Infant Formula Faces Higher Prices as Whey Protein Doubles to €25,875 on GLP-1 Demand
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 1
Infant Formula Faces Higher Prices as Whey Protein Doubles to €25,875 on GLP-1 Demand
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 1
Summary
€25,875 per metric tonne — the July price for whey protein concentrate 80 has jumped from €11,733 a year earlier, raising pressure on infant formula makers that rely on whey to mimic breast milk.
Protein-heavy dieting and wider GLP-1 weight-loss drug use are driving that surge, as consumers buy more shakes and bars made with concentrated whey to preserve muscle while eating less.
UK baby formula prices have already risen 4.8% over the past year to £12.11 for a 750g box, and industry insiders say manufacturers may struggle to absorb further ingredient cost increases.
Manufacturers have tried to limit the hit by reformulating with D90 demineralised whey powder, but stronger demand for that substitute has also pushed up its price.
Nutrition campaigners say higher formula costs are especially worrying because some families already dilute feeds to cope, and they argue the government should consider a mandatory price or profit cap.