Milk Protein Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Concentrates, Isolates, Hydrolyzed), By Form (Powder, Liquid), By Application (Food & Beverages, Dietary Supplements), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Milk Protein Market Summary

Moreover, the increasing popularity of protein-fortified foods and beverages, such as yogurts, protein bars, and ready-to-drink shakes, is further boosting market growth. This trend is particularly prominent in developed regions like North America and Europe, where consumers are actively seeking convenient and nutritious food options. 

A significant driver of this growth is the rising demand for high-protein diets, particularly in developed countries where consumers are adopting healthier lifestyles. This trend is supported by advancements in food technology and science, which have enabled more efficient extraction and refinement of dairy proteins, leading to the development of value-added ingredients that cater to niche nutritional needs.

The market expansion is also influenced by the increasing use of milk proteins in processed food and beverages. For instance, companies are incorporating milk protein concentrates into yogurt products to enhance their nutritional profile and shelf life, appealing to consumers seeking health benefits and convenience.

The growth of the market is further supported by evolving consumer preferences for natural and sustainable products. As consumers become more health-conscious and environmentally aware, they are driving demand for dairy proteins that are not only nutritious but also sourced ethically and produced sustainably, contributing to the market's robust growth over the forecast period.

Source: Arla Foods Ingredients Group, Beverage Industry, and Soylent

The rising health-consciousness and fitness trend among consumers has significantly boosted the popularity of protein-rich products, particularly milk proteins. As consumers become more conscious of their nutritional intake, they seek products that provide high-quality protein to support muscle recovery, growth, and overall health.

According to the 2025 plant-based protein trends data published by Glanbia, consumers found milk protein, plant protein, and whey protein more appealing compared to other protein sources. Milk proteins, such as casein and whey, are highly valued for their complete amino acid profile. For instance, data published by FrieslandCampina Institute in December 2022, indicates that milk has high protein quality and is enriched with all nine amino acids in higher quantities.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

Key players recognize the segment's opportunities and introduce milk enriched with protein to cater to health-conscious consumers. For instance, in May 2025, Amul, a Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. company, introduced high-protein milk containing 35 grams of protein in a 250 ml pack, appealing to health-conscious consumers and driving the market growth.

Furthermore, the growing focus on a healthy lifestyle is one of the primary driving factors behind the expansion of the market. For instance, according to the data published in February 2023, 78% of consumers globally snack regularly to fulfill their nutritional requirements, and in 2021, 56% of consumers consumed snack bars at least twice a day. Companies such as LACTALIS Ingredients offer Pronativ - Native Micellar Casein, a milk protein isolate that can be used in various products, such as snack bars and ready-to-drink beverages, to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Moreover, dairy-based protein products such as whey protein powders, milk protein isolates, and yogurt-based snacks are becoming common in the fitness market, catering to a diverse audience that includes gym-goers and health-conscious consumers. According to data published by Dietitians of Canada in December 2022, high-protein dairy milk contains 50% more protein targeted for fitness, muscle recovery, and general health. Milk proteins' ability to promote satiety, reduce hunger, and support fat loss further drives their inclusion in fitness-related diets.

Product Insights

Concentrates milk protein segment accounted for a share of 64.4% of the global revenue in 2024. Consumers increasingly seek high-protein diets for muscle growth, weight management, and overall health, driving the need for concentrated protein sources. Milk protein concentrates (MPCs) provide a cost-effective solution with a high protein-to-lactose ratio, making them a preferred choice for manufacturers in the food and beverage industry. In addition, their ability to enhance texture, improve solubility, and provide a clean-label alternative to synthetic ingredients has contributed to their rising popularity.

The isolates milk protein segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.6% from 2025 to 2030. Milk protein isolates (MPIs) have high protein concentrations, typically above 90%, with minimal fat and lactose. This makes it highly desirable for consumers looking for clean-label, high-protein, and low-lactose nutrition options. Compared to milk protein concentrates, which contain varying levels of lactose, MPIs undergo advanced filtration processes to remove most of the carbohydrates and fats, resulting in a purer protein source. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions, driving their adoption of specialized nutrition segments such as sports nutrition, medical nutrition, and dairy alternatives.

Form Insights

The powder milk protein segment accounted for 64.4% of the global revenue in 2024. Powdered forms of milk protein concentrates (MPCs), milk protein isolates (MPIs), and hydrolyzed milk proteins offer a convenient and stable source of high-quality protein. As consumers and manufacturers seek efficient protein delivery systems, powdered milk proteins have emerged as a preferred choice due to their high protein content, solubility, and ability to be incorporated into a variety of formulations.

The liquid milk protein segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.3% from 2025 to 2030. The growing demand for liquid milk proteins is attributed to their role in RTD protein shakes, fortified dairy drinks, and meal replacements. Brands such as Fairlife, Premier Protein, and Muscle Milk use liquid milk protein isolates (MPI) and whey protein isolates (WPI) to create high-protein, lactose-free, and low-sugar beverages. These products appeal to athletes, busy professionals, and health-conscious consumers looking for on-the-go protein options without the hassle of mixing powders.

Application Insights

The milk protein through food & beverages accounted for a share of around 78.9% of the global revenue in 2024. As consumers become more health-conscious, they seek food and beverage options that are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients like high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and bioactive compounds. Milk proteins, including whey protein, casein, milk protein concentrates (MPC), and milk protein isolates (MPI), play a crucial role in enhancing the nutritional profile, texture, and stability of various food and beverage products.  Consumers are more aware of the role of protein in supporting muscle growth, weight management, and overall health, leading them to seek out protein-enriched food options. This trend is particularly noticeable among fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and individuals following specialized diets such as keto, paleo, or low-carb plans.

The milk protein dietary supplements are projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2030. Athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts require high-quality protein sources to aid muscle recovery, improve endurance, and enhance performance. Whey protein is known for its fast absorption and rich content of essential amino acids, making it a preferred choice for post-workout recovery. As a result, sports nutrition brands are incorporating milk proteins into their supplement formulations to provide consumers with effective and scientifically backed protein sources. This trend has significantly boosted the demand for protein-enriched dietary supplements, especially among active individuals seeking to optimize their workout results.

Regional Insights

The milk protein industry in North America accounted for a share of 37.4% of the global revenue in 2024. Consumers in the region are placing greater emphasis on high-protein diets due to growing awareness of the benefits associated with protein consumption, such as muscle growth, weight management, and overall health improvement. This shift has led to a surge in demand for milk protein in various food and beverage applications, including sports nutrition, functional foods, and dairy-based products like Greek yogurt and high-protein milk.

U.S. Milk Protein Market Trends

The milk protein industry in the U.S. is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2030. The expanding sports nutrition and fitness industry plays a significant role, with milk proteins being integral to protein supplements and performance nutrition products. In addition, there is a growing demand for clean-label and functional foods, prompting manufacturers to innovate with natural and transparent milk protein formulations. For instance, companies such as FrieslandCampina Ingredients are developing specialized milk protein products, such as MPI 90, targeting the performance and active nutrition spaces. The market is also influenced by the increasing preference for high-protein diets and the growth of the infant formula market, which further fuels the demand for milk proteins in various applications.

The Canada milk protein industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2025 to 2030. The increasing demand for protein-rich supplements, particularly in sports nutrition, is a significant driver. In addition, the use of milk proteins in infant formula and functional foods is on the rise. For instance, companies such as Saputo are innovating in the dairy sector, which supports the growth of milk protein products. The Canadian market benefits from the ease of use of powdered supplements and the growing popularity of milk protein isolates among lactose-intolerant consumers, contributing to its steady expansion.

Europe Milk Protein Market Trends

The milk protein industry in Europe is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2030. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK have seen significant growth in the consumption of high-protein dairy products, including Greek yogurt, protein-enriched milk, and functional beverages. This trend is driven by a preference for natural and clean-label ingredients, making milk protein a key component in many health-focused food innovations.

For instance, in July 2024, Danone announced its plans to heighten its focus on high-protein dairy products to align with evolving consumer preferences. The company has observed significant growth in yogurt sales across Europe and the U.S., attributing this rise to the increasing demand for protein-rich options. Notably, high-protein yogurts and desserts are outpacing other segments within the protein-rich category.

The milk protein industry in the UK is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2025 to 2030. The increasing health and wellness awareness among UK consumers is a major driver, as they seek high-quality protein supplements for fitness and nutrition. In addition, the UK's strong sports nutrition industry, particularly in cities such as London and Manchester, fuels the demand for milk proteins in performance-enhancing products. For instance, companies such as Glanbia PLC are innovating in milk protein formulations, catering to the UK's growing demand for clean-label and natural supplements. The UK's well-established dairy industry and robust supply chain infrastructure also support this growth, making it an ideal market for milk protein products.

The milk protein industry in Germany is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2025 to 2030. Germany's strong dairy industry and high milk production contribute significantly to this growth, as milk proteins are integral to various food and beverage applications. The demand for protein-rich processed foods and functional beverages is increasing. In addition, the growing awareness of health and wellness among Germans fuels the demand for milk proteins in sports nutrition and dietary supplements, further supporting market expansion. Germany's robust food and beverage sector, combined with its focus on health-conscious products, positions it favorably for growth in the milk protein industry.

Asia Pacific Milk Protein Market Trends

The milk protein industry in Asia Pacific is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% from 2025 to 2030, The infant nutrition industry in the region contributes to the market growth. Countries like China and Japan have some of the world’s largest markets for infant formula, where milk protein is a crucial ingredient due to its superior nutritional value. The removal of China’s one-child policy has further boosted demand for high-quality infant nutrition products, leading to increased imports of milk protein from Australia & New Zealand, New Zealand, and Europe. Major dairy companies such as Fonterra (New Zealand) and A2 Milk (Australia & New Zealand) are capitalizing on this trend by supplying premium milk protein ingredients for baby formula production.

The milk protein industry in China held a share of 33.1% of the regional revenue in 2024. The growing health and wellness trend in China has increased demand for dairy-based nutrition, particularly in urban areas. China's booming dairy industry and government support for dairy farming improvements have enhanced milk protein production, contributing to the market's substantial share.

The milk protein industry in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% from 2025 to 2030. The increasing demand for nutritional and functional foods, coupled with rising health awareness, fuels this growth. For instance, innovations such as milk protein-enriched millet biscuits, developed by the National Dairy Research Institute, showcase the versatility of milk proteins in enhancing nutritional value and functionality in various food products. In addition, the prevalence of digestive disorders and malnutrition in India has boosted demand for milk protein-based products, such as yogurt and cheese, which are perceived as beneficial for digestive health.

Latin America Milk Protein Market Trends

The milk protein industry in Latin America is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increasing health and wellness awareness among consumers as they seek high-quality protein sources for dietary supplements and functional foods. The sports nutrition sector, particularly in countries such as Brazil and Argentina, is also fueling demand for dairy proteins due to their versatility in enhancing athletic performance. In addition, the modernization of dairy farming and the growing demand for value-added dairy products further contribute to this robust market growth.

Middle East & Africa Milk Protein Market Trends

The milk protein industry in the Middle East & Africa is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increasing health consciousness and the demand for high-quality protein sources as consumers seek nutritional benefits from dairy products. The growing trend of reducing fat and calorie content while increasing protein in food products also supports this growth. For instance, countries such as Saudi Arabia and South Africa are witnessing significant demand for protein-rich products due to government health initiatives and expanding dairy industries.

Key Milk Protein Company Insights

Established companies and emerging players create a competitive environment by focusing on product innovation, quality, and pricing strategies. In the milk protein industry, key companies maintain a competitive edge by innovating specialized protein ingredients for various applications, such as sports nutrition and infant formula. They focus on strategic partnerships, clean-label initiatives, and sustainable sourcing practices to align with evolving consumer preferences. These companies leverage extensive distribution networks and research capabilities to lead the market, while regional players offer specialized products tailored to local tastes and dietary needs.

Global Milk Protein Market Report Scope

Global Milk Protein Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue & volume growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segment from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global milk protein market report based on product, form, application, and region:

• Product Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Concentrates

  • Isolates

  • Hydrolyzed

• Form Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Powder

  • Liquid

• Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Food & Beverages

    • Dairy Products

    • Bakery & Confectionery

    • Functional Foods

    • Beverages

    • Others

  • Infant Formula

  • Dietary Supplements

  • Animal Feed

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

  • Australia & New Zealand

    • Latin America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa