LACTOSE FREE FOOD MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2024-2031)

Lactose Free Food Market Size and Trends

The lactose free food market is estimated to be valued at USD 18.73 Bn in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 36.68 Bn by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.1% from 2024 to 2031.

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The demand for lactose free food is increasing globally due to rising incidence of lactose intolerance and milk allergy. Consumers are more aware now about the benefits of lactose-free diet and products. Moreover, changing lifestyle and increasing fast food consumption have been major factors for lactose intolerance. Hence, more number of people are opting for lactose-free variants of milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products. Many food companies have launched innovative lactose-free products to cater to this rising demand. The lactose free food market is expected to grow steadily during the forecast period driven by increasing health consciousness and availability of various lactose-free substitutes.

Lactose intolerance on the rise

As the prevalence of lactose intolerance continues to increase around the world, more consumers are seeking out alternatives to dairy that won't cause digestive issues. For instance, experts estimate that about 68 percent of the world's population has lactose malabsorption. Lactose intolerance refers to the inability to properly digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. This is because many people, especially those of Asian, African, and Native American descent, do not produce enough of the lactase enzyme as adults to break down the lactose. Symptoms like gas, bloating, cramps, and diarrhea often occur after the consumption of milk or dairy. Recent genetic studies suggest that around two-thirds of the global population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. While prevalence rates vary widely by region and ethnicity, virtually no population is immune to the condition. Even in western countries where dairy has long been a dietary staple, the numbers of those who are lactose intolerant are significant and growing. Younger generations also appear more affected than older generations who have had dairy as lifelong part of their diets. With increasing globalization and migration, multi-ethnic cultures are also on the rise which portends greater awareness of food sensitivities like lactose intolerance.

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Modern consumers are becoming increasingly health-conscious and seeking out plant-based substitutes perceived as more natural and sustainable choices than dairy. Traditional animal milk requires considerable environmental and resource impacts in production. Meanwhile, plant-based milks like soy, almond, oat, and coconut and rice varieties are often viewed as “cleaner” options free of dairy's sugars, hormones, and saturated fats. As diets shift toward plant-based eating for health and ethical reasons, interest in nutrient-rich non-dairy milks has surged dramatically.