France Probiotic Drinks Market - 2025-2028

The France probiotic drinks market recorded a value of US$ 1,125.26 million in 2024 and is expected to reach a value of US$ 1,476.29 million in 2028, growing at a CAGR of 7.16% during the forecast period (2025-2028).

The French probiotic drink market has experienced significant growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the health and wellness benefits associated with probiotics. Probiotic drinks, such as kefir and kombucha, have gained popularity as alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. For instance, at L’Oiseau Blanc restaurant in Paris, sommelier Florent Martin has observed a continuous decline in wine consumption, particularly during lunch hours, leading to the introduction of non-alcoholic fermented drinks like kefir and kombucha to cater to evolving customer preferences.

This shift aligns with broader national trends. France has seen a significant decrease in weekly alcohol consumption, especially among younger demographics. Concurrently, the demand for non-alcoholic beverages has surged, with new brands and specialized establishments emerging to meet this growing interest. This change in consumer behavior has prompted restaurants and retailers to diversify their beverage offerings, incorporating probiotic drinks to maintain revenue streams and attract health-conscious patrons.

In February 2023, Danone inaugurated its Daniel Carasso research and innovation center at Paris-Saclay University in France, focusing on nutrition, fresh dairy, plant-based products and mineral water. Alongside the inauguration, Danone also launched a new yogurt product. This move strengthens Danone’s position in the functional beverage sector, fostering competition and market expansion. The launch of a new yogurt product further reflects the growing trend toward probiotic-rich offerings in France.

Drivers

Growing Lactose Intolerance and Dairy-Free Preferences

The increasing prevalence of lactose intolerance and a growing preference for dairy-free products are significantly influencing the probiotic drinks market in France. This shift in consumer behavior is driven by health considerations and changing dietary preferences, leading to a notable rise in the demand for non-dairy probiotic beverages.

Lactose intolerance, the inability to digest lactose found in dairy products, affects a considerable portion of the French population. Estimates suggest that approximately 36% of individuals in France experience lactose intolerance, a figure that aligns with broader European trends. This condition leads many consumers to seek alternatives to traditional dairy products, including probiotic drinks that do not contain lactose.

Between 2021 and 2023, the plant-based food sector in France experienced an 18% increase in value sales, despite food price inflation reaching a record high of 15.9% in March 2023. This resilience underscores the strong and growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives, including probiotic drinks.

Consumer expenditure on lactose-free products further illustrates this trend. A survey conducted in 2019 revealed that approximately 16% of French consumers spent between one to 15 euros monthly on lactose-free foods. This willingness to invest in lactose-free options highlights the market potential for dairy-free probiotic drinks.

Increase in Non-Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Trends

The increasing trend toward non-alcoholic beverage consumption in France is significantly driving the growth of the probiotic drinks market. This shift is influenced by changing consumer preferences, heightened health awareness and innovative product offerings. In recent years, France has observed a notable decline in alcohol consumption. Between 2022 and 2026, sales of alcohol-free wine, beer and spirits are projected to increase by 13%, following a 14% rise in 2022. This trend reflects a growing inclination toward non-alcoholic alternatives, as consumers prioritize health-conscious choices.

The non-alcoholic beverage sector in France is expanding rapidly. In 2024, supermarkets and hypermarkets sold over five billion units of non-alcoholic drinks, indicating robust consumer demand. This shift is attributed to the increasing awareness of health benefits associated with reduced alcohol intake, encouraging the adoption of alternative beverages that offer both taste and functionality.

Within the non-alcoholic beverage category, probiotic drinks have gained significant traction. The French probiotics market will grow by over 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2030. This surge is fueled by rising awareness of gut health and the desire for functional beverages that support digestion and immunity.

Modern consumers are increasingly health-conscious, seeking beverages that provide functional benefits without compromising taste. Probiotic drinks, known for promoting digestive health, align with these preferences. The decline in traditional alcohol consumption has further opened avenues for non-alcoholic alternatives, including probiotic beverages, as consumers actively seek healthier options.

Restraints

Stringent EU Health Claims Regulations

The European Union's stringent regulations on health claims, particularly concerning probiotics, have posed significant challenges for the probiotic drinks market in France. Under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, any health claim made on food products must be authorized based on scientific evidence. Notably, the term ""probiotic"" is considered an unauthorized health claim within the EU, as it implies a health benefit that must be substantiated.

Consequently, products labeled as ""probiotic"" or suggesting specific health effects cannot be marketed in the EU without prior authorization. This regulatory framework has created hurdles for manufacturers and marketers of probiotic drinks in France. The requirement for rigorous scientific substantiation and the authorization process can be resource-intensive and time-consuming, potentially deterring innovation and market entry. Moreover, the inability to use the term ""probiotic"" freely limits effective communication of the product's benefits to consumers, impacting marketing strategies and consumer acceptance.

A study by the European Parliament highlighted the complexities of the EU's health claims regulations, noting that the stringent approval processes might impede the development of functional foods, including probiotics. The study emphasized the need for a balanced approach that ensures consumer protection without stifling innovation in the food sector. In France, the market for functional foods, which includes probiotic drinks, is significant and holds substantial development potential.

However, the stringent EU regulations necessitate that companies invest heavily in research to substantiate health claims, which can be a barrier, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. This regulatory environment may slow down the introduction of new probiotic products to the market, affecting the overall growth of the sector.

Trends

Segment Analysis

The France probiotic drinks market is segmented based on type, ingredient, application, age and distribution channel.

Drinkable Yogurt’s Popularity as a Convenient, Nutritious Option Drives the Segment Growth

In France, drinkable yogurt holds a significant share of the probiotic drinks market due to strong consumer preference for dairy-based probiotics, which are perceived as natural and effective for gut health. The French diet traditionally includes yogurt, making drinkable formats a convenient extension of this habit. Major dairy brands like Danone and Yoplait dominate the market, leveraging strong distribution networks in supermarkets and convenience stores. Innovation in flavors, functional benefits and organic options has further fueled demand.

Health-conscious consumers seek probiotic drinks for digestion and immunity support, boosting their popularity. Regulatory support for probiotics in dairy enhances consumer trust. The rise of on-the-go consumption trends flavors drinkable yogurt over spoonable varieties. Marketing campaigns emphasize natural ingredients and scientifically backed health claims, reinforcing credibility. The presence of local dairy cooperatives ensures fresh, high-quality products.

Sustainability Analysis

The probiotic drinks market in France is growing steadily, driven by increasing consumer awareness of gut health and functional beverages. Sustainability plays a key role, with brands focusing on eco-friendly packaging, locally sourced ingredients and organic certification. The market is shifting toward plant-based and dairy-free probiotic drinks to meet vegan and lactose-intolerant consumer demands. Glass bottles, recyclable PET and compostable materials are gaining traction as companies reduce plastic waste.

For instance, in February 2025, Guyenne Papier and LFI Emballages France-based companies launched a 100% cardboard, plastic-free yogurt pot, offering a recyclable and biodegradable alternative to traditional plastic packaging. This innovation ensures product preservation while meeting food safety standards. The companies have filed a joint patent to protect their development, aligning with growing environmental demands. The development also highlights the feasibility of single-material packaging potentially influencing probiotic drink manufacturers to explore similar sustainable alternatives.

Ethical sourcing and fair-trade partnerships are becoming industry standards to ensure ingredient traceability. The rise of refill stations and bulk purchasing options reduces packaging waste. Regulations on health claims and clean-label transparency push brands toward natural formulations with minimal additives. Local probiotic strains are being researched to reduce reliance on imported cultures and improve product sustainability. Consumers favor brands with strong environmental commitments, influencing purchasing decisions.

Unmet Needs

The unmet needs in the probiotic drinks market in France include a demand for more functional and scientifically-backed products that offer targeted health benefits beyond digestion, such as immunity, skin health and mental well-being. Consumers seek low-sugar organic and clean-label options, aligning with the rising preference for natural and sustainable products. There is a lack of diverse flavors and regional adaptations, as French consumers appreciate gourmet experiences and local ingredients.

The market also needs better education on probiotics, as many consumers remain unaware of specific strains and their benefits. Availability in convenient, on-the-go formats is limited, making it harder for busy professionals to integrate probiotics into daily life. More plant-based probiotic options are needed to cater to vegans and lactose-intolerant individuals. The premiumization trend suggests an opportunity for artisanal, high-quality probiotic drinks. Retail visibility and accessibility remain challenges, with limited shelf space in mainstream supermarkets.

Competitive Landscape

The major players in the market include Le Labo Dumoulin, VIVANT Kombucha, SARL BB Kombucha, Biogroupe SAS Production, Madame Ferment, L'ATELIER DU FERMENT, Kéfir&Co, Kyo Kombucha, SODIAAL Group (Yoplait), Danone SA, Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd. (Yakult France SA), Lifeway Foods, Inc. and others.

By Type
• Drinkable Yogurt
• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Tepache
• Others

By Ingredient
• Lactobacillus
• Streptococcus
• Bifidobacterium
• Others

By Application
• Gastrointestinal Health

o Gut Microbiota/Microbiome Balance

o Digestion

o Constipation

o Bloating

o Diarrhea

o Leaky Gut

o Inflammation

o Immune System

o Others

 Gluten sensitivity

 Abdominal Pain

 GERD/Helicobacter pylori

 Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea/Post-Antibiotic Treatment

 Gut Flora/Gut Microbiome Restoration

 Others
• Vaginal Health
• Urinary Tract Health

o Kidney Stones

o UTIs

o Others
• Oral Health
• Anti/Healthy Ageing
• Allergies/Asthma
• Bone & Joint Health

o Osteoarthritis

o Osteoporosis/Low Mineral Bone Density

o Inflammation
• Brain/Mental Health

o Sleep

o Cognition

o Mood

o Depression

o Focus
• Cardiovascular Health
• Circulation
• Energy/Fatigue Reduction
• Metabolic Syndrome/Blood Glucose
• Liver Health
• Energy
• Immunity/Respiratory Infections
• Nutrient Absorption
• Skin-Hair-Nails

o Atopic Dermatitis & Eczema

o Acne

o Rosacea

o Hair Growth/Hair Loss

o Skin Microbiome

o Others
• Sports
• Women’s Health

o Fertility

o Menopause

o Pregnancy

o Pcos

o Vaginal Health & Health Vaginal Microbiome

o Vaginal Infections (Bv/Vvc)

o Pregnancy Outcomes

o Others
• Men’s Health & Men's Fertility
• Weight Management
• Pediatric Health

o Colic

o Constipation

o Regurgitation

o Atopic Dermatitis

o Others
• Others

By Age
• Infant
• Children
• Adults
• Seniors

By Distribution Channels
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Pharmacies and Drug Stores
• Convenience Stores
• Online Retailers
• Other Distribution Channels

Key Developments
• In October 2023, Les Jardins de Gaïa and Jubiles collaborated to launch Kombucha Litchi & Chai in France. The new drink blends green tea, black tea organic spices and litchi, offering a festive and flavorful twist. This organic kombucha caters to health-conscious consumers seeking unique, premium beverages for the holiday season.
• In July 2021, Lifeway Foods, Inc. a U.S. kefir and probiotic brand, expanded into the French market with its first kefir distribution at Costco France. The initial launch features 250ml mango Lifeway Kefir bottles, marking a significant step in bringing its fermented dairy products to French consumers.

Why Purchase the Report?
• To visualize the France probiotic drinks market segmentation based on type, ingredient, application, age and distribution channel, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel data sheet with numerous data points of France probiotic drinks market-level with all segments.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The France probiotic drinks report would provide approximately 51 tables, 61 figures and 192 pages.

Target Audience 2024
• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies