Naturally Fermented Food Market Size - By Product Type, Fermentation Type, Distribution Channel, Growth Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Naturally Fermented Food Market Size

The global naturally fermented food market was valued at USD 46.3 billion in 2024, with expectations to reach USD 87 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.6%.
 

The market is booming due to heightened interest in clean label foods with added probiotics and functional ingredients. There is growing awareness among consumers regarding the health benefits associated with fermented foods like sauerkraut, kefir, kimchi, yogurt, and even miso. These foods aid in digestion, improves immunity and provides so many essential nutrients. With greater concerns regarding maintaining good digestive health, there is a shift towards consumption of naturally fermented foods, especially in North America, Europe and some regions of the Asia-Pacific. 
 

This market is of great importance to the functional food market which continues expanding and has a focus on the minimally processed, preservative-free, and naturally preserved goods. Such shift is heavily influenced by millennials and Generation Z who perceive fermentation as a symbol of craftsmanship, quality and authenticity.
 

The retail and foodservice industries continue to expand their offerings in the fermented food segment, including convenient, ready-to-drink kombucha and other fermented snacks. Because of innovation, adoption of regional Flavors, and clean-label marketing, the naturally fermented foods segment is expected to dominate and redefine parameters of functional and wellness-oriented diets in the near future.
 

The expanding global health and wellness market, valued at over USD 6.8 trillion in 2024, is driving demand for naturally fermented foods. Consumers seeking gut health, immunity, and clean-label benefits are increasingly turning to probiotic-rich fermented products, boosting market growth and encouraging innovation across food, beverage, and supplement segments.
 

Naturally Fermented Food Market Trends

Technological innovations are propelling growth in the market of naturally fermented foods, allowing the scale of production while maintaining the health benefits and authenticity of traditional fermentation practiced. Systems for controlled fermentation along with precision selection of microbial strains, and novel probiotic stabilization methods have enhanced the consistency, safety, and shelf life of products. These achievements aid in the preservation of the viability of active bacteria which is critically important for health claims concerning gut and immune health. 
 

New product development is rapidly gaining attention from consumers because of the combination of local and international flavours fusion. Unique combinations of fermented foods are being introduced such as adaptogen-enriched kombuchas, and oat or coconut based dairy free kefirs. It is also worth noting the ready-to-drink formats of probiotic shots, pouch-packed fermented snacks, and grab-and-go refrigerated snacks, along with clean-label organic and allergen-free formulations that are becoming more and more popular.
 

For instance, Danone launched the new drinkable yogurt Activa+. Activa+ is a multi-benefit drinkable yogurt made with active probiotic vitamins A, D, and zinc. The product is available in different flavours like raspberry, peach, and strawberry.
 

The development of economies sustains growth on both emerging and developed regions. In North America and Europe, specialty and health food shops as well as online stores are adding new lines of fermented products. In Asia Pacific and Latin America region old world traditional fermented foods are modernized for export and commercial sale. Innovations are also being driven by strategic partnerships between food-tech companies and fermentation experts.
 

Tariff Impact

The impact of U.S. imposed tariffs on the naturally fermented food market has been mixed, reflecting both challenges and opportunities. Increased tariffs on imported materials such as glass containers, spices, and fermentation agents might have driven up production costs for domestic manufacturers, resulting in higher retail prices and a subsequent dip in consumer demand for products like kombucha, fermented beverages, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
 

However, these same tariffs might reduce foreign competition, creating a more favorable environment for U.S. producers. This shift has allowed many domestic fermenters particularly small and mid-sized operations to gain market share by emphasizing local sourcing, sustainability, and the benefits of tariff-free supply chains. Despite this, ongoing trade policy uncertainty continues to pose risks, introducing volatility in sourcing, pricing, and long-term growth prospects for the industry. 
 

Naturally Fermented Food Market Analysis

Based on product type the naturally fermented food market is segmented into dairy products, fermented vegetables, fermented beverages, fermented soy products, fermented cereals and grains, fermented meat and fish, others. The dairy products accounted for 29.8% of the market share in 2024 and is expected to grow with the CAGR of 6.4% in 2034.
 

• The health benefits provided by dairy products make it popular among everyday consumers. Their well-established manufacturing practices, alongside the reason for their widespread consumption, allow dairy products to dominate the fermented food market.  These products are also well-supported by large-scale production facilities alongside efficient cold chain logistics.
   
• Sauerkraut and kimchi are additional fermented foods gaining traction due to being rich in fibers and antioxidants, especially among health mindful customers.
   
• Fermented beverages, such as Kombucha are refreshingly tasty and support the growing demand for foods with digestive health benefits. Furthermore, nutrients take the front stage of products like miso and tempeh as they are widely embraced in plant-based diets in Asia and the Western world, as well as with vegans.

Based on fermentation type the naturally fermented food market is segmented into lactic acid fermentation, alcoholic fermentation, acetic acid fermentation, alkaline fermentation, others. Lactic acid fermentation holds the market share of 45.2% in 2024 and expected to grow at a faster rate of 6.7% CAGR.
 

• Fermentation with lactic acid bacteria has entirely changed the food industry, both for its impact on food preservation, flavor enhancement, and boosting nutritional value. It is hard to imagine any diet or cuisine without fermented foods including yogurt, pickled vegetables, and miso. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) play an essential role since it provides the required sugar fermentation to lactic acid, which reduces pH and inhibits microbes. The process needs minimal processing, which makes it simple and safe but also incorporates modern fears about food safety. Nowadays, fermentation with lactic acid bacteria in addition to preservation also increases probiotics in food, serving gut-supporting health claims which acts in synergy with other consumer trends emerging across North America, Europe, and Asia, pertaining to clean-label and functional foods.
   

Based on distribution channel the naturally fermented food market is segmented into supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, specialty stores, online retail, direct sales, others. The supermarket & hypermarket segment holds a significant market size of USD 14 billion of the market in 2024.
 

• Supermarkets and hypermarkets are sale leaders in the naturally fermented food market because of their accessibility, shelf space, and products variety. These retailers draw in a considerable number of consumers and are provided with different types of fermented products, which are yogurt and kefir as the dairy constituents, vegetables and other dairy based fermented products. The supermarkets and hypermarkets sold at competitive prices and offered in-store discounts under private labels, which greatly strengthened their market hold.
   
• Even though they are smaller in size, the convenience stores address immediate consumption concerns as well as access to popular fermented products, more so in urban areas. Specialty stores target health-oriented people by offering an organic and premium range of fermented foods, usually targeting other specific diet patterns. The use of the internet is increasing, which makes online shopping more common due to easier access to a variety of local as well as international products, making the purchasing process simple.

In the naturally fermented food market, U.S. accounts the major share in North America by accounting USD 6.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% in 2034.
 

• Advancements in food processing technologies alongside the large consumer base in the US makes it the clear leader of naturally fermented foods in North America. Marketers and health specialists noticing the positive outcomes of probiotics and clean-label trends on consumer behavior have increased the demand for fermented dairy, kombucha, kimchi, and others. The US’s stronghold in fermented food commodities is supported by established multinational food firms and emerging innovative companies. These companies enrich the supply of fermented food products. The USA's organic and plant based dietary preferences make it even more accessible in growing markets.
   

Naturally Fermented Food Market Share

Top 5 companies include Danone S.A., Nestlé S.A., General Mills, Inc., Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., Chobani, LLC. These are prominent companies within the market operating in their respective regions. These companies hold strong positions globally due to their extensive experience in naturally fermented food market. Their diverse product portfolios, backed by robust production capabilities and distribution networks, enable them to meet the rising demand for Naturally fermented food across various regions.
 

Naturally Fermented Food Market Companies

Danone S.A.: A world leader in the marketing of naturally fermented foods, Danone concentrates its efforts on health-oriented dairy products, especially yogurt and kefir. Danone uses its Probiotic and digestive health knowledge through its brands like Activia and Actimel. The company invests in R&D and sustainability focusing on organic and plant-based fermentation ingredients due to shifting consumer demands. Its global distribution and strategic acquisitions strengthen its position in developed and developing economies.


Nestlé S.A.: The company is active in the naturally fermented foods segment through its dairy and nutrition units. With fermented dairy drinks and yogurt enriched with probiotics, Nestlé addresses different segments of the market including health conscious. The company is improving fermentation processes and developing non-dairy products of fermented origin to provide for clean label and plant-based demands.


General Mills, Inc.: General Mills competes in the fermented food sector mainly via its yogurt brand. The company intends to add low-sugar, high-probiotic, and organic yogurt lines to its offerings. It has sought to strategically address the modernization of traditional fermented foods as well as the emerging consumer preference towards functional and convenient foods.
 

Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.: Having pioneered and remains the leader in probiotic fermented drinks, Yakult is also predominant in Asia, Latin America, and is extending its reach to Europe and North America. Best known for its flagship probiotic drink, Yakult devotes itself to clinical research, strain development and health promotion of the gut, and immune support. The company’s focus on scientific validation and educational marketing campaigns have fostered strong consumer trust and brand loyalty.


Chobani, LLC: Chobani is one of the most popular brands in the United States fermented dairy market, specializing in Greek yogurt, and has recently ventured into oat and non-dairy yogurts. The core of its innovation is in developing clean, natural products that are high in protein and probiotics. The brand implements social and environmental initiatives which strengthen the company’s modern sustainability identity.
 

Naturally Fermented Food Industry News:

• In September 2022, Garden of Life, a brand under Nestlé, introduced two new probiotic products for children in China, aimed at supporting growth and immune function. These solid beverage formats are enriched with a high concentration of live bacteria, probiotics, and vitamin C.
   
• In May 2022, Nurture, a brand owned by Fonterra Co-operative, debuted its first cultured milk line in Singapore. This product is formulated with low sugar, abundant probiotics, and vitamins A and D, promoting overall health and stronger immunity.
   

The naturally fermented food market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Billion from 2021 - 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Product Type

• Dairy products
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Kefir
• Fermented vegetables
  • Kimchi
  • Sauerkraut
  • Pickles
  • Others
• Fermented beverages
  • Kombucha
  • Kvass
  • Fermented fruit juices
  • Others
• Fermented soy products
  • Tempeh
  • Miso
  • Natto
  • Others
• Fermented cereals and grains
  • Sourdough bread
  • Idli and dosa
  • Others
• Fermented meat and fish
  • Fermented sausages
  • Fermented fish products
  • Others
• Others

Market, By Fermentation Type

• Lactic acid fermentation
• Alcoholic fermentation
• Acetic acid fermentation
• Alkaline fermentation
• Others

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets and hypermarkets
• Convenience stores
• Specialty stores
• Online retail
• Direct sales
• Others

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa 
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa