Global consumers want more protein in every bite, but the dairy industry is struggling to give it to them. Athletes and older adults have long used smoothies and shakes blended with whey protein concentrate—a powdered by-product of cheesemaking—to build or maintain muscle. More recently, food companies have sprinkled it into everything from breakfast cereals and potato chips to bagels, tortillas, and Starbucks drinks, all to meet growing consumer demand, per the AP. But the eagerness to appeal to ingredient-focused shoppers is causing shortages of food-grade whey protein and pushing prices to new records.
"Demand is very firm and seemingly outpacing supply for right now," says Kathleen Wolfley, vice president of Ever.Ag Insights, a consulting firm for the agriculture industry.
- Wholesale prices for whey protein began rising in 2024, and the pace accelerated in 2025 and so far this year, Wolfley notes. Whey protein concentrate with 80% protein—the type often used by food makers and supplement companies—is trading on the dairy commodities market at more than $13 per pound in the US, up 250% from a year ago, per Ever.Ag. Whey protein isolate, a more refined version that contains at least 90% protein, is 150% more expensive than last year, the company says.
- That's raising costs for consumers. US prices for whey protein concentrate powder have increased by around 15% over the past year, while more premium whey isolate powder has seen steeper gains, per price-tracking company Datasembly.
- US exports of 80% whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate to China fell 47% from January through April, compared with the same four-month period a year ago, per commodity price-tracking company Vesper. "There simply isn't enough product for the US customer, and exports have therefore been paused as much as possible," says Vesper analyst Jasper Endlich. China is seeking more whey protein from Europe, which also is seeing shortages thanks to reduced US exports, Endlich notes.
- Use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is one of the factors that has supercharged demand for whey protein concentrate, Wolfley says. GLP-1 users often are advised to consume enough protein to help them feel full for longer and to retain muscle mass as they lose weight. Food and nutrition firms are creating added-protein products to attract those consumers, as well as people who think drinking protein shakes to replace meals will help them lose weight.
- Wolfley says manufacturers are investing in whey protein production, which should eventually improve supplies, but the relief won't be immediate. In the meantime, higher prices could cause some consumers to stop buying whey protein powders, especially at a time when groceries are getting more expensive overall, Wolfley notes. Reduced retail demand might then reduce shortages at the wholesale level.
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