Middle East and Africa Breast Milk Substitutes Market Outlook, 2030

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) breast milk substitute (BMS) market has witnessed a transformative journey over the years, driven by cultural shifts, urbanization, increasing female workforce participation, and growing awareness of infant nutrition. The last two decades have seen a notable shift, especially in urban centers such as Dubai, Riyadh, Johannesburg, and Nairobi, where modern lifestyles and employment obligations have made exclusive breastfeeding challenging for many mothers. This shift has fueled the demand for breast milk substitutes such as infant formula, follow-on formula, and specialty products designed for allergies and digestive issues.

The market has also responded to a growing population and high birth rates, particularly in African nations, which creates a consistent consumer base for BMS products. Multinational companies like Nestlé, Danone, and Abbott have established significant presence in the region, alongside emerging local players, making the landscape competitive and innovation-driven. In recent years, the MEA BMS market has been marked by several innovations, such as the development of formulas enriched with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), probiotics, DHA, and other bioactive components that more closely mimic the composition of natural breast milk. Despite the growing popularity of these products, the market faces regulatory scrutiny and ethical concerns, especially in countries that have adopted the WHO's International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Several governments in the Middle East and Africa have introduced stricter advertising regulations, mandating clear labeling and prohibiting direct promotion to consumers, to protect and promote breastfeeding as the healthiest option for infants. For instance, Saudi Arabia and the UAE enforce regulations that restrict promotional practices and ensure that hospitals do not provide free samples of infant formula.

According to the research report "Middle East and Africa Breast Milk Substitute Market Outlook, 2030,", the Middle East and Africa Breast Milk Substitute market is anticipated to grow at more than 5.99% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. There is growing collaboration between private companies and public health initiatives to improve infant nutrition. For example, international NGOs and organizations such as UNICEF and WHO have ongoing programs in MEA that simultaneously promotes breastfeeding and ensures that breast milk substitutes are safe, regulated, and accessible when needed. These efforts have also led to the tightening of regulatory frameworks.

Countries like Kenya and South Africa have adopted stringent versions of the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, which limits unethical marketing practices and encourages responsible product labeling and distribution. New product lines include formulas fortified with HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides), prebiotics, probiotics, nucleotides, and essential fatty acids such as DHA and ARA to enhance cognitive and immune development. Plant-based and hypoallergenic alternatives are gaining popularity as well, appealing to parents whose children have allergies or specific dietary needs. These innovations not only improve product differentiation but also elevate consumer trust and brand loyalty. Parents are now more informed and are actively seeking products that can support the healthy development of their children, especially in cases where breastfeeding is not possible due to medical, occupational, or personal reasons. The increasing penetration of e-commerce and modern retail formats across MEA is also making BMS products more accessible to a wider audience, even in regions that previously had limited access.

Market Drivers

• Increasing Female Workforce Participation and Urbanization: In many parts of the MEA region, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and South Africa, there has been a notable increase in female workforce participation and urbanization. As more women enter the labor force and families move into urban settings, the traditional extended family support systems that previously supported breastfeeding practices are diminishing. Working mothers, especially in metropolitan areas, face time constraints and logistical challenges that limit breastfeeding opportunities. There is growing demand for convenient and reliable breast milk substitutes that support infant nutrition while enabling mothers to manage work-life responsibilities. This urban shift and modern lifestyle transformation are accelerating formula adoption in key MEA markets.
• Growing Healthcare Awareness and Medical Recommendations: Healthcare awareness in the MEA region has significantly improved over the past decade, driven by expanded access to maternal care, pediatric services, and government-led initiatives promoting child nutrition. Medical professionals are increasingly recommending breast milk substitutes in cases of maternal health complications, low milk supply, or premature birth. The availability of medically advanced formulas such as hypoallergenic, anti-reflux, and lactose-free variants also contributes to rising acceptance. Moreover, affluent families in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are more inclined to invest in premium nutritional products recommended by pediatricians, supporting the market’s growth in both mainstream and specialized formula segments.

Market Challenges

• Strong Cultural and Religious Preference for Breastfeeding: In many MEA societies, especially in North Africa and the Gulf region, breastfeeding is not only a cultural norm but also a religious recommendation. Islamic teachings emphasize the benefits of breastfeeding for at least two years, making it the preferred mode of infant feeding among many families. This cultural and religious alignment with breastfeeding often leads to skepticism or resistance toward using formula, particularly for newborns. Despite growing urbanization, this deep-rooted preference poses a major challenge for formula manufacturers trying to expand market share, as it limits acceptance of breast milk substitutes, especially in rural and conservative communities.
• Affordability and Access Disparities Across Regions: While countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have high-income populations that can afford premium breast milk substitutes, large parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and even North Africa face economic limitations and supply chain barriers. In lower-income countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, breast milk substitutes are often unaffordable for the average family. Moreover, limited retail infrastructure, inconsistent availability, and poor healthcare access hinder product distribution and awareness. This income disparity across the MEA region makes it difficult for manufacturers to develop a uniform strategy and creates unequal market penetration between developed and underdeveloped areas.

Market Trends

• Rising Demand for Premium and Organic Infant Formulas: With increasing disposable income in urban areas and growing health consciousness among young parents, there is a notable shift toward premium and organic infant formula products in MEA markets. Parents in countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait are increasingly opting for formulas that are free from additives, GMOs, and synthetic hormones. The demand is especially high among expatriate populations and affluent families who prioritize high-quality nutrition for their infants. This premiumization trend is encouraging global and regional brands to introduce specialized product lines tailored to Middle Eastern consumer preferences, including organic, goat-milk-based, and fortified formulas.
• Growth of Modern Retail and Online Distribution Channels: The retail landscape in MEA is evolving rapidly, with an increase in modern supermarket chains, pharmacies, and online platforms that stock a wide variety of infant nutrition products. E-commerce is gaining traction, particularly in the GCC, where platforms like Noon and Amazon are expanding their baby care segments. Consumers are attracted to the convenience of home delivery, product comparisons, and access to international brands through online channels. As digital connectivity improves across MEA, and more consumers become comfortable with online shopping, breast milk substitute manufacturers are investing in digital marketing, online distribution, and subscription models to strengthen their presence and engage modern consumers.

Milk-based formula is the largest type in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) breast milk substitute industry due to its nutritional similarity to human breast milk and strong cultural acceptance of dairy-based infant nutrition.

In the Middle East and Africa, milk-based formula has emerged as the dominant substitute in the breast milk substitute industry largely because of its close nutritional resemblance to natural breast milk, making it a widely accepted and trusted choice among parents and caregivers. This formula type, typically made from cow’s milk and fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, is perceived as a reliable and safe source of nourishment for infants, especially in cases where breastfeeding is not possible due to health, work-related, or societal challenges.

Culturally, dairy consumption has deep roots across many MEA countries, and milk is often seen as a symbol of health and vitality, reinforcing the preference for milk-based products in infant feeding. Additionally, healthcare professionals in the region commonly recommend milk-based formulas as a first-line alternative to breastfeeding, further solidifying their position in the market. The growing urbanization and increasing participation of women in the workforce have contributed to a rising demand for convenient and nutritious infant feeding solutions, with milk-based formulas fulfilling this need more effectively than other types. Economic development in Gulf countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia has led to higher purchasing power and increased awareness of infant nutrition, allowing parents to opt for premium milk-based products. Governmental support for infant nutrition programs and the availability of these formulas in both retail and hospital settings have also boosted their market penetration. Moreover, multinational and regional baby formula manufacturers have heavily invested in promoting milk-based variants through advertising, product education, and healthcare partnerships, ensuring they remain top-of-mind for consumers.

Ready-to-use form is the fastest-growing type in the MEA breast milk substitute industry due to its unmatched convenience, hygiene assurance, and increasing demand from urban, working mothers.

In the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, the ready-to-use (RTU) form of breast milk substitutes is witnessing the fastest growth primarily because of its unparalleled convenience, ease of use, and suitability for modern lifestyles, especially among urban and working mothers. Unlike powdered formulas that require precise measurement, clean water, and preparation time, RTU formulas are pre-mixed, sterilized, and packaged for immediate consumption, offering a practical solution for parents who need quick and hygienic feeding options, particularly in busy or unpredictable environments.

This is especially significant in parts of MEA where access to clean water can be inconsistent or where time constraints make traditional preparation methods challenging. Urbanization across the region, particularly in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Egypt, has led to shifting family structures and increasing numbers of women joining the workforce. These social changes are creating a strong demand for ready-to-feed options that reduce stress and save time without compromising the baby’s nutrition or safety. Furthermore, RTU formulas are gaining traction in hospitals, maternity wards, and neonatal care units across MEA as they ensure better hygiene standards, reduce the risk of contamination, and are ideal for newborns, especially premature infants or those with low birth weights. Additionally, in conflict-affected or disaster-prone areas of Africa and the Middle East, RTU formulas are increasingly used in humanitarian aid because they require no preparation and eliminate risks associated with unsafe water an important factor contributing to their rapid adoption.

Tetra pack packaging is the fastest-growing type in the MEA breast milk substitute industry due to its superior hygiene, shelf stability, and portability, meeting the rising demand for safe and convenient infant feeding solutions in both urban and underserved areas.

Tetra packs are made of multiple layers that protect the formula from light, air, and contaminants, significantly extending shelf life without the need for refrigeration until opened making them exceptionally suitable for hot and resource-limited environments common across many parts of MEA. For parents in both urban centers and rural areas, this long shelf stability is a critical advantage, especially where reliable electricity and refrigeration are not always available. Moreover, tetra packs are tamper-proof and pre-sterilized, which enhances consumer trust in the safety of the infant formula inside a major consideration for health-conscious parents.

As urbanization increases and more women in MEA regions participate in the workforce, there is a noticeable shift toward convenient, ready-to-feed products. Tetra packs are lightweight, easy to store, and simple to handle on-the-go, catering perfectly to the busy lifestyles of modern parents and caregivers. Additionally, hospitals and healthcare providers are increasingly adopting tetra pack formulas due to their cleanliness and ease of use, encouraging parents to continue using them post-discharge. Major international formula brands are investing in localized production and distribution of tetra pack packaging in MEA, improving product accessibility and visibility across both high-end supermarkets and smaller convenience stores. Tetra packs also support environmentally conscious marketing, as they are recyclable and are often perceived as more sustainable than cans or plastic bottles a growing point of appeal among environmentally aware consumers in more developed MEA cities like Dubai, Riyadh, and Johannesburg.

Infants aged 0-6 months represent the largest segment in the MEA breast milk substitute industry due to high birth rates, early reliance on formula feeding, and limited breastfeeding practices influenced by cultural, health, and socioeconomic factors.

The MEA region has some of the highest birth rates globally, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and certain Middle Eastern nations, which naturally expands the base population of newborns and drives demand for infant nutrition products. While the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, actual adherence to this guideline is often low across the MEA due to a combination of cultural norms, maternal health challenges, and lack of workplace support for breastfeeding mothers.

In urban areas and among more educated or working mothers, formula feeding is often perceived as a modern, convenient, and medically endorsed alternative, especially when breastfeeding is difficult due to time constraints, insufficient milk supply, or medical issues such as maternal illness or premature births. Additionally, in certain Gulf countries where high-income families and expatriate populations are prevalent, there is increased reliance on formula feeding from birth, supported by easy access to premium imported products and widespread use in hospitals and clinics. In rural and lower-income regions, while breastfeeding remains common, the increasing penetration of healthcare facilities, NGOs, and aid programs providing infant formula especially in emergencies or food-insecure settings has contributed to a growing use of substitutes for infants under six months. Many international and regional baby formula brands also actively market their products specifically for newborns, promoting nutritional adequacy, immune support, and developmental benefits, which reinforces early-stage adoption among new parents. Moreover, hospitals in MEA countries often introduce infant formula during postnatal care, particularly in cases of cesarean deliveries or when mothers are temporarily unable to breastfeed.

Retail stores are the largest distribution channel in the MEA breast milk substitute industry due to their widespread accessibility, consumer trust, and the dominance of traditional in-person shopping habits across urban and rural areas.

Across both urban and semi-urban areas in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Nigeria, and the UAE, consumers often rely on local pharmacies, grocery stores, and supermarkets for essential infant products due to their accessibility and immediate product availability. In many parts of MEA, online infrastructure is still developing, and e-commerce adoption, though rising, remains limited compared to traditional retail channels. Most consumers, especially in lower- and middle-income households, prefer the tangible experience of inspecting products before purchase, seeking in-person advice from pharmacists or store staff, and choosing among multiple brands on visible display.

Retail stores also provide a sense of security and authenticity, particularly when it comes to sensitive products like infant formula, where counterfeit risks in informal or unregulated markets remain a concern. Pharmacies and hypermarkets often stock a variety of well-known international and regional brands, allowing parents to choose based on price, trust, or medical recommendation. In addition, many hospitals and pediatricians in MEA countries direct parents to specific retail outlets to purchase recommended breast milk substitutes, reinforcing consumer reliance on physical store purchases. Promotional campaigns, in-store discounts, and free samples are frequently utilized by baby formula companies in retail environments, which helps boost product visibility and consumer engagement. Furthermore, many families in the MEA region do not yet have consistent internet access or digital payment methods, particularly in rural and underserved areas, making physical retail the only viable option for purchasing infant nutrition products.

Saudi Arabia is the largest market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) breast milk substitute industry due to its high birth rate, increasing female workforce participation, rising disposable incomes and strong demand for premium and imported infant formula products.

Saudi Arabia dominates the MEA breast milk substitute industry primarily because of its robust demographic profile, particularly its high birth rate and large population of young families, which generates sustained demand for infant nutrition products. With a cultural emphasis on family and children, the country consistently witnesses a high number of births annually, making it a key consumer base for breast milk substitutes. This demand is amplified by changing social dynamics, especially the increasing participation of women in the workforce, driven by national reforms under Vision 2030, which aims to enhance female employment and economic contribution.

As more Saudi women balance careers and motherhood, the practicality and convenience of infant formula become essential, especially in the absence of sufficient breastfeeding support in the workplace. Moreover, rising urbanization and modernization across cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have led to lifestyle changes where busy schedules and professional commitments make exclusive breastfeeding less feasible. Alongside this, Saudi Arabia's high per capita income and expanding middle and upper classes have resulted in a growing preference for premium, specialized, and imported formula products perceived as safer and more nutritious. Parents in the Kingdom are highly health-conscious and tend to choose formulas enriched with DHA, ARA, prebiotics, or tailored for allergies and lactose intolerance, which drives product diversification and brand competition. The market is further supported by a strong distribution network, including pharmacies, hypermarkets, and increasingly popular e-commerce platforms, ensuring broad accessibility and consumer reach.