Whey, initially regarded as waste from cheese production, has become a pivotal ingredient in protein supplements. Cheesemakers like Ken Heiman emphasize that whey enhances their profitability, overshadowing traditional cheese sales. This market demand is fueled by rising health trends promoting protein intake for various reasons, including aging health, muscle building among weightlifters, and dietary preferences such as Keto. Additionally, the use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic has spurred a need for higher protein consumption to prevent muscle loss in patients.
"We ought to be thanking people who are buying whey protein at Aldi's," said Heiman, who, in addition to being a Master Cheesemaker, is Nasonville's CEO. "It definitely enhances the bottom line."
Whey is so valuable because it can deliver a lot of protein in a small caloric package, and in case you haven't noticed, exhortations to consume more protein have popped up everywhere over the past two decades.
Doctors recommend additional protein for healthy aging. Weightlifters often take protein to build muscle, and more women and members of Generation Z are taking up the sport.
The demand for whey has been turbocharged by the growing use of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic. Patients taking those drugs are advised to increase their protein intake to avoid muscle loss.
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