The global whey protein market size was valued at USD 13.77 Billion in 2025. The industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.50% during the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach a value of USD 31.13 Billion by 2035. A major force accelerating the market growth is the rapid expansion and restructuring of processing capacity, mainly due to both large-scale greenfield investments and facility acquisition that is targeted.
Major industry players are aggressively focused on creating the foundation of their supply chains and to make their manufacturing regionally stronger as a result of the surging demand across sectors such as sports nutrition, medical nutrition, and clean-label protein applications. This whey protein market trend can be seen in Hilmar Cheese Company's multiyear investment in its Dodge City facility, which was officially opened in March 2025, thus, the United States added significant cheese and whey-protein processing capacity.
Similarly, in April 2025, Actus Nutrition acquired a 99,000-sq ft whey-protein processing plant from Foremost Farms United States of America, marking a strategic consolidation and a long-term partnership for whey-supply. Such efforts indicate a significant change in the structural framework of the industry. Moreover, manufacturers are investing in scalable infrastructures and the consolidation of assets to ensure the availability of the necessary raw materials. This makes regional supply lines safe, and scale high-value fractions like whey protein isolate and hydrolysates in an efficient way, thus boosting the overall whey protein market development.
Base Year
Historical Period
Forecast Period
Compound Annual Growth Rate
8.5%
Value in USD Billion
2026-2035
*this image is indicative*
| Whey Protein Market Report Summary | Description | Value |
| Base Year | USD Billion | 2025 |
| Historical Period | USD Billion | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | USD Billion | 2026-2035 |
| Market Size 2025 | USD Billion | 13.77 |
| Market Size 2035 | USD Billion | 31.13 |
| CAGR 2019-2025 | Percentage | XX% |
| CAGR 2026-2035 | Percentage | 8.50% |
| CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Region | Asia Pacific | 9.8% |
| CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Country | India | 11.2% |
| CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Country | China | 9.4% |
| CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Type | Hydrolysate | 9.5% |
| CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by Distribution Channel | Online Stores | 12.3% |
| Market Share by Country 2025 | UK | 3.5% |
The whey protein market growth is driven by the rise in active lifestyle consumers, which in turn pushes the demand for high-quality protein. Muscle recovery and fitness are typically associated with the need for quality protein, which is fueling orders for whey ingredients. To demonstrate, Glanbia in their yearly report, published in February 2025, communicated that it kept on seeing “double-digit volume growth” and "continued volume momentum" for its major sports-nutrition brands throughout 2024, hence, signaling strong demand for whey-based solutions. Such growth at the brand level reflects continuous upstream demand for whey isolates and concentrates as well as a revitalization of the global whey-protein supply chain.
Busier lifestyles have spurred the on-the-go nutrition trend in the whey protein market, resulting in heightened demand for ready-to-drink (RTD) protein beverages, shots, and easy-to-eat protein forms. In consequence, whey producers are seeking to enhance specialized fractions to meet this new demand. For instance, in October 2023, FrieslandCampina Ingredients declared its intention to double the production capacity of whey protein isolate (WPI) and MFGM at its Borculo plant to fulfill the increasing demand for these advanced components. This expansion provides the means for manufacturers to develop stable, low-viscosity whey-based drinks and nutritional shots aimed at convenience-driven consumers.
The introduction of medical nutritional and clinical-grade formulations in the whey protein market has led to an increase in the use of whey because of its complete amino acid profile and ease of digestion. As a result, demand for premium, function-focused whey fractions have risen substantially. In November 2024, Arla Foods Ingredients introduced a new medical-nutrition product, whey protein hydrolysate, that is not only easily digestible but also the perfect choice for patient beverages. This evolution highlights how segments like clinical and care-oriented ones are becoming lucrative growth areas for whey producers.
Consumer knowledge of sustainability issues and the rise in lactose-free diets is resulting in the development of alternative whey sources other than traditional dairy, which is expands the supply base further. For instance, in February 2024, Orgain, a brand under Nestlé, introduced "Better Whey", the first animal-free, precision-fermented whey protein isolate from the company, which is lactose-free and has a smaller environmental impact than regular dairy whey. The launch reflects the how technology innovation is reshaping the dynamics of the whey protein market supply and offering environmentally friendly alternatives while at the same time attracting eco- and health-conscious consumers.
The emergence of the weight management and appetite control markets, which includes demand by individuals on GLP-1 medicines, is one of the major factors leading whey to product innovations in the satiety field and in compact formats. Nestlé introduced in the United States, in December 2024, Boost Pre-Meal Hunger Support protein shots, which provide 10 g of whey protein per shot, 45 calories, and minimally contain sugar. With the shift, the companies are signaling how they are changing whey from a classic product for the gym-goers to a comprehensive nutrition solution. The brands, by adding various user scenarios and consumption formats, are managing to draw more people from different demographics and keeping the category growing at a healthy pace.
The EMR’s report titled “Global Whey Protein Market Report and Forecast 2026-2035” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:
Market Breakup by Type
Key Insights: Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is the major contributor to the whey protein market revenue owing on its low price and wide use in bakery, confectionery, and general nutrition. Consequently, producers like Fonterra and Lactalis are increasing their capacities to meet the demand. Long term, isolate is growing fast as it is picking up in local and overseas markets for premium sports nutrition and clinical nutrition, which can be noticed from FrieslandCampina's investment in additional capacity for high-purity isolates. Hydrolysate solution is majorly used in infant formula and medical nutrition markets, with companies like Arla Foods presenting a new range of hydrolyzed whey proteins for easier digestion.
Market Breakup by Application
Key Insights: The wheyprotein market scope comprises of application such as sports nutrition, dietary supplements, infant formula, food additives, beverages, and other functional food applications, which are mainly driven by growing health awareness, convenience, and demand for high-quality protein. In July 2025, the United Kingdom-based protein brand, Myprotein, expanded its “Clear Whey” range with a juice-style isolate drink delivering ~20 g protein per serving with fewer than 90 calories, targeting wellness-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, infant-formula and clinical-nutrition makers rely on isolates and hydrolysates for digestible, complete nutrition, supplement brands supply powders for performance and dietary use. Beverage and food-additive producers integrate whey into fortified drinks and snacks. Other segments, including aging and general wellness, further expand overall market demand.
Market Breakup by Distribution Channel
Key Insights: Despite the changing consumer patterns, supermarkets still hold the major share of the whey protein market because of their extent, regular promotions, and visibility for brands of the mass market. Specialty stores and convenience outlets mainly serve the health-conscious and ready-to-drink consumers who make up the niche and the impulse-buying segments. While online retail has a significant growth rate, which can be attributed to the expansion of e-commerce platforms and D2C brands', such as MYPROTEIN, digital presence facilitates subscription models, easy delivery, and access to premium or niche whey protein SKUs for consumers.
Market Breakup by Region
Key Insights: The global whey protein market is shaped by regional giants which cater to diverse demand patterns. In North America, the major players are Glanbia plc, Hilmar Cheese Company, Saputo Inc., and Agropur Cooperative, which are the main suppliers of sports nutrition and functional foods. In Europe, the competition among the dairy companies is strong with Arla Foods, FrieslandCampina, Lactalis Ingredients, and Glanbia being the major players who dominate the market, by utilizing the clean-label trends and the well-developed dairy infrastructure. Demand in Asia Pacific is mainly fulfilled by Fonterra and Arla Foods who focus on the urban and wellness-conscious consumers. In the case of Latin America and Middle East & Africa, Fonterra, Lactalis, and Arla Foods are the leaders that support the growth of these regions through the networks of exports and distribution.
By type, Isolate (WPI) witnesses high demand
High purity whey protein isolate demand continues to rise to satisfy the growing need of a protein source that is lactose-free, easily digestible, and high in protein for sports, performance. Market players are even experimenting with ready-to-drink (RTD) products. Citing an instance, in August 2025, a new ‘Sparkling Clear Protein Drink’ was launched providing 30 g of ultra filtered whey protein isolate per can and at the same time, offering a light, soda like texture which is a rare type of formulation in the traditional protein shakes. The producers are scaling up isolate filtration and refining sensory profiles to meet the consumers' evolving demand in the global protein market for taste, convenience, and purity.
Whey protein hydrolysates witness higher preference due to their rapid absorption and gentle digestibility, which is evident from the specialty nutrition and medical-grade applications. In November 2023, the ingredient supplier FrieslandCampina Ingredients launched a heat-stable hydrolysed whey protein, “Nutri Whey ProHeat”, aimed specifically at liquid medical nutrition applications, thus ensuring low viscosity, neutral pH, and UHT processing suitability. The announcement exemplifies how the whey producers are heavily investing in advanced fractionation and processing technologies to serve the segments of infant, clinical, and medical nutrition with tailored hydrolysate solutions.
By application, dietary supplements register robust growth
The dietary supplement application category is driving significant growth in whey protein market, as the consumers are increasingly looking for products that help them muscle gain, fat management, and general wellness. Manufacturers are innovating by introducing hybrid formulations that combine protein with functional ingredients. As an example, in May 2025, GNC India introduced ‘Pro Performance 100% Whey + Keto Surge’, a product that combines whey protein with L Carnitine, CLA, and Garcinia Cambogia to target lean muscle and weight management. Thus, companies are progressively creating multifunctional proteins that merge performance, metabolic support, and convenience to be aligned with a broader trend in the protein supplement market.
The food and beverage applications contributes substantially to the surging demand in the whey protein market as the manufacturers are focused on fortifying beverages, dairy products, and snacks with high-quality protein. In November 2024, Arla Foods Ingredients took a step toward completing the acquisition of Volac Whey Nutrition (United Kingdom), thereby adding the Felinfach processing facility of Volac to extend global whey-ingredient capacity. This strategic decision thus facilitates the production of isolates and concentrates to a larger extent, hence providing more excellent opportunities for brands to innovate in functional dairy, protein drinks, and fortified foods while simultaneously responding to the growing consumer demand for nutritious and convenient products.
By distribution channels, online stores generate substantial product sales
The online retail channel is driving demand for sustainable, clean-label, and lactose-free whey-protein products, as consumers increasingly prefer home delivery and easy access to niche products. For example, in March 2025, start-up Vivici unveiled its precision-fermented dairy-protein ingredient “Vivitein BLG” at Natural Products Expo West, positioning it as a vegan-friendly whey substitute suitable for bars, clear drinks, and powders. This demonstrates how online-focused brands are leveraging innovative ingredients to reach health-conscious and sustainability-oriented consumers.
Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain key distributing channels boosting sales in the whey protein market, mainly for whey concentrate (WPC) and isolate (WPI) products, offering mass-market visibility and shelf presence. To meet rising demand, suppliers are consolidating production. In April 2024, Glanbia acquired a United States-based flavor and ingredients business to expand whey-isolate manufacturing and secure supply for its sports-nutrition brands. This illustrates how mainstream retail channels benefit from strengthened supply chains, ensuring wider availability of whey products for consumers.
By region, Asia Pacific leads the market growth
The Asia Pacific whey protein industry is rapidly evolving as regional players roll out specialized products to meet growing demand for performance nutrition. In March 2025, Muscle Blaze secured a United States patent for its “Biozyme Whey (MB EnzymePro)”, a whey powder formulated with proteolytic enzymes to boost amino acid bioavailability, and is expanding across Southeast Asia and other export markets. This move reflects a broader trend: as urbanization and wellness awareness rise, companies are launching premium whey variants and targeting export-orientated growth. Simultaneously, rising disposable incomes and online retail penetration are helping such specialized products reach a wider consumer base across Asia.
On the other hand, Europe accounts for a considerable share of the whey protein market growth, owing to the growth in fitness, wellness and functional food demand, which is prompting supplier consolidation and capacity upgrades across whey processing. In November 2024, Arla Foods Ingredients completed its acquisition of Volac Whey Nutrition, integrating Volac’s Felinfach (Wales) facility into its global whey ingredient network. This deal enhances Arla’s WPI and speciality-protein output, enabling supply stability and scaling for sports nutrition and functional food customers across Europe. It underscores how major players are consolidating to meet rising demand while optimizing production capabilities.
| CAGR 2026-2035 - Market by | Country |
| India | 11.2% |
| China | 9.4% |
| UK | 9.3% |
| USA | 9.1% |
| Germany | 8.4% |
| Canada | XX% |
| France | XX% |
| Italy | XX% |
| Japan | 5.9% |
| Australia | XX% |
| Saudi Arabia | XX% |
| Brazil | XX% |
| Mexico | XX% |
Major whey protein market players are ramping up product innovation and the development of specialty ingredients to attract the rapidly growing segments of sports nutrition, clinical nutrition, and clean-label food applications. The likes of Glanbia plc, Arla Foods amba, Fonterra, and Lactalis Ingredients are continually broadening their research and development capabilities, enhancing protein purity and functionality, and launching value-added whey isolates and hydrolysates specifically designed for muscle recovery, digestive wellness, and immune support.
The global dairy and whey suppliers in the whey protein market are equally buying into the idea of supply-chain resilience and scalability through capacity expansion, strategic collaborations, and sustainability roadmaps. Among the players Hilmar Cheese Company, FrieslandCampina, Agropur, Saputo, Leprino Foods, Wheyco GmbH, and Olam International are investing into new processing facilities, energy-efficient production systems, and advanced filtration technologies to be able to meet the demand that is rising at the same time they are lowering the environmental impact and ensuring the continuous supply of ingredients that are of high quality.
Glanbia plc is a global nutrition group focused on providing dairy-based and performance nutrition solutions, along with protein ingredients for the nutrition market, which has been their innovation for quite a few years. The company, established in 1964, with its main office in Kilkenny, Ireland, utilizes a broad portfolio and strong brand collaborations to serve customers all over the globe.
Arla Foods amba is a large dairy cooperative of the world, producing consumer dairy products of high quality and nutrition-grade advanced whey-based ingredients. The cooperative was formed in 2000 and is headquartered in Viby, Denmark. It is owned by farmers and is characterized by a strong emphasis on production that is both environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited is the major global dairy exporter of the next generation of nutritional ingredients in the whey protein market. One of the most notable is the range of premium whey proteins that find applications in sports, medical, and functional food markets. The cooperative that leverages cutting-edge dairy science and a robust global distribution network was established in 2001 and is based in Auckland, New Zealand.
Lactalis Ingredients is an essential part of the Lactalis Group, which provides high-quality whey proteins, milk powders, and functional dairy ingredients to the food, beverage, and nutrition companies all over the world. The company with a strong heritage since 1933 and headquartered in Laval, France, keeps on broadening its specialty ingredient offering through perpetual engagement and global market penetration.
*Please note that this is only a partial list; the complete list of key players is available in the full report. Additionally, the list of key players can be customized to better suit your needs.*
Other players in the market include Olam International Limited, Royal FrieslandCampina NV, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc., Agropur Cooperative, Saputo Inc., Leprino Foods Company, and Wheyco GmbH, among others.
Explore the latest trends shaping the Global Whey Protein Market 2026-2035 with our in-depth report. Gain strategic insights, future forecasts, and key market developments that can help you stay competitive. Download a free sample report or contact our team for customized consultation on global whey protein market trends 2026.
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*While we strive to always give you current and accurate information, the numbers depicted on the website are indicative and may differ from the actual numbers in the main report. At Expert Market Research, we aim to bring you the latest insights and trends in the market. Using our analyses and forecasts, stakeholders can understand the market dynamics, navigate challenges, and capitalize on opportunities to make data-driven strategic decisions.*
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In 2025, the global whey protein market reached an approximate value of USD 13.77 Billion.
The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.50% between 2026 and 2035.
The market is estimated to witness a healthy growth in the forecast period of 2026-2035 to reach about USD 31.13 Billion by 2035.
Key strategies driving the market include product innovation, capacity expansion, strategic acquisitions and partnerships, diversification into specialty and clean-label whey proteins, and regional market penetration.
The surging demand for organic whey protein and the rising consumption of whey protein by athletes to gain muscle mass are the key trends guiding the market growth.
The major regions in the market are North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
The major types of whey protein are concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate.
The significant applications of the product are sports nutrition, dietary supplement, infant formula, food additives, and beverages, among others.
The key players in the market include Glanbia plc, Arla Foods amba, Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited, Lactalis Ingredients, Olam International Limited, Royal FrieslandCampina NV, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc., Agropur Cooperative, Saputo Inc., Leprino Foods Company, Wheyco GmbH, and others.
The major challenges that the global whey protein market face includes high raw material costs, stringent regulatory standards, intense competition, supply chain disruptions, and consumer concerns about allergens and lactose intolerance.
Explore our key highlights of the report and gain a concise overview of key findings, trends, and actionable insights that will empower your strategic decisions.
| REPORT FEATURES | DETAILS |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2019-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Scope of the Report |
Historical and Forecast Trends, Industry Drivers and Constraints, Historical and Forecast Market Analysis by Segment:
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| Breakup by Type |
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| Breakup by Application |
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| Breakup by Distribution Channel |
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| Breakup by Region |
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| Market Dynamics |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Companies Covered |
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