Whey Protein Concentrate Market Growth Analysis - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global whey protein concentrate market size reached around 1348.90 KMT in 2024. The market is further estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.50% during the forecast period of 2025-2034, to attain a volume of about 1902.76 KMT by 2034.

As whey protein concentrate has functional characteristics and high nutritional value, it is used as a stabiliser and fat substitute in food products like yoghurts, ice creams, and bakery goods, among others. It is also used to enhance the creaminess of food products.

The increasing health concerns and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases are driving the use of whey protein concentrate in food and nutraceutical applications.

Key Trends and Developments

Improved awareness of health benefits; increasing applications in nutraceuticals; rising demand for organic products; and the expansion of the food sector are the key trends impacting the whey protein concentrate market growth

Nov 9, 2022

Arla partnered with First Milk to produce Nutrilac FO-7875, a specialist whey protein powder, at the latter’s Lake District Creamery.

Oct 20, 2022

Arla foods introduced a functional drink concept, featuring Lacprodan SP-9213, its whey protein isolate, and electrolytes, for supporting recovery and rehydration in the sports nutrition sector.

Oct 6, 2022

Glanbia Nutritionals introduced FerriUp, a whey protein concentrate combining lactoferrin and vitamin B12, designed to provide a strong nutrient foundation for active women experiencing depleting iron and energy levels.

Rising awareness regarding health benefits of whey protein

Whey protein concentrate is associated with several health benefits, including controlling blood sugar levels, boosting antioxidants like glutathione, and improving immune health, among others. In addition, rising fitness enthusiasm among the population is driving the consumption of whey protein concentrate to prevent muscle breakdown, support rapid muscle recovery, and facilitate high muscle protein synthesis.

Nutraceutical applications of whey protein concentrate

Researchers are increasingly investigating the greater potential of whey protein concentrate in the field of nutraceuticals for boosting innate mucosal immunity during infancy, improving anticancer efficacy, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and gut dysfunction, and decreasing serum glucose levels in healthy individuals, among others.

Rising demand for organic whey protein concentrate

With the increasing inclination towards minimally processed and natural products, the demand for organic whey protein concentrate obtained from milk of grass-fed ruminants is surging. Organic whey protein concentrate contains low amounts of additives and saturated fats and is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which makes it ideal for various health-related applications.

Expanding food processing sector

Food and beverage manufacturers are widely using whey protein concentrate (WPC) to produce foods rich in protein, along with improved texture. It helps in lowering fats and calories and is used as a replacement for milk, cream, butter, oil, eggs and fresh dairy in soups, sauces, and bakery products.

Whey Protein Concentrate Market Trends

An increase in the number of sporting and fitness events has contributed to the consumption of products containing whey protein concentrates. In developed countries such as France, whey protein concentrate products are produced to meet strict hygiene and bacterial quality control standards, making them suitable for clinical and sports nutrition applications.

Whey protein powder blends made up of whey protein concentrate, are widely available on online channels. Additionally, people can choose from a range of flavours such as vanilla, chocolate, mocha cappuccino, oatmeal cookie, and strawberry.

Market Segmentation

“Global Whey Protein Concentrate Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Nature

• Conventional
• Organic

Market Breakup by Composition

• WPC 30%-50%
• WPC 50%-80%
• Others

Market Breakup by End Use

• Infant Formula and Baby Foods
• Dietary Supplements
• Food Processing
• Sports Nutrition
• Beverages
• Others

Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

• Pharmacy
• Hypermarket and Supermarket
• Online
• Convenience Store
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Based on nature, while conventional whey protein concentrate leads the market, organic whey protein concentrate is expected to witness a surge in popularity in the coming years

Conventional whey protein concentrate is frequently adopted in functional applications, such as dairy products, to improve the finished product's texture, creaminess, or organoleptic quality.

Pure and all-natural organic whey protein concentrate is made from sweet dairy whey of the highest quality. The flavour of organic whey protein concentrate is quite clean and plain with natural qualities. Players offer whey protein from sustainable agriculture that is 100% certified organic and free of (artificial) sweeteners and flavours such as aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame K.

Based on end use, infant formula and baby foods dominate the whey protein concentrate market share

The necessary amino acids and nutrients required by newborns are present in whey protein concentrate. It acts as a great protein source for infant nutrition when condensed into a high-quality powder.

Amid rising health consciousness, consumers are seeking healthy and delicious products with minimal amounts of additives and sugar, which has surged the demand for whey protein concentrate in food processing applications.

In order to increase the protein content of baked products like cookies, pancakes, brownies, and puddings while preserving their decadent flavour and texture, players provide heat-stable protein solutions like whey protein concentrates.

Competitive Landscape

The market players are deploying strategies to increase sale retention rates, upscale packaging, and increase innovations

Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited

Headquartered in New Zealand, Fonterra is a co-operative comprising of 9,000 farmers working in a partnership approach. The company has more than 40 manufacturing facilities in New Zealand with a production capacity of 16 billion litres of milk per annum.

LACTALIS Ingredients

Headquartered in France, LACTALIS Ingredients is engaged in the manufacture and distribution of dairy ingredients all over the world. The company is a subsidiary of Lactalis group, a global cheese manufacturer.

Saputo Inc.

Saputo Inc is a well-known producer of cheese, fluid milk, and cream in Australia, Canada, and Argentina, where it ranks second in terms of production.

Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.

Headquartered in the United States, Hilmar is a privately owned company specialising in the manufacture of cheese.

Other notable players operating in the global whey protein concentrate market are Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, Glanbia PLC, and Agropur Cooperative, among others.

Global Whey Protein Concentrate Market Analysis by Region

There is rising awareness among North Americans regarding fitness, health, and nutrition. This is increasing the consumption of whey protein concentrates in protein shakes to facilitate muscle growth after workouts and provide crucial nutrients to build muscle and burn body fat.

The growing number of working women, especially in the APAC region is likely to favour the demand for baby food, expanding the growth of the whey protein concentrate market. China, which heavily relies on imported baby food, is also focusing on boosting its domestic capability of infant formula manufacturing to meet its increasing demand for newborns in the country, further stimulating the demand for whey protein concentrate.