Middle east & Africa Protein Ingredients Market Outlook, 2029

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) protein ingredient market has witnessed substantial growth over the past few decades, driven by evolving consumer preferences, health consciousness, and an increasing demand for protein-based products. Historically, the region has been dependent on animal-based protein sources such as meat and dairy products. However, with shifting dietary trends, plant-based and alternative protein ingredients have gained significant traction, reshaping the market landscape. The adoption of protein-rich diets is also in line with global health trends, where consumers are increasingly seeking products that support muscle development, weight management, and overall well-being. A key factor in the development of the protein ingredient market in MEA is the region's growing middle class and an increasing awareness of the benefits of protein in maintaining health and wellness. This has spurred demand for protein-rich foods in various forms, including protein powders, protein bars, and ready-to-eat meals. In addition to traditional animal proteins, plant-based proteins, such as soy, pea, and lentil proteins, have emerged as significant players in the market, fueled by the region’s growing vegan and vegetarian populations. This shift reflects a broader trend toward more sustainable food sources as consumers opt for protein alternatives with lower environmental footprints. Regulatory frameworks in the region have also played a vital role in the protein ingredient market’s expansion. In some MEA countries, regulations regarding food safety, quality standards, and labeling have been progressively aligned with international practices, ensuring consumer confidence in protein-based products. Moreover, government-backed initiatives to improve nutrition and food security have further accelerated the market’s growth, promoting the fortification of food products with essential nutrients like protein.

According to the research report “Middle East & Africa Protein Ingredient Market Outlook, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, The Middle East & Africa Protein Ingredient market is projected to reach market size USD 4.73 Billion by 2029. The market encompasses a wide range of protein ingredients, including both animal-based and plant-based sources. Animal proteins, such as whey and casein, have traditionally dominated the market, especially in the form of dairy-based products. However, the rise of plant-based proteins, such as soy, pea, and rice protein, is rapidly gaining momentum as consumers increasingly embrace vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets in response to health, ethical, and environmental concerns. Key players in the MEA protein ingredient market include multinational giants such as Nestlé, DuPont, and Cargill, along with regional companies like SABIC and Almarai, which have a strong presence in the dairy and protein sectors. These players are involved in producing and supplying a range of protein ingredients for various applications, including functional foods, beverages, sports nutrition, and dietary supplements. Companies are also focusing on innovations in protein sources, including plant-based proteins and alternative proteins like insect and algae-based protein, to cater to the diverse preferences of consumers in the region. The growth of the protein ingredient market in MEA can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there is an increasing focus on health and wellness, with consumers seeking to improve their diets and lifestyles through higher protein intake for muscle building, weight management, and overall health. Secondly, the region’s growing middle class and urbanization are driving demand for convenience foods, which often include protein-enriched products. Additionally, regulatory support from governments, such as the promotion of food fortification programs to combat malnutrition, has further boosted market expansion.

In the Middle East and Africa (MEA) market, the sources of protein ingredients are diverse, reflecting the region’s cultural, dietary, and economic variations. Animal-based proteins have traditionally been the dominant source of protein in the region. Dairy proteins, such as whey and casein, are particularly prevalent, with the Middle East being a significant consumer of dairy products. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt are known for their robust dairy industries, where milk and yogurt products are staples in daily diets. Additionally, meat-based proteins, particularly from lamb, goat, and chicken, have long been integral to regional cuisine, contributing to the steady demand for protein ingredients in processed food and beverage products. However, with the increasing health and environmental concerns associated with animal agriculture, there is a notable shift towards plant-based proteins. Plant-based proteins are rapidly gaining traction in the MEA region, driven by a combination of health, sustainability, and ethical considerations. The demand for plant-based proteins has grown alongside the rise of vegetarian, vegan, and flexitarian diets, particularly among younger, urban populations in countries such as the UAE, South Africa, and Egypt. Soy protein, once the most common plant-based protein, is now being joined by a variety of alternative plant proteins like pea, rice, lentil, and chickpea proteins, which are seen as more sustainable and nutritionally diverse. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in more innovative sources of plant-based proteins, such as algae and insect-based proteins, which are being explored for their sustainability and high nutritional content. The use of plant-based proteins is not just restricted to food products but extends to beverages and dietary supplements, where consumers seek functional ingredients that support muscle health, weight management, and overall well-being.

Egg protein, particularly egg white protein, is prized for its high-quality amino acid profile, making it a popular choice in sports nutrition, dietary supplements, and bakery products. It is easily digestible, low in fat, and used in protein bars, shakes, and meal replacements. Milk protein, which includes both casein and whey, is a complete protein and forms the basis of many dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk-based beverages. Its versatility extends to the cosmetics industry, where it is valued for its moisturizing properties. Among milk proteins, whey protein is especially popular in the MEA region, particularly in the fitness and wellness markets, due to its rapid digestibility and high levels of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that support muscle recovery. Casein protein, with its slow digestion rate, is commonly used in protein powders and meal replacements designed for prolonged nutrition, such as overnight muscle recovery products. Gelatin protein, derived from animal collagen, is widely used in confectioneries, gummies, and pharmaceuticals for its gelling properties. It also has applications in cosmetics, where it is valued for skin-rejuvenating effects.

In the animal feed sector, protein ingredients are critical for maintaining animal health and productivity, especially in the livestock and poultry industries. The growing demand for meat, eggs, and dairy products in countries such as Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Egypt has made animal feed a vital component of the protein ingredient market. Animal-based proteins, such as fishmeal and soybean meal, are commonly used to provide essential nutrients to livestock. Additionally, there is increasing interest in alternative protein sources such as insect and algae proteins, which offer a more sustainable solution to feed shortages and environmental concerns. The cosmetics and personal care industry is another significant application for protein ingredients in the MEA region. Proteins like collagen, keratin, and silk are used in haircare and skincare products for their moisturizing, anti-aging, and regenerative properties. As consumers become more aware of the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals, there is a rising demand for natural, protein-based alternatives in beauty and wellness products. The growing middle class and increasing disposable income in the region contribute to this trend, particularly in countries like the UAE and South Africa, where beauty standards and consumer spending on personal care products are high. the food and beverages sector stands out as the largest consumer of protein ingredients. With the rising focus on health, fitness, and nutrition, consumers are increasingly seeking protein-enriched products that support muscle growth, weight management, and overall well-being. The pharmaceutical and nutraceuticals sectors, protein ingredients are used in dietary supplements, functional foods, and therapeutic products. Protein sources such as whey and collagen are popular in supplements for joint health, muscle recovery, and immune support. The rise of lifestyle diseases and the increasing focus on preventive health have accelerated demand for such nutraceutical products.



Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) protein ingredient industry can be attributed to a combination of economic strategies, consumer trends, and geographical advantages. As the largest economy in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and one of the most diversified in the region, Saudi Arabia has made substantial investments in its food and agriculture sectors, with a clear focus on ensuring food security and reducing dependence on imports. This has spurred growth in domestic production and processing, creating a fertile ground for the expansion of the protein ingredient market. The country’s government has implemented a series of initiatives, such as the Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts have led to increased investments in agricultural technologies, including those focused on sustainable protein sources like plant-based proteins, aquaculture, and animal farming. This focus on food security and local production has contributed to the growth of both animal and plant-based protein industries. Saudi Arabia is a key player in the Gulf region's protein ingredient market, primarily due to its substantial demand for protein ingredients across various sectors like food and beverages, animal feed, and nutraceuticals. Consumer preferences in Saudi Arabia have shifted significantly in recent years, driven by increased awareness of health, wellness, and nutrition. With the rise of lifestyle diseases and a growing middle class, there has been a notable demand for protein-rich foods, particularly those that support fitness and muscle recovery. This has led to a surge in the popularity of protein-enriched products, such as protein bars, shakes, ready-to-eat meals, and fortified dairy products, which are now commonly consumed in Saudi households.

Covid-19 impact
The COVID-19 recommendations surrounding it continue to evolve. While we know that protein plays a critical role in the treatment and recovery from the disease, there is still not a consensus on the ideal amount of protein to provide to those infected. The specific anti-inflammatory mechanisms of amino acids like glutamine are not fully understood. And the nutrition therapy, including protein supplementation, is clearly relevant and should be used along with pharmacological interventions to help more patients recover from COVID-19. Words of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, resonate: "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food". Nutrition is of immense requirement for a body to fight against foreign pathogenic attacks. During a time, when a new wave of covid-19 pandemic infection is coming afresh every few months due to mutation in the coronavirus, good food enriched with adequate nutritional requirements can help you to combat. The nutritional requirement of a COVID patient, one should focus on more is protein, the building blocks of life. To including the right amount of protein in the diet can help a COVID-19 patient replenish the lost nutrients in the body.

Major Companies present in the market:
Cargill, Inc., DuPont de Nemours, Inc. (NUTRITION & BIOSCIENCES), Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company, Kerry Group plc., Bunge Limited, Fonterra Co-operative Group, Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, CHS Inc., Mead Johnson Nutrition Company, Agridient Inc., Ingredion Incorporated

Considered in this report
• Geography: Middle East & Africa
• Historic Year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Middle East & Africa Protein Ingredients Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Country wise Protein Ingredients market analysis
• Application wise Protein Ingredients distribution
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

Countries covered in the report
• UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa

Based on source of protein ingredients in the report:
• Animal protein
• Plant protein

Based on Animal type of protein ingredients in the report:
• Egg protein
• Milk protein
• Whey protein
• Casein protein
• Gelatin protein
• Fish protein, Others

Based on Plant type of protein ingredients in the report:
• Soy protein
• Pea protein
• Wheat protein
• Others

By Application Type in the report:
• Food & Beverages
• Animal Feed
• Cosmetic & Personal care
• Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical

By Formulation Type in the report:
• Solid
• Liquid

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analysing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to food and beverage industry, Medical industry, cosmetic industry, animal nutrition industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.