Protein prices surge globally amid rising whey costs

The global protein market is experiencing a significant price surge, particularly affecting whey protein. In Japan, major manufacturers like Meiji have implemented price increases of up to 28% for certain products, with some brands also reducing product volume to offset rising costs. Some products have seen prices double over a two-year period.

The primary driver is the skyrocketing international price of whey, a byproduct of cheese production. According to the Dutch analysis firm Vesper, the US trading price for high-purity whey protein (WPC80%) rose from approximately 720,000 yen per ton in spring 2023 to about 4.51 million yen in June 2026. This supply constraint is exacerbated by high demand in the US, driven by fitness trends and the use of GLP-1 medications for weight management, as well as the impact of the weak yen and rising logistics and energy costs.

Despite these price hikes, the protein supplement market in Japan continues to expand due to increasing health consciousness across various demographics, including athletes, weight management seekers, and the elderly. The domestic market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated 3.2 billion USD by 2035.