Bio-Lactase Enzyme Market Report 2026

The bio-lactase enzyme market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.27 billion in 2025 to $1.37 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising prevalence of lactose intolerance, growth of dairy processing industries, expansion of enzyme biotechnology applications, increased awareness of digestive health, availability of microbial enzyme sources.

The bio-lactase enzyme market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.89 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing demand for lactose-free food products, rising use in clinical and pediatric nutrition, expansion of functional dairy alternatives, growing adoption of enzymatic processing, increasing investments in food enzyme innovation. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use in lactose-free dairy products, rising demand for digestive health supplements, growing application in infant formula processing, expansion of enzyme-based dairy processing, enhanced focus on enzyme stability and efficacy.

The expanding vegan population is expected to drive the growth of the bio-lactase enzyme market going forward. A vegan diet is a dietary pattern that completely excludes animal-derived foods and relies solely on plant-based alternatives. The rise in the vegan population is largely attributed to increasing health awareness, as more individuals recognize the potential benefits of plant-based diets in lowering the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Bio-lactase enzymes support vegans by helping break down hidden lactose present in certain fortified or processed foods, thereby reducing symptoms of lactose intolerance and supporting better digestive health. For instance, in February 2025, according to the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG), a US-based nonprofit organization, survey findings indicated that about four percent of adults identified as vegetarian, including vegans. Therefore, the growing vegan population is driving the growth of the bio-lactase enzyme market.

Major companies operating in the bio-lactase enzyme market are concentrating on developing innovative products, such as fast-acting lactase enzymes, that begin working immediately with the first mouthful of dairy to help reduce symptoms including bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Fast-acting lactase enzymes are formulated to act instantly and support digestion when taken just before or along with the initial intake of lactose-containing foods. For example, in May 2023, DSM-Firmenich, a Switzerland-based bioscience company, introduced Maxilact Next, an advanced lactase enzyme developed for the dairy industry. This enzyme is regarded as the fastest pure lactase available on the market, significantly improving the efficiency of lactose-free dairy production by accelerating lactose breakdown and reducing processing time while preserving product quality. In addition, Maxilact Next supports clean-label formulations by lowering the need for additional additives. This product launch underscores DSM-Firmenich’s focus on innovation in bio-based enzyme solutions for the food and beverage industry.

In January 2024, Novozymes A/S merged with Chr. Hansen to form Novonesis, creating a global leader in biosolutions. With over 10,000 professionals and expertise across more than 30 industries, Novonesis supports businesses worldwide in achieving objectives while promoting environmental responsibility, expanding capabilities in bio-lactase enzyme production and innovation.

Major companies operating in the bio-lactase enzyme market are BASF SE, Merck KGaA, DSM-Firmenich AG, DuPont Nutrition & Health, Kerry Group plc, Novozymes A/S, Oenon Holdings Inc., Amano Enzyme Inc., Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd., Nature BioScience Pvt. Ltd., SternEnzym GmbH & Co. KG, Enzyme Development Corporation, Infinita Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Creative Enzymes, Mitushi Biopharma, Calza Clemente S.r.l., Antozyme Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Biolaxi Corporation, Amano Enzyme Europe.

North America was the largest region in the bio-lactase enzyme market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the bio-lactase enzyme market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the bio-lactase enzyme market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The bio-lactase enzyme market consists of sales of acidic lactase, natural lactase, and crude enzyme extracts. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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