Global Yogurt Market Growing
The global yogurt market continues to show healthy growth, with a forecast CAGR of 6.4% between 2020 and 2025.1 While the largest market for yogurt is Asia Pacific, it also has the second-highest regional forecasted CAGR of 9%, with the Middle East and Africa expected to grow at a forecasted CAGR of 12%. In terms of per capita consumption of spoonable yogurt, Europe is the victor led by the Netherlands, Spain, France, and Germany.2,3 Yogurt provides a number of benefits to consumers including a portable ready-to-eat format, affordability, variety, and healthy nutrition.
The trends in protein snacks and functional snacks are important drivers of growth in the yogurt category, as yogurt is known for both its protein and probiotic content, as well as its calcium. Yogurt’s protein delivers satiety benefits (especially important in a breakfast or snack and for weight management), while its probiotics are linked to healthy digestion and immune system function.
Yogurt Trends for 2021
With more consumers seeking foods and beverages that they perceive as being able to potentially support their health, the future looks bright for the yogurt category. As yogurt companies compete on innovation, some important trends are underway:
1. Lactose-Free
Lactose-free milk was a game-changer for the dairy industry. Addition of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose into sugars, made milk an option for lactose-intolerant consumers everywhere. Now, major US yogurt brands like Yoplait and Activia are using lactase to create 100% lactose-free dairy yogurts. Lactose-free Greek yogurt is the latest addition, available from brands such as Green Valley Creamery and FAGE.
2. Less Sugar
The less sugar trend is showing up across the food and beverage industry, and savvy yogurt companies are getting on board. In Europe, this trend is especially strong with both consumers and government health programs on board. In a recent survey, 1 in 3 German consumers indicated that “low sugar content is one of the most important factors when looking for healthy food.”4
Germany’s Zott My Yogurt (Mein Joghurt) claims no added refined sugar, only natural sweetness and lots of fruit. Examples in the US include Activia Less Sugar & More Good (US) with 9 grams of sugar per serving (40% less than its regular Greek nonfat yogurt) and Siggi’s Kids yogurt pouches with 50% less sugar for 6 grams of sugar.