The Global Whey Protein Market size is expected to reach $12.55 billion by 2031, rising at a market growth of 10.5% CAGR during the forecast period. In the year 2023, the market attained a volume of 157,737.7 tonnes, experiencing a growth of 14.0% (2020-2023).
Whey protein is widely used in infant formula due to its similarity to breast milk protein, making it highly digestible and suitable for infants. The expansion of this segment is further bolstered by increasing birth rates in developing regions, as well as a burgeoning preference for premium, nutritionally enhanced infant formula products in developed markets. Advances in product innovation, such as hydrolyzed whey protein for infants with allergies, also expanded the segment. Thus, the infant formula segment procured 18% revenue share in the market in 2023. In terms of volume, 51,877.9 tonnes of whey protein are expected to be utilized in infant formula application by the year 2031.
Fitness enthusiasts and athletes, in particular, rely on whey protein to support their rigorous training regimens, as it provides essential amino acids required for muscle repair and growth. Beyond the fitness community, health-conscious individuals are turning to whey protein as a convenient way to meet their daily protein needs, especially amidst busy lifestyles.
Additionally, the rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders, has emerged as a substantial global concern. These health issues are often linked to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and rising stress levels, prompting greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and balanced nutrition. Consequently, the growing recognition of these health advantages, coupled with intensified initiatives to address lifestyle-related maladies, has resulted in a significant increase in the demand for whey protein.
However, A substantial part of the global population is impacted by lactose intolerance, a condition characterized by the deficiency of the enzyme lactase. This enzyme is essential for lactose digestion. Similarly, milk protein allergies, although less common than lactose intolerance, also affect many people, particularly children. These conditions limit the ability of affected individuals to consume dairy-derived products, including whey protein, which is a byproduct of cheese production. Consequently, the challenge posed by lactose intolerance and milk protein allergies continues to significantly impact the growth trajectory of the whey protein market.
Whey protein is widely used in infant formula due to its similarity to breast milk protein, making it highly digestible and suitable for infants. The expansion of this segment is further bolstered by increasing birth rates in developing regions, as well as a burgeoning preference for premium, nutritionally enhanced infant formula products in developed markets. Advances in product innovation, such as hydrolyzed whey protein for infants with allergies, also expanded the segment. Thus, the infant formula segment procured 18% revenue share in the market in 2023. In terms of volume, 51,877.9 tonnes of whey protein are expected to be utilized in infant formula application by the year 2031.
Fitness enthusiasts and athletes, in particular, rely on whey protein to support their rigorous training regimens, as it provides essential amino acids required for muscle repair and growth. Beyond the fitness community, health-conscious individuals are turning to whey protein as a convenient way to meet their daily protein needs, especially amidst busy lifestyles.
Additionally, the rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders, has emerged as a substantial global concern. These health issues are often linked to sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and rising stress levels, prompting greater emphasis on preventive healthcare and balanced nutrition. Consequently, the growing recognition of these health advantages, coupled with intensified initiatives to address lifestyle-related maladies, has resulted in a significant increase in the demand for whey protein.
However, A substantial part of the global population is impacted by lactose intolerance, a condition characterized by the deficiency of the enzyme lactase. This enzyme is essential for lactose digestion. Similarly, milk protein allergies, although less common than lactose intolerance, also affect many people, particularly children. These conditions limit the ability of affected individuals to consume dairy-derived products, including whey protein, which is a byproduct of cheese production. Consequently, the challenge posed by lactose intolerance and milk protein allergies continues to significantly impact the growth trajectory of the whey protein market.
Driving and Restraining Factors
Drivers- Rising Health and Fitness Awareness
- Increasing Prevalence of Lifestyle Diseases
- Rapid Expansion of E-commerce Platforms
- Substantial Population with Lactose Intolerance and Allergies
- Growing Popularity of Plant-based Protein Alternatives
- Growing Popularity of Protein-Rich Diets
- Technological Advancements in Whey Protein Production
- Substantially High Production Costs
- Stringent Quality and Safety Frameworks
Distribution Channel Outlook
Based on distribution channel, the market is classified into supermarkets & hypermarkets, specialty stores, online stores, and others. The supermarkets & hypermarkets segment garnered 43% revenue share in the market in 2023. In tonnes of volume, 112,747.1 tonnes of whey protein is expected to be sold in supermarkets and hypermarkets by the year 2031. The supermarkets and hypermarkets segment benefits from its ability to offer a wide variety of whey protein products under one roof, providing convenience and accessibility to consumers.
Type Outlook
On the basis of type, the market is divided into whey protein concentrates (WPC), whey protein isolates (WPI), and whey protein hydrolysates (WPH). The whey protein isolates (WPI) segment recorded 37% revenue share in the market in 2023. In terms of volume, 86,747.0 tonnes of whey protein isolate by the year 2031. WPIs are known for their high protein content, typically exceeding 90%, and minimal levels of fats and lactose, making them ideal for individuals with lactose intolerance or those adhering to strict dietary regimens.Application Outlook
By application, the market is segmented into sports nutrition, dietary supplements, infant formula, beverages, and food & feed additives. The sports nutrition segment witnessed 31% revenue share in the market in 2023. In terms of volume, 80,121.6 tonnes of whey protein is expected to be utilized in sports nutrition application by the year 2031. The expansion of the segment is owed to the rising global interest in fitness, bodybuilding, and athletic pursuits, which stimulates the demand for premium protein products that facilitate muscle recovery and enhance performance.Regional Outlook
Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and LAMEA. The Europe segment recorded 31% revenue share in the market in 2023. In terms of volume, the Europe region is expected to utilize 75,063.9 tonnes of whey protein by the year 2031. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France are key contributors, driven by the growing popularity of sports nutrition and functional foods.List of Key Companies Profiled
- Kerry Group plc.
- Glanbia PLC
- Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
- Arla Foods Amba
- Carbery Group Ltd.
- Lactalis Group
- Maple Island, Inc.
- Leprino Foods Company
- Agropur Dairy Cooperative (Davisco Foods International, Inc.)
- NOW Foods, Inc.
Market Report Segmentation
By Distribution Channel (Volume, Tonnes, USD Billion, 2020-2031)- Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
- Speciality Stores
- Online Stores
- Other Distribution Channels
- Whey Protein Concentrates (WPC)
- Whey Protein Isolates (WPI)
- Whey Protein Hydrolysates (WPH)
- Sports Nutrition
- Dietary Supplements
- Infant Formula
- Beverages
- Food & Feed Additives
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Mexico
- Rest of North America
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Russia
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- Australia
- Malaysia
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- LAMEA
- Brazil
- Argentina
- UAE
- Saudi Arabia
- South Africa
- Nigeria
- Rest of LAMEA
Table of Contents
Chapter 1. Market Scope & Methodology
Chapter 2. Market at a Glance
Chapter 3. Market Overview
Chapter 5. Global Whey Protein Market by Distribution Channel
Chapter 6. Global Whey Protein Market by Type
Chapter 7. Global Whey Protein Market by Application
Chapter 8. Global Whey Protein Market by Region
Chapter 9. Company Profiles
Companies Mentioned
- Kerry Group plc.
- Glanbia PLC
- Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
- Arla Foods Amba
- Carbery Group Ltd.
- Lactalis Group
- Maple Island, Inc.
- Leprino Foods Company
- Agropur Dairy Cooperative (Davisco Foods International, Inc.)
- NOW Foods, Inc.
Methodology
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