Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Type (Low Pressure and Atmospheric Pressure), Application, Distribution Channel, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin Am

The global human milk oligosaccharides market size is expected to reach USD 1,821.29 million by 2034, according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report “Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO) Market Size, Share, Trends, Industry Analysis Report: By Type (2’FL, 3’FL, 3’SL, and 6’SL), Application, Distribution Channel, and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America) – Market Forecast, 2025–2034,” gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

The human milk oligosaccharides market growth is driven by the increasing awareness related to the health benefits of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), particularly in infant nutrition. Human milk oligosaccharides are bioactive carbohydrates naturally found in human breast milk that play a crucial role in supporting infant gut health, immunity, and cognitive development. By acting as prebiotics, HMO promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, protects against harmful pathogens, and enhances overall digestive health. Moreover, with the growing global population and rising number of working mothers, there is an increasing demand for infant formulas enriched with human milk oligosaccharides (HMO). As these products aim to replicate the nutritional and health benefits of breast milk, their demand is projected to increase during the forecast period. Furthermore, advancements in fermentation-based production technologies have made human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) more accessible, enabling their integration into functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceutical applications.

The human milk oligosaccharides market trends reflect its expanding adoption beyond infant nutrition. Increasing consumer interest in gut health and immunity, coupled with the rising demand for bioactive ingredients in functional foods, has driven the incorporation of HMO into adult supplements and health products. Personalized nutrition is also gaining traction, with human milk oligosaccharides (HMO)-based formulations tailored to individual health needs. Additionally, clean-label and plant-based trends are encouraging the development of sustainable and ethically sourced HMO products. As companies continue to perform research to discover new applications for human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) and validate their benefits, the market is expected to grow during the forecast period, supported by strategic collaborations and innovative product launches by key industry players. Therefore, human milk oligosaccharides perform as a dynamic and rapidly evolving market in the global health and wellness industry.

One of the key factors promoting the market expansion of HMOs includes improvement in production techniques. For instance, advancements in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering have improved microbial systems, such as Escherichia coli, which is used to produce HMO. Moreover, techniques such as chemoenzymatic synthesis have become a viable alternative to conventional chemical methods for producing natural products. Therefore, improvements in technology and the improved ability of the manufacturers to produce HMO help improve yields and reduce costs.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides Market Report Highlights

Based on type, the 2’FL segment led the HMO market share in 2024, representing 54.16% of revenue. Its high demand is attributed to its significant health benefits, particularly in infant nutrition.

The human milk oligosaccharides market, by distribution channel, is segmented into hypermarkets & supermarkets, drug store or pharmacy, online sales channel, and others. The hypermarkets & supermarkets play a crucial role in the distribution of human milk oligosaccharides (HMO)-enriched products due to their widespread presence, high foot traffic, and ability to offer a diverse range of products.

In 2024, Asia Pacific dominated the human milk oligosaccharides market revenue share, primarily fueled by the region's expanding population and rising birth rates, especially in countries such as China and India.

A few global key market players are Elicityl S.A., Abbott Laboratories, Biosynth Carbosynth, Dextra Laboratories Ltd., Dupont Nutrition & Biosciences, Glycosyn, BASF S.E., Glycom A/S, Nestle Health Science, Neolacta Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Royal DSM, Medolac Laboratories, Chr. Hansen Holding A/S, ZuChem, Inbiose NV, and Royal FrieslandCampina N.V.

Polaris Market Research has segmented the human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) market report on the basis of type, application, distribution channel, and region:

By Type Outlook (Revenue – USD Million, 2020–2034)

§ 2’FL

§ 3’FL

§ 3’SL

§ 6’SL

By Application Outlook (Revenue – USD Million, 2020–2034)

§ Infant Formula

§ Functional Food & Beverage

§ Food Supplements

By Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue – USD Million, 2020–2034)

§ Hypermarkets & Supermarkets

§ Drug Store or Pharmacy

§ Online Sales Channel

§ Others

By Regional Outlook (Revenue – USD Million, 2020–2034)

North America

US

Canada

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

Netherlands

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

India

Japan

South Korea

Indonesia

Australia

Malaysia

Rest of Asia Pacific

Latin America

Argentina

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

UAE

Saudi Arabia

Israel

South Africa

Rest of Middle East & Africa