Lactase Market Size

Lactase Market Size Snapshot

Note – Market size depicts the revenue generated over the financial year

The market for lactase is growing rapidly and the current value of the market is projected to reach $ 1.4 billion by 2024, and by 2035 the market value is expected to reach $ 3.1 billion. This growth rate shows a CAGR of 6.58% from 2025 to 2035. The main reason for this growth is the increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and the growing demand for lactose-free foods. The awareness of dietary restrictions has increased, and more people are looking for health-related food alternatives, which has a positive effect on the market for lactase. Also, the development of technology in the production of enzymatic preparations and the development of enzymatic preparations is a major contributor to market growth. Also, biotechnological innovations have led to more efficient production processes, which increases the availability and reduces the cost of the product. Also, major players in the lactase market, such as DSM, DuPont and Novozymes, are investing heavily in research and development to develop more effective lactase preparations. Strategic initiatives, such as strategic alliances and new product launches, strengthen the market position of these companies. The development of new dairy products without lactose is an example of the industry's commitment to satisfying the needs of consumers and expanding its market.

Regional Market Size

Regional Deep Dive

The lactase market is growing strongly in several regions, driven by an increase in awareness of lactose intolerance and the rising demand for lactose-free products. In North America, the market is characterized by a high level of lactose intolerance among the population, which is leading to a sharp increase in the consumption of lactase products and lactose-free dairy products. Europe is a mixed market with varying levels of lactose intolerance, which is leading to a wide variety of dairy alternatives and lactase applications. The Asia-Pacific region is growing rapidly, due to changing food habits and a growing middle class. The Middle East and Africa region is experiencing a rising interest in health and well-being products, including lactase. Latin America is gradually embracing the concept of lactose-free, driven by both health trends and changes in cultural habits towards dairy consumption.

North America

• Recent guidelines from the Food and Drug Administration of the United States have been revised to allow the labeling of products as lactose-free, which will encourage consumers to buy more of these products.
• A number of firms, notably Lactaid and Enzymedica, are developing new formulations of lactase, with the aim of improving the taste and effectiveness of products for a growing market.
• E-commerce platforms have made it easy to purchase lactase-free milk, thereby expanding the market.

Europe

• The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been active in evaluating the health claims of lactase products, which is of importance for consumers’ acceptance and regulatory compliance in the market.
• It is a fact that dairy companies like Arla and Danone are investing in the development of lactose-free dairy products, responding to the growing demand for a healthier diet.
• Culture, the long-established dairy habits of many European countries, are the main reason for the growing interest in lactose-free alternatives, especially among the health-conscious.

Asia-Pacific

• In China and India, the lactose intolerant are entering the market for lactase tablets and lactose-free dairy products. In India, companies like Amul are entering the market.
• Having reached this stage, it is possible to develop products, such as yogurt and ice cream, which are adapted to the tastes of the population.
• In the region of the East, the lactose-free diet is also gaining ground, due to the influence of the government’s health and welfare initiatives.

MEA

• The aforesaid companies are increasing their product ranges, in order to meet the growing demand for lactase supplements.
• Health and well-being trends are driving dietary choices, which is driving the market.
• The changing eating habits of the population have encouraged the local manufacturers to develop lactose-free products which are adapted to the local tastes.

Latin America

• In the United States, a growing health consciousness among consumers is gradually increasing the use of lactose-free products, and in the United States, local brands are beginning to offer lactase supplements.
• A change in labelling regulations has made it easier for consumers to find lactose-free products. This is expected to further increase the visibility and growth of the market.
• The use of dairy products, for example, which is a part of the traditional diet of Latin America, is being challenged by the health trend, which is pushing for a shift towards lactose-free products.

Did You Know?

“In the course of his lecture, he mentioned that some 68 per cent of the world’s population is lactose intolerant, and that the prevalence of the disease is especially high in the populations of Asia, which strongly influences the demand for lactase products.” — National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Segmental Market Size

The lactase market is experiencing a stable growth, mainly due to the growing number of consumers who are lactose intolerant. The percentage of the world's population suffering from this condition is significant and the demand for lactase supplements and lactose-free products is growing. The growing health awareness of consumers is also driving the demand for dairy alternatives, which further strengthens the position of this segment.

The dietary restrictions of the population and the growing popularity of plant-based diets are driving the use of lactase in various foods. The lactase market is currently in the mature phase of its development, with Lact-aid and Enzymedica leading the way in the market. The main applications are dairy products, dietary supplements and food supplements, including lactose-free milk and yogurt. The focus on gut health and the development of sustainable initiatives are also driving the market. New enzyme technology also improves the effectiveness and acceptability of products.

Future Outlook

The lactase market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% from 2024 to 2035. The growth of the market is driven by the growing awareness of lactose intolerance among consumers and the rising demand for lactose-free products in the food and beverage industry. According to the International Dairy Federation (IDF), the market penetration of lactase and lactose-free dairy products is expected to reach more than 30% in 2035 among the population of lactose intolerants.

The resulting products are expected to be even more effective and readily available in the future. In addition, the development of more efficient enzymes and improved delivery systems will probably reduce the cost of production and widen the scope of use of lactase in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In addition, supportive government policies encouraging health and a growing trend towards plant-based diets will open up new opportunities for lactase applications in non-dairy foods. As the market develops, the industry must stay alert to emerging trends and technological developments to meet the changing needs of health-conscious consumers.