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April 2025
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Principal Consultant
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The global infant formula market size is calculated at US$ 82.4 in 2024, grew to US$ 90.27 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach around US$ 207.19 billion by 2034. The market is expanding at a CAGR of 9.55% between 2025 and 2034.
For the proper development, growth, and function of infants, human milk is the most effective nutrition. But sometimes it is not possible to feed human milk to them. Thus, infant formula is becoming a widely accepted alternative to breastfeeding. Bioactive compounds such as human milk oligosaccharides, probiotics, vitamins, prebiotics, minerals, inositol, lactoferrin, etc., are being added to this infant formula, which can increase its nutritional value. It can be in ready-to-feed liquid or in powdered form, which can be reconstituted with water.
The powdered form is widely used due to its availability and stable shelf life. Furthermore, the nutritional composition of infant formula has a long-lasting effect on the gut microbiota, which is considered a complex ecosystem and can also affect growth and immune development. Thus, it serves as an important factor to be considered while formulating the infant formula.
The use of AI in the medical field is increasing. Similarly, its use in the development of infant formula is also rising. A custom vision system and dual-arm YuMi cobot were developed, which automated the rehydration of infant formula powders and also assessed the rehydration characteristics. A 21-megapixel camera with a cubic lightbox for uniform and consistent light was introduced in the cobot system to mimic the human agitation, as well as conditions similar to the end users. The images were captured, and rehydration was performed by the cobot. Then, the images and rehydration characteristics were evaluated by CV algorithms. Thus, the cobot provides analysis of different powder types and agitation methods while CV algorithms improve the measurement accuracy and quality control process in the industry.
Rising Awareness
Due to the increasing awareness about the nutritional values of infant formula, its demand is rising. In some cases, infant formula is provided as a supplement during breastfeeding by hospitals. Similarly, the females engaged in busier lifestyles also use infant formulas as an alternative to breastfeeding. This, in turn, increases the knowledge about the ingredients present in it. Furthermore, online sources also provide the role of the ingredients used as well as their side effects. Thus, industries are developing new infant formulas, as well as the government imposes strong rules and regulations to improve the quality of infant formula. All these factors contribute to the infant formula market growth.
Safety Alarms
The stability of ready-to-feed infant formulas can be hampered depending on the type of containers as well as environmental conditions. The plastic container with ready-to-feed formulas may get contaminated easily. Furthermore, certain contaminants toxic to infants were also tested in the infant formulas. This, in turn, increases the fear within the population concerning the safety of the infants.
New developments
As the demand for infant formula rises, the formulation of new infant formulas is also increased. Thus, depending on the demand of the public, various types of infant formulas are being developed. Products containing probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins, and human milk oligosaccharides are being manufactured and distributed continuously. Similarly, specialty products consisting of plant-based or hydrolyzed protein are also increasing. Furthermore, organic infant formulas are also developed. All these developments promote the infant formula market growth.
For instance,
By type, the infant milk formula segment dominated the market in 2024. The infant milk formula was used as a supplement as well as an alternative to breastfeeding. This increased its use, raising its demand in the market. Thus, it contributed to the infant formula market growth.
By type, the follow-on-milk segment is estimated to be the fastest growing at a notable CAGR during the forecast period. The follow-on milk consists of appropriate nutritional values essential for infant growth and development. This attracts and increases its use by the public, mostly working women.
By product type, the infant formula segment dominated the infant formula market in 2024. It consisted of essential nutrients, which made it a preferred choice as a supplement to breastfeeding by the hospitals. Furthermore, the government regulations also recognized it as safe to use, which increased its use.
By product type, the baby food segment is anticipated to grow significantly during the forecast period. The baby food products are increasing due to rising awareness among parents about the nutritional value. Thus, it provides essential nutrients for infants as per their demand. Furthermore, these are also being approved by the government, which increases the acceptance rates.
By distribution channel, the supermarkets & hypermarkets segment dominated the global infant formula market in 2024. The supermarkets & hypermarkets offered a wide range of products, which increased the convenience. Furthermore, it also provided trusted brands' products at affordable prices.
By distribution channel, the specialty store segment is predicted to be the fastest growing during the forecast period. The specialty store consists of a variety of high-quality products. They also provide advice for the selection of the required products, which enhances the acceptance rates by the parents.
Asia Pacific dominated the market in 2024. Due to higher birth rates, the demand for infant formula increased. At the same time, due to lifestyle changes, the use of nutritional infant formula increased its demand. Thus, this contributed to the market growth.
The demand for infant formula is increasing due to the increasing population. Furthermore, the use of baby products along with infant formula is rising due to advancing lifestyles. Thus, along with these factors, the government has also imposed strict rules and regulations for their production, which enhances the trust within the population, raising their demand.
As the birth rate increases, the demand for infant formula also rises. At the same time, the developed and developing areas enhance the demand for baby products. Furthermore, the busier lifestyles contribute to the same.
North America is estimated to host a significantly growing infant formula market during the forecast period. North America is experiencing a rise in the female workforce even after childbirth, which in turn increases the demand for infant formula as an alternative to breastfeeding. Furthermore, as per nutritional values, the demand is increasing, which enhances the market growth.
The demand for infant formula is increasing due to the rising demand for organic and nutritional infant formulas. At the same time, to support working women, the government is also supporting the industries for rapid and improved production.
The industries in Canada are collaborating to develop a wide range of infant formulas as per public demand. This, in turn, makes available a variety of options for the parents or for continuously working women to select. This also increased the export rates of infant formulas.
Europe is expected to grow lucratively in the infant formula market during the forecast period. The increasing awareness about the growth, health, and nutritional values of children is raising the demand for infant formulas. This is increasing the production of new infant formulas as well as their distribution, which promotes the market growth.
Various industries in Germany are developing new or organic infant formulas. This is due to increasing awareness within the population for proper management of a baby’s health. Furthermore, the increasing availability and online stores is making it easier to choose a suitable infant formula.
Different varieties of infant formulas are made available in supermarkets as well as online stores, which drives the market. This also increases the export rates along with the distribution. Furthermore, the rules and regulations help to enhance the trust within the population for nutritional infant formula selection.
The graph indicates the total rise in the prices of infant formula in the UK from 2021 to 2023. It indicates that there is a rise in price in 2023, representing that there is an increased purchase of infant formulas in the UK. Hence, the manufacturers can enhance the development of new infant formulas as per the consumers' needs, which will ultimately promote the market's growth.
By Type
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