The global milk protein market is estimated to attain US$24.111 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.31% from US$18.613 billion in 2025.
Milk proteins are various types of protein, like casein, lactalbumin, and lactoglobulin, which are generally found in milk. These proteins contain a high biological value and amino acids, which cannot be produced internally. Milk protein offers multiple benefits to the human body, as it helps the body to develop resistance to many diseases. In its report, the National Institute of Health of the USA stated that milk protein, especially whey protein, helps the human body protect against various types of cancers, like colon, breast, and prostate.
Factors driving the milk protein market include the increasing awareness regarding the benefits of a healthy diet owing to which people have shifted their priority to dairy-based protein supplements. Additionally, in developed countries, a large part of the population has a hectic lifestyle due to which they suffer from very poor metabolic health. Milk protein helps in rebuilding body tissue and increases the potential of the immune system. Milk products have a high amount of whey and casein proteins. These are the supplements that are in high demand. Dairy products are used for a wide range of food preparation purposes, such as thickening, gelling, modifying the food texture, and foaming a food product. This is likely to drive the demand for the milk protein market.
Lactose is a form of sugar generally found in milk or milk products. Lactose intolerance is a situation in which the body is unable to digest or break down lactose. The condition occurs when the body's digestive system lacks a digestive enzyme called lactase. The global cases of lactose intolerance witnessed a significant surge in the past few years. In its report, Dairy UK stated that about 8% of individuals nationwide suffer from lactose intolerance.
Similarly, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in its report, stated that in the USA, about 36% of individuals suffer from lactose malabsorption. The agency further stated that in the cases of lactose intolerance, ethnic and racial groups, like African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Hispanics/Latinos, are most likely to suffer from lactose malabsorption. The American College of Gastroenterology of the USA stated that in the total cases of lactose intolerance in the nation, about 15% of the Caucasian adults and 85% of the American adults suffer from lactose intolerance.
The milk protein offers key applications in the global cosmetics sector. In the cosmetics sector, hydrolyzed milk protein is used in skin and hair care products, which helps in providing moisturizing benefits to the skin and hair. Milk protein is also used in multiple skin and hair care products, including soaps, location, creams, shampoos, and body wash, among others.
In the UK, the cosmetic industry witnessed significant growth over the past year. The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Perfumery Association of the UK stated that the retail sales of skincare products in the nation increased from GBP 2,142,249 thousand in 2022 to GBP 2,395,161 thousand in 2023. Similarly, the sales of haircare products increased from GBP 1,305,695 thousand in 2022 to GBP 1,400,814 thousand in 2023. Similarly, Cosmetics Europe stated that the total retail sales of cosmetics products were recorded at EUR 96 billion in the European market in 2023. In the total sales, Germany recorded a total sales of EUR15.9 billion, followed by EUR13.7 billion in France and EUR12.5 billion in Italy.
The vegan population, who strictly consumes only plant-based food products and restricts the consumption of food products made from animals, are the ones who avoid dairy products. Instead, they consume the required nutrients and proteins, like plant milk protein. Thus, it can hinder the milk protein market expansion in the upcoming year.
In the global milk protein market, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to attain a greater market share compared to other regions. This region is among the biggest producers and consumers of milk and dairy products worldwide.
The production of milk in the Asian region witnessed a growth of about 2.3% in 2023, as compared to 2022, as stated by the report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The organization further noted that in Asia, the output of milk is estimated to reach 431 million tonnes in 2023. The production of milk in India witnessed an increase of about 2.5% over the past year, reaching 232 million tonnes in 2023.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 2021 to 2031 |
| Historical Data | 2021 to 2024 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026 – 2031 |
| Report Metric | Details |
| Milk Protein Market Size in 2025 | US$18.613 billion |
| Milk Protein Market Size in 2030 | US$24.111 billion |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 5.31% |
| Study Period | 2020 to 2030 |
| Historical Data | 2020 to 2023 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 – 2030 |
| Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
| Segmentation |
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| Geographical Segmentation | North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific |
| List of Major Companies in Milk Protein Market |
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| Customization Scope | Free report customization with purchase |