Infant formula ingredients market seen topping $38 billion by 2030

The Business Research Company projects the infant formula ingredients market will reach $38.48 billion by 2030, led by Asia-Pacific and the U.S. Growth is being driven by demand for premium, convenient and science-backed infant nutrition, with carbohydrates remaining the largest ingredient segment.

Why it matters: - The infant formula ingredients market is moving from a niche category to a much larger part of the global food ingredients supply chain. - The market is expected to hit $38.48 billion by 2030, making it a meaningful growth pocket for ingredient makers, formula brands and dairy processors. - Rising demand for premium, clean-label and specialty infant nutrition is reshaping product development and pricing.

What happened: - The Business Research Company said the global infant formula ingredients market is expected to surpass $38 billion by 2030. - The market is forecast to grow at a 9% compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030. - Asia-Pacific is projected to be the largest region in 2030, valued at $16 billion. - The U.S. is projected to be the largest country in 2030, valued at $8 billion. - The carbohydrates segment is expected to be the largest ingredient category in 2030, accounting for 39% of the market, or about $15 billion. - The market is segmented by ingredient type into carbohydrates, oil and fats, protein, vitamins, minerals and prebiotics. - The market is segmented by form into powder and liquid. - The market is segmented by application into growing milk, standard infant, follow-on formula and specialty formula.

The details: - Asia-Pacific is expected to grow from $10 billion in 2025 to $16 billion in 2030. - The region’s growth is linked to rising birth rates, more urban working-parent households, wider retail and pharmacy distribution, and stronger adoption of premium and specialized formulas. - China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam are cited as important markets for domestic dairy and nutrition ingredient processing. - The U.S. is expected to grow from $5 billion in 2025 to $8 billion in 2030. - U.S. growth is tied to demand for scientifically formulated infant nutrition, more women in the workforce, specialty and premium formula expansion, clinical research spending, and innovation in protein hydrolysates, prebiotics and human milk oligosaccharide-based formulations. - Carbohydrates are being supported by demand for lactose-based energy sources, digestive comfort and better absorption. - The report says the carbohydrates market will be helped by ingredient processing technologies, fortified and specialty products, and changing dietary guidelines. - The Business Research Company said the most significant growth opportunities also include oil and fats, protein, vitamins, minerals and prebiotics. - Those segments are projected to add more than $14.4 billion in market value by 2030. - The company projects the carbohydrates market will grow by $5 billion, oil and fats by $4 billion, protein by $3 billion, vitamins by $1 billion, minerals by $1 billion and prebiotics by $0.4 billion from 2025 to 2030. - The company said dual-income households are increasing demand for ready-to-use formula and convenient food solutions. - The company said premiumization, clean-label and organic demand are also accelerating growth. - The company said innovation in ingredient science is supporting enhanced nutritional value and premium pricing power. - The 2026 edition of the report includes market attractiveness scoring, TAM analysis, company scoring matrix graphics and tables, Excel-based forecasting dashboards, market hotspots infographics, key technology analysis and updated graphics. - The company said it has published more than 30,000 reports across 27 industries and 60 geographies. - The company said its research draws on 1,500,000 datasets, secondary research and interviews with industry leaders. - A free sample of the report is available here. - The detailed report is available here.

Between the lines: - The forecast points to a market where convenience and trust are becoming as important as nutrition itself. - Premium and science-led products appear to be taking share as parents seek clearer ingredients, stronger health claims and more specialized formulations. - The size of Asia-Pacific and the U.S. suggests the category’s growth is being driven by both volume in emerging markets and premium demand in mature ones.

What's next: - Ingredient suppliers and formula makers are likely to keep investing in lactose alternatives, prebiotics, protein innovations and human milk oligosaccharide-based products. - More growth may come from specialized formulas for infants with dietary sensitivities and from microbiome-supporting product development. - Report buyers can expect more detailed forecasting and segmentation from The Business Research Company’s 2026 report format.

The bottom line: - Infant formula ingredients are set for steady expansion through 2030, with carbohydrates, premiumization and Asia-Pacific driving the next phase of growth.