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Why the Dairy Protein Boom is Just the Tip of the Iceberg

Demand for high quality dairy proteins is rising dramatically. Manufacturers and consumers are beginning to realise their full potential and, as a result, the appeal of protein as an ingredient has broadened significantly. Once the domain of hardcore sports and workout enthusiasts, dairy protein is now seen as a wholesome and nutritious ingredient sought out […]

Demand for high quality dairy proteins is rising dramatically. Manufacturers and consumers are beginning to realise their full potential and, as a result, the appeal of protein as an ingredient has broadened significantly.

Once the domain of hardcore sports and workout enthusiasts, dairy protein is now seen as a wholesome and nutritious ingredient sought out by mainstream shoppers – something the success of Greek yogurt has testified to. However, at Arla Foods Ingredients, we believe that current demand barely scratches the surface of what is possible.

In reality, I’d say we are not looking at the tip of the iceberg – it’s the tip of the tip of the iceberg. Demand for quality dairy proteins is now coming in from all angles. On the one hand, you have your traditional consumer – the fitness enthusiast, who’s looking at whey protein for its muscle-building and recovery benefits. In addition, you also have the female consumer who’s seeking weight management solutions, the male consumer trying to maintain a good diet to stay healthy and the mum who just wants great nutrition for her kids.

That’s without mentioning the bakery industry, where our whey protein egg replacers have revolutionised manufacturing processes for many producers facing soaring egg prices. Earlier this year, we went a step further and introduced a range of natural improvers for bakers based on – you’ve guess it – dairy proteins.

Furthermore, there is the specialty market of clinical nutrition. Here, growth is being driven by the world’s ageing population, which stands to benefit greatly from a diet enhanced by high quality dairy proteins such as whey.