Sour Milk Drinks Market Size and Share

Sour Milk Drinks Market (2025 - 2030)
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Sour Milk Drinks Market Analysis by Mordor Intelligence

The global sour milk drinks market value of USD 8.6 billion in 2025 is projected to reach USD 11.60 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.19%. The market expansion is driven by increasing consumer awareness of health benefits, particularly regarding gut health and probiotic-rich beverages. Consumer demand for natural, minimally processed, and functional beverages that support digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being contributes to market growth, reflecting the broader trend toward clean labels and transparent ingredient sourcing. Sour milk drinks have emerged as a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers due to their probiotic content and nutritional profile, including essential vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. The increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and food sensitivities in key markets strengthens the demand for fermented dairy products that offer improved digestibility. Product innovation, including fortified and flavored variants, enhances consumer appeal through diverse options. The market's growth is further supported by expanded distribution through both traditional and modern retail channels.

Key Report Takeaways

  • By product type, kefir led with 36.71% of the global sour milk drinks market share in 2024. Probiotic drinks posted the highest projected CAGR at 7.29% through 2030 within the global sour milk drinks market.
  • By flavor, flavored variants accounted for a 64.57% share in 2024, while unflavored options are expected to grow at a 6.26% CAGR to 2030 within the global sour milk drinks market.
  • By packaging type, bottles captured 43.26% share in 2024; cartons are anticipated to rise at a 6.45% CAGR between 2025 and 2030 in the global sour milk drinks market.
  • By distribution channel, off-trade controlled 81.76% of the global sour milk drinks market size in 2024, whereas on-trade is projected to advance at a 5.34% CAGR to 2030.
  • By geography, Europe held 48.82% of the global sour milk drinks market size in 2024, while Asia-Pacific is expected to register a 7.31% CAGR through 2030.

Segment Analysis

By Product Type: Kefir Dominance Meets Probiotic Innovation

Kefir continues to maintain its dominant position in the sour milk drinks market, holding approximately 36.71% share in 2024. This leadership stems from kefir's rich probiotic profile, making it the most probiotic-dense option among sour milk drinks, appealing to health-conscious consumers seeking improved gut health and immunity. The growing understanding of probiotics' benefits for digestive health, immunity, and overall well-being drives kefir's popularity. For instance, in March 2025, Danone's Activia expanded its kefir range by incorporating 4 billion live cultures and authentic kefir grains, resulting in 16 different strains of live cultures to support gut health. The market growth is supported by kefir's versatility and the introduction of flavored variants, accommodating diverse consumer preferences.

Probiotic drinks represent the fastest-growing segment in the global sour milk drinks market, with a CAGR of approximately 7.29% through 2030. This growth results from increased consumer awareness and demand for gut health-enhancing products that provide functional benefits, including improved digestion, stronger immunity, and overall wellness. Probiotic drinks containing live beneficial bacteria attract health-conscious consumers seeking natural dietary solutions. Product innovations, including dairy-based and plant-based options, address various dietary requirements, such as vegan and lactose-free alternatives. The segment's expansion is enhanced by digital marketing initiatives and increased availability through online retail channels, improving consumer accessibility and education.

Sour Milk Drinks Market: Market Share by Product Type
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By Flavor: Premiumization Through Authenticity

Flavored probiotic drinks command a significant 64.57% market share in 2024, solidifying their dominance in the functional beverage category. The popularity of flavored variants stems from their ability to deliver gut health benefits while meeting consumer taste preferences. Flavors such as fruit punch, berry mixes, mango, and tropical blends make probiotic consumption more appealing, particularly for younger consumers who might avoid unflavored, sour-tasting options. In July 2025, Good Enough Brands launched Good Enough Probiotics Reds Mix, a fruit punch-flavored drink mix containing the probiotic strain Anaerostipes caccae CLB101 for gut health support. This product demonstrates the market's focus on combining appealing flavor profiles with scientifically backed health benefits, expanding the consumer base for probiotic drinks.

Unflavored sour milk drink products are demonstrating growth momentum, with a projected CAGR of 6.26% through 2030. This growth comes from consumers seeking natural, clean-label options without added sugars, artificial flavors, or preservatives. Health-conscious individuals and those with dietary restrictions prefer unflavored products for their minimal processing. These variants serve as base ingredients in smoothies, culinary applications, or home combinations with fresh fruits and natural sweeteners, increasing their demand in retail and foodservice sectors. The segment's expansion aligns with consumer preferences for transparent product labeling and ingredient sourcing in the functional beverages market.

By Packaging Type: Sustainability Drives Carton Growth

Bottled sour milk drinks maintain a market share of 43.26% in 2024, driven by product protection and consumer convenience. The bottle format offers resealability, portability, and ease of use, aligning with the lifestyles of health-conscious consumers. Advances in packaging technology, such as high-pressure processing (HPP), enhance product freshness and extend shelf life while maintaining probiotic integrity. Consumers value the ability to consume these beverages at home, work, or during travel. Additionally, bottles protect against contamination, preserving the live cultures in kefir, buttermilk, probiotic drinks, and other fermented products.

Carton packaging for sour milk drinks is experiencing rapid growth, with a projected CAGR of 6.45% through 2030. This growth stems from increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solutions, as cartons use renewable materials and are recyclable. Carton packaging protects products against light and oxygen, preserving the freshness and probiotic quality of fermented dairy drinks. Its lightweight and space-efficient design enables cost-effective transportation and storage. The adoption of aseptic carton technology allows longer shelf life without refrigeration, expanding market reach in regions with limited cold chain infrastructure.

Sour Milk Drinks Market: Market Share by Packaging Type
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By Distribution Channel: Digital Transformation Accelerates

Off-trade distribution channels overwhelmingly dominate the sour milk drinks market, commanding an 81.76% market share in 2024. This dominance stems from the extensive reach and convenience offered by supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialist retailers, and online retail platforms within the off-trade segment. Supermarkets and hypermarkets serve as primary sales drivers, benefiting from high foot traffic, wide product assortments, and effective promotional strategies that influence consumer purchasing decisions. These established retail networks provide consumers with easy access to a diverse range of sour milk drinks, ensuring availability across urban and suburban regions. The off-trade segment's position is strengthened by consumer preference for retail formats that allow for convenient, one-stop shopping experiences.

The on-trade segment of the sour milk drinks market is growing steadily, with a projected CAGR of 5.34% through 2030. This growth reflects increasing consumer trends toward dining out and consuming functional beverages like sour milk products in cafes, restaurants, and other foodservice venues. The United States Census Bureau reported that food service and drinking place sales in the United States reached approximately USD 1121.3 billion in 2024, indicating substantial growth in the food service industry [3]Source: United States Census Bureau, "Food services and drinking place sales in the United States", www.census.gov. As on-trade establishments expand their health-conscious menus, demand has increased for probiotic-rich and gut-friendly beverages such as kefir, buttermilk, and probiotic drinks. This trend reflects consumer preferences for wellness-focused products in social and dining environments, strengthening the on-trade channel's position within the sour milk drinks sector.

Geography Analysis

Sour Milk Drinks Market in Egypt

Europe holds 48.82% market share in 2024, supported by established consumption patterns and advanced cold chain infrastructure that enables premium product distribution across national markets. Germany dominates European consumption through traditional kefir consumption and health-focused consumer preferences, while France and the Netherlands contribute through traditional production methods and organic offerings. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) framework provides guidelines for probiotic health claims, allowing manufacturers to communicate benefits while maintaining consumer trust through safety standards. The mature market status has led established companies to focus on premium offerings and sustainable packaging to maintain their market position.

Asia-Pacific demonstrates the highest growth rate at 7.31% CAGR through 2030, fueled by urbanization, increased disposable incomes, and growing probiotic health awareness among middle-class consumers. China and India present significant opportunities, with traditional fermented beverages gaining commercial success through modern production and distribution systems. Japan drives innovation in product formulations and packaging, while Southeast Asian markets expand through increased health awareness and Western dietary influences. The region successfully combines traditional fermentation practices with commercial production, creating products that appeal to local preferences while meeting international standards.

North America shows consistent growth through established wellness trends, with the United States leading kefir and probiotic drink consumption among health-conscious consumers. The region benefits from developed retail systems, marketing infrastructure, and consumers willing to pay for validated health benefits. Regulatory support for probiotic health claims provides market validation, while major dairy companies ensure product availability and quality. South America, and Middle East, and Africa show growth potential as traditional consumption patterns combine with improving retail infrastructure, indicating expansion opportunities as economic development and cold chain capabilities advance.

Sour Milk Drinks Market CAGR (%), Growth Rate by Region
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Competitive Landscape

The global sour milk drinks market shows moderate concentration, with multinational dairy companies maintaining competitive advantages through extensive distribution networks and established brand recognition. Companies like Danone S.A., Nestlé S.A., and Lactalis Group leverage their global supply chains and R&D investments to develop probiotic formulations that appeal to health-conscious consumers. Their scale of operations enables cost-effective production while expanding product lines to meet diverse consumer preferences.

Regional companies like Amul in India and Yakult demonstrate effective strategies combining traditional authenticity with modern production methods. These companies leverage their understanding of local consumer preferences, integrating traditional fermentation processes with innovations in probiotics, flavors, and packaging. Their emphasis on quality, affordability, and market accessibility strengthens their competitive position and supports growth in competitive markets.

Companies differentiate themselves through probiotic research, sustainable packaging development, and functional ingredients that address broader health benefits beyond digestion, including immunity and mental health. Market opportunities exist in personalized nutrition through genetic and microbiome testing for customized probiotic formulations, alongside plant-based alternatives for environmentally conscious consumers. These market developments indicate an evolving competitive environment where innovation and consumer engagement are essential for success.

Sour Milk Drinks Industry Leaders

  1. Danone S.A.

  2. Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Amul)

  3. Nestlé S.A.

  4. Lactalis Group

  5. Arla Foods amba

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Sour Milk Drinks Market Concentration
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Recent Industry Developments

  • August 2025: Lifeway Foods, Inc. expanded its ProBugs product line by introducing ProBugs Kefir made with conventional whole milk in three new flavors designed for children. The products come in the company's signature no-spill pouches.
  • April 2025: Müller UK & Ireland acquired kefir brand Biotiful Gut Health to strengthen its position and expand into the growing functional health yogurt and drinks market segment.
  • September 2024: Parle Agro launched SMOODH Lassi, expanding its dairy product line. The beverage combines traditional lassi with rose flavoring, targeting consumers seeking a refreshing drink for snacks and social occasions.
  • June 2024: Amul introduced Kathiyawadi Chaas, a buttermilk variant traditionally consumed in Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch regions. This product launch aligns with Amul's objective to expand its buttermilk market presence.

Table of Contents for Sour Milk Drinks Industry Report

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET LANDSCAPE

  • 4.1 Market Overview
  • 4.2 Market Drivers
    • 4.2.1 Health and wellness trends
    • 4.2.2 Advancements in fermentation technologies
    • 4.2.3 Innovation in flavors and formulations
    • 4.2.4 Sustainability and environmental consciousness
    • 4.2.5 Celebrity and influencer endorsements
    • 4.2.6 Cultural and traditional consumption
  • 4.3 Market Restraints
    • 4.3.1 Short shelf life and refrigeration dependency
    • 4.3.2 Competition from plant-based alternatives
    • 4.3.3 Stringent regulatory standards
    • 4.3.4 High production and storage costs
  • 4.4 Consumer Behaviour Analysis
  • 4.5 Regulatory Landscape
  • 4.6 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.6.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.6.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • 4.6.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.6.4 Threat of Substitutes
    • 4.6.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5. MARKET SIZE AND GROWTH FORECASTS (VALUE AND VOLUME)

  • 5.1 By Product Type
    • 5.1.1 Kefir
    • 5.1.2 Buttermilk
    • 5.1.3 Lassi
    • 5.1.4 Probiotic Drinks
    • 5.1.5 Others
  • 5.2 By Flavor
    • 5.2.1 Flavored
    • 5.2.2 Unflavored
  • 5.3 By Packaging Type
    • 5.3.1 Bottles
    • 5.3.2 Cartons
    • 5.3.3 Pouches
    • 5.3.4 Others
  • 5.4 By Distribution Channel
    • 5.4.1 On-trade
    • 5.4.2 Off-trade
    • 5.4.2.1 Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
    • 5.4.2.2 Convenience/ Grocery Stores
    • 5.4.2.3 Online Retail Stores
    • 5.4.2.4 Specialist Retailers
    • 5.4.2.5 Other Distribution Channels
  • 5.5 By Geography
    • 5.5.1 North America
    • 5.5.1.1 United States
    • 5.5.1.2 Canada
    • 5.5.1.3 Mexico
    • 5.5.1.4 Rest of North America
    • 5.5.2 Europe
    • 5.5.2.1 Germany
    • 5.5.2.2 United Kingdom
    • 5.5.2.3 Italy
    • 5.5.2.4 France
    • 5.5.2.5 Spain
    • 5.5.2.6 Netherlands
    • 5.5.2.7 Poland
    • 5.5.2.8 Belgium
    • 5.5.2.9 Sweden
    • 5.5.2.10 Rest of Europe
    • 5.5.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.3.1 China
    • 5.5.3.2 India
    • 5.5.3.3 Japan
    • 5.5.3.4 Australia
    • 5.5.3.5 Indonesia
    • 5.5.3.6 South Korea
    • 5.5.3.7 Thailand
    • 5.5.3.8 Singapore
    • 5.5.3.9 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.5.4 South America
    • 5.5.4.1 Brazil
    • 5.5.4.2 Argentina
    • 5.5.4.3 Colombia
    • 5.5.4.4 Chile
    • 5.5.4.5 Peru
    • 5.5.4.6 Rest of South America
    • 5.5.5 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.5.5.1 South Africa
    • 5.5.5.2 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.5.5.3 United Arab Emirates
    • 5.5.5.4 Nigeria
    • 5.5.5.5 Egypt
    • 5.5.5.6 Morocco
    • 5.5.5.7 Turkey
    • 5.5.5.8 Rest of Middle East and Africa

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration
  • 6.2 Strategic Moves
  • 6.3 Market Share Analysis
  • 6.4 Company Profiles (includes Global level Overview, Market level overview, Core Segments, Financials as available, Strategic Information, Market Rank/Share for key companies, Products and Services, and Recent Developments)
    • 6.4.1 Danone S.A.
    • 6.4.2 Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd (Amul)
    • 6.4.3 Nestle S.A.
    • 6.4.4 Lactalis Group
    • 6.4.5 Dairy Farmers of America Inc.
    • 6.4.6 Arla Foods amba
    • 6.4.7 Lifeway Foods Inc.
    • 6.4.8 PepsiCo, Inc. (Kevita)
    • 6.4.9 Britannia Industries Ltd.
    • 6.4.10 Hiland Dairy Foods Company LLC
    • 6.4.11 Green Valley Creamery
    • 6.4.12 Producers Dairy Foods Inc.
    • 6.4.13 Yakult Honsha Co. Ltd.
    • 6.4.14 Valio Ltd.
    • 6.4.15 Muller Group
    • 6.4.16 Mengniu Dairy Co.
    • 6.4.17 Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
    • 6.4.18 Sutaa Dairy Products Inc.
    • 6.4.19 Ehrmann SE
    • 6.4.20 Grupo Lala S.A.B. de C.V.

7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

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Global Sour Milk Drinks Market Report Scope

Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel. Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America, South America are covered as segments by Region.
By Product Type
Kefir
Buttermilk
Lassi
Probiotic Drinks
Others
By Flavor
Flavored
Unflavored
By Packaging Type
Bottles
Cartons
Pouches
Others
By Distribution Channel
On-trade
Off-trade Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Convenience/ Grocery Stores
Online Retail Stores
Specialist Retailers
Other Distribution Channels
By Geography
North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand
Singapore
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Chile
Peru
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
Egypt
Morocco
Turkey
Rest of Middle East and Africa
By Product Type Kefir
Buttermilk
Lassi
Probiotic Drinks
Others
By Flavor Flavored
Unflavored
By Packaging Type Bottles
Cartons
Pouches
Others
By Distribution Channel On-trade
Off-trade Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
Convenience/ Grocery Stores
Online Retail Stores
Specialist Retailers
Other Distribution Channels
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Mexico
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
United Kingdom
Italy
France
Spain
Netherlands
Poland
Belgium
Sweden
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
India
Japan
Australia
Indonesia
South Korea
Thailand
Singapore
Rest of Asia-Pacific
South America Brazil
Argentina
Colombia
Chile
Peru
Rest of South America
Middle East and Africa South Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Nigeria
Egypt
Morocco
Turkey
Rest of Middle East and Africa
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Market Definition

  • Butter - Butter is a yellow-to-white solid emulsion of fat globules, water, and inorganic salts produced by churning the cream from cows’ milk
  • Dairy - Dairy product include milk and any of the foods made from milk, including butter, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and condensed and dried milk.
  • Frozen Desserts - Frozen dairy dessert means and includes products containing milk or cream and other ingredients which are frozen or semi-frozen prior to consumption, such as ice milk or sherbet, including frozen dairy desserts for special dietary purposes, and sorbet
  • Sour Milk Drinks - Sour milk is thick, curdled milk, with a sour taste, obtained from the fermentation of milk. Sour milk drinks such as kefir, laban, buttermilk have been considered in the study
Keyword Definition
Cultured Butter Cultured butter is prepared by having the raw butter go through chemical processing and has been added with certain emulsifiers and foreign ingredients.
Uncultured Butter This type of butter is one which has not been processed in any way
Natural Cheese The type of cheese in its most natural form. It is made from natural and simple products and ingredients, including fresh and natural salts, natural colors, enzymes, and high-quality milk.
Processed Cheese Processed cheese undergoes the same processes as natural cheese; however, it requires more steps and many different forms of ingredients. Making processed cheese involves melting natural cheese, emulsifying it, and adding preservatives and other artificial ingredients or colorings.
Single Cream Single cream contains around 18% fat. It’s a single layer of cream that appears over boiled milk.
Double Cream Double cream contains 48% fat, more than double the amount of fat of single cream. It’s heavier and thicker than single cream
Whipping Cream This has a much higher fat percentage than single cream (36%). Used to top cakes, pies, and puddings and as a thickener for sauces, soups, and fillings.
Frozen Desserts Desserts that are meant to be eaten in frozen condition. E.g., sherbets, sorbets, frozen yogurts
UHT Milk (Ultra-high temperature milk) Milk heated at a very high temperature. Ultra-high-temperature processing (UHT) of milk involves heating for 1–8 sec at 135–154°C. which kills the spore-forming pathogenic microorganism, resulting in a product with a shelf-life of several months.
Non-dairy butter/Plant-based butter Butter made from plant-derived oil such as coconut, palm, etc.
Non-dairy Yogurt Yogurt made from typically made from nuts, like almonds, cashews, coconuts, and even other foods like soybeans, plantains, oats, and peas
On-trade It refers to restaurants, QSRs, and bars.
Off-trade It refers to supermarkets, hypermarkets, on-line channels, etc.
Neufchatel cheese One of the oldest kinds of cheese in France. It is a soft, slightly crumbly, mold-ripened, bloomy-rind cheese made in the Neufchâtel-en-Bray region of Normandy.
Flexitarian It refers to a consumer preferring a semi-vegetarian diet, that is centered on plant foods with limited or occasional inclusion of meat.
Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerance is a reaction in digestive system to lactose, the sugar in milk. It causes uncomfortable symptoms in response to the consumption of dairy products.
Cream Cheese Cream cheese is a soft and creamy fresh cheese with a tangy taste made from milk and cream.
Sorbets Sorbet is a frozen dessert made using ice combined with fruit juice, fruit purée, or other ingredients, such as wine, liqueur, or honey.
Sherbet Sherbet is a sweetened frozen dessert made with fruit and some sort of dairy product such as milk or cream.
Shelf stable Foods that can be safely stored at room temperature, or "on the shelf," for at least one year and do not have to be cooked or refrigerated to eat safely.
DSD Direct Store Delivery is the process in supply chain management wherein the product is delivered from manufacturing plant directly to the retailer.
OU Kosher Orthodox Union Kosher is a kosher certification agency based in New York City.
Gelato Gelato is a frozen creamy dessert made with milk, heavy cream and sugar.
Grass-fed Cows Grass-fed cows are allowed to graze in pastures, where they eat a variety of grasses and clover.
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Research Methodology

Mordor Intelligence follows a four-step methodology in all our reports.

  • Step-1: Identify Key Variables: In order to build a robust forecasting methodology, the variables and factors identified in Step 1 are tested against available historical market numbers. Through an iterative process, the variables required for market forecast are set, and the model is built on the basis of these variables.​
  • Step-2: Build a Market Model: Market-size estimations for the forecast years are in nominal terms. Inflation is not a part of the pricing, and the average selling price (ASP) is kept constant throughout the forecast period for each country.​
  • Step-3: Validate and Finalize: In this important step, all market numbers, variables, and analyst calls are validated through an extensive network of primary research experts from the market studied. The respondents are selected across levels and functions to generate a holistic picture of the market studied.​
  • Step-4: Research Outputs: Syndicated Reports, Custom Consulting Assignments, Databases & Subscription Platforms
research-methodology
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