Breast Milk Substitutes Market – By Substitute Type, By Formula Type, By Distribution Channel – Global Forecast, 2025 to 2034

Breast Milk Substitutes Market Size

The breast milk substitutes market size was valued at around USD 87.4 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at 9.9% CAGR from 2025 to 2034. Breast milk substitute (BMS) refers to any food product designed to replace breast milk for infants, primarily in the form of infant formula.
 

It is used when breastfeeding is not possible or insufficient, or when an infant requires supplemental nutrition. BMS products are typically made from cow's milk, soy, or other plant-based proteins. These products are often fortified with essential nutrients to approximate the nutritional profile of breast milk.
 

Several factors are driving the rising demand for breast milk substitutes (BMS). Many women encounter difficulties in breastfeeding due to stress, prior breast surgeries, or medical conditions impacting milk production. Furthermore, technological advancements and innovative product launches in the BMS market are poised to spur growth. For instance, in March 2021, 108LABS unveiled Colostrupedis, a groundbreaking animal-free formula for newborns. This formula, crafted to neutralize antibodies released by humans, incorporated cell-grown breast milk molecules derived from human breast cell agriculture. Such pioneering developments are set to catalyze market growth. Collectively, these elements are projected to propel industry expansion.
 

Urbanization has fostered the rise of nuclear families, often diminishing the traditional support for breastfeeding that extended family members would typically offer. This diminished support can render BMS an appealing choice for new mothers lacking the time or resources for exclusive breastfeeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscores this challenge, noting that while breastfeeding is the gold standard for infant nutrition, a mere 44% of infants globally are exclusively breastfed before the age of 6 months. Such figures illuminate the hurdles many mothers encounter in sustaining exclusive breastfeeding, amplifying the allure of BMS products, especially in urban locales.
 

Breast Milk Substitutes Market Trends

• The rising participation of women in the workforce has fueled the demand for breast milk substitutes (BMS). The International Labour Organization reported that in 2022, 47% of the global labor force was female, underscoring the prevalence of working mothers.
   
• Due to time constraints and professional commitments, many mothers struggle to breastfeed, making BMS a viable alternative. This trend underscores the sustained demand for convenient feeding solutions like BMS among working mothers.
   
• Economic advancements in developing areas, especially in the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and certain African regions, have transitioned weaning practices from traditional methods to formula feeding. This evolution, spurred by rising disposable incomes and urbanization, has bolstered BMS product sales.
   
• The World Bank highlighted a significant urban shift, noting that the urban populace in low- and middle-income nations surged from 35% in 2000 to 52% in 2020. Such urbanization dynamics are poised to further propel BMS adoption in these emerging markets.
   

Breast Milk Substitutes Market Analysis

Based on substitute type, the market is segmented into milk-based formula, soy-based formula, hypoallergenic formula, and other substitute types. The milk-based formula segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 72.5% in 2024.
 

• Health-related factors, such as insufficient milk supply, maternal health challenges, and the risk of disease transmission (e.g., HIV from infected mothers), have driven the adoption of milk-based formulas.
   
• Some mothers opt for milk-based formulas as a safer alternative for feeding their infants, a trend poised to fuel segment growth.
   
• Moreover, advancements in milk-based formula compositions, like the addition of vital nutrients such as DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), ARA (arachidonic acid), probiotics, and prebiotics, have heightened their attractiveness.
   
• These enhancements not only boost the health benefits of milk-based formulas supporting brain development, immune function, and digestive health but also align their nutritional value more closely with that of breast milk.
   

Based on formula type, the breast milk substitutes market is segmented into powdered, concentrated liquid, and ready-to-use. The powdered segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 39.5 billion in 2024.
 

• Lightweight and easy to store, powdered infant formula is a convenient choice for parents, especially those traveling or living in areas with limited access to fresh milk.
   
• Mixing the powder with water for preparation appeals to busy parents and those with demanding schedules.
   
• Market growth is notably driven by the rise of premium powdered formulas, including organic and specialty variants. These cater to specific needs, from lactose intolerance and allergies to the unique nutritional demands of premature infants.
   
• Parents are willing to invest in formulas they perceive as higher quality or specifically tailored to their baby's health needs, fueling the market's expansion.
   

Based on distribution channel, the breast milk substitutes market is segmented into pharmacies, retail stores, and other distribution channels. The retail stores segment dominated the market with the largest revenue of USD 40.5 billion in 2024.
 

• Retail stores serve as the primary access points for infant formula, which was valued at USD 43.1 billion in 2023, and other breast milk substitute (BMS) products.
   
• Supermarkets, pharmacies, and specialized baby product retailers maintain extensive distribution networks, facilitating easy access for parents. The widespread presence of these outlets, particularly in urban areas, enhances the visibility and availability of BMS products.
   
• Additionally, retail pharmacies and drugstores, including Walgreens, CVS, and Boots, have become significant contributors to BMS product distribution. These establishments often feature dedicated baby care products sections.
   
• Their widespread presence in both urban and rural areas enables broader distribution of BMS products, increasing accessibility for consumers.
   

The U.S. breast milk substitutes market is projected to grow significantly, reaching USD 52.6 billion by 2034.
 

• In the U.S., a substantial proportion of mothers resume employment soon after giving birth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023, 68.9% of mothers with children under the age of 6 were part of the labor force.
   
• For many working mothers, breast milk substitutes, especially infant formula, provide a practical feeding option when they are away from their babies.
   
• This necessity, coupled with high maternal employment rates, significantly contributes to the demand for breast milk substitute products in the U.S. market.
   

The breast milk substitutes market in UK is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Public health initiatives in the UK, including campaigns by the NHS and organizations like La Leche League, educate parents about breastfeeding benefits. These campaigns also acknowledge that breastfeeding may not be suitable or preferred for all mothers.
   
• Therefore, awareness has increased regarding breast milk substitutes, especially those formulated to closely match the nutritional composition of breast milk.
   

Japan breast milk substitutes market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2025 – 2034.
 

• Japan maintains stringent food safety standards, especially for infant products. The market highly values premium baby milk substitute (BMS) products that are safe, reliable, and of superior quality.
   
• Japanese consumers typically prefer domestic brands such as Meiji, Snow Brand, and Morinaga, recognizing their dedication to quality, safety, and product innovation. These companies have established a significant market presence by emphasizing the nutritional benefits and purity of their formulas.
   

The breast milk substitutes market in Saudi Arabia is expected to experience significant and promising growth from 2025 to 2034.
 

• Saudi Arabia's elevated disposable income levels, especially in major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, increase the affordability and accessibility of breast milk substitutes for a significant portion of the population.
   
• This financial capability allows parents to choose premium and imported infant formulas, potentially impacting breastfeeding rates in the country.
   

Breast Milk Substitutes Market Share

The market is competitive, featuring both major global companies and numerous smaller firms. A key strategy for participants is investing in the development of advanced breast milk substitutes technologies, such as docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid, prebiotics and probiotics, and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), to enhance accuracy and efficiency. Strategic partnerships with research institutions and healthcare providers are crucial for integrating new technologies and expanding distribution, enabling companies to address the rising demand for breast milk substitutes. Regulatory support and streamlined approval processes further drive innovation and market entry, solidifying the position of firms within the growing market.
 

Breast Milk Substitutes Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the breast milk substitutes industry include:

• Abbott Laboratories
• Arla Foods
• Beingmate Baby & Child Food
• Danone
• Fonterra Co-operative Group
• FrieslandCampina
• Hero Group
• HiPP
• kendamil
• Mead Johnson
• Munchkin
• Nestlé
• Synutra International
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Yili Group
   

Breast Milk Substitutes Industry News:

• In September 2024, Perrigo Company plc, announced a new brand partnership with Good Start and Dr. Brown's infant formula solutions. Good Start, a trusted infant formula brand for over 50 years, and Dr. Brown's, makers of the No. 1 pediatrician-recommended baby bottle in the U.S., shared a long-standing mission of creating confident feeding experiences for families. This partnership strengthened Perrigo's position in the infant nutrition market and enhanced its portfolio of trusted, high-quality products for parents.
   
• In July 2023, Bobbie, the only mom-founded and led infant formula company in the U.S., announced the acquisition of Nature’s One, an Ohio-based pediatric nutrition company. This industry-disrupting acquisition enabled Bobbie to reach its full growth potential while strengthening its domestic manufacturing capabilities.

The breast milk substitutes market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Substitute Type

• Milk-based formula
• Soy-based formula
• Hypoallergenic formula
• Other substitute types

Market, By Formula Type

• Powdered
• Concentrated liquid
• Ready-to-use

Market, By Distribution Channel

• Pharmacies
• Retail stores
• Other distribution channels

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America 
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
• Latin America 
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
• Middle East and Africa 
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia