{
  "id": 12626986,
  "title": "Will whey protein prices come down in Canada?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/will-whey-protein-prices-come-down-in-canada",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-07T11:58:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-canada-news-canadians-are-paying-more-for-their-daily-protein-shake-as-whey-prices-soar-amid-trade-war-with-us-but-is-there-any-relief-in-sight/articleshow/134765391.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The increasing demand for whey protein combined with a supply shortage and a new tariff on US imports have caused prices to rise significantly in Canada. Consumers who are trying to meet their protein goals are struggling with the higher costs, as a daily protein shake is becoming more difficult to afford. Food economist Mike von Massow predicts that the higher prices will likely persist for some time.\n\nJennifer Mason, a long-time user of whey protein powder, is now reconsidering whether she should continue purchasing it due to the soaring prices. She is trying to find protein in whole foods instead.\n\nThe situation is not limited to Canada; similar price hikes are occurring across the United States. Some whey protein concentrate prices have even surpassed average levels, and certain suppliers have already sold out for the rest of the year.\n\nWhey protein has become a crucial component in the rapidly expanding high-protein food market. Manufacturers are adding it to snacks, drinks, and other everyday products as people seek convenient ways to increase their protein intake. Fitness influencers are promoting \"protein-maxxing,\" and the popularity of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic has encouraged some individuals to consume more protein to protect against muscle loss, driving up demand.\n\nThe surge in demand is straining the global supply of whey protein concentrate, particularly WPC80, which saw a 60% price increase in 2025 and an additional 76% rise by June 2026. Most of Canada's whey protein concentrate is imported from the US, where prices have more than doubled over the past 18 months. The ongoing US-Canada trade war further complicates the situation, as Ottawa imposed a 50% tariff on American whey imports in retaliation.\n\nFinding alternatives is proving challenging for Canadian businesses, as most of Daryl's Bars' whey protein comes from Wisconsin. The company's marketing manager, John Murray, states that sourcing 100% of their needs locally is impractical due to the lack of options. As a result, some Canadian businesses have had to raise prices, and consumers may eventually feel the impact across protein powders, drinks, and snacks.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}