Dairy Enzymes Market Size – By Product, Application Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Dairy Enzymes Market Size

The global dairy enzymes market size was valued at USD 662.4 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 7.3% from 2025 to 2034. The market growth is fueled by a significant increase in the consumption of lactose-free dairy products. In recent years, lactose-free products have brought with them a surge in popularity due to the increase in the prevalence of lactose intolerance and other food allergies around the globe.
 

About 65% of the world’s adult population experiences some kind of lactose intolerance due to the reduced activity of the LCT gene, which causes abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal problems when consuming dairy products. For such individuals, lactose-free dairy can supply essential nutrients like calcium and vitamins, which are typically present in nutritious dairy foods.

Currently, the health benefits related to this category of products are reaching and reinforcing large sections of the customers. Focusing on better product quality and more diverse offerings that will give the customers numerous choices should improve the situation in the dairy enzymes market. Compared to conventional specialty food chemicals, dairy enzymes are relatively more expensive. There are also stringent regulations on the use and marketing of agricultural chemicals in certain regions.
 

Dairy Enzymes Market Trends

The dairy enzymes industry is on the rise owing to the demand of the food industry for allied specialty products such as lactose-free milk and cheese. There is an inclination for healthier products, which is triggering the use of enzymes to enhance the taste and texture of the product and even give it a better shelf life. Dairy processing has become more cost-effective courtesy of the technological advancements in enzyme production fueled by microbial fermentation. The significant movement towards plant-based dairy products is also driving enzyme development for vegan products.
 

Dairy Enzymes Market Analysis

The market for milk & dairy products is expanding, fueled by the growing preference for functional lactose-free dairy products and a trend towards natural and clean-label ingredients. Enzyme innovation, most notably through microbial fermentation, is improving the efficiency of products, increasing the scope of enzyme use in dairy processing industries. Nevertheless, factors prevailing in the market, such as volatility in raw material prices and changes in the production supply chain, remain a challenge to the use of animal-based enzymes.
 

Governments around the world, especially the US and EU, are introducing tough regulations such as food safety, which are issuing policies on product approval and labeling. In order for companies to innovate to satisfy consumer needs and achieve green goals, they must comply with these laws.
 

On the basis of product, lipases, carbohydrases, and proteases are among the market segments alongside esterase, catalase, and transglutaminase. In 2024, the proteases market accounted for USD 271.7 million of revenue, and the sector is expected to grow by USD 577.3 million by the year 2034. They depend on a diet that includes proteins: proteases are crucial for the digestion and uptake of amino acids.
 

These enzymes also assist in cardiovascular health enhancement, immune system regulation, tissue healing, and the prevention of colorectal cancer. In addition, the non-pathogenic, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic properties of protease enzymes will also promote their use in more industrial adoption.
 

Based on application, the dairy enzymes market is divided into infant formula, yogurt, ice cream, cheese, butter, desserts, whey protein, and others. Cheese segment dominated with market share of 40% in 2024. With further international integration, the demand for dairy-free cheese is expected to grow. Furthermore, there has been increased global demand for mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese due to the growing consumption of fast foods like nuggets, pizzas, pastas, and hamburgers.
 

In 2024, the valuation of the U.S. dairy enzymes market stands at USD 122.1 million. One of the key factors for growth in the market is the increasing need for lactose-free dairy products, which is caused by the growing number of lactose-intolerant consumers. There has been an increase in the use of enzymes in the dairy processing industry to improve taste, texture, and nutritional value due to a change in eating patterns of people, which calls for natural food products.
 

Apart from that, advancements in enzyme technology are enhancing production efficiency and sustainability, which meets the increasing demand for clean-label products. The trend towards plant-based dairy has also been driving innovation of enzymes in non-dairy applications. There is a rising need for environmental sustainability, which in turn is encouraging enzyme manufacturers to devise ways that will enable the use of enzymes that will minimize environmental pollution and utilization of resources.
 

The state of the dairy industry in North America has resulted in an ever-growing desire for quality dairy products and subsequently stimulated the overall dairy enzyme market. Furthermore, the rising demand for yogurt, cheese, and whey protein can also be met by employing enzymes in the production processes. The increasing trend of low-fat and lactose-free dairy products has also proven to be influential from a market growth standpoint.
 

Dairy Enzymes Market Share

This industry is fragmented with the presence of companies such as Advanced Enzyme Technologies, Amano Enzyme, Biocatalysts, CHR. Hansen, and Novozymes. The implementation of several strategies that included mergers, investments in R&D, as well as the use of enzyme technology focused on improving the efficiency of enzymes increased market competition, making it easier for companies to remain relevant in the industry.
 

Some of these companies leverage the growing international demand for non-dairy alternatives such as oat and almond milk, and in turn promote enzyme development. There is an emphasis on developing enzymes that are clean-label and help to improve texture, taste, and nutritional value. In order to meet the rising functional dairy product demand, regional expansion and penetration in the North American and European markets is key. Additionally, the pressure to adhere to the strict food safety and enzyme regulations in dairy manufacturing adds to competition.
 

Dairy Enzymes Market Companies

Major players operating in the dairy enzymes industry are: 

• Advanced Enzyme Technologies
• Amano Enzyme
• Biocatalysts
• CHR. Hansen
• Acid India
• DSM
• Enzyme Innovation
• Kerry Group
• Molekula Gmbh
• Novozymes
• Specialty Enzymes and Probiotics
• SternEnzym
   

Dairy Enzymes Industry News

• In April 2021, Biocatalysts Ltd. introduced their new enzyme called Promod517MDP. The p517MDP is a unique, efficient exopeptidase that can free over 40 percent of the degree as hydrolysis casein protein into peptides and amino acids, thus increasing its solubility and improving its digestibility.
   
• In June 2023, DSM-Firmenich launched a lactase enzyme for more efficient lactose-free dairy production called Maxilact Next. Maxilact Next was found to dose hydrolysis faster, approximately 25%, compared to the fastest former market reference for milk processing, reducing processing time by 25% at the same dosage.
   

The dairy enzymes market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Kilo Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Product

• Lipases
• Carbohydrases
  • Amylase
  • Lactase
  • Other carbohydrates
• Proteases
• Esterase
• Catalase
• Transglutaminase
• Other

Market, By Application

• Milk
• Cheese
• Butter
• Yogurt
• Whey protein
• Desserts and ice cream
• Infant formula
• Other applications

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa