Sales of Greek yogurt (which has roughly double the protein of regular yogurt) skyrocketed in the United States from 2010 to 2014, but show signs of flattening in 2015. High-quality dairy proteins will face some serious competition in the coming years from a variety of emerging plant proteins with lower quality and lower price tags. But dairy will likely continue to dominate specific categories, including beverages, sports nutrition and Greek yogurt. Dairy proteins may find opportunities in new niche markets.
There’s ongoing debate over whether Americans currently get enough protein. But the scientific evidence supports the benefit of added protein for older adults and athletes, and the role of higher-protein diets in helping reduce the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and sarcopenia. Let’s look at the protein needs of various groups in the population.