Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Market Size & Forecast
The Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) market is on an upward trajectory, driven by a surge in demand for infant nutrition and dietary supplements. This growth is fueled by rising awareness of the unique benefits HMOs provide and a continuous wave of innovation from manufacturers. Technological progress and regulatory approvals for the use of HMOs in human consumption are further expanding the scope for market penetration. As of 2025, the market is set on a strong growth path, with projections placing its value at USD 1.71 billion by 2032. This growth is expected to occur at a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.2%, reflecting its rising global significance.
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Key Findings: Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Market
By Type, the 2’FL segment is poised to dominate the HMOs market in 2025, owing to its wide acceptance and extensive application across various products. In terms of Concentration, the Neutral segment is expected to hold the largest share, demonstrating its widespread applicability and favorable characteristics. From an Application standpoint, Infant Formula remains the most prominent category, reflecting strong consumer demand and its central role in early-life nutrition. Geographically, North America is anticipated to maintain its lead in the global HMOs market throughout 2025, supported by technological progress and heightened health awareness.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Market Drivers
Rising Demand for Infant Nutrition
The demand for infant nutrition has seen consistent growth, driven largely by demographic expansion and evolving consumer preferences. With the global population projected to increase from 8 billion in 2022 to approximately 9.7 billion by 2050, the number of infants is expected to rise significantly, naturally escalating the demand for high-quality infant nutrition solutions.
Changing family dynamics are also influencing this trend. The growth of dual-income households and a higher number of working mothers have led to increased reliance on ready-to-use, convenient infant nutrition products. Additionally, modern parents are becoming more proactive about their children's nutritional health, with a specific focus on supporting cognitive and physical development from an early age. Consequently, there’s been a significant uptick in the consumption of organic, allergen-free, and functional food products. These evolving needs are creating strong tailwinds for the HMOs market, especially as HMOs are increasingly incorporated into infant formulas due to their scientifically backed health benefits.
Increasing Awareness Regarding the Benefits of HMOs
The role of HMOs in supporting infant health is becoming more recognized among consumers, particularly parents. Their benefits span several critical areas of health, including immune support, gastrointestinal well-being, and even brain development. As parents become more knowledgeable about these advantages, the inclusion of HMOs in infant formulas and dietary supplements has grown significantly.
HMOs help enhance immunity by encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and acting as decoys to pathogens, reducing the risk of infections. Their role in gut microbiota development is also essential for long-term digestive health. Furthermore, research indicates that HMOs contribute to early cognitive development by supporting the growth of the brain during infancy. These comprehensive benefits have led to an increased use of HMOs not only in infant formulas but also in functional food products and supplements, reinforcing the market's growth momentum.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Market Opportunities
Increasing Technological Advancements
Technological innovation is playing a crucial role in shaping the HMOs market. Advances in enzyme engineering have allowed for more precise and efficient synthesis techniques such as transglycosylation. This method enables the structured formation of complex oligosaccharides, reducing production costs and improving output quality.
Another key development in HMO manufacturing is the rise of chemoenzymatic synthesis. This technique, which combines chemical and enzymatic steps, enhances the scalability and diversity of HMOs that can be produced. Furthermore, groundbreaking research is exploring transgenic plant systems to produce HMOs, offering a promising and cost-effective alternative to microbial fermentation. These innovations are opening new avenues for market participants, enabling them to meet growing demand while managing production costs. As technology continues to evolve, it is expected to create significant opportunities for growth and expansion across different applications and geographies.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Market Analysis: Top Market Opportunity
2’FL Segment to Dominate by 2025
Among the various types of HMOs, 2’-Fucosyllactose (2’FL) is projected to dominate the market in 2025. This dominance can be attributed to several key factors. Since its regulatory approval in 2016, 2’FL has seen a sharp rise in both availability and consumer preference. It has quickly become a preferred HMO due to its established safety profile and extensive health benefits, including immune support and gut microbiota modulation.
The increased inclusion of 2’FL in infant formula products reflects this demand surge. Parents are showing a clear inclination towards formulas enriched with 2’FL, driven by the belief that they are closer to natural breast milk in terms of nutritional composition. The growth of this segment is expected to continue robustly, supported by ongoing product development and regulatory endorsements in different countries.
Geographical Analysis
North America to Lead in 2025
In 2025, North America is projected to account for the largest share of the global HMOs market. Several factors contribute to this regional dominance. There is a strong level of consumer awareness regarding the health benefits of HMOs, coupled with a rising demand for functional nutrition, especially for infants and young children. Personalized nutrition and gut health have become central themes in the dietary habits of consumers across the U.S. and Canada, further driving demand.
Technological advancements in HMO production and favorable regulatory frameworks have also boosted market development in the region. Governmental support in the form of product approvals and investments in food safety has encouraged innovation and entry of new products.
Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is set to record the highest CAGR over the forecast period. The region is seeing increased interest in infant nutrition products, driven by rising birth rates, higher disposable incomes, and a more health-conscious population. Expanding product availability and investments by major companies are further fueling market expansion in countries like China, India, and Japan.
Key Companies
The competitive landscape of the HMOs market is marked by strategic partnerships, regulatory approvals, and product launches. Leading players are continuously evolving their portfolios and entering new markets to expand their reach and stay competitive. Notable companies in this space include Chr. Hansen A/S (part of Novonesis, Denmark), DSM-Firmenich AG (Switzerland), Kyowa Hakko Europe GmbH (Germany), Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. (Netherlands), ZuChem Inc. (U.S.), ELICITYL S.A. (France), Dextra Laboratories Limited (U.K.), Glycosyn LLC (U.S.), Nestle Health Science (U.S.), Biosynth Ltd (U.K.), Inbiose NV (Belgium), BASF SE (Germany), and Abbott Laboratories (U.S.).
Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players
· In January 2025, Royal FrieslandCampina N.V. received approval for its 2’-FL ingredient, Aequival, for use in infant formula in Thailand.
· Also in January 2025, DSM-Firmenich AG obtained approval for four additional HMO ingredients from the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) for inclusion in infant nutrition products.
· Kyowa Hakko Bio Co., Ltd. formed a partnership in January 2025 with A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research) to further research in HMOs.
· In November 2024, Nestle Health Science introduced a new milk solution containing HMOs under its Wyeth Illume brand for the Chinese market.
· Back in July 2024, DSM-Firmenich AG expanded its product lineup in China by submitting two new HMO ingredients for approval to Chinese regulatory authorities.
· In February 2024, the same company gained approval for its HMO product GlyCare 3FL for use in food and dietary supplements in the U.S. and Australia.
These developments reflect an active, innovation-driven industry environment with major players making significant strides in product approval, research collaborations, and global market expansion.
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