Rising demand for whey protein may push infant formula prices higher
Experts warn that the surge in high-protein diets is driving up whey costs, which could translate into higher retail prices for baby formula.
A wave of high-protein eating habits, amplified by social media and the use of GLP-1 drugs, is boosting demand for whey protein across food categories. Whey, essential for infant formula, has seen price jumps of up to 120 % for concentrate between October 2025 and July 2026. Consequently, the average monthly price of formula in Canada rose from $44.98 per 900 g in 2024 to $49.94 in 2026, an 11 % increase.
Dr. Vicky Sibson of the First Steps Nutrition Trust cautioned that passing these costs to families could make formula unaffordable. Senior dairy analyst Tom Booijink explained that whey makes up about 60 % of formula protein, while Jose Saiz observed manufacturers are already reformulating recipes to cope with higher inputs. He predicts the impact on formula prices will be modest, but notes that the broader sports-nutrition market may feel the strain sooner.
Why it matters
Higher whey costs could make baby formula less affordable for families that rely on it.
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