Whey Protein Market Report 2026

The whey protein market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $11.01 billion in 2025 to $12.33 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth in sports and fitness nutrition consumption, expansion of dairy processing infrastructure, rising awareness of protein-based diets, increasing use in infant nutrition formulations, wider availability of whey protein products.

The whey protein market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $19.23 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for personalized nutrition, rising adoption in elderly and medical nutrition, expansion of plant-dairy hybrid formulations, growing focus on traceability and quality assurance, increasing online retail penetration. Major trends in the forecast period include rising demand for high-purity whey protein isolates, growing adoption of whey protein in functional foods, expansion of clean-label and grass-fed whey products, increasing use in clinical and medical nutrition, higher focus on advanced filtration techniques.

The growing preference for health consciousness is expected to propel the growth of the whey protein market going forward. Health consciousness refers to an individual's awareness, understanding, and commitment to maintaining and improving physical and mental well-being. This trend is driven by increased health awareness, easier access to information, social media influence, and a focus on overall wellness. Whey protein supports health and fitness by providing a high-quality protein source that aids muscle growth, recovery, and overall physical performance. For instance, in July 2025, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), a U.S.-based non-profit nutrition organization, 71% of Americans reported trying to consume more protein, up from 67% in 2023 and 59% in 2022, with a high-protein diet being the most commonly followed eating pattern for the third consecutive year. Therefore, the growing preference for health consciousness is driving the whey protein market.

Companies in the whey protein market are concentrating on developing innovative products that utilize microparticulation technology to improve stability and broaden applications in high-temperature processing. Microparticulation technology is an advanced method that reduces larger particles into fine, uniform microparticles, enhancing delivery, controlled release, stability, and bioavailability across various uses. For instance, in November 2023, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., a Netherlands-based food company, launched Nutri Whey ProHeat, a heat-stable whey protein intended for medical nutrition. This product employs advanced microparticulation technology to address heat-treatment challenges, preserving the nutritional benefits of whey, such as higher leucine content and faster digestion. Nutri Whey ProHeat also offers superior sensory properties, helping patients adhere to nutritional programs and representing a significant advancement in delivering whey protein's benefits in a drinkable form.

In April 2024, Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, a Denmark-based food product company, acquired Volac's Whey Nutrition business for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is aimed at strengthening Arla Foods Ingredients' position in the whey nutrition market, expanding its reach, and enhancing its supply chain. Volac International Limited, a UK-based dairy nutrition company, specializes in providing whey protein.

Major companies operating in the whey protein market are Groupe Lactalis SA, Danone SA, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Kerry Group plc, Agropur Cooperative, Glanbia plc, Optimum Nutrition Inc., Herbalife International Inc., Hilmar Cheese Company Inc., The Nature's Bounty Co., GNC Holdings LLC, Leprino Foods Company, The Simply Good Foods Company, Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, Havero Hoogwegt BV, NOW Health Group Inc., Grande Cheese Company, Orgain Inc., The Hut.com Limited, Iovate Health Sciences International Inc.

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

The whey protein market consists of sales of products including whey protein powder, ready-to-drink protein shakes, protein bars, capsules or tablets, and whey protein for pets. 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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