Single-cell proteins: A Glimpse Into CFI's Upcoming Report on a Promising Fishmeal Alternative

Fishmeal is a critical source of protein and nutrients in aquafeed. However, its supply is increasingly constrained by climate volatility and tightening fisheries quotas. In response, the feed industry is developing alternatives. These alternative ingredients can meet the protein needs of farmed fish while decoupling the growth of aquaculture from finite marine resources.

Against this backdrop, CFI is releasing its Single-Cell Proteins: 2026 State of the Industry Report on the 13th of May.  The report examines how single-cell proteins (SCPs) are emerging as a credible and scalable alternative to fishmeal. Drawing on the latest commercial data, feeding trials, and regulatory developments, the report evaluates their nutritional performance, scalability, and the barriers they must overcome to play a more meaningful role in global aquafeed supply.

What are single-cell proteins (SCPs)? 

Single-cell proteins (SCPs) are protein-rich ingredients derived from microbial biomass, produced through fermentation using microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, microalgae, or fungi. SCPs can utilise a wide range of feedstocks, including natural gas, agricultural by-products, and industrial side streams, to support growth. Production processes and product characteristics vary depending on the microorganism and feedstock used. 

How are SCPs produced? 

SCPs are produced by fermenting protein-producing microorganisms. Producers first choose suitable microbial strains based on attributes such as protein yield, amino acid profile, and digestibility. There are four main types of microorganisms used in SCP production: 

1. Bacteria: Produced using methane, methanol, sugars, or other carbon sources. These inputs can be derived from agricultural waste and other side streams.

2. Yeast: Produced using simple sugars, starchy materials, or readily fermentable food industry by-products (e.g., whey, molasses, fruit pomace), or pre-treated lignocellulosic residues.

3. Microalgae: Certain microalgae use sunlight and carbon dioxide (CO₂) for growth, while others are produced on sugars.

4. Fungi: Commonly produced using sugars, starches, or lignocellulosic feedstocks. Some species produce enzymes that transform agricultural and food-industry side streams into glucose.

After microorganism selection, SCP production has two main steps:

1. Cultivation. Microorganisms are grown in controlled systems at scale, usually in fermentors, using the appropriate substrate. One exception is phototrophic algae, which are grown in photobioreactors or open-pond systems rather than fermentors. 

2. Harvesting. When the target cell density is reached, biomass is harvested by separating it from the culture medium. To make a concentrated slurry, the liquid is processed to separate and collect the microbial cells, using industrial separation methods such as centrifuges and filtration.

After harvesting, most SCPs are dried and sold as powders (“meals”) for use by feed mills. Some products are further processed to increase protein content or to extract valuable components such as lipids.

Market snapshot

In 2025, global SCPs production was estimated at 30,000-40,000 metric tonnes (MT). Production volumes could increase more than 12.5x, reaching between 150,000 and 500,000 MT by 2030. Advances in fermentation technology, strain optimisation, and rising demand for novel ingredients are driving the current scale-up. Several large-scale facilities are operational or under development in countries such as China and Saudi Arabia, where SCPs are well-positioned to help meet environmental and food security goals. 

Despite this momentum, adoption in aquafeed formulations remains limited due to high costs, constrained supply, and the need for further commercial validation. In Europe, restrictions on genetic modification and certain feedstocks narrow the range of viable production pathways. In Southeast Asia, explicit regulatory approval for the use of SCP in aquafeed is still pending in some markets. Achieving consistent price competitiveness, regulatory approval, and reliable supply will be essential if production is to meet projected growth targets.

Emerging as a credible and scalable alternative to fishmeal

As aquaculture production grows, the aquafeed industry will need sustainable alternatives to fishmeal. Volatile prices, supply disruptions, and growing scrutiny of fishmeal's impacts on marine biodiversity have made it an increasingly scarce commodity in aquafeed production. SCPs are emerging as a credible and scalable alternative to fishmeal, offering strong nutritional performance and circularity benefits to help decouple aquaculture growth from marine resource limits.

Insights from our forthcoming State of the Industry report

The Centre for Feed Innovation’s upcoming State of the Industry report on SCPs unpacks the science and market trends behind SCPs' role in aquafeed and what they mean for the future of sustainable aquaculture. We assess the promise of SCPs as an emerging ingredient, identify barriers to scale, and highlight next steps for industry stakeholders. The topics covered in the report include:

• Nutrition and product quality

• Commercial growth and adoption

• Regulation and certification 

• Safety and sustainability

• Paths forward and recommendations

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