Whey is mainly a by-product of cheese-making. To create more high-protein whey, the industry needs more liquid whey collection, ultrafiltration capacity, drying capacity, and WPC/WPI processing infrastructure. This cannot be switched on in a few weeks.
Demand has changed dramatically.
Whey is no longer only used by bodybuilders or athletes. It is now used in ready-to-drink shakes, protein bars, yoghurts, cereals, snacks, meal replacements, medical nutrition and GLP-1 weight-loss nutrition support.
It is reported that the average US supermarket now has 38,708 products advertising protein content.
Fairlife, owned by Coca-Cola, is expanding production capacity in Michigan with a $650 million investment, but those new lines are expected to begin commercial production only in 2028.
Glanbia is adding about 10 million lb / 4,500 MT of whey protein isolate capacity, but that capacity is expected in 2027.
Companies are investing, but new dairy-protein capacity takes years. So even if global oil and freight pressure cools because of a peace deal, the actual whey protein shortage can continue because the supply chain still has to physically produce more WPC80 and WPI90