Gut and Digestive Health Ingredients Market By Ingredient Type (Probiotics, Prebiotics, Digestive Enzymes, Dietary Fibers, Polyphenols, Others); By Application (Functional Foods and Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Infant Nutrition); By Source (Plant-Based Ingredients, Animal-Based Ingredients, Synthetic Ingredients); By Distribution Channel (Online Retail, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Pharmacies); By Geography, Segment revenue estimation, Forecast, 2024–2032.

The gut and digestive health ingredients market was USD 14.5 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 23.8 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.5% in the forecast period of 2024-2030.

 

The gut and digestive health ingredients market focuses on products promoting gut and digestive well-being. This includes probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, dietary fibers, and bioactive food components used in functional foods, dietary supplements, and medicinal products.

 

The growing consciousness about the significance of gut health for the human body, plus the growth in the popularity and preference for natural and functional foods, have helped expand the market. New trends include the increased incidence of digestive diseases, changes in eating habits, and the development of new raw materials.

 

Market Drivers

Increasing Awareness of Gut Health's Role in Overall Wellness: consumers are increasingly turning to digestive health ingredients due to the incorporation of gut microbiome in the physical as well as the mental health of an individual. Consumers increasingly prioritize foods and supplements that support gut health.: Example: American consumers, particularly in 2023, a survey did show that 62% of them sought products bearing the health benefits of promoting digestive health as against 50% in 2020.

 

Prevalence of Digestive Disorders: The growing incidence of stomach diseases like IBS, constipation, and Gastroesophageal reflux disease has led to the market pull for products that address these ailments and improve gut health. Example: In Europe, the level of IBS is estimated to be between 10% and 15% of the population, causing its sales to increase by 20% in 2023.

 

Rising Popularity of Functional Foods and Beverages: Increased consumption of nutritious and easily available products has led manufacturers to add digestive health ingredients into regular food products and drinks. Example: Functional beverages containing prebiotics and probiotics were reported to take 30% of the market of so-called functional foods in Japan in 2023.

 

Market Opportunities

Expansion in Emerging Markets: New markets can be identified in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa since there is disprimmentary income, health awareness is improving, and demand for functional foods. Example: In India alone, the consumption of digestive health supplements increased at an impressive rate of 25% in the year 2023, equal to the increase being caused by urbanization as well as a result of people changing their lifestyle by focusing on their health and taking care of such systematic disorders.

 

Integration of Personalized Nutrition: People-focused nutrition has created new niches for targeted digestive health solutions, including specific probiotics and enzymes derived from the consumer’s microbiome. For example, in Canada, customized gut health supplement startups expanded by 30 percent in 2023 due to new opportunities in the personalization of health products.

 

Growing Vegan and Plant-Based Product Demand: The trend towards plant-based diets has led to new markets for digestive health ingredients that are naturally derived and vegan. Example: Plant-based digestive supplements’ sales in Australia rose by 20% in 2023 due to the rising popularity of vegan supplies.

 

Applications in Sports Nutrition: Digestive health ingredients are slowly being incorporated into sports nutrition because they help in the uptake of nutrients, recovery from exercises, and boost muscle performance. Example: According to the new analysis, sports supplements with added digestive enzymes had a sales increase of 15% in the UK in 2023 due to the demand of a health-conscious population.

 

Market Restraints

Regulatory Challenges: The market faces several risks, including high regulatory standards and limitations on using health claims and ingredients. Manufacturers face challenges in labeling and marketing their products. For example, in the EU, regulations from EFSA reduced the number of new probiotic supplements introduced in 2023 and restricted advancements.

 

High Costs of Premium Ingredients: High costs involved in sourcing and producing bioactive components like specific strains of probiotics or probiotics’ prebiotics can be a limiting factor for take-off due to high costs. Example: In 2023, the high-end probiotic supplements did not realize massive consumption within South Africa since they cost 25% more than the standard varieties.

 

Market Segmentation

By Ingredient Type

• Probiotics

• Prebiotics

• Digestive Enzymes

• Dietary Fibers

• Polyphenols

• Others

 

By Application

• Functional Foods and Beverages

• Dietary Supplements

• Pharmaceuticals

• Infant Nutrition

 

By Source

• Plant-Based Ingredients

• Animal-Based Ingredients

• Synthetic Ingredients

 

By Distribution Channel

• Online Retail

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

• Specialty Stores

• Pharmacies

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia-Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

 

Segment Analysis of the Gut and Digestive Health Ingredients Market

By Ingredient Type:

Leading Segment: Probiotics

Probiotics dominate the gut & digestive health ingredients market, accounting for a significant share due to their well-established benefits in promoting gut health and overall digestive wellness. Probiotics are microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, often by restoring the natural balance of gut bacteria. With the growing awareness of the importance of gut health & immunity, the demand for probiotics has increased across regions. In 2024, the global probiotics market was valued at over USD 50 billion and is expected to continue its growth trajectory, driven by the increasing consumer preference for natural and preventive healthcare solutions. Probiotics are widely used in functional foods and beverages, dietary supplements, and even pharmaceuticals.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Prebiotics

Prebiotics are the fastest-growing ingredient type in the gut and digestive health market, with a projected CAGR of around 9.4% from 2025-2030. Prebiotics are dietary fibers or compounds that feed beneficial bacteria in the gut. The rise in consumer awareness about gut health, the increasing demand for natural supplements & the growing prevalence of digestive disorders are contributing to the significant growth of prebiotics. They are primarily used in dietary supplements & functional foods and beverages, often marketed for their ability to improve digestion, support gut microbiome balance & enhance overall health.

 

By Application:

Leading Segment: Functional Foods and Beverages

The functional foods and beverages segment holds the largest market share in the gut & digestive health ingredients market, driven by the increasing consumer demand for healthy, convenient & on-the-go products that offer digestive benefits. In 2023, functional foods & beverages accounted for over 45% of the market share, reflecting the growing trend of incorporating health-promoting ingredients, such as probiotics & fiber, into everyday food products. Examples include probiotic yogurts, kefir & fiber-enriched snacks. This segment is expected to continue growing, with rising consumer interest in preventive healthcare & natural products.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceuticals segment is the fastest-growing application for gut and digestive health ingredients, experiencing a robust CAGR of approximately 8.2% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the increasing prevalence of digestive health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, and constipation. Pharmaceutical companies are investing in the development of new therapeutic treatments incorporating probiotics, digestive enzymes, and other gut health ingredients. The expanding research & clinical trials supporting the efficacy of these ingredients in treating digestive disorders are propelling growth in this segment.

 

By Source:

Leading Segment: Plant-Based Ingredients

Plant-based ingredients dominate the gut & digestive health market due to the growing consumer preference for plant-based & vegan products. Plant-based sources of gut health ingredients, such as prebiotics (fiber) from fruits, vegetables, and grains, are seeing strong demand, particularly as consumers seek natural and sustainable options. In 2024, plant-based ingredients accounted for more than 50% of the market share, with increasing consumer interest in plant-based diets and wellness products contributing to this trend. The shift toward plant-based products is driven by environmental sustainability concerns & the growing number of individuals adopting plant-based or flexitarian diets.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Synthetic Ingredients

The market for synthetic ingredients, like synthetic digestive enzymes and prebiotic fibers, is growing the fastest, with expected yearly growth of around 7.9%. This is because biotech advancements have made it possible to create synthetic alternatives that work well & are affordable. The ability to produce consistent, high-quality synthetic ingredients in large quantities, especially for dietary supplements and medicines, is fueling this rapid growth.

 

By Distribution Channel:

Leading Segment: Supermarkets/Hypermarkets

Supermarkets & hypermarkets represent the leading distribution channel for gut and digestive health ingredients, holding the largest share of the market. In 2023, they accounted for more than 40% of the market share. The convenience, accessibility & wide range of products available in these retail stores contribute to their dominance. Consumers prefer to purchase products such as probiotic supplements, digestive aids & functional food products from these large retail outlets, where they can find a variety of brands and options. Additionally, supermarkets/hypermarkets often feature dedicated health and wellness sections, boosting the visibility of digestive health products.

Fastest-Growing Segment: Online Retail

Online shopping is rapidly becoming the go-to option for gut health and digestive products, with expected growth of 11.3% per year from 2025-2030. The rise of e-commerce, along with people's preference for the convenience of online shopping, is driving this growth. Online stores offer a wide variety of gut health products, making it easy for consumers to compare different brands & prices. Additionally, the presence of direct-to-consumer health brands & subscription models for dietary supplements is boosting the popularity of online shopping in this market.

 

By Region:

Leading Region: North America

North America holds the largest market share in the gut and digestive health ingredients market, accounting for more than 35% of the total share. The region's dominance is driven by a well-established healthcare system, high consumer awareness of digestive health & the increasing demand for natural & preventive health solutions. The U.S. is a major contributor to this growth, with a significant focus on the wellness trend and a high rate of adoption of probiotics & prebiotics in functional foods, beverages & supplements. The growing prevalence of digestive disorders & the aging population in North America further contribute to the market's dominance in this region.

Fastest-Growing Region: Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the gut and digestive health ingredients market, with a projected CAGR of 9.6% from 2025-2030. The region's growth is driven by the expanding consumer base in countries like China & India, where rising disposable incomes, increasing health awareness & changing lifestyles are contributing to higher demand for digestive health products. The popularity of traditional remedies, such as fermented foods & probiotic-rich products, is also a key driver of growth in this region. Additionally, the growing prevalence of digestive disorders & the rising middle class in Asia-Pacific countries further fuel the market expansion in the region.

 

Key Players in the Gut and Digestive Health Ingredients Market

• Danone S.A.

• Nestlé S.A.

• Kerry Group plc

• DuPont (IFF Nutrition & Biosciences)

• Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd.

• ADM (Archer Daniels Midland)

• Chr. Hansen Holding A/S

• DSM Nutritional Products

• Probi AB

• Cargill, Incorporated

 

Gut and Digestive Health Ingredients Market Report Coverage

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2023	USD 14.5 billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 23.8 billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 7.5%
Base Year for Estimation	2022
Historical Data	2017 – 2021
Unit	USD Billion, CAGR (2024 - 2030)
Segmentation	By Ingredient Type, By Application, By Source, By Distribution Channel, By Region
By Ingredient Type	Probiotics, Prebiotics, Digestive Enzymes, Dietary Fibers, Polyphenols, Others
By Application	Functional Foods and Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Pharmaceuticals, Infant Nutrition
By Source	Plant-Based Ingredients, Animal-Based Ingredients, Synthetic Ingredients
By Distribution Channel	Online Retail, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Pharmacies
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	US, Canada, Germany, UK, France, China, Japan, India, etc.
Key Market Drivers	Increasing awareness of gut health's role in overall wellness, rising prevalence of digestive disorders, and growing popularity of functional foods and beverages.
Major Players	Danone S.A., Nestlé S.A., Kerry Group plc, DuPont (IFF Nutrition & Biosciences), Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., ADM (Archer Daniels Midland), Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, DSM Nutritional Products, Probi AB, Cargill, Incorporated.
Pricing and Purchase Options	Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs.

 

Future Outlook

The global market for gut and digestive health ingredients is expected to grow steadily and take off due to the increasing focus on gut health and technological improvements in functional ingredients for the FMCG industry. Asia Pacific and Latin America markets will be key drivers for the future development of this industry.

 

By 2030, the market will look very different, marked by inventions, including digestive health solutions, plant-based protein, and enhancing formulation methods. The focus on sustainability, clean labels, and consumer education will continue to pave the way for growth for digestive health ingredients in terms of application and geography.