Latest trends in infant nutrition: How science is shaping the next generation of formulas

As birth rates decline in many regions, the global infant nutrition market is entering a new phase: that of value over volume. Growth is increasingly driven by premiumisation and personalised nutrition solutions, with premium formulas expected to represent around half of the category’s value by 2028. At the same time, the market is expanding towards more specialised nutrition solutions that cater to more individualized health preferences or address specific nutritional needs.

Key takeaways

• Four market drivers are reshaping the infant nutrition category: premiumisation, personalised nutrition, category expansion and the continued pursuit of formulas that come closer to the composition and functionality of human milk. 
• Breast milk remains the gold standard of infant nutrition. Across the industry, manufacturers are striving to develop formulas that better reflect its composition, functionality and health benefits. 
• Three scientific trends are helping manufacturers respond to these market shifts: 
  1. Holistic formula design is replacing single-ingredient innovation, combining multiple bioactive components inspired by human milk. 
  2. Microbiome science is driving innovation in gut health and immunity development, with ingredients such as HMOs and GOS supporting microbiota development and digestive comfort. 
  3. Cognitive development is gaining importance in early life nutrition, with research highlighting the role of nutrients such as HMOs, MFGM and iron. 

Across the industry, manufacturers share a common goal: bringing infant formulas closer to the composition and functionality of breast milk, the gold standard of infant nutrition. In this evolving market, three scientific trends are shaping how the next generation of formulas is designed. 

1. Holistic design and advanced solutions bring formula closer to breast milk 

Traditionally, formula innovation has focused more on optimizing macronutrients, such as protein composition, fat quality, and carbohydrate components, to support infant growth and development. 

As scientific understanding of human milk advances, product development is moving towards a more holistic approach that combines multiple bioactive components. At the same time, new ingredient technologies are enabling solutions that better match the structure and functionality of components found in human milk. 

Recent research has significantly expanded our understanding of the bioactive components naturally present in human milk and their role in infant development. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), for example, have attracted growing attention as one of the most important functional components of breast milk. As the third most abundant solid component in human milk after lactose and lipids, HMOs represent a significant part of breast milk composition. Studies show that HMOs play a key role in shaping the infant gut microbiome and supporting immune system development. 

Another area of active research is milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), a complex structure naturally present in milk lipids. As lipids are the second most abundant component of human milk after lactose, their composition is a key focus in infant nutrition. Components such as MFGM may help bring the lipid composition of infant formulas closer to that of human milk. 

Together, these advances are enabling a new generation of formula designs that combine multiple functional components inspired by human milk. 

2. Microbiome science supports infant gut health and immunity development 

During infancy, the gut microbiota develops rapidly and plays an important role in digestion, immune system development and overall health. Breast milk is known to play an important role in shaping the development of the infant gut microbiota during early life. This has increased interest in ingredients that help shape microbiota development in similar ways in formula-fed infants. 

HMOs have been shown to selectively promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and support the development of the infant microflora and immune system. Prebiotic fibres such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) are also widely used to support beneficial bacteria and promote digestive wellbeing. 

Digestive comfort is another key focus area in infant nutrition research. Gastrointestinal discomfort and constipation are common among infants and more prevalent among formula-fed babies. This has increased interest in formulation strategies that support balanced digestion and stool consistency. Prebiotics like HMOs and GOS may help alleviate constipation and soften stools, as can partial hydrolyzation of proteins and keeping products palm oil free. 

3. Brain development gains focus in early life nutrition 

Early infancy is a critical window for brain development, making nutrition during this stage essential for long-term cognitive outcomes. 

Several nutrients are known to affect neurological development in infants. For example, iron deficiency during infancy and childhood is the most common micronutrient deficiencies globally and can have significant consequences for cognitive development if not addressed early in life. Recent research suggests that prebiotics like GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) combined with iron have been shown to increase iron absorption by 25–60%. 

At the same time, new findings from a clinical study conducted in USA suggest that certain HMOs may be associated with aspects of cognitive and social development in early life.  

Together, these insights are opening new opportunities to design infant formulas that support both healthy growth and long-term developmental outcomes. 

What this means for infant nutrition brands: Turning new science into better formulas 

The latest advances in early life nutrition research are opening new possibilities for formula development. At Valio, our experts work closely with customers to turn the latest nutrition science into functional ingredient solutions for next-generation formulas. By combining dairy expertise, nutrition research and application know-how with a fully traceable milk supply chain, we help you develop differentiated products that support infant growth and development while meeting the highest standards for safety and quality. 

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