Global Wheat Proteins (Wheat Gluten) Market
Industry Analysis, Competitive Landscape & Forecast
Market Overview
The global wheat proteins (wheat gluten) market represents a well-established and steadily expanding segment of the plant-based protein and functional ingredients industry. Wheat protein—commonly known as vital wheat gluten—is a natural, insoluble protein extracted from wheat flour through hydration and separation processes.
Its commercial value lies in its unique visco-elastic characteristics, derived from the interaction between glutenin (elasticity) and gliadin (extensibility). These properties make wheat gluten indispensable in applications requiring structure, binding, chewiness, and water retention.
Wheat protein is extensively used in bakery products, meat analogs, noodles, pasta, animal feed, and specialty industrial formulations. The market benefits from rising demand for plant-based proteins, cost efficiency compared with soy and pea proteins, and strong compatibility with large-scale food processing.
The global wheat proteins market was valued at xx million USD in 2017 and is expected to reach xx million USD by 2025, expanding at a CAGR of approximately 5.0%. Growth momentum is expected to remain positive through the next decade, supported by food innovation and feed industry demand.
Market Segmentation
By Product Type
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Vital wheat gluten
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Hydrolyzed wheat protein
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Modified wheat protein
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Textured wheat protein
By Form
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Powder
-
Granules
-
Flakes
By Application
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Bakery & flour products
-
Meat substitutes & plant-based foods
-
Pasta & noodles
-
Breakfast cereals & snacks
-
Animal feed & aquaculture
-
Pet food
-
Industrial & technical uses
By End User
-
Industrial food manufacturers
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Commercial bakeries
-
Plant-based food producers
-
Feed manufacturers
-
Ingredient blenders & distributors
Key Market Players
The market is moderately consolidated, dominated by global agribusiness and starch-processing companies with vertically integrated wheat sourcing and processing capabilities.
Key players include:
-
Tereos
-
Manildra Group
-
Roquette
-
MGP Ingredients
-
CropEnergies
-
ADM
-
Cargill
-
Chamtor
-
Agridient
-
Henan Tianguan
-
Glico Nutrition
-
Kroener-Staerke
Regional Analysis
North America
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Strong demand from bakery, pasta, and meat alternative segments
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Increasing use in plant-based formulations
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Stable feed industry consumption
Europe
-
Largest consumer region
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Strong bakery tradition and meat substitute market
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Regulatory focus on food quality and labeling
Asia-Pacific
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Fastest growth region
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China and Southeast Asia driving feed and noodle demand
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Rising adoption in plant-based protein foods
Central & South America
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Moderate growth
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Expanding animal feed and bakery industries
Middle East & Africa
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Demand driven by bakery and pasta imports
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Limited local production, high reliance on imports
Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
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Threat of New Entrants: Low to Moderate
High capital investment and access to wheat processing infrastructure limit new entrants. -
Bargaining Power of Suppliers: Moderate
Wheat price volatility impacts margins, though large players secure long-term sourcing. -
Bargaining Power of Buyers: High
Buyers can switch between protein sources depending on price and functionality. -
Threat of Substitutes: Moderate
Soy, pea, and rice proteins are alternatives but differ in functional performance. -
Competitive Rivalry: High
Competition is intense among global processors on price, quality, and supply reliability.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
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Unique visco-elastic functionality
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Cost-effective plant protein source
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Wide applicability across food and feed sectors
Weaknesses
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Not suitable for gluten-free applications
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Allergen perception in some consumer segments
Opportunities
-
Rapid expansion of plant-based meat analogs
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Growing demand for textured wheat protein
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Innovation in clean-label bakery solutions
Threats
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Growth of gluten-free diets
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Raw material price volatility
-
Competition from alternative proteins
Market Trends
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Increased use in plant-based meat and seafood analogs
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Rising demand for textured wheat protein
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Growth of high-protein bakery products
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Expansion of functional feed applications
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Development of blended protein systems
Drivers & Challenges
Key Drivers
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Rising demand for plant-based proteins
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Cost efficiency compared with other proteins
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Growth in bakery and processed food industries
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Strong functional performance in food formulations
Key Challenges
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Gluten intolerance and dietary restrictions
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Wheat supply and price fluctuations
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Regulatory labeling requirements
Value Chain Analysis
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Wheat cultivation & procurement
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Wheat milling & starch separation
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Gluten extraction & drying
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Protein modification & texturization
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Ingredient distribution
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Food & feed manufacturing
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End-user consumption
Value creation is highest in texturization, formulation support, and application-specific customization.
Strategic Recommendations for Stakeholders
Manufacturers
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Invest in textured and specialty wheat protein products
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Expand applications in plant-based meat alternatives
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Strengthen supply-chain resilience
Food Producers
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Use wheat protein blends to optimize texture and cost
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Target flexitarian consumer segments
Investors
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Focus on companies aligned with plant-based food growth
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Monitor innovation in wheat protein texturization
Distributors
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Expand technical sales and application guidance
Policy & Industry Bodies
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Promote transparent labeling and allergen education
Table of Contents
Global Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Professional Survey Report
1 Industry Overview of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
1.1 Definition and Specifications of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
1.1.1 Definition of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
1.1.2 Specifications of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
1.2 Classification of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
1.2.1 Optimal grade product
1.2.2 Sub-optimal grade product
1.2.3 General grade product
1.3 Applications of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
1.3.1 Food
1.3.2 Animal feed
1.3.3 Others
1.4 Market Segment by Regions
1.4.1 North America
1.4.2 Europe
1.4.3 China
1.4.4 Japan
1.4.5 Southeast Asia
1.4.6 India
2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers
2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Major Manufacturers in
3.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Major Manufacturers in
3.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Major Manufacturers in
3.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Major Manufacturers in
4 Global Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Overall Market Overview
4.1 -E Overall Market Analysis
4.2 Capacity Analysis
4.2.1 -E Global Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis
4.2.2 Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)
4.3 Sales Analysis
4.3.1 -E Global Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales and Growth Rate Analysis
4.3.2 Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales Analysis (Company Segment)
4.4 Sales Price Analysis
4.4.1 -E Global Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales Price
4.4.2 Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)
5 Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Regional Market Analysis
5.1 North America Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Analysis
5.1.1 North America Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Overview
5.1.2 North America -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.1.3 North America -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales Price Analysis
5.1.4 North America Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Share Analysis
5.2 Europe Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Analysis
5.2.1 Europe Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Overview
5.2.2 Europe -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.2.3 Europe -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales Price Analysis
5.2.4 Europe Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Share Analysis
5.3 China Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Analysis
5.3.1 China Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Overview
5.3.2 China -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.3.3 China -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales Price Analysis
5.3.4 China Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Share Analysis
5.4 Japan Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Analysis
5.4.1 Japan Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Overview
5.4.2 Japan -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.4.3 Japan -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales Price Analysis
5.4.4 Japan Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Share Analysis
5.5 Southeast Asia Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Analysis
5.5.1 Southeast Asia Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Overview
5.5.2 Southeast Asia -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.5.3 Southeast Asia -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales Price Analysis
5.5.4 Southeast Asia Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Share Analysis
5.6 India Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Analysis
5.6.1 India Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Overview
5.6.2 India -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis
5.6.3 India -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales Price Analysis
5.6.4 India Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Market Share Analysis
6 Global -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Segment Market Analysis (by Type)
6.1 Global -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales by Type
6.2 Different Types of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Product Interview Price Analysis
6.3 Different Types of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Product Driving Factors Analysis
6.3.1 Optimal grade product Growth Driving Factor Analysis
6.3.2 Sub-optimal grade product Growth Driving Factor Analysis
6.3.3 General grade product Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7 Global -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Segment Market Analysis (by Application)
7.1 Global -E Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Consumption by Application
7.2 Different Application of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Product Interview Price Analysis
7.3 Different Application of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Product Driving Factors Analysis
7.3.1 Food of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.2 Animal feed of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Growth Driving Factor Analysis
7.3.3 Others of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Growth Driving Factor Analysis
8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten)
8.1 Tereos
8.1.1 Company Profile
8.1.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.1.2.1 Product A
8.1.2.2 Product B
8.1.3 Tereos Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.1.4 Tereos Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.2 Manildra
8.2.1 Company Profile
8.2.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.2.2.1 Product A
8.2.2.2 Product B
8.2.3 Manildra Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.2.4 Manildra Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.3 Roquette (FR)
8.3.1 Company Profile
8.3.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.3.2.1 Product A
8.3.2.2 Product B
8.3.3 Roquette (FR) Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.3.4 Roquette (FR) Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.4 MGP Ingredients
8.4.1 Company Profile
8.4.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.4.2.1 Product A
8.4.2.2 Product B
8.4.3 MGP Ingredients Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.4.4 MGP Ingredients Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.5 CropEnergies
8.5.1 Company Profile
8.5.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.5.2.1 Product A
8.5.2.2 Product B
8.5.3 CropEnergies Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.5.4 CropEnergies Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.6 ADM
8.6.1 Company Profile
8.6.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.6.2.1 Product A
8.6.2.2 Product B
8.6.3 ADM Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.6.4 ADM Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.7 Cargill
8.7.1 Company Profile
8.7.2 Product Picture and Specifications
8.7.2.1 Product A
8.7.2.2 Product B
8.7.3 Cargill Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Sales, Ex-factory Price, Revenue, Gross Margin Analysis
8.7.4 Cargill Wheat Proteins(wheat gluten) Business Region Distribution Analysis
8.8 Chamtor
Market Segmentation
By Product Type
-
Vital wheat gluten
-
Hydrolyzed wheat protein
-
Modified wheat protein
-
Textured wheat protein
By Form
-
Powder
-
Granules
-
Flakes
By Application
-
Bakery & flour products
-
Meat substitutes & plant-based foods
-
Pasta & noodles
-
Breakfast cereals & snacks
-
Animal feed & aquaculture
-
Pet food
-
Industrial & technical uses
By End User
-
Industrial food manufacturers
-
Commercial bakeries
-
Plant-based food producers
-
Feed manufacturers
-
Ingredient blenders & distributors
Key Market Players
The market is moderately consolidated, dominated by global agribusiness and starch-processing companies with vertically integrated wheat sourcing and processing capabilities.
Key players include:
-
Tereos
-
Manildra Group
-
Roquette
-
MGP Ingredients
-
CropEnergies
-
ADM
-
Cargill
-
Chamtor
-
Agridient
-
Henan Tianguan
-
Glico Nutrition
-
Kroener-Staerke
