Reports
Lactase Market Size, Growth, Share, Industry Trends, 2025 - 2034
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ABOUT THIS REPORT
Market Statistics
The global lactase market was valued at USD 238.88 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.70% from 2025 to 2034. Market growth is fueled by rising lactose intolerance awareness and demand for dairy-free products.
The lactase market is focused on the production, distribution, and sale of the enzyme lactase. Lactase is used to break down lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, into simpler sugars that are more easily digestible.
The lactase market is experiencing robust growth driven by increasing advancements in product development and innovations in various sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and infant nutrition.
Further, the technological advancements in devices have led to the development of lactose biosensor test kits for industrial applications such as the food and beverage sector. These biosensor test kit analyzes the lactose concentration across all dairy applications, enabling real-time monitoring of the lactase content, thus boosting lactase market growth.
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The key players are expanding their product offerings in the lactase market owing to an increase in awareness of lactose intolerance among individuals globally. Further, companies are investing in research and development to innovate new lactase products that cater to varying consumer needs.
Strategic expansions into new markets and distribution channels are enabling companies to meet the rising demand for lactase. For instance, in May 2022, Kerry Group plc. expanded its taste manufacturing facility in Africa. This expansion enabled the group to develop sustainable nutrition solutions and enhance its food, beverage, and pharmaceutical activities in the region by facilitating the company's growth of its lactase enzyme portfolio in the markets.
Lactase Market Trends:
Increasing Demand for Lactose-Free Products
Market CAGR for lactase is being driven by the increasing demand for lactose-free products such as milk, ice cream, cheese, and more due to rising consumer awareness and preferences for lactose intolerance-friendly options. Lactose intolerance affects a substantial portion of the global population, creating a market demand for products that cater to dietary needs without compromising taste or nutritional value.
The lactase market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the growing prevalence of lactose intolerance among individuals. Lactose intolerance is caused by insufficient levels of the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose in dairy products.
The rising awareness and demand for lactase products, which aid in the digestion of lactose, are driving the lactase market revenue. Additionally, as more people recognize their lactose intolerance and are opting for lactose-free products, manufacturers are increasingly incorporating lactase into food and beverage formulations to cater to this expanding consumer base.
For instance, in February 2024, Breyers introduced a lactose-free chocolate ice cream crafted from dairy that is free from cows by utilizing a precise fermentation technique from Perfect Day, a startup in food technology. This dairy-free ice cream mimics the flavor and consistency of cow's milk yet is devoid of lactose and boasts a more eco-conscious profile.
Rising Demand from Dairy Manufacturers
Dairy producers are broadening their customer reach through the introduction of fresh products that are low in fat and sugar while being high in proteins, fibers, and vitamins. The increasing awareness regarding digestive health concerns is expected to boost the usage of lactase-based dietary supplements.
For instance, in February 2020, Jersey Dairy introduced a lactose-free milk option crafted from 100% authentic Jersey milk. This product is designed to provide a more digestible option for individuals with lactose intolerance while retaining all the natural vitamins and nutrients found in Jersey milk. The new lactose-free milk will have a fat content of 2.5%.
The launch of innovative delivery methods like strength caplets and fast-acting chewables to alleviate lactose digestion issues such as gas, bloating, nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea drives the market expansion.
Segment Insights:
Lactase Source Insights:
The global lactase market segmentation, based on source, includes yeast, fungi, and bacteria. In 2023, the bacteria segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR in the market due to the advancements in biotechnology and enzymology. Advancements have led bacteria-derived lactase enzymes such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Bifidobacterium longum to be scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable.
For instance, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Enterococcus faecalis exhibit robust performance across a wide range of pH and temperature conditions, making them versatile for various food and beverage applications.
Lactase Application Insights:
The global lactase market segmentation, based on application, includes food & beverages, pharmaceutical products, and dietary supplements. The food & beverages category dominated the market in 2023 attributed to the rising consumption of high-quality foods with natural flavor and taste. Hence, dairy producers are broadening their customer base through the introduction of new products that are lactose-free and low in fat and sugar while being high in proteins, fibers, and vitamins.
For instance, in April 2024, Prairie Farms Dairy introduced four new lactose-free dairy products, including cottage cheese, milk, sour cream, and others, with plans to expand the distribution of these products across the United States in June.
Global Lactase Market, Segmental Coverage, 2019 - 2032 (USD million)
Lactase Regional Insights:
By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The North America region dominated the lactase market owing to the significant number of lactose-intolerant individuals in the region.
For instance, according to the National Library of Medicine, lactose intolerance is a prevalent condition among adults, with approximately 30 million American adults experiencing some level of lactose intolerance by the age of 20.
The rising health consciousness among consumers has led to substantial developments with increased nutritional composition in supplements, as well as food and beverage items.
For instance, in July 2020, DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences (N&B) launched Danisco Bonlacta, an innovative lactase enzyme solution designed to enhance the nutritional composition of lactose-free dairy products by adjusting fiber and sugar content, specifically developed for the North American market. This thermophilic lactase enzyme exhibits exceptional heat resistance, making it suitable for high-temperature processing techniques.
Further, the major countries studied in the market report are the US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.
The Asia-Pacific lactase market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2032. This is because the lactase enzyme has gained economic significance owing to the rising demand from the food and beverage industry and rapid industrialization in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China, India, and Vietnam.
For instance, according to Invest India Dairy Sector, in the year 2021-22, India accounted for 24.64% of the world's milk production. Over the past nine years, from 2014-15 to 2022-23, India's milk production has seen a significant 58% increase, reaching 230.58 million tons in 2022-23. This rising demand has led to the development of new technologies in the Asia-Pacific region. For instance, in July 2019, Anand Agricultural University (AAU) indigenously developed a technology as part of the 'Make in India' initiative, which involves biologically producing lactase enzymes extracted from lactobacilli bacteria, which are allowed for enzymatic action in milk, resulting in the production of lactose-free milk.
Global Lactase Market Share, Regional Coverage, 2019 - 2032 (USD million)
Lactase Key Market Players & Competitive Insights
Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the lactase market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the lactase industry must offer cost-effective items.
Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the global lactase industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the lactase industry has offered some technological advancements. Major players in the lactase market, including Advanced Enzyme Technologies, Amano Enzyme Inc., Antozyme Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Aumgene Biosciences, Biolaxi Enzymes Pvt. Ltd., IFF, Kerry Group plc., Nature Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., Novact Corporation and Novonesis.
IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.) is a manufacturing company that specializes in producing chemical products for the food, beverage, health, and biosciences industries. The company's product portfolio includes flavors, fragrances, and ingredients. IFF also has a nutrition division that contributes to the development of functional and flavorful ingredients that support health and wellness initiatives. The company has a global presence in 65 countries, with over 110 manufacturing facilities and 100 R&D centers. In April 2021, IFF introduced Nurica in the United States, a dairy enzyme that utilizes the lactose found in milk to produce galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) fibers, resulting in decreased levels of lactose and sugar.
Kerry Group plc is a company that provides functional and nutritional solutions to the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. Kerry Group's product portfolio includes fermented ingredients, flavors, enzymes, lipids, protein fractions, bioactive compounds, bio-preservation, probiotics, and other nutritional and functional ingredients. The company also offers dairy flavor products, chilled foods, natural extracts, taste modulation, meat, cereals, and savory and sweet products. Kerry Group is headquartered in Ireland. In December 2023, Kerry Group PLC acquired a segment of the lactase enzyme business from Novozymes A/S and Chr. Hansen Holding A/S. This acquirement was subject to approval by the European Commission.
Key Companies in the Lactase Market Include:
- Advanced Enzyme Technologies
- Amano Enzyme Inc.
- Antozyme Biotech Pvt. Ltd.
- Aumgene Biosciences
- Biolaxi Enzymes Pvt. Ltd.
- IFF
- Kerry Group plc
- Nature Biosciences Pvt. Ltd.
- Novact Corporation
- Novonesis
Lactase Industry Developments
- 2025: Valio opened a new lactase enzyme R&D center in Helsinki, dedicated to advancing lactase technology and accelerating innovation in lactose-free dairy products.
- In June 2023, DSM-Firmenich launched Maxilact Next, a highly efficient lactase enzyme designed to optimize lactose-free dairy production. Maxilact Next reduced hydrolysis time by 25%, enhancing capacity, raw material efficiency, and taste without compromising quality.
- June 2022: Koninklijke DSM N.V. merged with Firmenich, a key player in the fragrance and flavors industry, to enhance the company's presence in the nutrition, wellness, and beauty sectors.
- February 2022: Kerry Group plc. completed the acquisition of the German biotechnology company c-LEcta, known for its expertise in enzyme manufacturing, precision fermentation, and bioprocessing of enzymes, to expand the company into the lactase enzymes market.
- December 2023: Kerry Group announced a €150 million acquisition of the lactase enzymes business from Chr. Hansen and Novozymes. This includes NOLA Products and aimed to expand Kerry’s enzyme technology for lactose-free dairy, pending European Commission approval.
Segmentation:
Lactase Source Outlook
- Yeast
- Fungi
- Bacteria
Lactase Form Outlook
- Dry
- Liquid
Lactase Application Outlook
- Food & Beverages
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Milk
- Ice cream
- Others
- Pharmaceutical Products
- Dietary Supplements
Lactase Regional Outlook
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Italy
- Spain
- Netherlands
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- Malaysia
- South Korea
- Indonesia
- Australia
- Vietnam
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Israel
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa
- Latin America
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of Latin America
Report Scope:
| Report Attributes | Details |
| Market size value in 2024 | USD 238.88 million |
| Market size value in 2025 | USD 251.97 million |
| Revenue Forecast in 2034 | USD 414.27 million |
| CAGR | 5.70% from 2025 – 2034 |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Historical Data | 2020 – 2023 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 – 2034 |
| Quantitative Units | Revenue in USD million/ Volume in tons and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 |
| Report Coverage | Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
| Segments Covered |
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| Regional Scope |
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| Competitive Landscape |
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| Report Format |
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| Customization | Report customization as per your requirements with respect to countries, regions, and segmentation. |
FAQ's
The global lactase market size was valued at USD 251.97 million in 2025 and is projected to be valued at USD 414.27 million in 2034.
The global market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.70% during the forecast period, 2025-2034.
North America held the largest share of the global market.
The key players in the market are Advanced Enzyme Technologies, Amano Enzyme Inc., Antozyme Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Aumgene Biosciences, Biolaxi Enzymes Pvt. Ltd., IFF, Kerry Group plc., Nature Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., Novact Corporation, and Novonesis.
The bacteria category was the fastest growing in the market in 2023.
The food & beverage category held the largest share in the global market.
Research Methodology
A robust system of research, verification, and forecasting designed to ensure reliable and actionable market insights.
Polaris Market Research & Consulting, Inc. uses a clear and structured approach to deliver insights that clients can rely on. The process combines detailed primary and secondary research, including direct communication with industry experts. The detailed information helps build a complete picture of market trends and developments. Secondary data is gathered from credible sources such as industry reports, company filings, government source links, and trusted organization databases. It is then cross-checked through discussions with key stakeholders across the value chain. Market size and forecasts are developed using both bottom-up and top-down methods to ensure accuracy and consistency in the final results.
1. Project Setup
Step 1 & 2:
- We start every project by clearly understanding the client’s objective or goal, then defining the market scope, and aligning regions, segments, and timelines.
- Once the foundation is set, we collect data from all-around of sources, including company reports, government databases, and paid industry platforms.
- Our research is based on secondary data, which helps us build a strong understanding of the market across regions and industries. Then we validate this information through primary research by speaking directly with industry experts, companies, and stakeholders.
- By combining secondary and primary research, we ensure that our market insights are accurate, practical, and closely aligned with real market conditions.
2. Data Collection
We gather information from both public and verified sources:
3. Data Structuring
Step 3:
- All collected data is organized into a consistent format to ensure accurate analysis. Since inputs come from multiple sources, they are standardized and aligned before use.
- The data is segmented by product, application, and region, and mapped across a defined historical period (2020–2024). All values are converted into common units (USD Mn/Bn), and volume and pricing are aligned where required to estimate revenue.
- Any overlaps or inconsistencies are reviewed and adjusted to maintain accuracy (<5% variance threshold).
- The result is a structured dataset that allows for clear comparison across regions and supports reliable analysis and forecasting.
Structured Market Dataset, USD Mn/Bn
| Region | Segment | VolumeUnits | Avg PriceUSD | RevenueUSD Mn | Share % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North America | Product A | 250 | 2.5 | 500 | 15% |
| Product A | XX | XX | XX | XX | |
| Product A | XX | XX | XX | XX | |
| Consistent methodology applied across regions | |||||
4. Market Estimation
Step 4: TOP-DOWN APPROACH
- We start with the overall market size at a global or macro level.
- The market is then narrowed down based on scope and industry relevance.
- We apply penetration rates and split the data by region and segment.
- This helps us estimate the market size for specific segments.
- The numbers are validated through cross-checks to ensure accuracy.
Step 5: BOTTOM-UP APPROACH
- We begin by analyzing data from leading companies in the market.
- Revenue data is collected and mapped across different segments.
- The data is then aggregated to estimate the total market size.
- To fill in any gaps, adjustments are made based on industry standards.
- Validation checks make sure that the results are correct.
5. Forecasting
Step 6:
At Polaris Market Research & Consulting, Inc., we employ a methodical forecasting strategy. This approach blends the analysis of historical data with real-time market validation. To forecast future trends with precision, we examine past patterns, pricing fluctuations, and the interplay of supply and demand. To ensure our conclusions reflect the present market landscape, we actively seek input from industry experts and key stakeholders.
To refine our predictions, we carefully consider critical elements such as market drivers and restraints, fluctuations in raw material costs, emerging technologies, and the production capabilities of various regions. Furthermore, we assess regulatory frameworks and potential policy shifts to gauge their potential impact on market expansion.
All this information is synthesized to generate precise forecasts for each segment and region. These forecasts illuminate the current state of the market and highlight forthcoming opportunities.
6. Validation & Triangulation
Step 7:
In the final stage, we validate all our estimates using a triangulation method, where data is cross-checked from multiple reliable sources, like company data, primary interviews, and secondary research. This helps us make sure that our numbers are correct and fit with the rest of the market.
This process involves verifying data consistency across various segments and geographic areas. It also requires comparing historical trends with the assumptions support the forecast. Any discrepancies involve adjustments to ensure everything remains aligned and dependable.
Once the data is finalized, we prepare the final outputs, including market size estimates, segment-wise breakdowns, and growth metrics. These are delivered in structured formats such as tables, charts, and data files for easy analysis and use.
We collaborate closely with clients, ensuring the final products align with their requirements. This includes offering tailored adjustments, supplementary data analyses, and continuous assistance. Furthermore, we monitor market trends post-delivery, providing updates and refinements to maintain the insights' relevance as time passes.
Triangulation Framework
Estimates are cross-verified across three sources:
Company-level data
• Primary inputs from industry participants
• Secondary benchmarks and published data
Variance maintained within +5-10%
Adjustments applied to align estimates
Segment values validated against overall market structure
Data Consistency & Integrity
Segment totals validated to 100%
Regional estimates aligned with global market size
Historical trends compared against forecast outputs
Assumptions reviewed for cross-segment and regional alignment
Final Outputs
Deliverables
Client Alignment & Support
- Deliverables are aligned with defined client requirements and scope
- Custom data cuts and segment splits are incorporated as required
- Post-delivery queries are addressed through analyst interactions
- Additional clarifications and data support are provided upon request
Client Continuity & Updates
- Market developments are tracked post-delivery to capture changes in key trends
- Updated data and revisions are provided based on new market inputs
- Additional refinements and data cuts are shared as required
- Continued analyst engagement supports evolving client requirements
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