Rising global demand and higher costs for whey protein are putting upward pressure on the price of protein powder, including products sold in Swift Current.
Kirklan Wotypka, store manager at Supplement King in Swift Current, said the price increases have come as a surprise to some customers, although the broader trend has been developing for some time.
“We were definitely shocked but not fully surprised about the issue and why it’s happening,” Wotypka said.
He said the growing emphasis on protein in people’s diets has increased demand for protein products, with manufacturers also adding protein to a wider range of foods.
“Everyone wants to be getting more protein in their diet,” Wotypka said. “So companies are aware of that and adding more protein into everything they make.”
Whey costs climbing
Whey protein concentrate, commonly referred to as WPC80, has seen significant price increases as global demand has grown and supplies have tightened.
The WPC80 market was reported to have increased by about 60 per cent during 2025, with buyers facing another substantial increase by June 2026.
Wotypka said customers have noticed the higher prices and have been asking why their favourite products are becoming more expensive.
“They have definitely been shocked and questioned why that’s been happening,” he said.
Wotypka said customers are being told that a global protein shortage is contributing to the increases.
Despite the higher prices, he said the impact on Supplement King’s business has so far been limited.
“It has a little bit, but nothing too drastically,” Wotypka said. “People are still buying what they need regardless of the price.”
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Alternatives available
As the cost of whey protein rises, some consumers have been looking for alternatives.
Supplement King carries several plant-based protein options, including pea, rice, and soy-based products. The store also carries beef-based protein products, which Wotypka said are a newer option for consumers.
“We do also carry beef proteins as well, which has been a newer thing coming in,” he said.
Wotypka said the response to the beef-based products has been positive, with customers giving them good reviews.
“They’re not as expensive as the whey stuff but a lot of good reviews,” he said.
Focusing on value
Wotypka said supplement brands are also emphasizing the quality of their products as consumers weigh the higher cost of protein powders.
He said many of the brands carried by Supplement King have focused on the quality of their protein sources and other ingredients while promoting the value of their products.
“Yes, prices are high, but it’s definitely worth the money,” Wotypka said.
Wotypka said he could not comment on whether the business is considering applying for federal tariff relief, as those decisions are handled by the company’s management and ordering staff.