What does it cost to make protein powder?
Cost to make, ex-works $11.4803 per 1kg tub, 33 servings, at 6,000 units
Per 1,000 units$11480.25
Whole run$68881.50
This is a realistic mid-market estimate, not a quote. The same product at 5,000 units and at 50,000 units are different businesses — run size moves tolling more than any other line. Use it to sanity-check a quote, not to replace one.
Where the money goes
Ingredients $9.3038 81%Packaging $0.8500 7%Tolling $0.9200 8%Inbound freight $0.0620 1%Yield loss $0.3444 3%
The formulation
| Ingredient | Qty | Price | Overage | Per unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whey protein concentrate | 780 g/L | $4.20/lb | 3% | $7.4390 |
| Cocoa powder | 90 g/L | $3.40/lb | 4% | $0.7016 |
| Sweetener system | 12 g/L | $22.00/lb | 5% | $0.6111 |
| Flavour and emulsifier | 28 g/L | $8.60/lb | 4% | $0.5521 |
| Ingredients per unit | $9.3038 | |||
What actually moves this number
- Concentrate versus isolateIsolate is typically 40-60% more per kilo and is the single biggest fork in the cost. It is also the claim most brands want.
- Protein percentage on the front of the packEvery point of stated protein is more of the most expensive ingredient — a marketing decision with a direct cost.
- Whey is a commodityIt moves with dairy markets. A cost model built on last year’s price is fiction.
What is not in here
- Excludes third-party testing and certification, which serious brands should budget per batch.
- Plant blends cost differently and rarely cheaper once amino profile is matched.
Change the assumptions. Every figure above is an input, not a fact. Put your own supplier prices, your own pack size and your own run volume into the calculator and see what your product actually costs.
Open the calculatorOther products
Canned soft drink $0.1614 / unit Kombucha $0.5139 / unit Hot sauce $0.8867 / unit Skincare serum $2.8278 / unit Energy drink $0.1759 / unit Cold brew coffee $0.4184 / unit RTD cocktail $0.4067 / unit Flavoured sparkling water $0.1376 / unit Granola $2.3048 / unit Gummy supplements $2.3137 / unit Face cream $3.3752 / unit Shampoo $1.5113 / unit Candle $5.0816 / unit Laundry detergent $3.1031 / unit Pet treats $0.9522 / unit Ready meal $2.1280 / unit Chocolate bar $1.4098 / unit Liquid hand soap $1.0726 / unit Lip balm $0.5052 / unit
A cost you worked out once is already out of date.
Supplier prices move, co-packers raise rates, and runs yield worse than planned. NextBatch derives cost per unit instead of storing it, so it moves on its own.
No card. Set up your first product in about ten minutes.