Why Have Protein Powder Prices Risen Insanely?

tigs6969 on 26/04/2025 - 16:46
Last edited 26/04/2025 - 18:31 by 2 other users

Honestly they have skyrocketed. It's insane. Even Amino Z have gone up. Bulk Nutrients are high too.

Any sneaky specials out there for WPI for like 40 bucks?

If not then I guess no more protein powder for me.

To add to this: I buy ceremonial cacao every so often. There is a notorious cacao shortage. The cacao place I usually buy from only upped their prices by 5 bucks. Only (profanity) 5 bucks. How the (profanity) can a cacao place only raise their prices 5 bucks even with a cacao shortage and Cadbury is 5000 dollars a block now but Protein Powder is price gouged to high hell ?

Food & Grocery Bodybuilding Supplement Protein Powder

Comments

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 26/04/2025 - 17:11
    +11

    The official email communication from @AminoZ is

    TL:DR; is that protein prices have almost doubled recently with global supply shortages, inflation, supply chain disruptions and the falling Aussie dollar.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 26/04/2025 - 17:12
      +1

      @AminoZ

      • tigs6969 on 26/04/2025 - 17:14
        +1

        Thanks Asian Jim! No more WPI it seems. I'll just hit the Pepitas and Sunflower seeds more I guess.

        • ATTS on 28/04/2025 - 08:36

          Curious how often do u drink protein powders?

        • ATTS on 28/04/2025 - 08:36

          Do people still drink raw eggs for protein?

          • meong on 28/04/2025 - 08:46
            +7

            @ATTS: can you even buy eggs these days?

            • Gdsamp on 28/04/2025 - 09:38
              +8

              @meong: It's a carton of eggs, Michael, what could it cost? $4.20?

              • meong on 28/04/2025 - 12:16
                +1

                @Gdsamp: I think $10 would be the correct price these days!!!

        • squaredonut on 28/04/2025 - 13:50

          Going to be painful when going to the toilet. I once got into a habbit of eating a lot of sunflower seeds, never again, was very painful for many days.

    • hazzad on 27/04/2025 - 10:02
      +1

      The Aussie dollar fall was a blip on the map. Surely they would not have factored in any price change based on that ? The only realistic excuse they may have is shortage but again where's the proof? Probably just a popularity price rise under the guise of a bunch of other crap.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 27/04/2025 - 10:05
        +6

        The email communication from aminoz did also reference tariffs as well now that I re-read it. But yeah I guess this must be some giant conspiracy by Big Protein, Big Cacao, and Big Global Economy.

        I thought we might see a reply now from Jay at Aminoz seeing there was/is a huge following from ozbargain members.

  • DashCam AKA Rolts on 26/04/2025 - 17:54

    Tariffs?

    • TilacVIP on 27/04/2025 - 09:18
      +4

      they were extremely expensive way before this tariffs BS came to light

    • tenpercent on 28/04/2025 - 12:18
      +7

      No. We are not US consumers importing protein powder from Chyna.

      • stuckster on 28/04/2025 - 16:59

        Many AU supplement companies buy their raw materials from the US. So perhaps the US suppliers are passing on the increased costs of obtaining the materials (unless they are actually produced in the US).

  • nswnotill on 26/04/2025 - 18:27
    -1

    Aim for more pulse grain in your diet (chickpeas, lentil, faba bean, field pea) They all have plenty of protein and fibre as well.

    • FareEvader on 26/04/2025 - 19:09
      +11

      Meat protein >

    • tenpercent on 27/04/2025 - 09:39

      You might want to check the digestibilty of the protein.

    • duchy on 28/04/2025 - 13:34
      +2

      Do you know how many beans I'd need to eat to consume 150g of protein a day?

      I really can't wat 2kgs of beans a day, sorry.

      • Dsiee on 28/04/2025 - 17:32
        -1

        If you eat nothing but roasted chickpeas (quite a yummy snack) it would be 250-350g.

  • NocteRegem on 26/04/2025 - 20:39
    +13

    Some alternatives ranked courtesy of our AI friend:

    Rank Food Item Price per kg Protein per 100g Energy per 100g (kJ) Energy per 90g Protein Cost per gram of Protein Notes
    1 Woolworths Black Beans (Canned) $1.00 9.4g 441 kJ 4222 $0.01 Plant-based protein; good in various cuisines
    2 Katoomba Red Lentils $3.00 24.5g 1272 kJ 4673 $0.01 Quick-cooking; versatile in dishes
    3 Woolworths Red Kidney Beans (Canned) $1.00 8.4g 466 kJ 4993 $0.01 Ready-to-eat; great in salads and stews
    4 Katoomba Chana Dal $2.80 22g 1464 kJ 5989 $0.01 High in protein and fiber; requires cooking
    5 Woolworths Skim Milk Powder $6.00 36g 1460 kJ 3650 $0.02 Long shelf-life; mix with water
    6 Woolworths Tofu (Firm) $3.00 14.8g 541 kJ 3290 $0.02 Plant-based; absorbs flavors well
    7 Woolworths Roasted Peanuts (Salted) $6.00 26.5g 2134 kJ 7248 $0.02 High in calories; good for snacking
    8 Woolworths Chicken Drumsticks $4.50 17.6g 645 kJ 3298 $0.03 Economical meat option; bake or grill
    9 Coles Whole Chicken (RSPCA Approved) $6.00 23.1g 685 kJ 2669 $0.03 Whole bird; multiple meal uses
    10 Woolworths Eggs (Dozen) $4.50 13g 533 kJ 3690 $0.04 Versatile; complete protein source
    11 Woolworths Pork Leg Roast (Boneless) $8.00 22g 686 kJ 2806 $0.04 Roast option; lean protein
    12 Coles Simply Tuna in Springwater (95g) $1.00 25.3g 464 kJ 1651 $0.04 Convenient; high-quality protein
    13 Mayfair Knob Devon $5.00 11.4g 874 kJ 6900 $0.04 Processed meat; check sodium content
    14 Amino Z Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) $50.00 90g 1530 kJ 1530 $0.06 High purity; quick absorption; ideal for post-workout supplementation
    15 Woolworths Beef Mince (Regular) $10.00 15.9g 953 kJ 5394 $0.06 Commonly used; various fat contents available
    16 Woolworths Greek Yogurt (Plain, 1kg tub) $5.00 5g 489 kJ 8802 $0.10 Probiotic benefits; snack or meal addition

    • RotundPolarBear on 26/04/2025 - 23:04

      What bot did you use for this? Does it have all the Australian info or did you provide it?

      • Dsiee on 28/04/2025 - 17:32
        +1

        Probably just hallucinations

    • Grunntt on 27/04/2025 - 08:36
      +1

      1 beans
      5 milk
      7 peanuts
      11 pork
      13 ???

      • Assburg on 28/04/2025 - 16:46
        +1

        This is my favourite recipe

    • tenpercent on 27/04/2025 - 09:37

      You might want to adjust for digestibility of the protein.

    • cfuse on 27/04/2025 - 13:01
      +8

      There's a lot of fart on that list.

      • Snoozer on 27/04/2025 - 19:09

        Yeah exactly my thoughts. My poor guts can't tolerate a lot of that stuff.

    • ps3_andy on 27/04/2025 - 23:12

      Take these prices and protein numbers with a grain of salt, woolies canned black beans are certainly not $1/kg, they are $1 a can though (420g)

    • samfisher5986 on 28/04/2025 - 10:44
      +4

      Just FYI, most people buying protein are doing it for low carbohydrates and something easy to consume.

      The majority of your ChatGPT list wouldn't work.

    • Nuclearvodka on 28/04/2025 - 17:52

      I like Kangaroo mince at $11/kg usually at Coles.

      Add some mexican spices, and you've got some lean nachos/burritos/chili con carne etc.

  • theHMASfriendship on 26/04/2025 - 20:42
    +8

    Inflation has hit gains Albo has gone too far this time

    • Charity on 27/04/2025 - 10:44
      -3

      Many aussies think Albo is the messiah lol

      • cfuse on 27/04/2025 - 13:00
        -4

        90% of voters are morons, but in their defence 100% of those on the ballot don't deserve a vote.

      • ColtNoir on 28/04/2025 - 15:59

        It’s been the battle of the dregs for years. Who’s the least dreggy of the dregs.

      • Nuclearvodka on 28/04/2025 - 17:53
        +1

        He's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy.

        Still better than the spud though

      • andyfc on 28/04/2025 - 19:34
        +1

        Uhh…that comment appears to be facetious because it's obvious to anyone with a brain that Albo didn't have anything to do with global inflation…..

        • duluxe2000 on 29/04/2025 - 00:44

          Australian household inflation-adjusted real disposable income felt 8% (Mar-2024) compared to Mar-2022 : this is the worst among 20 OECD economies.

    • Dsiee on 28/04/2025 - 17:34
      +1

      This wasn't a political decision. Even the inflation pre-dates this government. Why get political over protein powder of all things?

  • stuckster on 26/04/2025 - 20:43
    +2

    Drop back to WPC or try some Micellar Casein. Both can be bought for <$40/kg.

    Interestingly WPI still represents good value when comparing $/g of protein, especially when adjusted for quality.

  • JIMB0 on 26/04/2025 - 21:40
    +1

    That's some good gains.

  • Ozbar Gain on 27/04/2025 - 07:25

    Try Bulk Nutrients soy Isolate. It's cheaper than WPI.

    I know whey is better than soy but soy is still a complete protein and my man boobs haven't grown yet

    • backpaqer on 27/04/2025 - 09:27
      +1

      A mate works in the bulk food industry and he says soy powder is essentially all it is and the "industry" is buying it super cheap and making an absolute killing on it. It costs $2 a kilo at the docks. The prices have not doubled, we get most of it from China. The "doubling" in prices is probably the owners of the protein peddlers needing to buy another Lamborghini to keep up with their mates.

      • Ozbar Gain on 27/04/2025 - 15:52
        +1

        Your mate is ill informed. The protein content is much higher in soy Isolate than soy powder

        • tenpercent on 28/04/2025 - 12:21

          How do you know they're not cutting the isolate with basic soy powder?
          It happens with olive oil (gets cut with small amounts of cheaper seed oils).
          No one is policing it.

          • Ozbar Gain on 28/04/2025 - 13:07
            +2

            @tenpercent: If you don't trust the nutritional info on the packaging, why buy any products then??

            • Dsiee on 28/04/2025 - 17:35

              @Ozbar Gain: Just buy cement, the bag is lying as they actually fill it with blueberry flavoured whey mix.

    • tigs6969 on 27/04/2025 - 10:52

      Never thought about soy or vegan. From what I gather, vegan blend is better with the acids etc and Myprotein has the vegan protein on special for a reasonable price.
      Cheers

      • buckster on 27/04/2025 - 21:24
        +1

        Vegan tastes fairly nasty though

      • zfind on 28/04/2025 - 15:22

        Bulk Nutrient’s pea protein in chocolate flavour is really good - has a slightly grainy / thicker / floury texture but easily drinkable and eliminates a dairy source from your diet if that’s your thing (is for me).

  • BobsYourAunty on 27/04/2025 - 11:09
    +6

    Can’t put a price on gainz.

    • cfuse on 27/04/2025 - 13:01

      Tell that to my dealer.

  • MeatyOne on 27/04/2025 - 16:51
    +1

    Just wait for the Woolworths/Coles half price specials. Every 4-6 weeks they have half price on the bulk of their fitness supplements and you can get good prices on the BSc range and Muscle Nation range. That's when I tend to stock up.

    • highon2str on 27/04/2025 - 18:25

      when was the last one or next sale you reckon? Running low on supplies…

      • MeatyOne on 27/04/2025 - 19:39

        I reckon Woolworths may be this week, or next. Coles is possibly 2 weeks off.

  • dasher86 on 27/04/2025 - 22:23

    It's most likely to do with fluctuations in the global dairy trade index. Butter is the highest it's been in the past five years. Dairy manufacturers in this situation will most likely switch to butter production over cheese (whey powder is a bi product of cheese making).

  • Stevecro on 28/04/2025 - 06:58
    +2

    You don't need protein powder, its too expensive these days. Chicken, lean beef mince, turkey mince, eggs, cottage cheese etc are very high in protein and very cheap for the amount of protein you get per serve. Also reconsider whether you need as much protein as you think you do.

    • zfind on 28/04/2025 - 15:24
      -2

      Some of these have a noticeable amount of saturated fat, if you’re trying to look after your heart it’s best to be careful / take note. Turkey got me, I thought it was a healthy option but had more satty fats than I expected.

      • Dsiee on 28/04/2025 - 17:37

        I don't think this advice is current with the more recent literature.

        • zfind on 28/04/2025 - 18:22

          Interesting, I’ll need to go back for another look. Cheers

    • borrisz0r on 28/04/2025 - 17:20

      Agree, plenty of food based options are available, but it's all subjective and needs to consider your circumstances. I train 10-11 times per week (gym, running and karate), without a good protein powder, I am noticeably more sore without it. I also start dropping size/weight, which is a problem with my slim frame.

      Someone going to the gym 3 times per week and not pushing hard probably doesn't need to supplement ,a good diet should cover it.

  • blackhorn on 28/04/2025 - 09:14

    better import WPI directly from china

    • tenpercent on 28/04/2025 - 15:41
      +3

      Is that the Mandarin word for melamine?

  • lonewolf on 28/04/2025 - 11:44

    I have been buying Protein powders (both local and international for 30 years. I would say prices have gone up for Multiple reasons.
    A lot more demand for it in lots of different products not just protein powders as more people are into the health craze.
    a lot of our dairy gets exported so less available for us.
    Because some distributors / retailers know they can increase the price and make higher profits.

    Other question is how much larger has the dairy industry gotten in regards to also populations. I remember back in the day AUS protein was way cheaper than US protein (after shipping / tax etc) but then it got to a point it was cheaper to import in US protein which was a joke and made no sense. Shame really as NZ and Aus dairy is some of the best in the world if not the best. I used to also buy the 20/25kg sacks of WPC / WPI direct from the dairy manufacturers. Even those prices skyrocketed.

    • tenpercent on 28/04/2025 - 11:51
      +2

      Milk and other milk-based products haven't gone up as much. So I think there's a bit of price gouging testing to see what prices the consumer market will accept.

      • lonewolf on 28/04/2025 - 11:52
        +1

        I am sure there is since the health craze and a lot of people pay so much money for crap Protein products. The other companies see this and think Damn, if peopel are willing to pay that, why dont we increase our prices too.

  • cobknob on 28/04/2025 - 12:54

    Talking vegan powders only. To be honest it's all bullsh*#. Pure Product vegan is only 37$ and hasn't increased much so. Looking at past orders. Amino Z is steep and Bulk Nutrients is similar to Pure Product. Although I like Amino Z, it's too pricey. 55-60$ for 1kg vegan protein isn't budget friendly!

    I'll wait for deals… Inflation==Extortion 99% of the time!

  • tenpercent on 28/04/2025 - 22:08
    -3

    I've noticed whey and WPI prices have gone up drastically since Albo became PM.

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