Carbohydrates in Human Nutrition Market Report 2026

The carbohydrates in human nutrition market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $27.76 billion in 2025 to $29.38 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing awareness of balanced nutrition, expansion of functional food consumption, growth of dietary supplement markets, rising prevalence of metabolic disorders, increased availability of refined carbohydrate ingredients.

The carbohydrates in human nutrition market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $36.77 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to growing demand for personalized nutrition solutions, rising adoption of low-glycemic diets, expansion of sports nutrition markets, increasing focus on gut health formulations, growing use of carbohydrate derivatives in clinical nutrition. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing demand for functional carbohydrates, rising use of dietary fiber ingredients, growing focus on glycemic control nutrition, expansion of sports and infant nutrition applications, enhanced emphasis on digestive health.

The increasing focus on health is expected to drive the growth of the carbohydrates in the human nutrition market going forward. Rising health consciousness stems from greater awareness of how diet and lifestyle affect overall well-being, supported by wider access to health information, a growing incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, and a stronger global emphasis on preventive healthcare. Carbohydrates in human nutrition supply essential energy to the body, support brain activity, and promote digestive health through dietary fiber, contributing to overall wellness. For instance, in May 2023, according to the International Food Information Council, a US-based nutrition NGO, 74% of Americans stated that the foods and beverages they consume have a significant or moderate impact on their mental and physical well-being, highlighting increasing consumer health awareness compared with previous years. Therefore, the rising focus on health is driving the carbohydrates in the human nutrition market.

Major companies operating in the carbohydrate in human nutrition are developing innovative products such as galactose-based carbohydrates to enhance energy levels, improve brain function, and support cellular communication. Galactose-based carbohydrates are a type of simple sugar (monosaccharide) derived from galactose, which is a component of lactose found in dairy products and certain plants. It is used to provide energy, support brain function, and promote digestive health. For instance, in February 2023, Chew, a US-based food innovation company, launched Fastfood sports nutrition. It is a high-performance sports nutrition product engineered to fuel elite and amateur athletes. It offers innovative products such as Galacto-Gels and Galacto-Gummies, designed for athletes seeking sustained energy. These convenient snacks harness galactose, a carbohydrate derived from lactose, providing a stable energy source that minimizes sugar crashes. Key features include lactose-free formulation, optimal carbohydrate absorption for enhanced performance, and a gradual energy release to support endurance activities. The products are easy to consume on-the-go, making them ideal for training sessions and competitions.

In January 2023, Butterfly, a US-based private equity firm, acquired Milk Specialties Global for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition significantly strengthens Butterfly's position in the carbohydrates and broader nutrition market. By incorporating Milk Specialties' premium dairy protein products, Butterfly is aligning its strategic focus on performance nutrition to meet the increasing consumer demand for functional foods that deliver both energy and health benefits. Milk Specialties is a US-based company that manufactures nutritional ingredients, including carbohydrates and proteins.

Major companies operating in the carbohydrates in human nutrition market are Nestlé S.A., Archer Daniels Midland, Bayer AG, Abbott Laboratories, Danone S.A., General Mills Inc., Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, DSM Nutritional Products, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Kerry Group, Amway Corporation, Ingredion Incorporated, Lonza Group AG, Glanbia Nutritionals, Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., Roquette Frères, Tate & Lyle, Balchem Corporation, BENEO GmbH, NutraBio Labs Inc., Bionova Lifesciences, Crespel & Deiters GmbH & Co. KG, Felthon Healthcare, Cargill Inc.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the canola meal market in 2025. The regions covered in the carbohydrates in human nutrition market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the carbohydrates in human nutrition market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Italy, Spain, Canada.

The carbohydrates in human nutrition market consists of sales of sugars, starches, and fiber. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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