Milk Protein Market To Reach $8.24 Billion By 2030 | CAGR 3.2%

Milk Protein Market Growth & Trends

The global milk protein market size is anticipated to reach USD 8.24 billion in 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The infant formula segment is one of the most significant drivers of the market growth. Milk proteins, particularly casein and whey, are key ingredients in infant formula due to their similarity to the proteins found in human milk. The increasing number of working mothers, coupled with rising awareness of the importance of early-life nutrition, has led to a growing demand for infant formula products, especially in emerging markets such as China, India, and Brazil. Manufacturers are continuously innovating to develop infant formulas that closely mimic the nutritional composition of human milk.

Milk protein is also gaining popularity in the animal feed industry, particularly in premium pet food and livestock nutrition. The high digestibility and nutritional content of milk proteins make them ideal for formulating animal feed products that promote growth, enhance immune function, and improve overall animal health. The demand for high-quality animal protein sources is increasing as consumers become more concerned about the quality of the food they provide to their pets and livestock. In the pet food segment, premium brands are incorporating milk protein into their formulations to differentiate their products from standard offerings.

The clean-label trend, which emphasizes transparency and the use of natural, minimally processed ingredients, is having a significant impact on the market growth. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that contain fewer artificial additives and preservatives, driving demand for clean-label milk proteins. Organic milk proteins, in particular, are gaining traction as consumers become more conscious of the environmental and ethical aspects of food production. Manufacturers are responding by developing clean-label milk protein ingredients that meet regulatory standards and consumer expectations.

Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Latin America, are witnessing a surge in demand for milk proteins due to rising incomes, urbanization, and changing dietary patterns. In countries like China, India, and Brazil, there is an increasing preference for protein-enriched products, driven by the growing middle class and the shift towards Western dietary habits. The adoption of high-protein diets in these regions is further supported by government initiatives promoting health and wellness.

Major players in the market include Saputo, Inc., Glanbia, Plc., Cargill, Inc., Nestlé S.A., Kerry Group plc, Arla Foods Ingredients, Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited, FRIESLANDCAMPINA N.V., Idaho Milk, Groupe Lactalis. Various steps are adopted by these companies including global expansion, partnerships, acquisitions & mergers, development & launch of new products, and others to gain more share of the market.

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Milk Protein Market Report Highlights

• Based on product, the hydrolyzed milk protein segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 4.5% from 2024 to 2030. The infant formula market is another area where hydrolyzed milk proteins are seeing rapid growth. As parents become more aware of potential allergies and digestive issues in infants, they are turning to specialized formulas that incorporate hydrolyzed proteins. This demand is particularly high in developed markets such as North America and Europe, where parents are willing to invest in premium infant nutrition solutions

• Based on form, the powdered milk protein segment is estimated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.5% over the forecast period from 2024 to 2030. Powdered milk proteins also provide greater flexibility in formulation. Manufacturers can easily adjust the concentration of protein in their products, allowing for a wide range of applications across industries. This versatility has led to the widespread adoption of powdered milk protein in markets like food and beverages, sports nutrition, infant formula, and functional foods

• Based on application, the nutraceuticals & dietary supplements segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.9% over the forecast period. The growth of the nutraceuticals sector is also fueled by the aging population, which is increasingly adopting protein supplements to maintain muscle mass and support healthy aging. Milk proteins, with their high bioavailability and muscle-preserving properties, are particularly suited for this demographic. As consumers continue to prioritize health and wellness, the demand for milk protein-based nutraceutical products is expected to grow

• Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.7% from 2024 to 2030. The market in Asia Pacific is growing rapidly, particularly in China, where government policies and rising awareness of infant nutrition are driving demand for premium formulas enriched with milk proteins

Milk Protein Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global milk protein market report based on product, form, application, and region:

Milk Protein Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Concentrates

• Hydrolyzed

• Isolates

Milk Protein Form Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Powder

• Liquid

• Others

Milk Protein Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements

• Food & Beverages

• Infant Formula

• Animal Feed

• Others

Milk Protein Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • UK

  • Germany

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain

• Asia Pacific

  • China

  • Japan

  • India

  • Australia & New Zealand

  • South Korea

• Central & South America

  • Brazil

• Middle East & Africa

  • South Africa

List of Key Players in the Milk Protein Market

• Saputo, Inc.

• Glanbia, Plc.

• Cargill, Inc.

• Nestlé S.A.

• Kerry Group plc

• Arla Foods Ingredients

• Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited

• FRIESLANDCAMPINA N.V.

• Idaho Milk

• Groupe Lactalis