The global Barley Protein industry was valued at around USD 50.2 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% during the period to reach a market valuation of USD 81.1 million by 2034.
Technological innovation is driving change in the barley protein market. Traditionally, the isolation of barley protein has generally been compromised through yield, purity, and scalability: in many cases, yields are too low; their quality is threatened by purity; and their requirements are too large for practicality. However, recent advances in extraction methodologies, such as membrane filtration and enzymatic hydrolysis, have improved some of these factors. Technologies enable manufacturers to develop isolates of high-purity protein which exhibit more functionality. For example, barley protein isolates are more soluble and can be used for beverages and ready-to-mix products.
Furthermore, flavor-masking technologies are developed to eradicate the bitterness related to barley protein, hence boosting its use in various applications. All these technologies aid in cutting down production costs while enhancing marketability in high-end sectors involving dietary supplements and sports nutrition. The functional and economic viability of barley protein will increase in proportion to the market presence with further investments by companies in research & development activities.
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Key Takeaways from the Global Barley Protein Market Study:
- Barley protein is an eco-friendly alternative to animal-based proteins owing to its lower carbon footprint and use of fewer resources.
- Using upcycled barley, such as from brewer’s spent grains, aligns with circular economy principles, promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
- North America and Europe are major exporters of barley protein products, catering to increase the global demand.
- There’s a strong emphasis on sustainability, as growth promoters that improve feed efficiency and reduce environmental impact align well with the industry’s environmental goals.
Key Industry Highlights
1. Adoption of Upcycled and Sustainable Barley Ingredients
Barley protein aligns with sustainability trends due to its low water and land requirements compared to animal protein. Companies like EverGrain Ingredients repurpose brewing byproducts into high-quality barley protein, reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices. With certifications and eco-friendly marketing, barley protein attracts both eco-conscious consumers and sustainability-focused investors.
2. Rising Popularity of Functional Foods and Beverages
Barley protein is gaining traction in functional foods for its amino acid profile, improving dough elasticity, binding in meat analogs, and enhancing beverages like protein shakes and gut-health drinks. Its role in supporting muscle growth and wellness drives demand for convenient, nutritious products.
3. Growth in Animal Feed and Pet Food Applications
Barley protein is emerging as a sustainable, high-quality ingredient in premium pet food and animal feed. Its rich amino acids support muscle development in pets, livestock, and aquaculture, offering a cost-effective alternative to soy meal while reducing environmental impact.
4. Demand for Non-GMO and Clean-Label Products
The clean-label trend boosts barley protein’s appeal as a natural, minimally processed, allergen-free ingredient. Its plant-based, non-GMO profile meets consumer demand for transparency, making it an ideal alternative to processed proteins in organic and health-conscious markets.
“Upcycling barley protein by-products from brewing into high-quality protein strengthens the market’s sustainability narrative and aligns with global circular economy initiatives. Innovative enzymatic hydrolysis and advanced filtration techniques have significantly improved the quality and scalability of barley protein production”, – says Nandini Roy Choudhury, Client Partner at Future Market Insights.
Country-wise Insights
| Country | CAGR, 2024 to 2034 | |
| The USA | 5.7% | |
| Brazil | 8.6% | |
| India | 7.6% | |
| Germany | 4.6% | |
| China | 5.5% | |
Who is winning?
The competitive dynamics in the Barley Protein Market sector are fuelled by innovation, partnerships, and digitalization, with market players constantly adapting to shifting client demands. Companies are employing technology to provide value-added services with digital technologies. Product launches presenting high-purity barley protein isolates and innovative applications are driving market growth. Collaboration among manufacturers and research institutions promotes new product development. This enhances client relations and broadens the competitive market by creating unique selling points.
- In November 2024, REBBL, the original plant-powered functional beverage brand launched a line of ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes with 26 grams of protein per serving utilizing EverPro, an upcycled barley protein developed by EverGrain. This product illustrates sustainability and its high protein content.
- In 2021, The Scoular Company established its new facility in Idaho to produce Emerge™, a unique concentrated barley protein. It was established to meet the growing demand for plant-based, sustainable ingredients in pet food and aquafeed. This new facility will provide more opportunities for farmers, bolstering Idaho’s position as the most prominent producer of consistent, high-quality barley in the United States.
Some of these leaders of the Global Barley Protein Market include The Scoular Company, EverGrain Ingredients, Montana Microbial Products, Cargill, GrainCorp Limited, Malteurop Groupe, Soufflet Group, Muntons Plc, Crisp Malting Group, Maltexco S.A., Grain Millers Inc., Briess Malt & Ingredients Co., Axereal, Ireks GmbH, Imperial Malts Limited, Global Malt GmbH & Co. KG, Malting Company of Ireland, Viking Malt, Holland Malt, and Canada Malting Co. Ltd., among others.
Leading Brands
- The Scoular Company
- EverGrain Ingredients
- Cargill
- GrainCorp Limited
- Malteurop Groupe
- Soufflet Group
- Muntons Plc
- Crisp Malting Group
- Maltexco S.A.
- Montana Microbial Products
- Grain Millers Inc.
- Briess Malt & Ingredients Co.
- Axereal
- Ireks GmbH
- Imperial Malts Limited
- Global Malt GmbH & Co. KG
- Malting Company of Ireland
- Viking Malt
- Holland Malt,
- Canada Malting Co. Ltd.,
- Others
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Key Segments of the Report
By Product Type:
As per product type, the market has been categorized into Barley Protein Concentrate, Barley Protein Hydrolyzed, and Barley Protein Isolate.
By Application:
This segment is further categorized into Food & Beverages (Bakery Products, Meat Analogues, Functional Foods, Soups and Stews, Beverages, Breakfast Cereals, Others), Animal Feed (Aquaculture Feed, Pet Food, Livestock Feed), Nutraceuticals (Dietary Supplements, Protein Powders), Cosmetics & Personal Care (Skin Care Products, Hair Care Products).
By Distribution Channel:
As per distribution channel, the industry has been categorized into Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Consumer (B2C) (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Wholesalers, Specialty Stores, Convenience Stores, and Online Retailers).
By Region:
Industry analysis has been carried out in key countries of North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, Central Asia, Russia & Belarus, Balkan & Baltics, and the Middle East & Africa.
