India Probiotic Food Market - 2024-2031

Overview

India Probiotic Food Market reached US$ 6,917.81 million in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 12,229.31 million by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 15.62% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

India's probiotic food market is experiencing substantial expansion owing to several factors, including growing urban populations, an increase in health-conscious consumers and government initiatives promoting food safety and quality. According to the growing demand for functional foods that enhance gastrointestinal and immunologic health, the market will expand substantially by 2023. To safeguard the quality and safety of probiotics products, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) served as instrumental in developing regulatory standards. This has boosted customer confidence and encouraged adoption.

The demand for probiotic foods in India is solid in urban centers, driven by a younger demographic inclined towards health and wellness products. With a growing focus on preventive healthcare post-COVID-19, consumers are turning towards probiotics for immune support and gut health benefits. According to recent data from MoFPI, the health supplements and nutraceuticals sector, including probiotics, is expected to continue growing, influenced by regulations on quality standards and consumer education initiatives. Efforts to harmonize safety standards with international norms further contribute to a safe and competitive market.

Government-backed programs and research efforts, such as those supported by the Department of Science & Technology, also emphasize the development of resilient probiotic strains tailored to India's climate and dietary habits. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for traditional and locally developed probiotic options that resonate with India's diverse food culture.

Drivers

Increased Government Initiatives Promoting Gut Health

Government initiatives in India are actively promoting the consumption of probiotic foods, to enhance public health through improved gut health. One major initiative is the "Eat Right India" campaign, led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This program launched to raise awareness about safe and healthy eating habits, emphasizes the role of functional foods like probiotics in supporting digestion, boosting immunity and maintaining overall health.

With increased urbanization and lifestyle changes, more Indian consumers are seeking preventive health solutions and the government's endorsement of probiotics is helping meet this demand. FSSAI's guidelines for probiotic foods have established clear requirements for strain authenticity, efficacy and safety, building consumer confidence in probiotic foods. Additionally, the "Fortification of Foods" initiative by FSSAI encourages manufacturers to add essential nutrients to foods and probiotics have been included in this broader agenda for nutritional fortification.

According to National Institute of Health statistics, in India, the prevalence of gastrointestinal problems was 18% in 2023. To promote gut health further, public campaigns, educational resources and scientific studies from government-backed institutions, such as the National Institute of Nutrition, have highlighted the benefits of probiotics. These initiatives emphasize the role of probiotics in supporting digestion, immune health and even mental well-being, which are becoming increasingly recognized as essential aspects of overall health.

As a result, India's probiotic market is expected to continue growing at a double-digit rate annually. Government support for probiotic research and the fortification of foods with health-promoting bacteria reflects a commitment to preventive healthcare, which is particularly valuable in a country with a growing middle class and rising health awareness.

Expansion of Lactose-Free and Plant-Based Probiotic Options

The demand for lactose-free and plant-based probiotic foods is increasingly shaping India's probiotic food market. With a high prevalence of lactose intolerance among Indian consumers, approximately 60-65% of the population according to the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), there's a rising need for lactose-free options. Traditional dairy-based probiotics, while beneficial, are often unsuitable for a large segment of the population, pushing the market towards alternatives that cater to both lactose-intolerant individuals and consumers seeking plant-based products for health or environmental reasons.

In 2023, the Indian market saw an upsurge in plant-based probiotic options, including almond, coconut and oat-based probiotic yogurts and drinks, which align with the global trend toward sustainable, vegan-friendly food products. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has also recognized the need for plant-based alternatives, establishing guidelines to ensure the quality and labeling of these products, helping consumers make informed choices and enhancing confidence in plant-based probiotics.

According to 2023 estimates, the plant-based probiotic segment in India has been growing at an annual rate of over 10%, driven by health-conscious urban consumers and a younger demographic keen on sustainable diets. Additionally, government-backed research is exploring indigenous plant-based probiotic strains, which could further drive the growth of this segment. With lactose-free and plant-based options expanding, the Indian probiotic food market is projected to continue growing rapidly, tapping into the dual trends of dairy-free diets and environmental awareness among consumers.

Restraints

Lack of Standardization and Quality Control

The growth of India's probiotic food market is being hampered by challenges in standardization and quality control, which impact both consumer trust and product effectiveness. Although probiotics are widely recognized for their health benefits, inconsistencies in strain quality, potency and labeling practices have created concerns among consumers and healthcare professionals. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued guidelines for probiotic foods, but enforcement remains limited due to inadequate infrastructure for monitoring and testing.

In 2023, the FSSAI reported gaps in adherence to probiotic quality standards, noting that many products lacked clear labeling on strain identification, colony-forming units (CFUs) and expiration dates. Proper labeling and standardization are crucial, as different probiotic strains offer distinct health benefits and potency levels can degrade over time if not stored correctly. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, about 30% of probiotic products sampled in recent quality control checks did not meet FSSAI's recommended criteria for effective health benefits, highlighting the need for stricter quality oversight.

Moreover, India lacks a standardized protocol for certifying the efficacy of probiotics, which contrasts with countries like Japan and the United States which have more rigorous frameworks for functional foods. This lack of standardization has raised doubts among consumers regarding product claims, particularly in urban areas where health-conscious buyers are seeking trustworthy products. Improving regulatory oversight and implementing strict quality control measures are essential for boosting consumer confidence and ensuring the probiotic market's sustainable growth in India.

Segment Analysis

The India probiotic food market is segmented based on type, ingredient, application, age and distribution channel.

Cultural Preferences and Consumer Awareness of Health Benefits Drive the Segment's Growth

The yogurt segment holds the largest share of the Indian probiotic food market, driven by both cultural preferences and consumer awareness of health benefits. In the Indian market, yogurt is a traditional staple widely consumed across age groups and regions, making it a natural carrier for probiotics in everyday diets. As demand for digestive health and immunity-boosting foods rises, yogurt's positioning as a familiar, versatile and nutrient-rich option strengthens its foothold in the probiotic market.

In addition, the Indian market sees yogurt products increasingly diversifying with innovative flavors, low-fat and low-sugar options and fortified formulations aimed at addressing specific health concerns. These developments align with a broader trend toward functional foods and wellness, attracting health-conscious consumers who prefer probiotics in an accessible form. Manufacturers in the market are investing in these offerings, recognizing yogurt's potential for wide consumer acceptance and sustained growth in the probiotic sector.

For instance, in August 2023, The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which owns the Amul brand, launched a range of probiotic yogurt products. The products are made using the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus and are available in various flavors.

Sustainability Analysis

The sustainability analysis of the Indian probiotic food market reveals several emerging factors that influence the market's eco-friendliness and social responsibility. As consumer awareness grows around health benefits and environmental impact, sustainability considerations are shaping production, distribution and product development in the probiotic sector.

From a market perspective, Indian companies are increasingly prioritizing locally sourced ingredients and energy-efficient manufacturing to minimize their carbon footprint. This is critical as probiotics often require controlled fermentation processes, which traditionally have high energy demands. By adopting renewable energy sources, optimizing processes and reducing waste, the probiotic food market in India is addressing sustainability goals directly in line with consumer expectations for environmentally friendly health products.

Packaging is another crucial factor in the sustainability analysis of this market. Given India's packaging waste concerns, manufacturers are turning to biodegradable and recyclable packaging options to reduce plastic use and improve product appeal to eco-conscious consumers. This shift is becoming more prominent as companies recognize the competitive advantage of sustainable packaging in the market.

The Indian probiotic food market also emphasizes the socioeconomic benefits of sustainability. Local production supports rural farmers by creating demand for high-quality dairy and plant-based ingredients used in probiotic foods. By fostering sustainable agricultural practices, the market bolsters both environmental stewardship and economic growth for smallholder farmers, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in the broader supply chain.

Unmet Needs

The probiotic food market faces several unmet needs despite its growing demand. One significant gap is the limited awareness and education among consumers regarding the diverse benefits of probiotics. While many people recognize probiotics for gut health, awareness of their role in immune function, mental health and other wellness areas remains low. This lack of understanding limits broader consumer adoption.

Additionally, product variety and formulation challenges persist. While probiotic supplements are popular, the availability of probiotic-rich foods beyond yogurt and drinks is limited. Consumers are seeking more options, such as snacks, baked goods and plant-based alternatives, which are still in the nascent stages of development in many markets. This unmet demand for variety is particularly pronounced in regions where plant-based and dairy-free products are growing in popularity.

Taste and convenience also represent critical barriers. Many probiotic products, especially in developing markets, lack appealing flavors or are not easily integrated into daily diets. For instance, products like probiotic yogurt or fermented foods may not be appealing to all age groups and convenience factors, such as easy-to-carry packaging and ready-to-consume formats, are still lacking in many regions.

Furthermore, while the market is growing, especially in regions like India, there is a need for more affordable and accessible products. Probiotics remain a niche category for many consumers due to high prices, especially in rural or price-sensitive markets. To meet these unmet needs, there is an opportunity to introduce more functional and affordable probiotic foods, especially in rural and price-sensitive markets. Additionally, addressing consumer education gaps on the broader benefits of probiotics could drive market expansion. More innovation is needed in product formulations, including non-dairy and plant-based options to cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the Indian market include Epigamia, Milky Mist Dairy, Happy Live Cultures, Bombucha, Hands on Tummy, Indian Kefir Company - yuuva kombucha, TempehStation, Mother Dairy Fruit & Vegetable Pvt. Ltd., Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF)) and Zoh Farms Private Limited (Zoh Probiotics).

By Type

• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Sauerkraut
• Tempeh
• Kimchi
• Miso
• Kombucha
• Others

By Ingredient

• Lactobacillus
• Streptococcus
• Bifidobacterium
• Others

By Application

• Gastrointestinal Health
  • Gut Microbiota/Microbiome Balance
  • Digestion
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Leaky Gut
  • Inflammation
  • Others
• Gluten sensitivity
• Abdominal Pain
• GERD/Helicobacter pylori
• Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea/Post-Antibiotic Treatment
• Gut Flora/Gut Microbiome Restoration
• Others
• Vaginal Health
• Urinary Tract Health
  • Kidney Stones
  • UTIs
  • Others
• Oral Health
• Anti/Healthy Ageing
• Allergies/Asthma
• Bone & Joint Health
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis/Low Mineral Bone Density
  • Inflammation
• Brain/Mental Health
  • Sleep
  • Cognition
  • Mood
  • Depression
  • Focus
• Cardiovascular Health
• Circulation
• Energy/Fatigue Reduction
• Metabolic Syndrome/Blood Glucose
• Liver Health
• Energy
• Immunity/Respiratory Infections
• Nutrient Absorption
• Skin-Hair-Nails
  • Atopic Dermatitis & Eczema
  • Acne
  • Rosacea
  • Hair Growth/Hair Loss
  • Skin Microbiome
  • Others
• Sports
• Women's Health
  • Fertility
  • Menopause
  • Pregnancy
  • PCOS
  • Vaginal Health & Health Vaginal Microbiome
  • Vaginal Infections (BV/VVC)
  • Pregnancy Outcomes
  • Others
• Men's Health & Men's Fertility
• Weight Management
• Pediatric Health
  • Colic
  • Constipation
  • Regurgitation
  • Atopic Dermatitis
  • Others
• Others

By Age

• Infant
• Children
• Adults
• Seniors

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Pharmacies and Drug Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retailers
• Other Distribution Channels

Key Developments

• In March 2024, TrueNorth launched innovative probiotic solutions 'Sensibiotics' for sensitive gut and feminine health, targeting India's growing gut health market and feminine health market. TrueNorth has also launched two new products 'Sensibiotics' for sensitive gut and feminine health, tailored to the needs of today's professionals. These probiotic supplements address common health concerns like travellers' diarrhea and urinary tract infections (UTIs), providing targeted, preventive care.
• In August 2023, The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which owns the Amul brand, launched a range of probiotic yogurt products. The products are made using the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus and are available in various flavors.
• In July 2022, leveraging its extensive distribution network, Nestle India has seen significant growth in its probiotic yogurt segment. The "Nestle a+ ActiPLUS" brand, was launched.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the India probiotic food market segmentation based on type, ingredient, application, age and distribution channel, 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 India probiotic food 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 India probiotic food market report would provide approximately 45 tables, 62 figures and 183 pages.

Target Audience 2024

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