South Korea Prebiotics Market Overview
South Korea Prebiotics Market Size was estimated at 69.28 (USD Million) in 2024.The South Korea Prebiotics Market Industry is expected to grow from 123.5(USD Million) in 2025 to 353.7 (USD Million) by 2035. The South Korea Prebiotics Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 10.038% during the forecast period (2025 - 2035).

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Key South Korea Prebiotics Market Trends Highlighted
The South Korea Prebiotics Market is experiencing significant shifts driven by increasing health awareness among consumers. The rise in interest gut health and functional foods is one of the key market drivers. As South Koreans become more conscious of the impact of diet on well-being, many are turning to prebiotics as part of their daily nutrition. This surge is influenced by the growing evidence of the connection between gut microbiome and overall health, pushing manufacturers to innovate and expand their product lines. Opportunities within the market are being explored through collaborations between food manufacturers and health professionals, promoting prebiotics in diverse formats such as dairy products, snacks, and dietary supplements.
The recent trend towards personalized nutrition is also gaining traction, as consumers seek tailored prebiotic solutions to meet individual health needs, encouraging companies to invest in research and development to create specialized formulations. In recent times, the burgeoning interest in plant-based diets is shaping the prebiotics landscape. Many South Korean consumers are opting for plant-based sources of prebiotics, like chicory root and inulin, which align with broader environmental and health-conscious choices. Additionally, the South Korean government is supporting initiatives to promote healthy eating habits and functional food consumption, further stimulating the market.The combination of these trends signifies a dynamic evolution in the prebiotics sector. Moving forward, the market will likely focus on educating consumers about the benefits of prebiotics while enhancing product accessibility and variety across South Korea.
South Korea Prebiotics Market Drivers
Rising Health Awareness Among Consumers
In South Korea, there has been a significant increase in health awareness, particularly concerning digestive health and gut microbiota. Recent surveys indicate that over 62% of South Koreans actively seek products that contribute to gut health. This growing trend is supported by initiatives from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which promotes dietary practices that strengthen gut flora and ultimately improve overall well-being. The South Korean prebiotics sector stands to gain as shoppers place greater value on function-driven foods, that support well-being, lifting interest in prebiotic offerings.
Increase in Chronic Health Conditions
The prevalence of chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders is on the rise in South Korea. According to data from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, obesity rates have increased by 24% over the past decade. Such health issues underscore the need for preventive measures, prompting a surge in interest in prebiotic and probiotic products that can enhance digestive health and overall immunity.This trend highlights a significant growth opportunity within the South Korea Prebiotics Market Industry.
Growing Interest in Functional Foods
There is a noticeable shift toward functional foods in South Korea, defined as foods that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The Food and Drug Administration of South Korea has endorsed numerous health claims for prebiotics, contributing to their popularity. With over 40% of South Korean consumers actively incorporating functional foods into their diets, the South Korea Prebiotics Market Industry stands to gain substantially as product offerings expand and consumer preference shifts toward health-enhancing commodities.
Innovation and Research in Nutritional Science
The South Korean government's investment in Research and Development (R&D) for health and nutrition is fostering innovations within the prebiotics sector. In 2021, the South Korean government allocated over 100 billion KRW for R&D projects related to food technology and health enhancement. As leading universities and research institutions collaborate with the industry, new prebiotic formulations and delivery methods are emerging. The emphasis on science-backed health products is expected to propel the South Korea Prebiotics Market Industry as consumers increasingly seek evidence-based health solutions.
South Korea Prebiotics Market Segment Insights
Prebiotics Market Type Insights
The South Korea Prebiotics Market is experiencing notable growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of health and wellness. The market segmentation by Type includes key categories such as Functional food and beverage, Dietary supplements, and Others. The Functional food and beverage segment is gaining traction as consumers are becoming more health-conscious, seeking products that not only taste good but also provide health benefits. This shift is partially attributed to rising incidences of digestive disorders, leading to a surge in demand for prebiotic-enriched foods that promote gut health.
In South Korea, the growing trend among consumers for natural and organic ingredients has led to innovative offerings in the food and beverage sector. The demand for foods such as yogurt, fermented drinks, and snacks enriched with prebiotics exemplifies how manufacturers are responding to localized health trends. Additionally, the Dietary supplements segment is becoming increasingly significant, as busy lifestyles foster a reliance on convenient health solutions. Many are opting for daily supplements to ensure they receive adequate prebiotic intake, which is crucial for supporting overall digestive health and immunity.
Furthermore, this segment exhibits significant potential, fueled by the aging population and an unprecedented rise in lifestyle-related diseases, prompting individuals to seek preventive measures through dietary supplementation. Others category offers diverse opportunities where niche products like prebiotic-infused infant formulas and specialized pet foods cater to unique consumer needs.
Overall, the segmentation of the South Korea Prebiotics Market highlights a dynamic shift toward health-focused consumption patterns, reflecting broader trends in dietary habits and consumer preferences. As these segments continue to evolve, they present significant opportunities for growth and innovation in the market, creating a robust landscape that boosts the South Korea Prebiotics Market revenue figures and enhances the industry. The market’s trends reflect a concerted effort to align with health benefits, accessibility, and the evolving preferences of South Korean consumers, making it a promising area for ongoing development and investment.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review
Prebiotics Market Application Insights
In the South Korea Prebiotics Market, the Application segment plays a crucial role in shaping market dynamics and trends. Fructooligosaccharides are widely recognized for their beneficial effects on gut health, promoting digestive wellness and regularity, thereby being vital in various food and beverage formulations. Galactooligosaccharides also hold significant importance due to their prebiotic properties that enhance gut flora, particularly in infant nutrition, making them essential in child dietary products. Inulin has gained traction as a soluble fiber, contributing to health benefits while being used in functional foods to improve texture and palatability.The Others category includes various emerging prebiotic ingredients that are increasingly being incorporated into health products, driven by consumer demand for enhanced nutritional profiles. As health consciousness rises in South Korea, the demand for prebiotics is expected to grow, presenting opportunities across diverse applications such as food and dietary supplements, especially with the growing interest in gut health and holistic nutrition solutions. The South Korea Prebiotics Market exhibits strong potential, supported by growing awareness among consumers regarding the importance of digestive health.
South Korea Prebiotics Market Key Players and Competitive Insights
The competitive landscape of the South Korea Prebiotics Market reflects a growing emphasis on digestive health and wellness among consumers, driven by increasing awareness of the benefits of prebiotics in enhancing gut microbiota. As more consumers seek natural and effective solutions for health maintenance, several key players in the market have begun to focus on research and development, product innovation, and strategic partnerships to solidify their positions. The market is characterized by a diverse range of players, from large multinational corporations to specialized local firms, each vying for market share in a landscape marked by evolving consumer preferences and regulatory considerations. The competition is further intensified by the presence of established firms that invest heavily in marketing campaigns, education, and product differentiation to capture the attention of health-conscious consumers.BASF has established a notable presence in the South Korea Prebiotics Market by leveraging its extensive expertise in developing high-quality prebiotic ingredients that cater to diverse consumer needs.
The company's strengths lie in its commitment to innovation and sustainability, which resonate well with modern consumers. BASF has focused on developing prebiotic solutions that not only support digestive health but also enhance overall wellness through integrated formulations. Moreover, the company’s robust supply chain and distribution network in South Korea enable it to cater efficiently to manufacturers and food producers looking to enhance their product offerings with scientifically-backed ingredients. In a market that is increasingly leaning towards label products, BASF's strong reputation for quality and reliability further solidifies its competitive edge.Synlogic has emerged as a noteworthy contender in the South Korea Prebiotics Market, emphasizing its scientific approach to developing products that improve metabolic health and gut function. The company specializes in utilizing synthetic biology to engineer probiotic strains, offering distinctive solutions that synergize with prebiotic ingredients to facilitate complex biological processes. Synlogic’s key products, tailored for both health and wellness applications, demonstrate its commitment to innovation in the sector. A significant aspect of Synlogic's strategy includes collaborations and partnerships aimed at accelerating product development and expanding its market reach within South Korea. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on trends favoring functional foods and supplements, emphasizing its adaptability and responsiveness to local consumer demands. Additionally, any recent mergers and acquisitions align with Synlogic's growth strategy in South Korea, reinforcing its presence as a leader in the prebiotics segment.
Key Companies in the South Korea Prebiotics Market Include
- BASF
- Synlogic
- DuPont
- Danone
- MediGus
- Kerry Group
- Yakult Honsha
- Ginkgo BioWorks
- Nestle
- Bifidobacterium
- Kraft Heinz
- Beijing keybio BioTechnology
- ProbioFerm
- Cargill
South Korea Prebiotics Market Industry Developments
Recent developments in the South Korea Prebiotics Market reveal increasing interest from major companies, including BASF, DuPont, and Danone, focusing on expanding their product portfolios and enhancing research and development initiatives. The market is experiencing growth driven by rising health consciousness among consumers, leading to a demand for functional food ingredients. In August 2023, Danone announced plans to reinforce its prebiotics product line in South Korea as part of a broader strategy to innovate food and beverage portfolios with health benefits.
Additionally, the engagement of firms like Yakult Honsha and Ginkgo BioWorks in biotechnological advancements is contributing to market dynamics by introducing innovative prebiotic solutions. The South Korean government's proactive support for biotechnology, coupled with investments in health-oriented products, underlines the vital role of prebiotics in public health. In the past three years, market valuations have reflected an upward trend, correlating with investments made by Cargill and Kerry Group to enhance their product offerings in prebiotics. No notable mergers or acquisitions were reported specifically within the region among these companies recently. The competitive landscape remains vibrant as these organizations strive to meet the evolving consumer preferences in South Korea.
South Korea Prebiotics Market Segmentation Insights
Prebiotics Market Type Outlook
- Functional food & beverage
- Dietary supplements
- Others
Prebiotics Market Application Outlook
- Fructooligosaccharides
- Galactooligosaccharides
- Inulin
- Others
Report Scope:
Report Attribute/Metric Source: |
Details |
MARKET SIZE 2018 |
69.28(USD Million) |
MARKET SIZE 2024 |
123.5(USD Million) |
MARKET SIZE 2035 |
353.7(USD Million) |
COMPOUND ANNUAL GROWTH RATE (CAGR) |
10.038% (2025 - 2035) |
REPORT COVERAGE |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
BASE YEAR |
2024 |
MARKET FORECAST PERIOD |
2025 - 2035 |
HISTORICAL DATA |
2019 - 2024 |
MARKET FORECAST UNITS |
USD Million |
KEY COMPANIES PROFILED |
BASF, Synlogic, DuPont, Danone, MediGus, Kerry Group, Yakult Honsha, Ginkgo BioWorks, Nestle, Bifidobacterium, Kraft Heinz, Beijing keybio BioTechnology, ProbioFerm, Cargill |
SEGMENTS COVERED |
Type, Application |
KEY MARKET OPPORTUNITIES |
Growing health awareness, Rising demand for gut health, Increase in plant-based products, Expanding infant formula innovations, E-commerce growth for health products |
KEY MARKET DYNAMICS |
increasing health consciousness, rising digestive disorders, demand for functional foods, growth in dietary supplements, government initiatives on gut health |
COUNTRIES COVERED |
South Korea |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
The South Korea Prebiotics Market is expected to be valued at 123.5 million USD in 2024.
By 2035, the South Korea Prebiotics Market is projected to reach a valuation of 353.7 million USD.
The market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.038% from 2025 to 2035.
The Dietary Supplements segment is anticipated to lead with a value of 60.0 million USD in 2024.
The Functional Food & Beverage segment is projected to reach 128.3 million USD by 2035.
Key players include BASF, DuPont, Danone, and Yakult Honsha, among others.
Challenges include maintaining product quality and addressing consumer awareness.
Emerging trends include increasing consumer demand for gut health products.
The Others segment is expected to grow to 54.0 million USD by 2035.
Growing health awareness and increasing use of prebiotics in food products are driving market growth.