The global lactose-free dairy products market size is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period owing to its growing popularity of sugar-free content, easy to digest, combined with viable nutrients such as being high in phosphorus, calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Therefore, the focus on growing awareness among consumers regarding the significance of lactose-free dairy products is constantly on boost.
More and more people are choosing lactose-free dairy these days, and you can find it everywhere. What's really changed is the sheer variety available now! You can find lactose-free versions of almost any dairy product. Remember when UHT (ultra-heat treated) lactose-free milk was the only option sitting on the shelf? That was the main reason shelf-stable lactose-free dairy saw a little bump in sales. Back then, it was the only lactose-free choice in most countries. Now, though, you're seeing more and more lactose-free products popping up in the chilled section, often right next to the plant-based alternatives. That's a sign it's really hitting the mainstream, making it super easy for everyone to find.
Milk and dairy? They're not just tasty, they're super important for staying healthy – for kids and adults alike! Think of them as little powerhousesthey give us around 30% of the fats and proteins we need, and a whopping 80% of our calcium. And with the population growing, everyone wants more milk and cheese – demand has tripled! Especially with all the cool cheese options and the increasing popularity of lactose-free milk. So, the dairy industry is really stepping up its game, focusing on ways to make milk even better by using all sorts of enzymes from microbial, plant, and animal sources to improve quality. Pretty cool, right?
The market is experiencing a rapid demand from European nations for these products. Only 65% of European consumers who restrict lactose in their diets do so for health and intolerance reasons. According to the data, Europe accounted for 72% of new lactose-free product launches in 2020, with the number of launches increasing by around 8% annually since 2016. Desserts and confectionery are two indulgent product categories that have experienced particularly robust innovation.
Furthermore, a country like the United States is also one of the significant contributors to this market expansion. For instance, according to Dairy Industries news, the retail market for lactose-free milk achieved USD 1.7 billion in 2020, with 201 million gallons sold. The category's volume and monetary growth in 2020 was 19%. Up from 18% in 2019 and 15% in 2015, an astounding 21% of households made purchases of lactose-free milk in 2020.
For those of us who are lactose intolerant, it's great news that lactose-free dairy products are now readily available. We can finally enjoy all sorts of delicious and healthy treats made with milk! Spreading the word about the benefits of these lactose-free options (like less sugar and a smoother texture) and reminding people how important dairy is for nutrition could really boost their popularity. After all, these products can bring in new customers to the dairy industry – people who felt left out before. So, with all these new and exciting lactose-free products popping up, there's a real chance to make the whole market bigger! Find out more here.
Download Free Sample ReportRising issue of Lactose Intolerance Propelling the Demand for Lactose-Free Dairy Products
The market is expanding due to the growing health consciousness to satisfy needs linked to the issue of the higher sugar level, digestion issues, and the rising popularity of lactose-free dairy products. The inability of the small intestine's lactase to hydrolyze lactose into glucose and galactose results in lactose intolerance (LI). The human ethnic groups and nationalities that make up the LI people vary greatly. As a result, less than 10% of North Europeans suffer, compared to over 75% of Africans and Amerindians.
A common digestive issue is lactose intolerance. In fact, it has an impact on about 65% of the world's population. It's interesting that it's more common in South and East Asia than it is in the Western world, which includes North America, Europe, and Australia.
A digestive enzyme called lactase is deficient in those who have it. The primary sugar in milk, lactose, must be broken down by the enzyme lactase. Without lactase, lactose can pass through the digestive tract undigested and result in uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, pain, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. People who have this condition may avoid foods that contain lactose, such as dairy products, out of fear that they will experience these symptoms.
Growing Popularity Among Asia- Pacific Countries Aiding the Market Growth
One big reason the lactose-free market is booming? It's Asia! Demand for these products is really taking off there. In the last five years alone, we've seen a 209% jump in new lactose-free dairy items in the APAC region. You'll find tons of lactose-free milk, yogurt (both plain and flavored!), and cultured milk drinks. Even things like flavored milk, processed cheese, and butter are joining the lactose-free party. Take China, for example. A DSM poll showed that folks there often pick lactose-free options because they think it's better for their health. A survey even revealed that 82% of Chinese consumers believe lactose-free dairy is healthier, and 81% think it's easier to digest! When asked why they choose lactose-free over regular dairy, the top answers in China werebetter health (65%), easier digestion (36%), and more nutritional value (36%).
Moreover, according to Mintel, 25% of Indians are encouraged to consume more or use lactose-free dairy products. And even 85% of Thai consumers claim to be interested in dairy milk that is easier on the stomach, including lactose-free versions.
Rising Marketing Tactics Driving the Market Growth
People are becoming significant aware of issues like lactose intolerance and the availability of lactose-free equivalents due to the increasing internet penetration, market advertisements, and the rise in the number of users of various social media platforms.
For instance, for its Clover spread and a new free-from version of its Cathedral City Nibbles kids' snack, the dairy behemoth Saputo, Inc., has launched a family-oriented digital marketing campaign. The new lactose-free Nibbles have 'mild lighter' cheese as their main ingredient and have 53 calories per mini bag.
Market Segmentation
The global lactose-free dairy products market is segmented based on product type, category, distribution channel, region, and competitional landscape. Based on product type, the market is further fragmented into milk, yogurt, cheese, ice-cream, and others (cream, butter, etc.). Based on category, the market is categorized into organic and inorganic. Based on distribution channel, the market is segmented into supermarkets/hypermarkets, departmental retailers, convenience retailers, online, and others (includes direct sales, etc.).

Company Profiles
Arla Foods AMBA, The Danone Company Inc., Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools (Organic Valley), Dairy Farmers of Americas, Inc., General Mills, Inc., Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., Saputo Inc., Nestle S.A., The Coca-Cola Company, Agropur Cooperative
Attribute | Details |
Base Year | 2022 |
Historical Years | 2018 – 2021 |
Estimated Year | 2023 |
Forecast Period | 2024 – 2028 |
Quantitative Units | Revenue in USD Billion and CAGR for 2018-2022 and 2023-2028 |
Report Coverage | Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments Covered | Product TypeCategoryDistribution ChannelRegionCompany |
Regional Scope | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa and South America |
Country Scope | United States; Canada; Mexico; United Kingdom; Germany; France; Italy; Spain; Poland; Netherlands; China; India; Japan; South Korea; Australia; New Zealand; Malaysia; Brazil; Argentina; Colombia; Iran; South Africa; Turkey; Saudi Arabia; Israel |
Key Companies Profiled | Arla Foods AMBA, The Danone Company Inc., Cooperative Regions of Organic Producer Pools (Organic Valley), Dairy Farmers of Americas, Inc., General Mills, Inc., Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., Saputo Inc., Nestle S.A., The Coca-Cola Company, Agropur Cooperative |
Customization Scope | 10% free report customization with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope. |
Pricing and Purchase Options | Avail of customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
Delivery Format | PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/pdf format on special request) |
Report Scope
In this report, the global lactose-free dairy products market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below
- Lactose-Free Dairy Products Market, By Product Type
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Ice-cream
- Others
- Lactose-Free Dairy Products Market, By Category
- Lactose-Free Dairy Products Market, By Distribution Channel
- Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
- Departmental Stores
- Convenience Stores
- Online
- Others
- Lactose-Free Dairy Products Market, By Region
- North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Poland
- Netherlands
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Malaysia
- South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Middle East & Africa
- Iran
- South Africa
- Turkey
- Saudi Arabia
- Israel