How many percent of people drink milk globally?

November 28, 2025 •

4 min read

As of 2019, more than 80 percent of the world's population consumed dairy products, though specific liquid milk consumption varies widely. While this sounds high, the actual percentage of people who drink milk regularly is influenced by several factors, including significant regional variations and the prevalence of lactose intolerance, which affects an estimated 68% of the global population.

Quick Summary

Global dairy consumption is widespread, though liquid milk intake varies drastically by region and is influenced by factors like genetics, income, and personal health choices. In developed nations, fluid milk consumption is declining, while emerging economies see growth. The high prevalence of lactose malabsorption and the rise of plant-based alternatives are shaping modern dietary trends.

Key Points

Global Consumption Varies: The percentage of people who drink milk varies drastically worldwide, influenced by geography, genetics, income, and culture.
Lactose Intolerance is Widespread: Around 68% of the global population has lactose malabsorption, which limits their ability to digest milk and affects consumption patterns.
Regional Differences are Significant: Consumption is very high in developed nations like those in North America and Western Europe, and significantly lower in many countries in Asia and Africa.
Fluid Milk Intake is Declining in the West: In developed countries, consumption of fluid milk is trending downward, driven by more beverage options and changing consumer preferences.
Developing Countries See Growth: Rapidly developing economies, particularly in parts of Asia, are experiencing an increase in dairy consumption fueled by rising incomes and populations.
Plant-Based Alternatives are Gaining Ground: The rising popularity of plant-based milks is contributing to the decline in fluid cow's milk sales in certain markets.
Overall Dairy Intake Remains High: In many regions, a decline in fluid milk consumption is offset by stable or growing consumption of other dairy products like cheese and yogurt.

Global Patterns in Milk Consumption

Worldwide milk consumption is a complex topic influenced by genetics, geography, economic development, and cultural history. While a large portion of the global population consumes dairy products in some form, the figures for liquid milk are more nuanced. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports vast differences in per capita consumption globally. Factors such as income levels and climate play significant roles, with consumption being high in developed, temperate countries and considerably lower in many developing, tropical regions.

Developed vs. Developing Economies

Developed Nations: In regions like Western Europe and North America, fluid milk consumption has been on a long-term downward trend. This shift is attributed to increased beverage variety, changing dietary habits, and growing interest in plant-based alternatives. Despite this decline in fluid milk, overall dairy consumption in these regions remains robust, with higher intake of processed products like cheese. Per capita consumption in Western Europe can exceed 300 kg annually (in milk equivalent), a figure dramatically higher than many other parts of the world.
Developing Nations: Conversely, many rapidly developing nations in Asia and Africa are experiencing rising milk consumption, driven primarily by population growth and increasing income levels. India and Pakistan, for example, are major milk producers and consumers, and are projected to see the strongest growth in fresh dairy consumption. However, overall per capita figures often remain lower than in developed countries, reflecting significant disparities.

The Impact of Lactose Intolerance

Genetics play a critical role in who can comfortably drink milk. Lactose intolerance, caused by a reduced ability to digest lactose, is the most common reason people stop consuming milk after infancy. It is a highly prevalent condition, affecting roughly 68% of the world's population. Prevalence rates vary significantly by region, being less common in populations with a long history of pastoralism in Northern Europe and parts of Africa, and far more prevalent in East and Southeast Asia. The rise of lactose-free dairy and plant-based milks addresses this biological reality, providing alternatives for those who cannot tolerate traditional dairy.

Comparison of Regional Milk Consumption Habits

This table illustrates the wide disparities in how different parts of the world approach milk and dairy, based on average per capita consumption.


Feature	High-Consumption Regions (e.g., North America, Europe)	Low-Consumption Regions (e.g., East & Southeast Asia)
Per Capita Intake	Very high (e.g., >150 kg annually)	Very low (e.g., <30 kg annually)
Primary Driver	Strong cultural tradition, high income	Rapid growth in income and population
Consumption Trend	Fluid milk declining, overall dairy consumption stable or increasing (driven by cheese)	Per capita consumption increasing, but from a low base
Key Consumption Forms	Fluid milk, cheese, yogurt	Fresh milk, fermented products, powders
Nutritional Factors	Lower vitamin D deficiency concerns due to fortification	Higher rates of lactose intolerance, driving lower liquid milk intake
Beverage Competition	High competition from sodas, juices, and plant-based milks	Growing competition from various beverages, but less established

Shifting Consumption Patterns and Future Trends

The global dairy landscape is continuously evolving. One of the most significant trends is the growth of plant-based milk alternatives, such as oat, almond, and soy milk. This trend is not yet large enough to be the primary driver of the decline in fluid milk sales in Western countries, but it is certainly a contributing factor. Concerns about environmental impact, animal welfare, and health benefits are driving consumer choices toward these alternatives. Additionally, health-conscious consumers are seeking lower-fat or naturally sourced dairy products, spurring innovation in the industry.

The Future of Milk

Looking forward, consumption trends will continue to be shaped by demographic shifts and consumer preferences. The aging populations in many developed countries, for instance, are interested in health-maintaining products, including nutritional shakes and dairy with functional benefits. In contrast, a growing global population in developing economies will likely continue to drive demand for traditional dairy products. The industry is responding with innovation, including product personalization, ethical labeling, and an emphasis on sustainability. The ultimate answer to how many percent of people drink milk will continue to depend on these diverse and dynamic global factors.

Conclusion

While a vast majority of the world's population is involved in the consumption of dairy products, defining the precise percentage that drinks liquid milk is challenging due to the immense global variation. The figure is highest in developed, temperate regions with a historical affinity for dairy and much lower in parts of Asia and Africa with higher rates of lactose intolerance. The rise of plant-based alternatives and evolving health consciousness also play a crucial role in shaping consumption habits. The percentage of people drinking milk is a dynamic number, not a static figure, subject to cultural, genetic, and economic shifts worldwide.

: https://www.oatly.com/things-we-do/initiatives/schoolmilk/global-milk-and-dairy-consumption : https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/lactose-intolerance/definition-facts

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts estimate that approximately 68% of the world's population has some form of lactose malabsorption, which is a reduced ability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk.

No, milk consumption is not declining everywhere. While fluid milk consumption is decreasing in Western countries like the U.S. and Europe, it is increasing in many developing nations, particularly in Asia, driven by rising incomes and population growth.

Consumption varies widely, but high-consumption regions include North America, Western Europe, and parts of Oceania, often exceeding 150 kg per capita annually. Low-consumption regions include most of East and Southeast Asia, where per capita intake can be below 30 kg annually.

Many people stop drinking milk after childhood because their bodies naturally produce less lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. This leads to lactose intolerance, causing digestive discomfort.

The decline in fluid milk consumption in the US is influenced by a variety of factors, including the increasing availability of beverage choices, changing dietary habits, and the rise of plant-based milk alternatives.

Yes, fortification can influence consumption. In countries like the U.S., where milk is often fortified with vitamin D, it serves as a significant source of this nutrient. For some consumers, this adds to milk's perceived health benefits.

In developing regions, the primary drivers of increased dairy consumption are rising income levels and population growth. As economic conditions improve, more people can afford to incorporate dairy products into their diets.