Seaweed Protein Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Source (Red Seaweed, Green Seaweed, and Brown Seaweed), By Extraction Process (Conventional Method and Current Method), By Application (Food, Animal Feed & Additives, and Personal Care & Cosmetics), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global seaweed protein market size was valued at USD 0.6 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 0.67 billion in 2026 to USD 1.5 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.68% during the forecast period.

The global seaweed protein market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and plant-based protein alternatives. Seaweed is a good replacement for animal proteins since it has all the key vitamins, amino acids and active substances needed in any diet. Growing it does not depend on land or much water which is beneficial to global sustainability. In North America and Europe, increasing numbers of vegans and vegetarians are also speeding the development of the alternative protein market. The U.S. Department of Agriculture found that Canada’s seaweed protein market grew by 0.15 last year. New technology in extracting proteins and expanded product types, including those for food, feed and cosmetics, are expected to drive future expansion.

Seaweed Protein Market Driver

Growing Focus on Health and Sustainability to Boost Demand for Seaweed Protein in Functional Foods

Many people moving to plant-based diets is the main reason for growth in the seaweed protein market. More people are choosing sustainable protein as they want better health and want to protect the environment. Its amino acid content, presence of antioxidants and many minerals make seaweed protein a popular choice for both foods and supplements. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, plant-based food products used 35,000 tons of seaweed protein in 2023. Moreover, seaweed farming is environmentally friendly, as it uses less land than other methods and soaks up CO₂ which more people like. Researchers and manufacturers have been sharing knowledge to further speed up both the development and introduction of new products.

Seaweed Protein Market Restraint

Sensory Challenges and Regulatory Hurdles Pose Key Barriers to Seaweed Protein Adoption

Although there is potential in seaweed protein, this market encounters issues as only a few consumers are familiar with it and find it unappealing. Seaweed’s specific taste and texture mean that some consumers may not be keen on it, so it needs new formula ideas. Production is hampered by obstacles, including sometimes contradictory standards in different places. In fact, following food safety rules for different markets adds difficulty to a company’s operations. The cost of manufacturing and the challenges associated with scaling back the technology prevent it from reaching many people. Future growth in the market will depend on teaching consumers, improving how food is processed and setting common rules.

Seaweed Protein Market Opportunity

Seaweed-Based Meat and Dairy Alternatives Unlock Growth in Plant-Based Protein Market

Many chances exist in the market for companies to develop new products and expand into new countries. Creating seaweed versions of meat, dairy and functional beverages helps meet the rise in demand for food with plant-based nutrition. In Latin America and Africa, sustainable sources of food are increasingly used, providing great potential for growth. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the U.S. had 120 seaweed protein production facilities in 2023, a sign of the industry’s progress. By working together, aquaculture farms, food industry and research organizations can lead to the development of enzymatic hydrolysis and other new tools, making protein supply better and more attractive for the market.

Segmentation

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Key Industry Trends
• Regulatory Landscape across Key Regions
• Key Industry Developments
• Growth Opportunities in Emerging Markets

Analysis By Source

By Source, the Seaweed Protein Market is divided into Red Seaweed, Green Seaweed, Brown Seaweed. 

It is likely that red seaweed will hold the majority of the market thanks to its protein and common use in foods. The construction of these products is helped by the higher demand for plant-based proteins and by improvements in how they are separated.

Analysis By Extraction Process

By Extraction Process, the Seaweed Protein Market is divided into Conventional Method, Current Method. 

Seaweed protein becoming a popular hit in vegetarian diets is expected to lift the food segment. Last year in the U.S., plant-based items used more than 35,000 tons of seaweed protein under regulation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Analysis By Application

By Application, the Seaweed Protein Market is divided into Food, Animal Feed & Additives, Personal Care & Cosmetics. 

Food applications make up most of the market, thanks to growing requests for plant-based foods which used about 35,000 tons in the U.S. in 2023. People are adding seaweed to personal and skin care products which explains the rapid rise in seaweed exports for these industries.

Regional Analysis

Based on geography, the market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

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North America is leading the growth spurt due to a higher demand for plant-based protein foods. Seaweed production technology in the U.S. is based on 120 facilities (U.S. Census Bureau) and the various research grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including $5 million for seaweed protein studies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Canada’s market value grew by 0.15 in 2023. Expanding the regional market is also supported by new and sustainable protein products people are becoming aware of.

The European seaweed protein sector is expanding due to more emphasis on sustainability and healthy eating. Research in Germany receives €3 million and France purchases 40,000 tons of vegan goods (INSEE). Industry infrastructure in the UK and Norway is strong, as shown by the 180 and 120 suppliers each. With the EU prioritizing circular economy ideas, the field of functional foods and cosmetics is moving forward faster. Eight research collaborations led by Statistics Sweden show how forward-thinking the region is. Due to stronger regulations and interest from consumers, the marine ingredients market in Western and Nordic Europe has considerable potential, thanks to consumers appreciating their health and green nature.

Due to their long experience in growing seaweed, the Asia Pacific accounts for most of the world’s seaweed protein market. National Bureau of Statistics reports that China uses 5,000 production facilities, but Japan's METI reveals it deals with 33,000 tons in the food industry each year. The annual export of 4,000 tons (Statistics Korea) demonstrates that South Korea is strongly based on an export-oriented industry. Regional growth in Asia is caused by people eating more seafood, novel aquaculture and support from governments. The supplement industry in Indonesia and Thailand is now using 15,000 tons of seaweed protein, while Thailand uses 20,000 tons of seaweed protein for food production. While steady supply networks and heavy involvement in nutraceuticals mean Asia Pacific is still top, Vietnam and the Philippines are both growing in importance for animal production and food sales.

Key Players Covered

The report includes the profiles of the following key players:

• Algaia (France)
• Algea (Norway)
• Basf (Germany)
• Cargill, Incorporated (U.S.)
• Ceamsa (Spain)
• Cp Kelco U.S., Inc. (U.S.)
• Gelymar S.A (Chile)
• Irish Seaweeds (Ireland)
• Qingdao Bright Moon Seaweed Group Co. Ltd (China)
• Qingdao Gather Great Ocean Algae Industry Group Co. Ltd (China)

Key Industry Developments

• In March 2024, Umaro Foods secured $3.8 million in funding to scale up production of its seaweed-based bacon.
• In April 2024, GreenCoLab showcased innovative seaweed protein products, including algae-based caviar and burgers.