Early life nutrition in Southeast Asia

Although birth rates are slowing down in Southeast Asia, the region’s early life nutrition market is projected to grow steadily. In general, one reason is that lifestyles are changing, with young mothers now also gaining employment. They require high quality formula that support breastfeeding alternatives. Research also shows that parents are willing to pay more for clean-label products for their infants and toddlers. 

Markets like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines are showing strong CAGR growth in baby food and formula segments, while Thailand and Malaysia are seeing increased uptake of fortified prepared foods and supplements.

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According to Statista, Southeast Asia’s baby food market which includes infant formula is projected to reach USD10.56 billion this year, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% through 2030. Globally, the early life nutrition sector is expected to grow from USD 62.6 billion in 2025 to USD 137.8 billion by 2035, led by Asia-Pacific’s demand for premium, science-backed products. For nutrition brands, it is an opportunity to innovate with age-adapted formulations, clean-label transparency, and microbiome-supportive ingredients tailored to regional needs.

This year alone, many new ingredients were introduced to the market. Among them, Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) which are complex carbohydrates found in breast milk that support gut health, immunity, and cognitive development.

GlyCare™ HMOs (by dsm-firmenich) include 2’-FL, LNnT, 3’SL, and 6’SL—each targeting specific health outcomes like bifidobacteria growth and brain development.

Human Milk Probiotics (HMPs) are naturally occurring beneficial bacteria found in human breast milk. They are strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that play a crucial role in shaping the infant gut microbiome and supporting immune development.

LC40® Infant and LC40® Breastcare (by Kerry) are clinically validated strains for infant immunity and maternal mastitis relief.

BfM26® supports neonatal care and growth in preterm infants.

Prebiotic Synergy: Chicory Root + 2’-FL refers to a scientifically validated combination of two powerful prebiotic ingredients, namely inulin-type fructans derived from chicory root and the human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) 2’-fucosyllactose (2’-FL). This blend from BENEO is designed to support early-life gut health, particularly in toddlers transitioning from breastfeeding. The synergy was validated in a 2025 preclinical study conducted in collaboration with ETH Zurich, using the advanced PolyFermS® fermentation model to simulate toddler gut microbiota.

BENEO’s research highlights that the combination outperforms either ingredient alone in promoting beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium and Lachnospiraceae. Furthermore, it supports personalized nutrition approaches, as microbiota responses vary by individual.

With rising demand for microbiome-supportive ingredients, clean-label transparency, and age-adapted formats, the region presents in opportunity. Product such as those mentioned in the report are but few of the options available to brands that are willing to include that premium ingredients to their future products.