United States Milk Protein Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034

The United States milk protein market size reached approximately USD 1.33 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 2.27 Billion  by 2034.

Key Takeaways

Milk protein is obtained from filtered milk and is made up of whey protein and casein. It is a rich source of calcium and contains high quantities of branched-chain amino acids (including leucine and valine) which benefit muscle repair and enhance bone strength. It also prevents muscle breakdown at night by forming a gel-like substance in the human body for the stomach bacteria to feed from.

Most of the milk produced in the United States is used to manufacture dairy products and is not consumed directly. This prompts health and wellness companies to use dairy for manufacturing products like dry whey, lactose, and milk protein concentrate, among other things, boosting the United States milk protein market growth.

Key Trends and Developments

The increase in ageing population; deteriorating skin and hair health; increasing popularity of sports; and the rising trend of health and fitness are positively impacting the United States milk protein market growth

United States Milk Protein Market Trends

The current population of geriatrics (60+) living in the USA is 58 million, which is expected to grow to 82 million by 2050, thereby registering a 47% increase. The proportion of adults aged 65+ years in the USA is expected to rise to 23% by 2050, which will create a huge opportunity for health and wellness companies to create milk protein products (powders and shakes, among others) and satisfy huge consumer demand for protein consumption.

Gen Zs are increasingly attracted towards naturally formulated sports drinks, which possess a high protein content and contain no artificial sweeteners. Such beverages can boost energy instantly without any adverse side effects on human health. The absence of artificial preservatives and ingredients makes milk protein beverages a healthy choice for long-term consumption, fuelling the market.

Market Segmentation

“United States Milk Protein Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Form:

Concentrates
Hydrolysed
Isolates

Market Breakup by End User:

Animal Feed
Food and Beverages
Supplements
Personal Care and Cosmetics

Market Breakup by Region:

New England
Mideast
Great Lakes
Plains
Southeast
Southwest
Rocky Mountain
Far West

Food and beverages are further segmented based on type into bakery, beverages, breakfast cereals, condiments/sauces, dairy and dairy alternative products, RTE/RTC food products, and snacks. Meanwhile, supplements are further divided based on type into baby food and infant formula, elderly nutrition and medical nutrition, and sport/performance nutrition.

The food and beverage industry dominates the United States milk protein market share

The food and beverage industry extensively uses milk protein due to its functional properties like high viscosity, water binding, and heat stability. This makes it a critical ingredient in the manufacturing of meat products, soups and sauces, chocolates, and cheese.

Milk protein isolates improve the quality and texture of ice creams and desserts through their foaming and whipping properties and are also suitable for making confectionery items. Hydrolysed milk proteins, on the other hand, act as an excellent moisturiser and improve the quality of human hair and skin. This can lead to its greater demand by the personal care and cosmetic industry.

Competitive Landscape

Some  of the major players in the United States milk protein market are investing in research activities to develop innovative milk proteins:

Other key players in the United States milk protein market are Arla Foods amba, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V., LACTALIS Group, Hoogwegt Group B.V., Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., and Idaho Milk Products, Inc., among others. Show more