Global Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Outlook
Revenue, 2024
$342M
Forecast, 2034
$1.30B
CAGR, 2025 - 2034
14.3%
The Human Milk Oligosaccharides industry revenue is expected to be around $391.3 million in 2025 and expected to showcase growth with 14.3% CAGR between 2025 and 2034.
Human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) known as a component of breast milk after fat and lactose content has brought about a significant change in how gut health is maintained and immunity is bolstered. This discovery has paved the way for advancements in infant formulae, supplements and functional foods as HMOs have the ability to transform gut bacteria enhance immune responses and contribute to brain development. Recent market observations point towards an increasing desire for products harnessiung the power of HMOs indicating a shift towards recognizing its benefits, on well being.
Market Key Insights
- The Human Milk Oligosaccharides market is projected to grow from $342.3 million in 2024 to $1.30 billion in 2034. This represents a CAGR of 14.3%, reflecting rising demand across Infant Nutrition, Gut Health Supplements and Functional Foods.
- Glycom A/S, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, Kyowa Hakko Europe GmbH are among the leading players in this market, shaping its competitive landscape.
- U.S. and Germany are the top markets within the Human Milk Oligosaccharides market and are expected to observe the growth CAGR of 12.9% to 17.2% between 2024 and 2030.
- Emerging markets including China, India and Japan are expected to observe highest growth with CAGR ranging between 10.0% to 15.0%.
- Transition like Shift towards Synthetic Production is expected to add $45 million to the Human Milk Oligosaccharides Hmo market growth by 2030.
- The Human Milk Oligosaccharides market is set to add $961 million between 2024 and 2034, with manufacturer targeting Food & Beverage & Dietary Supplements Application projected to gain a larger market share.
- With Increasing research and development activities, and Rising focus on infant nutrition, Human Milk Oligosaccharides market to expand 281% between 2024 and 2034.
Opportunities in the Human Milk Oligosaccharides
Many people around the world cannot digest lactose properly making it challenging for them to get the nutritional value from dairy products, like milk.
Growth Opportunities in North America and Europe
The health maintenance organization (HMO) sector in North America is experiencing growth thanks to increased awareness of infant nutrition health benefits and consumer preference for high quality nutritional items from top brands, in the industry The competition is fierce as companies prioritize research and development to create innovative products Opportunities abound as the popularity of functional foods continues to rise steadily throughout the market.
The European market for Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) experiences growth due to increased interest in baby formula and health supplements by consumers. Although regulations pose some limitations on expansion the market benefits from the presence of players and a rising awareness of health, among buyers. Competition is varied as companies strive to lead the market with products and partnerships.
Market Dynamics and Supply Chain
01
Driver: Increasing Research and Development Activities, and Technological advancements in HMO extraction
The increasing acknowledgment of the advantages of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) coupled with investments, in research and development endeavors indicate a focused effort to optimize the health benefits associated with HMO usage and subsequently boost market demand. Advancements in technology have also enhanced the efficiency and cost effectiveness of extracting and synthesizing HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides). These enhancements have also facilitated production capacity and met the growing market needs, for products based on HMOs effectively.
The growing attention on infant nutrition and a better grasp of the health advantages offered by Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) for babies – like boosting immune system development and improving gut health – have also led to a rise in the need, for infant formula and supplements containing HMO as a factor driving the market forward.
02
Restraint: High Production Costs
The process of extracting and producing Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) is quite costly. This results in the prices of HMO products being on the higher side in the market as well An increase in prices could discourage potential customers from making purchases which could restrict the availability of HMO products in the market and hinder the growth of this market The main reason behind this situation is the complexity involved in extracting HMOs from human milk or synthesizing them chemically This complexity calls for substantial investments, in technology and skilled workforce
03
Opportunity: Tailoring Infant Nutrition and Novel Application in Adult Nutrition
The growing popularity of customized nutrition has also made its way into the baby formula industry with the introduction of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (or HMO). This offers a way to improve infant formula by closely resembling breast milk and offering enhanced nutritional advantages to babies specifically aiming at improving their immune system and maintaining gut health effectively.
HMOs have long been connected with infant nutrition; however recent studies indicate they could also offer advantages for adults too. By including HMOs, in adult supplements or functional foods could support gut health. Enhance immunity which might even aid in weight management. Paving the way for a fresh and unexplored market segment.
04
Challenge: Public Awareness and Understanding
Many people are not fully informed about the advantages of HMOs particularly regarding human milk oligosaccharides and how they impact health as it is a novel concept, for most individuals.
Supply Chain Landscape
1
Raw Material Providers
DupontNestle
2
Biochemical Production
GlycomInbiose
3
Formulation & Processing
Abbott LaboratoriesJennewein Biotechnologie
4
End-Use Industries
Infant NutritionPharmaceutical Manufacturing
1
Raw Material Providers
DupontNestle
2
Biochemical Production
GlycomInbiose
3
Formulation & Processing
Abbott LaboratoriesJennewein Biotechnologie
4
End-Use Industries
Infant NutritionPharmaceutical Manufacturing
Use Cases of Human Milk Oligosaccharides in Infant Nutrition & Gut Health Supplements
Infant Nutrition : Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) are commonly used in baby food to help with the growth of infants by boosting their system and maintaining a healthy gut environment to prevent illnesses such as infections. Leading companies like Nestle and Abbott incorporate HMO into infant formulas to replicate some of the advantages of breast milk, for babies well being.
Gut Health Supplements : More and more companies are incorporating HMOs into adult supplements to support gut health these days. With their features. they help promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria which can boost digestion and immune system strength. Brands such as Holigos are, at the forefront of providing gut health supplements based on HMOs.
Functional Foods : The creative application of HMOs goes beyond usage and is now being incorporated into functional foods and beverages to improve their nutritional content significantly. Not do they boost immunity but also add value to these commonly consumed products. In this sector Creative Enzymes and Zuchem stand out for their strategies and unique offerings.
Recent Developments
There has been a rise in the demand for infant nutritional items with Human Milk Oligosaccharides. With growing evidence supporting their advantages like boosting health and fostering beneficial gut bacteria in studies conducted lately; customers are showing more interest, in products that include HMOs.
December 2024 : Nestle Health Science has broadened its range of HMO products by launching two formulas designed for babies, with delicate stomachs.
October 2024 : Abbott Laboratories finished constructing a facility in Ohio that will greatly boost their manufacturing capacity, for HMO products.
August 2024 : In an industry merger deal DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences has purchased Glycom thus establishing DuPont as a key player, in the global HMO market.
Impact of Industry Transitions on the Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market
As a core segment of the Nutraceuticals industry,
the Human Milk Oligosaccharides market develops in line with broader industry shifts.
Over recent years, transitions such as Shift towards Synthetic Production and Expanding Applications in Functional Foods have redefined priorities
across the Nutraceuticals sector,
influencing how the Human Milk Oligosaccharides market evolves in terms of demand, applications and competitive dynamics.
These transitions highlight the structural changes shaping long-term growth opportunities.
01
Shift towards Synthetic Production
In the few years there has been a noticeable shift in the HMO market towards synthetic production methods. Due to the cost and limited availability of mothers milk for producing HMOs manufacturers are opting for more affordable synthetic alternatives. By using methods companies can ensure a steady supply and create HMOs that closely resemble natural ones. This change has not boosted the potential expansion of the HMO market but also sparked advancements, in manufacturing practices.
02
Expanding Applications in Functional Foods
The HMO market is undergoing changes particularly with its increasing use, in functional foods.