Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) Market Report 2026

The whey protein concentrate (WPC) market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $4.69 billion in 2025 to $5.06 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to expansion of cheese and dairy processing industries, rising consumption of protein supplements, growth of sports nutrition market, increasing use in infant nutrition, advancements in whey filtration technologies.

The whey protein concentrate (WPC) market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $6.79 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for premium protein ingredients, rising focus on muscle recovery and health nutrition, expansion of ready-to-drink protein beverages, increasing adoption of high-protein diets, innovation in sustainable dairy protein sourcing. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for high-protein nutritional supplements, rising use in sports and clinical nutrition, expansion of clean label whey products, growing application in functional foods and beverages, enhanced focus on protein quality standardization.

The growing awareness of health and fitness is expected to drive the expansion of the whey protein concentrate market in the coming years. Health and fitness encompass physical and mental well-being supported by regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and healthy lifestyle practices. Rising awareness of health and fitness is largely linked to the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, which has encouraged individuals to adopt healthier habits to prevent and manage such conditions. Whey protein concentrate (WPC) plays an important role in supporting health and fitness by aiding muscle development, improving post-exercise recovery, and supplying essential nutrients that enhance overall physical performance and well-being. For instance, in August 2025, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), a US-based nonprofit organization, 58% of Americans reported checking product expiration dates and 51% reviewed Nutrition Facts labels, reflecting greater attention to dietary choices. Therefore, the growing adoption of high-protein and health-focused diets is fueling the growth of the whey protein concentrate market.

Major companies operating in the whey protein market are concentrating on the development of innovative product formats, such as whey protein isolate, to enhance consumer convenience, taste, and functional nutrition. Whey protein isolate (WPI) is a highly refined form of whey protein with most fats and lactose removed, making it rapidly digestible and rich in essential amino acids. It supports muscle building and repair, improves recovery after physical activity, strengthens immune function, aids weight management by increasing satiety, and contributes to overall protein intake for improved health and performance. For example, in July 2025, Myprotein, a UK-based sports nutrition company, introduced Clear Whey Protein, a ready-to-mix beverage that delivers 20 g of high-quality protein per serving in a variety of fruit flavors. Designed for fitness and wellness consumers, the product provides a refreshing and convenient way to boost protein intake while supporting daily nutrition and muscle recovery goals.

In January 2023, Butterfly Equity LLC, a US-based private equity firm, acquired Milk Specialties Global for an undisclosed amount. Through this acquisition, Butterfly Equity aims to strengthen its position in the health and nutrition sector by leveraging Milk Specialties Global’s expertise in premium dairy proteins and functional ingredients. Milk Specialties Global is a US-based human and animal nutrition company that produces a wide range of high-quality whey protein concentrate products.

Major companies operating in the whey protein concentrate (WPC) market are Groupe Lactalis, Arla Foods amba, Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., Agropur Dairy Cooperative, Hilmar Ingredients Inc., Leprino Foods Company, Glanbia Nutritionals Inc., Actus Nutrition Inc., Carbery Group Limited, Sachsenmilch Leppersdorf GmbH, Ingredia SA, Numidia SpA, BioHealth GmbH, Interfood Group SA, Eurial S.A., Amco Proteins Limited, Naturaltein GmbH, Agrocomplex S.A., Pure Product GmbH.

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

The whey protein concentrate (WPC) market consists of sales of whey protein concentrate powders, whey protein concentrate capsules, whey protein concentrate-based ready-to-drink beverages, and whey protein concentrate-enriched nutritional bars. 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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