The global mung beans market size is experiencing steady growth, with increasing demand for plant-based proteins and nutritious foods. Mung beans, known for their high nutritional content, versatility, and health benefits, have become a key ingredient in a variety of food products, especially in the health-conscious consumer segment. In 2024, the market size reached approximately USD 5.24 billion, and it is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.20% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 8.70 billion by 2034.

This blog post explores the market size, growth rate, key drivers, challenges, trends, segmentation, and major competitors in the mung beans market, providing insights into the factors shaping its future.

Market Size and Growth Projections

• Market Value (2024): USD 5.24 billion
• Projected Market Value (2034): USD 8.70 billion
• CAGR (2025-2034): 5.20%

The mung beans market is witnessing significant growth due to the increasing popularity of plant-based diets, the growing demand for healthy food products, and the continued expansion of the vegan and vegetarian food segments. Mung beans are used in a variety of food applications, including soups, sprouts, noodles, and snacks, making them an essential component of many diets globally. As the market for nutritious plant-based foods expands, the mung beans market is set to benefit from these trends.

Key Drivers of Market Growth

1. Increasing Demand for Plant-Based Proteins

One of the major drivers of growth in the mung beans market is the increasing consumer shift towards plant-based proteins. As concerns about the environmental impact of animal agriculture rise, more consumers are opting for plant-based alternatives to meat and dairy. Mung beans, rich in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids, have become a popular ingredient in plant-based food products, including vegetarian burgers, meat substitutes, and protein bars. This shift toward plant-based diets is expected to significantly fuel the demand for mung beans.

2. Growing Health Consciousness

With an increasing focus on healthy eating and the rise in chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, consumers are seeking more nutritious and functional foods. Mung beans are known for their high fiber content, low glycemic index, and rich nutrient profile, which includes essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and folate. These health benefits make mung beans a key ingredient in the formulation of healthy snacks and dietary supplements, driving market demand.

3. Popularity of Mung Beans in Asian Cuisines

Mung beans have long been a staple in Asian cuisines, especially in India, China, and Southeast Asia, where they are used in various forms, such as dal, soup, sprouts, and desserts. The global popularity of Asian food is contributing to the increasing demand for mung beans. With the rise of food globalization and the growing interest in ethnic cuisines, mung beans are becoming more widely used in the Western market as well, further driving the market growth.

4. Government Support and Agricultural Advancements

Governments and international agricultural bodies are providing support for the cultivation and commercialization of mung beans, particularly in developing countries where they are seen as an important source of sustainable food and income. In countries like India, Myanmar, and China, where mung beans are primarily grown, initiatives are being implemented to boost production and improve yield. Advances in agriculture and farming technologies, such as improved seed varieties and irrigation systems, are also helping to increase mung bean output, contributing to the market’s growth.

5. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Crop

Mung beans are a highly sustainable crop that requires fewer resources than many other agricultural products. They are drought-tolerant, require minimal pesticide use, and have a short growing cycle, making them an attractive option for farmers looking to produce high-yield crops with a lower environmental impact. This sustainability factor is particularly appealing to eco-conscious consumers and businesses focused on reducing their carbon footprint, further fueling the market’s growth.

Challenges Facing the Mung Beans Market

1. Limited Awareness in Non-Asian Markets

Despite the growing popularity of mung beans, there remains a lack of awareness about their health benefits and versatility in non-Asian markets. While mung beans are widely consumed in Asia, Western countries have only recently begun to explore their use in plant-based products and healthy eating trends. Increasing awareness of mung beans in these regions will be essential to unlocking the full potential of the market.

2. Price Volatility

The price of mung beans can fluctuate due to factors such as weather conditions, crop yields, and market demand. The market for mung beans is vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, particularly in regions heavily reliant on seasonal crops. Price volatility can be a challenge for both consumers and businesses, particularly in times of climate uncertainty or geopolitical instability.

3. Competition from Other Legumes and Plant-Based Proteins

While mung beans are a rich source of plant-based protein, they face stiff competition from other legumes and plant-based protein sources, such as lentils, chickpeas, soybeans, and pea protein. These alternatives are often less expensive and more widely available. To maintain a competitive edge, mung beans must differentiate themselves by focusing on their unique health benefits, culinary versatility, and sustainability.

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Emerging Trends in the Mung Beans Market

1. Mung Beans in Plant-Based Meat Substitutes

The rise of plant-based meat substitutes has opened up new opportunities for mung beans in the food industry. Mung bean protein is increasingly being used as a key ingredient in vegan burgers, meatballs, and other meat alternatives due to its high protein content and ability to mimic the texture of meat. The demand for plant-based meats is expected to continue growing, providing further growth opportunities for the mung beans market.

2. Mung Bean-Based Snacks and Convenience Foods

The growing demand for healthy snacks is driving the development of mung bean-based snack products. From mung bean chips to mung bean protein bars, these convenient and nutritious snacks are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers. As the snack food market continues to evolve, mung bean-based products are expected to become a significant segment, particularly in the gluten-free and high-protein snack categories.

3. Mung Bean Sprouts and Functional Foods

Mung bean sprouts are rich in enzymes, antioxidants, and vitamins, making them a popular ingredient in functional foods. The rising demand for superfoods and functional ingredients in the health and wellness industry is driving the use of mung bean sprouts in salads, smoothies, and other products. As consumers become more focused on nutrient-dense foods, mung bean sprouts are expected to play a key role in the growing functional food market.

4. Plant-Based Protein Powders and Supplements

With the rising demand for plant-based protein supplements, mung beans are becoming a key ingredient in protein powders and supplements. Mung bean protein is a complete protein source, making it an attractive option for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those following plant-based diets. As the market for plant-based nutrition continues to grow, mung bean protein is poised to become a staple ingredient in the health and wellness space.

Market Segmentation

1. By Product Type

• Whole Mung Beans: Used in a variety of culinary applications, including soups, salads, and snacks.
• Mung Bean Protein: Extracted for use in plant-based meat substitutes, protein bars, and powders.
• Mung Bean Sprouts: Commonly used in salads, sandwiches, and Asian cuisine.

2. By Application

• Food and Beverages: Includes mung beans used in various forms, such as soups, snacks, protein bars, and plant-based meats.
• Animal Feed: Mung beans are increasingly being used in animal feed, providing a protein-rich option for livestock.
• Pharmaceuticals and Supplements: Mung beans are used in functional foods, health supplements, and nutraceuticals for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

3. By Region

• North America: Growing demand for mung beans in plant-based protein products, snacks, and health foods.
• Europe: Increasing awareness of health benefits driving the adoption of mung beans in functional foods and plant-based diets.
• Asia-Pacific: The largest market for mung beans, with high consumption in countries like India, China, and Indonesia.
• Latin America and Africa: Emerging markets with growing awareness of the health benefits and nutritional value of mung beans.

Major Competitors in the Mung Beans Market

1. ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company) – A global leader in agriculture, providing mung beans and mung bean-derived products for various applications.
2. Olam International – Supplies mung beans and their derivatives for the food, beverage, and nutrition industries.
3. Cargill – A key player in the global agricultural sector, offering a variety of mung bean-based products for food and animal feed.
4. Viterra Inc. – A major supplier of mung beans for human consumption and animal feed, with a focus on sustainable farming practices.
5. Ingredion Incorporated – Known for its innovation in plant-based ingredients, including mung bean protein used in food and beverage formulations.