Global Infant Nutrition Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030

INFANT NUTRITION MARKET SIZE & SHARE INSIGHTS

The global Infant Nutrition Market was valued at USD 81.38 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 110.28 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period. The Baby Nutrition Products industry has experienced exponential growth in recent years, driven by increased attention to infant health and nutrition. Vendors in the Infant Formula Market are focusing on developing advanced, high-quality Infant Feeding Solutions and Infant Milk Formula to meet evolving consumer expectations. Recently, the Baby Food Industry has observed several trends, including a shift from organic to Plant-Based Baby Nutrition, the use of advanced, safe ingredients to mimic breast milk, and a continued increase in the number of product launches of Premium Infant Nutrition Products and Specialized Infant Formula. These factors are responsible for continued development in the Infant Nutrition Market.

Infant nutrition is the process of feeding essential nutrients to support an infant’s development, growth, and resistance to diseases. Breast milk or Infant Milk Formula is the primary source of infant nutrition. From birth to adulthood, adequate Early Childhood Nutrition is fundamental to a child’s continued health. Every infant has the right to good nutrition under the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Worldwide, in most countries, less than one-fourth of infants have access to the required feeding frequency and dietary diversity. However, child malnutrition is steadily growing due to several factors such as birth defects, congenital diseases, economic instability, lack of awareness, and poverty. These conditions further highlight the importance of accessible Infant Feeding Solutions, Toddler Nutrition Products, and Infant Health and Wellness Nutrition.

RECENT VENDORS ACTIVITIES

New Product Launches

In 2024, Else Nutrition announced the first commercial launch of its groundbreaking and only Plant-Based Baby Nutrition formula in Australia. With the launch of this new Infant Formula Market product, the company aims to expand in the APAC Baby Nutrition Products and Early Childhood Nutrition industries. This is a follow-on formula for infants and toddlers.

In 2024, Abbott announced the expansion of its Infant Formula – Pure Bliss by Similac line which gives parents a variety of Premium Infant Nutrition Products to meet specific formula preferences.

In 2024, Bobbie, a pediatric nutrition company, announced its first step toward launching Infant Nutritional Supplements, such as Organic Vitamin D and Probiotic Drops. This new step marks the company’s first expansion beyond Infant Formula Market products into broader Infant Health and Wellness Nutrition.

In 2024, Nestlé (India) developed “No Refined Sugar” variants of the infant food Cerelac within the Baby Food Industry and aims to launch them soon.

In 2024, Wyeth Nutrition, a manufacturer of nutritional products, launched its first Infant Milk Formula containing two essential HMOs to support improved Infant Health and Wellness for newborns.

In 2023, Nestlé developed and launched a growing-up milk solution with HMOs for Early Childhood Nutrition in China under its Wyeth Illuma Brand. Now this formula is available across China and is expected to be available in other countries soon.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Market Growth: The global Infant Nutrition Market was valued at USD 81.38 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 110.28 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.20% during the forecast period.

By Product: The first infant formula segment holds the largest market share of over 48%. This Infant Milk Formula contains whey protein and casein, which are easier to digest and support Infant Health and Wellness Nutrition, thus helping the segment’s growth.

By Product Form: The Ready-to-Feed Baby Formula segment shows the highest growth of 5.91%, as it is one of the safest Infant Feeding Solutions for babies because it limits newborn exposure to excessive fluoride.

By Distribution Channel: The supermarkets & hypermarkets segment accounts for the largest market share, as they are major distribution channels for Baby Nutrition Products and Toddler Nutrition Products, offering a wide selection.

By Geography: APAC holds the largest share of the Infant Nutrition Market and is projected to grow at 6.05% during the forecast period.

Growth Factor: The global Infant Nutrition Market is set to grow due to rising interest in mimicking breast milk nutrition and increasing attention toward Organic Baby Food, Organic Infant Formula, and natural Infant Feeding Solutions.

INFANT NUTRITION MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Rising Interest in Mimicking the Nutrition of Breast Milk

In infant care, Early Childhood Nutrition is an exciting category that is expected to be continuously driven by research & development (R&D). Of these, one of the most popular trends in the Infant Formula Market is the development of formulas that mimic breast milk. In human breast milk, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are considered the most essential compounds contributing to infant growth, immunity, and Infant Health and Wellness Nutrition.

In recent years, the growing interest in developing Premium Infant Nutrition Products containing HMOs has become a major trend in the Baby Food Industry. Worldwide, new baby milk and Infant Milk Formula launches with HMO ingredients have grown more than tenfold from 2016 to 2022. The growing awareness of HMOs in Infant Feeding Solutions is expected to create significant opportunities for the Infant Nutrition Market.

Attention Towards Organic/Natural Nutrition for Infants

In the Baby Nutrition Products sector, providing safe and effective nutrition is a key priority for parents. Growing consumer interest in Organic Baby Food, Organic Infant Formula, and natural ingredients has contributed to the rapid growth of the Infant Nutrition Market.

According to Glanbia plc, only 7% of Infant Nutrition Products carried organic claims in 2015. This figure increased to over 10% in 2020 and more than 11% in 2023. Growing R&D investment in organic ingredients is helping companies develop Premium Infant Nutrition Products that address parents’ concerns regarding safety and environmental sustainability.

As a result, organic ingredients are increasingly becoming a lifestyle choice within the Baby Food Industry, supporting the expansion of Infant Feeding Solutions and Toddler Nutrition Products.

High Attention Towards Infant Digestive Health

In 2023, malnutrition affected more than 200 million children under five worldwide, increasing the demand for specialized Infant Feeding Solutions and Infant Nutritional Supplements.

Digestive health plays a crucial role in Early Childhood Nutrition, influencing gut health, brain development, and immunity. These factors are essential for overall Infant Health and Wellness Nutrition. Research on the gut-brain axis has increased demand for Specialized Infant Formula that supports digestive health and nutrient absorption.

This growing awareness is driving innovation in Premium Infant Nutrition Products, especially formulas designed for improved digestion and gut health.

Growing Concern and Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Infants

Malnutrition remains one of the most serious challenges affecting Early Childhood Nutrition worldwide. Adequate Infant Feeding Solutions during the first 1,000 days of life are essential for healthy growth.

In 2023, the World Health Organization reported that severe acute malnutrition remains common among infants under six months. Around 37% of infants in this group are underweight, while nearly 20% are wasted.

The burden of malnutrition is highest in lower-resource settings, particularly in South Asia, where more than 20% of children were stunted at birth in 2022. These challenges highlight the increasing importance of Infant Milk Formula, Infant Nutritional Supplements, and Baby Nutrition Products.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Concerns about Product Safety

Feeding appropriate nutrition through Infant Feeding Solutions or Infant Milk Formula is essential for infant health. However, infants are highly sensitive to food allergies, making parents cautious about Baby Nutrition Products.

Approximately 3% of infants have food allergies, and around 10% of one-year-olds experience food-related sensitivities. Although the Infant Formula Market is widely recognized for providing safe and effective nutrition, concerns remain about the ingredients used in Baby Food Industry products.

According to DSM, around 74% of parents are concerned about sugar content in Infant Nutrition Products, while 67% are concerned about additives. Additionally, around 71% of parents prefer clean-label Organic Baby Food and Organic Infant Formula products. These concerns create challenges for the Infant Nutrition Market.

INFANT NUTRITION MARKET SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT

The Infant Nutrition Market by product is segmented into first infant formula, follow-on formula, growing-up formula, and Specialized Infant Formula.

In 2024, the first infant formula segment accounted for the largest share of over 48%. This Infant Milk Formula contains whey and casein, which are easier to digest, supporting Infant Health and Wellness Nutrition.

Healthcare professionals widely recommend this Infant Feeding Solution as the primary source of nutrition for infants from birth through six months. Increasing cases of low-birth-weight babies and medical conditions among newborns are also contributing to the growth of this segment within the Infant Formula Market.

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT FORM

The Infant Nutrition Market by product form includes powder formula, concentrated liquid formula, and Ready-to-Feed Baby Formula.

The Ready-to-Feed Baby Formula segment is witnessing the fastest growth due to its safety, sterility, and convenience. It is widely recognized as a breast milk substitute in liquid form and is an important component of modern Infant Feeding Solutions.

Organizations such as UNICEF support the use of Ready-to-Feed Baby Formula for infants who cannot be breastfed due to medical conditions or humanitarian situations. Its convenience and reduced risk of contamination are driving demand in the Infant Formula Market.

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

Supermarkets and hypermarkets account for the largest share of the Infant Nutrition Market. These retail channels provide a wide range of Baby Nutrition Products, including Infant Milk Formula, Organic Baby Food, snacks, cereals, and Toddler Nutrition Products.

They offer a convenient one-stop shopping experience for parents and promote globally recognized Premium Infant Nutrition Products, supporting consumer trust and market expansion.

INFANT NUTRITION MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

The APAC region holds the largest share of the global Infant Nutrition Market and is expected to grow at the fastest pace, with a CAGR of 6.05% over the forecast period. APAC represents one of the most significant regions globally, accounting for nearly 50% of the world’s population. Additionally, the region records more than 50 million births each year, creating substantial demand for Baby Nutrition Products and Infant Feeding Solutions.

Several factors, including the prevalence of low birth weight (LBW), malnutrition, and chronic or genetic health conditions, are contributing to the rising demand for Infant Milk Formula and other Infant Nutrition Products across the region. These challenges have increased awareness among both parents and healthcare professionals regarding the importance of proper Early Childhood Nutrition and its role in infant development and health.

As a result, the demand for Infant Nutrition Products in APAC is growing rapidly, and the region is expected to maintain its dominant position in the Infant Formula Market in the coming years. The large consumer base, improving healthcare awareness, and rising purchasing power are attracting numerous multinational companies to expand their presence in the region. Furthermore, many international Infant Formula Market brands are strengthening their distribution networks by expanding into lower-tier cities in China, further supporting the growth of the Baby Food Industry in APAC.

INFANT NUTRITION MARKET COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The Infant Nutrition Market report provides comprehensive insights into 25 vendors operating across the global Baby Food Industry. The market landscape remains highly competitive, with major players such as Abbott, Danone, Nestlé, Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, Perrigo Company, and FrieslandCampina holding significant positions in the Infant Formula Market.

These companies are actively strengthening their market presence by expanding their portfolios of Baby Nutrition Products, Infant Nutritional Supplements, and Specialized Infant Formula. Through continuous product innovation and quality improvements, vendors are focusing on delivering safe, advanced, and reliable Infant Feeding Solutions that address the evolving nutritional needs of infants and the growing expectations of parents worldwide.