Carbohydrates in Human Nutrition Market Report 2025

This Carbohydrates in Human Nutrition market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market’s characteristics, size, and growth, including segmentation, regional and country-level breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends, and strategies. It also tracks historical and forecasted market growth across various geographies.

The carbohydrates in human nutrition market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $26.3 billion in 2024 to $27.98 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to the increasing global population, rising consumer awareness of balanced diets, growing demand for energy-rich foods, increasing advancements in food science and carbohydrate fortification, and the rise of athletic and fitness trends.

The carbohydrates in human nutrition market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $35.35 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to a growing focus on personalized nutrition, increasing demand for plant-based and low-glycemic carbohydrates, increasing advancements in functional food products, rising prevalence of metabolic health concerns, and expanding interest in gut health and prebiotics. Major trends in the forecast period include a shift towards low-glycemic and slow-release carbohydrates, demand for plant-based and alternative carbohydrate sources, interest in functional carbohydrates such as prebiotics for gut health, personalized nutrition influencing carbohydrate choices, advancements in carbohydrate-replacement technologies for low-carb diets.

The increasing health consciousness among consumers is expected to drive growth in the carbohydrates in human nutrition market in the future. This trend is fueled by heightened awareness of how diet and lifestyle affect overall well-being, influenced by factors such as greater access to health information, a rising incidence of lifestyle-related diseases, and a global emphasis on preventive healthcare. Carbohydrates play a vital role in human nutrition by providing essential energy, supporting brain function, and aiding digestion through fiber, all contributing to overall health. For instance, a July 2022 report from Food Insight, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, revealed that in 2022, 52% of participants in their Food and Health Survey followed a specific diet or eating pattern, an increase from 39% in 2021. The most popular choices included clean eating (16%), mindful eating (14%), and calorie counting (13%). Thus, the growing health consciousness is driving the carbohydrates in human nutrition market.

Leading companies in the carbohydrates in human nutrition sector are focusing on developing innovative products, such as galactose-based carbohydrates, to enhance energy levels, improve brain function, and support cellular communication. Galactose-based carbohydrates are simple sugars (monosaccharides) derived from galactose, a component of lactose found in dairy products and certain plants. These carbohydrates provide energy, support brain health, and promote digestive wellness. For example, in February 2023, Chew, a U.S.-based food innovation company, launched Fastfood sports nutrition, a high-performance product designed for elite and amateur athletes. This line includes Galacto-Gels and Galacto-Gummies, which are formulated for sustained energy. These convenient snacks harness galactose, offering a stable energy source that minimizes sugar crashes. Key features include a lactose-free formulation, optimal carbohydrate absorption for improved performance, and a gradual energy release to support endurance activities, making them ideal for training and competitions.

In January 2023, Butterfly, a U.S.-based private equity firm, acquired Milk Specialties Global for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition significantly enhances Butterfly's position in the carbohydrates and broader nutrition market. By integrating Milk Specialties' premium dairy protein products, Butterfly is strategically aligning itself with the growing consumer demand for functional foods that deliver both energy and health benefits. Milk Specialties is a U.S. company that produces nutritional ingredients, including carbohydrates and proteins.

Major companies operating in the carbohydrates in human nutrition market are Nestlé S.A., Archer Daniels Midland, Bayer AG, Abbott Laboratories, Danone S.A., General Mills Inc., Arla Foods Ingredients Group P/S, DSM Nutritional Products, Ajinomoto Co. Inc., Kerry Group, Amway Corporation, Ingredion Incorporated, Lonza Group AG, Glanbia Nutritionals, Herbalife Nutrition Ltd., AAK AB, Roquette Frères, Tate & Lyle, Balchem Corporation, BENEO GmbH, NutraBio Labs Inc., Bionova Lifesciences, Crespel & Deiters GmbH & Co. KG, Felthon Healthcare.

North America was the largest region in the carbohydrates in human nutrition market in 2023. The regions covered in the carbohydrates in human nutrition market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the carbohydrates in human nutrition market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Carbohydrates in human nutrition are a category of macronutrients that act as a key energy source for the body. During digestion, carbohydrates are converted into glucose, which fuels essential bodily functions such as brain activity and physical movement. Additionally, carbohydrates contribute to the maintenance of a healthy digestive system and support overall metabolism.

The primary types of carbohydrates in the human nutrition market include monosaccharides, disaccharides, and carbohydrate derivatives. Monosaccharides represent the most basic form of carbohydrates, which cannot be further broken down. The age groups considered encompass both adults and children, while the populations include pediatric, geriatric, and maternal categories. The applications range across dietary supplements, functional nutrition, sports nutrition, and infant nutrition.

The carbohydrates in human nutrition market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides carbohydrates in human nutrition market statistics, including carbohydrates in human nutrition industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a carbohydrates in human nutrition market share, detailed carbohydrates in human nutrition market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the carbohydrates in human nutrition industry. This carbohydrates in human nutrition market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The carbohydrates in human nutrition market consists of sales of sugars, starches, and fiber. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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