Rising yogurt consumption in China

DSM has published a paper investigating the reasons behind lactose-intolerant Chinese consumers increasingly consuming yogurt products.

The report, based on a survey carried out in a variety of countries including China, the US, Brazil and Turkey, found that the perceived gut health benefits and added probiotics are driving higher demand for yogurt in China than the other countries surveyed. 8 out of ten Chinese consumers actively seek products containing added probiotics, and 76% of Chinese consumers choose yogurt for its gut health benefits compared to an average of 48% in the other markets surveyed including US, Brazil, Turkey, Poland and France.

The report also found that improving digestibility would further increase yogurt consumption. If it was easier to digest Chinese consumers that have not increased their consumption of this dairy food over the last three years report that they would eat more yogurt.

“We see that lactose-free and low-lactose dairy is increasingly popular in China. Lactose-free dairy is perceived to be healthier than regular yogurt and addresses the gut-conscious consumers looking for ‘easy-to-digest’ dairy foods”, explains Merel Roes, Global Marketing Manager Maxilact at DSM Food Specialties. “Our survey reveals that Chinese consumers, buying lactose-free, are eating more yogurt than three years ago, compared to the overall Chinese consumers surveyed. They would also increase their consumption if there were more lactose-free options available. This is a great opportunity for the lactose-free yogurt segment”.

In response to this, DSM’s ingredients portfolio is launching digestive aid ingredients including lactases like Tolerase L for use in dietary supplements for lactose intolerant people and Maxilact for lactose-free or low lactose dairy.

DSM yogurt infographic – China