U.S. Protein Supplements Market (By Source: Animal-based, Plant-based; By Product; By Application; By Distribution Channel) - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2024-2033

U.S. Protein Supplements Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2033

The U.S. protein supplements market size was estimated at USD 9.71 billion in 2023 and it is expected to surpass around USD 22.12 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.58% from 2024 to 2033. The U.S. protein supplements market has experienced significant growth over the past decade, driven by increasing health consciousness, a surge in fitness activities, and rising demand for dietary supplements. This overview provides insights into the market dynamics, key trends, and future prospects of protein supplements in the United States.

Key Pointers

• By Source, the animal-based segment commanded the largest market share at 61% in 2023
• By Source, the plant-based protein segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.74% during the forecast period.
• By Product, the protein powder captured the maximum market share of 46% in 2023.
• By Product, the RTD (Ready-to-Drink) segment is expected to grow at a 9.54% CAGR from 2024 to 2033.
• By Application, the functional food segment registered the maximum market share of 54% in 2003.
• By Application, the sports nutrition segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.44% from 2024 to 2033.
• By Distribution Channel, the online stores held the largest share of 62% in 2023.

What are the Growth Factors of U.S. Protein Supplements Market?

The U.S. protein supplements market is experiencing significant growth due to the rising health and fitness awareness is driving demand as consumers seek to enhance muscle growth, recovery, and overall well-being. The expanding fitness industry and increasing popularity of personalized nutrition further fuel this trend by offering tailored protein solutions. Additionally, the aging population is turning to protein supplements to maintain muscle mass and strength, while innovations in product formulations and the availability of convenient, on-the-go options are attracting a broader audience. The growing preference for plant-based proteins and the expansion of e-commerce platforms also contribute to the market’s robust expansion.

Report Scope of the U.S. Protein Supplements Market

What are the Trends in U.S. Protein Supplements Market?

• Increased Focus on Plant-Based Proteins: There is a growing demand for plant-based protein supplements due to the rise in vegetarianism, veganism, and lactose intolerance. Consumers are seeking alternatives to animal-based proteins, leading to a surge in products made from sources like pea, soy, and hemp.
• Personalization and Customization: The market is seeing a shift towards personalized protein supplements. Consumers are looking for products tailored to their specific health needs and fitness goals, prompting companies to offer customizable protein solutions and specialized formulations.
• Rise of Functional Proteins: Functional proteins, which provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition, are gaining popularity. These include proteins enriched with added vitamins, minerals, or probiotics designed to support overall wellness and immune function.
• Clean Label and Transparency: Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency in ingredient sourcing and product labeling. There is a significant trend towards clean-label products that are free from artificial additives and contain naturally sourced ingredients.

What are the Key Challenges Faced by U.S. Protein Supplements Market?

• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating the complex landscape of dietary supplement regulations can be challenging. Companies must ensure that their products meet stringent requirements for safety, efficacy, and labeling, which can be costly and time-consuming.
• Market Saturation: The protein supplements market is highly competitive with a large number of brands and products. This saturation makes it difficult for new entrants to differentiate themselves and capture market share.
• Quality Control Issues: Ensuring consistent product quality is a significant challenge. Variability in protein content, ingredient sourcing, and manufacturing processes can affect the efficacy and safety of supplements, leading to potential consumer mistrust.
• Consumer Skepticism: There is a growing skepticism among consumers regarding the efficacy and safety of protein supplements. Misinformation and negative publicity can impact consumer confidence and purchasing decisions.

Source Insights

In 2023, the animal-based segment commanded the largest market share at 61%. Proteins are essential for health, balancing acid-base fluids and aiding metabolism by regulating antibody synthesis. These supplements are primarily marketed to athletes and active individuals for muscle growth and energy management. Additionally, they are promoted for weight loss due to their high-protein, low-carbohydrate content.

Animal proteins are regarded as the highest quality sources, providing all essential amino acids. Consequently, animal-based protein supplements dominate the U.S. market, accounting for 65.09% of revenue. U.S. consumers focus on fat loss, muscle growth, and endurance, leading to increased popularity of animal-based protein supplements like whey, fish, and egg proteins. This growing demand from fitness enthusiasts is expected to drive further growth in this segment.

Conversely, the plant-based protein segment is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 8.74% from 2024 to 2033. Plant-based proteins support muscle and tissue health with fewer side effects and higher bioavailability compared to animal-based proteins. A 2020 study by Nutrition Business Journal highlighted that organic plant-based proteins are effective for weight loss and improving gut health. The rising lactose-intolerant population and increasing veganism in the U.S. are contributing to the growth of plant-based protein supplements.

Product Insights

Protein powder held a dominant 46% market share during the forecast period. Derived from sources like egg, whey, soy, pea, and casein, protein powders are enriched with vitamins, fats, thickeners, minerals, and fibers. They support muscle development, weight management, tissue repair, cholesterol levels, immune function, and enzyme production. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Board, the average protein requirement is about 0.66 grams per kilogram of body weight daily.

Organic protein powders are gaining popularity due to the demand for clean-label products with fewer additives. For instance, Ancient Brands, LLC launched Plant Protein+ in June 2020, a USDA-certified organic protein powder made from seeds, botanicals, mushrooms, and adaptogens.

The RTD (Ready-to-Drink) segment is expected to grow at CAGR of 9.54% from 2024 to 2033. RTD protein beverages are convenient sources of protein, offering benefits like anti-aging properties and fat loss. The increased focus on healthy aging and the role of protein in diets are fueling this growth. The rising vegetarian population is also driving demand for plant-based RTD beverages, with companies like PepsiCo launching new products such as the EVOLVE protein shakes in March 2021.

Application Insights

In 2023, the functional food segment led the market with a 54% share. Growing consumer interest in health and diet has increased demand for functional foods that help manage health conditions like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Advances in technologies such as enzyme technology, encapsulation, and vacuum impregnation are driving innovations in functional foods.

The sports nutrition segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.44%. Bodybuilders and athletes are increasingly aware of the benefits of sports nutrition products, leading to market expansion. Retailers are enhancing the adoption of sports nutrition products, with brands like MusclePharm launching new whey protein drinks in summer 2023.

Distribution Channel Insights

Online stores held the largest share of 62% in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift from offline to online purchases. Consumers, now more accustomed to online shopping, prefer exploring various e-commerce platforms for protein supplements. Online channels are popular among millennials and Gen X, making them crucial for market success.

Supermarkets are projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.86% during the forecast period. They conduct consumer sentiment analyses to align product offerings with customer preferences and offer a wide range of protein supplements. This convenience, along with the presence of reputable brands, builds customer trust and encourages repeat purchases.

Who are the Top Manufactures in U.S. Protein Supplements Market?

• Glanbia Plc
• MusclePharm
• Abbott
• CytoSport Inc.
• QuestNutrition LLC
• Iovate Health Sciences International Inc
• The Bountiful Company
• AMCO Proteins
• Now Foods
• Transparent Labs
• WOODBOLT DISTRIBUTION LLC
• Dymatize Enterprises LLC
• BPI Sports
• Jym-Supplement-Science
• RSP Nutrition
• International Dehydrated Foods, Inc
• BRF
• Rousselot
• Gelita AG
• Hoogwegt

U.S. Protein Supplements Market Segmentations:

By Source 

• Animal-based
  • Whey
  • Casein
  • Egg
  • Fish
  • Others
• Plant-based
  • Soy
  • Spirulina
  • Pumpkin Seeds
  • Wheat
  • Hemp
  • Rice
  • Pea
  • Others

By Product 

• Protein Powders
• Protein Bars
• RTD
• Others

By Application 

• Sports Nutrition
• Functional Foods

By Distribution Channel 

• Supermarkets
• Online Stores
• DTC
• Others