The whey protein market Size is estimated to be worth USD 19.6 billion in 2023 and is predicted to grow to USD 40.3 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2023 to 2033.
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Whey Protein Market Value (2023) | USD 19.6 billion |
| Whey Protein Market Anticipated Value (2033) | USD 40.3 billion |
| Whey Protein Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033) | 7.5% CAGR |
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Rising demand for dairy ingredients, consumer awareness of a healthy diet, a rising trend of health clubs and fitness centers, an increasing percentage of older people globally, and a keen interest of youngsters in sports and nutrition are the key factors driving the whey protein market growth in the region.
Whey snacks are popular among not only the health conscious, but also millennials searching for short snack options to full meals, and older individuals looking for a protein-reach diet because of their flavors, nutritional values, ease of carrying, and perishable nature. Furthermore, growth in the use of whey protein in sports nutrition and weight management goods, such as bars, powders, and beverages, as well as an increase in the number of fitness centers recommending protein supplements, are expected to drive sales.
Whey protein, on the other hand, is widely used to improve biological value, create superior physical, textural, and other food functional characteristics, improve sensory qualities, and build high-protein and low-lactose goods. Additionally, efforts to identify novel applications, such as creating edible films, are expected to aid in the sector's growth.
Food packaging constructed from biodegradable or edible materials is an effective way to improve food quality and shelf life while reducing environmental impact. This is expected to increase product demand throughout the forecast period. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer may struggle to meet their nutritional demands due to a lack of appetite. As a result, whey protein solutions can help alleviate this issue.
From 2017 to 2022, the whey protein market Value is growing at USD 18.3 billion, with a robust CAGR of 5.9%. Global market absolute dollar growth is USD 20.8 billion.
Increasing purchasing power and the increasing acceptance of a healthy and nutritious diet are two significant factors driving global demand for whey protein. Furthermore, it is extensively utilized in the creation of shakes, muffins, cupcakes, smoothies, pancakes, coffee, and spreads that are sold in commercial food establishments. This, combined with the expanding food and beverage (F&B) business, is fueling Whey Protein market expansion.
Furthermore, rising awareness about the health benefits of ingesting whey protein, as well as rising health consciousness among the general public, are boosting the Whey Protein market. Moreover, because it is used in the production of baby food and infant formula, rising parental concerns about their children's nutrition are producing a good outlook for the industry.
Furthermore, the growing use of dietary supplements in daily life to preserve overall health is boosting Whey Protein market growth. Aside from that, product producers are expanding their product line by producing novel versions in novel flavors, such as coconut, caramel, chocolate, cranberry, and coffee.
They are also concentrating on selling whey protein-based beverages and pastry items through online retail channels. This, combined with the expanding e-commerce industry, is providing industry investors with significant growth potential.
| Historical CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 5.9% |
|---|---|
| Forecast CAGR (2023 to 2033) | 7.5% |
As per the FMI analysts, a valuation of USD 40.3 billion by 2033 end is estimated for the Whey Protein market.
| Year | Market Valuation |
|---|---|
| 2016 | USD 8.81 million |
| 2021 | USD 10.26 billion |
| 2022 | USD 18.3 billion |
| 2023 | USD 19.6 billion |
| 2033 | USD 40.3 billion |
Protein-rich diet consumption has skyrocketed in recent years, owing to rising health consciousness among consumers globally. With increasingly hectic schedules, consumers are unable to consume a nutritionally full diet daily, prompting them to seek nutrients from packaged food products.
As a result, packaged food makers fortify their goods with healthful components, including protein. Growing chronic illness incidences as a result of changing lifestyles and rising fitness trends, particularly among the millennial population, are significant factors pushing the adoption of protein-rich diets.
Furthermore, child malnutrition is a widespread problem in African countries, owing mostly to protein deficiencies. As a result, African countries are placing a greater emphasis on a protein-rich diet, which is likely to stimulate demand for protein-rich components such as soy, pea, and canola.
Vitamins, proteins, supplements, lipids, carbs, minerals, and organic substances are all consumed during sports nutrition. Sports nutritional goods include sports beverages, sports supplements, and sports foods that are aimed at increasing the strength and endurance of athletes and bodybuilders to improve overall performance, stamina, muscle growth, and health.
Protein ingestion is an important part of overall sports nutrition. Protein is mostly consumed in pre- and post-workout diets, with the goal of muscle growth, endurance support, and weight gain. Athletes, sportspeople, and gym goers choose protein powder due to its ease of transportation and handling, long shelf life, highly concentrated form, and ease of mixing with liquids such as water and milk.
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The global Whey Protein market for plant proteins is being driven by rising product demand, as consumers become more aware of the importance of eating a nutritious diet and maintaining an active lifestyle. Furthermore, increased advancements in the creation of proteins that contain a diverse spectrum of amino acids and perform specialized activities such as energy balancing, weight loss, muscle regeneration, and satiety by various manufacturers are providing a massive market opportunity for plant proteins.
As a result, it is directly displacing animal protein sources, stifling protein industry growth. Plant-based proteins, such as soy, pea, wheat, rice, algae, and hemp, among others, have gained popularity in recent years. Growing demand for clean-label food and cosmetics products, combined with a growing vegan population in European countries, is primarily driving demand for plant-based proteins, mostly for environmental and health reasons. Vegans choose goods fortified with plant-based proteins to meet their protein needs, hence avoiding animal proteins such as whey.
People have taken it upon themselves to improve their overall health and fitness after COVID-19, which has led to an increase in demand for protein. However, riding on the bandwagon of high demand has had a serious impact on the protein industry.
As protein has become increasingly popular throughout the supplement world in India, certain brands are exploiting the trend by releasing fake protein supplements that are adulterated and contaminated, and pose serious health risks to consumers.
As for the side effects of consuming spurious whey, the list runs long. However, the primary effect of consuming this product is an adverse impact on the kidney, which over time can lead to renal failure. In most cases, counterfeit whey does not deliver the results promised by the manufacturer and remains suboptimal in terms of quality. The Whey Protein market could be negatively affected by all these factors, which could further hamper its growth.
Food fortification entails the addition of certain beneficial ingredients to a product to enhance its functional properties. Through fortification, manufacturers can increase the quality of food and address crucial mineral or vitamin deficiencies.
Protein fortification is gaining popularity among consumers owing to a rising preference for protein in regular or everyday foods and increasing demand for weight management products that are low in fats and high in protein.
As per the 2016 Food and Health Survey from the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC), 64% of Americans wanted to include protein in their diet, which is a significant increase from 53% in 2014.
Protein standardization is the adjustment of protein content in a food product to either meet regulatory guidelines or enhance the functional properties of the product. It is a common practice among dairy product manufacturers, wherein protein ingredients are added in a way that mimics the casein-to-whey ratio in natural milk. It improves product uniformity, consistency, texture, and taste.
Demand for fortified and standardized food and beverages is currently driving sales in the market, and the trend is expected to continue over the forecast period.
Promoting the benefits of whey protein is one-way players gain a competitive advantage. Furthermore, as a result of developments in research and development, players are investing more money into diversifying their product assortment.
Protein supplements have seen a boom in popularity among gym users in recent years. As part of a healthy diet regimen, health experts from all over the United States recommend whey protein to promote that the body recovers after a workout and to help build healthy muscles.
MuscleBlaze, a sports nutrition brand, introduced MB ProCheck, a home protein testing kit. As the young population of India grows more concerned about fake supplements being sold to them, both online and offline, this innovative product was born naturally out of necessity.
The rising prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases and increasing awareness regarding healthy lifestyles is spurring demand for whey protein. Protein supplements are often recommended at gyms and fitness centers, which is attracting consumer attention towards whey protein.
Due to its antibacterial and antihypertensive properties, whey protein is used in the food industry in cereals, chocolates, beverages, baby foods, dairy products, and baked goods. This is expected to continue driving sales of whey protein across the globe.
Unlike other dairy products, whey protein has a relatively long shelf life, so it can last for months while maintaining its original properties. In addition to this, whey protein is generally available in powder form, making it easy to transport from one location to another.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 5.9% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 9.8 billion |
| Country | United Kingdom |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 3.7% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 2.1 billion |
| Country | China |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 6.9% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 2.7 billion |
| Country | Japan |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 5.1% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 1.1 billion |
| Country | South Korea |
|---|---|
| CAGR (2017 to 2022) | 4.7% |
| Valuation (2023 to 2033) | USD 574.1 million |
Consumers in the United States are Preferring Whey Isolate Protein Powder Post Workout
According to FMI, the United States is the global leader, accounting for one-third of the total whey protein market share in both export and import.
The rising prevalence of lifestyle-related disorders, such as obesity, is compelling consumers to invest in nutritious and healthy food products. Protein is one of the most preferred forms of supplements consumed for weight loss and sports nutrition purposes.
Protein supplements in the form of whey powder are widely available in the country, and consumers are seeking whey protein products to meet their daily protein needs and achieve their fitness goals. Driven by this, sales are projected to increase at a 4.7% CAGR over the forecast period.
Increasing Focus on Sports Nutrition is Driving Whey Protein Sales in India
The growing interest in sports and fitness activities is spurring demand for products such as sports drinks containing whey protein. Although the concept of sports drinks is relatively new to consumers in India, consumers are willing to try new high-protein products, such as whey protein powders, protein bars, and drinks.
In response to this, players are investing in promotional strategies to increase awareness regarding the benefits of whey protein products. This is expected to push sales at an impressive 11% CAGR over the assessment period.
Surging Demand for Infant Formula May Fuel Sales of Whey Protein Isolate
A growing focus on healthy diets for adults and infants in Mexico is expected to push sales in the market over the forecast period. Hectic lifestyles of consumers are resulting in inadequate protein, vitamins, and minerals intake.
This is compelling consumers to seek healthy food options with high protein and vitamin content. In addition to this, the incorporation of whey protein in infant food is expected to create opportunities for growth for players in the forthcoming years.
Rising Sales of Sports Nutrition are Boosting Demand for Whey Protein
In terms of applications, demand in the nutrition products and pharmaceutical sector is forecast to remain high over the forecast period. Growing adoption of whey protein in sports nutrition products, such as powders, bars, and beverages, is projected to continue pushing sales over the assessment period.
Whey protein concentrate is a cost-effective alternative for blending caramel with excellent taste and processability. Dairy proteins including whey and casein are particularly popular as supplements due to functional advantages, such as high solubility and the presence of all nine essential amino acids.
Casein-derived proteins are unique as they slowly release amino acids into the body instead of giving an immediate amino acid boost, making them ideal nighttime supplements.
Increasing Utilization of Whey Protein Shakes May Fuel Market Growth
Whey protein isolated powder accounts for about 85% of the total whey protein demand, as per FMI.
Consumer preferences for including proteins in regular and everyday foods, along with growing demand for low-fat and high-protein weight management products, are expected to boost sales in the segment. Besides this, increasing sales of fortified food products may augment the growth of the market in the forthcoming years.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Size Value in 2023 | USD 19.6 billion |
| Market Size Value in 2033 | USD 40.3 billion |
| Market Analysis | USD billion for Value |
| Key Region Covered | North America; Latin America; Europe; Asia Pacific; The Middle East & Africa |
| Key Segments | By Product Type, By Nature, By End Use, By Region |
| Key Companies Profiled | Hilmar Cheese Company; Alpavit; Maple Island Inc; Glanbia; Wheyco Gmbh; Saputo Inc; Davisco Foods International Inc; Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd; Milk Specialties Global; Milkaut SA |
| Report Coverage | Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives |
| Customization & Pricing | Available upon Request |
The sales of whey protein are anticipated to be worth USD 40.3 billion by 2033.
The growth potential of the market is 7.5% through 2033.
Budding fitness and health clubs and growing concern about fitness are pushing for long-term growth.
Protein standardization and fortification are consolidating the whey protein sales.
Whey protein isolates are attracting huge demand.
| Estimated Industry Size (2025E) | USD 6,085.0 million |
|---|---|
| Projected Industry Value (2035F) | USD 11,530.1 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 6.6% |
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