Novel Ingredients in Infant Formula Market Current Trends Analysis 2025 to 2034
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Novel Ingredients in Infant Formula Market Size is predicted to grow at 8.7% CAGR during the forecast period for 2025 to 2034.
Novel Ingredients in Infant Formula Market, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Ingredient Type (Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), Synthetic/Bioengineered Proteins, Next-Gen Probiotics, Plant-Based Bioactives, Glycomacropeptides (GMPs), Exosomes and MicroRNAs), By Application (Standard Infant Formula, Follow-On Formula, Specialty Formula, Growing-Up Milk), By Region, and Segment Forecasts, 2025 to 2034.
Novel ingredients are substances that have recently been created or incorporated into infant formula to more closely resemble the composition of human breast milk and support the overall growth, development, and well-being of infants. These advancements are rooted in evolving research across human milk composition, gut microbiome science, and infant nutrition. Key examples include prebiotics that help shape the infant gut microbiota, promote immune development, and prevent pathogen adhesion, as well as postbiotics that support gut and immune health without the need for live microbes. Enhanced formulations of essential fatty acids, such as DHA and ARA, are now provided in optimized ratios and stabilized through microencapsulation for improved bioavailability.
Additionally, ingredients like lactoferrin offer antimicrobial and immune-modulating effects while supporting iron transport. The inclusion of nutrients such as choline, myo-inositol, and taurine in higher concentrations reflects an improved understanding of neonatal needs, ensuring that modern infant formulas better align with the dynamic nutritional requirements of early life.
In January 2025, the FDA released the Long-Term National Strategy to Increase the Resiliency of the U.S. Infant Formula Market, outlining the progress made since 2023 to strengthen the integrity of the infant formula supply chain and foster improved information-sharing among stakeholders. Given that many infants in the United States rely on formula for all or part of their nutrition, the FDA has prioritized ensuring access to safe and nutritious products for the nation's youngest and most vulnerable population. The agency closely regulates formula production to support healthy growth and development.
At the same time, breakthroughs in infant nutrition and gut microbiome research have paved the way for the development of novel ingredients that enhance immune function, digestion, and cognitive development. Studies linking early gut health to long-term well-being have underscored the value of incorporating prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics in the formula. As a result, more parents are willing to invest in premium formulas with targeted functional benefits for conditions such as allergies, colic, and digestive health. The growing availability of organic, plant-based, and hypoallergenic formulas further reflects modern parents’ increasing health consciousness and desire for options that support long-term wellness, brain development, and strong immunity from infancy.
• DSM
• FrieslandCampina
• Novonesis (Chr. Hansen + Novozymes)
• DuPont (IFF Nutrition)
• BASF
• AAK
• Glycosyn
• Inbiose
• Kyowa Hakko
• Nestlé
• Danone (Nutricia)
• Abbott Nutrition
• Reckitt (Mead Johnson)
• Arla Foods
• Fonterra
• Helaina
• Biomilq
• 108LABS
• Turtletree Labs
• Else Nutrition
• ByHeart
• Sprout Organic
• Conagen
• Nature’s One
• Bactolife
• Evonik
• Glycotope
The novel ingredients in the infant formula market are segmented based on ingredient type, application, and source. Based on ingredient type, the market is segmented into human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), synthetic/bioengineered proteins, next-gen probiotics, plant-based bioactives, glycomacropeptides (GMPs), exosomes and microRNAs. Based on application, the market is divided into standard infant formula, follow-on formula, specialty formula, and growing-up milk. Based on the source, the market is divided into bioengineered, plant-based, and animal-derived.
Based on Ingredient Type, the market is segmented into human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), synthetic/bioengineered proteins, next-gen probiotics, plant-based bioactives, glycomacropeptides (GMPs), exosomes and microRNAs. Among these, the human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) segment is expected to have the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) are the third most abundant solid component in human breast milk, following lactose and lipids. These complex carbohydrates play a critical role in infant health, with clinical studies demonstrating their ability to shape the gut microbiome, enhance immune function, and protect against infections. Among the various types of HMOs, 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL) and Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) have gained particular attention and have been approved for use by major regulatory bodies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Based on application, the market is divided into standard infant formula, follow-on formula, specialty formula, and growing-up milk. Among these, the specialty formula segments dominate the market. Specialty formulas are specifically designed for infants with particular medical or dietary conditions, including cow's milk protein allergy, lactose intolerance, colic, reflux, or those born preterm. These formulas are often enriched with cutting-edge ingredients such as glycomacropeptides, bioengineered proteins, next-generation probiotics, and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), offering advanced nutritional support and targeted therapeutic benefits. The growing prevalence of food allergies, gastrointestinal issues, and metabolic disorders among infants has significantly increased the demand for these highly specialized and functional products, making specialty formulas a rapidly expanding segment within the infant nutrition market.
The Asia-Pacific region holds the largest share of the global novel ingredients in infant formula market. This growth is driven by factors such as high birth rates, increasing disposable incomes, and rising awareness of infant nutrition in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia. The demand for novel ingredients such as human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), and next-generation probiotics is particularly strong in Asia-Pacific. This is due to a growing preference for premium, functional formulas that closely mimic human breast milk. The expansion of e-commerce platforms and improved distribution channels further facilitate access to these advanced products, contributing to the region's leading position in the market.
• In Sept 2025, dsm-firmenich, declared that its lacto-N-fucopentaose I/2′-fucosyllactose (LNFP-I/2′-FL) mixture and human milk oligosaccharide (HMO): 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) have been approved as novel food additives in the EU and the UK. These historic approvals broaden the range of life stages in which HMOs may be used and further establish the company as a pioneer in early-life nutrition innovation. A noteworthy milestone in HMO innovation and availability has been reached with the approval of DSM-Firmenich as the first and only supplier for LNFP-I.
| Report Attribute | Specifications |
| Growth Rate CAGR | CAGR of 8.7% from 2025 to 2034 |
| Quantitative Units | Representation of revenue in US$ Mn and CAGR from 2025 to 2034 |
| Historic Year | 2021 to 2024 |
| Forecast Year | 2025-2034 |
| Report Coverage | The forecast of revenue, the position of the company, the competitive market structure, growth prospects, and trends |
| Segments Covered | By Ingredient Type, Application, Source |
| Regional Scope | North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
| Country Scope | U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; China; India; Japan; Brazil; Mexico; The UK; France; Italy; Spain; China; Japan; India; South Korea; Southeast Asia; South Korea; Southeast Asia |
| Competitive Landscape | DSM, FrieslandCampina, Novonesis (Chr. Hansen + Novozymes), DuPont (IFF Nutrition), BASF, AAK, Glycosyn, Inbiose, Kyowa, Hakko, Nestlé, Danone (Nutricia), Abbott Nutrition, Reckitt (Mead Johnson), Arla Foods, Fonterra, Helaina, Biomilq, 108LABS, Turtletree Labs, Else Nutrition, ByHeart, Sprout, Organic, Conagen, Nature’s One, Bactolife, Evonik, Glycotope |
| Customization Scope | Free customization report with the procurement of the report, Modifications to the regional and segment scope. Geographic competitive landscape. |
| Pricing and Available Payment Methods | Explore pricing alternatives that are customized to your particular study requirements. |
Global Novel Ingredients in Infant Formula Market - By Ingredient Type
• Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs)
• Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM)
• Synthetic/Bioengineered Proteins
• Next-Gen Probiotics
• Plant-Based Bioactives
• Glycomacropeptides (GMPs)
• Exosomes and MicroRNAs
Global Novel Ingredients in Infant Formula Market – By Application
• Standard Infant Formula
• Follow-On Formula
• Specialty Formula
• Growing-Up Milk
Global Novel Ingredients in Infant Formula Market – By Source
• Bioengineered
• Plant-Based
• Animal-Derived
Global Novel Ingredients in Infant Formula Market – By Region
North America-
• The US
• Canada
Europe-
• Germany
• The UK
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific-
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Southeast Asia
• Rest of Asia Pacific
Latin America-
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America
Middle East & Africa-
• GCC Countries
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East and Africa
This study employed a multi-step, mixed-method research approach that integrates:
This approach ensures a balanced and validated understanding of both macro- and micro-level market factors influencing the market.
Secondary research for this study involved the collection, review, and analysis of publicly available and paid data sources to build the initial fact base, understand historical market behaviour, identify data gaps, and refine the hypotheses for primary research.
Secondary data for the market study was gathered from multiple credible sources, including:
These sources were used to compile historical data, market volumes/prices, industry trends, technological developments, and competitive insights.
Primary research was conducted to validate secondary data, understand real-time market dynamics, capture price points and adoption trends, and verify the assumptions used in the market modelling.
Primary interviews for this study involved:
Interviews were conducted via:
Primary insights were incorporated into demand modelling, pricing analysis, technology evaluation, and market share estimation.
All collected data were processed and normalized to ensure consistency and comparability across regions and time frames.
The data validation process included:
This ensured that the dataset used for modelling was clean, robust, and reliable.
The bottom-up approach involved aggregating segment-level data, such as:
This method was primarily used when detailed micro-level market data were available.
The top-down approach used macro-level indicators:
This approach was used for segments where granular data were limited or inconsistent.
To ensure accuracy, a triangulated hybrid model was used. This included:
This multi-angle validation yielded the final market size.
Market forecasts were developed using a combination of time-series modelling, adoption curve analysis, and driver-based forecasting tools.
Given inherent uncertainties, three scenarios were constructed:
Sensitivity testing was conducted on key variables, including pricing, demand elasticity, and regional adoption.