Drinkable Yogurt Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Product Type (Dairy Based and Non-Dairy Based), By Flavor (Flavored and Non-Flavored), By Packaging (Bottles, Tetra Packs and Others (Cans, Pouches), By Distribution Channel (Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Departmental Stores, Online, and Non-Retail), By Region, By Company 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 40.32 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.72%
Fastest Growing Segment	Non-Dairy Based
Largest Market	Asia Pacific
Market Size (2031)	USD 53.17 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Drinkable Yogurt Market will grow from USD 40.32 Billion in 2025 to USD 53.17 Billion by 2031 at a 4.72% CAGR. Drinkable yogurt is a liquid dairy product produced through the fermentation of milk with live bacterial cultures, often fortified with probiotics, vitamins, and minerals to offer the nutritional value of traditional yogurt in a portable beverage format. The market is primarily propelled by a growing consumer emphasis on digestive health and immunity, which has heightened the demand for functional probiotic-rich foods. Furthermore, the accelerating pace of modern lifestyles has created a substantial need for convenient, on-the-go nutritional options that serve as healthy snack alternatives or meal replacements. According to the International Dairy Federation, in 2024, yogurt sales in South Africa increased by 7%, reflecting the robust consumer appetite for these nutritious dairy products in emerging regions.

Despite this positive momentum, the market faces a significant impediment regarding cold chain logistics and distribution infrastructure. The requirement to maintain precise refrigeration temperatures throughout the supply chain to preserve probiotic viability and product stability imposes high operational costs and limits market penetration in developing areas with less established cold storage facilities. This logistical complexity constitutes a major barrier to universal market accessibility and expansion.

Key Market Drivers

Rising consumer awareness regarding digestive health and immunity serves as the primary catalyst for the global drinkable yogurt market. Modern consumers increasingly view these beverages not merely as refreshments but as functional tools for microbiome maintenance, propelling sales for brands that emphasize probiotic efficacy. This demand for functional wellness is quantifiable in the recent performance of major industry players. According to Danone, October 2024, in the 'Q3 2024 Sales' press release, the Essential Dairy and Plant-based (EDP) division achieved a 4.1% like-for-like sales growth, driven notably by the resilience of functional brands. This trend is further evidenced by the specific success of high-potency products designed to target stress and gut health simultaneously. According to Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., September 2024, in the 'Integrated Report 2024', daily sales of the functional Yakult 1000 series surged from 420,000 bottles to 3.19 million bottles, illustrating the immense market appetite for specialized, immunity-boosting formulations.

Simultaneously, the surge in demand for plant-based and non-dairy alternatives is fundamentally reshaping the competitive landscape. Driven by lactose intolerance and eco-conscious purchasing behaviors, manufacturers are innovating with oat, almond, and soy bases to replicate the texture of traditional fermentation. This segment creates new growth avenues even when traditional categories face saturation or inflationary headwinds. According to the Good Food Institute, May 2024, in the '2023 Plant-Based Foods State of the Marketplace Report', plant-based yogurt dollar sales in the United States increased by 1%, successfully rebounding in a challenging retail environment. This growth trajectory compels dairy incumbents to diversify their supply chains, ensuring that non-dairy drinkable options are as accessible as their bovine counterparts to capture the expanding flexitarian demographic.

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Key Market Challenges

The growth of the Global Drinkable Yogurt Market is significantly hampered by the rigorous requirements of cold chain logistics and the lack of adequate distribution infrastructure in key expansion regions. Drinkable yogurts, especially those containing live probiotic cultures, necessitate strict temperature maintenance from production to consumption to ensure bacterial viability and prevent spoilage. In developing markets where consumer demand is rising, the absence of reliable electricity and refrigerated transport networks frequently breaks this chain. This logistical fragility results in substantial product losses and compromised quality, effectively preventing manufacturers from penetrating vast geographical areas where retail environments lack the necessary cold storage capabilities.

Furthermore, the economic burden associated with sustaining this precise temperature control creates a severe barrier to market scalability. The high energy and maintenance costs required for specialized warehousing and transport fleets directly erode profit margins and drive up the final retail price of the beverage. According to the Global Cold Chain Alliance, in 2025, overall expenses for refrigerated warehouses increased by 4.69% during the fourth quarter of the previous year. These escalating operational costs force companies to price their products at a premium, which significantly limits mass adoption in price-sensitive emerging economies and restricts the overall volume growth of the sector.

Key Market Trends

High-protein fortified formulations are fundamentally altering the market as consumers increasingly prioritize satiety and muscle maintenance over simple refreshment. Manufacturers are engineering liquid dairy products with elevated protein-to-calorie ratios to cater to fitness enthusiasts and individuals seeking meal replacements that sustain energy levels throughout the day. This shift moves beyond basic nutrition, transforming drinkable yogurt into a specialized performance tool that competes directly with synthetic protein shakes while offering a cleaner ingredient profile. The commercial viability of this trend is underscored by the rapid expansion of dedicated protein lines in mature markets. According to Arla Foods, February 2025, in the 'Annual Report 2024', volumes for the Arla Protein brand grew by 36.0% during the fiscal year, significantly outpacing standard category performance.

Simultaneously, GLP-1 supportive product positioning has emerged as a critical innovation vector, designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of consumers using semaglutide-based weight-loss medications. These users often require nutrient-dense, low-volume options that combat muscle loss and alleviate common gastrointestinal side effects associated with the treatment. Consequently, brands are realigning their portfolios to highlight high-density probiotics and essential nutrients that support digestive comfort and nutritional adequacy during periods of suppressed appetite. This strategic alignment with pharmaceutical weight management trends is driving substantial financial returns for responsive manufacturers. According to Dairy Foods Magazine, November 2025, in the article 'Lifeway Foods achieves most sales in company history', net sales for the third quarter reached $57.1 million, a 24.0% increase explicitly attributed to the surging consumer demand for products complementing GLP-1 medication use.

Segmental Insights

The Non-Dairy Based segment is currently the fastest-growing category in the global drinkable yogurt market, driven by a significant shift toward plant-based dietary habits. Increasing consumer awareness regarding lactose intolerance and milk allergies has necessitated the development of alternatives derived from sources such as almond, soy, and oats. Furthermore, the rising popularity of vegan lifestyles and concerns regarding environmental sustainability are motivating manufacturers to expand their non-dairy portfolios. This transition reflects a broader consumer demand for functional beverages that offer nutritional benefits comparable to traditional dairy without utilizing animal-based ingredients.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific holds a leading position in the global drinkable yogurt sector, largely attributed to widespread consumer prioritization of digestive health and immunity. This dominance is underpinned by a cultural affinity for fermented products in key markets such as China and Japan, where probiotics are a dietary staple. Additionally, the prevalence of lactose intolerance in the region has prompted a distinct consumer shift from traditional milk to more digestible yogurt-based alternatives. The market is further sustained by rapid urbanization, which drives the consumption of convenient, shelf-stable formats suitable for on-the-go nutrition.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024, LALA U.S. expanded its portfolio in the Global Drinkable Yogurt Market with the introduction of LALA Gold, a new line of high-protein dairy products. This launch included drinkable yogurt options featuring 25 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber per serving, designed to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious, on-the-go fuel. The company emphasized that the products are free from added sugars and are available in five distinct flavors, including Raspberry Key Lime and Cookies & Cream. According to the Vice President of Marketing and Sales at LALA U.S., this development represents a strategic move to set a new standard for high-quality dairy nutrition.
• In October 2024, Chobani, LLC announced a significant expansion in the functional beverage category by launching a new lineup of high-protein Greek Yogurt drinks. Addressing the growing consumer demand for functional nutrition without high sugar content, the company introduced lactose-free drinkable yogurts containing 15, 20, and 30 grams of protein per serving. The Chief Innovation Officer at Chobani highlighted that this innovation targets mainstream consumers shifting towards strength and positive nutrition. The product line was formulated using a traditional yogurt-making process to ensure natural ingredients and real fruit are utilized, reinforcing the brand's commitment to accessible, health-focused hydration options.
• In September 2024, Lactalis Canada strengthened its position in the Global Drinkable Yogurt Market by launching the first organic drinkable yogurt tailored specifically for children under its Olympic brand. The new Olympic Organic Kids’ Drinkable Yogourt is produced with 100% organic milk from grass-fed cows and contains significantly less sugar than competing products. The Director of Innovation at Lactalis Canada’s Yogourt & Cultured Division stated that the product addresses parental concerns regarding sugar intake while providing a convenient, nutritious snack. Available in Strawberry and Strawberry-Banana flavors, the launch aligns with the company's strategy to expand the organic dairy segment across Canadian retailers.
• In July 2024, Morinaga Nutritional Foods Vietnam JSC introduced a new functional beverage, Morinaga Zero Fat Drink Yogurt, to the Southeast Asian market. This product launch utilizes a proprietary fermentation formula from Japan and incorporates the LAC-Shield® probiotic, which is clinically proven to support digestive health and boost the immune system. The company positioned this zero-fat, low-sugar drink to capitalize on the rising health awareness among Vietnamese consumers. By offering flavors such as Less Sugar and Less Sugar Strawberry, the subsidiary of Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd. aims to meet the forecasted growth in the region's drinking yogurt sector and enhance its portfolio of health-centric food products.

Key Market Players

• Danone S.A.
• Nestlé S.A.
• General Mills Inc.
• Chobani Global Holdings, LLC
• Meiji Holdings Co., Ltd.
• Lactalis Group
• Benecol Limited
• Arla Foods Group
• Archway Food Group
• Morinaga Nutritional Foods, Inc.

By Product Type	By Flavor	By Packaging	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Dairy Based and Non-Dairy Based	Flavored and Non-Flavored	Bottles Tetra Packs and Others (Cans, Pouches)	Supermarkets/Hypermarkets Convenience Stores Departmental Stores Online and Non-Retail	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Drinkable Yogurt Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Drinkable Yogurt Market, By Product Type:

• Dairy Based and Non-Dairy Based

• Drinkable Yogurt Market, By Flavor:

• Flavored and Non-Flavored

• Drinkable Yogurt Market, By Packaging:

• Bottles
• Tetra Packs and Others (Cans, Pouches)

• Drinkable Yogurt Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Departmental Stores
• Online
• and Non-Retail

• Drinkable Yogurt Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE