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United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size

The United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market is projected to experience growth over the forecast period, with the supplements segment leading in expansion due to the increasing demand from fitness enthusiasts for sports beverages and nutritional products. While the food and beverage sector also contributes to the market, the supplements segment is expected to grow at a faster rate. Additionally, the personal care and cosmetics industry is emerging as a significant end-user, driven by the rising interest in beauty products containing whey protein. This trend is supported by increased consumer spending on personal care and a robust regulatory environment, which together are anticipated to enhance the market's overall size and share.

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Market Size of united states whey protein ingredients Industry

United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 0.88 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 1.11 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by End User Food and Beverages
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.76 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by End User Supplements
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 Market

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
Food and Beverages
By Sub End User
Bakery
Beverages
Breakfast Cereals
Condiments/Sauces
Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products
RTE/RTC Food Products
Snacks
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Supplements
By Sub End User
Baby Food and Infant Formula
Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition
Sport/Performance Nutrition
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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.

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United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD and Volume, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Form

      1. 1.1.1 Concentrates

      2. 1.1.2 Hydrolyzed

      3. 1.1.3 Isolates

    2. 1.2 End User

      1. 1.2.1 Animal Feed

      2. 1.2.2 Food and Beverages

        1. 1.2.2.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.2.1.1 Bakery

          2. 1.2.2.1.2 Beverages

          3. 1.2.2.1.3 Breakfast Cereals

          4. 1.2.2.1.4 Condiments/Sauces

          5. 1.2.2.1.5 Dairy and Dairy Alternative Products

          6. 1.2.2.1.6 RTE/RTC Food Products

          7. 1.2.2.1.7 Snacks

      3. 1.2.3 Personal Care and Cosmetics

      4. 1.2.4 Supplements

        1. 1.2.4.1 By Sub End User

          1. 1.2.4.1.1 Baby Food and Infant Formula

          2. 1.2.4.1.2 Elderly Nutrition and Medical Nutrition

          3. 1.2.4.1.3 Sport/Performance Nutrition

United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market Size FAQs

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.

In 2024, the United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market size is expected to reach USD 879.54 million.

US Whey Protein Ingredients Market Report Snapshots

United States Whey Protein Ingredients Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029