India’s Dairy Giants Bet Big on Protein Boom
From shakes to cheeses, top brands innovate to bring affordable, protein-rich dairy to India’s expanding health-conscious market.
India’s leading dairy players are riding the growing wave of protein awareness by transforming everyday dairy products into high-protein staples for the masses. With 73% of Indian adults consuming less protein than recommended, the opportunity for innovation is immense. Brands like Amul, Parag, Danone, and MuscleBlaze are tailoring products—from high-protein milk to specialized yoghurts and spreads—to bridge this nutritional gap, targeting everyone from urban fitness enthusiasts to everyday consumers.
Amul is spearheading the push with a variety of products, including whey protein-fortified beverages and ready-to-drink protein shakes. According to R.S. Sodhi, President of the Indian Dairy Association, there’s a sharp uptick in demand for dairy-based protein, particularly in accessible formats. Danone is also expanding its Protinex brand with newer SKUs and a focus on e-commerce and offline retail. The aim is to normalize protein consumption across income segments, rather than market it solely as a premium health trend.
Meanwhile, startups like Milk Mantra and NutriMoo are joining the revolution with products like protein-rich Greek yoghurt and lab-tested fortified milk. MuscleBlaze, with its BodyFuel range and Protein Bars, is capitalizing on India’s fitness boom, targeting not only gym-goers but also children and the elderly. The key lies in offering scientifically backed, affordable products that blend seamlessly into traditional diets.
Retailers and nutritionists agree: India’s shift from carb-heavy meals to protein-balanced nutrition is real and accelerating. Experts emphasize that integrating protein into familiar foods—like paneer, dahi, and buttermilk—could unlock wide-scale nutritional impact without alienating culturally rooted diets. Marketing efforts now focus more on education and transparency than celebrity endorsements or hype.
With India’s protein market projected to grow from $500 million in 2022 to over $1 billion by 2027, the dairy industry is positioning itself at the forefront of this transformation. The convergence of affordability, innovation, and nutrition science is driving the sector’s evolution. As more companies prioritize protein-rich offerings, dairy is poised to become the primary source of accessible nutrition for India’s 1.4 billion people.
Source : Dairynews7x7 Dec 8th 2025 from our partner channel edairynews.com