The global galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) market was valued at USD 989.4 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 2.28 billion by 2033, expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8% from 2025 to 2033. Market growth is primarily driven by the rising incorporation of GOS in infant nutrition, functional food products, dietary supplements, and animal feed, alongside increasing consumer awareness regarding digestive and immune health benefits.
The global demand for galacto-oligosaccharides is increasing rapidly as awareness of prebiotics and gut-friendly ingredients intensifies. GOS, a lactose-derived prebiotic fiber, promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and supports immune health. Growing research on prebiotics’ role in improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and disease prevention continues to expand product adoption. Rising prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle-related disorders globally is also prompting consumers to choose functional ingredients that enhance overall well-being.
Improved processing technologies have optimized GOS extraction and formulation efficiency, enabling wider industrial-scale production. Consumer preference for clean-label and natural functional ingredients is also leading major food processors, nutraceutical firms, and pet food manufacturers to incorporate GOS into their product lines.
The market is moderately competitive, with leading participants—such as Royal FrieslandCampina, Ingredion Incorporated, Kerry Group, and Clasado Biosciences—occupying a substantial global share. These companies are advancing R&D to strengthen product purity, solubility, and functionality across multiple end-user applications. Strategic partnerships, facility expansions, and the introduction of sustainable GOS formulations are shaping the competitive landscape.
Recent developments in 2025 include FrieslandCampina Ingredients’ expansion of its Biotis GOS portfolio in Asia Pacific to serve the region’s rising demand for high-purity prebiotics in infant and adult nutrition. Similarly, Ingredion announced the launch of advanced prebiotic ingredient solutions targeting gut health and energy metabolism, highlighting the industry’s focus on health-centric innovations.
The powder segment dominated the GOS market in 2025 with a 69.4% revenue share. Its extensive use in infant formula, dietary supplements, and functional foods is supported by superior solubility and longer shelf life compared to liquid forms. Powder GOS products are favored by manufacturers due to ease of transportation, storage, and blending across applications.
The syrup or liquid form, while representing a smaller market share, continues to witness growth driven by its increasing use in dairy alternatives, beverages, and ready-to-drink functional products. GOS syrup is beneficial in stimulating digestive microflora and enhancing flavor profiles in fortified drinks and snacks aimed at maintaining gut balance.
The food and beverage segment held the largest share, accounting for over 88% of market revenue in 2025. Demand is mainly fueled by the expanding consumption of functional beverages, dairy alternatives, and fortified bakery products. GOS is widely incorporated into infant milk formulas to mimic the natural composition of human milk oligosaccharides. Rising awareness of health-promoting ingredients among millennials and aging consumers continues to support consumption in the functional foods domain.
Animal feed is emerging as a high-potential segment, projected to grow at a CAGR exceeding 11% through 2033. GOS supplementation in pet and livestock feed formulations improves gut health, nutrient uptake, and immunity. The growing global pet adoption trend and preference for premium, health-oriented pet food products further bolster market penetration.
Asia Pacific remained the dominant region in 2025, accounting for more than 38% of total revenue. The region benefits from strong consumer focus on preventative healthcare, robust demand for infant nutrition products, and rapid expansion of the dietary supplements market. Increasing middle-class spending and evolving dietary habits in countries such as China, Japan, and India continue to drive consumption growth.
The China GOS market recorded exponential growth in 2025, led by growing public awareness of gut health benefits. Increasing applications in beverages, dietary supplements, and infant nutrition products have strengthened domestic production capacity. Brands in the region are also prioritizing science-backed product claims to enhance market reliability and consumer trust.
Europe is estimated to witness solid growth through 2033 due to the integration of prebiotics in plant-based and dairy-free product launches. Regulatory support from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has encouraged manufacturers to include GOS in various fortified food categories. Germany remains one of the region’s most dynamic markets, accounting for nearly 17% of functional food sales driven by rising demand for gut-friendly beverages and sports nutrition.
North America continues to experience steady adoption, supported by expanding awareness among health-conscious consumers and an established nutraceutical industry. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies GOS as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), allowing extensive use across foods, beverages, and infant formulas. The vegan dietary trend and growing use of fiber-enriched ingredients are enhancing the market prospects.
Rising digestive issues, aided by changing dietary patterns in countries like Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, have increased the consumption of prebiotic-based functional foods and supplements. Local manufacturers are intensifying product launches targeting constipation relief and overall metabolic health improvements.
The MEA region is witnessing gradual growth supported by tightening import and food safety regulations. Enhanced labeling transparency, along with rising awareness of microbiome health, is driving consumer adoption in Gulf countries and South Africa.
Leading players in the global GOS market are aggressively expanding product portfolios, focusing on innovation and partnerships to strengthen their global footprint. In 2025, Ingredion Incorporated launched enhanced prebiotic ingredients catering to the beverage and supplement industries. Kerry Group expanded its GOS production facility in Ireland to address demand from European food processors seeking high-purity prebiotic formulations.
| Report Attribute | Details |
| Market size value in 2025 | USD 989.4 million |
| Revenue forecast in 2033 | USD 2.28 billion |
| Growth rate | CAGR of 9.8% from 2025 to 2033 |
| Base year for estimation | 2025 |
| Historical data | 2021 – 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025 – 2033 |
| Quantitative units | Revenue in USD billion and volume in kilotons; CAGR from 2025 to 2033 |
| Report coverage | Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive analysis, key trends, and growth drivers |
| Segments covered | Form, Application, Region |
| Regional scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
| Country scope | U.S.; Canada; Mexico; Germany; U.K.; France; Italy; Spain; China; India; Japan; South Korea; Saudi Arabia; South Africa; Brazil; Argentina |
| Key companies profiled | VITALUS NUTRITION INC.; Ingredion Incorporated; Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited; Clasado Biosciences; Shandong Bailong Chuangyuan Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.; Snow Brand Milk Products Co., Ltd.; Royal FrieslandCampina; Kerry Group; Kowa Europe GmbH |
How large is the galacto-oligosaccharide market in 2025?
The global galacto-oligosaccharide market is valued at USD 989.4 million in 2025 and is anticipated to reach USD 2.28 billion by 2033.
What is the expected growth rate of the market?
The galacto-oligosaccharide market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% from 2025 to 2033, driven by rising use in dietary supplements and functional foods.
Which region leads the market?
Asia Pacific remains the leading region, accounting for over 38% of global revenue in 2025, fueled by the strong presence of infant formula and nutraceutical manufacturers.
Who are the key players in the global galacto-oligosaccharide market?
Major companies include VITALUS NUTRITION INC., Ingredion Incorporated, Royal FrieslandCampina, Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited, Clasado Biosciences, and Kerry Group.
What factors are driving galacto-oligosaccharide market growth?
Key growth factors include rising awareness about gut and immune health, surging demand for prebiotics in functional foods, growing applications in animal feed and cosmetics, and advancements in high-purity GOS production technologies.
