Europe Medical Foods Market (2026 - 2033)

Europe Medical Foods Market Summary

The Europe medical foods market size was valued at USD 6.3 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow from USD 6.5 billion in 2026 to USD 7.9 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.8% from 2026 to 2033. The growth is attributed to Europe’s large and aging population, which is increasingly susceptible to chronic and age-related conditions, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, thereby driving demand for specialized nutritional solutions and medical foods to support disease management and improve overall health outcomes.

Source: Grand View Research, IR Documents, Primary Interviews, Paid Databases

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Market Dynamics

The market is expected to witness gradual growth, driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic and age-related diseases, rising demand for specialized nutritional products, and growing awareness of disease-specific nutrition. Improvements in healthcare infrastructure, the expansion of long-term care services, and advancements in medical food formulations are further supporting market development. In addition, the growing focus on nutritional management and supportive care is expected to drive market expansion over the forecast period.

Market Characteristics

The degree of innovation in the Europe medical foods industry is high. Leading manufacturers are focusing on expanding the product's application scope and targeting different population cohorts to gain large market shares. For instance, in March 2023, RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA launched its latest PKU GOLIKE BARs across Europe. These bars, designed for the dietary management of phenylketonuria (PKU), are part of the PKU GOLIKE product line, which utilizes the company's proprietary Physiomimic Technology. This technology enables a prolonged-release formulation of amino acids, providing next-generation medical foods to improve PKU management by offering sustained nutritional support.

M&A activities, including acquisitions, mergers, and strategic partnerships, enable companies to strengthen their medical nutrition portfolios, expand market presence, and enhance product capabilities. For instance, in March 2026, Nestlé introduced Complete Pediatric Oral Blends in select European markets, expanding its specialized medical nutrition portfolio with an oral nutritional solution designed for children with special medical nutrition needs. The launch strengthened Nestlé Health Science's presence in pediatric medical nutrition and supported its strategy of expanding medical nutrition offerings across Europe.

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The Europe medical foods industry is influenced by stringent regulatory requirements governing the composition, safety, labeling, and commercialization of Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP). Regulation (EU) No. 609/2013 and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/128 establish specific requirements for FSMP, ensuring product quality and consumer safety while increasing compliance requirements for manufacturers.

Geographic expansion drives the Europe medical foods industry by enabling access to diverse resources, increasing market penetration and revenue, and fostering regulatory compliance and standardization. For instance, in September 2023, Danone announced a USD 51.22 million (EUR 50 million) investment to expand its existing plant in Opole, Poland, to produce medical nutrition products. This facility would cater to individuals with special dietary needs. The expansion follows Danone's acquisition of the Polish medical nutrition company Promedica earlier in the year, marking a strategic move to strengthen its position in the medical nutrition sector.

Analyst Perspective

The market is expected to witness gradual growth, driven by the rising prevalence of chronic and metabolic disorders, an aging population, and increasing awareness of specialized nutritional interventions. Growing demand for disease-specific nutrition, particularly for malnutrition, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurological conditions, is supporting market expansion across the region. In addition, favorable healthcare infrastructure, increasing adoption of clinical nutrition, and advancements in product formulations are expected to create new growth opportunities. Market participants are focusing on product innovation, clinical validation, and strategic partnerships to strengthen their presence and address evolving nutritional needs.

Route of Administration Insights

The oral segment led the market, accounting for 75.9% of total revenue in 2025. Increased preference for oral products, commercial viability, and supportive initiatives are key factors driving demand for orally administered medical foods. Moreover, the growing manufacturing of oral products in the form of prethickened products, powders, and pills is anticipated to fuel the segment. For instance, in January 2023, Nutricia launched its Fortimel Plant-Based Energy, a plant-based oral nutritional supplement designed to meet the nutritional needs of individuals with malnutrition or at risk due to illness. This addition to the Fortimel portfolio leverages Nutricia's parent company, Danone's proficiency in plant nutrition. It further expands the range of Fortimel products, which are clinically proven medical nutrition solutions designed to meet patients' daily needs.

The enteral route of administration segment is expected to witness the fastest growth over the forecast period. The demand for enteral feeding formulas is increasing due to the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases, which may lead to metabolic complications and difficulty in consuming food during treatment. In critically ill patients, enteral nutrition plays an important role in preventing undernutrition and loss of lean body mass, particularly during catabolic states associated with systemic inflammation. The growing adoption of enteral nutrition in critical care settings and increasing awareness of its clinical benefits are expected to support market segment growth.

Product Insights

The powder segment accounted for the largest market revenue share of 35.3% in 2025. Medical foods are mostly available in powder form and can be administered orally or enterally by mixing with milk or water, as advised by the physician. Medical foods in powdered form are suitable for patients of all ages, especially for oral administration. Owing to a strong preference for powdered formulations for their ease of consumption, manufacturers are developing product categories aligned with consumer preferences.

Liquid is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period, owing to the rising adoption of liquid formulations in the pediatric and geriatric populations, where intake of solid formulations is limited or impossible, and in cases of clinically diagnosed dysphagia or when oral physiology is limited. Moreover, liquid-formulated food helps maintain sufficient hydration and electrolyte balance, favoring segment growth. For instance, in October 2023, Nutricia launched its medical nutrition beverage, Fortini + Mix Multi Fibre. The product features a well-balanced combination of fruit and vegetable ingredients, specifically designed to address the dietary needs of pediatric patients dealing with disease-related malnutrition and stunted growth.

Application Insights

The cancer segment dominated the market with the largest share of 12.0% in 2025, driven by the rising prevalence of cancer and the high risk of disease-related malnutrition among patients undergoing cancer treatment. The increasing adoption of specialized nutritional products to support nutritional status, manage treatment-related side effects, and improve patient recovery has further contributed to segment growth.

The Parkinson's Disease (PD) segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders and increasing demand for specialized nutritional support. Medical foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q, and vitamins D and B, along with ketogenic diets and probiotics, are increasingly being explored to support nutritional management and complement pharmacological treatment, thereby driving segment growth.

Modules Insights

The protein module segment dominated the market with the largest revenue share of 12.8% in 2025. Protein modules are used in severe infections, trauma, burns, malnutrition, post-surgery recovery, and critically ill patients. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, and malnutrition, which require specialized nutritional interventions, likely drives the segment growth. Patients undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or dialysis often suffer from muscle wasting and protein deficiencies, boosting demand for protein-enriched medical foods. In addition, the aging population, particularly in developed countries, further contributes to the need for protein modules to combat age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia).

The hypoallergenic modules segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of food allergies and intolerances, especially among infants and individuals with chronic health conditions. Hypoallergenic medical foods cater to patients with specific dietary needs, such as those unable to tolerate proteins found in common foods like cow's milk or soy. These products are formulated to minimize allergic responses and are crucial for managing conditions such as severe food allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis, and gastrointestinal disorders. The rising awareness of food-related health issues and advancements in hypoallergenic formulations, such as amino acid-based or extensively hydrolyzed proteins, are expected to further support segment expansion over the forecast period.

Sales Channel Insights

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales channel held the largest market share of 57.4% in 2025 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. DTC sales have emerged as a significant channel in the market, providing manufacturers with opportunities to engage directly with consumers and tailor their offerings to specific health needs. DTC sales in the medical foods sector enable companies to bypass traditional retail channels and establish direct relationships with end users. This model has gained traction for its ability to deliver personalized customer experiences and strengthen brand loyalty. By leveraging online platforms, companies can offer detailed product information, educational resources, and tailored recommendations based on individual health conditions.

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Institutional sales is anticipated to grow significantly over the forecast period. The segment's growth is driven by increasing recommendations from doctors to use medical foods. Institutions that purchase medical foods include hospitals, long-term care centers, hospices, clinics, and disability facilities. Since consumption of medical foods is recommended under medical supervision, revenue from institutional sales is highest. In addition, training programs for healthcare professionals on the benefits of medical foods further enhance their adoption within institutions. As awareness among clinicians grows of the efficacy of these products in improving patient outcomes, institutional sales are expected to grow significantly.

Country Insights

UK Medical Foods Market Trends

The medical foods market in UK held a substantial share in 2025, driven by the growing geriatric population and rising risk of malnutrition among elderly individuals. For instance, in July 2025, the UK Government introduced the Good Food Cycle, emphasizing improved nutrition and healthier food systems, which is expected to support greater awareness of nutritional interventions and contribute to demand for medical foods in the UK.

Germany Medical Foods Market Trends

The medical foods market in Germany is positively influenced by the rising cancer burden and the growing need for radiotherapy and supportive nutritional care. According to the ESTRO-HERO analysis article, the number of radiotherapy treatment courses across Europe was projected to increase by approximately 16% between 2012 and 2025, with considerable variation across countries. The anticipated rise in cancer treatment requirements is expected to increase the demand for specialized nutritional support among patients undergoing intensive cancer therapies, thereby supporting the adoption of medical foods in Germany.

France Medical Foods Market Trends

The medical foods market in France is supported by the country's aging population and increasing burden of chronic diseases, which are contributing to greater demand for specialized nutritional support. According to an article published by Le Monde in March 2023, around 26% of France's population was aged over 60, representing approximately one in four inhabitants. This demographic trend, coupled with the growing nutritional needs of older adults and patients with chronic conditions, is expected to support the adoption of medical foods in France.

Key Europe Medical Foods Company Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Danone, Nestlé, Abbott, Fresenius Kabi AG, Targeted Medical Pharma, Inc. (Physician Therapeutics, LLC, is a division of the company), Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Mead Johnson & Company, LLC. Key players are focusing on product launches, portfolio expansion, and strategic initiatives to strengthen their market presence. Companies such as Danone, Nestlé, Abbott, and Fresenius Kabi offer specialized medical nutrition products that address diverse nutritional needs associated with chronic diseases, malnutrition, aging, and pediatric conditions, while other players focus on targeted nutritional solutions to meet specific medical requirements across European markets.

Key Europe Medical Foods Companies

• Danone

• Nestlé

• Abbott

• Targeted Medical Pharma, Inc. (Physician Therapeutics, LLC, is a division of the company)

• Primus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

• Fresenius Kabi AG

• Mead Johnson & Company, LLC

Recent Developments:

• In March 2026, Nestlé launched Complete Pediatric Oral Blends in select European markets, providing specialized oral nutritional support for children with medical nutrition needs and expanding its pediatric medical nutrition portfolio.

• In November 2025, Danone announced a €70 million investment in its Steenvoorde, France, production facility, including a dedicated medical nutrition line. The expansion strengthened the company’s European manufacturing capabilities and increased production capacity for specialized medical nutrition products to meet growing regional demand.

• In November 2023, Danone launched its first medical nutrition product, Fortimel, for adults in China, which is categorized as a food for special medical purposes. This launch is a crucial component of Danone's strategy in China, aimed at leveraging its scientific expertise across all life stages and driving growth in the adult medical nutrition segment.

• In September 2023, Danone announced a EUR 50 million (USD 53.78 million) expansion of its production facility in Opole, Poland, to meet increasing demand for medical nutrition worldwide. This move aims to enhance its position in the adult medical nutrition market, with the growing rate of chronic diseases and an aging population. The expansion is anticipated to enable Danone to serve patients across the globe, as many people are expected to require medical nutrition at some point in their lives due to diseases such as cancer and stroke, which can result in malnutrition.

• In April 2023, Danone acquired ProMedica, a Poland-based company specializing in home care services. This acquisition is part of Danone's strategy to expand in the lucrative specialized nutrition market and strengthen its presence in Poland.

• In February 2023, Neslte and EraCal Therapeutics entered into a research collaboration to control food intake.

Europe Medical Foods Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Europe medical foods market report based on route of administration, product, application, modules, sales channel, and region.

• Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Oral

  • Enteral

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Pills

  • Powder

  • Liquid

  • Others (semisolid, semiliquid)

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Chronic Kidney Disease

  • Minimal Hepatic Encephalopathy

  • Chemotherapy Induced Diarrhoea

  • Pathogen Related Infections

  • Diabetic Neuropathy

  • ADHD

  • Depression

  • Alzheimer's Disease

  • Nutritional Deficiency

  • Orphan Diseases

    • Tyrosinemia

    • Eosinophilic Esophagitis

    • Food Protein Module-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES)

    • Phenylketonuria (PKU)

    • Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)

    • Homocystinuria

    • Others (Urea Cycle Disorder (UCD), Glycogen Storage Disease (GSD), etc.)

  • Wound Healing

  • Chronic Diarrhea

  • Constipation Relief

  • Protein Booster

  • Dysphagia

  • Pain Management

  • Parkinson's Disease

  • Epilepsy

  • Other Cancer related treatments

  • Severe Protein Allergy

  • Cancer

  • Cachexia

  • Other (debilitating conditions, COPD, etc.)

• Modules Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Amino Acid Module

  • Protein Module

  • Vitamin & Mineral Modules

  • Fatty Acid based Modules

  • Carbohydrate Modules

  • Fiber Modules

  • Ketogenic Modules

  • Peptide based Modules

  • Hypoallergic Modules

  • Others (Electrolyte Module, etc.)

• Sales Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • DTC Sales Channel

    • Online Sales

    • Retail Sales

  • Institutional Sales

    • Hospitals

    • Others (Long-term Care Facilities, etc.)

• Country Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • UK

  • Germany

  • Spain

  • France

  • Italy

  • Denmark

  • Sweden

  • Norway

  • Poland

  • Netherlands

  • Portugal

  • Slovakia

  • Finland

  • Czech Republic

  • Hungary

  • Belgium

Research Methodology

The medical foods market figures in this report are based on a proven research process that combines executive interviews with secondary research from proprietary databases, company filings, and recognized regulatory and institutional sources. Market size is built through value-chain sizing—reconciling supply-side and demand-side estimates—and triangulated with bottom-up and top-down approaches. Every estimate passes multiple levels of expert validation before publication, with each medical foods segment quantified using the revenue-capture definitions in the table below.

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Delivered Customizations

This report has been delivered with the following In-depth customizations