Global Whey Protein Prices Surge Amid Rising Demand

The price of whey protein has skyrocketed worldwide due to a significant increase in global consumption. In the Brazilian retail market, sales volume rose by 124 percent between January and October 2025, according to data from the consultancy Scanntech. This surge in demand has led to a shortage of raw materials. The trend is driven by the integration of whey into a wider variety of products, such as breads, biscuits, and beverages including beer. Additionally, the use of weight loss injections has boosted consumption, as users are advised to increase protein intake to minimize muscle loss.

The industry faces production bottlenecks because whey is primarily a byproduct of cheese manufacturing, and cheese consumption has not increased at the same rate as whey demand. Diego Freitas, CEO of Growth, noted that the capacity of filtration and drying plants is insufficient to meet current needs. Consequently, companies must import most of their raw materials. In the United States, a major producer, the price of whey with 80 percent protein content nearly tripled in 2025, according to Vesper consultancy, with no predicted price drop.

Nutrologist Carlos Alberto Werutsky, director of the Brazilian Association of Nutrology (Abran), suggests alternatives such as casein, albumin, and isolated soy protein. He also notes that protein can be obtained through whole foods like chicken, beef, fish, eggs, and dairy. For vegans, combining cereals and legumes, such as rice and beans, or using isolated soy supplements is recommended. Experts warn that high prices may increase the trade of adulterated protein, advising consumers to buy from reputable brands. Regarding daily intake, the World Health Organization recommends at least 0.8 g of protein per kilogram of body weight, though many nutritionists suggest between 1 g and 2 g depending on the individual.