Global Medical Foods Market Expected to Reach USD 37.4 Billion by 2033 - IMARC Group

Global Medical Foods Market Statistics, Outlook and Regional Analysis 2025-2033

The global medical foods market size was valued at USD 24.5 Billion in 2024, and it is expected to reach USD 37.4 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.78% from 2025 to 2033.

The global medical foods market is significantly growing due to the rising incidence of several chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. This promotes the need for specialized nutritional products that serve to improve the health of patients, thus aiding the market growth. Moreover, the increasing importance of dietary management of such conditions is acting as another growth-inducing inducing-factor as the medical foods enhance the quality of life by carrying an effective treatment. Additionally, the growing number of premature births in developing countries has raised the requirement for neonatal and preterm enteral feeding systems, supporting the market demand. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 6500 newborn deaths every day, amounting to 47% of children deaths under the age of 5 years. This has further heightened the need for medical foods globally because these products are crucial for meeting specific human nutritional requirements.

Concurrently, the market is experiencing growth driven by the increasing ubiquity of rare metabolic disorders that demand medical foods. In confluence with this, the improving healthcare costs, especially in the growing regions are allowing better access to enhanced nutritional therapies, fueling the market demand. Apart from this, the growing interest in personalized nutrition is enabling the modification of medical foods aligning with the requirements of the individuals. In addition, ongoing technological advancements in food science are providing refined formulations that can easily be broken down in the gut for easy absorption, boosting the market expansion. For example, the National Institute of Health (NIH) reports that emerging innovations in food technology utilize conventional techniques such as fermentation, extraction, encapsulation, modifying, and preserving healthy food components to eliminate enzymes and introduce new nutrients. Furthermore, the rising involvement of medical nutritionists among providers and the medical food industry to inform patients about the advantages of medical foods is significantly contributing to the market growth.

Global Medical Foods Market Statistics, By Region

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share on account of the advanced healthcare infrastructure, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and increasing healthcare expenditure.

North America Medical Foods Market Trends:

The market in North America is expanding due to the rising frequency of chronic diseases such as cancer, as these require additional nutrition for enhanced recovery from cachexia. In line with this, the increased awareness of medical foods among healthcare providers and patients is promoting the use of medical foods, because of their effectiveness in enhancing the outcomes of treatment. Furthermore, introducing new products and formulations for disease-specific categories is broadening their use across the region. For example, in 2024, Danone announced its acquisition of Functional Formularies, a US-based whole foods tube-feeding business, from Swander Pace Capital, aiming to support the nutritional needs of tube-fed patients. Apart from this, favorable laws and increasing expenditure on healthcare are boosting their need and making them an inevitable supplement to diets, thereby propelling the market forward.

Asia-Pacific Medical Foods Market Trends:

Asia Pacific is witnessing robust growth due to rapid urbanization and lifestyle modifications. This is further triggering the incidence of metabolic disorders and malnutrition, leading to an increased demand for medical foods in the region. Moreover, social nutritional programs and the rising disposable incomes of the middle-class population is increasing their capability to spend more on healthcare, which is driving the market forward.

Europe Medical Foods Market Trends:

In Europe, the market demand is significantly driven by the aging population of the region as they depend on medical foods for ailments associated with aging, such as dementia and frailty. Additionally, favorable policies such as reimbursement for medical nutrition ensure easier access and implementation of nutrition, addressing chronic conditions, thus providing an impetus to the market.

Latin America Medical Foods Market Trends:

The demand in Latin America is surging due to the growing incidence of gastrointestinal disorders and infections. This promotes the enhanced need for nutritional support in the region. Moreover, economic developments in countries like Brazil and Mexico are promoting easy access to sophisticated healthcare products, along with the rising awareness of nutritional therapies, which is boosting the market growth.

Middle East and Africa Medical Foods Market Trends:

In the Middle East and Africa, the demand is primarily driven by the rising prevalence of stevia which leads to high rates of nutritional deficiencies and diseases like diabetes. In addition, health check-ups in certain parts of the region, enhance the use of nutritional products to manage these diseases. Furthermore, continuous investments in programs focusing on healthcare and nutrition are contributing to the market expansion.

Top Companies Leading in the Medical Foods Industry

Some of the leading medical foods market companies include Abbott Healthcare Private Limited, Alfasigma S.p.A., Danone S.A., Fresenius Kabi AG, Mead Johnson & Company LLC (Reckitt Benckiser), Medtrition Inc., Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd., Metagenics Inc. (Alticor), Nestlé S.A., Primus Pharmaceuticals Inc., Targeted Medical Pharma Inc., and Victus Inc., among many others.

• In October 2024, a Missouri jury ruled in favor of Abbott and Mead Johnson, clearing them of liability in a lawsuit over infant formulas allegedly causing NEC, seeking $6 billion in damages, which aligns with scientific consensus from agencies like the FDA and CDC.
• In May 2024, Nestlé launched Vital Pursuit, a frozen food line for users of GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, offering high-protein, nutrient-rich products under $5.

Global Medical Foods Market Segmentation Coverage

• On the basis of the product, the market has been categorized into pills, powder, and others, wherein powder represents the leading segment due to the convenience of its formulation. These powder-form medical foods enable the refinement of the formulation to suit a particular health issue. Moreover, they are soluble and do not leave any residue behind, enhancing the patient treatment.
• Based on the route of administration, the market is bifurcated into oral and enteral, amongst which oral dominates the market, as it is convenient and cost-effective. This route is non-invasive which improves the self-management and boosts the adherence of the patients. In addition to this, it is available in various forms such as powders and pills making it appropriate for all patients regardless of their state, age, and gender, which fuels its market demand.
• On the basis of the application, the market has been divided into ADHD, depression, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic disorders, and others. Among these, diabetes accounts for the majority of the market share owing to the increasing prevalence of disease incidence and offering specific nutritional support. Besides this, medical foods for diabetes are widely utilized to help regulate blood glucose levels and maintain the metabolic system to prevent complications, thereby supporting the market growth.
• Based on the distribution channel, the market is segregated into supermarkets, hospital and retail pharmacies, online pharmacies, and others. Hospitals and retail pharmacies lead the market because they are the primary source of purchasing medical foods for prescribers in easily accessible locations. This direct contact with healthcare personnel gives them reliability and correct usage directions that lead to excellent consumer relations, aiding the market growth.

Browse IMARC Related Reports on Medical Foods Market:

• Japan Medical Foods Market Report