Whey protein prices soar amid high demand and U.S.-Canada trade war

High demand and new trade tariffs are pushing the price of whey protein to record highs, forcing some consumers and small manufacturers to cut back or pay more.

"I'm just cutting back. I'm trying to find protein in whole foods that I'm eating rather than actually getting products," said Jennifer Mason, a new mom rethinking her shopping list amid soaring prices.

Food manufacturers and fast food companies are putting whey protein into everything from snacks to drinks to meet growing demand, contributing to shortages.

READ MORE: Canada's trade surplus balloons to $4.2 billion as exporters race U.S. tariffs

READ MORE: Canadian economy stalled in July before U.S. tariffs took effect

John Murray, who manages marketing for protein snack maker Daryl's Bars in Tecumseh, Ont., says as major companies secure large orders, "that leaves the little guys like us scrambling to try and secure enough for our operations."

Canada imports most of its whey protein concentrate from the U.S., where prices have more than doubled over the past year and a half.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council says "domestic demand for high-protein whey has been insatiable," leaving less for export.

Whey protein concentrate, known as WPC80, rose 60 per cent in 2025. By June 2026, buyers were facing another 76 per cent increase.

To keep up, Murray says his company has been forced to raise prices on its protein snacks.

"We absorbed as much as we could, but over the last year it's just been impossible. It's been outstripping our margins completely," he said.

The trade war is further squeezing food manufacturers.

In retaliation for a fresh round of U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, the federal government imposed 50 per cent tariffs on imports of American whey on Sept. 8.

Canadian businesses can apply for relief through Ottawa's tariff-remission program, though they must demonstrate the goods cannot reasonably be sourced domestically or from non-U.S. suppliers.

Mike von Massow, a food economist at the University of Guelph, said it will be difficult to boost supply quickly because whey is a byproduct of cheese-making.

"It's very expensive to dry something that is 95 per cent water and a little bit of protein," he said.

The U.S. produces a lot of cheese, making it a major whey producer, but von Massow says Canada has limited processing capacity.

The Dairy Processors Association of Canada says that with tariffs increasing the cost of U.S. imports, it expects Canadian companies to pivot toward New Zealand, though that comes with significant shipping costs.

Von Massow predicts higher prices could be passed down through the supply chain.

"I think your protein drink is probably going to get more expensive and it's likely to stay more expensive for a while," he said.

Some protein users, such as Audrey Marcoux, say they will absorb the extra cost for now.

"Unfortunately, I'm still paying the more expensive price because it's part of my routine. I work out a lot," she said.

Nathan Bugiardini says that if prices go any higher, he'll consider cutting back.

"It's a little upsetting, frankly. I usually buy in bulk which helps the price a little bit."

Some consumers are turning to plant-based alternatives and unprocessed whole foods while whey protein prices remain high.

Nineteen-year-old Melania Antic says the steep costs have left her feeling stretched.

"It discourages me a lot, especially, like, to actually get motivation to go to the gym and take protein after."

With files from CBC News