Omega-3 Product Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Functional Food and Beverages, Dietary Supplements, Infant Nutrition, Pet Food and Feed, Pharmaceutical), By Distribution Channel (Grocery Retailers, Pharmacies and Drug Stores, Internet Retailing, Other Distribution Channels), By Source (Plant-based, Animal-based) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2023-2031

Market Overview

The global omega-3 product market size was valued at USD 48.54 billion in 2023. It is expected to reach USD 94.71 billion in 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.71% over the forecast period (2024-32). Increasing awareness among consumers about the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids drives market demand. Omega-3s, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are known for their roles in cardiovascular health, brain function, and reducing inflammation, leading to their incorporation into dietary supplements and functional foods.

Omega-3s are nutrients that can be obtained through food or supplements and aid in developing and maintaining a healthy body. They are essential to the composition of every human cell wall. They also serve as a source of energy and support the functioning of the immune system, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. The body is unable to produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own. Since they are essential fat, they are required for survival. The finest source of omega-3 fatty acids in food is fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in several plants. Researchers have discovered that societies that consume foods high in omega-3s have reduced rates of depression. Supplemental fish oil has a mixed record of effectiveness in treating depression. To determine whether it can make an impact, more study is required.

The global demand for omega-3 products is driven by an increase in omega-3 products due to the many health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. The market for omega-3 components is anticipated to grow significantly throughout the period forecasted due to their widespread use in newborn feeding, dietary supplements, and other food industries. The market for omega-3 products is increasing due to the recent desire for practical and effective ultra-high concentrations. Omega-3 looks for expansion potential as individualized nutrition becomes more popular among millennials. Significant market shares are held by infant nutrition and functional foods, which are anticipated to see demand during the projection period.

Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

Benefits Associated and Technological Advancements

The human diet must contain adequate omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, for healthy growth and development. They support immunological health, joint health, eye health, cognitive function, pregnancy and child development, and joint and inflammation relief. Globally, there has been an upsurge in cardiovascular disease fatalities recently. The United Nations Population Fund (India) predicts that 19.1 million senior adults in India will have heart disease by 2050. There is a demand for heart health products in nations like India and China, where the prevalence of heart disease is rising, which helps the market for omega-3 products.

An increased risk of various chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, depression, and diabetes, is linked to low levels of PUFAs in the bloodstream. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids help shield adult eyes from dry eye syndrome and age-related macular degeneration. Because most of an infant's brain development happens during pregnancy and the first two years of life, DHA is crucial for preterm babies. The vital nutrients eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), often known as omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs), are crucial for human growth, development, and general health. Market expansion for omega-3 products is a result of these health advantages.

Constant technological improvements that enhance the delivery and absorption of omega-3 substances are another essential element fueling the market expansion for omega-3 products. Major market companies are pouring a lot of money into research and development to incorporate technology that would increase the body's ability to absorb omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have long been recommended for good health, particularly heart health, and can be found naturally in foods such some fish, nuts, and seeds. However, after taking these supplements, consumers encounter several issues, including fish burps, aftertaste, and odor masking. Manufacturers are concentrating on bringing new technology to address these issues. The market is also boosted by these improvements to the product.

Market Restraints

Low Consumer Awareness

There are nations with devoted users of omega-3 supplements, yet there are other well-informed nations with very little utilization. Despite the numerous health benefits of omega-3s, adults in most of the world's regions have insufficient levels of EPA and DHA. For instance, in Europe, poor taste, high cost, and a lack of medical recommendations are the main contributing factors affecting the market for omega-3 products. Consumers worldwide, including those in Germany, Russia, and Spain, need the necessary information on the health advantages of omega-3 products. One of the main challenges to be addressed in Italy is quality.

EPA and DHA blood levels are deficient in North, South, and Central America, Central, and Southern Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Surprisingly, areas with native people or places where westernized eating customs have not yet been embraced, like the Sea of Japan and Scandinavia, are rated well for EPA and DHA. There are many obstacles to entering or reentering the omega-3 supplement industry due to low consumer awareness in some areas. The leading causes are a lack of education, an understanding of the full range of advantages that EPA and DHA can offer at every stage of life, and inconsistent or murky on-pack claims. Therefore, a barrier to the market's expansion is poor consumer awareness of the advantages of eating omega-3 products, particularly in developing nations.

Market Opportunities

Beverages With Omega 3 Infusion are Becoming Incredibly Popular Among Consumers

Manufacturers of beverages are experienced with fortification. Additionally, over time, forms and fortified substances have changed. As consumer demand for fortified drinks rises, beverage manufacturers are turning to vitamins and minerals to satisfy this demand and promote functional claims. The most common health benefits touted for beverages by businesses include those for the immune system, brain and nerve systems, heart, and weight management, among others. Omega 3 fatty acids are also gaining popularity in the beverage business due to their links to good health and brain development. Giants in the beverage industry are emerging on the scene to boost their brands' value.

Regional Analysis

The region-wise segmentation of the global omega-3 product market includes North America, South America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and MEA.

The Asia Pacific and North America will Dominate the Regional Market

The Asia Pacific is likely to command the omega-3 product market while proliferating at a CAGR of 9.11%. Due to growing consumer awareness of the omega-3 ingredient's potential in sports nutrition and a widening range of individualized nutrition options, the region's market for omega-3 products is expanding. Consumers are embracing wellness and health initiatives in response to the government's Healthy China 2030 goal. The nation is becoming increasingly interested in health, sports, and wellness. Products for improving brain health are in demand from the aging population. Due to the stress of school and exams, younger people are searching for cognitive support, driving the market for omega-3 products in various forms, primarily supplements and functional foods.

Companies are coming up with several innovations due to the rising demand for omega-3 products in the form of functional foods. For instance, the Norwegian company Aker BioMarine, which has a significant presence in China, collaborated with a regional expert in micro-encapsulation to develop shelf-stable krill powder that can be used in various beverage applications. Krill oil was also produced using milk powder for the adult powdered market.

North America is expected to advance at a CAGR of 6.82% and reach USD 18,394 million. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, is a critical component of infant nutrition in the region's countries. DHA is an ingredient in almost all infant nutrition formula brands in the area, raising the formula's price. The area's market for algae omega-3 products is expanding due to this factor. As an illustration, the US-based company Enfamil sells Enfagrow A+ Stage 4 Nutritional Milk Powder that includes DHA and other vital prebiotics and micronutrients.

Additionally, the WHO's recommendation that Americans consume less than half of the recommended omega-3 will likely create new market opportunities for omega-3 products, particularly in the dietary supplement and functional food sectors. To keep up with consumers' constantly changing preferences, preference players in the region are heavily leveraging plant-based omega-3 product lineups. This is due to increased demand for vegan, vegetarian, and plant-based products. End-product and ingredient producers are focusing on creating appropriate solutions for end-user industries in recognition of the market's strong demand growth and wide range of opportunities.

Segmental Analysis

The global omega-3 product market is classified based on product type, distribution channel, source, and region.

Per the product type, the segments are Functional Food, Dietary Supplements, Infant Nutrition, Pet Food & Feed, and Pharmaceuticals.

The infant nutrition section will advance at a CAGR of 7.3% and hold the largest revenue share. Numerous sorts of research are being conducted to evaluate the impact of omega-3 on baby food/infant nutrition due to the rising popularity of omega-3 in other applications. It has been discovered that a formula containing DHA may contribute to children developing cognitively well. Companies are constantly designing new products to satisfy newborns' nutritional and food safety needs. Such innovative products are designed specifically to meet the needs of infants, making it simple and practical for parents to supplement their kids' diets.

The functional food section will hold the second-largest share. In recent years, there has been a tremendous rise in consumer knowledge of the health advantages of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 has recently developed into a crucial functional element in food purchases. Nearly every region today shows promise for the functional food sector to expand and take advantage of fantastic global marketing prospects. Throughout the projection period, this has caused the market for omega-3 products to grow significantly. Self-testing to evaluate nutrient levels is being explored, and efforts are being made to successfully introduce it to the consumer market in light of the rising popularity of omega-3-enriched beverages and foods and the burgeoning trend of customized nutrition management.

Per the distribution channel, the segments are Grocery Retailers, Pharmacies & Drug Stores, Internet Retailing, and Other Distribution Channels.

The grocery retailer section will advance at a CAGR of 7.35% and hold the largest market share. The main factors driving this retail channel's increasing sales of this product category are the region's consumers' growing awareness of the health benefits of omega-3 products, along with the products' increased shelf visibility. Across effective supply chain organizations, the grocery retail industry is changing. Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the primary outlets for selling Omega-3 products due to their vast retail spaces that cater to a wide range of preferences. There are many options available at grocery stores for different categories of omega-3 products.

The pharmacies & drug store section will hold the second-largest share. Pharmacies and drugstores uphold a reputation for product efficacy and safety, encouraging customers to purchase omega-3 supplements. In addition to selling a variety of prescription and OTC drugs, pharmacies and drugstores are now offering greater visibility and a large selection of consumer goods. This covers goods like over-the-counter medicines and nutraceuticals, including omega-3 products.

Per the source, the segments are Plant-based and Animal-based. 

The animal-based section will advance at a CAGR of 7.45% and hold the largest market share. The increased market penetration of omega-3-based products and the accessibility of products derived from animals are the main drivers of the segment's expansion. During the study period, animal-based omega-3 supplements were among the most popular subcategories in consumer health. A growing number of scientific studies demonstrating these products' effectiveness in lowering significant health risks benefit their sales. The major players in the area are capitalizing on this trend by selling goods that make those specific claims.

The plant-based section will hold the second-largest share. Due to the rising numbers of ethically conscious consumers and vegetarians/vegans, the segment's growth is anticipated to pick up speed. Due to the shift in consumer demand from animal products to plant products, the vegan diet is becoming more and more popular. This propensity for a plant-based diet is linked to various factors, including concerns about sustainability, health awareness, ethical or religious beliefs, environmental and animal support, and allergies.

Impact of covid-19

Recent Developments

• May 2024 - Leading nutritional supplement manufacturer Doctor's Best Inc. has announced the release of a new high-potency EPA and DHA Omega-3 supplement made from algae. This new mixture, made from phytoplankton, is a clean, sustainably produced vegan substitute for fish oil that supports heart, brain, and eye health.
• February 2024 - Ritual introduced a supplement called Omega 3 DHA + EPA. According to the brand, Ritual's Omega-3 is wrapped in a fresh citrus essence capsule that is completely un-fishy for a delightful experience. It has 500 mg of EPA and DHA in it. According to the brand, the supplement is made from microalgae that is sustainably sourced and provides nutrients that enhance energy, reinforce cell walls, and defend the immune system.