Native whey protein, extracted directly from skimmed milk without the use of enzymes, is known for its superior nutritional profile, high bioavailability, and minimal processing, making it a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers. The native whey protein market is being driven by the growing consumer preference for natural and clean-label products, the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, and the expanding sports nutrition market.

Market Size and Growth

As of 2023, the global native whey protein market was valued at approximately US$ 13.2 Bn and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% from 2024 to 2034. By the end of the forecast period, the market is expected to reach a value of around US$ 28.9 Bn. The growth is attributed to the increasing adoption of whey protein in various applications, including dietary supplements, functional foods, beverages, and personal care products.

Key Market Drivers

• Rising Health Consciousness: The global increase in health awareness and the growing trend towards fitness have led to a surge in demand for protein supplements, particularly whey protein, which is considered a high-quality protein source. This trend is particularly strong in developed regions such as North America and Europe, where consumers are increasingly opting for protein-rich diets.
• Growing Sports Nutrition Market: The expanding sports nutrition market is another significant driver of the native whey protein market. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts prefer native whey protein for its high leucine content, which supports muscle protein synthesis and recovery. This has led to increased consumption of whey protein supplements and sports drinks.

• Clean Label and Natural Products Demand: Consumers are increasingly seeking clean-label products with minimal processing and natural ingredients. Derived directly from milk, native whey protein aligns perfectly with the growing demand for natural and minimally processed ingredients, driving its adoption across various applications
• Technological Advancements: Advancements in protein extraction and processing technologies have led to the production of high-purity native whey protein with enhanced functional properties. This has expanded its application in various industries, including food and beverages, personal care, and pharmaceuticals.

Market Segmentation

Global Native Whey Protein Market is segmented based on type, form, application, distribution channel, and region.

By Type

• Concentrate 
• Isolate 
• Hydrolyzed

Native whey protein isolate is the dominant segment, accounting for over 60.5% of the market share in 2023, due to its higher protein content and better solubility compared to concentrates. This dominance is primarily attributed to its higher protein content, which typically exceeds 90%, and its superior solubility compared to whey protein concentrates. These characteristics make whey protein isolate a preferred choice among consumers, particularly in the sports nutrition and dietary supplements sectors. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts often prioritize protein purity and bioavailability to support muscle recovery and growth, making isolates an ideal option. Additionally, native whey protein isolate is low in fat and lactose, which further enhances its appeal to individuals with lactose intolerance or those following specific dietary regimens. The demand for isolates is also driven by the growing trend of clean-label products, as consumers seek supplements that offer high protein content without unnecessary additives. Companies like Glanbia Nutritionals and Arla Foods Ingredients have capitalized on this demand by offering high-quality native whey protein isolates tailored for the sports nutrition market, further solidifying the segment’s leadership in the industry.

By Sales Channel

• Online
  • E-Commerce Platforms
  • Company Websites
• Offline
  • Specialty Stores
  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Others

The online distribution channel is expected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period, driven by the increasing penetration of e-commerce platforms and the convenience of online shopping. One major driver is the increasing penetration of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Alibaba, and Walmart’s online store, which have made native whey protein products more accessible to a broader audience. These platforms not only offer a wide variety of products but also provide consumers with the convenience of comparing prices, reading customer reviews, and accessing detailed product information. Additionally, the convenience of online shopping allows consumers to purchase native whey protein products from the comfort of their homes at any time, catering to the fast-paced lifestyles of modern consumers. This ease of access, combined with the growing trend of health and fitness, is propelling the demand for native whey protein through online channels. For example, companies like Glanbia Nutritionals and Arla Foods Ingredients have increasingly partnered with e-commerce platforms to reach a wider audience, offering exclusive online deals and subscriptions to cater to the growing demand. This trend is further amplified by the rise of direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands, which are leveraging social media and digital marketing strategies to target health-conscious consumers directly through online channels.

Regional Insights: Global Native Whey Protein Market

North America stands as the largest native whey protein market, capturing over 35.4% of the global market share in 2023. This region’s dominance is fueled by several key factors, including a robust health and fitness trend that has seen a significant rise in the number of health-conscious consumers and fitness enthusiasts. The well-established sports nutrition industry in North America, with its wide range of protein supplements and functional foods, plays a critical role in sustaining the high demand for native whey protein. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions has prompted a growing number of consumers to adopt protein-rich diets as part of their health management strategies. The strong presence of leading market players, coupled with a mature distribution network and a high level of consumer awareness, further cements North America’s position as the leading market for native whey protein products. This trend is likely to continue, propelled by ongoing innovations in product development and marketing efforts that emphasize the health advantages of native whey protein.

Competitive Insights: Global Native Whey Protein Market

A few of the major native whey protein market participants are listed below:

• Agropur Inc
• Arla Foods
• Carbery
• Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited
• FrieslandCampina Ingredients
• Glanbia PLC (Optimum Nutrition)
• Ingredia SA
• Lactalis Ingredients
• Leprino Foods
• MILEI GmbH
• Olympian Labs, Inc.
• Reflex Nutrition
• Other Market Participants

For instance, in 2023, Glanbia Nutritionals launched a new range of native whey protein products specifically designed for the sports nutrition market, offering enhanced solubility and flavor profiles.

Global Native Whey Protein Market

Global Native Whey Protein Market

By Type

• Concentrate
• Isolate
• Hydrolyzed

By Form

• Powder
• Liquid
• Bars

By Application

• Sports Nutrition
• Infant Formulas
• Clinical Nutrition
• Dairy and Bakery
• Protein-Enriched Beverages
• Others

By Sales Channel

• Online

• • E-Commerce Platforms
  • Company Websites

• Offline

• • Specialty Stores
  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Others

By Region

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America)
• Europe (France, The UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway), Benelux Union (Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg), Rest of Europe)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Rest of Southeast Asia), Rest of Asia Pacific)
• Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa)
• Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America)

Report Layout:

Table of Contents

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Note: This ToC is tentative and can be changed according to the research study conducted during the course of report completion.

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**Exclusive for Multi-User and Enterprise User.

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Global Native Whey Protein Market

By Type

• Concentrate
• Isolate
• Hydrolyzed

By Form

• Powder
• Liquid
• Bars

By Application

• Sports Nutrition
• Infant Formulas
• Clinical Nutrition
• Dairy and Bakery
• Protein-Enriched Beverages
• Others

By Sales Channel

• Online

• • E-Commerce Platforms
  • Company Websites

• Offline

• • Specialty Stores
  • Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
  • Others

By Region

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Rest of North America)
• Europe (France, The UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, Nordic Countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Norway), Benelux Union (Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxembourg), Rest of Europe)
• Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Rest of Southeast Asia), Rest of Asia Pacific)
• Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Kuwait, South Africa, Rest of Middle East & Africa)
• Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of Latin America)

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