by The lactose free food market is growing rapidly owing to the increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance around the world. Lactose free products provide an ideal substitute for milk products for people suffering from lactose intolerance. The global lactose free food market is gaining immense traction due to the growing awareness about wellness, nutrition, and intolerance to certain ingredients. Lactose free products include milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheese, and other dairy products manufactured by removing or breaking down the lactose in milk.
These products are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals and offer more flexibility to consumers’ diets. The Global lactose free food Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 18.73 Bn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 10.% over the forecast period 2024 To 2031.
Key Takeaways
Lactose Free Food Market as Key players operating in the lactose free food 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. The key players are focusing on new product launches, mergers, acquisitions, and collaborations to gain a competitive advantage in the market.
The rising awareness about health benefits along with increasing intolerance to lactose among consumers provides significant growth opportunities for players in the lactose free food market. Technological advancements in the extraction and removal of lactose from dairy products help manufacturers provide healthier substitutes to consumers without compromising on taste.
Several technological advancements such as microfiltration, centrifugation, enzymatic treatment help remove or reduce the lactose content efficiently from dairy products. These technologies play a vital role in manufacturing high-quality lactose-free products for consumers.
Market Drivers
The growing cognizance regarding lactose intolerance coupled with rising health consciousness among people is a key factor escalating the demand for lactose-free foods. Additionally, increasing cases of lactose malabsorption and milk allergy are also contributing to the market growth. Expanding vegan population base and their rising preference for plant-based dairy alternatives is anticipated to boost the sales of lactose-free foods over the forecast period. Growing applications of lactose-free foods in bakery, confectionery, and nutritional products will further continue to drive the market.
Challenges in Lactose Free Food Market
The lactose free food market is witnessing many challenges. One of the major challenges is lack of awareness regarding lactose intolerance among consumers. Many people who are lactose intolerant are not aware about it. This results in digestive issues for them. Another challenge is high prices of lactose free products compared to regular dairy products. This hinders their mass adoption. Maintaining taste and texture of lactose free products similar to regular products is also a big challenge for manufacturers. Further, limited product varieties and availability of lactose free foods in retail stores and restaurants is restricting the growth of this market.
Current challenges in Lactose Free Food Industry
The lactose free food industry is currently facing challenges in terms of increasing awareness about lactose intolerance and benefits of lactose free foods. While the condition is very common, many people suffering from it do not know about it. This results in consumers not demanding such products. Further, the high prices of these specialty products compared to regular foods is also restricting their mass consumption. The industry players need to focus on expanding product portfolio and increasing availability of these products across various retail channels and food service outlets to make them more accessible.
SWOT Analysis
Strength: Growing health conscious consumer base and increasing cases of lactose intolerance are driving the demand for these products.
Weakness: Limited product varieties and lack of widespread availability are major weaknesses.
Opportunity: Scope for new product innovation and expansion in untapped regional markets presents opportunities.
Threats: High prices compared to regular products and dependency on few global players are major threats.
Geographical regions with high market concentration
North America region currently holds the highest share in the lactose free food market in terms of value sales, led by the US. Increased prevalence of lactose intolerance and rapidly growing health & wellness trend are driving demand in the region. Europe is another major market driven by countries like Germany, UK, and France.
Lactose Free Food Market Regional Analysis as Fastest growing geographical region
Asia Pacific region is poised to be the fastest growing regional market for lactose free foods during the forecast period. Rising health awareness, growing lactose intolerant population, and rising living standards are factors supporting the growth of the market in the region. Further, growing Western influence of diets is positively impacting the demand.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile
