Why is protein powder so expensive?

Why is protein powder so expensive? We make premium protein powders, so we understand better than most exactly why protein powder can cost so much. Here the top 5 reasons why protein powder might hurt your wallet.  

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5 reasons why protein powder is so expensive.

1. Ingredient costs. Protein powder can be expensive because ingredients can be expensive. Our biggest cost is by far our cost of ingredients. To make vanilla protein powder, for example, we buy egg whites, coconuts, vanilla beans, and monk fruit in bulk, and ship them to our facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts for processing. Egg white protein is one of the most expensive dietary protein sources, and real vanilla beans cost a small fortune. The freight costs associated with importing ingredients from overseas is also expensive.

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2. Packaging costs. Protein powder has a long shelf-life, but only if it is stored in durable, air-tight packaging. The packaging has to be durable because it contains multiple servings, meaning that will be opened and closed many times. Packaging like this is expensive, even when ordered in bulk. 

3. Manufacturing costs. Making protein powder is expensive, especially in the United States. The United States is an expensive place to manufacture because labor costs are so high. As a small company, we manufacture our protein powders in small batches, which takes a lot of time, and ultimately translates into high labor costs. 

4. Shipping costs. Most sales of protein powder take place online. This means that companies have to ship their protein powders directly to customers, which is expensive. Shipping a 1lb bag of protein powder from New York to California, for example, costs us anywhere from 6 to 9 dollars. Although we do enjoy reduced shipping rates as a business, shipping costs are still one of our biggest expenses. 

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5. Demand. Generally speaking, protein powder companies price their products according to the amount that customers are willing to pay, and it just so happens that people are willing to pay a lot for protein supplements. This is especially the case for protein supplements endorsed by celebrities and professional athletes. 

It is worth noting that many of the costs of making protein powder are beyond the control of protein powder companies. Due to ingredient and labor shortages and supply-chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, we have been paying more for just about everything. These costs are ultimately passed on to the customer. 

If you are looking for a premium protein powder that will not break the bank, try drink wholesome. It is more expensive than some options, but as is the case with most things, you get what you pay for. 

Now you know why has protein powder gotten so expensive.

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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. drink wholesome is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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