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Freedom251 › Blog › Horlicks Protein

Why Food Firms Are Turning to Yeast Protein as Whey Prices Rise

By Freedom251 Team · · 4 min read

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Food companies in India are adding fermented yeast protein to their product ranges as whey becomes more expensive and supply-constrained, according to a Hindustan Times report. HUL’s Horlicks Protein is the clearest example: the range uses fermented yeast protein in powder-sachet and ready-to-drink formats. The move gives companies another protein source to sell, but it does not establish that yeast protein is nutritionally or economically better for every consumer.

Why companies are looking beyond whey

Whey is derived from milk and is a familiar ingredient in protein supplements. The Hindustan Times report attributes companies’ interest in alternatives partly to constraints on whey supply and rising prices. Executives quoted by the newspaper said whey protein powder had climbed to more than ₹4,500 per kg, from around ₹1,000 in 2023. They also put supplement-grade whey concentrate at nearly ₹30 lakh per tonne at the time of reporting, compared with about ₹4.5 lakh per tonne in mid-2023. These are reported industry figures, not independently checked market quotations.

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For food firms, using another protein source can diversify a product range rather than leave it dependent on dairy-based ingredients. HUL executive director Rajneet Kohli told Hindustan Times, “Our job is to expand the category,” and said the company chose fermented yeast protein with quality, cost and digestibility in mind. Those are HUL’s stated reasons, not the findings of an independent comparison of protein sources.

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What the reported products show

HUL’s Horlicks Protein

HUL launched Horlicks Protein as powder sachets and ready-to-drink shakes, with fermented yeast protein selected for the range, according to the report. Hindustan Times listed publication-time prices of around ₹83 per powder serving and ₹120 for a ready-to-drink shake. Those figures are not current-price guidance; check a live local listing and the package before comparing products.

#1 Best Overall
Mille: A Supergrain Co. Yeast-Based Beverage Powder | Dark Chocolate Flavor | 500g (17.64 oz)
  • 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.

Cosmix and SuperYou

The report also names Cosmix and SuperYou as businesses with yeast-protein offerings. 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, according to Hindustan Times. The newspaper describes SuperYou as an early entrant; its co-founder said the company was working on yeast-and-whey innovations, including yeast-protein biscuits. The report does not establish current stock, product specifications or formulations for either brand.

These examples show companies experimenting with formats and blends, not a standardized category. A sachet, shake, blend and biscuit may differ substantially in serving size, protein quantity, ingredients and intended use.

Rank #2
Millé: A Supergrain Co. Mille Plant Protein Powder (35.3 Oz (Pack of 1), Unflavoured)
  • 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.

What the figures say about the market—and what they do not

Hindustan Times attributed an estimate of ₹7,461 crore for India’s protein supplements market in 2024, rising to a projected ₹13,186 crore by 2033, to the India Brand Equity Foundation. The 2033 figure is a projection, not an observed market outcome.

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The report also attributed average daily protein intake of 47 g per person and a cited recommendation of 60 g to ICMR. The underlying ICMR material was not independently checked for this account, so treat those numbers as figures reported by the newspaper, not individualized dietary targets.

Rank #3
RNWY Complete Protein, 25g Yeast Protein + 5g Creatine Monohydrate, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Informed Sport Certified, Post-Workout Recovery for Endurance Athletes, Chocolate, 21 Servings
  • 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.*
  • INFORMED SPORT CERTIFIED: Third-party tested for banned substances. Every batch of RNWY Complete Protein is certified by Informed Sport, the gold standard for competitive athletes. No proprietary blends, no hidden ingredients. Just clean, honest nutrition you can trust on race day and every day.*
  • BUILT FOR ENDURANCE ATHLETES: Run. Cycle. Swim. Lift. RNWY Complete Protein is engineered for athletes who train hard and want to keep training for years. Supports lean muscle growth, reduces muscle soreness from exercise, and helps build the stamina and power endurance athletes depend on, taken consistently every day.*
  • 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.

Kohli estimated that only about 3% of Indian households consume protein products, as quoted by Hindustan Times. That is a company executive’s estimate, not a verified household survey result. The report suggests companies see room to broaden the category, but does not demonstrate how many new customers yeast-based products have attracted.

How to assess a yeast-protein product

The category label alone is not enough to determine whether a supplement suits a particular diet or offers better value. Compare the product’s current label and local price rather than relying on category-level claims or dated prices.

Rank #4
Millé: A Supergrain Co. Mille Plant Protein Powder (35.3 Oz (Pack of 1), Coffee Hazelnut)
  • 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.
  • Protein source and ingredients: Read the full ingredient panel. A product described as yeast protein may also contain whey, other proteins or ingredients relevant to allergies.
  • Protein per serving: Compare both the serving size and grams of protein on the current label; a serving is not a standardized unit across products.
  • Value: Use current local prices to work out cost per serving and cost per gram of protein. The Hindustan Times report does not provide a like-for-like price-per-protein comparison.
  • Format: Consider whether a sachet, ready-to-drink shake, blended powder or biscuit fits the way you plan to use it.
  • Claims and suitability: Treat statements about digestibility or protein quality as product or company claims unless supported by evidence specific to that product. Seek appropriate clinical advice for individual dietary needs.

Whey is milk-derived and may not suit some people with lactose intolerance, as the report notes. That does not prove a particular yeast-protein product is lactose-free: check its ingredients and allergen information. Nor does the report establish that yeast protein is universally easier to digest or nutritionally superior to whey or plant protein.

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What remains uncertain

The Hindustan Times report presents a developing commercial trend, but it does not supply standardized product-label comparisons, amino-acid profiles, independent digestibility evidence or current retailer prices. SuperYou co-founder Nikunj Biyani said the brand’s yeast-protein range had repeat purchase rates above 60%, without disclosing its share of company revenue; he also said its prices had risen 20% over the preceding six months. These are statements attributed to a company representative, not independently audited measures.

Best Value
Mille Coffee Hazelnut Plant Protein Powder | 25g Protein per Scoop | Vegan Yeast Protein for Shakes & Smoothies | No Added Sugar, Non-Bloating, Clean Plant-Based Blend | 17.64 Oz (500g)
  • 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.

The newspaper also reported that Marico acquired a 60% stake in Cosmix Wellness for ₹226 crore, valuing the company at about ₹375 crore. The passage identifies the month as February but does not establish the year, so it should not be assigned one from that account alone.

For now, yeast protein is best understood as an additional option companies are bringing to market amid whey cost and supply pressure. Whether it is the right option for an individual depends on the exact formulation, nutrition label, price and dietary needs—not on the protein source in isolation.

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.

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