‘Proteinmaxxing’ could lead to higher prices for infant formula, say experts
The surge in “proteinmaxxing” and the growing use of GLP‑1 weight‑loss drugs have driven up demand for whey protein, a key ingredient in infant formula. Prices for whey protein concentrate have more than doubled, leading to higher costs for formula manufacturers. Experts warn this could translate into further price increases for baby formula unless measures such as price caps are introduced.
- ▪Whey protein concentrate 80 % price rose from €11,733 per metric tonne in July 2025 to €25,875 per tonne.
- ▪The average price of a 750 g box of infant formula increased by 4.8% over the past year, now costing £12.11.
- ▪Experts say rising whey costs risk pushing infant formula prices higher and have called for mandatory price or profit caps.
- ▪Manufacturers are reformulating formulas to use more D90 demineralised whey powder, which itself has seen price spikes due to increased demand.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/01/proteinmaxxing-could-lead-to-higher-prices-for-infant-formula-say-experts |
| Publication time | Sat, 01 Aug 2026 05:00:45 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-08-01T05:25:04.329Z |
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Whey protein powder is a key ingredient in infant formula, where it is used to mimic human breast milk by adjusting the protein ratio and making it easier to digest. Photograph: TheToidi/AlamyView image in fullscreenWhey protein powder is a key ingredient in infant formula, where it is used to mimic human breast milk by adjusting the protein ratio and making it easier to digest. Photograph: TheToidi/AlamyFood & drink industry‘Proteinmaxxing’ could lead to higher prices for infant formula, say expertsWhey protein, a key infant formula ingredient, is in growing demand, partly linked to rising use of weight-loss drugsSarah Marsh Consumer affairs correspondent Sat 1 Aug 2026 01.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe rise of “proteinmaxxing” – a trend in which consumers try to eat as much…
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