Galacto-oligosaccharide Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Form (Syrup, Powder, Others), By Application (Food & Beverage, Animal Feed, Cosmetics, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

Global Galacto-oligosaccharide Market was valued at USD 776.54 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1005.51 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.60%. Galacto-oligosaccharides are prebiotic fibers derived from lactose, known for their ability to support digestive health, enhance immune function, and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. Growing consumer awareness around gut health and the broader health benefits of prebiotics has significantly contributed to the rising adoption of GOS in a wide range of products.

These include infant formula, dairy products, dietary supplements, functional beverages, and even animal nutrition. However, the market does face certain challenges. Fluctuations in the price and availability of raw materials, particularly lactose, can impact production costs. Additionally, competition from alternative prebiotic fibers—such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), inulin, and newly developed synthetic HMOs—poses a potential threat to market share.

Key Market Drivers

Growth in Food & Beverage Industry

The global Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) market is experiencing robust growth, significantly driven by the ongoing expansion and diversification of the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Total revenue in the Food & Drink market reached USD 2.00 billion in 2022. A global analysis identified the United States as the leading contributor to this revenue. As consumer preferences continue to shift toward functional, health-enhancing, and gut-friendly products, food manufacturers are increasingly incorporating prebiotic ingredients like GOS into their product portfolios.

GOS, a type of non-digestible carbohydrate with strong prebiotic properties, has gained widespread attention for its ability to support digestive health, improve immunity, and promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. In 2024, a randomized, double-blind clinical trial with 63 patients suffering from functional constipation demonstrated that GOS supplementation significantly increased bowel movement frequency and improved stool consistency. These health benefits make it an attractive ingredient across a range of F&B applications, including infant formula, dairy products, nutritional supplements, functional beverages, and bakery items.

Growth in Cosmetic Industry

The rapid expansion of the global cosmetic industry has become a significant driver of growth in the galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) market. As consumer preferences increasingly shift toward functional, skin-friendly, and microbiome-supportive ingredients, GOS is gaining traction as a valuable component in cosmetic formulations. Known for its prebiotic properties, GOS helps promote healthy skin flora, improve skin hydration, and support barrier function benefits that are highly sought after in modern skincare products.

With rising demand for clean-label and scientifically backed ingredients, cosmetic brands are actively incorporating GOS into serums, moisturizers, and anti-aging products to differentiate offerings and enhance product efficacy. A September 2024 report by Cosmetics Business revealed that 68% of consumers actively prioritize skincare products formulated with clean ingredients. This trend, coupled with increased R&D activity and growing awareness of skin microbiome health, is positioning GOS as a key ingredient in the evolving landscape of the cosmetic and personal care sector.

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Key Market Challenges

Availability of Raw Materials

One of the critical challenges confronting the global galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) market is the availability and consistency of raw materials, primarily lactose, which is the key substrate for GOS production. The supply of high-quality lactose is heavily dependent on dairy industry outputs, which can be influenced by factors such as seasonal variations, fluctuations in milk production, and geopolitical issues affecting trade and logistics. These variables can lead to supply constraints or increased raw material costs, impacting production schedules and pricing strategies for GOS manufacturers.

Furthermore, as demand for lactose-based ingredients grows across multiple industries, competition for raw materials intensifies, potentially exacerbating supply chain vulnerabilities. Manufacturers must therefore invest in supply chain diversification and develop strategic partnerships with dairy producers to mitigate risks associated with raw material availability. Addressing this challenge is essential to maintaining stable production volumes, controlling costs, and meeting the rising market demand for GOS-based products globally.

Key Market Trends

Growth in Infant Nutrition Applications

A significant trend shaping the global Galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) market is the accelerated growth in infant nutrition applications. With increasing awareness among parents and healthcare professionals regarding the importance of early-life gut health and immunity, GOS is becoming a preferred ingredient in infant formula and related products. New research in 2025 indicates that infants consuming a more diverse range of plant-based foods develop a more mature gut microbiome, establishing a foundation for improved long-term health.

Galacto-oligosaccharides closely mimic the functional properties of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are naturally present in breast milk and known to support the development of a healthy gut microbiome in infants. This similarity makes GOS an essential additive in infant formulas, where it helps promote the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria and enhances digestive comfort, reducing common issues such as colic and constipation.

Segmental Insights

Form Insights

Based on Form, Syrup have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Galacto-oligosaccharide Market in 2024. This is due to its versatility, ease of application, and growing demand across multiple industries. Syrups provide a convenient and stable form of GOS that can be seamlessly incorporated into a wide range of products, including functional beverages, nutritional supplements, and infant formula. Their solubility and sweet taste profile enhance product formulation flexibility while delivering the prebiotic benefits of GOS, which supports digestive health and immune function.

Application Insights

Based on Application, Animal Feed have emerged as the fastest growing segment in the Global Galacto-oligosaccharide Market during the forecast period. This is due to its increasing recognition as a valuable prebiotic ingredient that promotes gut health and improves nutrient absorption in livestock. As the demand for higher-quality animal protein rises worldwide, producers are focusing on enhancing animal health and productivity through better nutrition. GOS supports beneficial gut microbiota, which leads to improved digestion, stronger immunity, and reduced reliance on antibiotics factors that are critical in meeting both consumer expectations and regulatory restrictions on antibiotic use in animal husbandry.

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Regional Insights

Based on Region, North America have emerged as the dominating region in the Global Galacto-oligosaccharide Market in 2024. This is due to several key factors. High consumer awareness of digestive health and wellness drives strong demand for prebiotic ingredients like GOS. The region benefits from a well-established food and dietary supplements industry that actively incorporates innovative functional ingredients. Additionally, favorable regulatory frameworks, including the FDA’s GRAS status for GOS, facilitate faster product approvals and market penetration.

Recent Development

• In August 2025, Isopure expanded its product portfolio with the launch of Colostrum+ Gut Health & Immune Support, a versatile, unflavored powdered formula. Each serving delivers one gram of bovine colostrum, 1.37 grams of Bimuno, a galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) ingredient 75 mcg of biotin, and over 20 essential vitamins and minerals. This formulation is designed to support gut health, immune function, and the maintenance of healthy hair, skin, and nails. Free from artificial flavors, the powder can be easily mixed into cold beverages, smoothies, or yogurt without affecting taste.
• In June 2024, FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a global leader in functional ingredients for early life nutrition, received approval from both the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and GRAS certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Lacto-N-Tetraose strain. This approval from MARA advances the ingredient to the final stage of the regulatory process, marking the first introduction of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) into the Chinese market. Upon successful completion, FrieslandCampina Ingredients will become the exclusive supplier of both galacto-oligosaccharides and HMOs in China.

Key Market Players

• VITALUS NUTRITION INC.
• Ingredion
• Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited
• Clasado
• Shandong Bailong Chuangyuan Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.
• Snow Brand Milk Products Co. Ltd.
• Royal FrieslandCampina
• Kerry Group
• Kowa Europe GmbH

Report Scope

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

• Galacto-oligosaccharide Market, By Form:

o   Syrup

o   Powder

o   Others

• Galacto-oligosaccharide Market, By Application:

o   Food & Beverage

o   Animal Feed

o   Cosmetics

o   Others

• Galacto-oligosaccharide Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Galacto-oligosaccharide Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Galacto-oligosaccharide Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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