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Food companies are adding fermented yeast protein to their product ranges as whey becomes more expensive and harder to source, according to a report by Hindustan Times. The shift gives brands another protein option to sell; it does not, by itself, show that yeast protein is nutritionally superior or currently cheaper per gram of protein.
Why companies are adding yeast protein
The commercial case described by Hindustan Times is a combination of supply pressure and product choice. Whey is derived from milk, and industry executives quoted in the report said whey powder prices had climbed sharply. Food companies are therefore looking to diversify their offerings with a protein source that can be used in formats beyond traditional whey powders.
Hindustan Times describes yeast protein as a middle ground between dairy-based and plant-based proteins. That is category framing, not a standardized nutritional comparison: the report does not provide product-by-product ingredient labels, amino-acid profiles, or independent digestibility data. Whether a particular yeast product suits a consumer depends on its full formulation and individual needs.
What the reported prices and market figures show
The figures below are those reported by Hindustan Times, with the original attributions and time qualifications. They are not independently verified current quotations or outcomes.
#1 Best Overall
- High Protein Plant Based Nutrition: Get a 31g of plant protein per scoop from a clean vegan yeast protein blend designed to fit easily into your daily routine. Ideal for people who struggle to reach protein goals through food alone, this unflavored protein powder supports busy lifestyles, home workouts and meal prep without artificial flavors or heavy sweetness.
- Non Bloating, Easy to Digest Formula: Say goodbye to the discomfort many experience with dairy or heavy protein powders. This vegan protein powder is crafted for a lighter feel, helping reduce common bloating concerns while still delivering high protein content. Perfect for those with sensitive stomachs who want a smoother protein experience without feeling weighed down.
- Mixes Smoothly Into Any Recipe: No gritty texture or overpowering taste. This unflavored plant protein blends easily into smoothies, shakes, oatmeal, soups or baked goods, making it effortless protein in everyday meals. Ideal for anyone tired of flavored powders that clash with recipes or limit how you can use your protein.
- Clean, Minimal Ingredient Blend: Made with a simple plant-based formula and no unnecessary fillers, this protein powder fits well into clean eating habits. Whether you’re tracking macros, following a vegan lifestyle or simply trying to make smarter food choices, this powder helps you add protein without complicating your ingredient list.
- Perfect for Active & Busy Lifestyles: Designed for fitness enthusiasts, professionals and families alike, this easy-mix protein powder supports meal prepping, quick breakfasts and post-workout shakes. Keep it at home, in the office or in your gym bag to stay consistent with your nutrition goals—even on your most hectic days.
| Measure | Reported figure | Attribution and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Indian protein supplements market | ₹7,461 crore in 2024; projected to reach ₹13,186 crore by 2033 | India Brand Equity Foundation estimate and projection, as attributed by Hindustan Times; the 2033 figure is a projection, not an observed result. |
| Average daily protein intake and cited recommendation | 47 g per person daily; 60 g cited as the recommendation | ICMR figures as attributed by Hindustan Times; the underlying guidance was not independently checked. |
| Whey protein powder | More than ₹4,500 per kg, compared with around ₹1,000 in 2023 | Industry executives quoted by Hindustan Times; reported comparison, not a live market price check. |
| Supplement-grade whey concentrate | Nearly ₹30 lakh per tonne at the time of reporting, compared with about ₹4.5 lakh per tonne in mid-2023 | Industry executives quoted by Hindustan Times; the report’s publication-time figure is not a current quote. |
| Horlicks Protein powder sachet | Around ₹83 per serving | Hindustan Times publication-time price; not a current price. |
| Horlicks Protein ready-to-drink shake | ₹120 | Hindustan Times publication-time price; not a current price. |
The market projection indicates an expected expansion in the category, while the whey figures help explain why manufacturers are exploring alternatives. Neither establishes that yeast protein costs less than whey on a like-for-like basis: that would require current prices and the protein content per serving of specific products.
Which companies and products are involved
Hindustan Unilever: Horlicks Protein
HUL launched Horlicks Protein in powder-sachet and ready-to-drink formats, selecting fermented yeast protein for the range, according to Hindustan Times. HUL executive director for foods Rajneet Kohli cited quality, cost, and digestibility as considerations. Those are company reasons reported by the newspaper, not the findings of a comparative nutrition study.
Rank #2
- Mixes Smoothly Into Any Recipe: No gritty texture or overpowering taste. This unflavored plant protein blends easily into smoothies, shakes, oatmeal, soups or baked goods, making it effortless protein in everyday meals. Ideal for anyone tired of flavored powders that clash with recipes or limit how you can use your protein.
Kohli also said, “Our job is to expand the category,” and described the launch as an opportunity to reach more consumers. He estimated that about 3% of Indian households consume protein products; that figure is his estimate as reported by Hindustan Times, not a verified household survey result.
Marico: Cosmix Wellness
Hindustan Times reports that Cosmix began with plant-based supplements, introduced a plant-and-yeast blend in January 2025, and later developed a dedicated yeast-protein range using its proprietary Fermagut fermentation process. The report says Marico acquired a 60% stake for ₹226 crore, valuing Cosmix at about ₹375 crore, and identifies the transaction as occurring in February. The year is not established in the available report text, so it should not be inferred here.
Rank #3
- PROTEIN + CREATINE IN ONE DAILY SCOOP: Stop taking two supplements. RNWY Complete Protein delivers 25g of YESTEIN fermented yeast protein and 5g of creatine monohydrate in every serving. Clinically shown to build lean muscle and support athletic recovery, simplified into one post-workout shake.
- YEAST PROTEIN AS EFFECTIVE AS WHEY: YESTEIN is a fermented yeast protein shown in research to match whey in lean mass and strength gains, completely dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. We pair it with a digestive enzyme complex (alpha-amylase, protease, lactase, lipase, cellulase) for enhanced absorption and zero bloat.*
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- DAIRY-FREE · GLUTEN-FREE · NON-GMO · SUGAR-FREE · VEGAN: No fillers. No artificial junk. No shortcuts. RNWY Complete Protein is made for athletes who demand more from their nutrition. Comes in Chocolate. 21 servings per container.
SuperYou
The report describes SuperYou as an early entrant in yeast protein and says it is developing yeast-and-whey products, including yeast-protein biscuits. Co-founder Nikunj Biyani said the brand’s yeast-protein prices had risen 20% over the preceding six months, but the report supplies no price series or independently audited measure. Biyani also reported repeat purchases above 60% and did not disclose the range’s share of company revenue. These are statements by a company representative, not independently verified performance data.
What buyers should compare before choosing a product
The report does not establish a universal winner among whey, yeast, or plant proteins. A useful comparison starts with the products’ current labels and local prices, rather than a protein-source label alone.
Rank #4
- High Protein Plant Based Nutrition: Get a 31g of plant protein per scoop from a clean vegan yeast protein blend designed to fit easily into your daily routine. Ideal for people who struggle to reach protein goals through food alone, this unflavored protein powder supports busy lifestyles, home workouts and meal prep without artificial flavors or heavy sweetness.
- Non Bloating, Easy to Digest Formula: Say goodbye to the discomfort many experience with dairy or heavy protein powders. This vegan protein powder is crafted for a lighter feel, helping reduce common bloating concerns while still delivering high protein content. Perfect for those with sensitive stomachs who want a smoother protein experience without feeling weighed down.
- Mixes Smoothly Into Any Recipe: No gritty texture or overpowering taste. This unflavored plant protein blends easily into smoothies, shakes, oatmeal, soups or baked goods, making it effortless protein in everyday meals. Ideal for anyone tired of flavored powders that clash with recipes or limit how you can use your protein.
- Clean, Minimal Ingredient Blend: Made with a simple plant-based formula and no unnecessary fillers, this protein powder fits well into clean eating habits. Whether you’re tracking macros, following a vegan lifestyle or simply trying to make smarter food choices, this powder helps you add protein without complicating your ingredient list.
- Perfect for Active & Busy Lifestyles: Designed for fitness enthusiasts, professionals and families alike, this easy-mix protein powder supports meal prepping, quick breakfasts and post-workout shakes. Keep it at home, in the office or in your gym bag to stay consistent with your nutrition goals—even on your most hectic days.
- Ingredients and allergens: Check the complete ingredient panel and allergen statement. Yeast protein should not be assumed to mean a product is dairy-free or lactose-free; formulations can include other ingredients.
- Protein amount: Compare protein per serving alongside serving size. A price per serving can be misleading when serving sizes or protein amounts differ.
- Cost per gram: Use current local listings to calculate price divided by grams of protein in the serving. The reported Horlicks prices are publication-time figures and do not permit a current comparison.
- Format and use: Consider whether the product is a sachet, ready-to-drink shake, blend, or biscuit, and whether that format works for your routine.
- Suitability claims: Treat claims about digestibility or quality as product or company claims unless supported by independent evidence. For individual dietary or medical concerns, consult an appropriate clinician.
- Availability and formulation: Confirm current product availability and the exact formulation in your market. Hindustan Times names SuperYou and Cosmix offerings but does not establish their current listings or specifications.
What this shift does—and does not—mean
Yeast protein’s emergence is best understood as a commercial response to whey cost and supply pressures, alongside efforts to broaden protein-product choices. Hindustan Times quotes Biyani saying, “As a brand, our goal is to offer good options across the whole spectrum for the consumer and let the consumer choose.” Whether an individual option is affordable, nutritionally suitable, or preferable depends on its actual label, price, and the consumer’s needs—not on the category trend alone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- High Protein Plant Based Nutrition: Get a 31g of plant protein per scoop from a clean vegan yeast protein blend designed to fit easily into your daily routine. Ideal for people who struggle to reach protein goals through food alone, this unflavored protein powder supports busy lifestyles, home workouts and meal prep without artificial flavors or heavy sweetness.
- Non Bloating, Easy to Digest Formula: Say goodbye to the discomfort many experience with dairy or heavy protein powders. This vegan protein powder is crafted for a lighter feel, helping reduce common bloating concerns while still delivering high protein content. Perfect for those with sensitive stomachs who want a smoother protein experience without feeling weighed down.
- Mixes Smoothly Into Any Recipe: No gritty texture or overpowering taste. This unflavored plant protein blends easily into smoothies, shakes, oatmeal, soups or baked goods, making it effortless protein in everyday meals. Ideal for anyone tired of flavored powders that clash with recipes or limit how you can use your protein.
- Clean, Minimal Ingredient Blend: Made with a simple plant-based formula and no unnecessary fillers, this protein powder fits well into clean eating habits. Whether you’re tracking macros, following a vegan lifestyle or simply trying to make smarter food choices, this powder helps you add protein without complicating your ingredient list.
- Perfect for Active & Busy Lifestyles: Designed for fitness enthusiasts, professionals and families alike, this easy-mix protein powder supports meal prepping, quick breakfasts and post-workout shakes. Keep it at home, in the office or in your gym bag to stay consistent with your nutrition goals—even on your most hectic days.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
