Whey Powder Market is expected to reach US$ 5.80 Billion by 2031

Wide Application Scope of Whey Powder Bolsters Whey Powder Market Growth

According to our latest study on "Whey Powder Market Size and Forecast (2021–2031), Global and Regional Growth Opportunity Analysis – Type, Category, and Application," the market size is expected to grow from US$ 4.21 billion in 2025 to US$ 5.80 billion by 2031; the whey powder market is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.5% from 2026 to 2031. The report highlights key factors driving the whey powder market growth and prominent players, along with their developments in the whey powder market. Apart from the growth drivers, the report covers the whey powder market trends and their foreseeable impact during the forecast period.

Whey powder is one of the most versatile ingredients in a wide range of food products, including bakery and confectionery, dairy products, ice creams and frozen desserts, sauces and dressings, and beverages. It imparts a creamy texture and mouthfeel to the products and increases their nutritional appeal as it is a rich source of protein. Whey powder contains free amino acids and sugars, which contribute to the Maillard reaction, achieving a desirable flavor and crust browning, leading to a golden crust. In dairy products and ice creams, it provides a creamy mouthfeel and improves their texture. Whey powder acts as a thickening and emulsifying agent, improving the consistency and stability of sauces and dressings.

Whey Powder Market Breakdown – by Region

It is gaining massive traction in nutritional supplements, especially in protein powders, due to its high protein content and presence of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). In infant formula, whey powder is widely used as it has a similar composition to human breast milk, which ensures improved digestibility in babies and toddlers. Whey powder is also gaining significant traction in the personal care and cosmetics industry due to its rich amino acid profile and moisturizing effects. It can help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, enhance hydration, and even soothe irritated skin. Furthermore, whey protein can contribute to a more youthful appearance by boosting collagen and elastin production.

Whey powder offers several key benefits when used in animal feed. It is a highly nutritious ingredient, with protein that is more easily digestible than that found in corn or soybean meal. This makes it an efficient source of nutrition for livestock. Whey is highly palatable, meaning animals are naturally inclined to consume it in significant amounts without the need for additional encouragement. Further, when included as part of a well-balanced diet, whey can contribute to improved carcass quality, enhancing the overall value of the animals.

Whey can be utilized in agricultural applications as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Acid whey, with a pH of 4.5, can help lower the pH of alkaline soils, making them more suitable for acid-loving plants such as blueberries and azaleas. Whey's nutrient content, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, can help replace inorganic fertilizers.

Thus, a broad application scope of whey powder across various end-use industries is significantly driving the market growth.

The whey powder market analysis has been performed by considering the following segments: type, category, application, and geography. The global whey powder market, by type, is segmented into sweet whey powder, acid whey powder, deproteinized whey powder, and demineralized whey powder. The sweet whey powder segment held the largest share of the whey powder market in 2025. Sweet whey powder is a by-product of cheese production, particularly from rennet-coagulated cheeses such as mozzarella and cheddar. It is produced when cheese curds are separated from milk, leaving behind a liquid known as whey. It has gained a strong reputation for applications such as dietary supplements, baked goods, smoothies, nutritional bars, soups, sauces, dressings, and smoothies. By category, the market is segmented into conventional and organic. The conventional segment dominated the whey powder market share in terms of revenue in 2025. The global whey powder market, by application, is segmented into bakery and confectionery, dairy products, animal feed, infant nutrition, sauces and soups, nutritional supplements, and others. The bakery and confectionery segment held the largest share of the whey powder market in 2025.

Europe dominated the whey powder market share in terms of revenue in 2025. The Europe whey powder market is being driven by a growing emphasis on health and wellness, which is influencing consumer dietary habits across the region. Consumers are increasingly interested in protein-rich foods and supplements to support active lifestyles, weight management, and overall well-being. The European market is anticipated to grow as consumers become increasingly aware of the importance of healthy lifestyles, weight management, sports nutrition, nutritious eating, and overall well-being. According to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, almost 33.0% of those aged 19–64 years and 40% of those aged 65 years and older use dietary supplements in the UK. Whey powder, with its high biological value and quick digestibility, is gaining traction as a preferred source of protein, particularly among fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and individuals following specialized diets such as keto or high-protein regimes. In addition, a strong demand for functional and fortified foods and beverages is also driving demand for whey powder. Food manufacturers across Europe are incorporating whey powder into a variety of products, including meal replacements, bakery items, dairy products, and nutritional beverages. The versatility of whey powder in improving texture, flavor, and nutritional value makes it a popular ingredient for product innovation. In addition, according to the European Whey Processor Association, Europe is the leading producer of cheese and, as a result, the largest producer of whey. The dairy sector contributes significantly to the food & beverages industry, with over 12,000 milk processing and production facilities across Europe. Whey powder is a by-product of cheese and casein production, and Europe, being one of the world's largest cheese producers, generates vast quantities of liquid whey that are efficiently processed into various whey powder forms such as sweet whey, demineralized whey, and whey protein concentrate.

The whey powder market forecast can help stakeholders plan their growth strategies. Lactalis Ingredients, Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd, Kaskat Dairy SP Zoo, Ornua Co-operative Ltd, Kuber Group, Eligo AS, Molkerei Ammerland eG, HIROLAND İÇ VE DIŞ TİCARET LİMİTED ŞİRKETİ, Interfood Holding BV, POLMLEK GROUP, Euroserum SAS, EPI Ingredients SAS, ALPAVIT, Prairie Farms, and Leprino Nutrition are among the prominent players profiled in the whey powder market report. These market players are focusing on providing high-quality products to fulfill customer demand. They are also adopting strategies such as new product launches, capacity expansions, partnerships, and collaborations to stay competitive in the whey powder market.

The geographical scope of the whey powder market report focuses on North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America. The market in North America is further segmented into the US, Canada, and Mexico. The market in Europe is segmented into Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, the Czech Republic, Croatia, the Balkan Countries, and the rest of Europe. The market in Asia Pacific is further segmented into China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the rest of Asia Pacific. The whey powder market in the Middle East & Africa is segmented into South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, and the rest of the Middle East & Africa. The market in South & Central America is further segmented into Brazil, Argentina, and the rest of South & Central America.

Contact Us

Phone: +1-646-491-9876
Email Id: sales@theinsightpartners.com