The market of protein products in Italy

Protein products are foods or supplements that provide a concentrated source of protein, an essential nutrient for the growth, maintenance and restoration of tissues in the human body. Various offerings and types of products can be found in the protein products market in Italy, including:

Protein supplements: tablets, powders or drinks containing protein in concentrated, isolated or hydrolyzed form, used to supplement daily protein intake.

Proteinbars: protein-rich snacks, often used as meal replacements or post-workout snacks.

Plant-based protein foods: plant-based protein products, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, legumes, and grains, that provide a source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.

Functional protein products: products fortified with protein and other ingredients, such as fiber, vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants, to provide additional health benefits.

The protein products market in Italy is experiencing significant growth, with increasing demand and a wide variety of products available. Protein foods are increasingly popular and are changing the profile of the average diet in the country. This market includes both foods with protein ingredients of animal (e.g., egg protein, milk protein, insect protein), and plant (e.g., legume protein and cereals) origin, offering options for different preferences and dietary needs. According to data from the Nielsen GS1 Imagine Observatory, demand for protein foods is growing, with a wide variety of products marketed as protein sources. New trends have also emerged, such as increased sales of foreign-sourced protein foods and plant-based protein products.[TheJournalFood]

In supermarkets, more than 2,600 references highlight their richness in protein and generate sales of more than 1.2 billion euros, an increase of 8.4 percent in one year. Protein products are no longer limited to classic bars for fitness freaks, but include ready meals, dried fruit snacks, yogurt, vegetable drinks, porridge and even pasta.[TheSole24Ore]

It must be remembered that foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products are naturally rich in protein; however, this study will focus on foods of animal or plant origin whose high protein content, whether natural or from enrichment, is listed on the label to promote their sale. For information on other naturally protein-rich foods, please refer to the specific studies available in the Businesscoot catalog.