Spain probiotic food market reached US$ 1,371.00 million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 1,766.82 million by 2028, growing with a CAGR of 6.67% during the forecast period 2025-2028.
The probiotic food market in Spain has been experiencing notable growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of gut health and the benefits of functional foods. The dominance can be attributed to the growing consumer interest in products that support digestive health and overall well-being. The trend is further supported by the introduction of innovative products, such as functional beverages enriched with probiotics, which have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers.
Yogurt holds nearly 50% of Spain's probiotic food market, making it the dominant segment among products like sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and kombucha. Brands are focusing on launching new yogurt varieties, enhancing flavors, and adopting eco-friendly packaging to meet consumer demand. The market's growth is fueled by rising health awareness and preference for functional foods. This trend is pushing manufacturers to expand production and diversify offerings to stay competitive.
For instance, in May 2023, Spanish brand La Fageda entered the organic food market with its first organic yogurt, aligning with rising consumer demand and its sustainability values. This marks a milestone in the company's 30-year history of producing yogurts and dairy desserts. La Fageda's new organic yogurt will be made with locally sourced milk from the Vall d'En Bas Cooperative, near its facilities. This reinforces the brand's commitment to regional ingredients and sustainability.
Drivers
Rising Cases of Lifestyle Diseases Like Obesity and Diabetes
The escalating prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases, particularly obesity, and diabetes, in Spain has significantly influenced consumer dietary habits, leading to a heightened demand for functional foods such as probiotics. This shift is driven by an increased awareness of the role that diet plays in managing and preventing these health conditions.
A 2023 study published in NIL reveals that over half of Spain's adult population has excess weight, with nearly one in five classified as obese. Obesity rates are higher among older adults, men, and non-Spanish or disabled women. Similarly, another study by Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM) and Hospital del Mar predicts that 80% of adult men in Spain will be overweight or obese by 2030.
Health-conscious consumers are turning to probiotic-rich products such as yogurt, kefir, and kombucha to improve gut health, support weight management, and enhance overall well-being. This trend is pushing companies to innovate with low-fat, sugar-free, and fortified probiotic options, expanding market opportunities and accelerating product launches.
Diabetes prevalence has mirrored this trend. Spain, part of the IDF EUR region, had 5.14 million adult diabetes cases in 2021, with a 14.8% prevalence among its 34.84 million adult population. This figure underscores a significant public health concern, as a substantial portion of the population remains unaware of their diabetic status, potentially delaying essential interventions. The surge in obesity and diabetes cases has prompted a paradigm shift in consumer behavior towards health and wellness.
Increasing Influence of Mediterranean Diet on Probiotic Consumption
The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits, has significantly influenced dietary habits in Spain, leading to increased consumption of probiotic-rich foods.
The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) was surveyed in 2022 assessing adherence to the Mediterranean diet among the Spanish population. The results indicated that approximately 45% of adults closely follow this dietary pattern, characterized by high consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fermented dairy products. This adherence reflects a cultural commitment to traditional eating habits, which inherently include probiotic-rich foods.
In 2023, the Ministry of Health launched the "Strategy for Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention" (NAOS), aiming to encourage healthy eating practices. A key component of this strategy is the promotion of fermented foods, such as yogurt and kefir, which are natural sources of probiotics. The initiative emphasizes the role of these foods in maintaining gut health and preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) in 2022, the average annual consumption of yogurt and fermented milk products per capita was 13.8 kilograms. This figure represents a 2% increase compared to the previous year, indicating a growing preference for probiotic-rich foods among Spaniards. The rise in consumption aligns with increased awareness of the health benefits associated with probiotics.
The integration of probiotic foods into the Mediterranean diet has been associated with positive health outcomes. The Ministry of Health reported a 5% reduction in gastrointestinal disorders among adults in 2023, attributing this improvement partly to increased probiotic intake. Furthermore, there was a noted decrease in antibiotic prescriptions for digestive issues, suggesting enhanced natural immunity supported by a probiotic-rich diet.
Data from the 2022 AESAN report highlighted regional differences in probiotic food consumption. For instance, residents of the Mediterranean coastal regions, such as Catalonia and Valencia, exhibited higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and, consequently, greater intake of fermented dairy products. In contrast, inland regions showed lower consumption rates, indicating potential areas for targeted nutritional education and intervention.
Restraints
Competition from Other Functional Food Categories Like Prebiotics and Postbiotics
The Spanish probiotic food market is encountering challenges due to increasing competition from other functional food categories, notably prebiotics and postbiotics. This competition is influenced by evolving consumer preferences and a growing awareness of gut health's importance.
Prebiotics, non-digestible food components that promote beneficial gut bacteria growth, and postbiotics, bioactive compounds produced by these bacteria, have gained attention for their potential health benefits. The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) has recognized the significance of these compounds in recent reports, highlighting their roles in supporting digestive health and overall well-being.
Data from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in 2022 indicates a shift in consumer behavior, with a 15% increase in the purchase of functional foods containing prebiotics and postbiotics compared to the previous year. This trend suggests that consumers are exploring diverse options beyond traditional probiotics, seeking comprehensive approaches to gut health. The rising popularity of prebiotic and postbiotic products has led to a more competitive functional food market in Spain.
Probiotic food manufacturers are now compelled to innovate and differentiate their products to maintain market share. This includes formulating synbiotic products that combine probiotics with prebiotics, thereby offering enhanced health benefits. The competition from prebiotic and postbiotic functional foods presents both challenges and opportunities for Spain's probiotic food market. Manufacturers must adapt to changing consumer preferences by innovating and emphasizing the unique benefits of their products to remain competitive in the evolving functional food landscape.
Segment Analysis
The Spain probiotic food market is segmented based on type, ingredient, application, age, and distribution channel.
Widespread Consumption, Nutritional Benefits, and Continuous Innovation of Yogurt
Yogurt holds a significant share in Spain's probiotic food market, accounting for nearly 50% of total sales due to its widespread consumption and well-established health benefits. As a staple in Spanish diets, yogurt is perceived as a natural and convenient source of probiotics, promoting gut health and overall well-being. The growing awareness of digestive health and immunity has fueled demand for functional dairy products, with yogurt leading the segment.
Companies are innovating with sugar-free, high-protein, and plant-based yogurt options to cater to diverse consumer preferences. For instance, in November 2022, Spanish dairy company Pascual introduced Big Day, a new yogurt line combining fruit and cereal to support healthy eating habits. Designed for breakfast and snack consumption, Big Day offers a balanced and nutritious option to start the day right. The launch aligns with growing consumer demand for convenient and wholesome food choices.
Sustainability Analysis
With rising consumer demand for health-conscious products, companies are prioritizing sustainable sourcing of probiotic ingredients, such as organic dairy and plant-based alternatives. Eco-friendly packaging, including biodegradable and recyclable materials, is becoming a key focus to reduce plastic waste. Many brands are investing in carbon-neutral production, optimizing energy efficiency, and reducing emissions. Ethical sourcing practices, including fair trade and support for local farmers, ensure responsible ingredient procurement.
Consumer awareness is driving brands to adopt eco-conscious strategies while maintaining product efficacy. Long-term industry growth depends on balancing environmental responsibility with profitability and innovation. For instance, in July 2024, Danone Spain launched the "Yoghurt of the Future" plan, focusing on sustainability and nutrition. Key initiatives include low-emission dairy farming, 100% recyclable packaging, renewable energy use, and waste reduction. The company is also enhancing yogurt's nutritional value while cutting CO2 emissions, aiming for a 37% reduction by 2030.
Regulatory Analysis
The regulatory landscape for the probiotic food market in Spain is shaped primarily by the European Union's stringent regulations on health claims, labeling, and food safety. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) plays a crucial role in evaluating probiotic-related claims, ensuring that only scientifically substantiated claims are approved. One of the key challenges faced by probiotic food manufacturers in Spain is the EFSA's refusal to approve the term "probiotic" as a health claim, considering it an implied health benefit requiring scientific validation. As a result, companies must navigate strict labeling guidelines, often avoiding direct probiotic-related health claims in marketing materials.
The Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN), under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, aligns with EU regulations to ensure the safety, efficacy, and proper marketing of probiotic products. AESAN oversees compliance with food safety laws, including microbiological criteria, hygiene standards, and product labeling regulations. Additionally, probiotic strains used in food and supplements must be authorized under the EU's Novel Food Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2015/2283), which requires extensive safety assessments before market entry. This adds a significant regulatory burden on manufacturers, leading many companies to invest in clinical studies to support their probiotic formulations.
The General Food Law (Regulation (EC) 178/2002) also governs the probiotic food sector in Spain, emphasizing traceability, consumer protection, and risk assessment. Companies must ensure that probiotic strains used in food products do not pose health risks and comply with safety standards set by the EFSA. Additionally, the Nutrition and Health Claims Regulation (Regulation (EC) 1924/2006) prevents misleading claims, restricting companies from directly associating probiotics with health benefits unless explicitly approved by regulatory bodies. This has led to innovative marketing strategies, where companies focus on promoting probiotics as part of a balanced diet rather than making direct health-related claims.
Competitive Landscape
The major players are Grupo Postres Reina S.L., Corporacion Alimentaria Penasanta S.A., En Komvida Kombucha, S.L., MUN FERMENTS SL, Dunam Kimchi, DANONE Spain (Danone SA), YAKULT ESPANA S.A. (Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.), Nestle Refrigerated Dairy Products Iberia, Kaiku Corporacion Alimentaria, S.L. (Emmi Group), Ferment9 (Caldwell Bio Fermentation Canada Inc.) and others.
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 October 2023, MIWI Real Drinks, Spain's first kombucha brand without sugar or artificial ingredients, introduced its first canned kombucha.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the Spain 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 Spain 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 Spain probiotic food market report would provide approximately 57 tables, 66 figures, and 300 pages.
Target Audience 2024
- Manufacturers/ Buyers
- Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
- Research Professionals
- Emerging Companies
