Condensed Whey Market Report 2026

The condensed whey market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $3.65 billion in 2025 to $3.98 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of cheese production volumes, availability of whey as a dairy byproduct, growth in processed food manufacturing, rising demand for cost-effective protein sources, adoption of whey concentration technologies.

The condensed whey market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $5.65 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing use in functional nutrition products, rising focus on sustainable dairy byproduct utilization, expansion of protein-enriched food applications, growing demand from feed manufacturers, increasing investment in advanced whey processing. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing utilization in food and beverage formulations, rising demand from animal nutrition sector, expansion of whey-based protein ingredients, growing adoption in confectionery and bakery products, enhanced focus on byproduct valorization.

The increasing demand for healthy food products is expected to drive the growth of the condensed whey market in the coming years. Healthy food products are defined as items that deliver essential nutrients and support overall well-being while reducing potential adverse health effects. Condensed whey is widely used in healthy food formulations due to its nutritional and functional advantages, including high protein content, a balanced amino acid profile, easy digestibility, and its ability to enhance the sensory qualities of food products. For example, in May 2023, according to the Food and Health Survey conducted by the International Food Information Council (IFIC), a US-based non-profit educational organization, 52% of Americans reported following a specific diet or eating pattern, representing a 13% increase compared with the previous year. As a result, the growing preference for healthy food products is supporting the expansion of the condensed whey market.

Major companies operating in the condensed whey market are concentrating on the development of innovative solutions, such as high-performance whey-based protein enhancers, to address the increasing demand for nutritious, clean-label, and protein-enriched food products. These advanced formulations are designed to improve texture, flavor, and protein levels in dairy and functional foods, offering enhanced performance compared with traditional condensed whey ingredients that may face taste or stability challenges. For instance, in April 2023, Arla Foods Ingredients, a Denmark-based food ingredient supplier, introduced Nutrilac ProteinBoost to meet the requirements of health-conscious consumers and food manufacturers. Nutrilac ProteinBoost enables up to 15% protein content in high-protein ice cream while delivering a clean and neutral dairy flavor.

In April 2023, Leprino Foods, a prominent US-based company specializing in cheese, lactose, whey protein, and sweet whey, completed the acquisition of a 100% stake in Glanbia Cheese UK and Glanbia Cheese EU from Glanbia Plc for an undisclosed amount. This strategic move positions Leprino to leverage the combined expertise, knowledge, and strengths of the acquired entities to further enhance and expand its international presence. The acquisition provides access to key markets across the globe. Glanbia PLC, based in Ireland, is a leading dairy supplementary company involved in the manufacturing of whey protein, cheese, dairy, and non-dairy nutritional ingredients.

Major companies operating in the condensed whey market are Agri-Mark Inc., Berkshire Dairy and Food Products LLC, Chicago Dairy Corporation, Dairy Farmers of America, Foremost Farms USA Cooperative Inc., Associated Milk Producers Inc., Leprino Foods Company Inc., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Saputo Inc., Agropur Dairy Cooperative, Arla Foods AMBA, Glanbia plc, Lactalis Group, Hilmar Cheese Company Inc., Kerry Group plc, Royal FrieslandCampina NV, Darigold Inc., Schreiber Foods Inc., California Dairies Inc., Land O'Lakes Inc., First District Association, Great Lakes Cheese Co. Inc., Milk Specialties Global Co., Pacific Cheese Co. Inc., Prairie Farms Dairy Inc., Savencia Fromage & Dairy Pvt. Ltd., Swiss Valley Farms Cooperative.

North America was the largest region in the condensed whey market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the condensed whey market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the condensed whey market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The condensed whey market consists of sales of condensed plain whey; acid whey and sweetened whey. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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