Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market

By Application;

Dietary Supplements, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

By Source;

Milk, Soy, Pea and Other Plant-Based Sources

By Hydrolysis Degree;

Low DH, Medium DH and High DH

By Grade;

Food Grade, Pharmaceutical Grade, Cosmetic Grade and Industrial Grade

By Packaging;

Bags, Boxes, Drums and Pails

By Geography;

North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa and Latin America - Report Timeline (2021 - 2031)
Report ID: Rn666082571 Published Date: September, 2025 Updated Date: October, 2025

Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market Overview

Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market (USD Million)

Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market was valued at USD 844.75 million in the year 2024. The size of this market is expected to increase to USD 1,447.76 million by the year 2031, while growing at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.0%.


Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market

*Market size in USD million

CAGR 8.0 %


Study Period2025 - 2031
Base Year2024
CAGR (%)8.0 %
Market Size (2024)USD 844.75 Million
Market Size (2031)USD 1,447.76 Million
Market ConcentrationMedium
Report Pages371
844.75
2024
1,447.76
2031

Major Players

  • Arla Food Ingredients
  • Glanbia Nutriion
  • Carbery Group
  • Agropur Co-Operative
  • Hilmar Cheese Company
  • American Dairy Products Institute

Market Concentration

Consolidated - Market dominated by 1 - 5 major players

Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market

Fragmented - Highly competitive market without dominant players


The Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market is experiencing strong growth, supported by the rising demand for nutritional supplements and functional foods. As a pre-digested protein form, hydrolyzed whey protein is rapidly absorbed in the body, making it popular among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and individuals seeking faster recovery solutions. Nearly 55% of protein-based sports nutrition products now incorporate hydrolyzed whey, underlining its importance in the performance nutrition sector.

Expanding Applications Beyond Sports Nutrition
Beyond athletic performance, hydrolyzed whey protein is increasingly utilized in infant formulas, medical nutrition, and functional beverages. Around 37% of the demand now comes from non-sports categories, highlighting its versatility in catering to diverse nutritional needs. This trend is pushing manufacturers to innovate with fortified drinks, powders, and ready-to-consume formats.

Technological Advancements in Processing
Innovations in protein hydrolysis and filtration technologies are improving the quality, taste, and bioavailability of hydrolyzed whey protein. Almost 33% of new product developments emphasize advanced processing methods to reduce bitterness and enhance solubility, ensuring better consumer acceptance. These advancements are also enabling the creation of customized formulations for targeted health outcomes.

Market Potential and Growth Outlook
With its broad applications and rising acceptance, the hydrolyzed whey protein market is positioned for steady growth. Supportive dietary trends, increasing demand for clean-label protein products, and sustained investments in health nutrition are expected to drive expansion, with industry collaborations and R&D shaping the future landscape.

  1. Introduction
    1. Research Objectives and Assumptions
    2. Research Methodology
    3. Abbreviations
  2. Market Definition & Study Scope
  3. Executive Summary
    1. Market Snapshot, By Application
    2. Market Snapshot, By Source
    3. Market Snapshot, By Hydrolysis Degree
    4. Market Snapshot, By Grade
    5. Market Snapshot, By Packaging
    6. Market Snapshot, By Region
  4. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market Dynamics
    1. Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities
      1. Drivers:
        1. Expansion of the Sports Nutrition Industry
        2. Technological Advancements in Protein Hydrolysis Processes
        3. Rising Preference for Easily Digestible Protein Sources
      2. Restraints:
        1. Competition from Plant-based Protein Alternatives
        2. Regulatory Challenges and Compliance Issues
        3. Limited Availability of Specialized Processing Equipment
      3. Opportunities:
        1. Expansion of Sports and Fitness Nutrition Industry
        2. Rising Adoption of Protein Supplements in Aging Population
        3. Innovation in Product Formulations and Delivery Systems
    2. PEST Analysis
      1. Political Analysis
      2. Economic Analysis
      3. Social Analysis
      4. Technological Analysis
    3. Porter's Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of Substitutes
      4. Threat of New Entrants
      5. Competitive Rivalry
  5. Market Segmentation
    1. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market, By Application, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Dietary Supplements
      2. Food & Beverages
      3. Pharmaceuticals
      4. Cosmetics
    2. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market, By Source, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Milk
      2. Soy
      3. Pea
      4. Other Plant-Based Sources
    3. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market, By Hydrolysis Degree, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Low DH
      2. Medium DH
      3. High DH
    4. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market, By Grade, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Food Grade
      2. Pharmaceutical Grade
      3. Cosmetic Grade
      4. Industrial Grade
    5. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market, By Packaging, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. Bags
      2. Boxes
      3. Drums
      4. Pails
    6. Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Market, By Geography, 2021 - 2031 (USD Million)
      1. North America
        1. United States
        2. Canada
      2. Europe
        1. Germany
        2. United Kingdom
        3. France
        4. Italy
        5. Spain
        6. Nordic
        7. Benelux
        8. Rest of Europe
      3. Asia Pacific
        1. Japan
        2. China
        3. India
        4. Australia & New Zealand
        5. South Korea
        6. ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Countries)
        7. Rest of Asia Pacific
      4. Middle East & Africa
        1. GCC
        2. Israel
        3. South Africa
        4. Rest of Middle East & Africa
      5. Latin America
        1. Brazil
        2. Mexico
        3. Argentina
        4. Rest of Latin America
  6. Competitive Landscape
    1. Company Profiles
      1. Glanbia Plc
      2. Arla Foods
      3. Kerry Group
      4. Fonterra Co-operative
      5. Agropur
      6. Hilmar Cheese Company
      7. Milk Specialties Global
      8. Saputo
      9. AMCO Proteins
      10. Carbery Group
      11. Leprino Foods
      12. Abbott Laboratories
      13. FrieslandCampina
      14. DMK Deutsches Milchkontor
      15. Mead Johnson Nutrition
  7. Analyst Views
  8. Future Outlook of the Market