Market Overview

The global lactase market reached a size of USD 273.2 Million in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 456.9 Million by 2033. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.41% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. This growth is driven by increasing lactose intolerance, technological advancements in enzyme production, and rising consumer health awareness.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2024
• Historical Year/Period: 2019-2024
• Forecast Year/Period: 2025-2033

Lactase Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: USD 273.2 Million (2024)
• CAGR: 5.41% (2025-2033)
• Forecast Period: 2025-2033
• The rising prevalence of lactose intolerance globally significantly fuels market expansion.
• Technological innovations including genetically modified organisms and enzyme stabilization techniques enhance lactase production and product quality.
• Increasing health consciousness and government policies supporting lactose-free products boost demand.
• Yeast-derived lactase holds the majority market share among sources, favored for its effectiveness across diverse conditions.
• Europe is the dominant regional market, attributed to high lactose intolerance rates and advanced food processing technologies.

Sample Request Link: https://www.imarcgroup.com/lactase-market/requestsample

Market Growth Factors

The worldwide lactase market is mainly fueled by the rising number of lactose-intolerant persons globally. This medical condition causing the inability to digest lactose in dairy products due to insufficient lactase enzyme production has led to an increase in the demand for lactose-free alternatives and digestive supplements. The market is expensively and practically in all the developed and developing economies, gradually revealing the consumer awareness and demand for digestible dairy and dietary supplements associated with it.

Technological progressions play a vital role as the main factor leading to the expansion of the lactase market. Biotech innovations such as the use of genetically engineered microorganisms have been the main reason behind the production of large quantities of pure lactase and its subsequent use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The application of new techniques for enzyme stabilization has allowed for prolonged shelf life and increased activity of different lactase products. As a result, these technologies have made it possible to manufacture and sell these products at lower prices and in larger quantities.

Government policies that favor the industry and increased public-health awareness are additional factors that will propel market growth. The agencies in charge of regulation have established very strict labeling rules to provide transparency for lactose-free products. Medical societies are often the ones maintaining high awareness levels about lactose intolerance and hence the need of supplying consumer with associated products and supplements. Further, among the factors driving the popularity of lactose-containing products in the market, the focus on digestive health and gastrointestinal wellness among consumers is certainly one of the main ones along with market growth.

Market Segmentation

Breakup by Source:

• Fungi
• Yeast
• Bacteria

Yeast is the largest segment due to its high efficiency in lactose hydrolysis over diverse pH and temperature ranges. Fungi-derived lactase is effective at acidic pH, suitable for food and beverage applications. Bacterial lactase, derived from strains like Lactobacillus, is crucial in fermented dairy product manufacturing and probiotic foods.

Breakup by Form:

• Powder
• Liquid

Powder dominates owing to its stability, ease of storage, cost-effectiveness, and use in industrial dairy applications. Liquid form is preferred in processing liquid dairy products due to solubility and dosing precision, aiding lactose-free milk production.

Breakup by Application:

• Food and Beverages
• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Others
• Dietary Supplements
• Pharmaceuticals

Food and beverages form the leading segment as enzymes are extensively incorporated to make dairy digestible, fueled by lactose intolerance and dairy-free trends. Dietary supplements aid lactose digestion in intolerant individuals, growing in popularity. Pharmaceuticals use lactase as an active ingredient in medications for lactose intolerance symptom relief.

Regional Insights

Europe leads the lactase market, holding the largest share due to the high prevalence of lactose intolerance, especially in Northern Europe. The region benefits from advanced food processing technologies, stringent quality standards, robust enzyme technology R&D, and supportive EU regulations. Increasing consumer health awareness further drives demand for lactose-free and health-oriented products across Europe.

Recent Developements & News

• On November 14, 2023, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S introduced two strains for enhanced flavors in non-alcoholic brewing via SmartBev NEER technology, improving beer body and mouthfeel.
• On September 25, 2023, Creative Enzymes launched its Custom Blends product line, offering tailored enzyme, probiotic, and extract formulations for varied applications from research to production.
• On November 30, 2023, DuPont de Nemours Inc announced a low global warming potential (GWP) Styrofoam Brand XPS insulation formulation at all North American sites, reducing embodied carbon by 94%.

Key Players

• Advanced Enzyme Technologies
• Antozyme Biotech Pvt Ltd
• Biolaxi Corporation
• Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
• Creative Enzymes
• DuPont de Nemours Inc
• Kerry Inc.
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• Merck KGaA
• Novozymes A/S
• Polttimo Oy

If you require any specific information that is not covered currently within the scope of the report, we will provide the same as a part of the customization.

About Us

IMARC Group is a global management consulting firm that helps the world’s most ambitious changemakers to create a lasting impact. The company provide a comprehensive suite of market entry and expansion services. IMARC offerings include thorough market assessment, feasibility studies, company incorporation assistance, factory setup support, regulatory approvals and licensing navigation, branding, marketing and sales strategies, competitive landscape and benchmarking analyses, pricing and cost research, and procurement research.

Contact Us

IMARC Group,

134 N 4th St. Brooklyn, NY 11249, USA,

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com,

Tel No: (D) +91 120 433 0800,

United States: +1-201971-6302