Global Infant Formula Ingredients Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

• In March 2020, the Kraft Heinz firm partnered with Babytree, a childcare website in China, to distribute over 4,000 boxes of the company's infant nutrition to families in need through the Shanghai Fosun Foundation.

• In February 2020, Else Nutrition, producer and distributor of clean ingredients, and plant-based nutrition products announced the launch of a 100% plant-based, organic toddler formula prepared with a proprietary formulation of almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca.

In this report, the Infant Formula Ingredients Market has been segmented by Type, Source, Form, Application, and Geography.

Infant Formula Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Type

The Infant Formula Ingredients Market has been segmented by Type into Carbohydrates, Fats & Oils, Proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, and Prebiotics.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a primary energy source in infant formulas, typically comprising around 35-45% of total formula composition. These include lactose, maltodextrin, and corn syrup solids, mirroring the energy profile of human breast milk. Lactose is especially vital for calcium absorption and gut health, while non-lactose carbohydrates serve as alternatives for lactose-intolerant infants.

Fats & Oils

Fats and oils contribute about 45-50% of an infant formula’s caloric content. Key sources include vegetable oils like palm olein, sunflower, and coconut oil, as well as essential fatty acids such as ARA and DHA, which are crucial for brain and visual development. Their balanced inclusion mimics the lipid profile of breast milk.

Proteins

Proteins make up nearly 8-12% of infant formulas and are sourced mainly from whey and casein proteins to simulate the whey-dominant profile of human milk. Hydrolyzed proteins are often used to reduce allergenicity, supporting easier digestion and nutrient absorption in infants.

Vitamins

Vitamins, though required in smaller quantities, are essential for proper infant growth and immune function. Formulations typically include over 15 vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E, K, B-complex, and C, ensuring a comprehensive nutrient profile that aligns with pediatric dietary recommendations.

Minerals

Minerals account for approximately 1-2% of the formula and include essential elements like iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium. These minerals are critical for bone health, enzymatic functions, and oxygen transport. Enhanced bioavailability forms ensure effective absorption during early developmental stages.

Prebiotics

Prebiotics represent about 0.5-1% of the total formula and include compounds like galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). These ingredients support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, strengthen digestive health, and boost immune system development in infants.

Infant Formula Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Source

The Infant Formula Ingredients Market has been segmented by Source into Cow Milk, Soy, and Protein hydrolysates.

Cow Milk

Cow milk-based formulas dominate the market, accounting for nearly 65-70% of the total share. Rich in naturally occurring whey and casein proteins, cow milk is often modified to be more digestible for infants. These formulas closely replicate the nutritional profile of human milk, making them a preferred choice for full-term healthy babies.

Soy

Soy-based formulas make up around 12-15% of the infant formula market and are a common alternative for babies with lactose intolerance or cow milk protein allergies. Made from soy protein isolates, these formulas are fortified with essential nutrients to support healthy growth while remaining plant-based and dairy-free.

Protein Hydrolysates

Protein hydrolysate formulas, representing roughly 10-12% of the market, contain pre-digested proteins that are easier for infants to tolerate, especially those with high allergy risks. Available as either partially or extensively hydrolyzed variants, they are recommended for managing protein sensitivity and preventing allergic reactions.

Infant Formula Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Form

The Infant Formula Ingredients Market has been segmented by Form into Powder and Liquid & semi-liquid.

Powder

Powdered infant formula accounts for approximately 60-65% of the total market due to its affordability, longer shelf life, and ease of storage. This form is widely preferred by both manufacturers and consumers, particularly in emerging economies. It requires mixing with water before feeding, offering flexibility in preparation.

Liquid & Semi-Liquid

Liquid and semi-liquid infant formulas hold a market share of about 35-40%, favored for their convenience and ready-to-feed format. These formulas are especially popular in developed regions where time efficiency and hygiene are key considerations. Although costlier, they eliminate the need for water mixing and ensure consistent formula concentration.

Infant Formula Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Application

The Infant Formula Ingredients Market has been segmented by Application into Growing-Up Milk, Standard Infant Formula, Follow-On Formula, and Specialty Formula.

Growing-Up Milk

Growing-up milk, also known as toddler milk, accounts for around 25-30% of the market. Designed for children aged 1 to 3 years, it supplements dietary gaps with higher levels of iron, calcium, and vitamins. This formula type is increasingly popular in developing regions due to its role in supporting early childhood nutrition.

Standard Infant Formula

Standard infant formula dominates the market with a share of approximately 40-45%. Tailored for newborns up to 6 months, it is formulated to closely resemble human breast milk in composition. It typically includes a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and essential micronutrients to meet foundational nutritional needs.

Follow-On Formula

Follow-on formulas represent nearly 20-25% of the segment and are targeted at infants aged 6 to 12 months. These formulas provide elevated levels of iron, protein, and other vital nutrients to support active growth and development during this stage. They are commonly used when weaning begins or as a complement to solid foods.

Specialty Formula

Specialty formulas account for about 5-10% of the market and are developed to address specific health conditions such as lactose intolerance, allergies, or metabolic disorders. These formulations often use hydrolyzed proteins, amino acids, or soy and are prescribed under medical guidance for infants with unique dietary requirements.

Infant Formula Ingredients Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Infant Formula Ingredients Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Infant Formula Ingredients Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America holds a significant share of approximately 30-35% in the infant formula ingredients market. The region benefits from high consumer awareness, strong healthcare infrastructure, and demand for premium and organic formula products. The U.S. leads this region due to innovation in product formulations and increasing parental preference for quality nutrition.

Europe

Europe contributes around 25-28% of the global market, driven by stringent regulatory standards and rising demand for clean-label and hypoallergenic infant formulas. Countries like Germany, France, and the UK are key players, with a strong emphasis on organic and sustainability-focused products.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region, currently holding a market share of about 28-32%. Rapid urbanization, increasing birth rates, and rising disposable income in countries like China, India, and Japan are fueling demand. The region shows strong interest in premium and fortified formulas due to evolving dietary preferences.

Middle East and Africa

Middle East and Africa account for approximately 5-7% of the market. Growth is primarily supported by rising awareness of infant nutrition and increasing access to healthcare facilities. Despite being a smaller segment, the region shows potential through urban expansion and population growth.

Latin America

Latin America holds a market share of nearly 5-8%, led by countries like Brazil and Mexico. Expanding middle-class populations and growing awareness of infant health are driving the adoption of nutrient-rich formula products. The region also sees growth in imported premium brands and local manufacturing improvements.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Infant Formula Ingredients Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints and Opportunities Analysis.

Drivers, Restraints and Opportunity Analysis

Drivers:

• Rising birth rates
• Increasing urbanization

• Growing awareness of infant nutrition -Growing awareness of infant nutrition is significantly shaping the dynamics of the Global Infant Formula Ingredients Market. Parents and caregivers are increasingly recognizing the importance of providing infants with nutritionally balanced diets during their early developmental stages. This awareness stems from a heightened understanding of the long-term health impacts of early nutrition on cognitive development, immune function, and overall growth. As a result, there is a rising demand for infant formula ingredients that mimic the nutritional composition of human breast milk, ensuring infants receive essential nutrients such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics.

  In response to this growing awareness, manufacturers in the infant formula industry are focusing on research and development to innovate new ingredients and formulations that meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory standards. These innovations include advancements in ingredient sourcing, processing technologies, and product packaging designed to enhance nutritional content, safety, and convenience. As awareness continues to drive consumer demand for high-quality infant nutrition products, the market is poised for continued growth and development, with opportunities for expansion in both established and emerging markets globally.

Restraints:

• Cultural barriers
• High product development costs

• Health concerns - Health concerns play a critical role in shaping the dynamics of the Global Infant Formula Ingredients Market, influencing consumer preferences, regulatory frameworks, and industry practices. One significant concern revolves around the nutritional adequacy and safety of infant formula ingredients. Parents and healthcare professionals alike prioritize formulas that closely mimic the composition of human breast milk, as it is considered the gold standard for infant nutrition. This emphasis stems from concerns over potential health risks associated with deviations from natural feeding practices, including allergies, digestive issues, and long-term developmental impacts.

  Regulatory agencies worldwide impose stringent standards and guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of infant formula ingredients. These regulations cover aspects such as ingredient sourcing, manufacturing processes, nutritional content, and labeling practices. Compliance with these standards is crucial for manufacturers to mitigate health-related risks and build consumer trust in their products. However, navigating regulatory landscapes across different regions can pose challenges, impacting market entry strategies and product formulations.

  In response to these health concerns, industry stakeholders are investing in research and development to innovate safer and more nutritionally advanced infant formula ingredients. This includes advancements in ingredient sourcing, processing techniques, and packaging innovations aimed at enhancing product safety, nutritional efficacy, and consumer satisfaction. Moving forward, addressing health concerns will remain a pivotal factor in shaping the regulatory landscape and market dynamics of the Global Infant Formula Ingredients Market, driving continuous improvements in product safety and nutritional quality.

Opportunities:

• Organic and clean label trends
• Product innovation

• Online retail expansion - Online retail expansion is reshaping the landscape of the Global Infant Formula Ingredients Market, offering convenience, accessibility, and a broader reach to consumers worldwide. The growth of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized how parents and caregivers shop for infant formula products, providing them with a convenient alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. This shift is driven by several key factors that highlight the transformative impact of online retail on the market dynamics.

  Online retail platforms facilitate direct-to-consumer engagement through personalized marketing strategies, educational content, and customer support services. This direct interaction helps build brand loyalty and trust among consumers, who value transparency in ingredient sourcing, manufacturing practices, and nutritional benefits.

  As online retail continues to grow, manufacturers and retailers are leveraging digital marketing strategies, social media platforms, and targeted advertising to reach a global audience of parents and caregivers. This digital transformation not only accelerates market expansion but also drives innovation in logistics, packaging solutions, and customer service enhancements tailored to meet the evolving demands of the infant formula market.

Key players in Global Infant Formula Ingredients Market include:

• Arla Foods Amba
• Vitablend Nederland B.V.
• Carbery Food Ingredients Limited
• Fonterra Co-Operative Group Limited
• Aarhuskarlshamn AB
• Royal Frieslandcampina N.V.
• Sachsenmilch Leppersdorf GmbH
• BASF SE
• Koninklijke DSM N.V.
• Chr. Hansen Holding A/S
• Glanbia PLC
• Kerry Group PLC

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis