World protein supply per person rose 9% between 2010 and 2023.
Why this market is moving now
- BellRing net sales grew 16% in fiscal 2025, to 2,316.6 million USD, after strong protein shake demand.
- Record whey input costs cut Glanbia's sports nutrition margin to 13.0% in 2025.
- Danone named high protein as its lead growth platform for 2025.
- Simply Good Foods sales fell 6.5% in fiscal 2026, showing that not every protein brand is growing.
Key figures
Global figures for this market, with the year each one describes. Use Cite to copy a reference to this page.
| Figure | Value | Year | Cite |
|---|---|---|---|
| BellRing Brands, maker of Premier Protein, had net sales of 2,316.6 million USD in the year ended 30 September 2025, up 16% from 1,996.2 million USD. | 2,316.6 USD million | 2025 | |
| Protein shakes made up 1,892.9 million USD of BellRing's fiscal 2025 net sales, up from 1,618.8 million USD a year earlier. | 1,892.9 USD million | 2025 | |
| Sales of Premier Protein products rose 17% in BellRing's fiscal 2025, driven by 15% higher volumes. | 17 % growth | 2025 | |
| Glanbia's Performance Nutrition segment, which includes Optimum Nutrition protein powders, had 2025 revenue of 1,801.1 million USD, against 1,806.7 million USD in 2024. | 1,801.1 USD million | 2025 | |
| Optimum Nutrition, 75% of Glanbia's Performance Nutrition revenue, grew like-for-like revenue 6.4% in 2025, with double-digit growth in the second half. | 6.4 % like-for-like growth | 2025 | |
| Glanbia's Performance Nutrition margin fell to 13.0% in 2025 from 16.9% because of record whey input costs. | 13.0 % EBITDA margin | 2025 | |
| The Simply Good Foods Company, owner of Quest, had net sales of 1,356.5 million USD in the fiscal year ended 29 August 2026, down 6.5%, while Quest grew 0.7%. | 1,356.5 USD million | 2026 | |
| Danone grew like-for-like sales 4.5% in 2025 and named high protein first among the platforms driving that growth. | 4.5 % like-for-like growth | 2025 | |
| Average protein supply per person grew 9% worldwide between 2010 and 2023, and 16% in Asia. | 9 % growth | 2023 | |
| Protein supply was highest in Europe in 2023 at 113 grams per person per day, against 65 grams in Africa. | 113 grams per person per day | 2023 |
Calculated figures (shares, changes and prices per kilogram) are plain arithmetic on the reported values. Read how we work.
Companies to watch
BellRing Brands
Maker of Premier Protein shakes; net sales of 2,316.6 million USD in fiscal 2025, up 16%.
Glanbia
Owner of Optimum Nutrition; its Performance Nutrition segment had 2025 revenue of 1,801.1 million USD.
The Simply Good Foods Company
Owner of Quest, Atkins and OWYN; net sales of 1,356.5 million USD in fiscal 2026, down 6.5%.
Danone
Dairy group whose high-protein brands such as Oikos led its 4.5% like-for-like sales growth in 2025.
What the full report covers
- 01Executive summary
The answer in one page: size, direction and what moves it - 02Market definition and scope
What is in and out of the global market - 03Global market size, 2021 to 2025
Historical series and growth rates - 04Countries and regions
Demand, supply and trade by country and region - 05Outlook to 2031
Base, low and high scenarios with stated assumptions - 06Rules, policy and deadlines
Regulation and programmes that change demand - 07Drivers and barriers
What accelerates or slows adoption, by customer segment - 08Prices, costs and margins
Unit economics where public data allows - 09Competitive landscape
8 to 12 company profiles with recent moves - 10Opportunities and risks
For new entrants, suppliers and investors - 11Method and assumptions
How every figure was built
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- Method note and assumptions
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Frequently asked questions
How big is the global high-protein food market?
There is no official world total. Among the largest listed protein brands, BellRing Brands had fiscal 2025 net sales of 2,316.6 million USD and Glanbia's Performance Nutrition segment had 2025 revenue of 1,801.1 million USD.
Which companies sell the most protein shakes and powders?
BellRing Brands sold 1,892.9 million USD of shakes in fiscal 2025. Glanbia's Optimum Nutrition grew like-for-like revenue 6.4% in 2025. Simply Good Foods, owner of Quest, had fiscal 2026 net sales of 1,356.5 million USD.
Is demand for high-protein food growing?
Premier Protein sales rose 17% in fiscal 2025 on 15% higher volumes. Danone named high protein first among the platforms behind its 4.5% like-for-like growth in 2025.
Why are protein product costs rising?
Record whey input costs cut the margin of Glanbia's Performance Nutrition business to 13.0% in 2025, from 16.9% in 2024.
How much protein do people eat around the world?
Average protein supply per person grew 9% worldwide between 2010 and 2023. Supply was highest in Europe at 113 grams per person per day in 2023, against 65 grams in Africa.
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