Whey Protein - Market Insights, Competitive Landscape, and Market Forecast - 2027

Whey Protein Market By Type (Isolate, Concentrate, And Others), By Application (Dietary Supplement, Sports Nutrition, Food And Beverages, Others), and by geography is expected to advance at a respectable CAGR forecast till 2027 owing to the rising consumer awareness about protein-rich diet and growing use of protein supplements in sports nutrition.

The global whey protein market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.36% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027. The whey protein market is observing optimistic market growth due to rising consumer awareness about having a protein-rich diet, the growing usage of protein-rich supplements in sports nutrition, and the increasing addition of whey protein to a variety of food and beverages such as cereals, chocolates, shakes, baby foods, baked goods, and others. Additionally, the growing focus on improving the safety, affordability, and usability of whey protein for consumers is further expected to result in appreciable revenue growth in the whey protein market during the forecast period (2022-2027).

Whey Protein Market Dynamics:

One of the main factors responsible for the growth of the whey protein market is the rising awareness among people about consuming a balanced and protein-rich diet. Through the global trends around the world, it has been observed that the quantity of protein in meals is less than required. This imbalance in the diet affects the growth and functioning of the body, majorly children who are continuously growing and require a high amount of protein for their proper growth and development.

According to the World Health Organization (2021), worldwide about 149 million children under 5 years were estimated to be stunted, 45 million were estimated to be too thin as compared to their height, and 35 million were overweight or obese in 2020. Not only children, but according to the same source, 1.9 billion adults were overweight or obese, while 462 million were underweight, in the same year. The root cause of all these irregularities in body structure and function is direct attention to a poor diet, having minimal or no protein. Proteins being the building blocks of the body, play a significant role in maintaining bone and muscle mass, skin, eyes, hair, etc. Therefore, due to the poor diet composition of people globally, doctors frequently recommend whey protein powders for patients who are underweight, overweight, those dealing with obesity, and also for patients with high blood sugar levels. Whey protein helps in fulfilling a good amount of protein content out of the total diet, along with fewer calories and sugars. Due to this, the awareness among consumers has increased to inculcate a protein-rich diet, owing to which the market for whey protein is expected to grow during the given forecast period from 2022-2027.

In addition to the rising consumer awareness, new whey protein products are being launched by key market players, which is also driving the demand for whey protein. For instance, in October 2022, Arla Foods Ingredients launched the new ‘Rehydrate and Restore' bringing together a combination of whey protein and electrolytes, targeting two of the most important sports nutrition goals. The drink consists of 25 grams in 500 ml with Lacprodan SP-9213, a whey protein isolate that retains its functionality when combined with electrolytes.

Therefore, the factors stated above collectively will drive the overall whey protein market during the forecast period from 2022-2027.

However, the constantly rising costs of milk and other dairy products along with the risks associated with wrong or increased intake of whey protein such as kidney stones, renal failure, and others may act as restraints for the whey protein market growth.

The whey protein market was mildly impacted during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic owing to the imposition of strict lockdowns to avoid the risk of the spread of the disease among the general public. This led to the closure of various stores and supplement outlets which hampered the sales of whey protein powders. Though the online portals were functional in some places, some regions observed no delivery, due to which sales through online websites were also not possible. However, with the masses being vaccinated, resumption of activities in the food and healthcare sector along with the opening of lockdowns, the overall market for whey protein has returned to normalcy and has been taking great strides which have initiated the process of resumption of regular healthcare services such as regular out-patient visits for treatment and diagnosis in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories, thereby bringing the demand for products on track in the whey protein market.

Whey Protein Market Segment Analysis:

Whey Protein Market by Type (Isolate, Concentrate, and Others), Application (Dietary Supplement, Sports Nutrition, Food and Beverages, and Others), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World).

In the type segment of the whey protein market, the whey concentrate segment is expected to have a significant revenue share in the year 2021. This is primarily due to the various characteristics associated with whey concentrate than other types of whey protein. Whey concentrate roughly containing 70-80% protein, puts less pressure on the gut, which makes it easy to digest. Whey concentrate is also said to be rich in certain biologically active compounds containing essential nutrients. Apart from the major protein content, the rest of the whey concentrate includes sugars and other fillers, making it tasty and more preferred by people around the world, than other types such as isolates having 90% and more protein having a relatively mild taste as it contains zero sugars.

Therefore, considering the growing demand for this product type owing to the various advantages offered by whey concentrate, numerous new products are being launched in the market. For example, in September 2022, Glanbia launched FerriUp, a whey protein concentrate blended with lactoferrin and vitamin B12 to support the iron status and energy in active women.

In a similar instance in June 2022, NZMP, a part of Fonterra's global ingredient business entered into a joint venture with Tillamook County Creamery Association (TCAA) and Three Mile Canyon Farms for the launch of a Grade A functional whey protein concentrate called Pro-Optima TM in the US Market.

Therefore, owing to the various advantages associated with whey protein concentrate along with the increasing product development activities in the market, this category is expected to witness considerable growth eventually contributing to the overall growth of the global whey protein market during the forecast period.

North America is expected to dominate the overall Whey Protein Market:

Among all the regions, North America is expected to dominate the global Whey Protein market in the year 2021 and is expected to do the same during the forecast period from 2022-2027. This can be ascribed to the rising cases of obesity, increasing awareness of inculcating a protein-dense diet in their lifestyle, and others; increasing innovative product launches in the whey protein arena is likely to increase the demand for whey protein during the forecast period.

According to data published by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2021), the prevalence of obesity in 2020 was 41.9% in the US. The source further stated that the rates of severe obesity in the US rose from 4.7% in 2017 to 9.2% in 2020. In order to manage obesity and start a weight loss regime, whey protein powders are the most common supplements that are recommended by doctors. Whey protein powders generally containing 100-150 calories serve as a good and filling diet in place of calorie-dense snacks.

Moreover, in October 2021, “Malnutrition Awareness Week” was held in the US from October 4th-8th. It is an annual campaign launched by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) conducted every year in the first week of October to improve the health of people through proper nutrition and eradicating malnutrition.

Along with this, the rising developments in the quality of whey protein are further expected to drive the demand for whey protein. For instance, in November 2021, Perfect Day, a US-based Food technology startup company, announced its entry into the sports nutrition market by launching V-Whey, the world's first animal-free dairy whey protein, bringing groundbreaking innovation, performance, and sustainability to this rapidly expanding industry. With the expansion of Perfect Day into the Sports nutrition market, the launch further demonstrates the alternative protein leader's capacity to commercialize animal-free ingredients at scale.

Thus, the interplay of all the above-mentioned factors will further drive the demand for whey protein, thus showing a positive market outlook for the whey protein market during the forecast period. 

Whey Protein Market Key Players:

Some of the key market players operating in the whey protein market include Hilmar Cheese Company Inc., Alpavit, Maple Island Inc., Glanbia PLC, DMK Group, Saputo Inc., Carbery Group, Lactalis Ingredients, Olam Group, Davisco Foods International, Inc., Milkaut SA, Leprino Foods Company, Milk Specialties Global, Arla Foods amba, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, Abbott, Nestle S.A., Danone S.A., Titan Biotech, Charotar Casein Company, and others.

Recent Developmental Activities in the Whey Protein Market:

• In November 2022, Arla Foods Ingredients partnered with British dairy cooperative First Milk to produce a specialist whey protein powder - Nutrilac FO-7875, with a unique ability to increase the protein content of food and drinks to very high levels without sacrificing texture or stability.
• In October 2022, MyProtein launched its new Clear Whey Protein drink, designed to help consumers hit their health targets efficiently on the run. The Clear Whey Protein drink comes in two flavors, Peach Tea and Orange and Mango, providing 20g of protein and 81 calories per bottle, with zero fat and zero sugar.
• In July 2022, UK beverage brand Upbeat announced the launch of two clear whey isolate protein drinks, Protein Hydration and Protein Energy, containing 15g of protein, 180mg of caffeine, and 4000mg of BCAA.

Key Takeaways from the Whey Protein Market Report Study

• Market size analysis for current whey protein market size (2021), and market forecast for 5 years (2022-2027)
• The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on this market is significant. To capture and analyze suitable indicators, our experts are closely watching the whey protein market.
• Top key product/services/technology developments, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures happened for the last 3 years
• Key companies dominating the global whey protein market.
• Various opportunities available for the other competitor in the whey protein market space.
• What are the top-performing segments in 2021? How these segments will perform in 2027.
• Which are the top-performing regions and countries in the current whey protein market scenario?
• Which are the regions and countries where companies should have concentrated on opportunities for whey protein market growth in the coming future?

Target Audience who can be benefited from this Whey Protein Market Report Study

• Whey protein products providers
• Research and development organizations
• Whey Protein-related organizations, associations, forums, and other alliances
• Government and corporate offices
• Start-up companies, venture capitalists, and private equity firms
• Distributors and Traders dealing in whey protein
• Various end users want to know more about the whey protein market and the latest innovations in the whey protein market.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Whey Protein Market:

1. What is whey protein?

Whey protein is a collection of proteins that have been separated from the whey, the liquid substance produced as a byproduct of making cheese. The proteins are made up of immunoglobulins, serum albumin, -lactalbumin, and -lactoglobulin.

2. What is the global market for whey protein?

The global whey protein market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.36% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2027.

3. What are the drivers for the global whey protein market?

The whey protein market is witnessing positive market growth owing to the increasing consumer awareness of having a protein-rich diet, the growing usage of protein supplements in sports nutrition, and the increasing addition of whey protein to food and beverages such as cereals, chocolates, shakes, baby foods, baked goods, and others. Additionally, the growing focus on improving the safety, affordability, and usability of whey protein for consumers is further expected to result in appreciable revenue growth in the whey protein market.

4. Who are the key players operating in the global Whey Protein market?

Some of the key market players operating in the whey protein market include Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc., Alpavit, Maple Island Inc., Glanbia PLC, DMK Group, Saputo Inc., Carbery Group, Lactalis Ingredients, Olam Group, Davisco Foods International, Inc., Milkaut SA, Leprino Foods Company, Milk Specialties Global, Arla Foods amba, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd, Abbott, Nestle S.A., Danone S.A., Titan Biotech, Charotar Casein Company, and others.

5. Which region has the highest share of the whey protein market?

Among all the regions, North America is estimated to amass a significant revenue share in the global whey protein market. This can be ascribed to the rising cases of obesity, the increasing awareness of inculcating a protein-dense diet in their lifestyle, and others; the increasing innovative product launches in the whey protein arena will increase the demand for whey protein during the given forecast period.


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