Surging global demand for whey protein from users of GLP-1 weight-loss medications has pushed raw material prices to highs, leaving manufacturers struggling to absorb the costs.
Whey Protein Prices Surge Amid Proteinmaxxing and GLP-1 Demand
Whey protein concentrate, a critical ingredient used to adjust the protein ratio in infant formula and mimic human breast milk, has seen dramatic price increases over the past year. According to Expana, a global market intelligence platform, whey protein concentrate 80 (containing 80% pure protein) jumped from €11,733 (£10,050) per metric tonne in July 2025 to €25,875. This spike is fueled by widespread public health emphasis on protein consumption alongside the rising popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, which suppress appetite and drive users toward concentrated protein shakes and bars to preserve muscle mass.
Did you know? High-whey infant formulas are specifically engineered for newborns and babies under one year old because the modified protein ratio makes the milk much easier for infant digestive systems to process.
Family Budgets Strained as Infant Formula Prices Climb
Families are already feeling the financial squeeze at the checkout counter. Office for National Statistics data shows the average price of baby formula increased by 4.8% over the past year, bringing a standard 750g box to £12.11, up from £11.55. Industry insiders warn that these increases will accelerate if raw material costs remain high.
Dr. Vicky Sibson, director of the First Steps Nutrition Trust, an independent UK public health nutrition charity, called the trend “hugely concerning.” According to Sibson, mounting evidence reveals that many families already find formula unaffordable, leading to dangerous coping strategies such as watering down feeds. “Whey is a major ingredient in infant formula, so significant increases in its price risk increasing the price of formula itself,” Sibson said. She noted that a solution proposed by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) involves government-imposed price or profit caps, pointing to precedents in countries like Greece to curb profit margins that the CMA previously exposed as ranging between 50% and 75%.
Manufacturers Reformulate Recipes Using Demineralised Whey D90
To cope with soaring expenses, dairy and nutrition manufacturers are altering their production methods. Jose Saiz, who covers the European dairy market at Expana, explained that many producers have reformulated their recipes over the past six months to rely more heavily on demineralised whey powder 90 (D90). This ingredient has 90% of its minerals removed, helping companies maintain the necessary whey-to-casein ratio while supplying both whey proteins and lactose.
However, this shift has created a secondary market squeeze. As more producers switch to D90, demand for the substitute ingredient has surged, driving up its price as well. “Infant formula manufacturers report that current high whey protein prices are becoming economically unsustainable at existing retail price levels,” Saiz said, adding that further consumer price increases remain likely unless raw material costs ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is whey protein used in infant formula?
Whey protein is used to mimic human breast milk by adjusting the protein ratio, which makes the formula much easier for newborns and babies under one year old to digest.
What is causing the surge in whey protein prices?
Prices have surged due to widespread consumer “proteinmaxxing” trends and rising demand from users of GLP-1 weight-loss medications who need concentrated protein shakes and bars to preserve muscle mass.
How are infant formula manufacturers responding to high ingredient costs?
Many manufacturers are reformulating their recipes to use D90 demineralised whey powder, though rising demand for this alternative has also driven up its price.
Are baby formula prices already increasing?
Yes. Office for National Statistics data indicates that the average price of a 750g box of baby formula has risen by 4.8% over the past year, from £11.55 to £12.11.
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