Thanks to the rise in gluten-free and plant-based food products popularity, as well as hemp-based protein powders, hemp as a food source is growing rapidly and is projected to continue its path. The hemp-based food market size is expected to reach nearly $8.09 billion USD by 2029 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% during the forecast period.

According to a May 9 press release, Maximize Market Research forecast significant growth in the hemp-based food sector.

“The study methodology used a mix of primary and secondary research techniques to compile market data,” the report reads. “The primary research techniques, such as questionnaires, interviews, and market observations, would have given the researchers access to first-hand market data, which is usually beneficial. The researchers might have gathered background knowledge and market data by using secondary research techniques including industry studies, business websites, and news articles.”

Hemp-based food market was segmented  by product type: hemp seed oil, hemp protein powder, whole hemp seed, hulled hemp seed (hemp hearts), or others. While the seeds are the main driver of the hemp-based food industry, people have also fried fan leaves and made other snacks out of hemp. 

“The study examines the hemp-based food market through a market-focused and commercial analysis that takes into account the market’s revenue, financial situation, portfolio, technical advancements, and mergers and acquisitions. This strategy aids in giving a complete picture of the market, which stakeholders, investors, and market participants may use to create investment strategies and marketing strategies.

Hemp-based foods are celebrated for their nutritional “completeness.” Hemp’s nutritional profile shows that it’s rich in omega fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid. Even without THC, hemp is believed to have therapeutic properties, such as its antioxidant properties, making hemp-based foods an attractive option for health-conscious consumers. Hemp is a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids that people need from food.

The report lists hemp-based food market key players:

• Manitoba Harvest
• Hemp Oil Canada
• Braham Murray
• Jinzhou Qiaopai Biotech
• Canah International
• GIGO Food
• Just Hemp Foods
• North American Hemp Grain Co.
• Yunnan Industrial Hemp
• Nutiva
• Hempco
• Agropro

Aligning With Similar Projections

Researchers reported last February that the global hemp-based foods market is soaring, fueled by the rising vegan population, advancements in processing technology, and the increasing number of health-conscious consumers seeking plant-based and gluten-free alternatives. The hemp-based foods market is set to reach $8.36 billion by 2028 according to The Business Research Company’s (TBRC) latest report, “Hemp Based Foods Global Market Report 2024”.

The report unveils a comprehensive overview of the hemp-based foods sector. Projected to achieve a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%, the market is anticipated to burgeon from its current standing to an impressive $8.36 billion by 2028.

TBRC’s forecast also segmented the hemp-based food industry into similar categories such as whole and hulled hemp seed. TBRC attributes the huge rise in hemp-based foods mostly due to the “explosion” of veganism. As some people switch to a plant-based diet, hemp is a good source of high-quality protein.

Hemp food standards have been enacted in many jurisdictions due to this rise in popularity. In 2022, the European Commission, the regional body tasked with establishing cannabis regulations across the vertical for all EU members, created guidelines for the acceptable amount of THC that can be found in commercially available food products containing CBD—essentially hemp-derived food products.

There are two of them. The first, approved by the EC’s Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, says that THC levels for hempseed derived oil should be no greater than 7.5mg/kg. The second is that THC levels for dry foods containing hemp, such as hemp seeds themselves as well as flour and protein powder that contain them, can be no greater than 3mg/kg. 

Meanwhile, Canada has established a 10mg/kg limit for both oils and dry foods. Switzerland has a limit that is double this at 20mg/kg for oils and 10mg/kg for dry products.

France is also, by far, the largest producer of hemp in the EU (70%), followed by the Netherlands (10%) and Austria (4%). This is also the country where the most effective legal actions at the EU level have so far taken place, and where the most heated battles about regulation of the industry have occurred. This includes the recent court battle to allow the sale of hemp flowers in the country, not just extracts.

Nearly all projects estimate that the hemp-based food industry will soar into the billions by the end of the decade, and the rise will continue as long as people take interest in vegan diets and gluten-free options.

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Things are changing fast regarding how hemp is tolerated in agriculture and farming. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s veterinary arm, the FDA-Center for Veterinary Medicine’s (FDA-CVM), is responsible for assuring that animal drugs and medicated feeds are safe and effective. Officials that determine approved chicken feed ingredients recommended hemp seed meal for hens, under a tentative FDA-CVM approval, as evidence mounts showing hemp seed is not only safe but beneficial for healthy hens and eggs.

Hemp Feed Coalition (HFC)—a nonprofit that aims to federal approval for hemp grain products in animal feed—announced a “landmark achievement” with the tentative approval of Hemp Seed Meal (HSM) for Laying Hens at the recent Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) 2024 Mid-Year Meeting. 

“Hemp’s entry into animal feed will catalyze agricultural advancement,” HFC President and COO of Bish Enterprises, Andrew Bish. “It’s an opportunity for farmers to diversify, to develop more sustainable supply chains, and to reap the benefits of a new crop.”

The AAFCO guides state, federal and international feed regulators with ingredient definitions, label standards, and laboratory standards, and has done so for over 110 years. The AAFCO celebrated the recommendation for hemp seed feed during the first day of its Workshop & Board of Directors Meeting held on January 23-25 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Hemp Seed Meal is Healthy for Hens and Eggs

We already know that hemp seeds are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, healthy oils, and an impressive, high-quality protein profile. Now research confirms the nutritional value of hemp feed resembles that of soy and canola, and is believed to be safe. The data also shows the value of hemp seed is growing and could surpass typical feed sources.

Specifically, researchers found that hemp-fed hens lay eggs enriched with essential fatty acids such as ALA, DHA, and GLA, and increased amounts of Lutein. They are all known to promote better human health.

The safety of HSM has been validated after undergoing the FDA-CVM’s rigorous evaluation, and it will provide formulators and feed mills with the assurance they need that HSM is a safe and viable protein and fat source. 

“Data to support this application included the validated method and quantification of cannabinoids in both the ingredient and egg product, and it was verified that any potential cannabinoid contaminants did not transfer over to human food products,” the HFC’s announcement reads.

The Road Here

Federal officials are typically strict about any sort of medical claims on hemp products, including those intended for animals and livestock. 

Keep in mind that just over a year ago in May 2022, the FDA sent out warning letters to four hemp-derived CBD companies that were selling hemp products marketed for animals.

This will go before AAFCO’s Board and members for final approval, and then be adopted into the Official Publication later this year. This “historic milestone” took over three years to achieve and will allow processors to formulate with HSM in the diets of egg-laying hens as a source of protein and fat at an inclusion of no more than 20%. To see the ingredient definition in its entirety, visit the HFC’s website.

Crops like hemp, that are new to the agricultural world, provide benefits to soil, disease control, and farm flexibility. Furthermore, hemp requires lower input needs, resulting in a more sustainable supply chain overall. 

HFC shared their support for a more nutritious ingredient, reducing risk for farmers, and opening up the door to opportunities in the hemp market. 

HFC members are proud to support these efforts and lay the groundwork for hemp grain products in feed across species. Visit the MemberZone page to access additional data and resources, and to learn more about the benefits of HSM for laying hens.

Hemp Seed Feed by State

Late last year, a bill to allow hemp seeds in animal feed in New York was stopped in its tracks. Two New York measures would allow for hemp seeds to be part of animal feed meant for pets, horses and camelids, like llamas and alpacas and got the green light from the state Assembly and Senate earlier this year. 

In early December, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) received the pair of bills, though she effectively stopped them in their tracks via veto, stating that there is a lack of information about using industrial hemp in this way and pushing for the state to study the topics in an “expeditious manner.”

Specifically, the measures would have allowed industrial hemp seed to be added to animal feed that includes seed hulls and seed meal. The bills would not have allowed for hemp seeds and additives to expand to other commercial livestock, most likely because of regulatory complications surrounding certain ingredients for animals used for human consumption.

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