Whey Protein Shortage Hits U.S. Market with Prices at $14 per Pound

U.S. whey protein inventories have declined by roughly 50% since 2023, leading to nationwide shortages as demand surges. According to a USDA report, some suppliers are sold out for the latter half of the year. Prices for whey protein isolate have reached as high as $14 per pound. Approximately 70% of Americans are now trying to consume more protein, reflecting a significant increase from 59% four years ago, driven by trends in weight management and fitness.