Global Plant-based Probiotics Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Plant-based Probiotics Market reached US$ 912.1 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 1382.3 million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The plant-based probiotic market has been experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of gut health and a rising preference for vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Plant-based probiotics, derived from sources like fermented fruits, vegetables, and grains, offer a natural and ethical alternative to traditional dairy-based probiotics. This shift is further supported by the growing body of research highlighting the benefits of probiotics for digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being.

As consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for clean-label and plant-based products continues to rise, fueling innovation and expansion within the market. Moreover, the market's growth is bolstered by the increasing availability of plant-based probiotic products across various forms such as supplements, beverages, and functional foods. Companies are investing in new product development and strategic partnerships to cater to the diverse needs of health-conscious consumers.

The bacteria-ingredient type probiotic segment in plant-based probiotics market accounts over 28.64% share. Similarly, North America dominates the plant-based probiotics market, capturing the largest market share of over 1/3rd. Consumers are increasingly looking for dairy-free alternatives due to lactose intolerance, allergies, and dietary preferences, which has led to a surge in the popularity of plant-based probiotic products such as kombucha, kefir, and non-dairy yogurts.

Dynamics

Rising Popularity of Plant-Based Diets

Plant-based diets are often associated with numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, better heart health, and lower risks of chronic diseases. Probiotics, which are known for their benefits to gut health and the immune system, fit well within the framework of these diets. As more consumers adopt plant-based lifestyles, they seek complementary products that align with their dietary choices, leading to increased demand for plant-based probiotics.

In 2022, a survey by the International Food Information Council found that nearly 1 in 4 Americans reported consuming more plant-based foods compared to the previous year, further driving the market for related products like probiotics. The environmental impact of animal agriculture is another key driver behind the popularity of plant-based diets.

According to a report by the Good Food Institute, plant-based food sales grew three times faster than overall food sales in 2022, highlighting the strong consumer interest in sustainable food choices. Concerns over sustainability and the carbon footprint of meat and dairy production are leading more consumers to choose plant-based alternatives. The plant-based probiotic market benefits from this shift, as consumers look for environmentally friendly and sustainable options.

Growing Incidence of Lactose Intolerance and Dairy Allergies

The increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and dairy allergies is a significant driver of the global plant-based probiotics market. Lactose intolerance affects a considerable portion of the global population, particularly in regions like East Asia, Africa, and South America. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 68% of the global population experiences some degree of lactose malabsorption. This condition makes it difficult for individuals to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, leading to digestive discomfort and other symptoms.

In 2022, the demand for plant-based alternatives surged as more people sought to avoid lactose-containing products. In the United States, an estimated 36% of the population is affected by lactose intolerance, driving consumers towards dairy-free options. The plant-based probiotics market has benefited from this shift, as these products offer a viable alternative for those who cannot consume traditional dairy-based probiotics.

Dairy allergies, which can cause severe reactions to milk proteins, further contribute to the demand for plant-based probiotics. Unlike lactose intolerance, which is a digestive issue, dairy allergies involve the immune system and can result in more serious health risks. The Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) organization estimates that dairy allergies affect about 1-2% of the population in the United States, particularly among children. This demographic shift has led parents and caregivers to seek out plant-based probiotic options to ensure the safety and health of their children.

Supply Chain Disruptions and Raw Material Shortages

Supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages have significantly restrained the growth of the plant-based probiotics market. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated global supply chain issues, affecting the availability and cost of raw materials needed for producing plant-based probiotics. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, in 2022, nearly 73% of global businesses experienced some form of supply chain disruption, leading to delays in production and distribution.

One of the key raw materials for plant-based probiotics includes various plant-based substrates like soy, almond, and coconut. The agricultural sector faced significant challenges in 2022 due to adverse weather conditions, labor shortages, and logistic bottlenecks. These factors contributed to reduced crop yields and increased costs. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a noticeable decline in the production of soybeans and other key crops used in plant-based products, leading to a 15% increase in raw material costs on average.

Segment Analysis

The global plant-based probiotics market is segmented based on product type, ingredient type, function, distribution channel, end-user and region.

The Surging Demand for Fortified Dairy Alternatives

The demand for fortified dairy alternatives within the plant-based probiotics market has been on a significant rise, driven by consumer preferences for healthier and more nutritious options. Fortified dairy alternatives are products like plant-based milks, yogurts, and cheeses that are enriched with additional nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to enhance their health benefits.

One of the primary drivers of this demand is the increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with plant-based diets and the consumption of fortified foods. According to a report by the Plant Based Foods Association, sales of plant-based milk grew by 6% in 2022, reaching USD 2.6 billion in the United States alone.

A significant portion of this growth can be attributed to the introduction of fortified options that offer added health benefits, such as enhanced calcium and vitamin D levels, which are critical for consumers looking to replace traditional dairy products without compromising on nutrition. In March 2024, New Zealand infant nutrition firm Haven expanded into the plant-based space with the launch of an oat-milk based drink for toddlers aged one and above.

Geographical Penetration

Rising Demand for Plant-Based Probiotics in North America

The demand for plant-based probiotics in North America has seen significant growth, driven by heightened health awareness and the increasing popularity of plant-based diets. The rise in lactose intolerance, allergies, and dietary preferences for dairy-free alternatives has fueled the popularity of plant-based probiotic products such as kombucha, kefir, and non-dairy yogurts. Lactose intolerance is common in North America, with estimates ranging from 36% in the US to 80% in Latin America.

In the United States, this trend is particularly strong. The Plant Based Foods Association reported a 24% increase in sales of plant-based foods in 2022, with this trend continuing in the near future term. The U.S. market for probiotics remains robust, with a significant portion of the market dedicated to plant-based options. The research indicates that the functional foods segment, including plant-based probiotics, is experiencing rapid growth, driven by consumer demand for products offering health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

Canada is witnessing a similar trend. According to the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA), health and wellness products, including probiotics, have seen increased popularity, with a growing preference for plant-based options. The plant-based probiotic market in Canada is driven by rising awareness of probiotic benefits and a shift towards vegan and vegetarian diets. This growth is supported by the increasing availability of innovative plant-based probiotic products in the Canadian market.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the plant-based probiotic market, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, the pandemic heightened global awareness of health and wellness, leading to increased demand for products that support immune health and overall well-being. Plant-based probiotics, known for their benefits in gut health and immune support, saw a surge in interest as consumers sought to enhance their health during the pandemic.

The shift drove innovation and product development in the market, with companies introducing new probiotic formulations and expanding their plant-based product lines. Conversely, the pandemic also posed significant challenges for the market. Lockdowns and restrictions disrupted manufacturing and distribution channels, causing supply chain issues and delays.

Additionally, the economic impact of the pandemic led to reduced disposable income for many consumers, potentially limiting their ability to purchase non-essential health products, including probiotics. Despite these challenges, the long-term trend towards health consciousness and the growing preference for plant-based products suggest that the plant-based probiotic market is likely to continue its growth trajectory post-pandemic.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis

The Russia-Ukraine war has had significant ripple effects on the global economy, including the plant-based probiotic market. The conflict has disrupted supply chains and increased raw material costs due to geopolitical tensions and sanctions. Key ingredients and packaging materials sourced from Eastern Europe and neighboring regions have faced delays and shortages, leading to production slowdowns and increased prices for plant-based probiotic products. Moreover, the instability in the region has led to fluctuating currency values and economic uncertainty, further complicating trade and investment in the probiotic sector.

Additionally, the war has shifted consumer behavior and market priorities, especially in affected regions. With economic instability and rising costs of living, consumers may prioritize essential goods over wellness products like probiotics, potentially reducing market demand. However, in some areas, heightened health concerns and stress from the conflict could drive increased interest in health and wellness products, including plant-based probiotics, as individuals seek to bolster their immune systems and overall well-being.

By Product Type

• Fermented Vegetables
• Fortified Dairy Alternatives
• Fortified Fruit Juices
• Isolates
• Others

By Ingredient Type

• Bacteria
• Yeast
• Others

By Application

• Immune Health
• Digestive Health
• General Wellness
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

By End-User

• Infants & Children
• Adults
• Middle-Aged
• Elderly

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In July 2023, Austrian entrepreneurs Helmut Essl and Alexander Schutz, SlimBiotics has introduced a novel plant-based probiotic to address the ballooning global overweight and obesity epidemic.
• In May 2023, Roquette, a global leader in plant-based ingredients and a leading provider of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical excipients, invites the health and nutrition market to discover a more versatile, stable and consumer-forward future for probiotic supplements with the launch of its new excipient - PEARLITOL ProTec.
• In January 2021, Wellbeing Nutrition (WBN), India's leading organic plant-based nutrition company launched the plant-based and clinically-studied Probiotic + Prebiotic, the answer to all gut problems. Wellbeing's Probiotic + Prebiotic offers six clinically-researched strains that have been designed to give a happier, healthier gut with a simple 21-days routine that also includes Prebiotic Fiber. Science-driven and research-focused, it combines the benefits of modern science and pure, organic ingredients to give the best of everyday nutrition.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Danone S.A., Nestle S.A., Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Probi AB, Renew Life, BioGaia AB, General Mills, Inc., NutraScience Labs, ADM and IFF.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global plant-based probiotics market segmentation based on product type, ingredient type, application, end-user, distribution channel and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of plant-based probiotics market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as Excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global plant-based probiotics market report would provide approximately 78 tables, 76 figures, and 219 Pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies