Infant formula patents highlight tailored solutions that support gut health, address allergy needs and support early gut and brain development in preterm infants.
Neha Srivastava, Senior Patent Analyst – Food & Drink and Beauty & Personal Care
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- What you need to know
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WHAT CONSUMERS WANT AND WHY
- Milk formulas with lactoferrin, HMOs and MFGM appeal to the largest parent segment
- Graph 1: ingredients parents pay attention to when purchasing infant milk formula, 2025
- Parents seek products with health benefits targeted to the unique needs of their infant
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PRODUCT INNOVATION TRENDS
- Infant formula innovation varies significantly by region, reflecting local needs, preferences and regulations
- Graph 2: % of baby formula (0-6 months) and baby formula (6-12 months) launches with a functional health claim, by region, 2021-26
- Infant formulas target digestive health, allergies and preterm needs
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THE PATENT LANDSCAPE
- Consistent patenting in infant formula highlights innovation and investment in early childhood nutrition
- Graph 3: patents related to formula or ingredients used in infant formula, 2016-26
- Europe dominates infant formula innovations with a majority of granted patents
- Nestlé S.A. is a global leader in infant formula innovation
- Graph 4: top 10 organisations with granted patents related to formula or ingredients used in infant formula, 2026
- Prioritise gut health in infants
- Infant formulas use HMOs, probiotics and milk fat globules to enhance gut health
- Consider HMOs to support infant gut microbiome development for long‑term health benefits
- Patents highlight the role of lipids and pre-digested fats in supporting vitamin production and nutrient absorption in the infant gut
- Design formula to reduce allergies and intolerance
- Allergen-related positioning is mainstream in the Americas
- Graph 5: % of baby formula (0-6 months) and baby formula (6-12 months) launches with claims linked to allergies or intolerances, by region, 2021-26
- Hydrolysed milk protein with probiotics and lactose suit infants with cow’s milk protein allergies
- Protein hydrolysis and alternative protein sources offer pathways to allergen‑free infant formulas
- Vitamin D3 helps regulate the immune system, and thickeners reduce interaction with milk protein to help manage cow’s milk protein allergies
- Optimise formula for preterm infants
- Specialised preterm formulas are designed to address the elevated nutritional demands of preterm infants
- Ingredients that block glutaminolysis or improve micronutrient absorption may support brain development in preterm babies
- Brands are exploring HMOs and milk fats to support gut maturation and intestinal barrier function in preterm infants
- Improve lipid digestion and gut microbiome in preterm infants to boost long-term metabolic health
- Rebuild trust in infant formula through safety innovation
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Key takeaways
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APPENDIX
- Research methodology
- Key patent examples for infant formula or ingredients used in infant formula
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