USDA Central Dry Whey 02/05 13:15

AMS_1045 MARS

Dry Whey - Central U.S.

Released on February 05, 2026

In the Central region, the bottom of the dry whey price range is unchanged this 
week, but prices decreased at the top and across the mostly price series. The 
market for dry whey is experiencing some downward pressure amid light export 
demand and decreasing domestic interest. Contacts report loads produced in the 
U.S. are priced at a premium compared to dry whey from other countries, which 
is negatively impacting international interest. Domestic demand for dry whey 
meeting certain end user specifications or loads produced by specific 
manufacturers is strong and inventories are tight, enabling these loads to move 
at prices near the top of the range. Interest is lighter for loads that are 
more interchangeable and purchasers are increasingly hesitant to secure these 
loads for prices in the $0.70s. Inventories of these loads are growing, and 
spot purchasers say they are receiving more offers at prices closer to the 
bottom of the range. Dry whey production is up from last week but remains 
limited as manufactures with the capability to produce whey protein concentrate 
80% (WPC 80%) and whey protein isolate (WPI) remain focused on these products. 
Prices for WPC 80% and WPI are increasing and contacts report demand continues 
to outpace production, keeping spot inventories tight. Animal feed whey 
production is limited and inventories are tight. Demand is light as processors 
are securing alternatives at competitive prices.

Prices for: Central, All First Sales, F.O.B., Extra & Grade A, Edible Dry Whey
Price Range - Non-Hygroscopic; Dollars per Pound: 0.6 - 0.76
Mostly Range - Non-Hygroscopic; Dollars per Pound: 0.68 - 0.72


Prices for: Central, All First Sales, F.O.B., N/A, Non-Edible Dry Whey
Price Range - Animal Feed - Milk Replacer; Dollars per Pound: 0.35 - 0.37


Information for the period February 2 - 6, 2026, issued weekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

N/A

[0600059B]