Food Makers Turn to Plant Proteins Amid Whey Costs
Rising prices for dairy-based proteins are driving manufacturers to integrate soy and pea alternatives into products.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Vegetarian
Live Poll
Would you buy hybrid food products that mix plant-based proteins with dairy proteins?
Food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating plant-based protein ingredients to supplement and replace costly whey protein supplies. This strategic shift follows a 134% year-on-year increase in whey concentrate prices by August 2026.
Why it matters
Supply chain strains and surging global demand for protein-enriched products have forced companies to seek more affordable, alternative sources to manage production costs. Manufacturers are utilizing these plant isolates to maintain target protein levels without sacrificing product texture.
Whey concentrate reached a cost of $12.25 per pound in August 2026, marking a 134% year-on-year increase. Global consumer interest in increasing protein intake has grown to 66%.
The players
ADM
ADM is a global agricultural processor and food ingredient provider based in Decatur, Illinois.
Puris
Puris is a specialized ingredient manufacturer that produces plant-based proteins for the food industry.
Roquette
Roquette is a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a pioneer of plant proteins for food and nutrition.
NNB Nutrition
NNB Nutrition is a biotechnology firm that develops and produces functional, hydrolyzed plant-based protein ingredients.
Axiom Foods
Axiom Foods is a producer of plant-based protein ingredients utilized across various consumer food applications.
The details
Companies are creating hybrid formulations that blend dairy and plant-based proteins to achieve a smooth and creamy texture favored by consumers. Industry leaders have responded by launching new options, including soy and pea protein products from ADM and pea-based isolates from firms like Puris and Roquette.
Timeline
In 2023, 57% of consumers reported interest in increasing protein intake.
During the first half of 2026, ADM launched eight new soy and pea protein products.
In July 2026, Puris introduced its H2-IZO pea protein ingredient.
By August 2026, whey concentrate costs reached $12.25 per pound.
In August 2026, NNB Nutrition and Axiom Foods introduced PeptiClear hydrolyzed plant proteins.
Culture Shift
The transition toward hybrid protein formulations reflects a broader shift in consumer nutrition and the move toward more sustainable plant-based alternatives. This trend capitalizes on the global push for increased daily protein consumption while addressing the limitations of dairy-only supply chains.
Shoppers may notice a wider array of protein-enhanced snacks and food products that utilize a blend of pea or soy and dairy proteins. These hybrid options aim to provide similar protein content to traditional whey products while maintaining the smooth textures consumers expect.
The takeaway
Consumers should check ingredient labels as more food products transition toward hybrid protein blends. This shift allows manufacturers to keep products affordable and consistent in texture despite the volatility in dairy commodity markets.
Further reading
Discover more about current market trends in Vegetarian food development and consumer protein preferences.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Foodnavigator.
Live Poll
Would you buy hybrid food products that mix plant-based proteins with dairy proteins?
