India produces the largest amount of milk globally, yet urban Indians face widespread protein deficiency. Nearly 73% of city dwellers fall short of the required intake, while 93% are unaware of their daily protein needs. Despite this, India imports whey protein while millions go undernourished.
Reasons for Protein Deficiency in India
- Lack of Practical Protein Sources: Common sources like dal, soy, eggs, and chicken are either impractical in large quantities or inaccessible for vegetarians. Whey protein remains the most practical supplement.
- Affordability: Imported whey protein is expensive — around ₹3/g of protein — making daily consumption unaffordable for most families.
The Economics of Whey Protein
Whey protein is a byproduct of dairy processing. To make 1kg of whey protein concentrate, you need 180–200L of milk; for isolate, 200–250L. With milk costing ₹30/kg, raw material costs alone are ₹6000–7500 per kg. Modern brands sell it for much less because whey is essentially free when produced in-house during paneer or cheese making.
Amul’s Advantage
Amul collects 3.5 crore liters of milk daily via 177,000 village cooperatives. By producing whey protein in-house from its own milk, Amul reduces costs dramatically. While other brands sell protein at ₹4–5.4 per gram, Amul prices it at ₹2.7 per gram.
The Masterstroke: High-Protein Dairy Products
Instead of selling protein powders, Amul integrates extra protein into familiar products: high-protein paneer, dahi, chaach, and milkshakes. Consumers get more protein without changing habits. For example, high-protein paneer is sold at ₹750/kg instead of ₹400/kg, and high-protein chaach at ₹25 instead of ₹15. This strategy minimizes marketing effort and leverages consumer trust in dairy staples.
Amul’s approach aligns with cultural preferences, avoids disrupting habits, and expands the dairy category into functional nutrition. Its extensive cold chain ensures availability in even the smallest kirana stores.
Conclusion
Amul’s protein revolution addresses urban India’s protein deficiency efficiently and affordably. By merging modern technology with trusted dairy staples, it redefines everyday nutrition and offers a scalable, culturally aligned solution.
Protein, India, Amul, Nutrition, Milk
“India produces the largest amount of milk globally, yet urban Indians face widespread protein deficiency. Nearly 73% of city dwellers fall short of the required intake, while 93% are unaware of their ...”

Vishal Kumar
Video Editor & Content Creator