세계의 유청 단백질(분말 및 농축물) 시장 규모는 2024년에 55억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 2033년에는 75억 달러에 달하며, 2025-2033년에 3.41%의 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 예측하고 있습니다. 대중의 건강과 피트니스 의식의 향상, 스포츠 영양과 보디 빌딩 제품에 대한 수요 증가, 제조 기술에서 새로운 기술 진보는 유청 단백질 시장을 추진하는 주요 요인의 일부입니다.
유청단백질은 우유에서 추출한 고품질 단백질입니다. 유청단백질은 치즈 제조 과정에서 발생하는 제품별 단백질로, 우유를 응고시켜 짜낸 후 남은 액체입니다. 액체에서 분리되어 다양한 가공 공정을 거쳐 분말 형태로 만들어지며, 영양 보조 식품으로 널리 이용되고 있습니다. 유청단백질은 우리 몸에 필요하지만 스스로 생성할 수 없는 필수 아미노산을 모두 포함하고 있으며, 완전 단백질로 간주됩니다. 이들 아미노산은 단백질의 컴포넌트로 근육의 성장, 회복, 유지를 포함한 다양한 신체 기능에 필수적입니다.
구매력 향상과 건강하고 영양가있는 식사를 선호하는 개인 증가는 시장 성장을 가속하는 주요 요인으로 작용하고 있습니다. 또한 쉐이크, 컵케이크, 머핀, 스무디, 팬케이크, 커피, 스프레드 등의 요리에 널리 사용되며, 상업용 식품 매장에서 제공되고 있습니다. 이는 확대되는 식품 및 음료(F&B) 산업과 함께 시장 성장에 기여하고 있습니다. 또한 유청단백질은 자녀의 영양 균형에 대한 부모들의 관심이 높아짐에 따라 이유식 및 유아용 분유 제조에 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 또한 E-Commerce 플랫폼에서 제품을 쉽게 구할 수 있다는 점도 전 세계에서 좋은 시장 전망을 낳고 있습니다. 그 결과, 소비자들은 현재 다양한 제품군, 경쟁력 있는 가격, 방문 배송을 제공하는 온라인 플랫폼을 통해 유청 단백질 보충제를 구매하고 있습니다.
건강과 피트니스에 대한 인식이 높아짐
건강한 라이프스타일, 피트니스, 영양의 중요성에 대한 인식이 높아지면서 유청 단백질 제품에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 유청 단백질은 근육 강화, 회복 및 전반적인 건강 증진에 도움이 되는 고품질 아미노산 프로파일로 유명합니다. 건강에 대한 관심이 높아짐에 따라 전반적인 건강을 지원하는 영양이 풍부한 제품에 대한 수요가 증가하고 있습니다. 또한 식욕 억제와 체중 감량을 돕기 위해 단백질이 풍부한 식단에 대한 관심이 높아지고 있습니다. 유청 단백질은 단백질 함량이 높아 단백질 섭취를 늘리고 포만감을 촉진하는 편리하고 효과적인 수단을 제공합니다. 이러한 이유로 유청 단백질은 체중 관리 프로그램의 일환으로 인기를 끌고 있습니다.
스포츠 영양 및 보디빌딩 제품에 대한 수요 증가
스포츠 영양 및 보디빌딩 분야는 전 세계에서 큰 성장세를 보이고 있습니다. 운동선수, 보디빌더, 피트니스 애호가들은 유청 단백질 보충제를 사용하여 운동 능력을 지원하고, 근육 성장을 가속하며, 회복을 가속화합니다. 높은 생물학적 가치와 풍부한 아미노산 프로파일을 가진 유청 단백질은 이러한 목적에 이상적인 단백질 공급원으로 간주됩니다. 또한 유청 단백질을 함유한 스포츠 영양 제품은 운동 능력을 높이고 지구력을 향상시키도록 설계되었습니다. 유청단백질은 근력, 파워, 회복을 지원하는 역할로 인해 운동 능력을 최적화하고자 하는 운동선수들에게 인기 있는 보충제가 되었으며, 전 세계에서 좋은 시장 전망을 만들어내고 있습니다.
제조 기술의 다양한 발전
유청 단백질 제조 및 가공 기술의 발전으로 유청 단백질 제품의 품질, 맛, 다양성이 향상되었습니다. 이러한 발전으로 제조업체는 단백질 바, 즉석 쉐이크, 다양한 맛, 질감, 배합 단백질 파우더와 같은 특수 제품을 쉽게 생산할 수 있게 되었습니다. 또한 고급 여과 및 분리 기술을 통해 제조업체는 유청 단백질 농축액 및 분리물에서 유당, 지방 및 기타 비단백질 성분과 같은 불순물을 제거할 수 있습니다. 또한 자동화된 공정, 첨단 기계 및 최적화된 생산 라인은 처리 능력 향상, 안정적인 제품 품질 및 생산 비용 절감을 가능하게 합니다. 이를 통해 제조업체는 유청 단백질에 대한 수요 증가에 대응하고 더 넓은 시장에 진출하기 위해 사업을 확장할 수 있습니다.
The global whey protein (powder and concentrate) market size reached USD 5.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 7.5 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 3.41% during 2025-2033. The increasing health and fitness consciousness among the masses, the escalating demand for sports nutrition and bodybuilding products, and the emerging technological advancements in manufacturing technologies are some of the major factors propelling the whey protein market.
Whey protein is a high-quality protein derived from milk. It is a byproduct of the cheese-making process, specifically the liquid that remains after milk is curdled and strained. It is separated from the liquid and undergoes various processing steps to produce a powdered form that is widely utilized as a dietary supplement. Whey protein is considered a complete protein as it consists of all essential amino acids that the body needs but cannot produce on its own. These amino acids are the building blocks of protein and are essential for various bodily functions, including muscle growth, repair, and maintenance.
The increasing purchasing power and the rising adoption of a healthy and nutritious diet by individuals are major factors driving the market growth. In addition, it is widely used to prepare shakes, cupcakes, muffins, smoothies, pancakes, coffee, and spreads, served across commercial food outlets. This, coupled with the expanding food and beverage (F&B) industry, is contributing to market growth. Moreover, whey protein is widely utilized in the manufacturing of baby food and infant formula due to the growing concerns of parents about the balanced nutrition of their children. Furthermore, the easy product availability on e-commerce platforms is also creating a favorable market outlook across the globe. As a result, consumers are now purchasing whey protein supplements from online platforms, which offer a wide selection, competitive pricing, and doorstep delivery.
Increasing health and fitness consciousness
Growing awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, fitness, and nutrition has increased demand for whey protein products. Whey protein is known for its high-quality amino acid profile, which aids in muscle building, recovery, and overall wellness. As people become more health-conscious, there is a growing demand for nutrient-dense products that support overall well-being. Moreover, individuals are turning to protein-rich diets to aid in appetite control and weight loss. Whey protein, with its high protein content, offers a convenient and effective means to increase protein intake and promote feelings of fullness. This has contributed to the growing popularity of whey protein as part of weight management programs.
Escalating demand for sports nutrition and bodybuilding products
The sports nutrition and bodybuilding sectors have witnessed substantial growth worldwide. Athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts utilize whey protein supplements to support their performance, enhance muscle growth, and speed up recovery. Whey protein, with its high biological value and rich amino acid profile, is considered an ideal protein source for these purposes. Additionally, sports nutrition products, including those containing whey protein, are designed to enhance athletic performance and improve endurance. Whey protein's role in supporting muscle strength, power, and recovery has made it a sought-after supplement for athletes looking to optimize their performance which is creating a favorable market outlook across the globe.
Various advancements in manufacturing technologies
Technological advancements in producing and processing whey protein have improved quality, taste, and variety of whey protein products. These advancements have made it easier for manufacturers to create specialized products such as protein bars, ready-to-drink shakes, and protein powders with different flavors, textures, and formulations. Moreover, advanced filtration and separation techniques enable manufacturers to remove impurities, such as lactose, fat, and other non-protein components, from whey protein concentrates and isolates. Furthermore, automated processes, advanced machinery, and optimized production lines allow for higher throughput, consistent product quality, and reduced production costs. This enables manufacturers to meet the growing demand for whey protein and expand their operations to reach wider markets.
Whey Protein Concentrate
Whey Protein Isolate
Whey Protein Hydrolysates
Whey protein concentrate dominates the whey protein market
Whey protein concentrate refers to a fast-absorbing pure source of protein to support lean muscle. It is regarded as one of the most common forms of whey protein comprising of low levels of fat and cholesterol. Owing to these properties, whey protein concentrate finds vast applications in the food industry for preparing salads, soups, confectionary, infant formula, health food supplements, dairy and meat products, and protein beverages and bars. Moreover, whey protein concentrate generally has a milder and more natural flavor compared to other forms of whey protein. Some consumers find the taste of WPC more appealing, as it is closer to the taste of milk or dairy products. This makes WPC a popular choice for individuals who prefer a more neutral taste or want to avoid strong flavors commonly associated with protein supplements.
On the other hand, whey protein hydrolysates find various applications in the manufacturing of infants and adults nutrition formula. Additionally, they are ideal as a sports nutrition, particularly for the active consumers as they help in providing the muscles with an adequate fuel for exercising or competing.
Food and Beverages
Nutrition Products and Pharmaceuticals
Feed Applications
Others
Nutrition products and pharmaceuticals hold the largest share in whey protein market
The popularity of whey protein in the segment is primarily driven by its effectiveness in muscle growth. Whey protein helps increase muscle mass and muscle strength due to which athletes, including body builders, favor whey protein powder. Apart from muscle growth, studies have also suggested uses of whey protein across a number of medical areas such as immunomodulation, cardioprotective and hypotensive, oncology, Gut function and prebiotic, obesity management, and anti-diabetic. Besides this, the increasing focus on health and wellness has led to a higher demand for nutritional products and supplements. Whey protein, with its numerous health benefits and high-quality protein content, catering to individuals seeking to improve their overall well-being, support fitness goals, or address specific dietary needs.
Apart from this, in the food and beverage industry, whey protein is used as a texture modifier, thickening agent, gelling agent, surface-active component, and foaming agent in making dairy products, dry wet blends, bakery products, and infant formulae.
European Union
North America
Oceania
Eastern Europe
Latin America
Others
European Union exhibits a clear dominance in the market, accounting for the largest whey protein market share
An increasing awareness about the health benefits of whey protein amongst the population coupled with the wide availability of fitness clubs, represents one of the significant factors fostering the growth in the region. The EU has a well-established health and fitness culture, with a significant portion of the population actively engaged in sports, fitness activities, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This has created a robust demand for health and fitness products, including whey protein, which is widely recognized for its benefits in supporting muscle growth, recovery, and overall nutrition. Moreover, the region has stringent regulations and standards for food safety and product quality that whey protein manufacturers must comply, ensuring the production of safe and high-quality products. This adherence to strict standards enhances consumer trust and confidence in whey protein products, contributing to the dominance of the EU in the market.
The global whey protein industry is fragmented due to the presence of a large number of global and regional players. Presently, the leading manufacturers are introducing novel variants in innovative flavors like coconut, caramel, chocolate, cranberry, and coffee to expand their product portfolio. They are also focusing on providing whey protein-based beverages and bakery products through online e-commerce channels. Besides this, several key players are working on clean-label and natural ingredient offerings to meet consumer demands. In addition, they are engaging in partnerships and merger and acquisition activities and investing in research and development to create new formulations and customized solutions using whey protein to strengthen their foothold in the market.
Arla Foods
Agropur Inc.
Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.
Glanbia Plc
Kerry Group Plc
Milk Specialties Global
Leprino Foods Company
Carbery
Grande Cheese Company
Lactalis Group