Milk Protein Concentrate Market Projected to Grow by 5.2% annually until 2034
The Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC) market is projected to experience robust growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing demand for protein-rich ingredients in food and beverage applications.
In 2024, the global MPC market was led by the Asia-Pacific region, accounting for approximately 47.3% of the market share, valued at around USD 1.8 billion. The region is expected to continue driving growth in the MPC market through 2034.
Hypermarkets and supermarkets held a dominant position in the MPC distribution channel, accounting for more than 52.3% of the market share in 2024. This is due to their extensive reach and the trust they enjoy among consumers.
The MPC market is growing strongly, with key trends driving its expansion. The popularity of MPC in healthy foods, sports drinks, and baby formulas is a significant factor. Additionally, the rising consumer preference for high-protein diets, expanded application in sports nutrition, infant formulas, and functional foods, and innovation in product formulations for better taste and digestibility are all contributing to the market's growth.
Ultrafiltration emerged as the leading preparation method for MPC, capturing more than 78.8% of the market share. This method is preferred for its efficiency in protein separation while preserving functional qualities.
Innovation in the MPC market is ongoing, with companies introducing new products to meet consumer demands. For example, Dana Dairy Group launched MPC 70 with enhanced heat stability for bakery and processed cheese, while Cobot Creamery introduced a non-GMO MPC for organic food manufacturers, focusing on sustainability. Atura launched a new Ultra-Filtered MPC with improved emulsification and texture for protein bars and shakes, and AMCO Proteins expanded its MPC offerings with enhanced functional properties for sports nutrition and clinical applications.
Erie Foods International Inc. introduced a low-sodium MPC for health-focused applications, including medical nutrition and infant formula. This product is a testament to the growing focus on eco-friendly products and new technologies to stay ahead in the MPC market.
Packaged products accounted for a dominant share of the MPC market, capturing more than 44.4% of total usage. The Powder form of MPC dominated the market, capturing over 67.9% of sales.
The global milk protein market was valued at approximately USD 13.78 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow substantially through 2034, reflecting strong demand for protein ingredients. The dairy ingredients market, encompassing whey, casein, and milk protein concentrates, is anticipated to reach USD 97.5 billion by 2034, driven by increased awareness of health, fitness, and nutrition trends.
The milk protein and whey isolate markets show compound annual growth rates (CAGR) around 5.8% to 9.9% over the 2025-2034 period, reflecting a robust expansion. For example, the clear whey isolate market is projected to grow at about 5.82% CAGR from 2029 to 2034, reaching over USD 831 million. Similar or higher growth rates can be expected for MPC in light of shared drivers.
Regional growth is led by North America and Europe, where health-conscious consumers and developed food industries drive demand for milk proteins. Emerging markets are showing gradual adoption, with the MPC market projected to reach USD 6.5 billion by 2034.
In conclusion, the MPC market is poised to benefit from ongoing trends toward protein enrichment in food, nutrition innovation, and consumer health awareness, supporting strong market growth through 2034 at CAGRs likely ranging between 6-10%. The broader dairy ingredients and milk protein markets provide a context of sustained expansion aligned with these trends.
In the growing market for dairy ingredients, the popularity of Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC) has been significant in several sectors, including health foods, sports drinks, and baby formulas. Enhanced MPC products are entering the market to cater to consumer preferences, such as Dana Dairy Group's MPC 70 for improved heat stability in bakery and processed cheese.
With the expanding focus on sports nutrition and functional foods, the MPC market is expected to continue benefiting from the increasing demand for proteins in various sports beverages and supplements.
