Infant Formula DHA Algae Oil Market Size – By Content, End Use, Analysis, Share, Growth Forecast, 2025- 2034

Infant Formula DHA Algae Oil Market Size

The global infant formula DHA algae oil market size was valued at USD 367.2 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 7% from 2025 to 2034. The increasing awareness of the health benefits associated with DHA, a crucial omega-3 fatty acid, has attracted consumer interest in products enriched with this nutrient including DHA-fortified dietary supplements, infant formula, and functional foods owing to their preference for healthy dietary choices.
 

According to a survey report by McKinsey & Company in 2022, 70% of the respondents across various developed markets (USA, UK, France & Germany) have the urge to become healthier and about 50% of respondents across varied age groups, claim that healthy eating is a top priority for them.
 

Infant Formula DHA Algae Oil Market Trends

The growing preference for plant-based and sustainable sources of nutrition is a major trend in the DHA algae oil industry. Consumers are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional fish oil supplements owing to concerns about overfishing and environmental sustainability. According to an article published by the food institute, nearly 40% of consumers are now purchasing plant-based foods. 64% claimed that they make their purchases within the vegan category several times a month and 57% of respondents said they plan to consume plant-based alternatives throughout their lives.
 

Algae-derived DHA, being a renewable and environmentally friendly source, is therefore gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers seeking omega-3 supplementation without the ecological concerns associated with fish-based options. Additionally, the nutrient is finding its way into various products such as infant formula, functional foods, and even pet nutrition. The versatility of DHA algae oil and its potential to cater to a diverse range of consumer needs is driving innovation. The ongoing research highlighting the benefits of DHA, particularly for cognitive health, along with product development & launches will shape the industry outlook in the coming years.
 

Infant Formula DHA Algae Oil Market Analysis

The infant formula DHA algae Oil industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing awareness of the health benefits of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for cognitive and visual development in infants. Algae oil, a sustainable and vegetarian source of DHA, is gaining preference over fish oil due to its purity, lack of fishy odor, and reduced risk of oceanic contamination.
 

The market is bolstered by regulatory mandates in several regions requiring DHA inclusion in infant formulas, particularly in Europe and North America. Asia-Pacific is emerging as a key growth region due to rising birth rates, increasing disposable incomes, and heightened health awareness among parents. Key players are focusing on innovation to enhance DHA extraction methods and improve product quality while addressing the demand for clean-label and organic formulations.
 

Based on content, the infant formula DHA algae Oil market is segmented into 30% - 40%, 40% - 50%. The content 40% - 50% dominate the market by generating USD 122.5 million revenue in the year 2024. The fastest-growing segment in the infant formula DHA algae oil industry, with a DHA content of 40%-50%, is driven by increasing consumer demand for premium and highly nutritious infant formulas. This growth is fueled by rising parental awareness of DHA's critical role in early brain and vision development and a preference for products with higher concentrations to maximize health benefits.
 

Regulatory requirements mandating DHA inclusion in infant nutrition products, especially in developed markets, further boost this segment. Advances in algae oil production technology, such as improved yield and cost efficiency, make higher DHA content formulas more accessible to manufacturers. Additionally, the shift toward plant-based and sustainable sources aligns with consumer demand for clean-label, eco-friendly products, accelerating adoption in emerging markets like Asia-Pacific.
 

Based on end use the infant formula DHA algae Oil market is segmented into the 0 – 3 years old, 3 – 6 years old, others (premature infants, 7+ years old). End user of 0 – 3 years segment hold a dominant market share of 96.9% in 2024. The 0–3 years old segment is the fastest-growing end-use segment in the infant formula DHA algae oil industry, driven by the critical nutritional requirements during infancy and early childhood development.
 

Parents prioritize high-quality DHA-enriched formulas for this age group to support brain, eye, and immune system development during this foundational period. The rising prevalence of breastfeeding challenges, coupled with an increasing awareness of DHA's benefits, encourages the adoption of premium infant formula products. Government and healthcare recommendations advocating DHA inclusion in early nutrition, particularly in developed regions, further propel demand. Additionally, the growth of urbanization and dual-income families in emerging economies enhances affordability and access to DHA-enriched infant formulas, solidifying this segment’s rapid expansion.
 

The U.S. infant formula DHA algae oil market size dominated around USD 22.3 million in 2024, primarily driven by stringent regulatory guidelines mandating the inclusion of DHA in infant formulas, such as FDA and WHO recommendations. Rising parental awareness of DHA’s role in cognitive and visual development has led to increased adoption of premium formulas. The country’s high disposable income levels and well-established distribution channels, including e-commerce platforms, further enhance market accessibility.
 

Additionally, a growing preference for plant-based, sustainable DHA sources like algae oil over traditional fish oil resonates with health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers, propelling market growth.
 

North America, as a region, benefits from robust demand driven by the U.S. and Canada, where healthcare professionals and governments actively promote DHA-enriched infant nutrition. The growing awareness of DHA’s role in addressing early developmental challenges has created a lucrative market for algae oil-based products. Increasing numbers of working parents and a rising trend of delayed parenting result in higher spending on premium-quality infant nutrition. Technological advancements in algae oil extraction and a preference for non-GMO, organic, and sustainable formulations align with consumer demands, further boosting the regional market.
 

Infant Formula DHA Algae Oil Market Share

Companies like Far East Microalgae, JC Biotech, Cellana, Lonza, and Meteoric Biopharmaceutical play pivotal roles in driving the growth of the infant formula DHA algae oil industry through their advanced research, production capabilities, and innovative solutions. Far East Microalgae and Cellana are instrumental in the sustainable cultivation and extraction of algae-based DHA, ensuring high purity and quality. JC Biotech leverages biotechnological advancements to enhance production efficiency, while Lonza provides cutting-edge encapsulation technologies to improve DHA oil stability and shelf life.
 

Meteoric Biopharmaceutical contributes by supplying DHA algae oil as a vital ingredient for premium infant formula brands. Together with other key players, these companies ensure consistent supply, innovation, and adherence to stringent quality standards, fostering market expansion and addressing growing consumer demand for DHA-enriched infant nutrition.
 

Infant Formula DHA Algae Oil Market Companies

Major players operating in the infant formula DHA algae oil industry are:

• Algarithm
• Cellana
• Far East Microalgae
• Goerlich Pharma
• Guangdong Runke Bio-Engineering
• Henry Lamotte OILS
• Hubei Fuxing Biotechnology
• JC Biotech
• Kingdomway Nutrition
• Lonza
• Meteoric Biopharmaceutical
• Nordic Naturals
• Polaris
• Qingdao Keyuan Marine Biochemistry
• Xiamen Huison Biotech
   

Infant Formula DHA Algae Oil Industry News

• In September 2023, Corbion announced the launch of its new product, AlgaPrime DHA P3 with the aim to meet the growing demand for sustainable active nutrition in the pet food sector. This innovative product provides pet food manufacturers with elevated DHA levels, helping to decrease reliance on limited traditional omega-3 sources.
   
• In November 2022, Algisys announced that they have partnered with Strameno to commercialize cutting-edge Omega-3 Algae Technology. Their expertise in algae technologies, with potential benefits for human and animal health, will help address the issue of overfishing. This collaboration aims to create new products, meeting the growing demand for Omega-3s, antioxidants, and plant protein.
   

This infant formula DHA algae oil market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) & volume (Tons) from 2021 to 2034, for the following segments:

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Market, By Content

• 30% - 40%
• 40% - 50%

Market, By End Use

• 0 – 3 years old
• 3 – 6 years old
• Others (premature infants, 7+ years old)

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Australia 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa