Whey Protein Concentrate 80% and Whey Protein Isolate 90% remain in short supply. There are several factors affecting the supply and demand, but the factors stem mainly from COVID. The decrease in supply started when COVID first hit and restaurants and sporting events were shut down, essentially putting far less demand on food service cheese. A lack of cheese production translates into a lack of Whey solids and of course Whey Protein Concentrate or Whey Protein Isolate. Shortly after, cheese production increased based on the demand from government food box programs to assist those in need. That made things look hopeful for whey protein supply, but instead of the Whey solids being directed to Whey Protein production manufacturers produced Sweet Whey powder as the return was much greater mainly due to China's demand. All the while throughout COVID the domestic Whey Protein demand has remained strong as the general population continue to seek outlets to stay fit. Finally and most recently, the flow of goods (both export and import) have been greatly affected by massive port congestion, putting further strain on domestic (US) supply and demand.
Why did protein prices increase?
