Whey Protein Prices Jump 83% in 2 Years as GLP-1 Use Drives Shortages
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 2
Whey Protein Prices Jump 83% in 2 Years as GLP-1 Use Drives Shortages
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 2
Summary
Whey protein shortages are leaving orders unfilled as demand surges beyond the gym market, with producers and retailers warning supply is no longer keeping up.
71% of 3,000 surveyed U.S. adults said in 2025 they were trying to eat more protein, while at least 1 in 8 Americans report using GLP-1 drugs that raise concern about muscle loss during weight reduction.
Whey concentrate prices have risen as much as 83% in two years and up to fivefold over the past few years, pushing manufacturers to add equipment and build new facilities.
Stable cheese demand is creating a mismatch because more whey output requires more curds, raising the risk of excess cheese and prompting dairy groups to seek export markets in Latin America, China and Pacific islands.
The boom is already reshaping dairy production, with some cheddar makers switching to cottage cheese and whey becoming a larger share of farmers' milk checks than ever before.