Whey Protein Powder Manufacturer for Private Label Brands

Our powder lines run 8 hours per shift, two shifts per day, with a blending capacity of 2,000 kg per batch. That covers orders from 1,000-unit pilot runs through to 500,000-unit annual programmes. We fill tubs from 1 lb to 5 lb, plus sachets and stick packs at 20 g to 50 g. Nitrogen flushing is available for tubs to extend shelf life. Every run is weighed and verified against your approved formula before filling begins.

Packaging options include induction-sealed HDPE tubs, foil-lidded composite cans, and single-serve stick packs. We can apply your artwork, barcodes and batch coding in-line. Changeover between SKUs takes 4-6 hours, including full equipment cleaning and allergen swabbing. If you need mixed pallets or multi-SKU shipments, we consolidate at the factory and provide a packing list per pallet.

Whey protein is not one ingredient. WPI 90 delivers over 90% protein on a dry basis with low lactose. WPC 80 sits at 80% protein and carries more fat and lactose, which affects mouthfeel. Hydrolysate is pre-digested for faster absorption but costs more and can taste bitter. We help you choose the grade that matches your label claims and price point, then adjust with flavour, sweetener and thickener systems.

Flavour systems are built in-house from natural or artificial sources. Common profiles include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, cookies and cream, and unflavoured. We can add digestive enzymes, probiotics, creatine, BCAAs or vitamin blends, provided the addition does not compromise flow or shelf life. All incoming whey lots are tested for protein content, moisture, heavy metals and microbiological counts before release to production.

Every batch is tested for protein content by Kjeldahl or combustion, moisture, ash, fat, heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury), and microbiological limits including total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli and Salmonella. We retain samples for 24 months. Certificates of Analysis are issued per batch and reference your specification. The facility is GMP-certified, ISO 22000 and HACCP compliant, and FDA-registered where US-bound product requires it.

For halal or vegan claims, we source certified raw materials and keep them segregated. Documentation packs include the CoA, allergen statement, nutritional panel, ingredient declaration, and, where relevant, halal certificates. We can also provide a free-sale certificate and certificate of origin for customs. Lead times for documentation are 3-5 working days after batch release.

Every whey protein powder batch is sampled at three points: incoming raw material, in-process blending, and finished goods. Incoming WPI 90 and WPC 80 are tested for protein content by Kjeldahl or Dumas, moisture, ash, and microbiological counts including total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus. Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) are screened against EU 1881/2006 and US FDA limits. Identity testing uses FTIR or HPLC reference spectra to confirm the protein source and detect adulteration with cheaper nitrogen sources such as melamine or glycine.

In-process checks cover blend uniformity, bulk density, particle size distribution and appearance. Finished powder is tested for protein potency (typically 70-90% depending on grade), amino acid profile on request, microbials, and moisture. For flavoured SKUs, we verify flavour carry-through and solubility by dispersing 30 g in 250 ml water at 20°C and recording dispersion time and sediment. Each batch has a retained sample of at least 200 g stored at 20-25°C and 60% RH for 24 months, plus a second set at 40°C/75% RH for accelerated stability over 6 months.

The Certificate of Analysis (COA) issued with each batch lists batch number, production date, expiry date, protein content, moisture, ash, microbiological results, heavy metals, and a statement of conformity to the agreed specification. Where relevant, the COA references allergen status (milk), country of origin of the raw material, and the testing laboratory's accreditation. We retain batch records for five years and can supply additional testing, such as pesticide residues or melamine-specific ELISA, on request at cost.

Stability protocols follow ICH Q1A(R2) principles adapted for powdered supplements. Real-time data is generated at 25°C/60% RH and 30°C/65% RH for 24 months, with accelerated conditions at 40°C/75% RH for 6 months. Parameters monitored include protein content, moisture, microbial counts, colour and flavour. If a formula includes sensitive actives such as probiotics or enzymes, we adjust the overage and packaging barrier accordingly. Stability reports are shared with the brand owner before commercial production so that expiry dates are supported by data rather than assumption.

We fill whey protein powder into rigid tubs from 1 lb to 5 lb with screw lids and induction seals, stick packs from 20 g to 50 g, and sachets from 20 g to 50 g in single or multi-serve formats. Tubs are available in PP or HDPE with matte or gloss finish, and we can apply shrink sleeves or in-mould labels. For stick packs, we run four-side-seal sachets with tear notches and laser scoring. All primary packaging must be food-grade and supplied with a food contact declaration; we can source stock tubs and closures if the brand does not have its own.

Labels are checked against the US FDA dietary supplement labelling requirements: statement of identity, net quantity of contents, supplement facts panel with serving size and percent daily value, ingredient list in descending order of predominance, allergen declaration for milk, and the name and place of business of the manufacturer or distributor. For EU and UK markets, we apply the nutrition declaration, allergen highlighting and minimum durability date. We do not provide legal review of claims; brand owners are responsible for substantiating structure/function claims and for ensuring the label meets the destination market's rules.

Lot and expiry coding is applied by inkjet or laser on the tub base, stick pack seal or carton. We use a Julian date code or a clear DDMMYYYY format, and expiry is calculated from the stability-supported shelf life, typically 18 to 24 months for standard whey SKUs. Cartons are specified to withstand pallet stacking: for 5 lb tubs, 6 units per carton, 48 cartons per pallet, stretch-wrapped and corner-boarded. We can print and apply Amazon FNSKU labels, poly-bag units for retail-ready shipment, and prepare carton dimensions and weights for FBA inbound plans.

Retail readiness extends to artwork preflight. We check bleed, trim, barcode scannability (UPC-A or EAN-13), and font legibility at the printed size. For Amazon, we can apply the FNSKU over the existing barcode or print a combined label, and we can pack units in sets or bundles according to the listing. If the brand uses a co-packer or 3PL in the destination country, we can ship in bulk drums or totes instead of retail units, with the same batch documentation.

Sampling starts with a formula brief and target specification. We provide a 100-200 g sample of the base powder or a flavoured trial within 7-10 working days of formula approval, together with a draft COA and a packaging options sheet. If the sample requires a new flavour or a custom blend, allow an additional 5 working days for flavour matching and stability spot checks. Sample costs are credited against the first production order when the order exceeds the MOQ.

Mass production runs 20-35 working days after purchase order and signed artwork. This window covers raw material release, blending, filling, labelling, QC testing and packing. For repeat orders with unchanged artwork and formula, the window is typically 18-25 working days. Peak season (August to November) can add 5-7 working days, so we recommend confirming bookings at least 10 weeks before the required ship date. Pilot runs of 500 units are available for brands that need retail samples before scaling to the 1,000-unit MOQ.

We ship by air and sea. Air freight from Shenzhen or Hong Kong to US and EU hubs takes 5-8 days door-to-door for 100-500 kg; sea freight to Los Angeles or Rotterdam takes 28-38 days port-to-port for full containers. We quote EXW, FOB Shenzhen/Hong Kong, CIF and DDP. DDP is available for the US, UK, EU and Middle East, with duties and taxes included in the delivered price. For LCL shipments, we consolidate at a Hong Kong or Shenzhen warehouse and provide a packing list with carton dimensions and gross weights.

Documentation provided with each shipment includes the commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Analysis per batch, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the finished powder, and a free-sale certificate where required by the destination country. For plant-derived ingredients in blends, we can supply a phytosanitary certificate and non-GMO statement. Halal certificates are available for the facility and for specific whey sources on request. Certificates of origin (Form A, Form E or EUR.1) are issued where the trade agreement applies.