Market Size of united states whey protein ingredients Industry
Study Period | 2017 - 2029 | |
Market Size (2024) | USD 0.88 Billion | |
Market Size (2029) | USD 1.11 Billion | |
Largest Share by End User | Food and Beverages | |
CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 4.76 % | |
Fastest Growing by End User | Supplements | |
Major Players |
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market Analysis
The United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is estimated at 0.88 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 1.11 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.76% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
0.88 Billion
Market Size in 2024 (USD)
1.11 Billion
Market Size in 2029 (USD)
6.17 %
CAGR (2017-2023)
4.76 %
CAGR (2024-2029)
Largest Market by Form
46.79 %
value share, Concentrates, 2023
Whey protein concentrates make up the majority and is increasingly used for fortification due to their high protein content, low production cost, and high bioavailability.
Largest Market by End User
50.87 %
value share, Food and Beverages, 2023
F&B held the largest share, owing to consumers' pivoting interest from carbonated beverages toward healthier drinks and protein-based snacks, thus, majorly driving the market.
Fastest Growing Market by Form
7.18 %
Projected CAGR, Hydrolyzed, 2024-2029
Widespread use of hydrolyzed whey protein in the sports nutrition supplements due to its rich amino acid profile and functional benefits such as faster absorption, easy digestibility, hypoallergenicity are driving the segment growth.
Fastest Growing Market by End User
6.71 %
Projected CAGR, Supplements, 2024-2029
Whey protein supplements are the top choice for fitness enthusiasts, who are becoming more and more dependent on high-protein diets, further supporting its top ranking.
Leading Market Player
17.67 %
market share, Glanbia PLC, 2021
The market is fragmented, with the top players accounting for a share of 24.6%. Glanbia PLC invested in expansions and product launches during the review period.
Surging sports and performance nutrition industry coupled with growing number of beauty clinics benefitted the use of whey proteins in the market
- The whey protein market comprises food and beverage and supplements as the two major applications. In 2019, the consumption volume of supplements surpassed the consumption volume of food and beverage to claim the top position among all end-user applications. This growth can be attributed to the rising number of muscle and fitness enthusiasts. This situation is increasing consumers' demand for whey protein-based sports beverages, specialized nutritional products, and other products designed to optimize athletic performance. From 2016 to 2019, the total number of memberships at fitness centers across the United States witnessed a growth of 12.04%, reaching 64.2 million memberships in 2019. However, the food and beverage industry in the United States grew by 10.57% in 2019.
- The supplements segment is likely to outpace other applications in terms of growth rate, recording a projected CAGR of 6.51% during the forecast period. The surging sports and performance nutrition industry is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 6.70%. This situation is further anticipated to drive the sales of whey protein in the supplements industry across the country.
- The other fastest-growing end-user segment for whey protein is personal care and cosmetics, which is projected to register a CAGR of 5.13% during the forecast period. Whey protein is used in anti-aging products, hair-care products, and nail-care products, among other things. The increasing number of beauty clinics, increasing per capita expenditure on personal appearance, a robust regulatory framework, and the growing beauty and cosmetics industry may boost overall demand in the future. Between 2016 and 2021, the average annual expenditure on beauty and personal care products rose by 7.04% across the United States.
United States Whey Protein Ingredients Industry Segmentation
Concentrates, Hydrolyzed, Isolates are covered as segments by Form. Animal Feed, Food and Beverages, Personal Care and Cosmetics, Supplements are covered as segments by End User.
- The whey protein market comprises food and beverage and supplements as the two major applications. In 2019, the consumption volume of supplements surpassed the consumption volume of food and beverage to claim the top position among all end-user applications. This growth can be attributed to the rising number of muscle and fitness enthusiasts. This situation is increasing consumers' demand for whey protein-based sports beverages, specialized nutritional products, and other products designed to optimize athletic performance. From 2016 to 2019, the total number of memberships at fitness centers across the United States witnessed a growth of 12.04%, reaching 64.2 million memberships in 2019. However, the food and beverage industry in the United States grew by 10.57% in 2019.
- The supplements segment is likely to outpace other applications in terms of growth rate, recording a projected CAGR of 6.51% during the forecast period. The surging sports and performance nutrition industry is projected to register the fastest CAGR of 6.70%. This situation is further anticipated to drive the sales of whey protein in the supplements industry across the country.
- The other fastest-growing end-user segment for whey protein is personal care and cosmetics, which is projected to register a CAGR of 5.13% during the forecast period. Whey protein is used in anti-aging products, hair-care products, and nail-care products, among other things. The increasing number of beauty clinics, increasing per capita expenditure on personal appearance, a robust regulatory framework, and the growing beauty and cosmetics industry may boost overall demand in the future. Between 2016 and 2021, the average annual expenditure on beauty and personal care products rose by 7.04% across the United States.
Form | |
Concentrates | |
Hydrolyzed | |
Isolates |
End User | |||||||||||
Animal Feed | |||||||||||
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Personal Care and Cosmetics | |||||||||||
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United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size Summary
The United States whey protein ingredients market is experiencing a dynamic growth trajectory, driven by increasing consumer demand for protein-rich products across various sectors. The market is primarily segmented into food and beverage applications and supplements, with the latter gaining significant traction due to the rising popularity of fitness and muscle-building activities. The supplements segment, in particular, is expected to outpace other applications in terms of growth rate, fueled by the expanding sports and performance nutrition industry. This growth is further supported by the increasing awareness of health and fitness, which has led to a surge in the consumption of whey protein-based sports beverages and specialized nutritional products. Additionally, the personal care and cosmetics sector is emerging as a notable end-user segment, with whey protein being utilized in anti-aging and hair-care products, driven by the growing beauty and cosmetics industry.
The market's expansion is also supported by the robust supply chain from cheese production plants, which are a major source of liquid whey production in the country. Whey powder and whey protein concentrate (WPC) dominate the market, with significant production volumes catering to the strong demand for high-protein products in the food and beverage sector. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily disrupted production and led to a decline in whey production, the market is poised for recovery and growth. Major industry players are actively securing additional whey plants to meet the increasing demand, and innovations in product offerings, such as ready-to-drink protein shakes and functional whey protein concentrates, are expected to further drive market growth. The market remains fragmented, with key players like Arla Foods, Fonterra, Glanbia, Groupe Lactalis, and FrieslandCampina playing significant roles in shaping its future.
United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size - Table of Contents
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1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)
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1.1 Form
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1.1.1 Concentrates
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1.1.2 Hydrolyzed
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1.1.3 Isolates
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1.2 End User
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1.2.1 Animal Feed
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1.2.2 Food and Beverages
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1.2.2.1 By Sub End User
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1.2.2.1.1 Bakery
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1.2.2.1.2 Beverages
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1.2.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals
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1.2.2.1.4 Condiments/Sauces
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1.2.2.1.5 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
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1.2.2.1.6 RTE/RTC Food Products
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1.2.2.1.7 Snacks
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1.2.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics
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1.2.4 Supplements
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1.2.4.1 By Sub End User
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1.2.4.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula
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1.2.4.1.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
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1.2.4.1.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition
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United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size FAQs
How big is the United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market?
The United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is expected to reach USD 879.54 million in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.76% to reach USD 1.11 billion by 2029.
What is the current United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market size?
In 2024, the United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is expected to reach USD 879.54 million.