Sour Milk Drinks Market Size To Reach $10.17 Billion By 2030

Sour Milk Drinks Market Growth & Trends

The global sour milk drinks market size is expected to reach USD 10.17 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.3%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The consumption of sour milk drinks is increasingly recognized for its positive health effects, attributed to its medicinal properties, such as its anti-diabetic potential and its ability to improve gastrointestinal health. Sour milk is produced through the acidification of milk, a process that imparts a tart, sour taste. This acidification is achieved through bacterial fermentation, primarily carried out by Lactococcus lactis and other specific bacterial strains. Sour milk drinks are rich in essential nutrients, including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and other bioactive compounds, which are appealing to health-conscious consumers. These products are also known for enhancing appetite and acting as a natural cleanser, removing harmful substances from the digestive system. The combination of flavor, nutritional value, and bioactive content in sour milk drinks significantly contributes to their market growth.

The convenience of small, single-serve, and flexible packaging options for sour milk drinks, such as drinking yogurt and kefir, further drives market demand. As consumers increasingly prioritize health, there is a growing preference for snacks that are both satisfying and beneficial to health, leading to a rise in the consumption of drinking yogurt as a healthy snack alternative.

The increasing prevalence of chronic conditions such as celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome has also prompted a shift towards healthier food products that support gut health. This trend has resulted in a surge in the consumption of functional foods and beverages, including probiotic drinks and kefir, which are integral to the growth of the sour milk drinks market. Furthermore, innovations in flavor and product variety play a crucial role in the rising popularity of these beverages. Manufacturers are continually exploring new and exotic flavors to meet diverse consumer preferences. From traditional fruit flavors like strawberry and mango to more unique options such as mint, turmeric, and ginger, the expanded flavor offerings appeal to a broader audience. For instance, in March 2024, Introducing Pure Culture Organics Kefir: Developed with a focus on millennial consumers, Pure Culture Kefir combines 12 distinct probiotic strains, delivering over 50 billion CFUs per serving. This product emphasizes sustainability and features a clean label with minimal ingredients, utilizing advanced processing and formulation techniques to ensure quality. Pure Culture Kefir is entirely lactose-free and contains no stabilizers, coloring agents, thickening powders, or gums. It is also gluten-free and GMO-free. By converting lactose sugars into naturally occurring sweeteners, Pure Culture Kefir enhances sweetness without the addition of extra sugars, offering a wholesome and flavorful product.

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Sour Milk Drinks Market Report Highlights

• Drinking yoghurt accounted for a share of 39.8% in 2023. Drinking yogurt is increasingly embraced in various cultures as a healthy alternative to sugary beverages and snacks. It aligns with current dietary trends that emphasize natural and functional foods, further driving its consumption across different markets

• Unflavored sour milk drinks accounted for a market share of 64.2% in 2023. Unflavored sour milk drinks are often perceived as healthier because they typically contain no added sugars, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking out such clean-label products that offer the natural benefits of probiotics without any unnecessary additives

• Cartons is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2030. Carton packaging is generally more cost-effective than glass or plastic bottles. The lightweight nature of cartons reduces shipping costs and can lower overall production expenses, which can translate to more competitively priced products for consumers

• Off trade accounted for a market share of 69.2% in 2023. There is an increasing consumer preference for high-quality, nutritious dairy products. This trend is supported by the high production of raw milk and the growing availability of sour milk drinks in supermarkets and hypermarkets, which makes them easily accessible to consumers

• North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2024 to 2030. Sour milk drinks are considered functional foods, offering additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. As North Americans seek foods that support specific health outcomes, such as improved digestion or immune support, the demand for probiotic-rich sour milk drinks has surged

Sour Milk Drinks Market Segmentation

Grand View Research has segmented the global sour milk drinks market on the basis of type, category, packaging, distribution channel, and region.

Sour Milk Drinks Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Buttermilk

• Kefir

• Drinking Yoghurt

• Others

Sour Milk Drinks Category Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Flavored

• Unflavored

Sour Milk Drinks Packaging Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Bottles

• Cartons

• Pouches

• Others

Sour Milk Drinks Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• On Trade

• Off Trade

  • Hypermarkets & Supermarkets

  • Convenience stores

  • Online

  • Others

Sour Milk Drinks Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2018 - 2030)

• North America

  • U.S.

  • Canada

  • Mexico

• Europe

  • UK

  • Germany

  • France

  • Italy

  • Spain

• Asia Pacific

  • China

  • India

  • Japan

  • South Korea

  • Australia & New Zealand

• Central & South America

  • Brazil

• Middle East & Africa

  • UAE

List of Key Players in the Sour Milk Drinks Market

• PepsiCo, Inc.

• Danone S.A.

• Nestlé

• Arla Foods

• Lifeway Foods, Inc.

• Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

• General Mills, Inc.

• Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited

• Emmi Group

• Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.