Protein powder is a popular supplement for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. But what’s the deal with the price? Why is it so expensive? Do you really need to buy it?
Protein powder supplements are often quite costly. There are several reasons for this, and they include the cost of ingredients, manufacture, and distribution. Not to mention that many protein powders are imported, adding to the cost.
Does it really matter if you pay more for protein powder as well? Unfortunately, price does matter, and this guide is here so that we can take you through all the reasons why.
Key Takeaways:
- Protein powder is expensive because of the special equipment and facilities needed for production, the costly raw materials used, and the expensive marketing and distribution required.
- Despite the high price, protein powder can be a valuable tool for those looking to build muscle mass.
- There are ways to save money on protein powder, such as buying it in bulk or using a subscription service.
Why is Protein Powder So Expensive?
Protein powder is a very popular supplement to help REPLENISH energy and build muscle, especially after you’ve been working out. The only downside is that it’s pretty COSTLY if you want to use it regularly.
But WHY is protein powder so expensive? There has to be a good reason for it, and there are actually several. Let’s take a closer look.
The Cost of Ingredients
Many of the ingredients used in protein powder are NOT cheap. For example, whey protein isolate (WPI) is a high-quality protein that is popular in protein powders.
To produce WPI, whey protein concentrate (WPC) must go through a process of filtration to remove fat and lactose. This makes it a “lighter” protein that is easier for your body to absorb.
Pro Tip: WPI is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
The Cost of Packaging
Protein powder often comes in single-use packets or tubs, which can add to the cost.
Not only that, but protein powder is a “high-touch” product, meaning that it often needs to be handled with care. This can add to the packaging costs as well.
The Cost of Marketing
Protein powder is often marketed as a “must-have” supplement for athletes and bodybuilders. This means that protein powder companies often spend A LOT of money on marketing and advertising.
The Cost of Manufacturing
Protein powder must be manufactured in facilities that meet STRINGENT quality standards. This means that the equipment and facilities used to produce protein powder can be quite expensive [1].
In addition, protein powder is often produced in SMALL batches to ensure quality. This can also add to the cost of manufacturing protein powder.
The Cost of Shipping
Protein powder often needs to be shipped quickly and carefully to maintain its quality. This can add to the cost of shipping protein powder. And because of the limited shelf life, protein powder manufacturers don’t want to waste time on ingredients spending months in transport.
Supply and Demand
Another reason why protein powder is so expensive is that there is often more DEMAND than SUPPLY. This means that protein powder companies can charge more for their product because there are people who are willing to pay the higher price.
Imported Protein Powder is More Expensive
Finally, protein powder imported from other countries is often more expensive than protein powder produced domestically. This is because there are often tariffs and other taxes associated with imported protein powder.
Is There a Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Protein Powder?
Now that we’ve looked at some of the reasons why protein powder is so expensive, you might be wondering if there is a difference between cheap and expensive protein powder.
The answer is YES; there can be a big difference. Protein powder costs massively reflect the quality, and cheap protein powders are unlikely to meet your standards.
Cheap protein powder is often made with lower-quality ingredients and is not manufactured in facilities that meet strict quality standards. This means that cheap protein powder is often not as effective as expensive protein powder.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a protein powder that is effective and reasonably priced, you’ll need to do your research to find a protein powder that balances out in terms of price and quality.
Is Soy Protein More Expensive Than Whey Protein?
No, soy protein powders are not more expensive than whey protein. In fact, soy protein is often CHEAPER than whey concentrate protein. Not all protein powders were created equal, and this is reflected in the price.
This is because soy protein is a plant-based protein, and plant-based proteins are often LESS expensive than animal-based proteins.
However, it is important to note that studies show soy protein is not as effective as whey protein in terms of building MUSCLE [2]. The more expensive protein powders are often the ones that are good for lean muscle mass and body weight.
All of the essential amino acids and nutrients that make protein powder so expensive also contribute to what makes a QUALITY protein powder – making whey protein the one to choose.
So, if you’re looking for an effective and reasonably priced protein powder, you’ll want to choose whey isolate OVER soy protein.
How Can You Save Money on Protein Powder?
If you want to SAVE money on protein powder, there are a few things you can do:
- Look for protein powder sales
- Compare prices between different protein powder brands
- Buy protein powder in bulk
- Join a protein powder subscription program
- Use a protein powder coupon
All of these methods are fairly easy to come by, and many leading brands have REGULAR sales as well as special coupons for when you place your first order (time to create multiple new accounts). Every little helps towards bringing down the cost.
Final Thoughts
All of these costs – the cost of ingredients, the cost of packaging, and the cost of marketing – can add up, making protein powder a relatively EXPENSIVE supplement.
Even though protein powder is expensive, it can be a valuable tool for those looking to build muscle mass. We hope this guide has been able to shed more light on WHY protein powder carries a higher price tag.
So, if you’re thinking about using protein powder, don’t let the price deter you. It will likely be worth it in the end.
Sources:
- https://www.fda.gov/food/current-good-manufacturing-practices-cgmps-food-and-dietary-supplements/current-good-manufacturing-practices-cgmps-dietary-supplements
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7312446/
