Food As Medicine Market, By Route of Administration (Oral and Enteral), By Product (Pills, Powder and Others), Application (Chronic Kidney Diseases, Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy, Chemotherapy-Induced Diarrhea, Pathogen Related Infections and Others), By Distribution Channel (Online Sales, Institutional Sales and Retail Sales) and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa) - Market Trends, Analysis, and Forecast till 2034

Food as Medicine Market was valued at US$ 25 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% to reach US$ 36.6 Billion by 2034.

Food acts as a medicine. Medically customized meals (also known as therapeutic meals), medically tailored groceries (also known as food "farmacies" or healthy food prescriptions), and produce prescriptions are examples of interventions. They are usually guided by physicians through the healthcare system, delivered for free or at a very low cost to the patient, and sponsored by healthcare, government, or philanthropy. Along the wellness continuum, powerful forces are convergent, catalyzing dramatic changes in health and nutrition. Consumers are taking greater personal responsibility for their own health and wellness by using "food as medicine," according to one obvious trend. Consumers are choosing to maximize their calorie intake, owing in part to growing food fortification technologies and discoveries of nutrient benefits. As a result, the global expansion of functional foods is expected to outstrip that of traditional foods in both developed and emerging countries. According to NMI research, the primary motivations for using functional and fortified foods are to improve general health and enhance nutrient consumption—almost like a nutritional insurance policy. In fact, three-quarters of Americans believe that eating healthy meals and drinking healthy beverages can improve their quality of life. Furthermore, more than a quarter of Americans feel that certain medicines can be replaced with functional foods and beverages. It's not surprise, then, that the majority of customers would use food and beverages to prevent and treat a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, fatigue, bowel irregularity, and even cancer.

COVID-19 Impact on Food as medicine Market:

The COVID-19 pandemic is expected to boost the market's growth as medical foods will play a significant role in the rehabilitation and recovery process of individuals suffering from the condition, according to an article published in “The House” in 2020. Furthermore, as the demand for critical care services grows, so does the demand for dietetic care and nutritional assistance, encouraging the rise and use of medical meals. As a result, throughout the projected period, the pandemic is expected to increase the growth of the medical foods market.

Growing prevalence of chronic conditions

The rising frequency of diseases such as malnutrition and diabetes is also a major driver of market expansion. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), around 463 million persons had diabetes in 2019, with this number expected to rise to 700 million by 2045. Medical foods can help alleviate the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, which is one of the most common complications in diabetic patients. Furthermore, according to WHO report from 2020, roughly 462 million adults worldwide are underweight, making medicinal meals, along with enteral feeding, and the first line of treatment for malnourished patients. Medical foods that can help with these deficiencies creates growth opportunities for the Food as medicine market.

Increasing prevalence of conditions such as malnutrition and diabetes

The increasing prevalence of conditions such as malnutrition and diabetes is also a major factor boosting the market growth. For instance, as per International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2019, around 463 million adults were living with diabetes and this number is estimated to reach 700 million in 2045. Medical foods are useful in improving the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy, one of the most prevalent conditions in patients suffering from diabetes. Besides, according to a WHO report from 2020, around 462 million adults in the world are underweight and medical foods, along with enteral feeding, can be considered as the first line of choice for providing nutrients to malnourished patients. Hence, the increasing prevalence of diabetes is likely to drive the adoption of these products in the forthcoming years.

On the basis of route of administration, the Food as Medicine Market is segmented into oral and enteral. Oral route of administration has large share is due to the great commercial viability of orally delivered goods as well as a strong preference for orally administered medical meals due to their ease of use. Powders, tablets, puddings, and pre-thickened products are among the many types of oral supplements available. Modulen, a Nestle medical food, for example, is helpful in restoring nutritional requirements in Crohn's disease patients. Based on products, the target market is segmented into pills, powder and others. Based on application, the target market is segmented into chronic kidney disease, minimal hepatic encephalopathy, chemotherapy-induced diarrhea, pathogen related infections and others.

 Regional Insights:

On region the Food As Medicine Market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The food as medicine market is expected to register the largest market share in the North America region. The presence of important market players in this region, as well as the high income generated by these firms, are key factors leading to the greatest revenue share. Other factors boosting regional market expansion include strategic activities by manufacturers, increased prevalence of chronic illnesses, and expanding use of medical foods by healthcare professionals and patients. Discrepancies in the classification of medicinal foods may be a barrier to the market's expansion. Regulatory agencies in nations like the United States and Europe have clearly established criteria for medical foods. Medical foods, for example, are recognized by the FDA's 1988 Orphan Drugs Act Amendments. Medical foods are also classified as food for special purposes by the European Food Safety Authority. However, in other parts of the world, such items are still being regulated, and the patent scenario for medical foods is similarly unclear due to confusing categorization. As a result, these obstacles are expected to stifle market expansion.

Report Scope:

Segments Covered in the Report:

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2024 to 2034. For the purpose of this study, has segmented the Global Food As Medicine Market report based on route of administration, products, application, distribution channel, and region.

Food As Medicine Market, By Region:

• North America
  • Middle East & Africa
    • • GCC
      • Israel
      • South Africa
      • Rest of Middle East & Africa
  • Latin America
    • • Brazil
      • Mexico
      • Rest of Latin America
  • Asia Pacific
    • • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • South Korea
      • Rest of Asia Pacific
  • Europe
    • • Germany
      • UK
      • France
      • Russia
      • Italy
      • Rest of Europe
  • • U.S.
    • Canada

Some of the key industry leaders in the global food as medicine market are Danone, Nestle Nutrition, Abbott Nutrition, Targeted Medical Pharma, Inc., Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Mead Johnson & Company, LLC.,  Medtrition, Inc. and Fresenius Kabi AG. Due to the surge in demand for medicinal foods combined with technical developments, competition among existing providers is fierce. Furthermore, the market is consolidated, with the main firms controlling the majority of the market. Increased market demand, fuelled by expanding acceptability and knowledge of medicinal foods, is projected to encourage the entry of new companies in the future. Companies' strategic actions, such as collaborations, mergers, partnerships, and acquisitions, are predicted to increase competitiveness and promote market growth. For instance, In February 2020, Fresenius Kabi AG announced a partnership with Vifor Pharma to build a joint venture in China. The goal of this enterprise is to provide iron deficiency treatment to people in China. This will help the brand gain visibility in the Chinese market.

• Danone
  • Company Overview
  • Product Portfolio
  • Key Highlights
  • Financial Performance
  • Business Strategies
• Nestle Nutrition
  • Company Overview
  • Product Portfolio
  • Key Highlights
  • Financial Performance
  • Business Strategies
• Abbott Nutrition
  • Company Overview
  • Product Portfolio
  • Key Highlights
  • Financial Performance
  • Business Strategies
• Targeted Medical Pharma, Inc.
  • Company Overview
  • Product Portfolio
  • Key Highlights
  • Financial Performance
  • Business Strategies
• Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Company Overview
  • Product Portfolio
  • Key Highlights
  • Financial Performance
  • Business Strategies
• Mead Johnson & Company, LLC.
  • Company Overview
  • Product Portfolio
  • Key Highlights
  • Financial Performance
  • Business Strategies
• Medtrition, Inc.
  • Company Overview
  • Product Portfolio
  • Key Highlights
  • Financial Performance
  • Business Strategies
• Fresenius Kabi AG
  • Company Overview
  • Product Portfolio
  • Key Highlights
  • Financial Performance
  • Business Strategies