India Probiotic Food Supplement Market - 2024-2031

Overview

The India probiotic food supplement market recorded a value of US$ 383.44 million in 2023 and is expected to reach a value of US$ 703.29 thousand in 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.69% during the forecast period (2024-2031).

The India probiotic food supplement market has experienced robust growth over the last few years, driven by increasing awareness about gut health, immunity and overall wellness. Probiotic supplements are gaining popularity as part of the health-conscious shift in the Indian population, particularly in urban areas.

For instance, India has the world's fastest-growing health foods market, expected to be worth $30 billion by 2026. When it comes to diet, the Indian millennial is becoming more deliberate. This has resulted in a proliferation of healthy food companies in India. By 2026, per capita spending on healthful foods will have doubled. According to the report, the segment will reach a market size of $30 billion during the next five years. According to Avendus Capital, the investment banking arm of Avendus Group, India has the fastest-growing health food sector, with a 20% CAGR.

The growing probiotics market in India contributes significantly to the country's overall health and wellness industry. It is creating opportunities for local manufacturers, generating employment and promoting research and development activities in microbial and gut health.

The growing demand for plant-based and vegan probiotics presents an opportunity for manufacturers to diversify their offerings. This trend is particularly appealing to millennials and health-conscious consumers who are looking for alternatives to traditional dairy-based probiotic products.

Drivers

Rising Focus on Preventive Healthcare

The shift toward preventive healthcare in India is a significant factor propelling the demand for probiotic food supplements. Consumers are increasingly prioritizing proactive health measures to prevent illnesses rather than relying solely on treatments. This trend has accelerated in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened awareness about immunity and overall wellness.

For instance, according to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the preventive healthcare sector, which includes exercise, wellness, foods and supplements, early diagnoses and health tracking, is estimated to reach US$ 197 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 22%. Healthcare start-ups in India have attracted investments totaling more than US$ 150 million. These start-ups are transforming healthcare delivery in categories such as nutrition, wellness, cancer, genomics and others.

Furthermore, workplace wellness programs are increasingly including access to probiotics and health supplements as part of their corporate benefits, promoting a culture of preventive care among employees. In rural areas, government initiatives under programs like "Eat Right India" are gradually educating the population about preventive health and encouraging the use of affordable supplements, including probiotics, to maintain good health and immunity. With these various consumer segments recognizing the preventive benefits of probiotics, the market is seeing robust growth as people of all ages incorporate them into daily life to safeguard their long-term health.

Government Initiatives Promoting Probiotic Supplements

Government policies and initiatives in India are actively driving the growth of the probiotic food supplement market by promoting awareness, accessibility and regulation of these products. The rise of government policies boosts market growth. For instance, in February 2022, a team of Indian Scientists identified the next-generation probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus Plantarum JBC5 from a dairy product that showed great promise in promoting healthy aging. The team has also developed a yogurt using this probiotic bacterium which can be consumed to derive all these health benefits.

Additionally, in 2024, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science & Technology released guidelines for the evaluation of probiotics in food to help conduct research and promote its use in the industry. The DBT also organized a workshop on "Biomanufacturing of Probiotics and Fermented Foods: A Step Towards Health Status and Social Well-Being" in February 2024.

Additionally, the government's relaxed regulations for functional foods have encouraged both domestic and international companies to introduce a variety of probiotic supplements tailored to Indian health needs. This regulatory environment has also made it feasible for smaller, local players to enter the market, thereby increasing availability and affordability.

The National Health Mission, which promotes preventive healthcare and nutrition across India, has further spurred growth by highlighting the role of supplements like probiotics in supporting daily wellness, particularly for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and the elderly. As a result, supportive government policies are making probiotic supplements more accessible and trustworthy, creating a conducive environment for their widespread adoption across the country.

Restraints

High Product Costs And Affordability Issues

High product costs and affordability challenges significantly restrain the growth of the probiotic food supplement market in India, where a large portion of the population is highly price-sensitive. Many probiotic supplements are priced as premium products due to the cost of production, quality control and specialized strains, making them less accessible to middle- and lower-income groups.

For instance, imported probiotics with specific health claims, such as those targeting immune health or digestive disorders, can be prohibitively expensive for average consumers. This issue is particularly evident in rural and semi-urban areas, where consumers often prioritize essential health needs over relatively costly dietary supplements.

Additionally, probiotic products in India are generally more expensive than traditional food items, making them less accessible to a large portion of the population. According to a market analysis by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in 2024, the average price of a probiotic supplement in India is around INR 1,500 per month.

Moreover, the lack of insurance coverage or subsidies for supplements means consumers bear the full cost, limiting their ability to purchase these products regularly. This affordability gap restricts the reach of probiotic supplements to primarily urban, high-income consumers, preventing widespread adoption across various socio-economic segments.

Segment Analysis

The India probiotic food supplement market is segmented based on ingredients, dosage, application, age and distribution channel.

Growing Digestive Disorders in India

Gastrointestinal health holds a significant share in India's probiotic supplement market due to the high prevalence of digestive disorders and rising awareness of gut health among Indian consumers. PACE Hospitals, 2023, estimated that, in India, 22% of adults suffer from constipation, where 59% of them complain of severe constipation and 27% complain of constipation associated with certain comorbidities. Additionally, according to an article published in India Today, 2024, stated that IBS is a common disorder with a 4 to 7% prevalence in India.

Probiotic supplements aimed at improving digestion and gut health are increasingly popular, as they help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, alleviate common digestive issues like bloating and constipation and enhance nutrient absorption. The traditional Indian diet, which often includes fermented foods, aligns well with the concept of probiotics, creating a favorable cultural acceptance for these supplements. Probiotics specifically targeting gastrointestinal health are marketed for their preventative and therapeutic benefits, appealing to a broad consumer base.

Sustainability Analysis

Manufacturers are promoting sustainable practices, such as sourcing natural and organic ingredients to meet the demand for clean-label products. For instance, Good Bug, an India-based company, operates under stringent environmental standards to minimize its ecological footprint. It focuses on sustainable practices in sourcing, manufacturing and packaging. The company's commitment to eco-friendly operations ensures minimal environmental impact.

Environmentally friendly packaging and sourcing are also emerging concerns as consumers increasingly demand eco-conscious products. Local production of probiotics could enhance sustainability by reducing reliance on imports and supporting local economies, though it requires investment in advanced manufacturing facilities and research. Additionally, regulatory clarity and quality standards will be crucial for long-term growth, ensuring that products are both safe and effective.

Unmet Needs

Despite the health benefits of probiotics, awareness among the general Indian population remains relatively low. Many consumers are unfamiliar with probiotics' role in supporting gut health, immunity and overall wellness. A significant unmet need is a targeted educational initiative that can reach urban and rural audiences. Public awareness campaigns, informational workshops and digital content can help consumers understand the value of probiotics, especially for common health concerns in India such as digestive issues, immunity support and lifestyle-related conditions.

Probiotic supplements in India are often priced at a premium, limiting accessibility for lower-income populations. Additionally, they are predominantly available in urban areas, leaving a vast untapped market in smaller cities and rural regions. Expanding the distribution channels to pharmacies, general stores and online platforms could improve accessibility. Introducing affordable probiotic supplements, particularly sachets or smaller unit sizes, would make these products more accessible to price-sensitive consumers.

Competitive Landscape

The major players in the market include The Himalayan Organics, Carbamide Forte (Novus Life Sciences Pvt Ltd.), Unique Biotech Limited (UBL), INLIFE Pharma Private Limited, Velbiom Probiotics, ZeroHarm, The Good Bug, Pure Nutrition, HealhtyHey foods LLP, Meibotan, Cipla Limited

By Ingredient

• Lactobacillus
• Streptococcus
• Bifidobacterium
• Others

By Dosage

• Tablet
• Capsules
• Liquid
• Powder
• Others
  • Chewables & Gummies
  • Soft Gels
  • Others

By Application

• Gastrointestinal Health
  • Gut Microbiota/Microbiome Balance
  • Digestion
  • Constipation
  • Bloating
  • Diarrhea
  • Leaky Gut
  • Inflammation
  • Immune System
  • 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 Channels

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

Key Developments

• In June 2024, MicrobioTx, a Bengaluru-based gut health startup, launched two innovative products on World Microbiome Day 2024. These include Personal Probiotics, India's first prebiotic-probiotic blend tailored to individual gut profiles and GutChat, a free chatbot focused on gut health.
• In March 2024, TrueNorth launched innovative probiotic solutions, 'Sensibiotics,' targeting India's growing gut health and feminine health markets, valued at US$ 4.91 billion and US$ 0.9 billion, respectively. The new products are designed for professionals, addressing issues like travelers' diarrhea and urinary tract infections (UTIs). These probiotic supplements offer targeted, preventive care for sensitive gut and feminine health.
• In April 2023, Centrum announced the launch of its new line of high-science supplements, 'Benefit Blends,' in India. The supplements, available in a flavorful gummy format, offer varied health benefits. The new 'Centrum Digestive Balance' gummies, part of the 'Benefit Blends' line, contain probiotics and prebiotics to support digestion and gut health.
• In March 2023, Hyderabad-based startup Nutrazee launched its latest product, Nutrazee Probiotic Gummies for Digestive & Immune Health. The vegan supplement is designed to support digestive and immune health and is suitable for both children and adults. This new addition expands Nutrazee's innovative line of gummy vitamin products.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the India probiotic food supplement market segmentation based on ingredient, dosage, 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 supplement 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 supplement report would provide approximately 48 tables, 61 figures and 210 pages.

Target Audience 2024

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