Crunching the Numbers: The Plant-Based Eggs Market Forecast

 The global food industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and at the heart of this change is plant-based egg manufacturing. What was once a small corner of the alternative protein market is now one of the fastest-growing categories, fueled by rising consumer demand for sustainable food, ethical choices, and healthier diets. From scrambled vegan eggs to innovative egg substitutes for baking, the market outlook suggests that plant-based eggs are no longer just a trend—they are becoming a staple.

According to FoodNavigator (2025), the global plant-based egg market, currently valued at $168.2 million, is projected to grow to $834.5 million by 2035, achieving a robust CAGR of 17.4%. These figures highlight not only the business opportunity but also the broader shift in how consumers perceive protein sources and animal alternatives.

Why Plant-Based Egg Manufacturing Is Gaining Momentum

Several factors are driving the rapid adoption of egg alternatives:

1. Health Benefits – Unlike traditional eggs, which are high in cholesterol, many plant-based egg products are formulated to be cholesterol-free and lower in saturated fats. They are often fortified with essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and protein, making them an attractive option for health-conscious consumers.

2. Sustainability and Climate Impact – Traditional egg production is resource-intensive, requiring significant amounts of water, feed, and energy. Moreover, it raises concerns around carbon emissions and animal welfare. In contrast, plant-based egg manufacturing dramatically reduces the environmental footprint, aligning with consumer demand for sustainable food.

3. Market Pressures and Egg Shortages – Fluctuating egg prices, bird flu outbreaks, and supply chain disruptions have pushed consumers and businesses to look for reliable alternatives. Plant-based proteins provide consistency in pricing and supply, making them an attractive option for foodservice providers and bakeries.

4. Ethical and Lifestyle Choices – Veganism and flexitarian diets are expanding rapidly worldwide. For many, vegan eggs are the perfect way to enjoy familiar dishes without compromising on their values.

Market Leaders and Innovations

The plant-based egg manufacturing industry is being shaped by both startups and established food-tech players:

• JUST Egg (Eat Just, Inc.) – Made from mung beans, this product is already available in liquid and folded formats. It mimics the texture and taste of scrambled eggs while offering high protein content.

• The EVERY Company – Using precision fermentation, EVERY is producing bio-identical egg proteins without hens. This innovation appeals strongly to food manufacturers seeking functional egg alternatives for baking and processed foods.

• Crackd – A UK-based liquid vegan egg brand recently entered the U.S. market, expanding competition and giving consumers more choices.

• Homemade Solutions – Ingredients like aquafaba (chickpea water), flaxseed, and chia seeds are also widely used in recipes as natural egg substitutes.

These innovations highlight the diversity in egg alternatives—from legumes to fermentation—each designed to meet different consumer and industrial needs.

Applications of Plant-Based Eggs

Plant-based egg products are not limited to breakfast scrambles. They serve multiple roles in both home and industrial kitchens:

• Scrambling and Omelets – Liquid vegan eggs that cook like traditional eggs.

• Baking – Providing structure, leavening, and binding in cakes, muffins, and breads.

• Food Processing – Replacing egg powders in packaged foods, snacks, and sauces.

• Specialty Diets – Catering to vegans, vegetarians, and people with egg allergies.

By covering all functional uses of traditional eggs, plant-based egg manufacturing ensures a smooth transition for consumers and businesses alike.

Regional Growth and Opportunities

The adoption of vegan eggs varies by region, but global growth is accelerating:

• North America – Leading the market with brands like JUST Egg and strong retail distribution through supermarkets and restaurants.

• Europe – Driven by strict animal welfare regulations and a surge in vegan lifestyles, brands like Crackd are finding strong acceptance.

• Asia-Pacific – A fast-emerging market where plant-based protein innovation is aligning with traditional soy and legume-based diets.

• Middle East & Latin America – Slowly entering the market, driven by growing awareness of sustainability and health.

As global supply chains expand and consumer awareness increases, regional growth is expected to accelerate further.

Challenges in Plant-Based Egg Manufacturing

Despite its growth, the industry faces certain challenges:

• Taste and Texture – While products like JUST Egg come close, some consumers still notice differences compared to hen eggs.

• Pricing – Currently, vegan eggs can be more expensive than conventional eggs, though prices are expected to drop as manufacturing scales.

• Consumer Awareness – Many shoppers are still unfamiliar with egg substitutes, requiring strong marketing and educational campaigns.

• Regulatory Landscape – Labeling laws around using terms like “egg” for plant-based products are evolving, which could impact branding.

Overcoming these hurdles will be critical to achieving the projected $834.5 million market size.

Future Outlook: Cracking the Growth Potential

The next decade will be crucial for plant-based egg manufacturing. With advancements in food technology, wider retail distribution, and stronger consumer acceptance, vegan eggs are poised to disrupt the conventional egg industry.

Trends to watch include:

• Hybrid Products – Combining plant-based protein with other sustainable ingredients for enhanced nutrition.

• Foodservice Expansion – Restaurants and cafes offering plant-based breakfast options as standard menu items.

• B2B Growth – Partnerships with bakeries, snack manufacturers, and large-scale food producers.

• Consumer Education – Marketing campaigns that highlight health, sustainability, and ethical benefits.

If these trends continue, plant-based eggs will move from novelty to necessity in both household and commercial kitchens.

Conclusion

The rise of plant-based egg manufacturing is more than just a food trend—it is a response to global challenges in health, sustainability, and food security. With the market expected to quintuple in the next decade, vegan eggs represent a powerful shift toward a more ethical and eco-friendly food system.

For businesses, this is the perfect time to invest in egg alternatives and ride the wave of consumer demand. For consumers, it offers a chance to enjoy delicious, protein-rich foods without compromising on values.

The numbers are clear: the future of eggs is plant-based, and the opportunities are only just beginning to crack open.