Single-cell proteins gain ground as alternative aquafeed ingredient

Single-cell proteins could replace fishmeal entirely in shrimp feeds and substitute up to half of fishmeal in feeds for some fish species without harming performance, according to a new report from the Centre for Feed Innovation.

The London-based organisation said its 2026 State of the Industry Report on Single-Cell Proteins found that the ingredients can maintain or improve growth, health and feed efficiency in aquaculture diets.

CFI estimates that global SCP production for aquafeed reached 30,000 to 40,000 metric tonnes in 2025. Based on announced investments and industry forecasts, the organisation says production could rise to between 150,000 and 500,000 metric tonnes by 2030.

The report argues that SCPs could help aquafeed producers reduce their dependence on wild-caught fish used in fishmeal. According to CFI, producing protein independently of wild fisheries could ease pressure on marine ecosystems. The organisation also claims that, where renewable energy and circular feedstocks such as biogas are used, greenhouse gas emissions from SCP production can be comparable to, or lower than, those associated with fishmeal.

Fishmeal shortages could emerge as early as 2028, the report says, with demand forecast to outstrip supply by as much as 25% of total production by 2030. CFI said this would increase the need for alternative protein sources that can be used at commercial scale.

For now, the report suggests SCPs are more likely to complement fishmeal than replace it outright. Aquafeed formulations typically use a mix of ingredients to balance cost, nutrition and animal performance, and the report notes that wider use of SCPs will depend on whether producers can scale production at an affordable price.

The main obstacles, according to CFI, are the high capital and operating costs of production, gaps in regulation, as well as uneven access to suitable feedstocks. The report says larger facilities, combined with improved strain efficiency and access to low-cost feedstocks could help make SCPs a stronger competitor to fishmeal over time.

CFI recommends that SCP producers focus on efficiency, renewable energy and production close to low-cost circular feedstocks. It also says aquafeed companies should work more closely with SCP suppliers, including through performance trials and offtake agreements, while investors and policymakers could help expand production capacity and regulatory support.

"Fishmeal shortages are projected to emerge as early as 2028, creating pressure for the aquaculture industry to source alternatives at scale. Our report finds that single-cell proteins are a technically validated option. SCPs can fully replace fishmeal in shrimp feeds, and replace half of it in certain fish species, while matching or improving animal performance," said Aashish Khimasia, Director of Research at the Centre for Feed Innovation.

"Furthermore, SCPs provide a clear ecological and environmental advantage, with one tonne of SCPs estimated to replace up to six tonnes of wild-caught fish. The technical case is established, and early commercial integration is underway; wider adoption now hinges on realising projected capacity and sustained investment to support production at scale,” he added.

The report is the second in CFI’s series examining novel aquafeed ingredients, following its 2025 assessment of algal oil. The organisation said it would continue to assess alternative ingredients as aquaculture producers seek to diversify protein sources away from marine ingredients.