蛋白质饮食热潮和GLP-1减肥药物使用激增正在推高乳清蛋白需求，进而威胁婴儿配方奶粉的价格稳定。乳清蛋白浓缩物80（WPC80）价格在过去数月内大幅攀升，从2025年7月的每公吨€11,733飙升至€25,875[1]。这一原料成本的急剧上涨已开始反映在零售端，英国婴儿配方奶粉过去一年平均价格上升了4.8%，其中750克装产品从£11.55上升至£12.11[1]。
专家警告这一趋势可能进一步加重家庭负担。Dr Vicky Sibson指出，"乳清是婴儿配方奶粉的主要成分，价格显著上升会增加配方奶粉本身的价格"[1]。业界担忧高昂的原料成本最终将由消费者承担。Sibson表示"许多家庭使用配方奶粉喂养婴儿但无法承受，采取的应对策略如稀释喂养可能有害"[1]。为应对这一局面，Sibson建议政府实施强制价格或利润上限措施[1]。竞争与市场管理局的报告显示，婴儿配方奶粉制造商的利润率在50%-75%之间[1]。
Surging demand for whey protein driven by "proteinmaxxing" dietary trends and increased use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications is driving up prices for a crucial ingredient in infant formula, experts have warned.[1] Whey protein concentrate 80 (WPC80), a key component in baby formula, has seen its price more than double, rising from €11,733 per tonne in July 2025 to €25,875 per tonne.[1] This spike in raw material costs threatens to translate into higher retail prices for families already struggling with feeding expenses.
Data from the UK shows infant formula prices have already begun climbing, with the average price rising 4.8 percent over the past year.[1] A 750-gram container increased from £11.55 to £12.11 during this period.[1] Dr. Vicky Sibson noted that "whey is a main ingredient in infant formula, and significant increases in its price will increase the price of the formula itself."[1] Industry figures reveal that infant formula manufacturers currently operate with profit margins between 50 and 75 percent, according to the Competition and Markets Authority.[1]
Experts are concerned that these rising costs will ultimately be passed on to consumers, deepening financial strain on households. Sibson has called for government intervention, recommending the implementation of mandatory price or profit caps.[1] She pointed out that "many families use formula to feed their babies but cannot afford it," and warned that coping strategies such as diluting feeds could pose health risks.[1]