Download free PDF

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Size & Share 2023 to 2032

Market Size by Concentration (Neutral HMO, Acidic HMO), by Application (Infant Formula, Dietary Supplements, Food and Beverage) & Global Forecast.

Report ID: GMI6413
   |
Published Date: August 2023
 | 
Report Format: PDF

Download Free PDF

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Size

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market size was valued at USD 200 million in 2022 and is estimated to grow at over 22.5% CAGR from 2023 to 2032. Human milk oligosaccharides are present in breast milk and play essential roles in infant gut health, immune system development, and protection against pathogens. Infant formula manufacturers are incorporating HMOs in their products to mimic the benefits of human breast milk.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Key Takeaways

Market Size & Growth

  • 2022 Market Size: USD 200 Million
  • 2032 Forecast Market Size: USD 1.51 Billion
  • CAGR (2023โ€“2032): 22.5%

Key Market Drivers

  • Rising demand for infant feed.
  • Increasing consumer awareness on health benefits.
  • Expansion of the nutraceuticals industry.

Challenges

  • High cost of production.
  • Regulatory approvals.
  • Limited availability.

HMOs act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of gut health and seek products with prebiotic properties. HMOs have been associated with immune system support and reduced risk of infections in infants. The demand for immune-enhancing ingredients has led to interest in HMOs as functional food ingredients.

The production of HMOs, particularly those obtained through microbial fermentation or plant-based sources, can be expensive. The cost of production is a significant challenge that can limit the widespread adoption of HMOs in various applications, including infant formula and functional foods. The use of HMOs in food and dietary supplements is subject to regulatory approvals in different countries. Human milk-derived HMOs are in high demand, but their availability is limited to the production of human breast milk.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The pandemic led to changes in consumer behaviour, with increased focus on health and wellness. This shift may have driven demand for products with added health benefits, including HMOs, which are known for their potential gut health and immune system benefits. The demand for infant formula, which is one of the key applications of HMOs, experienced fluctuations during the pandemic. Thus, the reduced number of COVID-19 cases and implementation of subsequent strategies by government and non-government organizations is set to drive the market growth.
 

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Trends

There is a growing focus on gut health and its impact on overall well-being. HMOs are recognized for their prebiotic properties, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. As consumers become more health-conscious, products containing HMOs as gut health enhancers are gaining popularity. HMOs play a vital role in human breast milk and contribute to infant gut health and immune system development.
 

Consequently, HMOs are being incorporated into infant formulas and baby foods to replicate some of the benefits of breast milk for formula-fed babies. The demand for HMOs in infant nutrition is increasing as parents seek functional ingredients for their babies' health.
 

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Analysis

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Size, By Product , 2021 - 2032 (USD Million)

The human milk oligosaccharides market from neutral HMO segment held over USD 122 million revenue in 2022. Neutral HMOs, like other HMOs, have prebiotic effects, supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is associated with improved gut health and enhanced immune system function. Neutral HMOs are known for their anti-adhesive properties, which means they can prevent pathogens from adhering to the intestinal lining.
 

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Revenue Share, By Application, (2022)

The infant formula segment accounted for 40% of the human milk oligosaccharides market share in 2022. HMOs are naturally present in human breast milk and play a crucial role in infant gut health, immune system development, and protection against pathogens. The desire to provide similar health benefits to formula-fed infants drove the demand for HMOs in infant formula and baby foods. Research on HMOs has revealed their potential therapeutic applications, such as in reducing the risk of infections in preterm infants and supporting gut health in individuals with gastrointestinal disorders.
 

U.S. Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Size, 2020- 2032 (USD Million)

U.S. human milk oligosaccharides market size dominated around USD 62.72 million in 2022. North American consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness, seeking products that offer functional benefits. HMOs are known for their potential gut health and immune system benefits, making them attractive to health-conscious consumers in the region.
 

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Share

Some of the major companies operating in the human milk oligosaccharides market are:

  • DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences
  •  Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH
  •  Glycom A/S
  •  Inbiose NV
  •  BASF SE
  •  Nestlรฉ S.A
  •  Abbott Laboratories
  •  Glycosyn LLC
  •  ZuChem Inc
  • Tereos Starch & Sweeteners
  •  Jenica Research Corporation
  •  Novalac
  •  GlycoUniverse GmbH
  •  Biostime International Holdings Limited
  •  Clasado Biosciences.
     

These companies focus on strategic partnerships, new product launch & commercialization for market expansion. Furthermore, these companies are heavily investing in research that allows them to introduce innovative products and garner maximum revenue in the market.
 

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Industry News:

  • In August 2021, Nestle launched the new NAN SUPREME PRO 3 formula products with five human milk oligosaccharides (2โ€™-FL, DFL, LNT, 3โ€™-SL, and 6โ€™-SL), which it claims enhance childrenโ€™s immunity systems.
     

This human milk oligosaccharides market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million & Units from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

Market, By Concentration

  • Neutral HMO
  • Acidic HMO

Market, By Application

  • Infant Formula
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Food and Beverage
  • Others

The above information has been provided for the following regions and countries:

  • North America
    • U.S.
    • Canada
  • Europe
    • Germany
    • UK
    • France
    • Spain
    • Italy
  • Asia Pacific
    • China
    • Japan
    • India
    • Australia
    • South Korea
    • Indonesia
    • Malaysia 
  • Latin America
    • Brazil
    • Mexico
    • Argentina
  • Middle East & Africa
    • South Africa
    • Saudi Arabia
    • UAE
    • Egypt

 

Authors:  Kiran Pulidindi, Kunal Ahuja

Research methodology, data sources & validation process

This report draws on a structured research process built around direct industry conversations, proprietary modelling, and rigorous cross-validation and not just desk research.

Our 6-step research process

  1. 1. Research design & analyst oversight

    At GMI, our research methodology is built on a foundation of human expertise, rigorous validation, and complete transparency. Every insight, trend analysis, and forecast in our reports is developed by experienced analysts who understand the nuances of your market.

    Our approach integrates extensive primary research through direct engagement with industry participants and experts, complemented by comprehensive secondary research from verified global sources. We apply quantified impact analysis to deliver dependable forecasts, while maintaining complete traceability from original data sources to final insights.

  2. 2. Primary research

    Primary research forms the backbone of our methodology, contributing nearly 80% to overall insights. It involves direct engagement with industry participants to ensure accuracy and depth in analysis. Our structured interview program covers regional and global markets, with inputs from C-suite executives, directors, and subject matter experts. These interactions provide strategic, operational, and technical perspectives, enabling well-rounded insights and reliable market forecasts.

  3. 3. Data mining & market analysis

    Data mining is a key part of our research process, contributing nearly 20% to the overall methodology. It involves analysing market structure, identifying industry trends, and assessing macroeconomic factors through revenue share analysis of major players. Relevant data is collected from both paid and unpaid sources to build a reliable database. This information is then integrated to support primary research and market sizing, with validation from key stakeholders such as distributors, manufacturers, and associations.

  4. 4. Market sizing

    Our market sizing is built on a bottom-up approach, starting with company revenue data gathered directly through primary interviews, alongside production volume figures from manufacturers and installation or deployment statistics. These inputs are then pieced together across regional markets to arrive at a global estimate that stays grounded in actual industry activity.

  5. 5. Forecast model & key assumptions

    Every forecast includes explicit documentation of:

    • โœ“ Key growth drivers and their assumed impact

    • โœ“ Restraining factors and mitigation scenarios

    • โœ“ Regulatory assumptions and policy change risk

    • โœ“ Technology adoption curve parameter

    • โœ“ Macroeconomic assumptions (GDP growth, inflation, currency)

    • โœ“ Competitive dynamics and market entry/exit expectations

  6. 6. Validation & quality assurance

    The final stages involve human validation, where domain experts manually review filtered data to identify nuances and contextual errors that automated systems might miss. This expert review adds a critical layer of quality assurance, ensuring data aligns with research objectives and domain-specific standards.

    Our triple-layer validation process ensures maximum data reliability:

    • โœ“ Statistical Validation

    • โœ“ Expert Validation

    • โœ“ Market Reality Check

Trust & credibility

10+
Years in Service
Consistent delivery since establishment
A+
BBB Accreditation
Professional standards & satisfaction
ISO
Certified Quality
ISO 9001-2015 Certified Company
150+
Research Analysts
Across 10+ industry verticals
95%
Client Retention
5-year relationship value

Verified data sources

  • Trade publications

    Security & defense sector journals and trade press

  • Industry databases

    Proprietary and third-party market databases

  • Regulatory filings

    Government procurement records and policy documents

  • Academic research

    University studies and specialist institution reports

  • Company reports

    Annual reports, investor presentations, and filings

  • Expert interviews

    C-suite, procurement leads, and technical specialists

  • GMI archive

    13,000+ published studies across 30+ industry verticals

  • Trade data

    Import/export volumes, HS codes, and customs records

Parameters studied & evaluated

Every data point in this report is validated through primary interviews, true bottom-up modelling, and rigorous cross-checks. Read about our research process →

Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) :
How big is the human milk oligosaccharides market?
The market size of human milk oligosaccharides reached USD 200 million in 2022 and is estimated to cross USD 1518.8 million by the end of 2032.
Why is neutral HMO gaining traction in human milk oligosaccharides industry?
Neutral HMO accounted for a market value of USD 122 million in 2022 as the product is known for its anti-adhesive properties, which means it can prevent pathogens from adhering to the intestinal lining.
What is the U.S. human milk oligosaccharides market worth?
The U.S. market held over USD 62.72 million revenue in 2022, as the consumers are increasingly focused on health and wellness, seeking products that offer functional benefits.
Which companies define the competitive landscape of human milk oligosaccharides market?
Glycosyn LLC, ZuChem Inc, Tereos Starch & Sweeteners, Jenica Research Corporation, Novalac, GlycoUniverse GmbH, Biostime International Holdings Limited, Clasado Biosciences.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Scope
  • Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Size

  • Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Trends

  • Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Analysis

  • Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Share

Authors:  Kiran Pulidindi, Kunal Ahuja
Explore Our Licensing Options:

Starting at: $2,450

Premium Report Details:

Base Year: 2022

Companies Profiled: 15

Tables & Figures: 137

Countries Covered: 21

Pages: 120

Download Free PDF

We use cookies to enhance user experience. (Privacy Policy)