Pediatric Nutrition Market - Focused Insights 2025-2030

The global pediatric nutrition market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.70% from 2024 to 2030.

PEDIATRIC NUTRITION MARKET NEWS

• In January 2024, Danone India introduced AptaGrow, a toddler nutrition range designed to deliver health benefits to as many children as possible. This product line features 37 essential nutrients, including prebiotics that enhance the absorption of vital nutrients.
• In February 2024, Bobbie, a mom-founded pediatric nutrition company, made its first expansion beyond infant formula by launching two organic infant supplements: Vitamin D Drops and Probiotic Drops.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• By Product Type: The functional food & beverage segment accounted for the largest market share of over 85%.
• By Age Group: The age group of 9-18 years segment shows the highest growth, with a CAGR of 6.65% during the forecast period.
• By Application: The non-digestive & gut health segment dominates and holds the largest pediatric nutrition market share.
• By Distribution Channel: The supermarkets & hypermarkets accounted for the largest market share in 2024.
• By Geography: In 2024, APAC accounted for a share of over 46% of the global pediatric nutrition market.
• Growth Factor: The global pediatric nutrition market is set to grow due to rising parental awareness of nutrition and urbanization and changing lifestyles.

PEDIATRIC NUTRITION MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Product Innovation

Technological innovations like 3D printing of gummies have been a key driver of growth for the pediatric nutrition market. Vendors have developed 3D-printed, sugar-free, plant-based gummy vitamins that can be customized to a child's individual nutritional requirements and dietary preferences. Such a high degree of personalization is particularly attractive to parents who are increasingly seeking products that match their children's individual health profiles and dietary needs. UK based vendor Nourished offers gummies made from 3D printing technology. Other technologies, such as microencapsulation and controlled release technologies, have now become fundamental in building pediatric nutrition products. This convergence of technology and nutrition science is fueling product innovation and driving high growth in the world's pediatric nutrition market.

Personalized Nutrition

Pediatric personalized nutrition is all about developing individualized meal plans specifically designed to address the unique, special health needs of a child. The innovation away from the "one-size-fits-all" concept to combat illnesses like allergies, metabolic conditions, and developmental issues is boosting the market for personalized nutritional products. Vendors such as Nourished, Shaklee, etc., offer personalization of pediatric supplements. Parents are increasingly becoming aware of the role of nutrition in maintaining their children's health, and this is creating a demand for personalized nutritional solutions. This has been pushing the market toward solutions addressing particular health conditions, including cognitive development, immunity, and digestive health. Companies like Nourished provide 3D-printed personalized gummies for children. Parents would be willing to pay a premium for products that address their child's specific needs. This drives revenue growth and supports profitability for pediatric nutrition brands.

Government Initiatives

Government efforts are a key driver of the pediatric nutrition market by establishing favorable policy environments, establishing nutrition guidelines, and promoting active awareness of early childhood nutrition. The efforts stimulate demand for nutrition products while ensuring safe and high-quality formulations are delivered to children who are in most need. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) mandating fortification of edible oils, milk, and wheat flour with vitamins and minerals indirectly supports pediatric nutrition through improved maternal and child health. The U.S. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides low-income mothers with infant formulas, cereals, and other pediatric nutrition products, thus benefiting the pediatric nutrition industry in the U.S.

Rising Parental Awareness In Nutrition

One of the strongest driving forces behind the fast growth in the pediatric nutrition market is increasing awareness among parents regarding the vital significance of nutrition in early childhood. Parents, particularly millennials and Gen Z, have unparalleled information about child health, dietary advice, and the long-term rewards of eating well-balanced foods. Social media sites, blogs, YouTube videos, and online health resources have revolutionized parenting, enabling parents to learn more about raising their children in a way that influences them to make more knowledgeable decisions. With this, there is a high demand for high-end, clean-label, and scientifically formulated nutrition products that provide the best possible growth and development for the child. Parents today are well aware that childhood nutrition in the early years is the key to avoiding later-life health problems, like obesity, diabetes, and allergies. They're seeking maximum nutrition for optimal long-term health. This has generated a runaway demand for fortified formulas and supplements.

INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS

Rise In Concerns About Counterfeit Products

Pediatric nutrition has been threatened by rising incidences of counterfeit and inferior products, especially in areas with weak regulatory controls and poor supply chains. From infant formula and growing-up milk to pediatric supplements, many counterfeits lack basic nutrients or have toxic additives that can compromise the health of children. In most of the emerging economies, the regulatory institutions do not have adequate resources or personnel to monitor and enforce standards within the nutrition market. For example, sub-Saharan Africa and certain regions of South Asia have traditionally struggled to police informal retail markets, through which counterfeit pediatric products regularly flow. Parents will pay a premium to purchase pediatric nutrition products that indicate safety and health benefits. That high perceived value provides a valuable market for counterfeiting, where low-quality copies are sold at lower prices, but profits are still generated. So, demand is driven by the brand reputation, yet there are enforcement gaps and opportunities for counterfeit products.

PEDIATRIC NUTRITION MARKET SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

INSIGHTS BY PRODUCT TYPE

The global pediatric nutrition market by product type is segmented into functional food & beverage and dietary supplements. The functional food & beverage segment accounted for the largest market share of over 85%. The market is seeing high growth, led by rising parental concern for the role of nutrition in early development. Such products are fortified with added health advantages, including probiotics to support gut health, omega-3 fatty acids for brain development, and vitamins and minerals for general well-being. One of the key drivers in this segment is the increasing demand for products that promote certain health results. An example is the emphasis on bone health, which has prompted the addition of calcium and vitamin D to children's foods and beverages. Such trends have been taken up by brands such as Danone's Danonino selling fresh cheese, and drinkable and stirred yogurts are calcium and vitamin D-fortified. Parents are now more often looking for foods and drinks that are devoid of artificial additives, preservatives, and excessive sugar content. This has resulted in plant-based options and organic products in the children's nutrition market.

INSIGHTS BY AGE GROUP

By age group, the 9-18 years segment shows significant growth, with the fastest-growing CAGR of 6.65% during the forecast period. Preteens and adolescents between 9-18 years old undergo rapid growth and physiological changes, including hormonal changes, and need higher consumption of critical nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamin D, and protein. This group has special nutritional challenges and opportunities based on physiological changes, lifestyle patterns, and changing consumer demands. The eating patterns of teenagers tend to be marked by high intake of energy-dense foods, which are low in nutrients, such as fast food, sweetened drinks, and snacks that are rich in saturated fats. As a response to these issues, the marketplace has witnessed the launch of products that target better nutrition for adolescents. These comprise fortified foods and supplements targeting particular deficiencies and overall well-being.

INSIGHTS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the non-digestive & gut health segment dominates and holds the largest pediatric nutrition market share. The non-digestive & health category in the global pediatric nutrition market focuses on development and growth, prevention of micronutrient deficiencies, and brain function in children. It seeks to address the entire child's growth and well-being and not only digestion. It is a broad spectrum of products designed to target the specific needs of growing children. Infant foods in pediatric nutrition take precedence in cognitive development by placing emphasis on nutrients required by the brain, eyes, and sleep. DHA, omega-3, magnesium, and antioxidants have become mainstream supplements as mothers seek ways to improve their children's brain and behavioral health. One of these foods is Enfamil NeuroPro, which contains DHA to develop the brain and eyes.

The growth and development support segment looks to provide expert pediatric nutrition solutions to bring up physically healthy children with the macronutrients and micronutrients they need. Parents are increasingly proactive and aware of their children's health and diet, which is driving demand for professional pediatric nutrition solutions that provide solutions for all stages of growth and certain conditions of ill health.

INSIGHTS BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

The global pediatric nutrition market by distribution channel is categorized into supermarkets & hypermarkets, pharmacies & drugstores, online channels, convenience stores, and others. Hypermarkets and supermarkets play a very crucial role in the pediatric nutrition market because they offer a wide array of nutritious foods that cater to the unique needs of babies and toddlers. They stock everything from formula milk fortified with nutrients and high-calorie purees to cereals and organic nutrition options, hence making it convenient for parents to make the right selection for the health of their children. Big box stores like Walmart, Carrefour, and Tesco carry entire sections of well-respected pediatric nutrition brand names for a variety of dietary options and development needs. In addition to diversity, supermarkets, and hypermarkets may carry cost-saving measures such as discounts, pack offers, and loyalty programs. Costco's bulk purchasing of pediatric nutrition products, for instance, represents tremendous savings for parents who value quality nutrition over expense. Secondly, these stores include pediatric nutrition products along with other grocery and household essentials, offering the benefit of convenience in a one-stop shop.

PEDIATRIC NUTRITION MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

In 2024, APAC accounted for a share of over 46% of the global pediatric nutrition market and also showed the highest growth during the forecast period. APAC is one of the largest and most rapidly expanding pediatric nutrition markets, driven by a range of drivers including demographic trends, urbanization, increasing disposable income, and higher awareness of children's nutritional needs. The region has over 4.7 billion people, of whom a significant proportion are infants, toddlers, and young children, according to the Asia-Pacific Population and Development Report 2023 released by the United Nations. Huge birth populations in China, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam provide good business opportunities for pediatric nutrition products. On the other hand, declining birth rates in Japan and South Korea do not deter parents there from spending money per child, hence generating good business opportunities for premium and specialty pediatric nutrition products.

Increasing government programs such as POSHAN Abhiyaan in India, National Nutrition Plan (2017-2030) in China, etc. across some of the APAC nations are prioritizing early childhood nutrition, and this is contributing even more to market growth. Consequently, the APAC pediatric nutrition market is expected to witness substantial growth in the years ahead, driven by changing consumer demands and innovations.

PEDIATRIC NUTRITION MARKET COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global pediatric nutrition market report consists of exclusive data on 40 vendors. The market is shaped by a sophisticated and competitive market with entrenched global leaders, nimble regional players, and increasingly many innovative new entrants. Leading global players like Abbott, Amway, Danone, FrieslandCampina, Nestlé, Perrigo, and Reckitt Benckiser Group dominate huge market shares, utilizing their robust brand name and extensive distribution channels to touch bases with consumers worldwide.

The industry has seen investments in the newest developments. Nestlé has introduced organic and plant-based variants to its Gerber baby food line, along with unveiling complex formulas like NAN Supreme Pro. Additionally, emerging players are competing with key players by introducing organic, clean-label, or customized products.

The competitive market is further enriched by the inflation of new buildings and technological progress. Sustainability is a major trend: many firms, including FrieslandCampina and Hipp, are employing green packaging and sustainable sourcing strategies to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

Key Vendors

• Abbott
• Amway
• Danone
• FrieslandCampina
• Nestlé
• Perrigo
• Reckitt Benckiser Group

Other Prominent Vendors

• Arla Foods
• Asahi Group Holdings
• Ausnutria Dairy
• Babynat
• Bayer AG
• Bobbie
• ByHeart
• Church & Dwight
• Dana Dairy Group
• dsm-firmenich
• Else Nutrition
• Earth’s Best
• FASSKA
• Feihe
• Fresenius Kabi
• Glanbia
• GCMMF
• H&H Group
• Haleon
• Happy Family Organics
• Hero Group
• HiPP
• Holle baby food
• Kewpie Corporation
• MORINAGA MILK INDUSTRY
• Nutribud Foods
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical
• Rainbow Light
• Sanofi
• Sprout Organics
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Tirlán
• Unilever

SEGMENTATION & FORECAST

• By Product Type
• Functional Food & Beverage
• Dietary Supplements
• By Age Group
• Up to 1 Year
• 1-8 Years
• 9-18 Years
• By Application
• Non-Digestive Health
• Digestive & Gut Health
• By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
• Pharmacies & Drugstores
• Online Channels
• Convenience Stores
• Others
• By Geography
• APAC
• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• North America
• US
• Canada
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• UK
• Italy
• Middle East & Africa
• Turkey
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• Latin America
• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina

KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. How big is the global pediatric nutrition market?
2. Which region dominates the global pediatric nutrition market?
3. What are the factors driving global pediatric nutrition market growth?
4. What is the growth rate of the global pediatric nutrition market?
5. Who are the major players in the global pediatric nutrition market?