Report Overview

Growing awareness about health and wellness, rising prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, and increasing disposable income and urbanization are expected to drive India Probiotic Drinks Market during the forecast period between 2025 and 2031.

India Probiotic Drinks Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2031

India Probiotic Drinks Market size was estimated at USD 3.15 billion in 2024. During the forecast period between 2025 and 2031, India Probiotic Drinks Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% reaching a value of USD 4.9 billion by 2031. Prominent drivers of the market include rising health consciousness and increasing awareness of probiotic benefits in improving gut health. The growing prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders due to unhealthy dietary habits is further accelerating demand. Additionally, urbanization, higher living standards, and a shift from high-calorie carbonated beverages to functional, ready-to-drink alternatives are supporting market expansion. Manufacturers are introducing probiotic drinks in exotic flavors and innovative packaging while leveraging both retail and e-commerce platforms for extensive consumer outreach. The introduction of dairy-free, allergen-free, and sugar-free variants is also fueling adoption. Furthermore, the increasing elderly population, which is more susceptible to digestive ailments, is driving demand, alongside the rising number of working women and the growing focus on women’s health. The popularity of specialized probiotics such as L. acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium is gaining traction, further boosting market growth.

Probiotic Drinks – Overview

Probiotic drinks are beverages that contain live beneficial microorganisms, such as bacteria or yeast, which help promote gut health and overall digestion. These drinks are typically made from fermented ingredients like dairy (e.g., yogurt-based drinks, kefir) or plant-based sources (e.g., kombucha, fermented soy drinks). Regular consumption of probiotic drinks can support a healthy gut microbiome, enhance immune function, and improve digestion by balancing the levels of good bacteria in the digestive tract.

India Probiotic Drinks Market

Growth Drivers

Rising Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Disorders

The increasing prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in India, driven by lifestyle changes, is significantly influencing the demand for probiotic drinks. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are becoming more common due to factors like poor dietary habits, obesity, stress, and lack of sleep. According to a joint study by the Indian Society of Gastroenterology (ISG) and the Association of Physicians of India (API), GERD affects nearly 7% to 10% of the Indian population. A separate pilot study conducted in Chennai among medical students reported a higher GERD incidence of 14.4%. With the burden of lifestyle diseases rising while communicable diseases like Hepatitis B, C, and E decline, consumers are actively seeking preventive health solutions. Probiotic drinks, known for their ability to support gut health, improve digestion, and restore microbial balance, are gaining traction as a natural remedy for managing GI disorders. The increasing awareness of the gut microbiome’s role in overall health is further driving the adoption of probiotic beverages in India. As more individuals prioritize digestive wellness, the India probiotic drinks market is poised for substantial growth in the coming years.

Challenges

High Product Costs

The high cost of probiotic drinks is a key factor limiting their widespread adoption in India. Probiotic beverages require advanced fermentation techniques, specialized strains of probiotics, and cold storage, all of which increase production and distribution expenses. Additionally, imported probiotic cultures and premium ingredients further raise costs, making these drinks less accessible to price-sensitive consumers. While awareness of gut health benefits is growing, affordability remains a barrier, especially in rural and lower-income segments. As a result, the high pricing of probiotic drinks restricts market expansion, necessitating cost-effective innovations and competitive pricing strategies to drive broader adoption.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on India Probiotic Drinks Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions could significantly impact the growth of India Probiotic Drinks Market. Trade restrictions, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating raw material prices can increase production costs, affecting the affordability and availability of probiotic drinks. Import dependencies on probiotic cultures and specialized ingredients may face delays or price hikes due to geopolitical conflicts, impacting manufacturers. Additionally, currency fluctuations and economic instability can influence consumer purchasing power, reducing demand for premium health beverages. As a result, the market players may need to explore local sourcing, cost-effective production strategies, and government support to mitigate risks and sustain growth in a volatile global landscape.

India Probiotic Drinks Market

Segmental Coverage

India Probiotic Drinks Market – By Product Type

Based on product type, India Probiotic Drinks Market is bifurcated into Dairy-based and Plant-based segments. The dairy-based segment holds a higher share in India Probiotic Drinks Market by product type. Growing consumer awareness about gut health and the benefits of probiotics has significantly boosted demand. The shift toward health-conscious dietary choices has made probiotic drinks a preferred option for maintaining digestive health and overall well-being. Urbanization and changing lifestyles have further fueled this trend, with consumers seeking convenient solutions for digestive issues. Northern India, particularly Delhi-NCR, has emerged as a key market due to high disposable incomes and health-conscious consumers. Additionally, the availability of diverse probiotic beverage options has strengthened the segment's market dominance.

India Probiotic Drinks Market – By Flavor

India Probiotic Drinks Market by flavor is split into Flavored and Non-Flavored segments.

India Probiotic Drinks Market – By Sales Channel

On the basis of sales channel, India Probiotic Drinks Market is segmented into Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online, and other sales channels segments. The online segment holds the highest share in India Probiotic Drinks Market by sales channel. The rise of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized consumer access to probiotic products, offering unparalleled convenience. Busy lifestyles and digital adoption have driven more consumers to purchase probiotic drinks online, bypassing the need for physical store visits. Additionally, online platforms provide a broader product range, allowing consumers to compare brands, read reviews, and choose based on dietary preferences. This channel has also expanded market reach, ensuring availability in both urban and rural areas. Growing health awareness further fuels online sales, as consumers seek informed purchasing decisions for digestive wellness. Top of FormBottom of Form

India Probiotic Drinks Market – By Region

The in-depth research report on India Probiotic Drinks Market covers the market in the country’s major regions: North India, South India, East India, and West India regions. South India region holds the highest share in India Probiotic Drinks Market and is expected to maintain dominance during the forecast period. It can be attributed to the region’s deep-rooted cultural preference for fermented foods like curd, idli, and dosa, which naturally contain probiotics. Additionally, a well-established dairy industry supports the production and distribution of probiotic drinks. Growing health awareness and urbanization have further driven demand, with consumers increasingly investing in probiotic-rich foods for digestive wellness. The presence of research institutions validating probiotic benefits also boosts consumer confidence, ensuring sustained market growth in the region during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in India Probiotic Drinks Market include Drums Food International (Epigamia), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, Heritage Foods Limited, Yakult (Danone India Pvt Ltd), Mother Dairy Fruits and Vegetables Pvt Ltd, Amul, Milkmantra Dairy Pvt Ltd, Milky Mist Dairy, Nestlé India Ltd, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd, and Tablets India Ltd. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In November 2024 - MilkyMist, in partnership with SIG and AnaBio Technologies, introduced the world’s first long-life probiotic buttermilk in aseptic carton packs. AnaBio’s encapsulation technology protects probiotics from heat during UHT processing, while SIG’s aseptic filling maintains product integrity.

• In July 2024 - Yakult Danone India Pvt Ltd launched Yakult Light Mango Flavour, a new variant of its popular probiotic drink, exclusively for the Indian market.

Scope of the Report

By Product Type

• Dairy-based

• Plant-based

By Flavor

• Flavored

• Non-Flavored

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

• Convenience Stores

• Specialty Stores

• Online

• Others

By Region

• North India

• South India

• East India

• West India