Whey Protein Market Report 2025

This Whey Protein Market report delivers an in-depth analysis of the market’s key characteristics, including size, growth potential, and segmentation. It provides a detailed breakdown of the market across major regions and leading countries, highlighting historical data and future growth projections. The report also examines the competitive landscape, market share insights, emerging trends, and strategic developments shaping the market.

The whey protein market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $9.85 billion in 2024 to $11.09 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6%. The growth during the historic period can be attributed to the rising demand for sports nutrition products, an expanding health-conscious consumer base, the growing popularity of protein supplementation among athletes, the growth of the fitness and bodybuilding industry, increased awareness of the benefits of muscle recovery, and the rising adoption of whey protein among non-athletes for overall health.

The whey protein market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $17.56 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.2%. The growth during the forecast period can be attributed to the increasing awareness of health and wellness, the rising adoption of both plant-based and dairy-based protein diets, growing demand for high-protein snacks and functional foods, higher disposable income in developing countries, the expanding number of gyms, fitness centers, and wellness platforms, and a surge in demand for weight management products. Key trends expected during this period include personalized nutrition, clean label products, sustainability in production processes, the expansion of online sales channels, and advancements in protein isolation technologies.

The increasing focus on health consciousness is expected to drive the growth of the whey protein market in the future. Health consciousness refers to a person's awareness and commitment to improving their physical and mental well-being. This shift towards health is fueled by rising health awareness, easier access to information, the influence of social media, and a growing emphasis on overall wellness. Whey protein plays a key role in health and fitness, providing a high-quality protein source that aids in muscle growth, recovery, and overall physical performance. For example, a survey conducted in May 2022 by the International Food Information Council, a US-based nonprofit organization, found that approximately 52% of American adults aged 18-80 and Gen Z consumers aged 18-24 followed a specific diet or eating pattern, up from 39% in 2021. Popular choices included clean eating (16%), mindful eating (14%), and calorie counting (13%). As a result, the increasing preference for health consciousness is fueling the growth of 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 players 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 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in whey protein report are Asia-Pacific, 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, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Whey protein is a high-quality protein derived from whey, the liquid byproduct created during the cheese-making process. It is primarily used by the body for muscle building and repair, but it also has several other applications.

The main types of whey protein include isolates, concentrates, demineralized, and hydrolysate. Whey protein isolates (WPI) are a highly purified form containing 90% or more protein, with minimal fats, lactose, and carbohydrates. This makes it ideal for fast absorption, supporting muscle recovery and enhancing performance. It is used in various fields such as nutrition, personal care, food products, animal feed, infant formula, sports nutrition, and functional or fortified foods. Distribution channels include supermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, and online platforms. Key end-users of whey protein are athletes, bodybuilders, and general health-conscious individuals.

The whey protein market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides whey protein market statistics, including the whey protein industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the whey protein market share, detailed whey protein market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the whey protein industry. This whey protein market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

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 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.

This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.