Infant Nutrition Ingredients Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis, By Type (Proteins, Vitamins, Carbohydrates, Minerals, and Others), By Source (Cow Milk, Soy, Protein Hydrolysates, and Others), By Application (0 to 6-month-old Infants, 6 to 12-month-old Infants, Infants Over 12 Months, and Specialty Formula), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global infant nutrition ingredients market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. A growing global population with a rising birth rate, particularly in developing countries, fuels the demand for infant formula, a key formula for infant nutrition ingredients.

Parents are increasingly seeking infant formulas fortified with functional ingredients that offer specific health benefits beyond essential nutrition. This includes prebiotics, probiotics, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), and other essential nutrients that support cognitive development, immune function, and gut health.

Stringent regulations in many countries mandate the purification of infant formulas with essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, rising concerns about allergies, lactose intolerance, and other infant health issues drive the demand for specialized formulas with tailored ingredients. For instance, in March 2022, the European Food Safety (EFSA) made Arla Food Ingredients Peptigen IF-3080 (protein hydrolysates) safe and suitable for incorporation in infant formulas and follow-on formulas in Europe.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Infant Nutrition Ingredients Market


• Supply Chain and Regulatory Analysis


• Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Infant Nutrition Ingredients Market


• Key Developments

Segmentation

Analysis by Type

By type, the market is classified into proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, minerals, and others. The proteins segment is anticipated to hold a major share of the global market. Proteins are fundamental building blocks for an infant’s body. They play a crucial role in muscle development, tissue repair, and overall growth. Infant formulas are specifically designed to mimic breast milk, which is rich in protein. The proteins segment offers the most common protein sources in infant formulas, including whey protein, sien, and soy protein isolates. The growing need for protein sources in infants led manufacturers to launch innovative products to meet the demand.

• For instance, in May 2023, Arla Foods Ingredients, a Danish-Swedish multinational co-operative, launched a new alpha-lactalbumin-rich infant formula ingredient. The new product helps meet the growing need for low-protein formulations.

The vitamins segment is expected to grow considerably over the forecast period. Infants have specific vitamin needs that differ from adults. Fortification with vitamins such as vitamins A, C, D, and E helps ensure proper development of vision, immunity, bones, and the nervous system.

The minerals segment is expected to grow moderately over the forecast period. Parents are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of optimal nutrition for their infants. This awareness translates to a demand for infant formula and baby food products with essential minerals, further fueling the market growth.

Analysis by Source

By source, the market is divided into cow milk, soy, protein hydrolysates, and others. The milk segment is projected to exhibit a significant proportion of the global market as cow’s milk protein and fat composition resembles somewhat human breast milk, making it a suitable base for infant formula after necessary modifications. Cow’s milk is a readily available and relatively inexpensive source of protein and other nutrients compared to other options such as soy or goat’s milk. This affordability makes cow-milk-derived ingredients a practical choice for infant formula manufacturers, especially in cost-sensitive markets.

The protein hydrolysates segment is anticipated to expand with a considerable CAGR during the forecast period. Protein hydrolysates are broken-down protein molecules that are easier for infants to digest, especially those with cow’s milk allergies or lactose intolerance. This makes them a crucial ingredient for specialized infant formulas that cater to these dietary needs.

Analysis by Application

By application, the market is segmented into 0 to 6-month-old infants, 6 to 12-month-old infants, infants over 12 months, and specialty formula. The 0-6 months-old infant segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. The first six months of an infant’s life are crucial for development. Infants who are completely formula-fed require supplementation specifically designed to meet their unique nutritional needs.

Regional Analysis

The global market is geographically segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific is expected to account for the largest proportion of the global infant nutrition ingredients market. The region is home to a massive and growing population, with a high number of births per year. According to the World Bank data published in 2023, the average birth rate of China, India, Australia, and Japan accounted for 15.2, 18.7, 12, and 8 per 1000 people, respectively. Therefore, a large base of infants translates to a significant demand for infant formula and other nutrition products that rely on these ingredients.

North America is anticipated to expand with a significant growth rate as North American parents tend to be highly aware of the importance of infant nutrition and have access to a wide variety of infant formulas and ingredient options. This creates a strong demand for innovative and specialized infant nutrition ingredients.

Key Players Covered

The report will include the profiles of key players, such as AAK AB, Royal Friesland Campina N.V., Glanbia Plc, BASF SE, Koninklijke DSM N.V., Lactalis Ingredients, Bunge Loders Croklaan (BLC), Arla Foods Ingredients, Carbery Food Ingredients Limited, and Kerry Group plc.

Key Industry Developments

• In October 2023, Arla Foods Ingredients enhanced its Porteña facility in Argentina to cater to the growing demand for quality whey ingredients globally, especially in Latin America. The company upgraded its new drying tower, which helped increase whey permeate powder capacity and boost infant-formula-grade protein production.


• In February 2023, Koninklijke DSM N.V., a Dutch multinational corporation, secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its newly developed infant nutrition ingredient. The new ingredient, human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), allowed the company to incorporate nutritional formulas with the same immune and bacterial benefits provided by naturally occurring HMOs in breast milk.