The global lactose free food market includes a variety of products such as milk, yogurt, ice-cream, cheese, and other dairy products that are processed to remove or breakdown the naturally occurring sugar lactose. Lactose free products provide a good source of calcium and protein for people who suffer from lactose intolerance. The growing prevalence of lactose intolerance across the world is driving more people to opt for lactose free alternatives. It is estimated that around 68% of the global population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy due to lactase non-persistence.
The Global Lactose Free Food Market Size is estimated to be valued at US$ 18.73 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 4.5% over the forecast period 2024 to 2031.
Key Takeaways
Key players operating in the lactose free food market are Cargill, Inc., Galaxy Nutritional Foods, Inc., Green Valley Organics, Edlong Dairy Technologies, Parmalat SpA, Valio Ltd., Alpro, OMIRA Oberland-Milchverwertung, Crowley Foods, Arla Foods., Danone SA, General Mills Inc., Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Kerry Group PLC, Emmi AG, WhiteWave Foods, Barry Callebaut AG, HP Hood LLC, Valio Ltd, Daiya Foods Inc.
Key opportunities in the market include development of novel lactose free products to expand the product portfolio as well as focusing on specialty stores, groceries, and online channels for improved distribution. In terms of geography, the Asia Pacific region is witnessing significant growth in the lactose free food market owing to the large lactose intolerant population and growing health consciousness.
The global expansion of the lactose free food market is driven by increasing consumption in developing nations as well as growth in online retail for lactose free products. Regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America offer immense potential for market players given the rising awareness about lactose intolerance.
Market Drivers:
The increasing elderly population globally acts as a key driver for the lactose free food market. With age, lactase production tends to reduce making people prone to lactose maldigestion and intolerance. As per statistics, nearly 70% of the global population experiences reduced lactase activity after infancy and the prevalence increases with age.
PEST Analysis
Political: Product safety laws and regulations in various regions frequently change to meet new standards and address emerging health concerns, impacting product formulations and market scope.
Economic: Rising incomes and greater health awareness drive demand for specialized dairy products perceived as more premium, supporting market expansion despite higher costs.
Social: A growing number of consumers actively seek out lactose-free options due to intolerance, preferences, or ethical concerns regarding dairy. Online communities help educate people about alternative choices.
Technological: Packaging innovations help process and distribute heat-sensitive lactose-free products over longer distances while retaining freshness. Developing novel non-dairy milk formulations expands the marketscope.
Geographical Regions of Concentration
The market for lactose-free food is highly concentrated in North America and Western Europe in terms of value. Advanced economies in these regions have a higher percentage of lactose-intolerant populations that can afford premium health-oriented products. Strict regulations also drive adoption of specialized foods.
Fastest Growing Region
The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth in the lactose-free food market during the forecast period. This is attributed to rising health awareness, growing disposable incomes, and an increasing willingness to spend on premium nutritional products in emerging economies like China and India.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it