If you’ve ever set foot in a gym or looked for ways to improve your recovery or performance, you’ve probably come across protein powders. These dietary supplements serve the purpose of fueling your body with high-quality proteins for improved workouts and faster muscle-tissue regeneration.
However, did you know that they can also be used to help lose weight or that they come in a lot of exciting flavors?
To learn more, read the following list of protein powder statistics we’ve put together for you.
Top Ten Protein Powder Statistics for 2021
- In 2018, the protein supplement market in the US was estimated at $4.24 billion.
- Whey protein is a complete, high-quality protein.
- Whey protein powder sales managed to bloat the product’s global market value to $9.97 billion in 2018.
- The global market of plant-based protein powder is valued at approximately $5.153 billion in 2020.
- In 2019’s revenue, protein powders had the largest global market share (64%) within the protein supplement market.
- From April 2018 to April 2019, sales of protein powders with grass-fed labels grew by 92.8% in the US.
- Protein powder use statistics demonstrated a notable growth rate of 9.8% for non-GMO labeled products in 2019.
- In 2019, sports protein powders drove the most significant demand in the US sports nutrition industry with a market share of 70%.
- Plant-based protein variants offer great low-calorie options for weight loss.
- Protein powders aren’t meant to replace a balanced, healthy diet.
Protein Powder Types—Nutritional and General Facts
If you’ve adapted to social distancing rules and intend to spend 2022 in your home gym, powders can be a slippery terrain. That’s why we are here to help you make a well-informed decision based on your needs.
1. Whey protein acts as a complete, high-quality source of protein.
(Healthline)
It also absorbs quickly into the human body, making it a highly digestible, to-go dietary protein source for most.
Protein is known to be an essential muscular building block. Unfortunately, muscle mass is known to decrease as we age, potentially leading to fat gain, associated with many health risks.
Among the most-known protein powder health benefits is that these supplements, accompanied by adequate exercise and a healthy diet, maybe some fat burners, can help users build and maintain muscle mass while keeping the accumulation of body fat at bay.
2. Plant-based protein variants offer great low-calorie options for weight loss.
(Nature’s Path)
Obviously, they’re among the best protein sources for vegans and vegetarians. The plant protein powder benefits include a lower calorie profile than animal proteins with more essential nutrients and fiber.
Using plant-based products may help with weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight. Please note, not all plant-based protein supplements have a complete essential amino acid profile. This is why you may need to combine different sources to get all the benefits you seek.
3. Protein powders aren’t meant to replace a balanced and healthy diet.
(NHS)
Is protein powder bad for you? The short answer is no. However, some professionals argue that it shouldn’t be an alternative to a well-rounded diet. Powders are a convenient way to consume more protein. Still, they don’t have all the essential minerals, nutrients, and vitamins that balanced meals offer.
As far as health-risks go, there’s evidence that the long-term consumption of large amounts of protein can increase the risk of osteoporosis and exacerbate existing kidney problems.
4. A scoop of whey protein (30 g) only has 120 calories.
(Eat This Much)
When looking at the whey protein powder nutrition facts, it’s easy to see that it’s low in fat (only 1 g per serving) and high in protein (24 g per serving). Plus, it’s also pretty low in carbs too (3 g per serving). A single scoop also provides 99.9 mg of calcium and 1.5 mg of iron.
5. Hemp protein may help strengthen the immune system.
(Healthline, Happy Way)
Hemp protein powder benefits may include a stronger immune system since hemp is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. This plant-based variant has all nine essential amino acids. It is an excellent source of magnesium, manganese, zinc, calcium, copper, and phosphorus.
Of course, those allergic to hemp should avoid these products. Also, a small number of animals suggest that hemp may pose a few risks for pregnant or nursing women, along with people with anemia. However, human studies are still needed to confirm this.
6. Protein powders come in a wide variety of different flavors.
(Men’s Journal)
Deciding which is the best-tasting protein powder on the market will mainly boil down to personal preference. Still, there are many interesting and exciting combinations that consumers are encouraged to try.
Flavors like chocolate-dipped banana, mango, granola crunch, s’mores, orange creamsicle, and many more give users the option to “keep it fresh” instead of resorting only to time-tested flavors, like peanut butter, chocolate, or vanilla protein powder.
7. Protein powders are the most popular gym-activity supplements.
(Research Gate)
An older survey focused on gaining more insight into the supplementation habits of gym-goers. 56% of the participants admitted to having consumed dietary supplements. Of these supplements, protein powder was the most popular, with 28% using it, followed by L-carnitine, with 18.6%.
8. Recent protein powder research suggests that there could be serious health concerns regarding these products’ consumption.
(Harvard Health)
In 2018, the Clean Label Project examined 134 protein products and found that several contained various toxins. Some of these powders contained heavy metals, pesticides, bisphenol-A (in one case, 25 times the allowed amount), and other harmful compounds that can be linked to severe health threats.
According to the non-profit research group, the culprit behind these findings may be toxins found in the soil (mostly in the case of plant-based powders) and the manufacturing process.
Protein Powder Sales Statistics Worth Absorbing
This is a continually expanding market. Some of its sales numbers are worth knowing because it helps you get a better perspective on their popularity.
9. In 2018, the global size of the market for whey protein had an estimated value of around $9.97 billion.
(Statista)
Based on the available data and consumer trends, market experts predict that the market’s size will be valued at around $15.4 billion by 2024.
10. Sports nutrition statistics show that the global market reached a total value of $50.84 billion in 2018.
(Statista)
The prognosis for the global sports nutrition market also looks appealing. Its value is anticipated to grow to a staggering $81.5 billion by 2023.
11. In 2018, the US supplemental protein market was estimated at $4.24 billion.
(Statista)
This industry offers various protein supplements, like whey, pea protein, soy, and casein protein powder. Also, experts expect a rise in the popularity of plant-based variants in the forthcoming years.
12. The global market for plant-based protein powder has an estimated value of approximately $5.153 billion in 2020.
(360 Market Updates)
This same market is expected to reach a staggering $7.94 billion over the following six years, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%.
13. The size of the global egg white protein powder market surpassed $6.9 billion last year.
(Global Market Insights)
This same market is also expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% up through 2026. The forces driving the growth are North America, the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East and Africa, and Europe.
Generally, consumers are demanding more protein-rich foods and dietary supplements apart from the growing popularity of different fitness trends.
14. Looking at 2019’s revenue, protein powders had the largest global market share (64%) of the protein supplement market.
(Grand View Research)
Market forecasts for the 2020/2027 period imply that protein powder sales statistics will boast even greater numbers in the future. Factors such as online sales, efficient distribution channels, and the continually growing demand—from professional athletes to recreational weightlifting enthusiasts—will drive these sales.
On the other hand, the ready-to-drink protein supplement segment will register probably the fastest growth in the forecasted period.
Protein Powder Consumption Statistics
Who uses protein powder? There are no rules, really. The only need you have to keep in mind is that every body reacts differently and does proper research before deciding.
15. According to a 2019 study, whey protein products are no longer used exclusively by professional athletes or people who lift weights.
(Springer Link)
The study concluded that those who exercise for flexibility and endurance also purchase these products regularly.
Nevertheless, the study suggests that one’s preferred exercise style is the main driving force behind purchasing these products. Lastly, the study found no evidence that other important factors like income or gender affect the likelihood of buying whey protein supplements.
16. 31% of surveyed US consumers reported an increase in protein powder use in 2020 compared to 2019.
(New Hope)
The study focused on 1,000 survey participants. The survey aimed at capturing Americans’ real-time actions and behavior during the initial months of the Coronavirus pandemic.
According to the data, even though there was an increase in demand, these protein powder statistics show that most users (59%) did not change the way they use these shelf-stable supplements—even when gyms were closed across the country.
17. From April 2018 to April 2019, US protein powder sales with grass-fed labels grew by 92.3%.
(Natural Products Insider)
In the scope of protein powders made with all-natural ingredients, those with grass-fed labels showed the most significant growth reaching $21.6 million in US sales.
18. The non-GMO protein industry experienced a notable growth rate of 9.8% in 2019.
(Natural Products Insider)
This amounts to $235.6 million in total sales in the US. Furthermore, data show that products without the non-GMO label were on the decline sales-wise.
19. Stevia-sweetened protein powder sales grew by 6.4% in 2018/2019, reaching $223.2 million.
(Natural Products Insider)
The all-natural, low-calorie protein powder options continue to become more popular. On the other hand, other products produced with artificial sweeteners managed to drop in sales by 14.3% (or down to $255.6 million).
20. Sports protein powders drove the largest demand in the US sports nutrition industry in 2019, with a market share of 70%.
(Food Navigator USA)
Protein powder sales statistics show that this lion’s share represents around $4.7 million of the industry’s total worth of $6.7 billion.
In the same year, the nutrition and energy bar industry was estimated at around $2.5 billion. In comparison, the sports drink market was valued at $6.9 billion.
FAQs
What protein powder is the healthiest?
Picking a “single” healthiest option is nearly impossible since every consumer is looking to use protein powders for different purposes. Also, certain conditions, health concerns, or lifestyle choices will play a crucial role.
Those who wish to build muscle should choose whey concentrates and whey isolates. When looking for the ideal protein powder for weight loss, options with no added sugars should be considered first (the same applies to people with diabetes).
Vegans and vegetarians will choose plant-based variants. Those who have gastrointestinal troubles should look for lactose-free products with no artificial sweeteners and simple sugars.
(Cleveland Clinic)
How much is the protein industry worth?
According to the latest market report from Grand View Research, the global market of protein supplements had an estimated value of $17.55 billion last year. What’s more, experts estimate that this will continue to grow at an annual rate of 8% in the forecast period of 2020–2027.
According to the report, the primary driving forces behind this growth are the importance of an active lifestyle and the associated health benefits of these products.
(Grand View Research)
How do you evaluate protein powder?
When choosing the ideal protein supplement, the first thing you want to look for is a short ingredient list. The right product mostly contains protein and very few extras. Look for products that provide at least 20 grams of protein with every scoop.
Low-carb options are preferred because you’ll most likely add carbohydrates to it as you prepare your protein meal. If you want a really protein-dense product, look for whey isolate protein powder since it’s usually around 90% protein.
As far as flavors go, it all mostly boils down to personal preference. Generally, stick to a simple taste or something you really like. Some of the more wacky flavors tend to get boring really fast.
If you want to add variety, simply choose unflavored protein powder because you can add your own flavors to it when you’re preparing your meals.
(CTV)
Which is better, pea protein or soy protein?
Either choice is great if you’re looking for plant-based protein powders. To start, both contain considerable amounts of fiber besides protein.
Mostly, it boils down to personal preference and needs. Pea protein might be a bit easier to digest, and soy may be problematic for some as it’s a common allergen.
Solely from a muscle-building standpoint, soy might be the best plant-based protein powder, since it’s a complete protein source with a full amino acid profile. Still, some pea powder products have a nearly complete profile.
Lastly, some people tend to stay away from soy-based protein products as they may affect hormone levels, even though studies have shown that this impact is not significant.
(Openfit, Nuzest)
What’s the best way to use protein powder?
If you’re wondering how to use protein powder —generally, it’s best to drink it with water or milk. You can also add fruit and blend it to create a healthy smoothie. You can use it as the base ingredient for pancakes, protein ice cream, and other foods you can find in protein powder cookbooks.
(CoachMag)
When is it best to use protein powder?
Depending on your goals, consuming protein powders can help you lose weight, build muscle, and preserve it, all while improving your recovery and overall performance.
Protein powder consumption between meals can help ease your hunger and lower your calorie intake. Having it after exercising can aid in recovering muscles faster. Other, slow-absorbing proteins, like casein, are mostly consumed before going to sleep.
(Healthline)
Conclusion
These powders offer a great source of quality protein, often enhanced with other essential nutrients that can even further help improve one’s diet. The protein market is enormous, offering powders from animal sources and plant-based options as well.
They’re considered nearly essential when it comes to building and preserving muscle. They can also be a great way to cut calories and help control one’s weight.
Hopefully, these protein powder statistics managed to give you more info regarding the industry, the benefits, and the possible health concerns associated with these products.
