The growing popularity of high-protein diets and the increased use of appetite-suppressing medications are creating upward pressure on whey protein prices, potentially affecting the cost of infant formula to consumers.
Whey protein concentrate, a crucial ingredient in infant formula, has experienced substantial price increases. Market data indicates the price of whey protein concentrate 80, which contains 80% pure protein, rose from €11,733 per metric tonne in July 2025 to €25,875 currently. This ingredient is essential in infant formula formulations, where it helps replicate the composition of human breast milk and improves digestibility for newborns and infants under one year old.
Infant formula manufacturers are already passing increased ingredient costs to consumers. According to recent statistics, the average price of baby formula has climbed 4.8% over the past year, with a 750-gram box now selling for £12.11 compared to £11.55 the previous year. Industry analysts note that manufacturers are experimenting with alternative formulations, including increased use of demineralised whey powder, in response to rising ingredient costs, though this has similarly driven up prices for that substitute ingredient.
Public health advocates have raised concerns about the affordability of infant formula for families. A nutrition trust director emphasized that significant price increases risk making formula unaffordable for households already struggling with costs, noting that some families employ potentially harmful practices like diluting feeds to extend supplies. Industry insiders report that current whey protein prices are becoming economically unsustainable at existing retail levels, suggesting further consumer price increases may be inevitable unless raw material costs decline.
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