The whey powder market size is projected to reach US$ 5.80 billion by 2031 from US$ 4.21 billion in 2025. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 5.5% during 2026-2031.

Whey Powder has gained significant attention in the global market due to its growing demand in infant nutrition products.

Whey powder, especially demineralized whey powder and whey protein isolates, closely mimic the protein profile of human breast milk, offering a high-quality source of essential amino acids with superior digestibility. Their lower mineral content makes them gentle on infants' digestive systems, a key reason why demineralized whey is a staple ingredient in infant formula formulations. Moreover, demineralized whey powder and whey hydrolysate are less likely to trigger cow milk protein allergies (CMPA). This makes them ideal for specialized hypoallergenic infant formulas. The rapid growth of the whey powder market is underpinned by the growing health consciousness, expanding middle-class populations, and a surge in fitness and sports culture. As consumers across the globe increasingly prioritize high-protein diets, whey powder has become a preferred source of affordable, high-quality protein. The increasing participation in sports activities worldwide drives the demand for sports nutrition, including whey powder.

Manufacturers of whey protein hydrolysate are getting approval from associations such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use in infant formula products. For instance, in July 2024, Arla Foods Ingredients received approval from the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to use whey protein hydrolysates in infant formula, which support allergy management and gut comfort. Market approvals, greenlighting the use of hydrolyzed whey powder in infant nutrition products, further boost the whey powder market. Thus, the increasing use of whey powder in infant formula products is expected to be the fastest-growing market trend in the coming years.

Some of the key players operating in the whey powder market include Lactalis Ingredients, Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd, Kaskat Dairy SP Zoo, Ornua Co-operative Ltd, Kuber Group, Eligo AS, Molkerei Ammerland eG, HIROLAND ?? VE DI? T?CARET L?M?TED ??RKET?, Interfood Holding BV, POLMLEK GROUP, Euroserum SAS, EPI Ingredients SAS, ALPAVIT, Prairie Farms, and Leprino Nutrition. Players operating in the whey powder market focus on providing innovative products at affordable prices to fulfill customer demand.

The overall whey powder market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants to validate the data and gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants of this process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers-along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders-specializing in the whey powder market.