USA Lentils Market- Trend Analysis & Forecasts

USA lentils production reached ** thousand tonnes in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of **% from 2025 to 2030. The USA lentils market is witnessing dynamic growth with rising domestic consumption and increasing export potential. Strong agricultural infrastructure, evolving dietary trends favoring plant-based proteins, and international demand are fueling market expansion, while trade complexities and climate variability pose notable challenges.

Market/ Product Overview

The USA lentils market is an evolving segment within the legume industry, driven by both domestic demand and robust export activities. Lentils have gained prominence in American diets due to their high protein content, low environmental footprint, and versatility in vegetarian and vegan cuisines. The market is predominantly concentrated in the Northern Plains region, with North Dakota and Montana leading production. In 2024, the total USA lentils production reached ** thousand tonnes, reflecting a slight recovery from prior years impacted by adverse weather conditions.

Lentils in the USA cater to a diverse consumer base, including health-conscious individuals and ethnic communities with traditional lentil-based dishes. The rise in plant-based eating habits has further propelled the demand. Additionally, the food processing sector has shown an increased interest in lentils for snacks, soups, and ready-to-eat meals.

On the international front, the USA exports significant volumes of lentils to countries like India, Canada, Turkey, and several European nations. The USA lentils market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of **% from 2025 to 2030, supported by favorable trade policies and technological advancements in agriculture.

USA Significance in the Global Lentils Supply

The USA holds a pivotal role in the global lentils supply chain, being among the top five exporters of lentils worldwide. Its consistent quality, strong logistics infrastructure, and proximity to key global markets make it a preferred supplier. The country plays a critical balancing role in global lentil availability, particularly during shortfalls in major producers like India or Canada.

In 2024, the USA accounted for nearly **% of global lentil exports, with shipments valued at over US$ ** million. The USA's ability to produce both green and red lentils enhances its attractiveness in various international markets. Furthermore, partnerships with multinational agri-processors and participation in international trade agreements provide the USA with strategic leverage to influence global prices and meet fluctuating demands.

USA Lentils Supply & Demand Trend

Lentils production in the USA has experienced fluctuations over the last decade, primarily influenced by climate variability and crop rotation practices. The production peaked at around ** thousand tonnes in 2016 but dropped significantly in 2021 due to severe drought conditions in the Northern Plains.

In 2023, lentils production was estimated at ** thousand tonnes and showed a marginal increase to ** thousand tonnes in 2024. Despite variable weather patterns, improvements in seed technology and irrigation practices have helped stabilize yields. Montana remains the top producing state, followed by North Dakota and Washington.

Farmers are increasingly opting for lentils in their rotations due to their nitrogen-fixing abilities, which improve soil health. Federal subsidies and risk management programs, such as crop insurance, also encourage cultivation. Technological enhancements in precision farming and harvesting are expected to further boost productivity and acreage by 2030.

Demand Trend

The demand for lentils in the USA has steadily grown, with increasing consumer awareness of plant-based nutrition and the health benefits of pulses. Domestic consumption has increased from ** thousand tonnes in 2018 to nearly ** thousand tonnes in 2024, marking a CAGR of about **%.

Ethnic diversification and the popularity of Mediterranean and South Asian cuisines have further amplified demand. Lentils are now commonly found in mainstream supermarkets, incorporated in soups, salads, and meat-alternative products. The foodservice industry, particularly health-focused chains, has also embraced lentil-based dishes.

The rise of flexitarian and vegan lifestyles is pushing demand higher. Meanwhile, food manufacturers are exploring lentils as a key ingredient in high-protein snacks, energy bars, and fortified flours. The demand is forecasted to surpass ** thousand tonnes by 2030, supported by changing food consumption patterns and innovation in product offerings.

Market Growth Factors

The USA lentils market is benefiting from multiple growth drivers, with health consciousness being at the forefront. Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, iron, and other essential nutrients, making them a preferred choice among fitness enthusiasts and individuals seeking nutritious, meat-free alternatives. The rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular ailments has encouraged the adoption of pulses in daily diets.

Technological advancements in agriculture, including drought-resistant varieties, GPS-guided sowing, and pest management techniques, have made lentils cultivation more reliable and profitable. Favorable government policies such as subsidies and insurance schemes further incentivize farmers to diversify their crop base with lentils.

On the export side, the USA benefits from its ability to meet quality standards of international markets, giving it access to high-demand regions like South Asia and Europe. Strategic partnerships with food processors and retailers have created a streamlined value chain, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing profitability.

The rise in environmental awareness is another major factor. Lentils require less water and fertilizer compared to other crops, positioning them as a sustainable choice. This aligns well with both consumer values and corporate sustainability goals, driving institutional demand.

Market Restraints & Challenges

Despite positive growth prospects, the USA lentils market faces several challenges. Weather dependency remains a critical factor affecting yields and quality. Prolonged droughts, especially in key growing areas like Montana and North Dakota, can drastically reduce harvests, impacting both domestic supply and export commitments.

Another challenge lies in fluctuating global trade dynamics. Tariff impositions, especially from major importing countries like India, have led to demand unpredictability. Additionally, competition from Canadian lentils, which enjoy lower production costs and established export channels, poses a threat to the USA's global market share.

Infrastructure limitations in rural areas, including storage and transportation, can cause post-harvest losses. There is also a lack of sufficient market linkages for small-scale producers, affecting price realization. Consumer education about the benefits of lentils also remains inadequate in certain regions, which hinders domestic market penetration.

USA Lentils Industry: Supply Chain Constraints & Value Chain Challenges

The USA lentils supply chain, while robust, encounters several bottlenecks that hinder efficiency. These include inadequate rural infrastructure for storage and transportation, leading to post-harvest losses and quality degradation. Additionally, small and medium farmers often lack access to value-added processing facilities and high-value markets.

Price volatility and limited availability of warehousing facilities can restrict the ability to store and time market sales. The lack of real-time data analytics in parts of the supply chain further prevents timely decision-making. A more digitized, integrated supply chain model is required to enhance market responsiveness and improve margins.

USA Influence on Global Lentils Prices

The USA has a moderate influence over global lentils pricing, mainly due to its stable quality and ability to supply during off-seasons of major producers. However, it does not exert monopolistic pricing power, as countries like Canada and Australia also contribute significantly to global supply.

Prices are primarily driven by international demand, climatic factors affecting yield, and tariff impositions. While the USA can impact regional prices in high-demand markets through trade agreements and export reliability, its pricing power is constrained by global competition and macroeconomic trends.

From 2015 to 2020, USA lentils prices ranged between US$ ** to US$ ** per metric ton, with significant fluctuations due to weather events and tariff changes. Export prices peaked in 2016, coinciding with reduced global supply.

Post-2020, prices declined due to improved global harvests and trade normalization but rebounded in 2022 following drought-induced shortages in North America. In 2024, the average wholesale price of lentils in the USA was around US$ ** per metric ton, while export prices averaged US$ ** per metric ton, reflecting healthy international demand.

USA Lentils Market Segmentation

The USA lentils market is segmented by type, application, distribution channel, and end-user. By type, red and green lentils dominate, with red lentils holding a larger share due to higher export demand and popularity in ethnic cuisines.

By application, the food segment leads, particularly soups, stews, and meat alternatives. The snacks and functional foods segments are emerging rapidly, driven by consumer demand for nutritious, convenient options. Non-food applications, such as pet food and bio-fertilizers, are also witnessing growth.

Distribution channels include B2B sales (food processors and exporters) and B2C retail (supermarkets, health food stores, online platforms). Retail sales are expanding due to rising consumer awareness and accessibility.

End-user segments encompass households, HORECA (hotels, restaurants, cafes), and the food manufacturing industry. Food manufacturers are the fastest-growing segment, leveraging lentils for innovation in protein-rich, plant-based products.

USA Lentils Trade (Export & Import) Trend

The USA is a net exporter of lentils, with exports in 2024 reaching over ** thousand tonnes, valued at approximately US$ ** million. Major destinations include India, Mexico, Turkey, and the EU. Red lentils constitute the bulk of exports due to their processing versatility and global demand.

Imports remain limited, primarily consisting of specialty lentil varieties not grown domestically. In 2024, lentil imports stood at around ** thousand tonnes. Trade dynamics are influenced by tariffs, bilateral agreements, and phytosanitary regulations.

Despite facing stiff competition from Canadian exports, the USA has maintained a strong position due to quality consistency, traceability, and reliability. Improved trade infrastructure and diplomatic engagements are expected to sustain export growth through 2030.

USA Lentils Market Competitive Analysis

The USA lentils market is moderately consolidated, with a mix of large agribusinesses and regional processors dominating the value chain. Companies are investing in vertical integration, from farming and processing to packaging and distribution, to ensure quality control and cost efficiency.

Key players leverage contracts with growers, advanced storage technologies, and direct export channels to maintain competitiveness. Branding and certification for non-GMO and organic lentils are gaining traction, especially in premium markets. Innovation in packaging and product diversification further strengthens market presence.

Sustainability initiatives, traceability systems, and partnerships with health-conscious food brands are shaping the competitive landscape. The market is also witnessing increasing interest from investment firms and venture capitalists looking to capitalize on the growing pulses sector.

List of Key Companies (Suppliers/ Processor/ Exporters),

■ AGT Foods USA
■ Columbia Grain International
■ United Pulse Trading
■ ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company)
■ The Scoular Company
■ Montana Specialty Mills
■ Blue Mountain Seed Inc.
■ Pacific Northwest Farmers Cooperative
■ Gavilon Agriculture Investment
■ Simpson Seeds USA
■ Timeless Seeds Inc.
■ Great Northern Ag
■ Kelley Bean Co.
■ Legume Logic
■ Global Food & Ingredients Inc.

Future Outlook

The USA lentils market is poised for steady growth through 2030, driven by increasing demand for plant-based proteins, advancements in agronomy, and expanding export opportunities. Strategic investments in infrastructure, processing, and branding will be critical to unlocking long-term value and enhancing global competitiveness.