Whey Protein Concentrate Market

Whey Protein Concentrate Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global whey protein concentrate market size is estimated at US$ 3.9 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach US$ 6.7 billion by 2033-end. The market is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2023 to 2033.

In short- and medium-term resistance training exercises, the main sources of energy are glycogen and carbohydrates.

• Utilization of whey protein concentrate in sports nutrition is expected to rise rapidly at a CAGR of 6% over the decade.

Whey protein concentrate consumption has many health advantages for the body because it is easily digested and absorbed by the body, improves muscle content, which feeds bodily strength, and lowers the risk of cardiovascular illnesses. Due to the increasing prevalence of lifestyle diseases, working professionals are becoming more health conscious, which is helping to drive market expansion.

The market is expanding due to the increased purchasing of sports nutrition products as well as protein-rich foods and drinks, including nutritional supplements and ready meals. Increased whey protein concentrate demand in infant formula as a replacement for breast milk is another factor driving market expansion.

Market expansion is driven by an increase in health-conscious consumers. Whey protein concentrate has several uses in many food product categories. The ongoing R&D and advancements in whey protein concentrate are driving market growth. The consumption of whey protein has also been impacted by an increase in health awareness programs emphasizing the importance of wellness and a wholesome diet.

Growing concerns over obesity and food sensitivity and rising prevalence of various diseases are boosting consumer awareness of healthy lifestyles. The market is expected to rise over the coming years as a result of rising spending on various protein options and related supplements.

Whey protein concentrate is becoming increasingly popular among bodybuilders, athletes, gym goers, and health-conscious consumers, which is supporting market expansion. The demand for healthy food alternatives is driven by consumers' ongoing quest for ways to lead active and healthy lifestyles. This factor is projected to open up opportunities for whey protein concentrate providers.

Manufacturers of packaged foods fortify their goods with wholesome additives, such as protein compounds. The primary factor influencing the acceptance of protein-rich diets is the rising fitness trends, particularly among the millennial generation.

Report Attributes	Details
Market Size in 2023	US$ 3.9 Billion
Projected Market Value (2033)	US$ 6.7 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	5.5% CAGR
Market Share of Sports Nutrition (2023)	70%
Key Companies Profiled	Saputo Inc. Glanbia plc Alpavit Arla Foods Carbery Group Nestle S.A. Davisco Foods International, Inc. Milkaut SA Abbott Leprino Foods Company Maple Island, Inc. Nutricia Olam International Sanofi S.A.

What’s Augmenting Whey Protein Concentrate Demand Across the Globe?

“Ever-growing Demand for Nutritional Products”

Whey protein concentrate also finds itself useful in infant formulations, confectionaries, dairy products, and bakery products, which is boosting the growth of the global whey protein market. Whey protein concentrate, due to its easy digestibility, efficient processing, and economic applications, has been augmenting the global food and beverage industry.

Demand for whey protein concentrate has increased tremendously with the increased consumption of nutritional products related to sports. Whey protein concentrate is on par with dietary supplements due to its versatile nature and wide range of application possibilities as an ingredient. In addition to this, whey protein concentrate also offers a cost-effective alternative to formulate caramels with good eating quality and exceptional processing.

“High Whey Protein Concentrate Consumption Attributed to its Functional Properties”

Whey protein concentrate contains several functional, biological, and nutritional properties, making it an excellent ingredient to be used in a wide variety of food and medicinal applications, thereby increasing the demand for whey protein concentrate.

Presently, consumers associate whey protein concentrate with post-workout shakes as it helps build muscle and initiate muscle recovery. Whey protein concentrate also offers added benefits such as fat loss, decreased cravings, stress reduction, boosting immunity and bioavailability, and easy digestion. Such factors are expected to drive the global whey protein concentrate market over the forecast period.

Global demand for whey protein concentrate has been fueled by the predominance of busy consumer lives that lead to on-the-go food consumption. Demand for products has also grown as a result of growing health concerns among customers who choose a nutritious, well-balanced diet.

How is Whey Protein Concentrate Consumption Growth Being Hampered to Some Extent?

“Presence of Substitutes and High Production Cost of Whey Protein”

The market for whey protein concentrate is expected to be constrained by the high production costs of whey protein, growing health concerns, and some side effects. The presence of substitutes could pose a threat to the market's expansion.

How are Start-ups Generating Business Opportunities in This Industry?

“New Market Players Modifying Several Functional Aspects of Proteins Using Innovative Technologies”

Emerging market players are modifying several functional aspects of proteins using innovative technologies. New businesses are offering products that will make it easier for customers to find the right protein sources. New entrants are using food additives and enzymes to boost the performance of their protein-based goods.

• A new type of whey protein called ioProtein has been introduced by the New York-based food-tech start-up Plasma Nutrition. It is based on a patent-pending technology that combines an inventive food transformation process with a specially developed hardware platform. The items will be released under a co-branding agreement with PERFORMIX nutritional supplements.

Why is North America Leading the Global Whey Protein Concentrate Market?

“Huge Population Suffering from Obesity”

• North America accounts for 50% share of the global market in 2023.

The market for whey protein powders in North America is predicted to increase as a result of increased consumer concerns about their daily protein consumption and the presence of top whey protein concentrate suppliers. Shifting customer tastes and preferences and a huge population suffering from obesity are expected to drive product demand.

North America remains a highly mature market for whey protein concentrate, with more than 1,000 food and nutritional products entering the market with the 'added whey protein concentrate' tag. At the same time, food manufacturing companies are utilizing whey protein concentrate for the manufacturing of health drinks.

Some of the trends impacting the whey protein concentrate market include the demand for healthy snacks and beverages.

• In the region, fast-food chain giant McDonald’s introduced Small Real Fruit Protein to promote healthy eating and lifestyles.

Country-wise Insights

Why are Sales of Whey Protein Concentrate Bolstering in the United States?

“Rapid Expansion of Food Processing Industry”

Growing prevalence of lifestyle-related illnesses is driving market expansion in the United States. The market is expected to increase due to a rise in the incorporation of whey protein concentrate in infant food and the rapid expansion of the food processing industry. The increased consumption of whey protein concentrate in other nutritional sectors is fueling market expansion.

What is the Market Outlook for Whey Protein Concentrate in Japan?

“Japanese Manufacturers Benefiting from Easy Accessibility of Raw Materials”

The market in Japan is predicted to increase over the projection period due to the rising demand for dairy-based protein components. Market expansion is anticipated to be fueled by the easy accessibility of raw materials and the rising geriatric population. Increasing investments by key market players in marketing initiatives to spread awareness of the advantages of whey protein products are boosting market value.

Will Germany Be a Prominent Market for Whey Protein Concentrate Suppliers?

“Increase in Fitness Centers across the Country”

The market in Germany is driven by rising disposable income, growing health consciousness among consumers, and easy access to a variety of processed and ready-to-eat products. Market growth in Germany is attributed to the increased emphasis on healthy living, an increase in fitness centers, the trend towards preventive healthcare, and the rising demand for protein supplements.

Category-wise Insights

Why is There Such High Demand for Whey Protein Concentrate in the Sports Nutrition Industry?

“Whey Protein Concentrate - Main Protein Source in Sports Nutrition”

The market is segmented by end use into dietary supplements, sports nutrition, food processing, beverages, infant formula and baby foods, and others.

• Sports nutrition currently accounts for 70% share of the global market.

General interests in sports nutrition have also expanded from its distinctive core users, such as performance athletes, to a broader range of consumers focused on fitness and healthy living.

There are abundant varieties of commercial sports nutrition products available today that use whey protein concentrate as the primary form of protein source. Most of the other food offerings by global companies that contain whey protein concentrate act as meal replacements and pre-workout consumables.

Whey protein concentrate has become a popular ingredient in sports nutrition due to growing consumer interest in a healthy lifestyle. An increase in muscle and fitness enthusiasts has encouraged a growing consumer demand for protein- and sport-based beverages, nutritional snacks, specialized nutritional drinks, and other products designed to improve performance.

Competitive Landscape

Key vendors are offering whey protein concentrate with a 50%–80% ready-to-use protein concentration in several flavors, such as French vanilla and deluxe chocolate. Other vendors offer highly concentrated (90%) whey protein to be used as an ingredient in other foods, substances, and medicines. Key manufacturers are engaged in expanding production capacities to meet the global demand for whey protein concentrate.

Top producers are developing unique varieties of flavors to broaden their product offerings. They are investing in research and development initiatives to supply baked goods and drinks with whey protein while following safety regulations. Investors in the sector are being offered significant growth prospects as a result of the booming e-Commerce sector.

Major market participants are engaged in marketing and promotional tactics to raise awareness of the health advantages of whey protein consumption. To obtain a competitive edge, key businesses are concentrating on pricing trends, strategic alliances, new developments, quality control, product standards, and supply chain management.

For instance,

• In 2021, Arla Foods released a five-year plan to solidify its commitment to developing ecologically friendly dairy production and to expand the company sustainably.
• In 2022, the renowned Indian nutritional supplement producer Dyet Nutrition unveiled a brand-new range of whey protein concentrates in the flavors of vanilla and chocolate.

Key Segments of Whey Protein Concentrate Industry Research

• By Composition :

  • WPC - 35
  • WPC - 80

• By Form :

  • Powder
  • Cream

• By Nature :

  • Organic
  • Conventional

• By End Use :

  • Infant Formula and Baby Foods
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Food Processing
  • Sports Nutrition
  • Beverages
  • Others (Animal Feed, Clinical Nutrition, etc.)

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East & Africa