India's plant-based protein market set to double to ₹9,000 crore

India's plant-based protein ingredient market is projected to reach ₹9,000 crore over the next five years, doubling from its current valuation of approximately ₹4,500 crore, according to the Plant-Based Foods Industry Alliance (PBFIA).

The expansion reflects a fundamental shift in consumer behaviour, with nutritional awareness increasingly replacing calorie-conscious purchasing decisions. Praveer Srivastava, executive director of PBFIA, highlighted the trend at the Fi India and ProPak India 2026 event, noting that protein has emerged as a key driver influencing food choices across the country.

India's plant-based food sector is expanding at around 18 per cent annually, significantly faster than the global average growth rate of 7-8 per cent. However, the sector remains heavily dependent on imports, with nearly 90 per cent of plant-protein ingredients currently sourced from overseas, creating substantial opportunities for domestic manufacturers to strengthen local production capacity and reduce import reliance.

Industry analysts suggest that the convergence of health consciousness, sustainability concerns, and growing availability of plant-based alternatives positions India's protein market for continued expansion in coming years.