Protein Prices Rise on Weight-Loss Drugs and Weak Yen
Protein powder prices are rising sharply in Japan as booming overseas demand for whey, partly linked to the growing use of weight-loss drugs, combines with the weak yen to make the key ingredient increasingly expensive for Japanese buyers. (News On Japan)
Protein powder prices are sharply increasing in Japan due to high overseas demand, particularly from weight-loss drugs, and the weakened yen. This trend is affecting consumers who rely on protein supplements as part of their daily diets, including physique competitor Ko Yoshioka. Yoshioka, who recently won multiple titles at a competition, has noticed a significant price hike in protein supplements compared to the past.
Meiji, a major Japanese food manufacturer, has raised prices for related products by up to 28%, and reduced the amount in some products. The primary driver of this price surge is the soaring cost of whey, a milk-derived ingredient used in protein supplements. This increase is partly attributed to strong demand overseas, especially in the United States, where weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro and GLP-1 diabetes treatments are increasingly used, leading to higher protein intake requirements.
Additionally, the weak yen exacerbates the issue, as it reduces Japan's purchasing power in international markets, making it harder for companies to secure whey at competitive prices. As a result, consumers are seeking cheaper alternatives, with soy protein emerging as a more affordable option. However, soy protein may face its own challenges if demand grows and soybean prices rise.
Written by urgent.news from News On Japan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.