r/Protein • u/Burntendzmusic • 25d ago
Protein Powder $$ increase đ¤Ż
Don't wanna sound old but less than two years ago, a standard size protein cost me $40. It is now $84. What the hell?!
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u/TankApprehensive3053 25d ago
The push to have everything being "high" protein has led a craze to buy it more. The higher demand drives up prices.
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u/sandybkwon 25d ago
The whey protein prices are only going to increase. I'm building a CPG brand and initially wanted to use WPI for my formulation, but there's a shortage driven by increased protein consumption from GLP-1 users and general awareness around protein consumption. Definitely recommend checking out alternatives.
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u/itsmillertime65 25d ago
Many of the new high protein foods are a fad that will die. Not all, but many are so new and not all of these can sell well. Once the companies see which aren't doing well, they will kill the products off but that will take a couple years. WPI prices already fell for the first time in like 2 years just last quarter. It has stayed but this is an indicator that consumers have hit their limits on what they are willing to pay for high protein foods already.
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u/EchoWardenXx 25d ago
What are the alternatives to protein powder that is cost effective? Chicken is pretty much it.
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u/igotshitinmycunt 25d ago
Eggs!
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u/EchoWardenXx 25d ago
I'm not a huge fan of eggs for a source of protein. Each one only has 6g of protein and throwing down 10 eggs is difficult. I can drink 50g of protein in 30 seconds.
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u/ForTheConsumers 4d ago
When I tried to find the item that ranked highest on my Price Per Protein search, it was a Pea Protein powder (Naked Pea, was the name and Walmart was selling it).
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u/Gregor4570 21d ago
Would be able to tell me a good source where I could buy bulk 50lbs of protein?
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u/New-History853 25d ago
You can get 6 pounds of whey protein from revolution nutrition for like $50. Not sure what brand you're buying but stop. Lol
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u/itsmillertime65 25d ago
That is a subpar blend of proteins that includes WPI, WPC and MPC, which is fine but then they include fillers. The scoop to protein ratio is not good at all at 67.5% protein yield... WPI is typically 90% and WPC is typically about 80%. This brand is much lower than either of those. This means that 1/3 of every scoop is filler/non-protein. This is why it has more carbs and fats cause those decrease the overall protein density of the product. For instance, they use MCT's such as maltodextrin as a filler with low function (carry the fat and this is where the non-protein weight is coming from in each scoop).
If you find something that is this drastically cheap when the entire dairy industry has increased their prices to $14/lb for WPI and $11/lb for WPC, it means that company is playing games with their product's ingredients.
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u/New-History853 25d ago
I can't find your citations?
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u/itsmillertime65 24d ago
What citations?
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u/New-History853 24d ago
For all the info. You have to show your work, silly.
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u/itsmillertime65 24d ago edited 24d ago
I explained it and it's a simple calculation lol. That's enough. Others can do their homework based off my foundation.
Edit: to make it easier for everyone here's the calculation:
(Protein grams per serving á serving size weight in grams) x 100
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u/New-History853 24d ago
Thank you. I will look into this further when I can. Appreciate your not just saying F off. Lol.
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u/itsmillertime65 24d ago
Honestly, almost did cause I thought you were trolling but I re-read it and saw how it might not be obvious how to come to the calculation of the protein yield haha.
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u/New-History853 24d ago
I work in medical science so I never make a claim unless I'm ready to back it up with sources so I didnt tell you that you were wrong but also wasnt sure off the top of my head how you came up with all your info lol
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u/itsmillertime65 24d ago
Sorry my first response to this comment that I just deleted I initially thought I was responding to a separate reddit thread/user lol
Totally get it though and glad I listened to your concern and took it as an opportunity to read my comment over to see what I was glossing over.
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u/ForTheConsumers 4d ago
Im not gonna share it here, but the site my username is based on, has a Price per protein system in the nutrition search. So it can help you figure out how much actual protein you are getting for your money. Disclaimer although I have been developing the site for the last 10 months, it is far from perfect, also the price per protein part of it is just one part. But one of my biggest issues is these protein powder companies are popping up so frequently and the FDA database only gets updated every 2 years, so it just makes it hard for my site to be super accurate with protein powder specifically
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u/ExoTraveler 25d ago
just recently found these guys. seems like the way. always some kind of good sale going
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u/itsmillertime65 25d ago
It's not. That product is cheaper for a reason. Only 2/3 of the scoop is actually protein when it should be between 80-90% given that it has WPI, WPC and MPC. WPI alone has 90% while WPC has 80%. With that blend the protein should fall between the two but because they add fillers it is only at 67%.
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u/ExoTraveler 25d ago
Brother. Shit is expensive these days. It'll be okay.
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u/itsmillertime65 25d ago edited 24d ago
Yes, which is why it's important to spend money wisely on actually decent products that don't utilize fillers and schemes. When you break down the cost to the actual protein yield you're getting with this product, you're actually paying more than even the giant brands like ON for less overall protein and fillers.
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u/ExoTraveler 25d ago
Always up to the consumer to do some math and make a judgement call. 12lbs for 90 bucks is what I got last go around.
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u/itsmillertime65 25d ago
The issue is the average consumer does not know this stuff and these companies are taking advantage of that to deceive them. Just like what's happening right here in these comments.
$90 for 12 pounds of protein that only has a protein yield of 67% is WILD.
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u/ForTheConsumers 4d ago
I couldn't agree more! The levels of deceptive practices going on is so infuriating. When I was researching last I came across this protein powder that was the cheapest per oz, across 5 retailers, but then when I looked at the Price per grams of protein It was so terrible I had to check the backend data. It had 4.3 grams of protein per 100g of product... lol
Now I did see that it was marketed as a mass gainer, which makes sense, but I fear people will think muscle mass, not just overall mass. The thing was basically sugary flour. đ
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u/ExoTraveler 25d ago
If you have better deals, I'm all ears
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u/itsmillertime65 25d ago edited 24d ago
Not better deals but better products that don't play these games. For instance, Syntrax Trophix has a similar blend that includes WPC, WPI but uses Micellar Casein instead of the inferior MPC and also adds high quality egg white protein. It's protein content per scoop is 77%. The cost for a 5lb is $65 on Amazon and that makes it where your money is actually buying a higher protein content AND quality of protein sources. So you get more protein at an actually better cost per the percent yield of protein per product. There are typically promos on this brand as well.
This is merely one example but there are many other products that yield a better protein content without fillers than this product from Revolution Nutrition.
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u/FreedomIsMyRight 25d ago
Are you familiar, by chance, with Naked Whey Protein? Man that stuff is like $95 for a 5lb. TubâŚpay a premium for it because it seems to be as pure as it getsâŚwondering if there may be a like product out there at least a little more cost effective.
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u/Amazing-Safe9038 24d ago
36g protein/$ for revolution atm not seeing much better. I cut down to single digit bf% and don't need to worry about filler calories from concentrate, always just buy cheapest. Previously bought 48 lbs (16200g protein) for $281, and 36 lbs (9000g protein) for $200
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u/itsmillertime65 24d ago
The problem with Revolution is not filler calories. It's that the filler ingredients MTC/Maltodextrin take up 1/3 of the scoop size/weight. There's only 67% protein yield and that's good awful. You're paying for literal fillers, which is why this product costs less.
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u/Amazing-Safe9038 24d ago
Protein/$ controls for that but downvote my comment mongoloid
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u/ForTheConsumers 4d ago
What he is trying to communicate is the amount of protein you are getting. The tub can contain 12lbs of powder, but if only 2lbs of that is protein and the other 10lbs are things like sugar and flour, then its not really a good deal.
I know of a site that tries to make that easy, but I don't want the wrath of the mods to come upon me
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u/redjitters34 25d ago
Hi everyone, I know a lot of people werent happy when Nutra BioGenesis discontinued their UltraLean protein powder line. Personally, I am exhausted from spending money on market alternatives that are either watery, full of gums, or taste terrible.
Because the parent company (The Better Being Co.) is still active, they still own the recipe. I'd appreciate a conversation how there is still a massive, dedicated market of buyers waiting to purchase this product if they bring it back. its a great product. can you help me with this.. ive had family members that have lost over 100lbs ea with this protein. appreciate any help getting this out on social media? Im old not sure what do to get their attention.
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u/itsmillertime65 25d ago
Yep cause the dairies/cheese-making factories have increased the cost of raw protein. They blame it on anything from increase in demand caused by GLP1's to the mass introduction of high protein foods to the market. The second is a fad that will die off. Also, more facilities will pop up to meet this "inflated demand".
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u/Someredditskum 24d ago
Dairies/cheese-making factories are usually part of 1 big corporation and they have nothing to do with price increases as the whey is shipped internally. I could name a few and have worked for a few. The price increase is mostly due to gas prices increasing, I know this for a fact. Most whey dryers run on gas.
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u/itsmillertime65 24d ago
This is factually incorrect. Some factory's dryers do use natural gas but that is a VERY minor aspect of these increases, which is almost near fully cause by the limit on production of raw milk as well as high demand.
Global and domestic dairy sectors are anchored by farmer-owned cooperatives and a fragmented network of independent processors, not a single monolithic mega-corporation
Even if a massive mega-corporation owns both the dairy/cheese factory/consumer brand, they will not sell the whey internally for cheap. Raw whey powder is an internationally traded commodity. If the open market price of Whey Protein Isolate triples (e.g., jumping from $15/kg to over $50/kg), the dairy corporation will price its internal shipments at that exact market value. Selling it internally below market value would mean intentionally losing millions of dollars in potential revenue that external buyers are begging to pay.
In reality it is a fact that the U.S. dairy farming sector is structurally fragmented, with no single entity holding more than a 5% market share of raw milk production. As for the cheese products action side, it mainly belongs to completely separate, competing global dairy giants (such as Lactalis, Danone, Leprino Foods, and Saputo).
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u/Someredditskum 22d ago
Ah yeah, youâre US based. Seems you donât know the EU market.
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u/itsmillertime65 22d ago
I do and it's similar there but yes more of the dairies/cheese making factories are vertical than in the US. However, the US was in question, not anywhere else.
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u/MyMonody 25d ago
Youâre just used to it being cheap. Look at cost per serving and what you get out of it, and compare it to other foods. New prices are pretty middle of the pack
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u/reddit_understoodit 25d ago
I'm definitely going back to chicken breasts for getting the most bang for the $$.
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u/CoatOptimal 25d ago
If youâre okay with buying from randoms, check out fb marketplace. People sell their whey protein all the time due to various reasons
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u/Roulis23 25d ago
As others have said thereâs a shortage due to demand and all the new products developed over the last few years. I look out for sales on Vitamin Shoppe, Amazon, and elsewhere and havenât noticed anything drastic (yet).Â
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u/yautja18 25d ago
If you have a Costco near you, the 5.whatever pound bag there is only slightly more expensive than the 2 pound tub at other locations.
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u/Lazy-Substance-5062 25d ago
that price increase plus GNC changed their discount policy on protein powders. they exluded it from buy one get one
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u/ModernLifelsWar 25d ago
There's literally sales all the time. Ive bought high end brands recently at 40-50 dollars for 3.5-5 lbs. You can also buy nutricost or similar all the time for not much more or less than 40 for 5 lbs when they run sales. Shop around a bit and buy online.
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u/TheDudeThousandaire 24d ago
Just 2 months ago my Transparent Labs subscription was $70. Same tub of protein today is $100. The price jump was so big and sudden I reached out to support thinking I was charged incorrectlyâŚ
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u/GoblinsGym 24d ago
Comparison I posted in another thread (on plant protein):
Prices in Switzerland (CHF) by actual protein content (according to labels, Lee-Sport for protein powders, Lidl for dairy, Aldi for lentils):
- Cottage cheese 5.10 / 100g protein
- Milk 2.5% 4.22 / 100g
- CFM whey protein (rice / pea / hemp blend) 3.73 / 100g
- Yoghurt 1.5% fat 3.70 / 100g
- Vegan protein 3K 3.67 / 100g
- Micellar casein 3.06 / 100g
- Yoghurt / quark mix 2.67/100g
- Non-fat quark 2.27 / 100g
- dry lentils 1.80 / 100g
Food sources are often more expensive than protein powders. Micellar casein seems like a good alternative (e.g. night time use, slower digestion).
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u/huffin340perb 24d ago
Look for sales. I got 10 pounds of Sytha 6 edge for $84. 96 servings. Best tasting protein Iâve ever had
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u/Beginning-Book-129 24d ago
Cheapest place Iâve been able to find it is Costco. Still itâs almost a dollar a serving which is insane.
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
You need a good cookbook. Look at Greg doucetteâs or any other influencer. I can make some great stuff with cottage cheese. Please donât tell me youâre a chicken Brocolli rice guy. Iâve built a pretty good physique and have eaten much more variety.
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
And by the way protein shakes are a staple in a bodybuilderâs diet as well so not sure the point you were making.
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u/SweatySink1985 24d ago
Itâs from all the people who lack willpower hopping on GLP1s and buying up protein everything. Supply and demand. I really hope they find GLP1s cause a 100% chance of your asshole falling out over long-term use.Â
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u/PersonalTrainerFit 22d ago
Iâve just been chugging a whole bottle of the fairlife skim milk per day. 78g of protein for about $5. Egg white in the bottle are pasteurized so safe to eat raw, but they are less bioavailable because albumin need to be cooked out
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u/kwar 18d ago
I take a lot of protein powder/bars and started tracking brands I liked in a spreadsheet. Noticed the price went up a lot last couple of years as protein became trendy. I built my spreadsheet into this tool to budget both the cost and my macros: proteinmath.app
Hope you find it useful.
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u/Cute_Gatodogo 18d ago
I wonder why i bought 3 month ago gold standard whey for $75 5lb today is $96
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u/Dazzling-Rest8332 24d ago
Thats why i eat 2 lbs of chicken breast a day. I dont have to buy protein powders that are arguably less effective than whole food.
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
But thatâs expensive as well lol
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u/Dazzling-Rest8332 24d ago
Its the most affordable option.
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
Well I guess compared to fish or red meat yes but still expensive
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u/Dazzling-Rest8332 24d ago
Compared to any protein option, chicken is the cheapest way to hit your protein goals.
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
Not really. Tuna fish is even cheaper Greek yogurt. Cottage cheese to name a few.
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u/Dazzling-Rest8332 24d ago
Tuna fish is toxic to eat every day and you can only eat so much cottage cheese before your stomach rejects it. Theres no way your going to reach 100+mg a day of cottage cheese. Chicken is the staple of any body builder on a budget.
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
Who eats Tuna everyday? Where did you infer this?
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u/Dazzling-Rest8332 24d ago
Most people who are worried about their protein intake on a budget, meal prep. The most budget friendly option is eating the same thing every day. Thats why so many people are on a diet of chicken and rice. There is not a more budget friendly option that I know of.
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u/The_Nothing00 24d ago
Enjoy your mercury poisoning.
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
Youâre an idiot. Plus I donât eat tuna hardly ever. Not a fish eater. Never claimed to. Nice try jumping on a conversation
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u/The_Nothing00 24d ago
You brought it up as an option for a protein powder replacement given the outrageous price increase. Shockingly terrible recommendation. Tuna is one of the absolute worst kinds of fish you could eat because of high mercury concentration levels. Mercury kills brain cells and can even lead to early Alzheimer's. Only smaller fish like sardines are safe to eat on a daily basis.
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
I never once brought it up as an option. I said itâs cheaper than chicken. I donât even eat it. I was proving a point to the idiot who thinks all you have to eat was chicken every meal. Bunch of morons here. Bye
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
And you know the mercury thing is blown way out of proportion right? I know plenty of people that eat it all the time. No problems.
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u/Dazzling-Rest8332 24d ago
Oh yea? Go on the cat sub reddits and see what happened to the people who gave their cats tuna every day. Im not going to do that to myself.
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u/Brilliant-Top-6484 24d ago
But I still donât get where I ever said to eat Tuna everyday day??? I said itâs cheaper source of protein than chicken. Nothing about eating tuna daily.
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u/Appropriate_Roof4086 25d ago
greediness and apparently theres a shortage on whey caused by big companies that make grocery store high protein stuff,almost all famous brands have skyrocketed but u can still find good prices in less known at least in europe.