Vietnam’s dairy market is one of the most dynamic in Southeast Asia. Milk consumption is still low compared to neighbors, which means huge room to grow, and imported and premium dairy are trusted for safety and quality. For foreign dairy brands, this is a rising opportunity. Understanding which dairy products Vietnamese actually consume is the first step. Here are the five most consumed dairy products in Vietnam and what they mean for brands.

Vietnam’s dairy market (2025-2026)

• Imported dairy reached around $1.5 billion in 2025, up about 20%.
• Milk consumption is still low, near 27 litres per person, with a government target of 40 by 2030.
• That low base means strong long-term growth potential.
• Imported and premium dairy is trusted for safety and quality.

The 5 most consumed dairy products in Vietnam

1. Liquid milk

Fresh and UHT milk are staples, especially for children and families. Demand keeps rising as parents prioritize nutrition, and both local and imported brands compete hard here.

2. Infant formula

Infant formula is the largest and most premium dairy category. Parents pay for trusted, safe brands, and imported premium formula from Europe, Australia and New Zealand performs strongly alongside local leaders.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt is booming, driven by health awareness and younger consumers. Drinking yogurt, spoonable yogurt and newer high-protein and natural variants are all growing fast, making this one of the most exciting categories.

4. Condensed and powdered milk

Condensed milk is woven into Vietnamese culture, from coffee to desserts, and powdered milk remains popular for convenience and shelf life, especially outside big cities.

5. Cheese and butter

Once niche, cheese and butter are rising as Western food habits, baking and cafe culture spread. This is a smaller but fast-growing segment where imported brands do well.

What this means for dairy brands

The opportunity is clear: consumption is low but rising, trust favors imported and premium dairy, and yogurt and cheese are the fast-growing frontiers. A foreign dairy brand that leads with safety and quality, targets the growing categories, and works with the right distributor and channels is well placed. Health positioning and premium quality justify a higher price in this trust-driven market.

The mistakes dairy brands make

• Weak safety signals. Dairy buyers, especially parents, need clear proof of safety.
• Ignoring yogurt and cheese. These are the fastest-growing frontiers.
• Competing on price. Trust and quality justify a premium.
• Wrong channels. Match your product to modern trade, e-commerce and distributors.
• No local partner. Import, cold chain and distribution need local expertise.

What this means for you

The most consumed dairy products in Vietnam are liquid milk, infant formula, yogurt, condensed milk and cheese, with the market poised for long-term growth. Lead with safety and quality, target the rising categories, and get distribution right. For background, see the economy of Vietnam and dairy products.

Read next on our blog: the latest consumer trends in Vietnam and how we help brands and suppliers enter the market.

FAQ: dairy products in Vietnam

What dairy products do Vietnamese consume most?

Liquid milk, infant formula, yogurt, condensed and powdered milk, and a growing amount of cheese and butter. Infant formula is the largest and most premium category.

Is there room for dairy to grow in Vietnam?

Yes, a lot. Milk consumption is still low, near 27 litres per person, versus much higher levels in neighboring countries, and the government wants to raise it. That leaves strong long-term potential.

Do Vietnamese trust imported dairy?

Yes. Imported and premium dairy, especially from Europe, Australia and New Zealand, is trusted for safety and quality, which supports a premium price, particularly in infant formula.

Which dairy categories are growing fastest?

Yogurt is booming, driven by health awareness, and cheese and butter are rising as Western food habits spread. Both are attractive frontiers for foreign brands.

Grow your dairy brand in Vietnam with GMA

At GMA, we help foreign dairy and food brands enter Vietnam. Our team builds safety-led positioning, runs digital and creator marketing, and connects you with the right distributors and channels. If you want to grow your dairy brand in Vietnam, tell us about your project and we will map the first steps with you.

GMA (Gentlemen Marketing Agency) is a French agency based in Shanghai with more than 75 specialists. We run marketing and distribution for foreign brands across Asia, from Vietnam and China to Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. One team, one network, from first strategy to first sale.