Business · Energy & Commodities · 2 days ago
Whey protein prices reach record highs as demand stays strong
Whey protein, made from the liquid left over in cheese production, is a popular supplement for muscle growth and recovery.
In September, a kilogram cost nearly 55 Swiss francs at Swiss online retailer Galaxus, more than 18% above the previous year's average.
Galaxus says whey made up 89% of its protein-powder sales, and it sold a record number of packs in August.
The price rise is linked to stronger demand, limited supply and higher costs for milk, energy and packaging.
A supplement maker also points to growing use of weight-loss injections, which can lead people to lose muscle as well as fat.
Plant-based protein powders now cost about 40% less than whey, but most Galaxus customers still choose whey.
Experts say whey may not become cheaper, though people can also get protein from foods such as eggs, fish, tofu, beans and dairy products.
The sources do not say what will happen to prices next.
Whey protein prices reached a record high, while demand remained strong.
At Galaxus, a kilogram cost nearly 55 Swiss francs in September, more than 18 percent above the previous year's average.
Galaxus said Whey accounted for 89 percent of its protein-powder sales, and it sold a record number of packs in August.
The Quality Group said whey raw-material costs had risen 40 percent since 2023 and that it had raised prices by 10 percent since 2025.
Reported reasons for higher prices include strong demand, limited supply, rising production costs and the popularity of weight-loss injections.
- Who
- Whey protein buyers and sellers, including Galaxus and The Quality Group.
- What
- Whey protein prices reached record highs, but demand remained strong.
- When
- Galaxus recorded the price in September; it sold a record number of packs in August. The year is not stated.
- Where
- At the Swiss online shop Galaxus; the article also cites The Quality Group.
- Why
- The article cites rising demand, limited supply, higher costs for milk, energy and packaging, and a reported boost from weight-loss injections.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Wie auch unsere Zahlen zeigen, setzen immer mehr Menschen auf Proteinpulver, sei es für den Muskelaufbau, zur Gewichtskontrolle oder als praktische Proteinquelle im Alltag. Diese breitere Zielgruppe treibt die Nachfrage nach Whey-Produkten spürbar in die Höhe.
Das Angebot hält mit dieser Entwicklung nicht mehr Schritt. Molkereien und Hersteller stossen an ihre Kapazitätsgrenzen. Whey-Protein, ein Nebenprodukt der Käseherstellung, wird zunehmend knapp.
Steigende Kosten für Milch, Energie und Verpackung schlagen sich jetzt direkt auf die Herstellungspreise nieder. Die Hersteller geben diese Mehrkosten zunehmend an die Kundinnen und Kunden weiter.
Galaxus sold more protein-powder packs than ever before.
A kilogram of whey powder at Galaxus cost nearly 55 Swiss francs.
The Quality Group said the cost of whey raw material had risen 40 percent.
The Quality Group said it had raised prices by 10 percent.
- Galaxus September price
- Nearly 55 Swiss francs per kilogram
- Year-on-year price change
- More than 18 percent above the previous year's average
- Galaxus sales share
- Whey made up 89 percent of protein-powder sales
- The Quality Group raw-material costs
- Up 40 percent since 2023
- The Quality Group price increases
- 10 percent since 2025
Sources
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