Whey powders and formulations contain lytic phages of various starter cultures. Highest lactococcal phage titer was 6 x 107 plaque-forming units per g of powder. Most lactococcal phages from whey powders belonged to the 936 phage species. A PCR detection system for Leuconostoc phages was adapted to the new phage isolates. Phages in whey powder samples revealed high stability over years.