Growing Demand for Defatted Wheat Germ in Food and Beverage Industry

According to our new research study on “Europe Defatted Wheat Germ Market Forecast to 2031 – by Form and Application,” the Europe defatted wheat germ market size was valued at US$ 33.70 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 53.45 million by 2031; it is expected to register a CAGR of 6.8% during 2025–2031. The market report highlights key factors propelling the market growth and prominent players along with their developments in the market.

Defatted wheat germ is gaining significant traction in Europe's food and beverage industry due to its nutritional benefits and versatility. The ingredient is rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, which aligns with the growing consumer preference for health-conscious and functional foods. Many brands use defatted wheat germ as a key ingredient in protein bars and snacks. It provides a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

Defatted wheat germ is often added to breakfast cereals, either as a base or a functional ingredient, to increase their nutritional value. Its high fiber content contributes to digestive health, while its protein ensures significant muscle growth. Moreover, it is added to smoothies, shakes, and health drinks. It is typically blended with other plant-based ingredients to create nutrient-dense beverages that support overall well-being. Moreover, various baked goods such as muffins, cookies, and bread also include defatted wheat germ. It adds a nutritional boost, providing extra fiber and protein, which enhances the overall health appeal of the product.

Incorporating defatted wheat germ into food products enhances nutritional value and caters to the evolving preferences of consumers in Europe. As the demand for health-oriented and functional foods continues to rise, the role of defatted wheat germ in the food and beverage industry expands, offering opportunities for manufacturers to innovate and meet market needs.

Europe Defatted Wheat Germ Market Trends

The rising health concerns among people due to the increasing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and other diseases are driving people to change their dietary habits. Many people are adopting a vegan diet due to the rising health consciousness. Several dieticians and health practitioners recommend reducing meat consumption and switching to a vegetarian diet to reduce the risks of chronic health issues, such as obesity, heart disease, hypertension, and digestive disorders. As per the Good Food Institute, Germany is the largest consumer of plant-based products, followed by the UK, Italy, Spain, and France. According to the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE), the consumption of animal-based foods in Germany continues to decline, and meat consumption has fallen by around 8% to 52kg per person in 2022. Defatted wheat germ is considered a good source of protein and acts as a substitute for other animal-sourced protein. Thus, various end-use industries are significantly demanding plant proteins, such as defatted wheat germ, to cater to the increasing demand for plant-based products.

According to the Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom Limited, 4.5% of the UK population have a vegetarian or vegan diet. Moreover, one in five ready meals are plant-based or vegetarian. The concerns regarding sustainability, a push for eco-friendly protein alternatives, and the rising health trends focused on low cholesterol and reduced meat consumption drive the growth of regional market.

Thus, the rise in veganism and surging popularity of plant-based diets is expected to create new trends in the defatted wheat germ market in the coming years.

Europe Defatted Wheat Germ Market Growth

The Europe defatted wheat germ market growth is attributed to its wide application scope in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Defatted wheat germ is a valuable ingredient in the food and beverage industry due to its rich nutrient profile, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, while being low in fat. Its applications range from functional food ingredients to health-focused products, providing a nutritional boost. Defatted wheat germ is often added to bakery products such as bread, muffins, cookies, and pancakes to increase their nutritional value. It is frequently used in snack bars, protein bars, and other on-the-go products. Its high protein and fiber content make it an ideal ingredient for creating energy-dense, nutrient-packed snacks. It also enhances the texture of these products, providing a slight crunch or chewiness, depending on its form.

As part of plant-based diets, defatted wheat germ is used in the production of meat alternatives such as veggie burgers, sausages, and plant-based protein products. Its protein content and texture mimic the qualities of animal-based protein, making it an excellent choice for vegetarian and vegan products. Thus, the demand for defatted wheat germ is significantly growing among various food and beverage manufacturers.

Defatted wheat germ is widely used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries as a bulking agent due to its high fiber, protein, and micronutrient content. It helps to enhance the volume and texture of tablets, capsules, and powder formulations without compromising the nutritional value. Its natural composition provides a clean-label alternative to synthetic fillers. Additionally, defatted wheat germ offers functional benefits, supporting digestive health, immunity, and overall wellness.

The Europe defatted wheat germ market analysis has been performed by considering the following segments: form and application. By form, the market is segmented into powder, flakes, and granular. The powder segment held a larger Europe defatted wheat germ market share in 2024. Defatted wheat germ in powder form is made by removing the fat content from the wheat germ, and dried to eliminate moisture. This powder is rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc. By removing the fat content, it becomes a healthier, lower-calorie alternative to regular wheat germ while retaining most of its beneficial nutrients. This defatted wheat germ powder is easily incorporated into various food products and animal feed. It is commonly used in baking to enhance the nutritional profile of breads, muffins, cookies, and pancakes. It can also added to smoothies, shakes, or cereals for an extra boost of protein and fiber. Additionally, it serves as a thickening agent in soups, stews, and sauces while providing a mild and nutty flavor.

Based on application, the Europe defatted wheat germ market report is segmented into food and beverages, animal nutrition, and pharmaceutical & nutraceuticals. The animal nutrition segment held the largest share in the Europe defatted wheat germ market in 2024, accounting for 52.0%, and is expected to account for 50.5% in 2031. Defatted wheat germ plays an important role in the animal nutrition industry due to its high nutritional value. After the oil is removed, wheat germ retains a substantial amount of its beneficial nutrients, making it an ideal supplement for livestock, poultry, fish, and other animals. Defatted wheat germ is frequently included in the diet of ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats as a valuable source of plant-based protein. It supports muscle growth, enhances weight gain, and improves overall health. The presence of Vitamin E in wheat germ is important for poultry, as it plays a role in enhancing reproductive health and preventing muscle degeneration. Additionally, the high fiber content aids digestion and contributes to better feed conversion ratios, making the feed more efficient. Its nutritional composition supports healthy growth, improved productivity, and enhanced immune function, making it a popular choice in the formulation of animal feeds. Europe defatted wheat germ market share.

Calyx Commodities; Garuda International, Inc; PHM Brands; British Aqua Feeds c/o DNA Baits Ltd; Woodland Gourmet; KUNHUA BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.; and Casillo S.p. are among the leading companies profiled in the Europe Defatted Wheat Germ market report.

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