KSA pea protein market size, share, growth drivers, trends, opportunities & forecast 2025–2030

Saudi Arabia Pea Protein Market Overview

• The Saudi Arabia Pea Protein Market is valued at USD 186 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for plant-based protein sources, rising health consciousness among consumers, and the growing trend of veganism and vegetarianism in the region. The market is also supported by the expansion of the food and beverage industry, which is increasingly incorporating pea protein into various products.
• Key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam dominate the market due to their significant population density and urbanization. These cities are also home to major food manufacturers and distributors, which facilitates the availability and distribution of pea protein products. The increasing number of health-conscious consumers in these urban areas further drives the demand for plant-based protein alternatives.
• In 2023, the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) issued the "Technical Regulation for Plant-Based Food Products" (SFDA.FD 60:2023), mandating labeling requirements and compositional standards for plant-based proteins in food products. This regulation aims to diversify the food supply, reduce reliance on animal-based proteins, and aligns with the country's Vision 2030 goals for sustainable development and health improvement. The regulation encourages food manufacturers to innovate and incorporate more plant-based ingredients, including pea protein, into their offerings.

Saudi Arabia Pea Protein Market Segmentation

By Type:The pea protein market can be segmented into four main types: Isolates, Concentrates, Textured Pea Protein, and Hydrolysates. Among these, pea protein isolates are gaining significant traction due to their high protein content, clean-label appeal, and versatility in applications such as meat analogues, dairy alternatives, and nutritional supplements. Concentrates are also popular, especially in the food and beverage sector for bakery and snack products, while textured pea protein is increasingly used in meat alternatives and ready meals. Hydrolysates, although less common, are utilized in specialized nutritional and clinical nutrition products for their enhanced digestibility.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes Food and Beverage Manufacturers, Nutritional Supplement Producers, Animal Feed Producers, and Foodservice (HORECA). Food and Beverage Manufacturers dominate the market as they increasingly incorporate pea protein into a wide range of products, driven by consumer demand for healthier, allergen-free, and sustainable options. Nutritional supplement producers are significant users, particularly in the sports nutrition and wellness segments, while the foodservice sector is gradually adopting pea protein in menu offerings to cater to vegan and flexitarian consumers. Animal feed producers utilize pea protein for its nutritional value in specialty feed formulations.

Saudi Arabia Pea Protein Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Pea Protein Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Roquette Frères, Cargill, Incorporated, Ingredion Incorporated, AGT Food and Ingredients Inc., DuPont Nutrition & Health (now part of IFF), Axiom Foods, Inc., The Green Labs LLC, Nutra Food Ingredients, Emsland Group, Shandong Jianyuan Group, Burcon NutraScience Corporation, Vestkorn Milling AS, Puris Foods, Beyond Meat, Inc., Sunwarrior contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Saudi Arabia Pea Protein Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Protein:The Saudi Arabian market is witnessing a significant shift towards plant-based protein sources, with a reported increase in demand by 20% annually. This trend is driven by a growing population of health-conscious consumers, particularly among millennials, who are increasingly opting for plant-based diets. The World Bank projects that the demand for plant-based proteins will continue to rise, supported by a broader global shift towards sustainable food sources, which aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals.
• Rising Health Consciousness Among Consumers:Health awareness in Saudi Arabia is on the rise, with 60% of the population actively seeking healthier food options. This trend is reflected in the increasing consumption of plant-based proteins, including pea protein, which is known for its high nutritional value. The Saudi Ministry of Health has reported a 15% increase in health-related campaigns promoting plant-based diets, further driving consumer interest in nutritious alternatives to animal proteins, thus boosting the pea protein market.
• Government Initiatives Promoting Sustainable Food Sources:The Saudi government is actively promoting sustainable food production methods, with investments exceeding $1 billion in agricultural innovation. Initiatives under Vision 2030 aim to diversify food sources and reduce reliance on imports. This includes support for local pea protein production, which is expected to increase by 30% in future. Such government backing is crucial for enhancing the domestic supply chain and fostering a favorable environment for pea protein market growth.

Market Challenges

• Limited Consumer Awareness of Pea Protein:Despite the growing interest in plant-based diets, consumer awareness of pea protein remains low, with only 25% of the population familiar with its benefits. This lack of knowledge poses a significant barrier to market penetration. Educational campaigns are essential to inform consumers about the nutritional advantages of pea protein, as well as its versatility in various food products, to stimulate demand and increase market acceptance.
• Competition from Other Protein Sources:The Saudi pea protein market faces stiff competition from established protein sources such as whey and soy, which dominate the market. In future, whey protein accounted for 45% of the protein supplement market share. This competition is exacerbated by the lower price points of these alternatives, making it challenging for pea protein to gain a foothold. To overcome this, pea protein producers must emphasize unique selling propositions, such as sustainability and health benefits.

Saudi Arabia Pea Protein Market Future Outlook

The future of the pea protein market in Saudi Arabia appears promising, driven by increasing health consciousness and government support for sustainable food sources. As consumer preferences shift towards plant-based diets, the market is expected to see innovations in product formulations, enhancing the appeal of pea protein. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce platforms is likely to facilitate greater accessibility, allowing consumers to explore and purchase pea protein products more conveniently, thus expanding market reach and growth potential.

Market Opportunities

• Growth in Vegan and Vegetarian Diets:The increasing adoption of vegan and vegetarian diets in Saudi Arabia presents a significant opportunity for pea protein. With approximately 10% of the population identifying as vegan or vegetarian, the demand for plant-based protein sources is set to rise. This trend is supported by health campaigns promoting plant-based nutrition, creating a favorable environment for pea protein products to thrive.
• Innovations in Product Formulations:There is a growing opportunity for innovation in product formulations that incorporate pea protein into snacks and beverages. The snack food market in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach $1.5 billion in future, with consumers increasingly seeking healthier options. By developing new products that highlight the nutritional benefits of pea protein, companies can tap into this lucrative segment and attract health-conscious consumers.