South Korea Drinkable Yogurt Market Overview, 2031

South Korea's drinkable yogurt market has evolved in tandem with the country's long-standing appreciation for functional foods, particularly those that support digestive health. Yogurt has been a popular staple in Korean diets for decades, but the shift from traditional spoonable yogurt to more convenient, drinkable formats emerged in the 2000s. This transition was largely driven by the need for on-the-go nutritional products that fit the fast-paced lifestyles of South Koreans, particularly in major cities like Seoul and Busan. One of the most iconic players in this evolution is Maeil Dairy, whose popular drinkable yogurt products like Yoij have made probiotic-rich beverages a household name. This shift toward drinkable yogurt is also linked to the rising interest in gut health and the probiotic benefits of fermented foods, which have been a core part of Korean cuisine for centuries, through dishes like kimchi. The growing awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy digestive system has propelled drinkable yogurt into the spotlight, with products like Yakult leading the charge by emphasizing their gut-health benefits. Beyond dairy-based options, South Korea has also witnessed an increasing demand for non-dairy alternatives. The surge in interest for plant-based diets, driven by health trends and environmental consciousness, has prompted brands like Oatly and Alpro to introduce oat and soy-based drinkable yogurt products to the market. The Korean consumer's growing awareness of sustainability has further prompted innovations in packaging, with brands focusing on eco-friendly and recyclable materials. As functional beverages continue to trend, South Korea’s drinkable yogurt market is expanding and diversifying to meet the needs of modern consumers.

According to the research report, "South Korea Drinkable Yogurt Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Drinkable Yogurt market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 2.38 Billion by 2031. The drinkable yogurt market in South Korea is flourishing, driven by an increasingly health-conscious population and a strong preference for functional foods. South Koreans are particularly attuned to products that offer digestive and immune system benefits, which has played a key role in the popularity of probiotic drinkable yogurts. Maeil Dairy is one of the leading companies in this space, offering a range of yogurt drinks enriched with probiotics to promote gut health. Yakult, a longstanding favorite in South Korea, continues to be a dominant player, with its probiotic drinks gaining widespread acceptance due to their association with improved digestive health and immune system support. In recent years, South Korean consumers, especially younger demographics, have become more open to plant-based drinkable yogurt options, fueling the growth of the dairy-free segment. Oatly, known for its oat-based drinks, and Alpro, offering soy-based alternatives, have made significant inroads into the market, catering to consumers who are lactose intolerant or following vegan diets. This growing demand for plant-based alternatives is further reinforced by the rising awareness of animal welfare and environmental sustainability, issues that resonate with South Korea’s increasingly eco-conscious population. The flavor profile of drinkable yogurts in South Korea is unique, with a preference for mildly sweet and sometimes tangy flavors, such as peach, yogurt-mango, and citrus. Companies are also introducing innovative combinations of traditional ingredients, such as ginseng and red ginseng, known for their health benefits, into yogurt drinks, appealing to consumers seeking additional functional advantages.

In South Korea, dairy-based drinkable yogurts remain the dominant category, with well-known local brands like Yakult Korea and Maeil Dairies leading the market. These products are deeply integrated into Korean daily life, often consumed for their digestive health benefits thanks to the presence of probiotics and live cultures. Yakult, in particular, has a long-standing presence in South Korea, with its signature small bottle of fermented milk drink being a household staple. Dairy-based drinkable yogurts are widely available in various flavors such as strawberry, peach, and apple, with consumers increasingly looking for added health benefits such as immunity-boosting properties or added fiber. The strong focus on health, particularly digestive health, in South Korean food culture has helped sustain the popularity of dairy-based options. On the other hand, the market for non-dairy or vegan drinkable yogurts is still emerging but showing signs of rapid growth, driven by both ethical and health concerns. Vegan products made from plant-based milks like soy, almond, and coconut are becoming increasingly popular among lactose-intolerant individuals, vegans, and health-conscious consumers. Plantea and Vita Coco are some of the brands offering plant-based alternatives to traditional dairy, often enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients to appeal to consumers who are seeking both health benefits and ethical food choices. The rising awareness about veganism, as well as environmental concerns, has accelerated the shift towards plant-based diets in South Korea, especially in urban centers like Seoul, where the younger demographic is more open to adopting alternative lifestyles.

Flavoured drinkable yogurts are a key segment in South Korea's yogurt market, with a variety of fruit-flavored options being particularly popular. Flavors such as strawberry, peach, mango, and melon resonate well with local tastes, and brands like Maeil and Seoul Milk have long catered to these preferences. The trend is also shifting towards more innovative flavors, incorporating local ingredients such as red bean, green tea, and even kimchi in yogurt products. In South Korea, drinkable yogurts are not only considered a healthy snack but are also marketed as functional foods, often fortified with probiotics or vitamins to enhance their appeal. These flavoured yogurts are commonly consumed for their sweet, tangy taste and their digestive benefits, which have become a key selling point. Plain drinkable yogurts, though less popular than their flavored counterparts, are still sought after by a niche group of consumers who prefer a more neutral, low-sugar option. These products are often consumed by people who prioritize the natural benefits of yogurt without added sugars or artificial flavors. Plain yogurt is also used as an ingredient in cooking and in making smoothies, as it pairs well with various fruits and other healthy additives. Additionally, many consumers prefer plain drinkable yogurts as part of a more balanced, clean-eating diet, which emphasizes minimal processing and lower sugar content.

Packaging is a significant factor in the South Korean drinkable yogurt market, with a strong preference for convenience and portability. Single-serve cups remain a common packaging format, especially for dairy-based drinkable yogurts. These small, easy-to-consume cups are often sold in packs and are widely available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and local markets. Brands like Yakult and Maeil offer these products in cups, making it easy for consumers to enjoy a quick, healthy snack on the go. Bottles are another popular choice, particularly for larger quantities of drinkable yogurt. The bottle format, often made from plastic, provides convenience for consumers who prefer larger servings or drink yogurt as part of their daily routine. Bottled drinkable yogurts are widely available in various sizes, from individual servings to family-sized bottles. Popular brands like Seoul Milk use bottles for their probiotic-rich products, appealing to health-conscious individuals. Tetra packs are also used, especially for larger or family-sized portions, offering both convenience and a longer shelf life. These packs are lightweight, easy to store, and environmentally friendly, and are favored by families or bulk buyers. Brands like Plantea and Vita Coco for plant-based alternatives use Tetra packs to offer larger quantities in eco-friendly packaging. Lastly, pouches are a growing trend in the South Korean market, particularly for younger consumers and children. These are portable, resealable, and lightweight, making them ideal for on-the-go consumption. Pouch packaging is used by brands catering to a more health-conscious demographic, as it combines convenience with portion control, and is also eco-friendly.



In South Korea, supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the distribution of drinkable yogurts, with major chains such as E-Mart, Lotte Mart, and Homeplus offering an extensive selection of dairy and non-dairy yogurt drinks. These stores provide a variety of options in both domestic and international brands, and the yogurt section is often one of the largest in the refrigerated aisles, catering to the country’s strong yogurt consumption culture. Supermarkets in South Korea have been quick to adopt the trend of functional and health-oriented products, with probiotic-rich and low-sugar options becoming increasingly available. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, GS25, and CU are key distribution channels for single-serve, on-the-go yogurt drinks. These stores are strategically located throughout South Korea, particularly in urban areas like Seoul, and provide quick access to popular yogurt drinks, including both traditional dairy and emerging plant-based options. Convenience stores are crucial for consumers seeking quick, nutritious snacks during their busy routines. Specialty stores in South Korea, particularly those focused on health foods or organic products, cater to consumers looking for premium, plant-based, or low-sugar yogurt drinks. Whole Foods Market and other local organic food chains carry an increasing selection of vegan and probiotic-rich drinks. Online shopping has become an important distribution channel in South Korea, with e-commerce giants like Coupang and Gmarket offering a wide variety of drinkable yogurt options. Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms for convenient home delivery, especially during the pandemic when home consumption surged. Other distribution channels, including direct-to-consumer sales through brands' websites or pop-up stores, have also gained popularity, particularly for premium, niche, or locally produced yogurt drinks. These channels cater to consumers looking for artisanal or small-batch products that emphasize local ingredients and sustainability.  

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Drinkable Yogurt Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Category
• Dairy - Based Yogurt
• Non - Dairy Based / Vegan Yogurt

By Type
• Flavoured
• Plain

By Packaging
• Cup
• Bottles
• Tetra Pack
• Pouches

By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Stores
• Others