Lactose-intolerant consumers pay more for lactose

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-24T18:10:30.397Z • Permanent link

In a move that is poised to disrupt the dairy industry, Lactaid, a leading lactose intolerance management company, has announced a new line of lactose-free ice cream products. The launch, which is expected to hit store shelves later this year, is seen as a significant development in the growing market for lactose-free or reduced-lactose ice cream. According to data from the International Dairy Foods Association, the US market for lactose-free ice cream is projected to grow by 15% annually over the next five years, driven by increasing consumer demand for products that cater to lactose intolerance.

Key to Lactaid's strategy is its partnership with a major ice cream manufacturer, which has agreed to produce the new lactose-free line. The partnership is seen as a major coup for Lactaid, which has been expanding its product offerings in recent years. The company's CEO, John Ruggiero, hailed the partnership as a "game-changer" for the company, stating that it will enable Lactaid to reach a wider audience of consumers with lactose intolerance.

Meanwhile, regulatory bodies in several countries are taking steps to support the growth of the lactose-free market. In the European Union, for example, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued guidance on the labeling of lactose-free products, which is expected to help increase consumer confidence in these products. In the US, the FDA has announced plans to update its guidelines on lactose intolerance, which are expected to provide clarity on the labeling of lactose-free products.

Lactaid's entry into the ice cream market is significant because it highlights the growing demand for lactose-free products in the US. According to data from the market research firm, Euromonitor International, the US market for lactose-free ice cream is expected to reach $1.4 billion by 2025, up from $844 million in 2020. This growth is driven by increasing consumer awareness of lactose intolerance and the need for products that cater to this demographic.

The launch of Lactaid's lactose-free ice cream line is also likely to have a significant impact on the broader dairy industry. Major dairy companies, such as Dairy Queen and Breyers, are expected to take notice of Lactaid's move and consider launching their own lactose-free ice cream products. This could lead to increased competition in the market, which could drive down prices and increase consumer choice.

The growth of the lactose-free market is part of a broader trend towards greater consumer choice and flexibility in the food industry. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for products that cater to specific dietary needs and preferences, such as gluten-free, vegan, and keto. This trend is driven by increasing consumer awareness of the importance of nutrition and health, as well as the need for products that are tailored to individual needs and preferences.