Tempeh Market Size | Global Report [2033]

Tempeh Market Overview

The Tempeh Market size was valued at USD 4444.72 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 6574.59 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The tempeh market is currently valued around 5.17 billion USD globally as of 2023, reflecting a significant increase compared to 4.45 billion USD in 2020. This growth is primarily driven by a global population exceeding 8 billion, where roughly 10-15% identify as vegetarian or vegan, boosting demand for plant-based protein alternatives like tempeh. Tempeh's protein content ranges between 15-20 grams per 100 grams serving, making it a competitive plant-based protein source.

Consumer awareness about gut health has propelled fermented foods into the spotlight, with tempeh containing beneficial probiotics. Fermentation reduces phytic acid content by about 50%, enhancing mineral absorption such as calcium and magnesium. Globally, over 50 countries report increasing consumption, with Asia-Pacific accounting for approximately 31.5% of the market share. Demand for organic tempeh products has risen by 18% in volume sales in 2023 compared to 2021, signaling consumers’ preferences towards clean-label and organic food options. Furthermore, tempeh’s shelf life varies between 7 to 14 days when refrigerated and can extend to 6 months when frozen, influencing supply chain logistics.

Key Findings

Top Driver: Increasing consumer shift towards sustainable and plant-based protein sources.

Top Country/Region: Asia-Pacific remains the largest consumer and producer, particularly Indonesia, accounting for approximately 25% of global tempeh production volume.

Top Segment: Frozen tempeh products dominate with around 42% market share in retail sales, favored for convenience and longer shelf life.

Tempeh Market Trends

Tempeh consumption is being reshaped by several key market trends. One of the most prominent trends is the surge in fermented foods popularity, driven by increasing consumer knowledge about gut microbiomes. The global fermented foods market was valued at over USD 450 billion in 2023, and tempeh is a significant contributor within plant-based fermented products. Health-conscious consumers are gravitating towards foods rich in protein and fiber; tempeh provides approximately 19 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per 100-gram serving, making it a nutritional powerhouse. The rise in vegetarian and vegan populations, which comprise about 6% and 3% respectively of the global population, supports this demand. Moreover, new product innovations are rapidly entering the market. Companies are experimenting with tempeh made from black soybeans and other legumes, catering to consumers with soy allergies or seeking variety. Sales of black bean tempeh, which offers slightly higher antioxidant levels, have increased by 14% in 2023, especially in North America and Europe. Retailers are expanding frozen tempeh product lines as these account for 42% of market volume, due to consumer demand for convenience and longer storage options. Additionally, flavored tempeh varieties with spices such as smoked paprika, garlic, and teriyaki have shown an uptick of 22% in sales over the past 18 months. Environmental sustainability trends are influencing consumer purchases. Studies show producing 1 kg of tempeh requires approximately 2,000 liters of water, significantly lower than beef production which can require up to 15,000 liters per kg. This environmental advantage is appealing to consumers concerned about water conservation and greenhouse gas emissions. The growing availability of tempeh in mainstream supermarkets is expanding consumer access. Approximately 68% of tempeh sales in 2023 occurred through supermarkets and hypermarkets, a sharp increase from 53% in 2020, indicating broader retail penetration.

Tempeh Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising Demand for Plant-Based Proteins

As consumers become increasingly health-conscious, demand for plant-based proteins like tempeh continues to rise. In 2023, about 35% of new product launches in the global protein category included tempeh or other fermented soy-based products. The protein content of tempeh, ranging from 15 to 20 grams per 100 grams, makes it an attractive alternative to animal protein. Dietary guidelines in many countries now emphasize plant-based protein consumption, encouraging this shift. Additionally, tempeh contains complete essential amino acids, addressing concerns of protein completeness among plant-based eaters. The increasing number of flexitarians, who reduce but do not eliminate meat intake, also fuels tempeh demand, accounting for an estimated 20% of tempeh consumers globally.

RESTRAINT

Limited Consumer Awareness Outside Asia

Despite its nutritional advantages, tempeh suffers from limited awareness and acceptance outside of Southeast Asia. In North America and Europe, only about 25% of surveyed consumers in 2023 recognized tempeh as a meat substitute, compared to over 80% in Indonesia. Misconceptions about taste and preparation methods hinder adoption. Further, the unfamiliar texture and fermentation aroma of tempeh pose barriers. Retail shelf space remains limited in many regions, restricting consumer access. Market penetration is particularly low in Middle East & Africa, where only 7% of consumers reported regular tempeh consumption in 2023, reflecting a need for increased education and marketing efforts.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion Through E-commerce and Foodservice

The rise of e-commerce presents a significant growth opportunity. Online retail accounted for nearly 17% of tempeh sales worldwide in 2023, growing from 11% in 2020, with projected volume sales of 15,000 metric tons. Convenience and expanded reach via online platforms enable niche products to access broader markets. Furthermore, incorporating tempeh into menus of restaurants, cafeterias, and catering services is expanding consumer exposure. In 2023, over 12% of plant-based dishes on restaurant menus worldwide featured tempeh, up from 7% in 2019. Collaborations between tempeh manufacturers and foodservice providers can accelerate adoption and boost demand.

CHALLENGE

Supply Chain and Quality Control Issues

Maintaining consistent quality in tempeh production poses a challenge, especially outside traditional manufacturing regions. Soybean supply fluctuations affect raw material availability; global soybean production stood at approximately 370 million metric tons in 2023, with around 50% allocated for food use. Ensuring non-GMO and organic soybeans for premium tempeh products increases production costs. Additionally, fermentation requires precise temperature and humidity controls to prevent contamination, complicating large-scale manufacturing. Inconsistent product texture and flavor can deter repeat purchases. Cold chain logistics, critical for preserving tempeh’s shelf life of 7-14 days refrigerated, increase operational costs, particularly in emerging markets.

Tempeh Market Segmentation

The tempeh market is segmented based on type and application, allowing stakeholders to assess demand patterns and consumer behavior across different channels and product uses.

By Type

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Supermarkets and hypermarkets continue to dominate the distribution landscape for tempeh, accounting for approximately 68% of the global market share in 2023. These outlets offer a wide range of product varieties including fresh, frozen, flavored, and organic tempeh, making them a preferred choice for everyday consumers. Their broad shelf space and established logistics make it easier for producers to launch new SKUs and maintain consistent supply. Consumers in urban areas especially rely on large retail chains, with tempeh availability increasing by 26% across major supermarket networks in North America and Europe in 2023 compared to 2021.
Specialist Retailers: Specialist health food stores and organic grocers represent around 12% of tempeh distribution. These retailers cater to a niche market focused on clean-label, gluten-free, and non-GMO offerings. Sales of tempeh in specialist stores have grown steadily, particularly in urban centers with a high concentration of vegan and vegetarian consumers. In 2023, organic tempeh sales through specialist outlets increased by 18% year-over-year. These stores also offer education about tempeh’s nutritional benefits, influencing first-time buyers and promoting repeat purchases.
Online Retailers: Online retail platforms accounted for 17% of tempeh sales in 2023, reflecting the digital transformation of grocery shopping. With growing demand for convenience and a wider product range, e-commerce sites have enabled manufacturers to reach customers in areas underserved by traditional retail. Online platforms also support subscription models and direct-to-consumer sales, which have risen by 22% in volume since 2021. The ability to access organic, flavored, or lesser-known legume-based tempeh variants has made online shopping increasingly popular.
Others: This category includes direct sales at farmers' markets, food co-operatives, and small-scale local producers. Though representing a smaller share at about 3%, it plays a significant role in promoting artisanal and freshly made tempeh, especially in regions with growing interest in local and handmade food products. In 2023, artisan tempeh production increased by 11%, driven by consumer interest in sustainability and local sourcing.

By Application

Soybean Tempeh: Soybean tempeh is the traditional and most widely consumed variety, making up approximately 85% of the global market volume. It remains a staple due to its high protein content (about 19 grams per 100 grams), low cost of production, and strong consumer familiarity. Soybean tempeh is the most commonly available variant in both mainstream retail and specialty health food stores. In 2023, consumption of soybean tempeh grew by 14% globally, with the strongest demand in Asia-Pacific and North America.
Black Bean Tempeh: Black bean tempeh and other legume-based variants are gaining traction as alternatives for consumers who are allergic to soy or looking for nutritional variety. These versions provide slightly different nutrient profiles, with black bean tempeh offering higher levels of antioxidants. In 2023, black bean tempeh made up approximately 15% of the market and experienced a 19% increase in demand compared to the previous year. This variant is especially popular in health-conscious segments across the U.S., U.K., and Germany, and is commonly used in pre-seasoned or ready-to-cook tempeh products.

Tempeh Market Regional Outlook

North America

North America’s tempeh market was valued at approximately USD 1.0 billion in 2023, representing 19.4% of the global market share. The region’s growth is supported by an estimated 7.5 million vegetarians and vegans, with increasing retail availability and consumer interest in gut health and sustainability. Frozen tempeh sales increased by 28% year-over-year in major markets such as the U.S. and Canada.

Europe

Europe’s market size reached about USD 0.92 billion in 2023. Countries like the UK and Germany are leading due to rising vegan populations, estimated at over 3 million in the UK alone. Retail and foodservice sales of tempeh increased by 25% between 2021 and 2023. Consumer demand for organic and gluten-free tempeh variants is particularly high.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific dominates the market, with a share of 31.5% or approximately USD 1.63 billion in 2023. Indonesia, the origin of tempeh, produces an estimated 250,000 metric tons annually, with growing demand also in China and India where plant-based protein consumption is rising due to health trends and population growth.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa market remains nascent, valued under USD 0.3 billion in 2023. Awareness and retail penetration are low but gradually increasing due to growing urbanization and the influence of global food trends. Investments in cold chain infrastructure and consumer education are critical for expansion.

List of Top Tempeh Market Companies

Meatless
The Nisshin Ollio
Vbites Foods
MGP Ingredients
Garden Protein International
AMY's Kitchen
Morningstar Farms

Top Two Companies with Highest Market Shares

Lightlife Foods: Holding an estimated 15% share of the North American tempeh market, Lightlife Foods expanded production capacity by 20% in 2023. The company launched a line of organic and gluten-free tempeh flavors, increasing annual volume sales by 18,000 metric tons.
Tofurky Co.: Tofurky commands approximately 12% market share globally. In 2023, the company increased production capacity by 25%, introducing black bean tempeh products that contributed to a 14% rise in overall tempeh sales volumes. Tofurky is expanding in Asia-Pacific with projected distribution in 5 new countries by 2025.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The tempeh market is attracting growing investment interest as consumer demand escalates. Global plant-based protein investments totaled over USD 4 billion in 2023, with a significant portion directed towards fermentation-based products including tempeh. Venture capital funding for tempeh startups increased by 35% from 2021 to 2023, highlighting investor confidence. Product innovation represents a critical area for investment. Development of value-added tempeh products such as ready-to-eat meals and flavored tempeh could capture a larger consumer base. The global ready-to-eat meal market was valued at over USD 250 billion in 2023, with plant-based segments growing rapidly. Geographic expansion is another opportunity. Markets in Asia-Pacific, particularly India and China, have rising urban middle classes exceeding 600 million people who are adopting health-conscious dietary habits. Investment in cold chain logistics and retail distribution in these regions can unlock substantial growth. Partnerships with foodservice and restaurant chains are gaining traction. The global foodservice industry’s plant-based segment grew by 22% between 2020 and 2023, creating channels to introduce tempeh to broader consumers. Collaborations can also accelerate product innovation through co-branded offerings. Sustainability-focused investments in sourcing non-GMO and organic soybeans, and in improving fermentation efficiency, align with consumer demand and regulatory pressures. Investments in sustainable agriculture and carbon footprint reduction are expected to become prerequisites in major markets by 2026.

New Product Development

Innovation continues to drive the tempeh market forward. Companies have introduced flavoured tempeh varieties infused with natural spices like turmeric, black pepper, and chipotle, meeting consumer demand for taste diversity. In 2023, flavored tempeh accounted for 21% of new product launches globally. Frozen tempeh burger patties and marinated strips are gaining popularity as plant-based alternatives to traditional meat-based convenience foods. Sales of frozen tempeh patties increased by 32% in 2023 across North America. Product diversification also includes mixed-legume tempeh made with lentils, chickpeas, and black beans, offering alternatives for soy-allergic consumers. These variants recorded a 19% growth in 2023. Additionally, snack-sized tempeh bites targeting the on-the-go market are emerging, responding to a fast-paced consumer lifestyle. Advancements in packaging, such as vacuum-sealed eco-friendly packs and modified atmosphere packaging, have extended shelf life and reduced food waste. These innovations support e-commerce and global distribution, enabling tempeh to reach newer markets without quality compromise.

Five Recent Developments

Launch of Lightlife Tempeh Protein Crumbles by Greenleaf Foods (March 2024): Greenleaf Foods, SPC, a subsidiary of Maple Leaf Foods Inc., introduced Lightlife Tempeh Protein Crumbles. This product offers a versatile plant-based protein option suitable for various culinary applications.
Better Nature's Expansion into German Retail (April 2025): UK-based tempeh brand Better Nature launched its Organic and Smoky tempeh products in 200 REWE stores across central Germany, marking a significant step in its European market expansion.
Tiba Tempeh's Introduction of 100% Natural Tempeh Mince (May 2024): Tiba Tempeh launched a new Tempeh Mince product, notable for being made with 100% natural and organic ingredients. This product was first made available through Ocado, catering to consumers seeking clean-label plant-based options.
CJ Foods' Launch of O-right Tempeh Chips (2024): CJ Foods introduced O-right Tempeh Chips, a nutrient-rich snack made from traditional Indonesian fermented soybeans. Each serving provides 6 grams of plant-based protein, aligning with the growing demand for healthy snack alternatives.
Strategic Partnership Between Tempeh Today and Marel India (September 2023): Tempeh Today, a Netherlands-based tempeh manufacturer, announced a strategic partnership with Marel India Pvt. Ltd., aiming to enhance tempeh production capabilities and meet the increasing demand in the Indian market.

Report Coverage of Tempeh Market

The report on the tempeh market offers a comprehensive and data-driven analysis covering multiple dimensions of the industry. It provides detailed insights into market dynamics including key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges shaping the market. The study evaluates various distribution channels such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, specialist retailers, online platforms, and other emerging retail models. Additionally, it covers segmentation by type and application, with specific attention to consumer preferences for soybean and black bean tempeh products. The regional outlook is thoroughly examined, highlighting performance across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa, supported by facts and figures for each. The report also features in-depth company profiling, focusing on the key players that influence market share and development, along with recent strategic initiatives. A significant portion of the report is dedicated to tracking investment trends and highlighting growth opportunities in both developed and emerging markets. It also analyzes new product developments, technological innovations, and packaging advancements that contribute to market expansion. Furthermore, the report documents five recent developments from 2023 to 2024 that have impacted the tempeh industry globally. Overall, this coverage provides a robust framework for understanding the current state and future trajectory of the tempeh market.