Tackling High Whey Prices with Hybrid Protein Solutions

Rising whey protein prices and limited availability are creating pressure on manufacturers in the market. At the same time, consumer expectations for taste, texture, and nutrition remain high.

At Barentz, we recognise the current market challenges and provide hybrid protein solutions that combine our extensive range of premium human nutrition ingredients with strong technical expertise.

What is a hybrid protein solution?

A cost-effective solution is to replace part of the whey protein with an alternative, cheaper high quality protein source – while maintaining product performance in taste, texture and functionality.

Importantly, our internal development work shows that even 20% replacement can be achieved without noticeable loss in quality, making it a practical and scalable solution which is cost-effective compared to a 100% whey formulation creating reduced dependency on whey supply in the market.

Choosing the right alternative protein

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The choice of protein depends on your application, desired positioning, and technical requirements. Alternative proteins we can offer from our portfolio to replace partly whey, include:

  • Hydrolysed collagen – neutral taste, smooth mouthfeel

  • Pea – good stability, sustainable protein source

  • Oat – excellent taste, natural protein

  • Fava – high protein content, perfect for shakes

  • Chickpea – smooth mouthfeel, plant-forward protein

  • Rice – high protein content and low viscosity makes it great for drinks

  • Yeast – PDCAAS of 1 and slight umami taste, this makes it perfect for savoury high protein applications as well

  • Soy – color, taste and mouthfeel similar to whey

  • Instant Pea-Rice blend – PDCAAS of 1 and smooth mouthfeel


These proteins can be used individually or in tailored blends to achieve the right balance between cost, functionality, amino acids and consumer appeal.

Plant proteins

Cost-reduction comparison & positioning

Based on a whey replacement of 20% with one of our alternative proteins, it would create an estimated cost-reduction from 8- up to 17%.

But hybrid protein systems do more than just reduce costs. They also open new positioning opportunities. This allows brands to not only safeguard margins, but also differentiate in the market:

  • Plant-forward or hybrid positioning

  • Sustainability-driven storytelling

  • Functional benefits, such as beauty or active nutrition

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Maintaining quality: the technical perspective

Replacing whey is not just a cost exercise—it requires deep technical expertise to ensure the final product still meets expectations.

At Barentz, we have different hybrid protein concepts available that are developed and tested in our Human Nutrition Technical Centres. Here we store our knowledge about the different whey and alternative proteins, combinations and suitability for applications. Key parameters that are assessed are for example: solubility, viscosity, functionality, mouthfeel, taste, appeal and nutritional parameters. For example, if the 20% reduction replaced by a plant protein needs some flavour adjustment to ensure acceptable sensory performance, Barentz can support you from concept to final product.

Hybrid protein concepts

At Barentz, we have developed ready-to-use hybrid protein concepts that balance cost efficiency, functionality, and positioning opportunities. Examples include:

  • Hybrid high protein and/ or meal replacement shakes

  • Hybrid high protein and/ or meal replacement soups

  • Hybrid high protein bar

  • Hybrid high protein treat

  • Hybrid milk drink

Hybrid products are not an alternative, but a smart formulation strategy. Combining dairy with alternative proteins helps reduce costs, improve supply security, and maintain the taste and performance consumers expect. At Barentz, we combine ingredient expertise with application know-how to deliver market-ready solutions, together with you.

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Hybrid high protein bar

Get in touch

Get in touch

💡 Do you need help to define which protein alternative could be the best fit for your application or any other questions? Find out more about our Human Nutrition ingredients offer in your region through the Barentz local expert finder or contact us at HN@barentz.com.

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