Whey Protein Market (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) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Regional Outlook, and Forecast 2023-2032


The global whey protein market size was evaluated at USD 8.25 billion in 2022 and is expected to attain around USD 19.26 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2023 to 2032.

Whey Protein Market Size 2023 To 2032

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Key Takeaways

  • Based on geography, The North America region generated more than 38% of the revenue share in 2022.
  • Based on type, the concentrate segment will generate major revenue from 2023 to 2032. 
  • Based on application, the sports nutrition segment held the dominating position in 2022.
  • Based on distribution channel, the supermarkets/hypermarkets segment is expected to have a leading position from 2023 to 2032.
  • Based on end users, the athletes segment had a significant amount of revenue has been generated in 2022.

Whey protein is a by product that is obtained from the manufacturing process of cottage cheese and cheese casein. Manufacturers of these products are engaged in making better use of whey as the waste management cost or the cost of treatment is high and there are stringent regulatory policies on the environment. Such policies have been adopted by the government of various nations. One of the techniques that makes use of this by product generates it into a dry powder. The introduction of the nanofiltration process and ultrafiltration process led to the use of these latest technologies in producing larger quantities of whey. 

Whey protein constitutes good amounts of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sodium. Another major constituent of whey protein is lactose which plays a significant role in mineral absorption. β lactoglobulin, α lactalbumin, immunoglobin, and glycomacropeptide are all the constituents of whey protein. The incredible nutrient content of whey proteins plays a significant role in providing great nutrition to humans due to which this has become a popular choice in various nations. These nutrients are extremely beneficial for people suffering from cardiovascular problems. This product provides a therapeutic advantage and a nutritional advantage to its consumers. 

Key Factors

  • Use of whey proteins in infant food formulation.
  • Increased use of this product in the food industry.
  •  Various constituents of whey protein make it extremely popular among the young population due to the benefits offered.
  • This product is easily absorbed in the body, and it provides a wide range of amino profiles due to which the market is expected to grow well in the coming years.

Consumption of whey protein increases muscle development which will appeal to gym enthusiasts and athletes. Increasing awareness regarding the benefits associated with the consumption of whey protein will also help in generating good revenue in the coming years. Increased use of whey protein as a protein supplement and its usage in food formulations is also expected to grow in the coming years. Whey protein is a low-calorie product, and it is attributed to an increase in sales. An active lifestyle and a healthy diet are the two main factors driving the market of whey protein. This market has immense potential as it serves the functions of muscle repair, weight loss, satiety, and energy balance.

Increasing awareness regarding the benefits of consuming natural ingredients has also accelerated the sales of whey protein. Whey protein is seen as a premium product, and this is expected to facilitate the growth of the product. Cosmetic products and personal care products make use of whey protein, and it is seen as a premium product. Brand awareness and growth in disposable income will strengthen the product market in the long run. 

Whey Protein Market Scope

Report Coverage Details
Market Size in 2023 USD 8.94 Billion
Market Size by 2032 USD 19.26 Billion
Growth Rate from 2023 to 2032 CAGR of 8.9%
Largest Market North America
Base Year 2022
Forecast Period 2023 to 2032
Segments Covered By Type, By Application, By Distribution Channel and By End Users
Regions Covered North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa

 

Whey Protein Market Dynamics

Key Market Drivers

Growing demand for protein-rich foods

Consumers across the globe are aware of the products available in the market that serve their personal needs, due to which the use of whey protein has grown significantly in recent times. Consumption of a wholesome diet regularly is next to impossible for most of the population across the globe as the lifestyle of the population is extremely busy and this has led to increased consumption of whey protein. Protein ingredients are used in packaged food and fortified food products, and it helps in meeting the daily nutrition requirement of an individual due to which the demand for protein-rich foods is expected to grow.

Growing popularity among gym enthusiasts and athletes

Essential organic substances, minerals, fats, vitamins, and proteins are extremely important for fitness enthusiasts. Bodybuilders and athletes consume supplementary products to improve their overall health, promote muscle gain and enhance stamina. Sportspersons and athletes consume such protein powders to build muscles. As the handling and transportation of this product are easy, the market is expected to grow well.

Key Market Restraints

Whey protein is expensive

The premium products available in the market and the cost of formula food for babies and supplementary food products are expensive in nature and this will restrain the market growth during the forecast period.

Key Market Challenges

The growing popularity of plant-based products and vegan diet

After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for plant-based products has grown significantly and increasing awareness regarding health has led to increased consumption of a vegan diet. Consumers leading an active lifestyle have also adopted healthy diets. Innovations in the food sector have led to the growth of specific function diets which help with muscle repair, weight loss, and energy balance. Animal protein is being substituted with other products. 

Clean labels are gaining popularity in the food industry as well as in the cosmetics industry due to which the market growth of whey protein will be hampered. Plant-based products and vegan products cause minimal harm to the environment. In European countries, the popularity of vegan food has grown drastically. Protein requirements of various classes of people are met by plant-based products and vegan products, this has led to the elimination of whey proteins.

Key Market Opportunities

Growing concern about health and government initiatives

Growing concern about health after the pandemic in various nations has led to an increase in the number of initiatives taken by the government which is anticipated to provide opportunities for the growth of the whey market. Fitness centers and wellness centers across the globe have increased in numbers, creating more demand for this product. Growing concerns about boosting immunity during the pandemic had led to increased consumption of whey proteins and the results obtained by the consumers have increased the preference for such products.

Type Insights

Based on the type of whey proteins, the concentrate segment will generate maximum revenue in the coming years. These concentrates are soluble and provide minerals lactose and lipids. These concentrates have applications in dairy desserts, beverages, and yogurts due to the flavor of the product. This is a low-cost substitute used in the food industry. Protein-enriched foods and infant nutrition feed make use of the concentrates. It also finds application in the nutritional industry and meat industries. The isolated segment is also expected to generate significant revenue in the coming years. It is a low-fat high protein diet that is gaining popularity as a regular food item. 

WPH Segment is also expected to garner a good amount of revenue due to the benefits offered by the product. Antihypertensive, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties will lead to the growth of this segment. This product finds application in sports nutrition, infant nutrition, and Clinical nutrition. The regulatory policy of the Food and Drug Administration has played a significant role in driving the market for WPH, as it is being used widely in the food industry.

Application Insights

The sports nutrition segment held the dominating position in the past. The beverage industry and the food industry make extensive use of whey proteins. There are many health benefits associated with the consumption of energy drinks, confectionery products, and bakery products that make use of whey protein. The use of this product in the food and beverages industry helps in enhancing the flavor of the food product. It is used as a stabilizing and emulsifying agent. All of these factors will lead to the growth of the segment in the coming years. 

Weight management and sports nutrition are playing a significant role in the growth of the segment. Whey protein is used in the manufacturing of beverages, powders, and bars. Growing recommendations for consuming these protein powders from fitness centers will also increase the sales of the product. The cosmetic industry is also making use of this product in manufacturing procedures. Hair conditioners, hair shampoos, colors, hair dyes, face creams, and eye care products are manufactured with the use of whey protein.

Distribution Channel Insights

The hypermarkets and supermarkets segment is expected to have a leading position. A wide range of products available in the supermarkets at discounted rates will help in the growth of the market. Specialty stores have also generated a significant amount of revenue in the past due to the consistent purchases of the product by regular consumers. The growing popularity of online stores after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in increasing the sales of these products.

End User Insights

The athlete's segment had a significant amount of revenue has been generated through this segment in 2022. Lifestyle users and bodybuilders also have a significant share of the total revenue generated through the sales of the product. Growing awareness about the health benefits associated with the consumption of whey proteins will increase the consumption of the product in the long run.

Regional Insights

The global industry is led by the North American region has a share of 38% in 2022. Increasing disposable income is a leading cause for the sales of the product. A healthy lifestyle is promoted by various platforms, and this has also played a significant role in the growth of the market. The use of this product as a supplement and as functional food has gained popularity in the North American region. 

Whey Protein Market Share, By Region, 2022 (%)

Significant growth is registered in the European nations as this product is seen as a preventive healthcare product. Growing demand for protein supplements will increase the sales of the product. This product is a naturally derived product that has a greater demand in the market. As the fitness centers in the Asia Pacific region are increasing gradually, the demand for this product is also expected to grow. The availability of raw materials in the nations like China and India is more, due to which the sales are expected to increase.

Key Market Developments

  • In 2021, a five-year strategy was adopted by Arla Foods to manufacture sustainable dairy products for the growth of the business. One of the strategies aims at making more investments in the business of whey ingredients. 

Whey Protein Market Companies

  • Glanbia plc. (Ireland)
  • Now Health Group, Inc. (U.S.)
  • Nutiva Inc (U.S.)
  • The Simply Good Food Co (U.S.)
  • Iovate Health Sciences International Inc. (Canada)
  • MusclePharm Corporation (U.S.)
  • Kerry Group Plc (Ireland)
  • CytoSport, Inc. (U.S.)
  • The Nature's Bounty Co. (U.S.)
  • Reliance Vitamin Company, Inc. (U.S.)
  • Herbalife Nutrition, Inc. (U.S.)
  • Danone SA (France)
  • General Nutrition Centers (GNC) Holdings, Inc. (U.S.)
  • Orgain Inc. (U.S.)
  • True Nutrition (U.S.)

Segments Covered in the Report

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

By Geography

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Latin America
  • The Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the whey protein market size?
The global whey protein market size was accounted at USD 8.25 billion in 2022 and it is expected to reach around USD 19.26 billion by 2032.
What will be the CAGR of global whey protein market?
The global whey protein market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 8.9% from 2023 to 2032.
Who are the prominent players operating in the whey protein market?
The major players operating in the whey protein market are Glanbia plc., Now Health Group, Inc., Nutiva Inc, The Simply Good Food Co, Iovate Health Sciences International Inc., MusclePharm Corporation, Kerry Group Plc, CytoSport, Inc., The Nature's Bounty Co., Reliance Vitamin Company, Inc., Herbalife Nutrition, Inc., Danone SA, General Nutrition Centers (GNC) Holdings, Inc., Orgain Inc., True Nutrition and Others.
Which are the driving factors of the whey protein market?
The driving factors of the whey protein market are the growing demand for protein-rich foods and growing popularity among gym enthusiasts & athletes.
Which region will lead the global whey protein market?
North America region will lead the global whey protein market during the forecast period 2023 to 2032.

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