The global kefir market is estimated to be valued at USD 3.24 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 5.11 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2025 to 2032.
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Kefir has gathered widespread popularity as a probiotic dairy beverage with various health benefits. Rising health consciousness among consumers and shift toward plant-based and probiotic products have been driving the demand for kefir globally. Additionally, increasing spending on functional beverages and innovations with new flavors and formats by manufacturers are augmenting the Kefir market growth.
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In terms of product type, dairy-based kefir segment is expected to contribute 69.1% share of the market in 2025 owing to growing consumer preference for nutritional dairy products. Kefir made from dairy sources such as cow, goat, and sheep milk offer several health benefits due to the presence of probiotics. Consumption of probiotics through dairy kefir helps improve gut health, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. The growing health consciousness among people has raised the demand for probiotic enriched dairy foods like kefir. Moreover, dairy kefir is richer in protein and other essential nutrients compared to plant-based varieties.
The availability of dairy kefir in different fat contents also appeals to a variety of consumers. Low-fat and fat-free dairy kefir are gaining popularity among health-conscious people watching their calorie and fat intake. On the other hand, whole fat dairy kefir remains popular for its rich taste and higher nutrition value. The versatility in terms of fat content has expanded the customer base of dairy kefir. The widespread distribution of dairy kefir in grocery stores, health food shops, and online channels further enhance its accessibility.
For instance, in Janury 2024, Maple Hill expanded its organic dairy portfolio with the launch of new organic kefir products. Available in Plain and Strawberry flavors, the kefirs are made with 100% grass-fed milk and contain 25 billion CFUs of live probiotics per serving. The launch supports Maple Hill’s commitment to clean-label nutrition and gut health innovation.
In terms of flavor, flavored segment is expected to contribute the largest share of the market in 2025. This leadership is driven by a combination of consumer demand for palatable health beverages and the growing popularity of functional foods. Unlike plain kefir, which can have a sharp, tangy taste, flavored variants, such as berry, mango, vanilla, and citrus which offers a more enjoyable experience, making them especially appealing to first-time buyers and younger demographics. The fusion of taste and health benefits positions flavored kefir as a desirable alternative to sugary yogurts and soft drinks, aligning with trends in digestive wellness and immunity support.
Additionally, manufacturers are innovating with seasonal and exotic flavors, low-sugar options, and plant-based formulations to cater to diverse dietary preferences. Flavored kefir’s versatility also contributes to its success, as consumers increasingly use it in smoothies, breakfast bowls, and even cooking. Enhanced packaging and branding further boost its visibility in supermarkets and health food stores, reinforcing its market dominance.
As a result, flavored kefir not only leads in revenue but also sets the pace for growth and innovation within the broader kefir category.
For instance, in October 2024, Lifeway Foods unveiled 10 new organic kefir flavor fusions in its single-serve lineup, tapping into trending tastes like Lemon Ginger, Strawberry Hibiscus, and Blueberry Lavender. These probiotic-rich drinks aim to boost gut health while catering to evolving consumer preferences for bold, functional flavors in convenient formats.
In terms of distribution channel, supermarkets/grocery stores segment is expected to contribute 54.8% share to the global kefir market in 2025, owing to the expansion of modern retail in recent years. The growing network of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and grocery stores in key regions provides increased accessibility and visibility to kefir products. Customers can find a diverse range of local as well as international kefir brands under one roof along with other dairy items and foodstuffs. This offers added convenience when shopping for regular household items as well as specialty products like kefir.
Supermarkets stock a variety of kefir types according to local preferences including Greek style strained kefir, drinkable kefirs, and fruit-flavored varieties. Attractive multi-packs or family-size containers in their dairy sections boost trial and replenishment purchases. Shopping mall culture and rapid urbanization have also strengthened organized retailing channels in developing Asian and Latin American markets. Rising digital influenced consumers additionally rely on e-commerce grocers for doorstep delivery of kefir and other frozen/chilled products. These factors collectively contribute to supermarkets consolidating their status as a primary retail gateway for the global kefir market.
For instance, in March 2025, Activia expanded its kefir and fibre ranges with new launches now available in major supermarkets. The new fermented dairy drinks and fibre-rich options cater to rising consumer demand for gut health and functional nutrition. This move strengthens Activia’s presence in the health-focused dairy segment and boosts accessibility through mainstream retail channels.
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North America has been dominating the global kefir market revenue for several years owing to a well-established dairy industry and high health consciousness among consumers in the region with 40.2% share in 2025. Countries like the U.S. and Canada have a strong presence of local as well as international dairy brands that offer a wide range of kefir products. Moreover, the changing food habits and increasing preference for probiotic foods provide major growth opportunities for the kefir market in North America.
For instance, in August 2025, Lifeway Foods relaunched its Basics Plus line, featuring kefir and colostrum shots, reviving a functional food innovation first introduced 30 years ago. Designed to support immune and digestive health, the reformulated shots blend probiotics with colostrum’s bioactive compounds. The relaunch reflects Lifeway’s commitment to pioneering wellness through science-backed dairy nutrition.
Another fast-growing regional market is Asia Pacific. The Asia Pacific kefir market revenue is led by China due to growing awareness about gut health and nutritional benefits of fermented milk products. The Chinese market continues to attract foreign investments and joint ventures between local and international brands. There is a rise in the manufacturing of kefir and other probiotic yogurt especially in southern Chinese provinces due to the availability of raw materials and cheap labor. Countries like India and Japan are also emerging as high potential markets. With improving cold chain infrastructure, retail landscape and growing health consciousness, the demand for kefir and other probiotic products is surging rapidly across Southeast Asian countries. Further, several international brands see Asia Pacific as an important region and are focusing on partnerships with local distributors for expanding retail reach.
For instance, in May 2025, Gut health startup The Good Bug has raised ₹100 crore in a funding round led by Susquehanna Asia Venture Capital. Known for its science-backed probiotics and kefir-based formulations, the company plans to expand its product line, grow its team, and enter global markets. The investment will also boost its presence in supermarkets and health-focused retail channels.
Kefir's rising demand in the U.S. is driven by health-conscious consumers seeking natural probiotic-rich foods. Its benefits for gut health, immunity, and digestion have boosted popularity, especially among millennials and Gen Z. The market thrives on flavored, organic, and dairy-free options, aligning with trends in clean eating and functional nutrition.
For instance, in September 2025, Lifeway Foods launched Muscle Mates, a ready-to-drink beverage combining 20g protein, 5g creatine, and 12 probiotic cultures. Designed to support muscle recovery, strength, and gut health, the lactose-free drink debuts in Mixed Berry, Strawberry Banana, and Vanilla flavors, hitting U.S. shelves nationwide by year-end.
Kefir is gaining popularity in the UK due to rising interest in gut health and functional nutrition. Its probiotic benefits, natural ingredients, and clean-label appeal attract health-conscious consumers. Demand is further boosted by plant-based and flavored options, aligning with trends in wellness, dairy alternatives, and digestive support across mainstream and specialty retail channels.
For instance, in January 2025, Biotiful Gut Health rolled out its Gut Health Reset campaign across the UK, aiming to educate consumers on the benefits of probiotics. Featuring its kefir-based drinks and yogurts, the initiative includes in-store activations, digital outreach, and expert guidance to promote digestive wellness and support healthier lifestyle choices.
| Report Coverage | Details | ||
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| Base Year: | 2024 | Market Size in 2025: | USD 3.24 Bn |
| Historical Data for: | 2020 To 2024 | Forecast Period: | 2025 To 2032 |
| Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR: | 6.7% | 2032 Value Projection: | USD 5.11 Bn |
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| Companies covered: |
Lifeway Foods, Redwood Hill Farm & Creamery, Maple Hill Creamery, Organic Valley, Wallaby Organic, Danone SA, Stonyfield Farm, Cultures for Health, Hälsa Foods, Harmons Grocery, Snowville Creamery, Helios Nutrition, Redwood Hill Farm, Evolve Kefir, The Hain Celestial Group, Inc., Kalona SuperNatural, Straus Family Creamery, and Seven Stars Farm |
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Kefir is gaining widespread popularity due to the various health benefits it provides. Made from fermented milk, kefir contains a variety of probiotic cultures that can boost digestive health and immunity. The probiotic cultures in kefir help promote a balanced gut environment and facilitate nutrient absorption. A balanced gut microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining overall wellness. Research shows that kefir probiotics may help reduce the symptoms of digestive issues like constipation, indigestion, and lactose intolerance. Its probiotic makeup has anti-inflammatory properties as well that can soothe gut discomfort.
The probiotic cultures in kefir also bind to and consume harmful pathogens in the gut, reducing their numbers and impact. This may aid in preventing gut infections and diarrhea. Regular consumption of kefir probiotics helps crowd out undesirable microorganisms in the digestive tract. Some studies indicate kefir's probiotic content may even reduce risk of intestinal disorders like ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel syndrome over time. Its gut health benefits allow more efficient assimilation of nutrients from food as well.
Beyond digestive advantages, kefir is rich in immune boosting proteins and anti-oxidants. Its probiotic makeup strengthens the gut barrier and supports immune function. This could lower the risk of common illnesses. Reports show kefir consumption may alleviate allergies and asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Some preliminary data also links kefir probiotics to reduced severity of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. More research is still required but its immune modulating potential is promising.
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Consumer awareness around gut and total wellness is spurring increased interest in probiotic foods globally. People are seeking convenient ways to boost their digestive and immune function through diet. Probiotic microorganisms are live microorganisms that supposedly provide health benefits when consumed. Research has illuminated the role gut microbiota play in overall health from mental wellbeing to metabolism. This is driving demand for probiotic ingredients across various food and beverage categories.
As a fermented dairy product, kefir perfectly complements the rising preference for probiotic nutrition sources. Unlike capsule supplements, kefir offers a delicious and enjoyable way to consume beneficial live cultures. The prospect of naturally fortifying one's microbiome appeals to many. Probiotic beverages especially match busier modern lifestyles as effortless wellness boosters’ people can easily incorporate anywhere. Their appetite appeal also makes them top choices for families with children.
Consumers seeking to manage digestive issues or boost immunity have gravitated toward probiotic ingredients. Media attention on gut-brain connections and microbiome impacts is raising recognition of their significance. Millions suffer from stomachache, diarrhea, constipation, and food intolerances motivating them to explore probiotic solutions. Their availability in refreshing, everyday beverages address such health priorities with low effort. Even the asymptomatic population sees value in bolstering gut ecological balance for long-term protection against disease risks.
Sustainable sourcing and minimal processing requirements of fermented items additionally resonate with evolving buyer values. Probiotic products address priority around food transparency with their simple, natural formulations satisfying health-conscious and eco-minded demographics. Marketing highlighting gut microbiome optimization and immunity boosting separates them from common beverages.
The global kefir market is poised to grow at a significant rate over the coming years. The market is driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers and a rising preference for probiotic foods. Kefir offers several gut and digestive health benefits due to the presence of probiotics which aids in digestion. This factor is expected to remain a key growth driver. Meanwhile, product innovation with various flavors and ingredients is also fueling the industry. More companies are developing kefir-based drinks, shakes, and desserts to cater to changing consumer tastes.
The market also faces challenges from some restraints. Availability of substitute probiotic products limits the growth potential of kefir. High preference for locally produced goods particularly in developing countries is also hindering the markets expansion.
From a geographical standpoint, North America currently dominates the global kefir market and is expected to continue its leadership. Widespread awareness about kefir's health advantages along with traditional usage makes Europe a lucrative region. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is identified as the fastest growing regional market attributed to rising living standards, growing health consciousness, and expansion of retail chains in developing nations. Kefir companies should focus on capitalizing opportunities in Asia Pacific to cement their position in the global industry. Strong distribution networks especially in populous countries like India and China will be critical for success.
The global kefir market has potential growth opportunity in numerous developing regions which are yet to witness the wider availability and consumption of kefir. While yogurt and buttermilk markets in these regions are getting saturated steadily, kefir remains largely unknown to mass population. Countries across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia Pacific represent very low penetration levels of kefir currently. These untapped emerging markets bear high prospects for kefir producers to focus their expansion strategies. With increasing health and wellness trends, improved cold chain logistics and rising disposable incomes, consumers in developing regions are likely to get exposed to kefir in the coming years. Early mover advantage through innovative market entry models and localized branding can help players gain substantial market shares in the long run. Partnerships with local distributors may also facilitate faster availability of kefir to tap into development targets.
*Definition: The global kefir market consists of sales of probiotic kefir products. Kefir is a fermented milk drink that originated from the Caucasus mountains. It is produced by inoculating cow, goat, or sheep milk with kefir grains containing various microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid bacteria. The kefir market includes unsweetened, sweetened, and flavored kefir products that are sold in supermarkets, health stores, specialty stores, and online. The global kefir market is growing steadily driven by rising awareness around digestive and gut health benefits of probiotic foods.
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About Author
Sakshi Suryawanshi is a Research Consultant with 6 years of extensive experience in market research and consulting. She is proficient in market estimation, competitive analysis, and patent analysis. Sakshi excels in identifying market trends and evaluating competitive landscapes to provide actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making. Her expertise helps businesses navigate complex market dynamics and achieve their objectives effectively.
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