Whey Protein Concentrate

Last reviewed October 19, 2026

In plain words: Whey protein concentrate is a milk-protein ingredient made from whey, dried to at least 25 percent protein. It is sold as a liquid, a concentrate or a powder.

What the evidence review says

Whey protein concentrate is a protein ingredient made from the whey left over from cheesemaking. The main concern is milk allergy: it contains milk protein and must be labeled as a milk allergen. It still contains some lactose. There is no toxicity finding at ordinary food use.

The clear concern is milk allergy: it contains milk protein and must be declared as a milk allergen. Lactose content is lower than milk but is not zero, so people with lactose intolerance may still react to less-purified concentrates. It is an affirmed GRAS food ingredient with no toxicity finding at ordinary food use. Very high total-protein diets are a separate clinical issue for people who already have kidney disease; that is not a whey-specific contaminant problem.

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This page is for general education. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor, pediatrician, allergist or registered dietitian. Research changes; we review these pages when new evidence or rules come out. Last reviewed October 19, 2026.