Milk Protein Concentrates Market Size 2025-2029
The milk protein concentrates market size is valued to increase by USD 1.11 billion, at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2029. Growing infant formula market will drive the milk protein concentrates market.
Market Insights
- North America dominated the market and accounted for a 33% growth during the 2025-2029.
- By Product - Dairy products segment was valued at USD 1.24 billion in 2023
- By Distribution Channel - Offline segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023
Market Size & Forecast
- Market Opportunities: USD 62.87 million
- Market Future Opportunities 2024: USD 1106.80 million
- CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 5.6%
Market Summary
- Milk Protein Concentrates (MPCs) are valuable dairy by-products derived from the process of separating milk into its constituent components. These concentrates offer high protein content, making them an essential ingredient in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and infant formula. The global market for MPCs is driven by several factors, primarily the increasing demand for high-protein foods and beverages, fueled by the growing health-conscious population. Another significant trend is the rising preference for plant-based protein alternatives. However, the MPC market faces challenges such as supply chain complexities and regulatory compliance. For instance, dairy processors must optimize their supply chains to ensure the timely delivery of MPCs to meet customer demands.
- Additionally, regulatory compliance is crucial, as MPCs are used in applications where food safety and quality are paramount, such as infant formula. In the food and beverage sector, MPCs contribute to operational efficiency by enhancing the nutritional value of products while reducing the need for additional protein sources. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences and the increasing demand for high-protein, nutrient-dense products.
What will be the size of the Milk Protein Concentrates Market during the forecast period?
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- Milk Protein Concentrates (MPCs) have emerged as a significant player in the global food and beverage industry, with their applications extending beyond the dairy sector. Functional foods and food fortification are prime areas where MPCs contribute substantially due to their nutritional benefits. Protein precipitation, enzymatic hydrolysis, and whey protein separation are essential processes in the production of MPCs. MPCs exhibit diverse applications, including casein protein applications in infant formula ingredients, protein formulation in dietary supplements, and protein-lipid interactions in sensory evaluation. Protein quality assessment is crucial in ensuring the highest standards for these applications. Protein cross-linking, yield optimization, and protein crystallization are essential aspects of MPC production that impact product shelf life and dairy ingredient properties.
- Protein aggregation and protein-carbohydrate interactions are critical factors in MPC applications. Protein formulation plays a significant role in product strategy, with companies focusing on process optimization to enhance product quality and reduce production costs. MPCs' milk mineral content influences their functional properties, making mineral assessment an essential aspect of protein quality evaluation. In the realm of protein modification, milk protein modification techniques like protein precipitation, functionally enhancing the protein's properties, are gaining popularity. Storage conditions and protein stability are crucial aspects of MPC production, with companies investing in research to optimize these factors. In conclusion, the market continues to evolve, with companies focusing on improving protein quality, optimizing production processes, and expanding applications to cater to diverse industries.
- This focus on innovation and quality ensures that MPCs remain a vital component in various sectors, from functional foods to dietary supplements.
Unpacking the Milk Protein Concentrates Market Landscape
Milk protein concentrates (MPCs) have gained significant traction in the food industry due to their superior functional properties and nutritional benefits. Compared to whey protein isolate, MPCs offer a higher water holding capacity, enabling better texture modification in various food applications. Moreover, MPCs exhibit superior gelation properties, making them an ideal choice for dairy processing and nutritional supplements. MPCs also contain immunoglobulins, which enhance microbial stability and ensure compliance with stringent food safety regulations. Heat treatment effects on MPCs result in improved protein solubility and rheological properties, ensuring efficient protein enrichment and emulsifying capacity. Protein interactions and peptide profiles in MPCs contribute to enhanced ingredient functionality, aligning with consumer demand for clean labeling and natural ingredients. The microfiltration process used in MPC production ensures high protein purification and retains lactoferrin properties, which offer additional health benefits. MPCs' amino acid composition and casein micelle structure provide superior protein interactions, resulting in improved protein digestibility and functional properties. Quality control methods, such as ultrafiltration membranes and protein hydrolysates, ensure consistent protein denaturation and functionality across various applications. Overall, MPCs offer a versatile and cost-effective solution for dairy processing, nutritional supplements, and functional food applications.
Key Market Drivers Fueling Growth
The expanding infant formula market serves as the primary catalyst for market growth.
- The Milk Protein Concentrates (MPC) market is experiencing significant growth due to its diverse applications across various sectors, with a notable increase in demand from the infant formula industry. Infant formulas, which are essential nutritional substitutes for babies between 6 to 12 months old, account for a substantial portion of the MPC market. The global demand for infant formulas is on the rise, fueled by factors such as growing awareness of their nutritional benefits, an increase in birth rates, and the expanding workforce of working mothers.
- As a result, the demand for protein ingredients, including MPC, used in infant formulas, is also escalating. Approximately 60% of the global infant formula market is accounted for by soy and whey protein concentrates. Additionally, MPC finds applications in sports nutrition, functional food and beverages, and dairy products, further expanding its market potential.
Prevailing Industry Trends & Opportunities
The global population's growing health consciousness represents a significant market trend. An increasing number of individuals prioritize their health, shaping market dynamics.
- In the evolving health-conscious consumer landscape, the Milk Protein Concentrates (MPC) market experiences significant growth. With the increasing global population embracing protein-rich diets, the demand for MPCs surges. These versatile ingredients are integral to various sectors, including dietary supplements, sports nutrition, and ready meals. MPCs offer numerous advantages, such as high nutritional value, excellent solubility, and a desirable taste profile. As a result, their adoption in these industries has led to a 25% increase in product innovation. Moreover, the use of MPCs in infant formula has seen a 12% rise in market share due to their nutritional benefits.
- The market's expansion is further fueled by the growing awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and the rising trend of veganism and vegetarianism.
Significant Market Challenges
The increasing demand for plant-based protein products poses a significant challenge to the industry's growth trajectory.
- The Milk Protein Concentrates (MPC) market exhibits an evolving nature, driven by its diverse applications across various sectors, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and sports nutrition. Despite the growing demand for plant-based protein products, such as soy and wheat protein, the market continues to expand. The expanding global vegan population base plays a significant role in increasing the demand for plant-based proteins. However, the average price of animal proteins being higher than that of plant proteins and the increasing investment in the plant-based protein market pose challenges to the growth of the MPC market. The production of MPC consumes less water and land compared to animal protein production, making it an eco-friendly alternative.
- Furthermore, operational costs can be lowered by up to 12% through the use of MPC in various applications. Despite these advantages, the MPC market is projected to experience modest growth during the forecast period due to the competitive landscape of the plant-based protein market.
In-Depth Market Segmentation: Milk Protein Concentrates Market
The milk protein concentrates industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.
- Product
- Dairy products
- Nutritional products
- Others
- Distribution Channel
- Offline
- Online
- Type
- MPC 40
- MPC 50
- MPC 60
- MPC 70
- MPC 80 and above
- Source
- Powder
- Liquid
- Geography
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- UK
- APAC
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Rest of World (ROW)
- North America
By Product Insights
The dairy products segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
Milk Protein Concentrates (MPCs) play a pivotal role in the dairy industry, offering versatile functionality in various food applications. These proteins, derived from milk through processes like protein purification, gelation properties, and heat treatment, include whey protein isolate and casein protein concentrate. MPCs exhibit desirable sensory attributes, such as excellent water holding capacity and emulsifying capacity, making them indispensable in cheese products, cultured dairy products, dairy-based beverages, and ice creams. The microfiltration process enhances milk protein solubility, while ultrafiltration membranes ensure protein enrichment.
Milk protein stability is crucial, with lactoferrin properties and peptide profiles contributing to improved texture modification and nutritional labeling transparency. Darigold, Inc., a leading dairy cooperative, recently re-entered the Philippines market with a 30% increase in Darigold-branded consumer product offerings, underscoring the growing demand for milk protein concentrates.
The Dairy products segment was valued at USD 1.24 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
Regional Analysis
North America is estimated to contribute 33% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio’s analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
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Milk protein concentrates (MPC) have gained significant traction in various industries due to their versatile applications and nutritional benefits. In North America, the US holds the largest market share, driven by increasing consumer health consciousness and the growing popularity of sports and nutrition supplements. According to industry reports, the North American the market is projected to expand at a robust pace, fueled by the rising demand for these products in the region's sports nutrition and infant formula sectors. Additionally, the market is witnessing a surge in product innovations and launches, further boosting its growth.
The expanding distribution channels and increasing consumer awareness are expected to fuel the demand for milk protein concentrates during the forecast period. For instance, the infant formula market in North America is projected to reach new heights, creating a substantial opportunity for milk protein concentrate suppliers.
Customer Landscape of Milk Protein Concentrates Industry
Competitive Intelligence by Technavio Analysis: Leading Players in the Milk Protein Concentrates Market
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, milk protein concentrates market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.
AMCO Proteins - This company specializes in milk protein concentrates, including MPC 85 Instant, MPC 85, and MPC 83 instant, providing high-quality, versatile ingredients for various industries. Milk protein concentrates offer significant nutritional benefits and functionality, making them a popular choice for food, beverage, and nutritional product manufacturers. These concentrates undergo rigorous production processes to ensure consistency and purity, contributing to their widespread use in numerous applications.
The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
- AMCO Proteins
- Bega Cheese Ltd.
- Dairy Farmers of America Inc.
- Darigold Inc.
- Erie Foods International Inc.
- Farbest Brands
- FIT
- Glanbia plc
- Grassland Dairy Products Inc.
- Groupe Lactalis
- Idaho Milk Products Inc.
- Kerry Group Plc
- Milk Specialties Global
- Nestle SA
- Nutrinnovate Australia
- Royal FrieslandCampina NV
- Saputo Inc.
- Savencia SA
- Schreiber Foods Inc.
- VRS Foods Ltd.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
Recent Development and News in Milk Protein Concentrates Market
- In August 2024, Fonterra, the world's largest dairy cooperative, announced the launch of Anchor ProteinPro 35, a new Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC) product with a protein content of 35% (Fonterra press release, 2024). This high-protein MPC caters to the growing demand for nutrient-dense ingredients in the food and beverage industry.
- In November 2024, Arla Foods Ingredients, a global leader in dairy ingredients, entered into a strategic partnership with DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences to jointly develop and market milk protein ingredients (Arla Foods Ingredients press release, 2024). This collaboration aims to expand their product offerings and strengthen their position in the competitive milk protein market.
- In March 2025, Lactalis Ingredients, a subsidiary of Lactalis Group, acquired a 70% stake in NutriProtein, a leading South African milk protein concentrate manufacturer (Lactalis press release, 2025). This acquisition enables Lactalis to expand its global footprint and strengthen its position in the African market.
- In May 2025, the European Commission approved the use of Milk Protein Concentrates as a functional ingredient in infant formula, expanding their application beyond traditional uses in sports nutrition and food industries (European Commission press release, 2025). This approval opens new opportunities for market growth and innovation in the infant formula sector.
Dive into Technavio’s robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled Milk Protein Concentrates Market insights. See full methodology.
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Market Scope |
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Report Coverage |
Details |
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Page number |
239 |
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Base year |
2024 |
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Historic period |
2019-2023 |
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Forecast period |
2025-2029 |
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Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.6% |
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Market growth 2025-2029 |
USD 1106.8 million |
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Market structure |
Fragmented |
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YoY growth 2024-2025(%) |
5.3 |
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Key countries |
US, China, Germany, Canada, UK, France, Japan, India, Italy, and South Korea |
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Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Why Choose Technavio for Milk Protein Concentrates Market Insights?
"Leverage Technavio's unparalleled research methodology and expert analysis for accurate, actionable market intelligence."
The market encompasses a range of milk-derived products, including whey protein isolate and casein protein concentrate, which offer unique functionalities for various applications in the food and beverage industry. Whey protein isolate, a key component of this market, is renowned for its functionality in baking applications due to its high protein content and emulsifying capacity. In contrast, casein protein concentrate, with its distinct texture modification properties, significantly impacts yogurt texture, enhancing its viscosity and stability. Heat treatment plays a crucial role in milk protein processing, leading to denaturation and altering the functionality of proteins such as whey. Optimization of ultrafiltration membranes for milk protein recovery is essential to ensure the highest quality milk protein ingredients for various applications. Protein hydrolysates and peptide profiles are essential considerations for digestibility, with whey protein concentrate offering a nutritional composition ideal for infant formula production. Glycomacropeptide, a bioactive component of casein, plays a significant role in infant gut health. Lactoferrin, a milk protein with antimicrobial properties, is increasingly used for food preservation, offering a competitive edge in the market. Milk protein solutions' rheological properties are vital in dairy products, with whey protein contributing to the emulsifying capacity of ice cream formulations and casein enhancing water holding capacity in meat products. Foaming properties of whey protein are essential in beverages, while gelation properties are crucial in cheese production. The amino acid composition of whey protein offers a nutritional value superior to soy protein, making it a preferred choice for many food and beverage manufacturers. Protein digestibility varies between casein and whey, with casein offering a slower digestion rate. Milk protein stability is influenced by different pH levels, requiring careful consideration during processing conditions to ensure quality control. Immunoglobulin content in whey protein offers numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice in functional food and beverage products. Protein interactions in the milk matrix must be carefully managed during processing to maintain the desired functionality and quality of milk protein ingredients. In the competitive the market, ensuring consistent quality and compliance with regulations is essential for operational planning and supply chain efficiency.
What are the Key Data Covered in this Milk Protein Concentrates Market Research and Growth Report?
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What is the expected growth of the Milk Protein Concentrates Market between 2025 and 2029?
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USD 1.11 billion, at a CAGR of 5.6%
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What segmentation does the market report cover?
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The report is segmented by Product (Dairy products, Nutritional products, and Others), Distribution Channel (Offline and Online), Type (MPC 40, MPC 50, MPC 60, MPC 70, and MPC 80 and above), Source (Powder and Liquid), and Geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa)
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Which regions are analyzed in the report?
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North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa
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What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?
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Growing infant formula market, Growing preference for plant-based protein products
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Who are the major players in the Milk Protein Concentrates Market?
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AMCO Proteins, Bega Cheese Ltd., Dairy Farmers of America Inc., Darigold Inc., Erie Foods International Inc., Farbest Brands, FIT, Glanbia plc, Grassland Dairy Products Inc., Groupe Lactalis, Idaho Milk Products Inc., Kerry Group Plc, Milk Specialties Global, Nestle SA, Nutrinnovate Australia, Royal FrieslandCampina NV, Saputo Inc., Savencia SA, Schreiber Foods Inc., and VRS Foods Ltd.
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