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Whey Protein Products: Global Markets

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    Report

  • 102 Pages
  • December 2025
  • Region: Global
  • BCC Research
  • ID: 6214982
The global market for whey protein products is estimated to grow from $9.1 billion in 2025 to $12.9 billion by the end of 2030, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2025 to 2030.

The global whey protein market has experienced robust growth recently, driven by increasing consumer interest in health, wellness and functional nutrition. Known for its excellent amino acid profile, high digestibility and fast absorption, whey protein has become a vital ingredient in sports nutrition, dietary supplements, functional foods and drinks.

Increasing awareness of whey’s health benefits, including boosting muscle strength, supporting immune health, aiding weight management and enhancing recovery, has increased its popularity among athletes, fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious buyers. Additionally, demand for clean-label, high-protein products, along with the rise of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, protein bars and fortified snacks, continues to expand market reach.

Despite challenges such as volatile dairy prices and competition from plant-based proteins, ongoing innovation in product formulations, personalized nutrition solutions and sustainable production methods is expected to support continued growth. Overall, the whey protein market is poised for significant expansion, fueled by a global shift toward preventive health and protein-based diets.

Report Scope

This report on the global whey protein market presents both qualitative and quantitative data on current market dynamics and trends. The report also includes recent market trends, technological developments and strategic developments. It covers key companies, new product launches and microeconomic trends along with market prospects in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa regions.

The report offers an in-depth analysis of the whey protein market, highlighting the key driving forces and emerging technologies that are shaping this rapidly evolving field. It explores how market trends impact whey proteins. The report includes market segments based on product type, application and region. For market estimates, data is provided for 2024 as the base year, with estimates for 2025 and forecasts extended from 2025 through 2030.

The report includes:

  • 32 data tables and 42 additional tables
  • An overview of the global market for whey protein products
  • In-depth analysis of global market trends, featuring historical revenue data for 2022-2024, estimated figures for 2025, as well as forecasts for 2030. This analysis includes projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2030
  • Evaluation of the current market size and revenue growth prospects specific to the market, accompanied by a market share analysis by product type, application and region
  • Analysis of current and future demand in the whey protein market, along with a detailed analysis of the competitive environment, market regulations and reimbursement practices
  • Analysis of drivers, challenges and opportunities affecting market growth
  • Coverage of evolving technologies, the current and future market potential, R&D activities, growth strategies, new product pipeline, regulatory framework and reimbursement scenarios, and ESG trends of the market
  • Market share analysis of the key market participants, along with their research priorities, product portfolios, global rankings and competitive landscape
  • Profiles of the major companies, including Glanbia PLC, Arla Foods amba, Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd., Lactalis and Hilmar Cheese Co. Inc.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Executive Summary
  • Market Outlook
  • Scope of Report
  • Market Summary
  • Market Dynamics and Growth Factors
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Segmental Analysis
  • Regional Analysis
  • Conclusion
Chapter 2 Market Overview
  • Overview
  • Macroeconomic Factors Analysis
  • Government Policy and Regulations
  • Economic and Environmental Factors
  • Technological Infrastructure
  • Impact Analysis of Global Tariff Wars
  • Porter's Five Forces Analysis
  • Potential for New Entrants (Moderate)
  • Bargaining Power of Suppliers (Moderate)
  • Bargaining Power of Buyers (High)
  • Threat of Substitute (Moderate to High)
  • Industry Level of Competitiveness (High)
  • Whey Protein Value Chain
  • Raw Material Procurement
  • Manufacturing
  • Packaging and Storage
  • Distribution to End User/Retailer
Chapter 3 Market Dynamics
  • Overview
  • Market Drivers
  • Increasing Dietary Supplements Demand
  • Rising Demand for Dairy-Based Ingredients
  • Technological Advances and Product Innovations
  • Rising Sports Nutrition Consumption
  • Market Restraints
  • Growing Trend of Veganism and Animal-Free Products
  • Allergy and Health-Related Concerns
  • Market Opportunities
  • Growing Demand for Infant Nutrition
  • Higher Market Penetration of Animal Protein
  • Market Challenges
  • High Implementation Cost
Chapter 4 Regulatory Landscape
  • Regulatory Scenario of Whey Protein
Chapter 5 Emerging Technology and Patent Analysis
  • Emerging Technology
  • Membrane Filtration Advances (Ultrafiltration, Microfiltration and Nanofiltration)
  • Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Bioactive Peptide Generation
  • AI-Driven Process Optimization
  • Precision Fermentation and Biotechnology
  • Spray-Drying and Microencapsulation Technologies
  • Patent Analysis
  • Key Findings
  • Overview
Chapter 6 Market Segmentation Analysis
  • Segmentation Breakdown
  • Market Breakdown by Product Type
  • Key Takeaways
  • Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC)
  • Whey Protein Isolate (WPI)
  • Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH)
  • Market Breakdown by Application
  • Key Takeaways
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Food Additives
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Beverages
  • Infant Formula
  • Other Applications
  • Geographic Breakdown
  • Market Breakdown by Region
  • Key Takeaways
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • South America
  • Middle East and Africa
Chapter 7 Sustainability in the Whey Protein Industry: ESG Perspective
  • Introduction to ESG
  • Concluding Remarks
Chapter 8 Competitive Intelligence
  • Key Takeaways
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Strategic Analysis
Chapter 9 Appendix
  • Research Methodology
  • Sources
  • Abbreviations
List of Tables
Summary Table: Global Market for Whey Protein, by Region, Through 2030
Table 1: Whey Protein Market Regulatory Analysis, by Region
Table 2: Published Patents for Whey Protein Market, 2022-2025
Table 3: Global Market for Whey Protein, by Product Type, Through 2030
Table 4: Global Market for Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC), by Region, Through 2030
Table 5: Global Market for Whey Protein Isolate (WPI), by Region, Through 2030
Table 6: Global Market for Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH), by Region, Through 2030
Table 7: Global Market for Whey Protein, by Application, Through 2030
Table 8: Global Market for Whey Protein in Sport Nutrition, by Region, Through 2030
Table 9: Global Market for Whey Protein in Food Additives, by Region, Through 2030
Table 10: Global Market for Whey Protein in Dietary Supplements, by Region, Through 2030
Table 11: Global Market for Whey Protein in Beverages, by Region, Through 2030
Table 12: Global Market for Whey Protein in Infant Formula, by Region, Through 2030
Table 13: Global Market for Whey Protein in Other Applications, by Region, Through 2030
Table 14: Global Market for Whey Protein, by Region, Through 2030
Table 15: North American Market for Whey Protein, by Product Type, Through 2030
Table 16: North American Market for Whey Protein, by Application, Through 2030
Table 17: North American Market for Whey Protein, by Country, Through 2030
Table 18: European Market for Whey Protein, by Product Type, Through 2030
Table 19: European Market for Whey Protein, by Application, Through 2030
Table 20: European Market for Whey Protein, by Country, Through 2030
Table 21: Asia-Pacific Market for Whey Protein, by Product Type, Through 2030
Table 22: Asia-Pacific Market for Whey Protein, by Application, Through 2030
Table 23: Asia-Pacific Market for Whey Protein, by Country, Through 2030
Table 24: South American Market for Whey Protein, by Product Type, Through 2030
Table 25: South American Market for Whey Protein, by Application, Through 2030
Table 26: South American Market for Whey Protein, by Country, Through 2030
Table 27: MEA Market for Whey Protein, by Product Type, Through 2030
Table 28: MEA Market for Whey Protein, by Application, Through 2030
Table 29: Ranking of Top Companies in Whey Protein Market, 2025
Table 30: Strategic Analysis in the Whey Protein Market, 2024-2025
Table 31: Information Sources Used in this Report
Table 32: Abbreviations Used in this Report
Table 33: Actus Nutrition: Company Snapshot
Table 34: Actus Nutrition: Product Portfolio
Table 35: Actus Nutrition: News/Key Developments, 2025
Table 36: Agropur: Company Snapshot
Table 37: Agropur: Product Portfolio
Table 38: AMCO Proteins: Company Snapshot
Table 39: AMCO Proteins: Product Portfolio
Table 40: Arla Foods amba: Company Snapshot
Table 41: Arla Foods amba: Financial Performance, FY 2023 and 2024
Table 42: Arla Foods amba: Product Portfolio
Table 43: Arla Foods amba: News/Key Developments, 2024
Table 44: Carbery Food Ingredients Ltd.: Company Snapshot
Table 45: Carbery Food Ingredients Ltd.: Product Portfolio
Table 46: Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.: Company Snapshot
Table 47: Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.: Financial Performance, FY 2024 and 2025
Table 48: Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.: Product Portfolio
Table 49: Glanbia PLC: Company Snapshot
Table 50: Glanbia PLC: Financial Performance, FY 2023 and 2024
Table 51: Glanbia PLC: Product Portfolio
Table 52: Glanbia PLC: News/Key Developments, 2023
Table 53: Hilmar Cheese Co. Inc.: Company Snapshot
Table 54: Hilmar Cheese Co. Inc.: Product Portfolio
Table 55: Hilmar Cheese Co. Inc.: News/Key Developments, 2023-2025
Table 56: Lactalis: Company Snapshot
Table 57: Lactalis: Financial Performance, FY 2023 and 2024
Table 58: Lactalis: Product Portfolio
Table 59: Lactalis: News/Key Developments, 2023-2025
Table 60: Leprino Nutrition: Company Snapshot
Table 61: Leprino Nutrition: Product Portfolio
Table 62: NOW Foods: Company Snapshot
Table 63: NOW Foods: Product Portfolio
Table 64: Pfeisinger: Company Snapshot
Table 65: Pfeisinger: Product Portfolio
Table 66: Polmlek: Company Snapshot
Table 67: Polmlek: Product Portfolio
Table 68: Saputo Inc.: Company Snapshot
Table 69: Saputo Inc.: Financial Performance, FY 2024 and 2025
Table 70: Saputo Inc.: Product Portfolio
Table 71: Wheyco GmbH: Company Snapshot
Table 72: Wheyco GmbH: Product Portfolio
Table 73: Some Emerging Startups in the Whey Protein Market
List of Figures
Summary Figure: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Region, 2024
Figure 1: Porter’s Five Forces Analysis: Whey Protein Market
Figure 2: Whey Protein Market: Value Chain Analysis
Figure 3: Market Dynamics for Whey Protein Products
Figure 4: Patents Granted for Whey Protein Market, by Year, 2022-2025
Figure 5: Patent Shares for Whey Protein Market, by Assignee Country, 2022-2025
Figure 6: Patent Shares for the Whey Protein Market, by Key Applicants, 2022-2025
Figure 7: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Product Type, 2024
Figure 8: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC), by Region, 2024
Figure 9: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein Isolate (WPI), by Region, 2024
Figure 10: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein Hydrolysate (WPH), by Region, 2024
Figure 11: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Application, 2024
Figure 12: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein in Sport Nutrition, by Region, 2024
Figure 13: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein in Food Additives, by Region, 2024
Figure 14: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein Dietary Supplements, by Region, 2024
Figure 15: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein in Beverages, by Region, 2024
Figure 16: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein in Infant Formula, by Region, 2024
Figure 17: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein in Other Applications, by Region, 2024
Figure 18: Global Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Region, 2024
Figure 19: North American Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Product Type, 2024
Figure 20: North American Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Application, 2024
Figure 21: North American Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Country, 2024
Figure 22: European Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Product Type, 2024
Figure 23: European Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Application, 2024
Figure 24: European Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Country, 2024
Figure 25: Asia-Pacific Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Product Type, 2024
Figure 26: Asia-Pacific Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Application, 2024
Figure 27: Asia-Pacific Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Country, 2024
Figure 28: South American Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Product Type, 2024
Figure 29: South American Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Application, 2024
Figure 30: South American Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Country, 2024
Figure 31: MEA Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Product Type, 2024
Figure 32: MEA Market Shares for Whey Protein, by Application, 2024
Figure 33: Arla Foods amba: Revenue Share, by Business Unit, FY 2024
Figure 34: Arla Foods amba: Revenue Share, by Country/Region, FY 2024
Figure 35: Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.: Revenue Share, by Business Unit, FY 2025
Figure 36: Glanbia PLC: Revenue Share, by Business Unit, FY 2024
Figure 37: Glanbia PLC: Revenue Share, by Region, FY 2024
Figure 38: Lactalis: Revenue Share, by Business Unit, FY 2024
Figure 39: Lactalis: Revenue Share, by Region/Country, FY 2024
Figure 40: Saputo Inc.: Revenue Share, by Business Unit, FY 2025
Figure 41: Saputo Inc.: Revenue Share, by Country/Region, FY 2025

Companies Mentioned

  • Actus Nutrition
  • Agropur
  • AMCO Proteins
  • Arla Foods amba
  • Carbery Food Ingredients Ltd.
  • Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd.
  • Glanbia plc
  • Hilmar Cheese Co., Inc.
  • Lactalis
  • Leprino Nutrition
  • NOW Foods
  • Pfeifer & Langen
  • Polmlek
  • Saputo Inc.
  • Wheyco GmbH

Table Information