Asia-Pacific Dairy Alternative Market Outlook, 2030

The Asia Pacific dairy alternatives market is flourishing fueled by a rise in veganism, lactose intolerance, and a general focus on health and wellness. Consumers are increasingly seeking plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy products, perceiving them as healthier due to lower fat and cholesterol content. Understanding regional taste preferences is crucial. Local ingredients like coconut milk or brown rice milk can be key differentiators for brands. For instance, with nearly 70-100% of the population in some East Asian countries having lactose intolerance, incorporating lactose-free options tailored to these regions can be highly successful. Sustainability is another important factor.

Consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious, and the lower environmental impact of plant-based alternatives compared to traditional dairy production is a significant advantage. India's expanding youth population comprises 65 percent of its population and is mainly responsible for driving this growth. Rising disposable incomes, aspiration for better lifestyles, increased tourism, changing consumer habits, and high interest in imported products and new cuisines are key factors driving the HRI sector. China, for instance, is experiencing rapid growth in its plant-based food and beverage sector, supported by government initiatives encouraging sustainable food systems.

Meanwhile, Australia's well-established agricultural base and consumer shift toward ethical consumption have bolstered its role as both a producer and exporter of high-quality plant-based alternatives. According to trade data, the import and export of plant-based dairy products and their raw materials (such as almonds, soybeans, and oats) have seen a marked increase in recent years, with regional trade agreements facilitating smoother cross-border commerce. Japan and South Korea also play pivotal roles as innovation hubs, focusing on premium and functional plant-based dairy products catering to both domestic and export markets.

According to the research report "Asia Pacific Dairy Alternatives Market Outlook, 2030," the Asia Pacific Dairy Alternatives market is anticipated to grow at more than 11.03% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. Raw material availability is a key enabler of the market's growth. The region benefits from diverse climatic zones that support the cultivation of various plant-based ingredients. India and China are major producers of soybeans, while Australia is a significant source of almonds and oats. However, challenges remain in ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of high-quality raw materials, especially given the growing demand.

As such, countries are investing in agricultural R&D, sustainable farming practices, and supply chain optimization to support the burgeoning plant-based dairy sector. Consumers are becoming more informed about the health benefits of dairy alternatives, which often contain less saturated fat and cholesterol compared to traditional dairy products. Furthermore, plant-based alternatives are now often fortified with essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and B12 to match or surpass the nutritional profile of dairy, making them an attractive option for health-conscious individuals.

Young, urban consumers, in particular, are leading the charge, seeking products that not only align with their dietary needs but also their ethical and environmental values. In Sep 2024, Glico has introduced its flagship almond milk, Almond Koka Japan's top-selling almond milk in Singapore, marking a significant expansion of its health and wellness portfolio in Southeast Asia. Following successful launches in Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, this move underscores Glico's commitment to providing nutritious and delicious options throughout the region. Several brands are leveraging AI and machine learning to offer customized solutions through online quizzes, virtual consultations, and diagnostic tools.

These tools analyze hair and scalp conditions and recommend ingredient-based treatments accordingly. Subscription-based models offering customized kits delivered to the consumer’s doorstep are gaining popularity, especially among younger, tech-savvy consumers in urban areas. This trend reflects a broader shift from one-size-fits-all products to more targeted, holistic Dairy Alternatives regimens.

Market Drivers

• Rising Middle-Class Population and Urbanization: The rapid economic growth across Asia-Pacific countries like China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam has led to a significant increase in middle-class populations. Urbanization and rising disposable incomes have transformed consumer lifestyles and dietary habits, leading to higher consumption of packaged, convenient, and protein-rich foods. Dairy ingredients such as milk powders, whey proteins, and caseinates are increasingly being used in processed foods, beverages, and infant formula, boosting market demand.
• Growth in Infant Nutrition and Functional Food Segments: The expanding population, particularly in countries like India and China, coupled with rising awareness about child health and nutrition, is fueling demand for high-quality infant nutrition products. Dairy ingredients play a critical role in infant formula, supplying essential nutrients like lactose, proteins, and fats. Additionally, functional foods and beverages are gaining popularity as consumers seek products that promote immunity, digestive health, and general well-being, all of which are driving the use of dairy-based ingredients.

Market Challenges

• High Lactose Intolerance Rates in the Population: A significant portion of the Asia-Pacific population, especially in East and Southeast Asia, is lactose intolerant, which poses a challenge to the dairy ingredients market. While lactose-free dairy options are growing, many consumers are turning to plant-based alternatives like soy, almond, and oat products. This trend can limit the demand for traditional dairy ingredients unless producers innovate with lactose-free or digestive-friendly formulations.
• Infrastructure and Cold Chain Limitations in Developing Economies: In several emerging markets across Asia-Pacific, especially in rural areas, inadequate infrastructure and cold chain logistics remain barriers to the growth of dairy ingredient consumption. Poor transportation, storage, and refrigeration facilities affect product quality and shelf life, making it difficult to distribute dairy-based products efficiently. This creates supply chain challenges and raises production and distribution costs.

Market Trends

• Shift Toward Premium and Fortified Dairy Products: Consumers across the region are becoming more health-conscious and are showing strong interest in premium, fortified dairy products. This includes dairy products enriched with added vitamins, minerals, and functional ingredients such as probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids. As a result, dairy ingredient producers are focusing on high-value products that cater to the evolving needs of health-focused consumers, particularly in urban centers.
• Increased Investment in Local Production and Processing Capabilities: To meet growing demand and reduce dependency on imports, many countries in the region are investing in domestic dairy production and processing facilities. Governments and private players are working to strengthen the local dairy industry by improving farm productivity, introducing advanced processing technologies, and enhancing cold chain infrastructure. This trend is expected to boost the availability and affordability of dairy ingredients across the Asia-Pacific region in the coming years.

Coconut as a source in the Asia-Pacific dairy alternatives industry is experiencing moderate growth primarily due to its traditional familiarity in regional diets coupled with growing demand for plant-based options.

The moderate growth of coconut as a source in the Asia-Pacific dairy alternatives industry is largely influenced by its entrenched cultural and culinary presence across many countries in the region, such as India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Coconut milk and cream have long been staples in traditional cooking, making it a familiar and accepted base for plant-based dairy alternatives. This cultural familiarity has provided a strong foundation for coconut-based products like coconut milk yogurt, ice cream, and beverages to enter the market with relative ease.

Additionally, the perception of coconut as a natural, organic, and healthful ingredient aligns with the rising health consciousness and clean-label preferences of modern consumers across Asia-Pacific. As more consumers shift toward lactose-free, vegan, and allergen-friendly diets, coconut serves as a viable and accessible alternative, especially for those with nut or soy allergies. However, while coconut benefits from deep regional roots and a positive health image, its growth is considered moderate rather than explosive due to several emerging challenges.

First, the taste and texture profile of coconut-based dairy products is often seen as less neutral compared to oat or almond, which can limit its appeal in applications like coffee creamers or subtle-flavored dairy substitutes. Consumers seeking a dairy-like taste may prefer alternatives with a more neutral profile. Second, supply chain limitations and price volatility due to climate sensitivity and smallholder farming practices impact the scalability and pricing consistency of coconut-based products.

Moreover, innovations and aggressive marketing by global plant-based brands are driving the popularity of newer alternatives such as oat milk, which is perceived as more sustainable and versatile. These newer entrants are often seen as trendier among younger consumers in urban centers across Asia-Pacific, shifting the momentum away from coconut as the default choice.

Cheese is the fastest-growing product in the Asia-Pacific dairy alternatives industry because of increasing consumer demand for Western-style foods, rising health concerns like lactose intolerance, and rapid innovation making plant-based cheese more accessible and appealing.

In the Asia-Pacific region, alternative cheese is experiencing the fastest growth among dairy substitute products due to a combination of cultural shifts, dietary health trends, and product innovation. Western-style eating habits - driven by globalization, urbanization, and exposure through travel, media, and international food chains - have taken deep root across major Asian economies. Foods like pizza, burgers, and pasta, which heavily feature cheese, have become increasingly popular in urban centers from Tokyo and Seoul to Mumbai and Jakarta. As cheese consumption rises, so does demand for plant-based versions, especially among the growing demographic of health-conscious consumers, vegans, and flexitarians.

A significant portion of the population in Asia-Pacific is lactose intolerant - particularly in East and Southeast Asia - making traditional dairy cheese less accessible for many. This has created a strong market opportunity for non-dairy cheese alternatives that replicate the taste and functionality of conventional cheese without causing digestive issues. Furthermore, the plant-based cheese segment is benefiting from rapid advancements in food technology and ingredient innovation. Producers are now using nuts like cashews and almonds, along with soy, coconut oil, and fermentation techniques to develop cheeses that melt, stretch, and taste similar to dairy-based cheese.

This improved quality is breaking down consumer skepticism and boosting repeat purchases. Additionally, plant-based cheese has become more widely available in supermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms across Asia-Pacific, often positioned as a premium health or lifestyle product. Its availability in various forms - slices, shreds, blocks, and spreads - makes it convenient for consumers to integrate into both Western and local dishes.

Plain formulations dominate the Asia-Pacific dairy alternatives industry because they offer versatility for both cooking and direct consumption, aligning with traditional culinary practices and diverse consumer needs across the region.

The plain formulation has emerged as the largest segment in the Asia-Pacific dairy alternatives industry primarily because of its wide adaptability and compatibility with the region’s diverse culinary traditions. In Asia-Pacific, where cooking from scratch is still common in both households and foodservice, consumers prefer base ingredients that are neutral in flavor and highly versatile - characteristics that plain dairy alternatives provide. Whether its plain soy milk used in Chinese soups, coconut milk for Thai curries, or unsweetened almond milk added to Indian gravies or beverages, plain formulations are deeply embedded in everyday food preparation across cultures.

Unlike flavored variants, which are usually consumed directly as beverages or snacks, plain dairy alternatives serve both purposes, they can be consumed on their own or used as a base in sweet or savory dishes. This dual functionality significantly boosts their popularity and drives higher sales volume. Additionally, plain formulations align well with health and dietary trends gaining momentum in Asia-Pacific. With rising awareness around sugar intake, artificial flavorings, and processed foods, consumers are increasingly choosing clean-label, unsweetened, or minimally processed dairy alternatives. Plain variants, often free from added sugars or flavor enhancers, cater to this demand for simpler, healthier options.

This is particularly appealing to consumers managing conditions like diabetes, lactose intolerance, or food allergies, which seek control over ingredients and prefer customizing their meals with unflavored, allergen-friendly bases. Furthermore, plain plant-based products are easier for manufacturers to produce at scale and distribute, resulting in wider availability across both urban and rural markets. They also serve as a foundational product for food brands, often used as a starting point for value-added products like flavored yogurts, beverages, and plant-based desserts.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the largest sales channel in the Asia-Pacific dairy alternatives industry because they offer widespread accessibility, product variety, and consumer trust, making them the primary destination for everyday grocery shopping across urban and semi-urban regions.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate as the leading sales channel for dairy alternative products due to a combination of scale, convenience, and consumer behavior. These large-format retail outlets are deeply embedded in the shopping habits of urban and suburban consumers across countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea, Australia, and Southeast Asian nations. As more consumers become health-conscious and aware of dietary options like plant-based or lactose-free products, they turn to trusted retail environments where they can physically inspect a wide range of offerings.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets typically provide extensive shelf space and dedicated sections for health foods and dairy alternatives, which increases product visibility and encourages impulse purchases. Their ability to stock multiple brands, formats (such as plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt), and formulations (including plain and flavored variants) gives consumers the opportunity to compare and choose based on taste, price, and dietary needs - all in one place. These retail outlets also benefit from established distribution networks and supply chains, enabling them to regularly stock fresh and diverse inventory.

For brands entering or expanding in the Asia-Pacific market, securing shelf space in major supermarket chains is a strategic priority, as it ensures access to a broad and varied customer base. In addition, supermarkets and hypermarkets often engage in promotional campaigns, discounts, in-store sampling, and product bundling, which not only drive sales but also educate consumers about newer plant-based offerings - particularly important in markets where dairy alternatives are still gaining mainstream traction.

China is leading the Asia-Pacific dairy alternative industry due to its high rate of lactose intolerance combined with rapid urbanization, rising health awareness, and growing demand for plant-based and functional foods.

Historically, dairy has not been a significant part of the Chinese diet, and this cultural background makes plant-based beverages a more familiar and acceptable choice, especially soy milk, which has deep traditional roots in Chinese cuisine. In recent years, rising urbanization and a growing middle class have transformed dietary habits, with consumers becoming more health-conscious and willing to pay a premium for products perceived as natural, nutritious, and functional. This has led to increased consumption of fortified plant-based alternatives, especially those enriched with calcium, vitamins, and probiotics.

Health concerns such as obesity, heart disease, and food safety have also played a major role in the shift away from animal-based dairy. Chinese consumers are increasingly associating dairy alternatives with healthier lifestyles, especially as they seek products that are lower in fat, cholesterol-free, and easier to digest. The government’s emphasis on public health and nutrition, along with frequent food safety scandals in the dairy industry over the past two decades, has further encouraged a move toward plant-based options. At the same time, environmental awareness is growing in China, particularly among younger, urban consumers.

Many are choosing dairy-free options not only for personal health but also to reduce their environmental footprint, driven by concerns over climate change, pollution, and sustainability. Moreover, the Chinese market is highly dynamic and digitally connected, allowing rapid dissemination of new food trends through e-commerce, social media, and influencer marketing. International and local brands are capitalizing on this by launching innovative dairy alternative products tailored to Chinese tastes, such as tea-flavored oat milk or soy-based yogurts with traditional ingredients like red bean and sesame.

Considered in this report

• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report

• Dairy Alternatives Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Source

• Soy
• Almond
• Coconut
• Rice
• Oats
• Others

By Product

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Ice Cream
• Creamer
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarket & Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online retail
• Others

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.