Global Whey Protein Analysis 2025, Forecast To 2034
26 Mar, 2025
How Has the Whey Protein Market Size Evolved in Recent Years?
The whey protein market has seen considerable growth due to a variety of factors.
• The size of the whey protein market has expanded swiftly in the past few years. It is projected to escalate from $9.85 billion in 2024 to $11.09 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6%.
Factors contributing to this growth during the historical period include a surge in demand for sports nutrition products, an increasing number of health-aware consumers, widespread protein supplementation among athletes, expansion in the fitness and bodybuilding industry, heightened awareness about the benefits of muscle recovery, and growing acceptance of whey protein among non-athletes for overall wellness.
What are the Market Size and Expected Growth Rates for the Whey Protein Market?
The whey protein market is expected to maintain its strong growth trajectory in upcoming years.
• The market size of whey protein is expected to undergo a swift expansion in the coming years. It's predicted to ascend to $17.56 billion in the year 2029, escalating at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%.
The development during the predicted period can be linked to expanding consciousness about health and wellbeing, rising adoption of plant-based and dairy protein diets, increased demand for high-protein snacks and functional food products, an increase in disposable income in emerging economies, a surge in the number of gyms, fitness institution, and health platforms, and an increased demand for weight management commodities. The prediction period will see trends such as personalized nutritional enhanced labeling on products, sustainable production methods, online sales channels' growth, and advances in protein isolation mechanisms.
Which Key Drivers Are Propelling The Whey Protein Market's Growth?
The surge in health consciousness is predicted to spur the expansion of the whey protein market. This growth is fueled by a greater awareness of health, ease of access to information, social media influence, and an emphasis on comprehensive well-being. Health consciousness denotes a person's knowledge, understanding, and dedication to preserving and enhancing their physical and mental health. Whey protein, indispensable for health and fitness, provides a superior protein source that aids muscle development, recovery, and overall physical performance. For example, a survey conducted by the International Food Information Council, a US-based non-profit organization, in May 2022 involving 1,005 American adults aged 18–80 and Gen Z adults ages 18-24, revealed that roughly 52% of the respondents followed a specific diet or eating pattern, a rise from 39% in 2021. The most favored options included clean eating (16%), mindful eating (14%), and calorie counting (13%). Consequently, the escalating preference for health consciousness is fueling the whey protein market.
What Are The Key Segments Within The Global Whey Protein Market?
The whey protein market covered in this report is segmented –
1) By Type: Isolates, Concentrates, Demineralized, Hydrolysate
2) By Application: Nutritional, Personal Care, Food, Feed, Infant Formula, Sports and Performance Nutrition, Functional Or Fortified Food
3) By Distribution Channel: Supermarkets Or Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online Stores, Other Distribution Channels
4) By End-Users: Athletes, Bodybuilders, Lifestyle Users
Subsegments:
1) By Isolates: Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) 90%+, Native Whey Isolate, Microfiltered Whey Isolate
2) By Concentrates: Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) 35%–80%, Instantized Whey Concentrate, Grass-Fed Whey Concentrate
3) By Demineralized: Partially Demineralized Whey (DWP 40, DWP 50), Highly Demineralized Whey (DWP 70, DWP 90)
4) By Hydrolysate: Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Whey, Partially Hydrolyzed Whey, Extensively Hydrolyzed Whey
What New Trends Are Influencing The Whey Protein Market?
Major companies operating in the whey protein market are focusing on developing innovative products utilizing micro particulation technology to enhance stability and expand applications in high-temperature processing. Microparticulation technology is an advanced processing technique that involves the reduction of larger particles or substances into fine, uniform microparticles, enabling enhanced delivery, controlled release, improved stability, and optimized bioavailability in various applications. For instance, in November 2023, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., a Netherlands-based food company, introduced Nutri Whey ProHeat, a heat-stable whey protein for medical nutrition. This product utilizes advanced microparticulation technology that overcomes heat-treatment challenges, preserving whey's nutritional benefits such as higher leucine content and faster digestion. Nutri Whey ProHeat boasts superior sensory properties and supports patient adherence to nutritional programs, marking a significant advancement in delivering whey protein's advantages in a drinkable format.
Who Are the Key Players In The Whey Protein Market?
Major companies operating in the whey protein market are:
• Groupe Lactalis SA
• Danone SA
• Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
• Kerry Group plc
• Agropur Cooperative
• Glanbia plc
• Optimum Nutrition Inc.
• Herbalife International Inc.
• Hilmar Cheese Company Inc.
• The Nature's Bounty Co.
• GNC Holdings LLC
• Leprino Foods Company
• The Simply Good Foods Company
• Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S
• Havero Hoogwegt BV
• NOW Health Group Inc.
• Grande Cheese Company
• Orgain Inc.
• The Hut.com Limited
• Iovate Health Sciences International Inc.
What Are The Regional Insights Into The Whey Protein Market?
North America was the largest region in the whey protein market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the whey protein market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.