Global Vegan Yogurt Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Vegan Yogurt Market reached US$ 6.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 11.6 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 7.1 % during the forecast period 2024-2031.

The global vegan yogurt market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products. This rise is fueled by greater awareness of health benefits, sustainability and ethical considerations associated with plant-based diets. Vegan yogurt, made from ingredients like almond, coconut, soy, oats and cashews, has gained widespread appeal among those seeking dairy-free, lactose-free and environmentally friendly options.

Innovation in flavor, texture and nutrition has further accelerated the market, with brands introducing new formulations that include added probiotics, vitamins and minerals. Vegan yogurt is not only a dairy alternative but also a functional food, offering various health benefits. The market is expected to continue expanding as consumer preferences evolve toward more sustainable and health-conscious food choices.

The rising demand for vegan desserts, including yogurt, is fueled by a variety of factors, including lactose intolerance, dairy allergies and the desire for lower-calorie, lower-fat or dairy-free options. Lactose intolerance disorder is relatively very common, affecting millions of people in US alone. According to the World Population Review, lactose intolerance (% of the population) is 36% in US as of 2024, creating the need for vegan options driving the market dominance.

Dynamics

Rising Vegan Population

The global demand for vegan yogurt is growing due to rising health consciousness and the need for lactose-free alternatives. With increasing awareness of the negative health impacts of saturated fats and additives, many consumers are turning to plant-based options. Vegan yogurt, made from ingredients like almonds, soy and coconut, offers a healthier, dairy-free solution. The vegan population is also on the rise. According to NCBI, there are Approximately 88 Million vegans in the World.

Additionally, lactose intolerance is common in ethnic groups such as African Americans, Asian Americans and Hispanic/Latinos, with up to 100% of East Asians affected, compared to just 5% in Northern Europe. Vegan yogurt is also gaining popularity for its digestive health benefits, as it often contains probiotics. The growing awareness of digestive wellness, combined with the increasing number of people seeking lactose-free and plant-based foods, positions vegan yogurt as a key player in the global market.

Innovation and Product Variety

As demand for plant-based options rises, yogurt makers are increasingly focused on improving the taste, texture and nutritional profiles of their products. Advances in fermentation techniques and the use of diverse plant bases such as oats, almonds and coconuts have led to vegan yogurts that closely mimic the creamy texture and flavor of traditional dairy yogurt. These innovations make plant-based yogurts more appealing to a broader consumer base, particularly those seeking dairy-free yet satisfying alternatives.

Additionally, vegan yogurt products are being fortified with essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12, commonly found in dairy-based products, to meet the nutritional needs of consumers. Some brands are also adding functional ingredients like fiber, protein and superfoods to cater to health-conscious buyers. For instance, The Coconut Collab, a UK-based dairy-free yogurt company, launched a high-protein product Protein Yog in July 2024.

The product is made from coconut cream, coconut water and almond and soy proteins. With 10g of protein per serving, this product, developed over four years, provides a delicious plant-based protein option, further expanding the appeal of vegan yogurt to those looking for both taste and nutritional benefits. Innovation in flavor, texture and nutritional fortification is driving the vegan yogurt market by making plant-based options more appealing, functional and nutritionally competitive with dairy alternatives.

High Production Costs and Price Sensitivity

The high production cost of vegan yogurt is driven by the expense of plant-based ingredients such as almond, coconut, cashew and oat milk. These ingredients are generally more costly than their dairy counterparts, making the production of vegan yogurt more expensive. Additionally, producing plant-based yogurt requires specialized manufacturing processes and equipment to replicate the texture, taste and nutritional profile of traditional yogurt. These factors combine to increase operational costs.

This premium pricing poses a significant challenge, particularly in price-sensitive markets or during economic downturns when consumers may prioritize more affordable food options. In developing regions, where income levels are lower and price sensitivity is higher, the elevated cost of vegan yogurt can limit its market penetration. As a result, the higher price point may discourage wider adoption, especially when consumers are faced with the option of more affordable dairy alternatives.

Segment Analysis

The global vegan yogurt market is segmented based on source, type, flavor, distribution channel and region.

Rising Consumer Demand for Nutritious Products

The global vegan yogurt market is segmented based on type into fortified and non-fortified. Fortified vegan yogurt has become a dominant force due to rising consumer demand for plant-based, nutritious alternatives to dairy. These products offer enhanced nutritional profiles, with added protein, fiber, vitamins and probiotics, meeting the needs of health-conscious consumers and those with dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance or veganism.

For instance, Nature's Fynd's launch of Fy Yogurt in January 2024, represents a breakthrough in fortified vegan yogurt. Made with Fy, a sustainable fungi protein, this dairy-free yogurt is available in flavors like strawberry, peach and vanilla and provides 8 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and live active cultures per serving. It not only delivers a creamy texture but also offers a rich nutrient profile, aligning with consumer preferences for both taste and health benefits in plant-based alternatives.

Geographical Penetration

Rising Vegan Population in North America

North America has emerged as a dominant force in the vegan yogurt market, driven by an increasing awareness of health and wellness among consumers. With 4% of US population identifying as vegan and 10% considering themselves either vegetarian or vegan according to the Animal Health Foundation, there is a substantial and growing consumer base actively seeking plant-based alternatives.

The shift is not limited to vegans alone, as the broader trend toward plant-based eating continues to gain traction, with a 6.6% increase in plant-based food sales in 2022 underscoring the growing mainstream appeal of these products. As consumer interest in plant-based options intensifies, North America is leading the charge in vegan yogurt innovation, setting the stage for continued growth in the market.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include General Mills, Inc., The Hain Celestial Group, Danone S.A., The Coconut Collaborative Ltd, Kite Hill, G.T.'s Living Foods LLC, Nancy's Probiotic Foods, COYO Pty Ltd, KaTech Ingredient Solutions GmbH and Drums Food International Private Limited.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the supply chains of the market, particularly in the sourcing of key ingredients. The conflict has also led to higher production costs due to rising energy prices and inflation, which resulted in increased retail prices for plant-based products. These cost pressures, combined with economic uncertainty, dampen consumer spending on premium products like vegan yogurt in certain markets.

While challenges like supply chain disruptions and rising costs pose short-term hurdles, the vegan yogurt market continues to show resilience. The war has heightened awareness of sustainability and ethical consumption, potentially boosting demand for plant-based alternatives as consumers seek healthier and environmentally friendly options. Growing consumer interest in plant-based diets, driven by health and sustainability concerns, remains a key driver of market expansion, particularly in Western markets.

By Source

• Almond
• Soy
• Oats
• Others

By Type

• Fortified
• Non-fortified

By Flavor

• Fruity
• Savory
• Other

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Store
• Online Sales
• Others

By Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • 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 2024, The Coconut Collab, a UK-based dairy-free yogurt company, launched a high-protein product Protein Yog.
• In January 2024, Nature's Fynd's launch of Fy Yogurt represents a breakthrough in fortified vegan yogurt. Made with Fy, a sustainable fungi protein, this dairy-free yogurt is available in different flavors.
• In March 2024, Bored Cow launched a drinkable animal-free yogurt made with fermented milk protein, coconut cream and cane sugar. Available in strawberry, vanilla and passion fruit mango, each 7 oz bottle offers 8g of protein, calcium, vitamins and probiotics. Priced at US$ 2.99-US$ 3.99, it will debut in New York City this month.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global vegan yogurt market segmentation based on source, type, flavor, 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 vegan yogurt market-level data points 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 vegan yogurt market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 54 figures and 203 pages.

Target Audience 2024

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