Specialized Nutrition Market Size, Scope and Key Players

Specialized Nutrition Market Size, Trends and Forecast

The specialized nutrition market size was estimated at USD 102.22 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise from USD 109.68 billion in 2025 to nearly reaching USD 206.79 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.30% from 2025 to 2034. The need of having nourishment that is customized to meet their individual health demands is becoming increasingly apparent to consumers. The market for specialized nutrition is being driven by this increased awareness.

Key Highlights

• By region, North America dominated the market with the highest share of 41% in 2024. Increasing health awareness is the significant driving factor for the expansion of the specialized nutrition market. 
• By region, Europe observed to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period. Increasing malnutrition in Europe is important driving factor for the boosting of specialized nutrition market.
• By ingredients, the proteins and amino acids segment captured the maximum market share of 45% in 2024. Increasing number of health-conscious consumers and daily requirement of protein uptake fostering the market.
• By ingredients, the prebiotics & probiotics ingredient segment is predicted to grow at the remarkable CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. In health-conscious world, there is an exponential increase in demand for items that promote total well-being.  
• By application, the elderly nutrition segment registered the maximum market share of 67% in 2024. The elderly nutrition has grown significantly in recent years due to improvements in healthcare and longer life expectancies.
• By application, the sport nutrition segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. Growing knowledge of the advantages of exercise and a healthy lifestyle is driving the sports nutrition.

Increasing Health Consciousness Expanding Specialized Nutrition Globally 

Specialised nutrition products aid consumers to take diet properly while completing their demand of required nutrition and are needed for babies and young children, patients with various disease like the obesity, diabetes, cancer for management of the disease, athletes require specialized nutrition for energy and muscle management. All these nutritional requirements from consumers expanding the specialized nutrition market. The World Food Programme utilizes specialized nutritional food to enhance the nutritional diet people all around the world. This specialized nutrition includes Fortified Blended Foods and Ready-to-Use Foods and High-Energy Biscuit to micronutrient powders. 

Rising health awareness among consumers including millennials and gen Z developing the importance of specialized nutrition as the people with allergies, health problems and food tolerance looking for specialized food, this increasing awareness expanding the specialized nutrition market. Rising prevalence of diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer and heart problems increasing the demand for specialized nutrition like medical foods and supplements. Older demographic is constantly looking for nutrition to improve their day to days activities and demand for ready to eat meal fostering the market. 

• For instance, in October 2023, Today Nutricia, part of food and beverage industry Danone, introduced its first medical nutrition drink named a Fortini + Mix Multi Fibre with a balanced blend of real fruit and vegetable constituents, developed for the management of malnutrition in paediatric patients.  

Specialized Nutrition Market Trends

• Nowadays consumers are seeking for personalized nutrition based on AI driven technology. Digital health information is analyzed by AI-powered platforms to provide correct dietary guidelines. Apps make it possible to track food intake in real time, including the composition of nutrients, and guarantee that recommendations are followed. In order to further customize dietary recommendations to avoid deficiencies or chronic illnesses, DNA test kits aid in mapping genetic predispositions. These developments enable the scalability and accessibility of tailored nutrition.
• For instance, in December 2024, WeightWatchers introduced its novel next-generation weight management program, with advanced features including personalized support and extended medical outcomes to aid consumers to accomplish their health objectives. 
• Trend of the plant-based specialized nutrition is spurring due to the awareness among consumers regarding vegan diet, environmental concerns and product sustainability. Consumers are opting for plant derived products and dairy free products as the healthier food option. 
• For instance, in January 2023, Fortimel® PlantBased Energy, Nutricia's first plant-based, ready-to-drink, oral nutritional supplement, launched to address the nutritional requirements of those who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition as a result of sickness.  

Market Opportunity 

Demand for Medical Nutrition and Digitalization Expanding the Market 

Increasing prevalence of chronic disease, rising older demographic, increasing infant population spurring the demand for medical nutrition. Various industries in health care sector are focusing on development of the medical nutrition and creating the opportunities for further development. By focusing on safe and effective nutritional development companies are formulating innovative product range. Further technological advancement and digitalization increasing the demand for specialized nutrition products and therefore manufacturers are creating digital platform for ease of consumers. 

• For instance, in June 2024, in response to consumer demands for nutritional solutions throughout weight reduction journeys, Nestlé Health Science established www.glp-1nutrition.com.  Nutritional issues can arise for people who are actively trying to lower or maintain their weight.  Nestlé Health Science is helping those customers by offering a brand-new, cutting-edge online platform that offers thorough assistance to those taking GLP-1 drugs.

Market Challenge 

Increased Price of the Specialized Nutrition Products Hampering the Market 

Production cost of premium specialized nutrition and personalized products, stringent regulatory compliances add to the higher cost of the products. Further, scalability of the technology like DNA testing microbiome analysis is not affordable. It becomes hard for middle class and low-income consumers to buy specialized nutrition products. Because of higher prices of the products consumers are buying general nutritional products with cheaper prices, which can lower the growth of the specialized nutrition market. 

Regional insights 

North America Dominated the Specialized Nutrition Market with the Largest Share in 2024.

Increasing health awareness is the significant driving factor for the expansion of the specialized nutrition market. Specialized nutrition products are in high demand due to the growing prevalence of lifestyle related disorders, rising healthcare expenses, and increased global awareness of the importance of nutrition. Due to evolving developments in nutritional research and technology, producers are creating unique, tailored goods to meet a range of customer needs. 

Upsurging Specialized Nutrition Market of United States

Specialized nutrition market of United States is growing significantly as the demand for the tailored nutrition for health management is upsurging. Prevalence of chronic disorders like obesity, diabetes and cancer is more and thus, increasing the demand for the specialized nutrition. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 Americans suffer from at least one chronic disorder, and 4 in 10 suffer from two or more chronic disorders. Increasing elderly population, demand for specialized infant nutrition and increasing popularity of sports and fitness propelling the market. 

Europe Observed to Grow at the Fastest Rate in the Specialized Nutrition Market During the Forecast Period. 

Increasing malnutrition in Europe is important driving factor for the boosting of specialized nutrition market. Malnutrition is widespread in the Europe and almost 33 million are at risk. The demand for different specialized nutritional supplements is expanding due to the growing trend of adopting healthy lifestyles, which is being driven by growing awareness of lifestyle diseases and the associated healthcare expenses. Furthermore, the demand for plant-based protein supplements has increased because of the growing popularity of plant-based diets. The supply of personalized nutrition is changing because of the incorporation of digital health technologies like wearable technology and smartphone apps. These tools improve the effectiveness of nutrition solutions by allowing consumers to monitor health markers and track their nutritious intake. 

• For instance, in October 2024, under the well-known Wellosophy brand, Oriflame Spain became first Oriflame market to provide a customized solution to brand partners and customers for their nutritional demands. By creating a customized solution for each customer's unique needs, this new line of dietary supplements projected to expand on the success of Oriflame's Wellness Pack for men and women. 

Segmental Insights 

Ingredients Insights

The Proteins and Amino Acids Segment Held the Largest Share of the Specialized Nutrition Market in 2024. 

Increasing number of health-conscious consumers and daily requirement of protein uptake fostering the market. Protein supplements are significantly consumed by athletes and people to enhance muscle mass and strength. Protein and amino acid specialized nutritional products serve as easy option for those with a hectic schedule and facing decreased appetite after workout. 

The Prebiotics & Probiotics Ingredient Segment is Seen to Grow at a Notable Rate During the Predicted Timeframe.

In health-conscious world, there is an exponential increase in demand for items that promote total well-being. Because they provide a natural and comprehensive way to maintain gut health and strengthen the body's immune system, pre and probiotics have become important participants in the health and wellness revolution. The market for prebiotic and probiotic products is expanding significantly as consumer knowledge and interest in preventive healthcare continue to rise. Furthermore, individualized nutrition is becoming more and more important, and new technologies like microbiome analysis and genetic testing enable customized probiotic and prebiotic compositions to suit individual requirements. It is projected that this emphasis on product diversification and personalization would spur market expansion and draw in a larger customer.

Application Insights

The Elderly Nutrition Segment Held the Dominating Share of the Specialized Nutrition Market in 2024. 

The elderly nutrition has grown significantly in recent years due to improvements in healthcare and longer life expectancies. Numerous important variables are the main drivers of this expansion. First of all, older people are becoming more conscious of the role that nutrition plays in preserving general health and wellbeing. Age-related problems demand specific dietary solutions because people's nutritional needs alter as they become older. The growing trend in the elderly nutrition market to meet the specific nutritional needs of this group is shown in the rising usage of dietary supplements and nutraceuticals among older persons. The desire for better health and quality of life among the aging population is fueling the market expansion.

The Sport Nutrition Segment is Expected to Grow at the Fastest Rate in the Specialized Nutrition Market During the Forecast Period.

Growing knowledge of the advantages of exercise and a healthy lifestyle is driving the sports nutrition. Demand for goods that promote performance improvement, recuperation, and general wellness is rising as more people participate in fitness activities. Innovations in product formulations that meet the varied needs of consumers, from athletes to fitness enthusiasts, are driving the expansion of the market. Growing health consciousness and the expansion of retail distribution channels are important factors driving market expansion. Increasing health consciousness and government programs encouraging fitness and well being have a big impact on the use of nutrition products in many major markets throughout the world. 

Recent Developments in the Specialized Nutrition Market

Cargill

• Product launch: In September 2024, At Vitafoods Asia, Cargill unveiled its Specialized Nutrition category, offering novel, evidence-based nutritional solutions aimed at enhancing individuals' health and well-being throughout all stages of life. Cargill unveiled five distinct prototypes at Vitafoods Asia in Bangkok, highlighting its extensive portfolio of health-support solutions and insights-driven innovations that will assist food companies in addressing the increasing consumer demand for overall health.

Danone

• Partnership: in august 2024, Danone, the top food and nutrition corporation, collaborated with Apollo 24|7 for its announced Super 6 Diabetes Programme in a revolutionary move to address the rising diabetes issue in India. The Super 6 Diabetes Programme offers a comprehensive solution to help diabetes management by fusing knowledge of Danone for diabetes nutrition with Apollo's state-of-the-art digital healthcare platform.  

Specialized Nutrition Market Leading Companies

• Nestlé
• Danone
• Abbott
• BASF
• Glanbia
• Herbalife Nutrition
• Archer-Daniels-Midland
• Baxter
• Otsuka Pharmaceutical
• Reckitt Benckiser
• B. Braun Melsungen AG
• Bayer AG
• Fresenius Kabi
• Kerry Group
• Perrigo
• Pfizer
• Abbott Nutrition
• Evonik Industries
• General Mills
• International Flavors & Fragrances
• Jamieson Wellness
• Kemin Industries
• Mead Johnson & Company, LLC
• Nature's Way

Segments Covered in the Report

By Ingredients

• Protein & Amino Acids
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Fibers & Specialty Carbohydrates
• Omega fatty Acids
• Prebiotics & Probiotics
• Antioxidants
• Others

By Application

• Sports Nutrition
• Elderly Nutrition

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
• Latin America