Whey Protein Market is Rapidly Growing at a CAGR 8.90% By 2032

The global whey protein market size surpassed USD 8.94 billion in 2023 and is estimated to gain around USD 19.26 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.90% from 2023 to 2032. The whey protein market is witnessing robust growth globally due to increasing health consciousness and demand for protein supplements.

Whey Protein Market Size and Growth Rate From 2023 to 2032

Market Overview

Whey protein is a byproduct of cottage cheese, and cheese casein manufacturing is picking up traction among producers due to high waste administration costs and stringent environmental directions. Advanced techniques like nanofiltration and ultrafiltration allow for larger-scale production of whey, addressing market demand. Rich in essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and lactose, whey protein offers significant health benefits, especially for cardiovascular health. Its constituents, including β-lactoglobulin and immunoglobulin, contribute to its restorative advantages.

The whey protein has become a prevalent choice globally, meeting the nutritional needs of consumers and catering to the developing demand for functional foods. Businesses in the food and beverage industry capitalize on the popularity of whey protein by joining it into various products, ranging from sports supplements to functional foods. Manufacturers use its nutritional profile and helpful properties to offer to health-conscious consumers, driving sales and market growth. With increasing customer awareness around health and wellness, the demand for whey protein is anticipated to proceed, presenting opportunities for businesses to improve and broaden their product offerings. Furthermore, partnerships with healthcare professionals and promoting activities highlighting its benefits assist in contributing to whey protein market expansion and benefit in the nutrition industry.

Rising consumer awareness drives whey protein utilization

The global rise in consumer awareness has fueled significant development in whey protein utilization. Busy lifestyles make maintaining an adjusted diet challenging, driving increased dependence on whey protein as a helpful nutritional supplement. With protein ingredients consolidated into packaged and braced foods, the demand for protein-rich products is balanced to escalate the assembly of daily nutrition needs. Fitness enthusiasts, including bodybuilders and athletes, turn to protein supplements to improve muscle growth, stamina, and overall health. The ease of handling and transportation encourages increased market potential. As consumer inclinations increasingly prioritize health and wellness, businesses in the nutrition industry stand to advantage from tapping into the growing demand for whey protein and related products.

However, there has been an eminent surge in demand for plant-based products, driven by increased health awareness and adoption of vegetarian diets among consumers. Advancements in the food segment have advanced impelled growth in functional diets catering to specific health goals. This trend, coupled with the rising popularity of clean labels in both food and cosmetics industries, poses challenges to the whey protein market. Plant-based and vegetarian products, known for their negligible environmental effects, have picked up significant traction, especially in European markets.

As these choices meet the protein needs of different consumer segments, the market for whey protein faces substitution. To adjust to advancing consumer inclinations and market dynamics, businesses in the nutrition industry must innovate and diversify their product offerings to include plant-based options and capitalize on the developing demand for sustainable, health-conscious choices.

Whey Protein Market Report Scope

Report Coverage Details
Market Revenue in 2023 USD 8.94 Billion
Projected Forecast Revenue by 2032 USD 19.26 Billion
Growth Rate from 2023 to 2032 CAGR of 8.90%
Largest Market North America
Base Year 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2032
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa


Whey Protein Market Companies

  • Now Health Group, Inc.
  • The Simply Good Food Co
  • Nutiva Inc 
  • Iovate Health Sciences International Inc.
  • Glanbia plc.
  • MusclePharm Corporation
  • CytoSport, Inc.
  • Kerry Group Plc
  • Reliance Vitamin Company, Inc.
  • Danone SA
  • Herbalife Nutrition, Inc.

Recent Development by Unilever’s Breyers

  • In February 2024, Unilever’s Breyers brand collaborated with Perfect Day, a supplier of animal-free dairy protein, for a new product launch. Breyers Lactose-free chocolate, featuring perfect days whey protein produced through precision fermentation, debuted nationwide in the United States. This strategic partnership underscores Breyer's commitment to innovation and meeting consumer demand for lactose-free and sustainable dairy alternatives.

Recent Development by Glanbia Nutritionals

  • In November 2022, Glanbia Nutritionals, a division of Glanbia PLC, introduced FerriUp, a new whey protein concentrate tailored for women, aiming to diversify its product portfolio in the women’s protein segment. This strategic move aligns with Glanbia’s commitment to meeting the specific nutritional needs of female consumers and capitalizing on the growing demand for specialized protein products in this market segment.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. Factors driving this growth include a burgeoning population, higher disposable incomes, and a growing awareness of healthy lifestyles, resulting in increased demand for protein supplements. The thriving e-commerce sector and the proliferation of gyms and fitness centers also contribute to market expansion in Asia Pacific. The rising popularity of functional food and beverage items, such as protein-fortified drinks and supplements, is anticipated to fuel further growth in the whey protein market across the region. This presents lucrative opportunities for businesses operating in the protein supplement and functional food industries to capitalize on the growing demand and establish a strong foothold in the rapidly expanding Asia Pacific REGION.

North America dominated the whey protein market, fueled by surging demand for protein supplements and sports nutrition offerings. The region benefits from the rising adoption of low-carb, high-protein diets alongside a growing population of fitness enthusiasts and athletes. The heightened awareness regarding whey protein’s health advantages, including enhanced muscle mass, fat reduction, and immune system support, continues to drive market expansion across North America. The businesses operating in the protein supplement and sports nutrition sectors stand to capitalize on this trend by strategically positioning their whey protein products to meet the evolving needs and preferences of consumers in the region, thereby solidifying their market presence and driving revenue growth.

Market Potential and Growth Opportunity

Growing awareness

The growing awareness of healthy lifestyles is driving a surge in demand for whey protein, fueled by recommendations from fitness and sports clubs. Its versatile applications across various food and beverage products, including baked goods, dairy items, beverages, and baby foods, due to its beneficial properties, further amplify market potential. The rising focus on immunity-boosting products and ongoing research for new applications, such as edible films, are poised to drive industry growth. Whey protein’s role in supporting cancer patients’ nutritional needs during therapy and its applications in the personal care industry adds to its market potential.

Its use as a functional ingredient in food and beverage formulations offers opportunities for producers to enhance product labels amid heightened competition in the packaged food sector, signaling the strong market potential for whey protein across multiple industries. Increased emphasis on immunity enhancement during the pandemic has driven up whey protein consumption, bolstering consumer preference for such products. This trend presents lucrative opportunities for businesses operating in the whey protein sector to capitalize on the growing demand and expand their market presence. As governments continue to prioritize public health initiatives post-pandemic, regulatory support and funding for health and wellness programs are expected to further fuel market growth.

Whey Protein Market News

  • In February 2024, SCI-MX, a UK-based sports nutrition brand, expanded its product range with the introduction of a new clear whey protein isolate. This addition enhances SCI-MX’s portfolio of high-protein offerings, catering to the growing demand for premium sports nutrition products. The clear whey protein isolate aligns with the brand’s commitment to delivering innovative and effective solutions to fitness enthusiasts and athletes.
  • In September 2022, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. initiated the construction of its cheese and whey protein processing plant in Dodge City, Kansas, representing a significant investment in millions. This strategic move underscores the company's commitment to expanding its manufacturing capabilities and meeting the growing demand for cheese and whey protein products in the region.

Market Segmentation

By Type

  • Isolates
  • Concentrates
  • Demineralized
  • Hydrolysate

By Application

  • Nutritional
  • Personal Care
  • Food
  • Feed
  • Infant Formula
  • Sports and Performance Nutrition
  • Functional/Fortified Food

By Distribution channel

  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Specialty Stores
  • Online Stores
  • Other Distribution Channels

By End Users

  • Athletes
  • Bodybuilders
  • Lifestyle Users

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