Sports Nutrition Ingredients Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Ingredients Type (Probiotics & Prebiotics, Vitamins & Minerals, Amino Acids, Protein, Botanical Extracts, Others), By Form (Dry, Liquid), and By Application (Sports Supplements, Energy & Nutrition Bars, Others) and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031

Sports Nutrition Ingredients Market Size

The Sports Nutrition Ingredients Market size was valued at USD 5,931.2 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 6,317.0 million in 2024 to USD 10,449.7 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.46% during the forecast period. The expansion of the market is driven by increasing health consciousness, rising participation in fitness activities, surging demand for personalized nutrition, and ongoing advancements in ingredient formulations.

In the scope of work, the report includes products offered by companies such as Ajinomoto Co., Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, Keurig Dr Pepper, Nestlé S.A., Optimum Nutrition, Premier Nutrition Company, LLC, Red Bull GmbH, Vitaco, UELZENA GROUP, WOODBOLT DISTRIBUTION LLC, and others.  

The growth of the sports nutrition ingredients market is propelled by the increasing health consciousness and rising participation in sports and fitness activities. Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of nutrition in enhancing performance and recovery. Technological advancements and innovations in ingredient formulations further contribute to market growth, enabling more effective and targeted products.

• For instance, in June 2024, TurtleTree established a multi-year strategic partnership with Strive, a nutrition company specializing in sustainable, protein-enriched beverages. Strive expanded its product range through this collaboration. The partnership resulted in the development of new products, including an immunity support beverage and a ready-to-mix protein powder, both featuring TurtleTree’s lactoferrin.

Additionally, the growing trend of personalized nutrition and the expansion of e-commerce platforms make these products more easily accessible. The demand for clean-label and natural ingredients further boosts market development as consumers increasingly seek safer and healthier options.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing awareness and widespread adoption of health and fitness regimes. These ingredients are used in a wide range of products such as protein powders, energy bars, sports drinks, and dietary supplements. The market is characterized by a high level of competition, with numerous players striving to innovate and differentiate their offerings. North America dominates the market, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific, with a notable increase in demand in emerging economies.

The sports nutrition ingredients market encompasses substances used to improve athletic performance, enhance physical endurance, and support recovery. These ingredients include proteins, amino acids, creatine, caffeine, vitamins, minerals, and various botanical extracts. They are incorporated into consumable products designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The primary goal of these ingredients is to provide nutritional support, enhance muscle growth, improve stamina, and aid in faster recovery post-exercise.

Analyst’s Review

Manufacturers are making efforts to innovate and introduce new products, focusing on the use of natural and other novel ingredients to meet rising consumer demand for healthier options. This includes personalized nutrition supplements and clean-label formulations, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Manufacturers are further upgrading their existing product lines to cater to evolving consumer demand.

• For instance, in April 2024, Nutrabolt rebranded its C4 pre-workout powders, which included the introduction of new formulations, an updated product design, and the adoption of the “We Hit Harder™” brand platform. C4, a prominent player in the Active Nutrition category additionally launched formulas with enhanced active ingredients, including PeptiPump and Trim-Stim. The rebrand further featured a new electric yellow color and updated logo.

To capitalize on growth opportunities, manufacturers are advised to invest in research and development to create effective and compliant products. Collaborations with fitness influencers and targeted marketing campaigns further help enhance brand visibility and consumer trust. Additionally, expanding e-commerce presence and optimizing distribution networks is likely to be crucial in reaching a broader audience and sustaining growth in this competitive market.

Sports Nutrition Ingredients Market Growth Factors

The rising health and fitness consciousness among consumers is a prominent factor propelling the growth of the market. People are increasingly engaging in regular physical activities and adopting healthier lifestyles. This shift is creating a growing demand for nutritional products that enhance athletic performance and support overall well-being. Consumers are actively looking for scientifically backed ingredients that help them achieve their fitness goals, including muscle building and improving endurance. The rise in fitness centers, sports clubs, and home workout programs is further boosting the demand for sports nutrition products.

The stringent regulatory environment poses a significant challenge to the development of the sports nutrition ingredients market. Regulatory bodies often impose strict guidelines on the formulation, labeling, and marketing of sports nutrition products to ensure consumer safety, resulting in delays and increased costs for manufacturers. To overcome this challenge, companies are heavily investing in research and development to create compliant products that meet regulatory standards. They are further engaging with regulatory authorities early in the product development process to ensure adherence to guidelines. By maintaining transparency and prioritizing safety, companies are navigating regulatory hurdles and introducing innovative products to market efficiently.

Sports Nutrition Ingredients Market Trends

The surge in the demand for plant-based and natural ingredients is a key trend in the market. Consumers are increasingly shifting toward vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, seeking alternatives to animal-based products. This trend is prompting manufacturers to develop plant-based proteins and other natural ingredients to cater to this growing market segment. Ingredients such as pea protein, hemp protein, among others are gaining immense popularity due to their nutritional benefits and sustainability.

Additionally, consumers are favoring products with clean labels, free from artificial additives and preservatives, which are propelling the demand for natural and organic sports nutrition ingredients.

Personalized nutrition in the sports nutrition ingredients market is gaining significant traction, as consumers increasingly seek products that are tailored to their specific health and fitness needs. Advances in technology, such as genetic testing and wearable fitness devices, are enabling more precise recommendations for individual dietary requirements.

Companies are responding to this trend by offering personalized supplements and nutrition plans based on individual profiles and fitness goals. This trend is enhancing consumer engagement and satisfaction, as people increasingly prefer products that are specifically designed to optimize their personal performance and health outcomes.

Segmentation Analysis

The global market is segmented based on ingredients type, form, application, and geography.

By Ingredients Type

Based on ingredients type, the market is categorized into probiotics & prebiotics, vitamins & minerals, amino acids, carotenoids, protein, botanical extracts, EPA/DHA, fiber & carbohydrates, and others. The vitamins & minerals segment led the sports nutrition ingredients market in 2023, reaching a valuation of USD 1,331.6 million. This notable expansion is attributable to the growing awareness regarding the importance of micronutrients in athletic performance and overall health. Vitamins and minerals are essential for energy production, muscle function, and recovery, which make them crucial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Additionally, the increasing prevalence of nutrient deficiencies is prompting consumers to seek supplements to address these deficiencies. The versatility of vitamins and minerals allows them to be easily incorporated into various product forms such as tablets, capsules, powders, and drinks, which is supporting the expansion of the segment.

By Form

Based on form, the market is classified into dry and liquid. The probiotics & prebiotics segment is poised to witness significant growth at a robust CAGR of 10.32% through the forecast period (2024-2031). This significant growth is largely attributable to rising consumer interest in gut health and its impact on overall well-being.

Probiotics and prebiotics are increasingly becoming popular due to their role in enhancing digestive health, boosting immunity, and improving nutrient absorption, all of which are crucial for athletes. Significant advancements in research and product formulations are making these ingredients more effective and easier to incorporate into sports nutrition products. The growing availability of probiotic and prebiotic supplements in both dry and liquid forms caters to diverse consumer preferences, which is propelling the expansion of segment.

By Application

Based on application, the market is segmented into sports supplements, energy & nutrition bars, energy drinks (RTD), and others. The sports supplements segment secured the largest sports nutrition ingredients market share of 46.78% in 2023.  This considerable growth is stimulated by the increasing demand for products that enhance athletic performance and support muscle growth and recovery. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts are actively seeking targeted supplements that provide essential nutrients, amino acids, and proteins necessary for optimal performance.

The convenience and efficacy of sports supplements, which allow for seamless integration into daily routines, make them a highly popular choice. Additionally, the expanding awareness regarding the benefits of sports supplements, fueled by marketing efforts and endorsements by professional athletes, is contributing to the dominance of the segment.

Sports Nutrition Ingredients Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

North America sports nutrition ingredients market share stood around 34.78% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 2,062.9 million. This dominance is attributed to the high consumer awareness and increasing demand for sports nutrition products, spurred by the growing health and fitness culture in the region.

The presence of numerous key market players and advanced research and development facilities further contribute to North America's leading position. Additionally, the well-established distribution channels and widespread availability of sports nutrition products make it easier for consumers to access these products, thereby bolstering regional market growth.

Asia-Pacific is poised to experience substantial growth, recording a robust CAGR of 9.49% through the estimated timeframe. This rapid expansion is stimulated by the increasing health consciousness and rising disposable incomes in emerging economies such as China and India. The growing popularity of fitness centers, sports activities, and health clubs is boosting the demand for sports nutrition products.

Furthermore, the expanding e-commerce sector is enhancing the accessibility and availability of these products to a broader consumer base. Favorable government initiatives that promote healthy lifestyles and the increasing influence of Western fitness trends are contributing significantly to regional market growth.

Competitive Landscape

The global sports nutrition ingredients market report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions. Manufacturers are adopting a range of strategic initiatives, including investments in R&D activities, the establishment of new manufacturing facilities, and supply chain optimization, to strengthen their market standing.

List of Key Companies in Sports Nutrition Ingredients Market

• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
• GlaxoSmithKline 
• Keurig Dr Pepper
• Nestlé S.A.
• Optimum Nutrition
• Premier Nutrition Company, LLC
• Red Bull GmbH
• Vitaco 
• UELZENA GROUP
• WOODBOLT DISTRIBUTION LLC

Key Industry Developments

• May 2024 (Launch): Vitaco launched ATHENA, a new sports nutrition brand specifically designed for athletic women. Their range, included supplements, protein powders, and bars. The company’s products are Informed Sport Certified and are engineered to enhance female athletic performance. Designed for women's biological needs, ATHENA featured ingredients such as protein, iron, collagen, calcium, and electrolytes. This launch marked a revolutionary step in addressing the unique nutritional requirements of female athletes.
• July 2023 (Acquisition): Döhler announced the acquisition of SVZ, a producer and supplier of high-quality ingredients. This move strengthened Döhler's portfolio of vegetable and natural red fruit ingredients. Furthermore, the company expanded its operations in the USA and Japan. SVZ, known for its high-quality purees and concentrates, has a strong global presence with production sites in multiple countries, complementing Döhler’s capabilities and benefiting customers with a broader ingredient portfolio.

The global sports nutrition ingredients market is segmented as:

By Ingredients Type

• Probiotics & Prebiotics
• Vitamins & Minerals
• Amino Acids
• Carotenoids
• Protein
• Botanical Extracts
• EPA/DHA
• Fiber & Carbohydrates
• Others

By Form

• Dry
• Liquid

By Application

• Sports Supplements
• Energy & Nutrition Bars
• Energy Drinks (RTD)
• Others

By Region

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