India’s dairy sector—spanning both legacy cooperatives and agile private players—is aggressively enhancing protein content across product lines to address a national dietary deficit. Market-research firm IMARC valuations placed India’s milk-protein market at USD 241 million in 2024, projected to nearly USD 400 million by 2033, with whey protein alone growing at a 5–6% CAGR .
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The NDDB is enabling cooperatives to commercialize whey, formerly a by-product, through macro-level promotion and processing support .
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Amul and Milky Mist have rolled out high-protein milks and value-added items such as Greek yogurt and fortified paneer, leveraging health trends via enhanced cold chains and clean labeling .
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Recognizing limited public awareness of the protein gap—70.5 g daily average vs global norms—startups and large dairies are launching “protein waters,” fortified milk, and whey-based beverages to broaden reach .
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However, companies like Heritage Foods are opting to raise product prices across the board to offset fuel and raw material inflation, while focusing on taste rather than aggressive nutrient fortification .
Industry Insight:
For dairy stakeholders, this shift signals significant growth potential in functional dairy, underpinned by strong consumer health awareness. However, success will hinge on balancing nutritional innovation with cost efficiency, brand trust, and widespread accessibility.
Source : Dairynews7x7 June 25th 2025