Buttermilk Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Types (Liquid Buttermilk, Buttermilk Powder), By Applications Covered (Confectionery, Ice Cream, Bakery, Dairy-based Sauces), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Buttermilk Market Size

The buttermilk market was valued at USD 924.46 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 938.32 million in 2025, growing to USD 1,057.01 million by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.5% from 2025 to 2033.

The U.S. buttermilk market is a key player in the global sector, holding a significant share due to high demand across bakery, confectionery, and dairy applications, contributing to a steady market growth of approximately 40%.

Key Findings

• Market Size – Valued at 938.32M in 2025, expected to reach 1057.01M by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 1.5%.
• Growth Drivers – Over 45% of consumers seek low-fat and probiotic-rich dairy products; 38% prefer natural, clean-label alternatives in daily diets.
• Trends – Liquid buttermilk holds 55% share; confectionery contributes 35%, while 25% demand is driven by probiotic-based ice cream and functional drinks.
• Key Players – Amul, Arla Foods, DairyAmerica, Sodiaal Group, Fonterra
• Regional Insights – North America accounts for 40% of the market, driven by high dairy consumption; Europe follows with 35%, while Asia-Pacific contributes 25%, fueled by rising health awareness and urbanization.
• Challenges – Around 30% of producers face price volatility; 32% experience supply chain disruptions, impacting stable product availability and cost.
• Industry Impact – 25% market expansion is seasonal; 18% increase in dairy-alternative interest; 35% of investment directed toward Asia-Pacific growth.
• Recent Developments – 20% growth in functional buttermilk, 15% boost from organic beverage launches, and 10% sales rise from lactose-free powder innovation.

The global buttermilk market is witnessing notable growth, with increasing demand across key sectors such as bakery, confectionery, and dairy-based sauces. The market is split into liquid buttermilk (55%) and buttermilk powder (45%), each serving distinct consumer needs. As health-conscious consumers continue to prioritize dairy ingredients with functional benefits, such as probiotics and low-fat content, demand for buttermilk products has surged by approximately 30%. Regional insights show North America leading with a 40% market share, followed by Europe at 35%, and Asia-Pacific growing rapidly at 25%. The growth is particularly pronounced in emerging markets, where consumer awareness of buttermilk's nutritional advantages has contributed to an estimated increase in market share by 20% in the last two years.

Buttermilk Market Trends

The buttermilk market is also being influenced by the rising demand for healthier alternatives in food products. Liquid buttermilk holds a dominant share of 55%, primarily due to its wide usage in dairy products, including beverages and sauces. The buttermilk powder segment accounts for 45%, gaining momentum thanks to its convenience in transportation and longer shelf life. In the confectionery sector, buttermilk contributes 35% to the market, enhancing the texture and flavor of chocolates, candies, and other sweets. The bakery industry represents 30% of the market share, with buttermilk improving the texture of cakes, muffins, and pastries. Ice cream consumption is growing rapidly, with buttermilk playing a key role in around 25% of the market, contributing to improved texture and consistency in premium ice cream varieties. Additionally, the increasing demand for functional ingredients is driving growth in dairy-based sauces, which hold about 10% of the overall market share.

Buttermilk Market Dynamics

In addition to these trends, the global demand for functional foods has contributed to 20% of the overall market growth in the buttermilk sector. As consumers increasingly seek food products that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition, buttermilk's role in enhancing gut health and boosting immunity has led to its rising use in supplements and probiotic-rich dairy products. Moreover, 25% of the market's expansion can be attributed to the growing popularity of buttermilk as a key ingredient in smoothies and health beverages. The rise in demand for sustainable dairy alternatives has driven an 18% increase in interest for buttermilk-based products, supporting its role in plant-based options and expanding market reach.

Geographically, North America dominates the buttermilk market, accounting for 45% of the global share, followed by Europe with a 35% share. The Asia-Pacific region is showing the highest growth potential, with projections indicating an increase of over 50% in buttermilk consumption by 2033, primarily driven by rising disposable incomes and a growing preference for dairy ingredients in local cuisines.

OPPORTUNITY

Rising Demand for Dairy Alternative

With an increasing number of consumers opting for dairy-free and lactose-free products, the buttermilk market presents significant opportunities. Approximately 28% of consumers globally are moving towards plant-based or lactose-free options due to lactose intolerance or dietary preferences. Buttermilk, being naturally low in lactose, offers an excellent alternative to traditional dairy products, especially in regions where dairy sensitivity is prevalent. Additionally, the growing trend of personalized nutrition has created a market for customized buttermilk formulations tailored to individual dietary needs, presenting a notable opportunity for innovation and product diversification in the sector.

DRIVERS

Increasing Health Consciousness

The growing consumer shift toward healthy eating habits is one of the primary drivers of the buttermilk market. Over 45% of consumers are actively seeking dairy products with added health benefits, such as probiotics and reduced fat content. As buttermilk is considered a nutritious ingredient due to its lower fat content and probiotic properties, it is gaining popularity in various sectors like beverages, snacks, and dairy products. This demand for functional food ingredients is fueling market growth. Additionally, 38% of consumers now prefer organic and natural ingredients, further boosting the demand for buttermilk in clean-label food products.

RESTRAINT

"Volatility in Raw Material Prices"

One of the key restraints in the buttermilk market is the fluctuation in the prices of raw materials. Around 30% of buttermilk manufacturers report that price volatility in dairy commodities, such as milk, impacts production costs. This volatility is often triggered by seasonal changes, environmental factors, and global supply chain disruptions. Moreover, the lack of stable pricing affects the overall profitability of buttermilk producers, particularly in regions where dairy production is highly affected by climate conditions. As a result, businesses face challenges in managing their production costs while maintaining competitive prices in the market.

CHALLENGE

"Supply Chain Disruptions"

A significant challenge facing the buttermilk market is the vulnerability of the dairy supply chain to disruptions. Around 32% of buttermilk producers have reported facing supply chain issues that lead to delays in the availability of key raw materials. These disruptions, which can be caused by geopolitical events, climate changes, and labor shortages, affect the smooth production and distribution of buttermilk. Furthermore, with approximately 25% of buttermilk demand being seasonal, maintaining a steady supply throughout the year proves challenging, leading to pricing and availability fluctuations in the market. This poses a risk to consistent growth and supply stability.

Segmentation Analysis

The liquid buttermilk segment holds a dominant share of 55% in the market, largely driven by its widespread use in dairy-based beverages and sauces, where its fresh, creamy texture and rich nutritional content are highly valued. On the other hand, buttermilk powder represents 45% of the market, gaining significant traction due to its extended shelf life and convenience, particularly in the bakery and confectionery industries. The confectionery sector accounts for 35% of the market, driven by buttermilk's ability to enhance texture and flavor in chocolates and sweets. The bakery sector holds 30%, where buttermilk improves the quality of baked goods such as cakes and muffins. The growing use of buttermilk in ice cream and dairy-based sauces is expanding rapidly, with these segments now representing 25% and 10% of the market, respectively.

By Type

• LIQUID BUTTERMILK: Liquid buttermilk holds a dominant position in the market, making up approximately 55% of the total market share. This type of buttermilk is widely used in the dairy industry due to its superior consistency and flavor when added to beverages, sauces, and yogurt. Its creamy texture is especially appreciated in the dairy-based beverage sector, where consumers seek rich and healthy alternatives to higher-fat options. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of buttermilk-based drinks and smoothies is driving demand, particularly in North America and Europe, where 60% of liquid buttermilk consumption is attributed to beverage applications.

• BUTTERMILK POWDER: Buttermilk powder has become an essential product in various industries, particularly the bakery and confectionery markets. It holds a 45% market share globally, driven by its ease of storage, longer shelf life, and versatility in applications. As a powdered form, it is more cost-effective and convenient for mass production of baked goods like cakes, cookies, and muffins. Additionally, buttermilk powder is a key ingredient in dry mixes and instant beverages, which are gaining popularity in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific, where 30% of buttermilk powder is consumed in these sectors. The powder form also helps in reducing transportation costs due to its lightweight nature

By Application

• Confectionery: In the buttermilk market, the confectionery segment accounts for approximately 35% of the total market share. Buttermilk is a popular ingredient in the confectionery sector due to its ability to enhance the texture and flavor profile of various sweets, such as chocolates, candies, and caramels. The creamy and rich taste it imparts makes it a preferred choice for manufacturers looking to create high-quality, indulgent confectionery products.

• Ice Cream: The ice cream segment contributes around 25% to the buttermilk market. Buttermilk is widely used in ice cream production for its smooth texture and ability to improve flavor consistency. As consumers increasingly demand healthier alternatives to traditional cream-based ice creams, buttermilk’s lower fat content and probiotic benefits have led to its growing use in the production of both premium and functional ice cream varieties.

• Bakery: The bakery industry represents approximately 30% of the buttermilk market share. Buttermilk plays a crucial role in enhancing the texture, flavor, and moistness of baked goods such as cakes, muffins, and biscuits. It also contributes to the leavening process in certain recipes. As the demand for healthier, cleaner-label bakery products rises, buttermilk is becoming a preferred ingredient due to its natural properties and health benefits.

• Dairy-based Sauces: Dairy-based sauces account for about 10% of the buttermilk market. Buttermilk is used as a key ingredient in various sauces due to its lighter texture and ability to replace higher-fat ingredients like cream. The increasing consumer preference for healthier, low-fat dairy alternatives has driven the use of buttermilk in applications such as dressings, dips, and sauces, making it a popular choice in the culinary and foodservice sectors.

Regional Outlook

The global buttermilk market displays diverse regional dynamics, with North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific leading the way in demand. North America holds the largest share, contributing nearly 40% to the global market. In contrast, Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region due to increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a surge in dairy consumption. Europe maintains a stable market share, with consumers focusing on high-quality dairy ingredients. The Middle East & Africa region, though smaller, is witnessing steady growth due to increasing awareness of dairy-based health benefits and expanding food processing industries. Overall, regional markets are adapting to consumer preferences for healthy, clean-label products.

North America

North America dominates the buttermilk market, holding around 40% of the global market share. The demand in the region is primarily driven by the high consumption of dairy products, including beverages and sauces, where liquid buttermilk plays a crucial role. The United States is the largest market, accounting for over 70% of the North American buttermilk consumption. This is largely due to the growing trend of health-conscious diets that incorporate functional ingredients like buttermilk for their probiotic content. The bakery and dairy-based sauce segments also contribute significantly to the regional demand, with over 60% of buttermilk used in these applications.

Europe

Europe holds a significant share in the buttermilk market, contributing around 35% of global consumption. The demand for buttermilk is prevalent in countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, where it is extensively used in dairy products, bakery items, and confectionery. In Europe, about 45% of the market share is driven by dairy-based applications, especially in yogurt and cream-based products. The increasing preference for organic and clean-label ingredients in Europe is further contributing to the growth of the buttermilk market. Additionally, innovations in flavor profiles and packaging are enhancing the product's appeal across the region.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is witnessing rapid growth in the buttermilk market, with a share of approximately 25%. The increasing urbanization and rising disposable incomes in countries like China, India, and Japan are boosting the demand for dairy products, including buttermilk. The consumption of buttermilk powder is particularly strong in this region, as it is widely used in powdered beverages and instant food mixes. Over 35% of the market in Asia-Pacific is attributed to the bakery industry, where buttermilk adds to the texture and flavor of products like cakes and pastries. The growing awareness of health benefits such as probiotics is also driving consumer interest in buttermilk.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region represents a smaller, yet steadily growing segment of the global buttermilk market, accounting for 10%. In this region, there is increasing demand for buttermilk due to rising awareness of its health benefits, including improved digestion and immunity. Countries like Saudi Arabia and South Africa are seeing significant growth in dairy consumption, and as a result, buttermilk is being incorporated more into local cuisines, sauces, and baked goods. The demand for powdered buttermilk is also rising in these markets due to its convenience and longer shelf life, contributing to approximately 30% of the regional market.

List of Key Buttermilk Market Companies Profiled

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The buttermilk market is witnessing significant investment opportunities, driven by growing demand across multiple sectors. As consumer preferences shift toward healthier and functional food ingredients, investments in the dairy sector are on the rise, particularly in buttermilk production. Around 40% of global investments in dairy products are directed toward enhancing the quality and availability of buttermilk. Additionally, key players are focusing on expanding their production capacity and distribution networks, with approximately 30% of market investments going into new facilities and infrastructure to meet the increasing demand. The rise in plant-based and lactose-free alternatives is also prompting 25% of investments to be directed towards the development of new buttermilk formulations and processing technologies. As the market for clean-label and organic products grows, further investments are being made in the development of organic buttermilk, with over 15% of the total investment focusing on this segment. Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region is attracting substantial investments, contributing to about 35% of the total market investments, driven by increasing dairy consumption and rising disposable income.

New Product Development

New product development is a key focus for companies in the buttermilk market, driven by evolving consumer needs for healthier, more functional products. In 2023 and 2024, approximately 30% of companies are introducing new buttermilk-based products, including lactose-free and organic varieties. The demand for clean-label products is leading to innovations, with 20% of new products focusing on offering more natural and minimally processed ingredients. Buttermilk powder is a major focus for innovation, with companies creating enhanced formulations that cater to the growing demand for convenience and extended shelf life. Around 25% of new product development is focused on creating buttermilk-based beverages, such as smoothies and functional drinks, capitalizing on the rising interest in probiotic-rich foods. Additionally, companies are focusing on expanding the use of buttermilk in plant-based products, as the demand for dairy alternatives continues to rise. Over 15% of new products are targeting the vegan and lactose-intolerant consumer segment, positioning buttermilk as an attractive dairy alternative in a range of food products.

Recent Developments by Manufacturers in 

• Amul expanded its product range by introducing a new line of organic buttermilk beverages, capturing an increased demand for clean-label dairy products. This innovation accounted for 15% of their overall market expansion in 2023.
• Arla Foods launched a lactose-free buttermilk powder in 2024, catering to the growing market of lactose-intolerant consumers, contributing to a 10% increase in their buttermilk product sales.
• DairyAmerica introduced a new range of functional buttermilk powders enriched with probiotics, catering to the rising demand for gut-health-focused products, which led to a 12% increase in market share in early 2024.
• Sodiaal Group unveiled a buttermilk-based ingredient for use in plant-based dairy alternatives, targeting the growing vegan and dairy-free market, and it accounted for 18% of their overall product launch success.
• Fonterra rolled out a new buttermilk powder with enhanced emulsifying properties for use in premium ice cream production, resulting in a 20% boost in their market presence in the ice cream sector in 2023.

Report Coverage of Buttermilk Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the buttermilk market, including key insights into market size, share, growth, and trends across various types and applications. The market is segmented by types, with liquid buttermilk and buttermilk powder leading the way, contributing 55% and 45% respectively to the overall market share. In terms of applications, confectionery holds the largest share at 35%, followed by bakery at 30%, ice cream at 25%, and dairy-based sauces at 10%. Regional insights indicate North America leads with 40% of the global market share, followed by Europe at 35% and Asia-Pacific at 25%. The report also highlights key players in the market, such as Amul, Arla Foods, and DairyAmerica, providing detailed company profiles. It also covers recent market developments, including new product launches, market expansion, and investment trends. With a focus on emerging opportunities and challenges in the buttermilk sector, this report offers a strategic view for stakeholders looking to navigate the growing demand for buttermilk across various global markets.