Protein products market in the U.S. - statistics & facts
Although the alternative protein market is growing rapidly around the world, the protein market is still dominated by fresh animal meat. As of 2025, the global plant-based meat market was valued at about 11 billion U.S. dollars, while meat market revenue amounted to almost 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars. That year, JBS and Tyson food, Inc. were among the leading protein food processors worldwide. JBS company generated almost 86 billion U.S. dollars in revenue in 2025.
Protein supplements
With the growing trends for protein intake among consumers, protein supplements have become a staple for many Americans. In 2024, protein supplements sales grew by over nine percent in the United States. That year, whey protein attained the largest share in the protein supplement market followed by collagen and plant protein. Plant-based or alternative protein bars were one of the main alternative protein supplements, generating sales of over 333 million U.S. dollars as of November 2025. Sales of whey protein, however, are still growing faster than plant protein supplements. In 2025, sales of whey protein increased by about 13.5 percent, while sales of plant protein slightly decreased.
Consumer market
Protein is gaining attention more than ever. In 2025, protein was the most frequently mentioned nutrient that American consumers tried to consume, with approximately 70 percent of respondents mentioning it. People are following high protein diets and many define healthy food as “good source of protein”. There has been a growing demand for high-protein products in general, with more consumers willing to try plant-based protein products. This gives an opportunity to food companies to extend their product lines in line with these demands. Food packaging is where consumers are able to gather most knowledge on ingredients. The sources of protein and amount displayed were what most consumers found important, while information on amino acids also mattered in consumer decisions.
The protein market is at a crossroads where traditional meat processors and alternative protein brands are competing for the same health-conscious consumer. Whether through supplements, plant-based bars, or conventional meat, Americans' appetite for protein shows no signs of slowing down.
