What to know about whey protein powder prices, potential shortages and alternatives
America's protein obsession is colliding with a supply chain reality, as high demand is leading to some whey protein shortages that could send prices soaring.
Prices on some whey protein concentrates, or WPC, have shot up above average in the last couple of months, amid robust demand, and some suppliers are already sold out "for the remainder of the year," according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
What to know about whey protein prices, possible shortages
Leonard Polzin, an agricultural economist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, told ABC News that in analyzing the latest USDA data on whey protein prices, WPC 34% -- a mid-protein grade -- is up "about 20% over the past six months."
Over the last two years, however, the price of that same whey protein concentrate is up nearly 83%, according to Polzin.
Kathleen Wolfley, an agriculture supply chain expert and vice president of Ever Ag Insights, told ABC News that "even with growing production, USDA data still shows a tight inventory situation."
"High protein whey stocks fell 7% year-over-year in March," Wolfley said. "Meanwhile, Q1 production increased by 6% from 2025."
Whey protein is a liquid byproduct from the cheesemaking process when separating out the solid curds and is widely used in its dried form for its digestibility and versatility.
Nutritionist Maya Feller told ABC News that dried whey is "the protein that gets added to foods and supplements."
Market research experts attribute the whey protein supply issues to a combination of factors, including an increase in people using GLP-1 medications, who are in turn increasing protein intake, and more health-conscious consumers.
"GLP-1 [medications are] likely a major driver of this push toward protein," Wolfley said, adding that consumers not on GLP-1s "are also on the hunt for more protein, propelled by general wellness trends."
Wolfley said she has seen sizable growth and innovation with "product development focus on protein as consumers appear more conscious of maximizing its consumption."
Food manufacturers have raced to stock up with protein-enhanced products accordingly, creating everything from protein cold foams at Starbucks to packaged goods sold on grocery store shelves, including protein-enhanced breakfast cereals, boxed pastas and snacks.
Costco recently reported in its third quarter earnings that it saw "significant growth" for items including "protein snacks and protein bars."
"In meat, we saw strength in both premium cuts of beef and lower cost proteins such as ground beef and poultry," the big box retailer added.
Scott Dicker, senior director and head of research and insights at the market research firm Spins, told ABC News, "The question I got asked the most last year was, 'Have we hit peak protein?' And the answer, to me, is 'no.'"
"We have seen older generations over-index in those inherently high-protein categories," Dicker continued, referring to products such as meat, eggs, and dairy, and noting that "younger generations over-index in those products with added protein in them."
Another bellwether Dicker said he looks at when determining trend longevity is protein powder and protein drink consumption.
"If people are still turning toward protein powders and drinks, when there are protein options in literally every aisle of the store, it shows me that there's still runway left for protein," Dicker said.
Alternatives to whey protein
As prices on high-protein whey surge and demand outpaces supply, Wolfley said she would not be surprised "to see some slowing in the innovation pipeline or a push toward alternative protein supplies."
Hitha Herzog, chief research analyst at H Squared Research, told ABC News that with a run on whey protein, consumers may need to "start thinking about what it would cost you if that price were to go up in the next couple months."
ABC News medical contributor Dr. Alok Patel said on ABC News Live on Wednesday that whey protein "is a form of getting complete protein" that's convenient and easy," but he said he would suggest people turn to "whole foods instead."
Feller, meanwhile, explained that while many reach for whey "because it's so bioavailable and it digests really wonderfully," alternatives like soy protein can be great during a whey shortage, since it has "the full amino acid profile."
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