All the whey up! A dairy byproduct is now the star of the ‘proteinmaxxing’ boom – but is demand too high?
Summary
Whey protein, once considered a waste product from cheesemaking, has become very popular in the United States due to a growing trend called "proteinmaxxing," where many people try to eat more protein. This demand has led to shortages of whey protein, with manufacturers struggling to meet orders.Key Facts
- Whey is the liquid leftover from making cheese, previously often thrown away or used as animal feed or fertilizer.
- Tony Meives, from a family of cheesemakers, now runs a company selling whey protein powder as a health product.
- The popularity of whey protein has grown beyond bodybuilders to the general public, appearing in many foods like cereals, frozen meals, and even snacks.
- A 2025 survey showed 71% of US adults are trying to eat more protein, up from 59% in 2022.
- Whey is now considered a valuable co-product, not just a byproduct of dairy farming.
- Making whey protein powder involves filtering, purifying, evaporating, and drying the liquid whey.
- Increased demand for whey protein has caused shortages and unfilled orders for producers.
- Experts say the protein trend has transformed whey into a major source of income for dairy farmers.
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