The caseinates market is anticipated to grow from US$ 2.36 billion in 2023 to US$ 3.84 billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2031.
Caseinates are a type of dairy protein created by introducing an alkali to acid casein. They play a crucial role in a variety of food and beverage applications, including bakery items, confectioneries, dairy products, frozen desserts, snacks, soups, sauces, dressings, and functional beverages, serving as emulsifiers, stabilizers, and thickeners. Additionally, caseinates are integral to infant formulas due to their rich amino acid and protein profiles. In the realm of dietary supplements, they are known to support muscle growth and recovery, which is a significant factor driving market expansion. Furthermore, the increasing consumer awareness regarding health and nutrition is further fueling the demand for caseinates.
As consumers become more health-conscious, there is a notable rise in the demand for functional foods and beverages globally. Caseinates, being a rich protein source, are often utilized for fortifying bakery products with protein. Manufacturers are increasingly introducing products that incorporate caseinates, thereby enhancing the protein and amino acid content of the final offerings. Products high in protein are currently at the forefront of consumer health and nutrition trends. According to the 2023 Food & Health Survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC), "high protein" claims are the most favored eating patterns among U.S. consumers. In the beverage sector, the popularity of ready-to-drink protein shakes and nutritional sports drinks is on the rise worldwide. Caseinates contribute to the viscosity of beverages and improve mouthfeel, while also enriching the amino acid profile and functioning as stabilizers and emulsifiers. Potassium caseinate, in particular, is extensively used in juice production and winemaking to prevent oxidation and to eliminate oxidized phenolic compounds. Therefore, the diverse applications of caseinates within the food and beverage industry are significantly driving the caseinates market.
The market for caseinates is categorized by product type into sodium caseinate, calcium caseinate, potassium caseinate, and others. In 2023, the sodium caseinate segment dominated the market. Sodium caseinate is produced by neutralizing acid casein with an alkali, typically sodium hydroxide. Since acid casein is not soluble in water, the treatment with a strong alkali results in caseinates that are highly soluble. Sodium caseinate is the most soluble form of caseinates, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, including processed cheese, coffee creamers, whipped toppings, baked goods, dietary supplements, hair conditioners, and skincare products. It serves as an effective emulsifier, capable of forming and maintaining foam, absorbing fat, and enhancing the nutritional profile of food by increasing protein content. Consequently, the extensive use of sodium caseinate across various food and non-food sectors drives its demand. However, it is important to note that sodium caseinate can lead to elevated sodium levels, which may limit its appeal in low-sodium applications.
Key players in the caseinates market include Polsero Sp Zoo, EPI Ingredients SAS, Royal FrieslandCampina NV, AMCO Proteins, Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd, Agrocomplex SP Zoo, Milk Specialties Global, Erie Foods International Inc, Armor Proteines SAS, Glenstal Foods, Tatua Co-operative Dairy Co Ltd, Ornua Co-operative Ltd, Lactoprot Deutschland GmbH, Drytech Processes Pvt Ltd, among others. These companies are focused on delivering innovative and health-oriented products at competitive prices to meet consumer demands.
The overall size of the caseinates market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research methods. The research process commenced with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. Additionally, numerous primary interviews were conducted with industry stakeholders to validate the information and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants in this research included industry experts such as vice presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the caseinates market.