, and South Korea where seaweed-based foods are an essential part of the local diet. Furthermore, seaweed and algae resources are widely accessible due to the region's extensive coastal areas, which stimulate market innovation and production. The market is expanding in this area due to the rising demand for plant-based proteins as well as increased knowledge of the sustainability and health advantages of seaweed and algae.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the North America region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR. Growing consumer demand for sustainable and plant-based protein substitutes, especially in the US and Canada, is the main driver of this expansion. The use of seaweed and algae proteins in dietary supplements, functional foods, and beverages is being driven by growing consumer awareness of health issues as well as a trend toward clean-label, environmentally friendly products. Moreover, the market's quick growth in North America is also facilitated by the region's strong emphasis on plant-based nutrition innovation and research, as well as a favorable regulatory framework for sustainable food solutions.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players in Algae and Seaweed Protein market include Cargill, Incorporated, BASF SE, Triton Algae Innovations, Cellana Inc, DSM Nutritional Products, Algama Foods, CP Kelco U.S., Inc., DuPont Nutrition and Biosciences, Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Algae Industry Group Co., Ltd, Heliae Development LLC, Corbion N.V, Beijing Leili Agricultural Co., Ltd, E.I.D. Parry (India) Limited, Cyanotech Corporation and TerraVia Holdings (formerly Solazyme).

Key Developments:

In January 2025, Cargill Inc. has reached a $32.5 million settlement in a broad class-action lawsuit over price-fixing in turkey production. The potential settlement comes in a case led by a collection of companies that buy large volumes of turkey products.

In October 2024, Cellana, Inc. and PhytoSmart Inc are excited to announce that they have signed a definitive agreement to merge the two companies. Upon closing of the merger, PhytoSmart will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Cellana. Deena Sisitsky, CEO of PhytoSmart, will join the Cellana Board of Directors and will lead the Consumer Products activities for the combined company under the PhytoSmart™ brand name.

In July 2024, BASF and ENGIE signed a 7-year Biomethane Purchase Agreement (BPA). Under the BPA, ENGIE will supply BASF with 2.7 to 3.0 terawatt hours of biomethane throughout the term of the agreement. BASF uses certified biomethane at its Ludwigshafen/Germany and Antwerp/Belgium sites as a sustainable alternative to fossil raw materials in its manufacturing process.

Types Covered:
• Algae
• Seaweed/Macroalgae

Applications Covered:
• Food and Beverages
• Animal Feed & Additives
• Dietary Supplements
• Cosmetics & Personal Care
• Pharmaceuticals
• Biofuels
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements