Sports Nutrition Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Sports Supplements, Sports Drinks, and Sports Foods), By Ingredients (Vitamins and Minerals, Proteins and Amino Acids, Carbohydrates, Probiotics, Botanicals/Herbals, and Others) By Functionality (Energy, Muscle Growth, Hydration, Weight Management, and Others), By End User (Bodybuilders, Athletes, and Lifestyle Users), By Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets/Supermarkets, Convenience Stores, Drug Stores/Pharmacy, Specialty Stores/Fitness Centers, and Online Retail), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global sports nutrition market size was valued at USD 55.90 billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 59.13 billion in 2025 to USD 96.54 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.25% during the forecast period. Asia Pacific dominated the sports nutrition market with a market share of 38.12% in 2024.

A few of the key players in the global industry include The Coca-Cola Company, Post Holdings, Abbott, PepsiCo, Inc., among others

It is a specialized level of nutrition that is focused on providing the energy required for physical activities and facilitating the repair of damaged cartilage tissues in the body while stimulating inclusive health and wellness. Although such range of sports nutrition products are targeted toward athletes, various new products have also been emerging that target active lifestyle users, bodybuilders, and other consumer segments. Some of the prominent manufacturers of such products include The Coca-Cola Company, Post Holdings, Abbott, and PepsiCo, Inc., among others.

MARKET DYNAMICS

SPORTS NUTRITION MARKET TRENDS

Adoption of Advanced Technology and New Ingredients to Fuel Market Growth

Various research studies have been conducted by integrating different food ingredients to develop new products with advanced product formulations that are approved for use in sports and nutritional product manufacturing. Research teams are using proprietary technologies, advanced production processes, and techniques that help to improve the bioavailability, digestibility, and absorption of products. Companies intend to scale up the production process and commercialize their nutrients to produce innovative products, as it has evolved as a global market trend. 

Additionally, companies are adopting artificial intelligence to evaluate new ingredients and understand the efficacy of different proteins. Various producers are working with innovative nutritional ingredient manufacturing companies to launch new products in the market. For instance, in 2023, GNC partnered with AI-based peptide discovery company Nuritas to develop a muscle recovery and performance-related nutrition product named Beyond Raw Dynamic Whey Protein for the U.S. market. The product is available in three different flavors, namely tiramisu, chocolate lava cake, and vanilla ice cream.

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MARKET DRIVERS 

Growth In Fitness Centers and the Adoption of Healthy Nutrition have Fueled Market Growth

There is a growing focus among young individuals on health and fitness, leading to increased spending on health and fitness products in recent years. Increased urbanization, rise in disposable income, and an increasing number of youth in developing economies play crucial roles in supporting the market's growth. These factors have led to the growth in fitness centers and gyms across the globe, which help consumers achieve the fitness level required to lead a healthy life. Apart from exercise equipment, these centers also promote healthy diets, offer diet & nutrition coaching, and sell supplements and other services that contribute to increased sales of similar products.

Growth in Sporting Culture Globally has Boosted Market Growth

The number of individuals willing to pursue a career in the sports industry has increased in recent years. An increase in viewership of sports events has also contributed to growing investment in sports infrastructure and sports events, which encourages consumers to pursue such careers. This has encouraged private companies to invest in the production and marketing of sports goods, which has led to innovations in the market. This growth in sporting culture has acted as one of the major factors in increased popularity of sports as a potential career among young people, which, in turn, boosts the consumption of nutrition products.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Adverse health Impact due to High Sugar Content in These Products May Hinder Market Growth

Sports drinks are made available in convenient packages as they allow customers to carry along and consume them on the go. However, a significant proportion of such products have high sugar content, and consuming these sugar-rich products in higher quantities can lead to severe health complications, which include diabetes, cardiovascular health issues, and other problems. Hence, consumers can opt for other natural food sources to derive energy and nutrition.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Growing Demand for Innovative Flavor Variety To Create Opportunity For Product Launches And Market Expansion

Flavor innovation is one of the key areas where companies have the opportunity to attract new consumers and increase their market share at the global and regional level. New consumers who have initiated their focus on exercising and adopting healthier lifestyles may find these innovative products that are available in various flavors to be viable options for consumption. Consumers favor new product formulations that focus on refueling, replenishing, and rehydrating the body. Thus, the demand for flavor variety is growing among consumers globally.

Impact of COVID-19

The sports industry was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which hampered the overall consumption of such products in the market. Several high-profile sporting events were canceled during the pandemic to reduce the spread of the virus. This also negatively impacted the consumption of nutrition products, which are in high demand among sportsmen during such sports seasons. The pandemic's adverse effect on the global supply chain also impacted the production and availability of final products in the market.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Product Type

Sports Beverages Accounted For The Largest Market Share As They Offer Suitable Hydration And Performance Enhancement

Based on product type, the market is segmented into sports supplements, sports drinks, and sports food.

Sports drinks accounted for the highest market share in 2024 and are expected to register high growth in the future. The products comprise spinach, celery, beet, and other fruits and vegetables-based juice, which help support oxygen uptake and enhance muscle efficiency. Energy drinks that contain caffeine are popular among consumers as they act as stimulants and enhance alertness and energy among consumers.

Sports supplements including protein supplements are also popular among sportsmen, especially athletes who want quick muscle recovery to maintain lean muscle mass for a longer time. Products such as whey protein are helpful for athletes who have difficulty sustaining lean muscle mass. Various supplements are also used to treat different health deficiencies among athletes. For instance, iron supplements and vitamin D supplements are used to treat iron deficiencies among athletes who suffer from 'sports anemia.' Such products are claimed to improve strength, increase the body's tolerance for intense training exercises, reduce chances of injury during training, and assist muscle recovery.

The popularity of such products is growing among consumers of different age groups. Products, such as cheese, yogurt, and others, are promoted among consumers to improve performance and speed and support muscle recovery after exercise or any sports activities.

By Ingredient

Proteins And Amino Acids Account For The Highest Market Share Due To Their Popularity Among Athletes And Sports Enthusiasts

On the basis of ingredients, the market is segmented into proteins and amino acids, vitamins and minerals, probiotics, carbohydrates, herbals/botanicals, and others.

Proteins and amino acids account for the highest market share owing to the wide consumption of protein and amino acid-based supplements and food products among athletes and lifestyle users alike. These products are well-known for supporting muscle growth, improving athlete's performance, and aiding overall body development. Moreover, such products are also available in different formats, such as powders, gummies, capsules, and others, which make them convenient to use.

Vitamins and minerals account for the second most widely used ingredients in performance improvement and hydration products. Prominent minerals and vitamins are used in such products, including Vitamin B12, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Calcium, and others, which are necessary for bone health, performance enhancement, improved metabolism, and energy production.

By Functionality

Energy Supplements Accounts for the Highest Market Share as Sports Professionals favor them For Providing the Strength

On the basis of functionality, the market is segmented into energy, muscle growth, hydration, weight management, and others.

The energy segment accounts for the highest market share. Energy products help athletes and sports professionals obtain the necessary strength and power to carry out their workouts and provide the vital energy required by the body. Such products also provide endurance and strength and enhance users' speed.

Muscle growth products account for the second largest portion of the global sports nutrition market share. They play a crucial role in enhancing the muscular strength of the body, which is required to enhance the person's ability to perform different sports skills, including jumping, sprinting, and others. An increase in muscular strength also helped to reduce the risk of injury during sporting events. Hence, consumption of such products is expected to remain steady in the future.

Hydration products are also popular among consumers as these are crucial for maintaining the necessary levels of water content in the body. Such products help to reduce the probability of dehydration, prevent heat stroke, and regulate blood pressure fluctuations in the body. Consuming these products also helps to regulate body temperature. Several companies are launching electrolyte-based hydration drinks, which help the body to replenish the lost energy and stay hydrated.

By End User

Athletes Account for the Highest Market Share As They Need Nutrition and Energy

Based on end users, the market is divided into bodybuilders, athletes, and lifestyle users.

Athletes account for the highest market share among users of such products as they require nutritious food and a healthy diet to enhance their sporting performance. A nutrition-rich diet, along with the consumption of adequate fluids, is essential to maintain a healthy body.

Similarly, bodybuilders also require nutritional food, beverages, and supplements, which help improve their performance and muscle recovery, ensure good bone structure, prevent injuries, and improve mental concentration by reducing stress.

Sports and physical activities are growing among lifestyle users as well; hence, consumption of these products is increasing rapidly. The popularity of products enriched with nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, proteins, amino acids, and botanicals, present in specific quantities in the product formulations, is growing. These products are sold in the form of capsules, tablets, liquids, powders, and other products.

By Distribution Channel

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Hypermarkets/Supermarkets Account for the Highest Market Share Due to the Availability of Different Product Variety

Based on distribution channels, the market is divided into hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, drug stores/pharmacies, specialty stores/fitness centers, and online retail.

Hypermarkets/Supermarkets account for the highest market share. This is attributed to the higher convenience and accessibility to a wide range of products in a single physical location, along with special discounts supporting the sales of these products.

Specialty stores and fitness centers are another major channel for the sales of these products to consumers. Such centers allow the consumer to sample their products and asses their quality before purchasing the products. These centers also have specific staff to educate consumers about nutrition and help them purchase products that specially suit their needs.

The COVID-19 pandemic boosted the sales of such products through online platforms as companies embraced digitalization, which helped them to absorb supply chain shocks and sell their product directly to consumers. The home delivery option enables the consumer experience to be hassle-free and makes this sales channel popular among consumers. The growth of this channel is expected to continue in the future.

SPORTS NUTRITION MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

Based on geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Asia Pacific

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Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share, amounting to USD 21.31 billion in 2024. China is one of the leading consumers of these products in the region. A wide range of products with different flavor types and product packaging are available on the market, making them convenient to use. The country also has gender and age-specific products formulated to provide energy and maintain health and fitness for different consumer segments. Other key countries where the demand for such products is growing include Japan, India, South Korea, Southeast Asian countries, and others in the region. As the lactose-intolerant population in the Asia Pacific region is high, the popularity of plant-based protein supplement products is growing in the region.

North America

North America accounted for second largest market share, amounting to USD 18.67 billion in 2024. In the U.S., dietary supplements for athletes are less regulated than prescription drugs or over-the-counter products. Manufacturers are solely responsible for the composition of supplements and ensure that their products are not mislabeled and sold in the market. However, the use of certain ingredients, such as androstenedione, dimethylamylamine (DMAA), and ephedra, in performance supplements has been prohibited, as it gives rise to concerns regarding their safety and efficacy.

Performance supplement manufacturers are undertaking several steps to increase consumer confidence in their products. The product sellers are partnering with certification agencies to get their products certified by highly accredited agencies. These certifying partners vary from country to country, and some of the key certifying agencies involved in the U.S. include NSF International, LGC, The US Pharmacopeial Convention (USP), and several others that provide certification to the manufacturers.

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Europe

Europe is another one of the leading markets for the consumption of nutritional products by professional sportsmen and lifestyle users alike. There are various new products launched in the region in the form of sports drinks, sports bars, and others, which are specifically targeted at sports individuals and others looking toward leading healthy lifestyles. Some of the brands that are popular in the region include Myprotein, Prozis, Nutrisport, Qnt, and others. 

South America

Brazil is one of the fastest-growing markets in the region. Several well-established companies are expanding their footprint by establishing their production unit in this country to meet the growing demand for nutrition products in the region. This may include companies such as MuscleTech, whose expansion strategies help the companies eliminate the import taxes levied by the government and make their products affordable for consumers.

Middle East & Africa

In recent years, the sporting infrastructure in Middle Eastern countries has improved tremendously, which has led to several high-profile sporting games, such as the Fifa World Cup, Asian Games, and others, being held in these countries. The investment in such infrastructure has led to the growth of sports industry in the region, which has also boosted the demand for such products.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Key Industry Players Are Acquiring Related Business To Expand Their Market Presence In New Territories

Some of the prominent manufacturers of these products are The Coca-Cola Company, Post Holdings, Abbott, PepsiCo, Inc., and others. The market is semi-consolidated, with several multinational and local companies competing with each other for high market share and profit margins. Companies are adopting several strategies, including new product launches, mergers and acquisitions, and other competitive strategies to achieve competitive advantages against other players and develop products that suit varying consumer preferences. For instance, Coca-Cola acquired BODYARMOR for USD 5.60 billion.

Major Players in the Sports Nutrition Market

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The Coca-Cola Company, Post Holdings, Abbott, PepsiCo, Inc., Glanbia plc, MusclePharm, and others are the key players in the market. The global market is semi-consolidated, with the top 5 players accounting for around 45% of the market share.

LIST OF KEY SPORTS NUTRITION COMPANIES PROFILED

• Glanbia, Plc (Ireland)


• MusclePharm  (U.S.)


• Clif Bar & Company (U.S.)


• PepsiCo, Inc. (U.S.)


• The Coca-Cola Company (U.S.)


• Nestle SA (Switzerland)


• Optimum Nutrition (U.K.)


• Abbott Laboratories (U.S.)


• MYPROTEIN (U.K.)


• Quest Nutrition LLC (U.S.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• October 2024: Sportswear brand Reebok partnered with Generation Joy and announced its plans to launch sports nutrition and supplement products in the U.S. and Canadian markets. The product line includes protein and collagen, vitamins, pre- and post-workout supplements, and hydration supplements.


• October 2024: Keurig Dr Pepper acquired sports nutrition brand GHOST for USD 990 million. In the initial investment, the company acquired a 60% stake in GHOST, and the remaining 40% will be acquired in 2028.


• August 2024: Prenetics Global Limited acquired Europa Sports Partners and Hubmatrix. This acquisition helped the company expand its distribution network across Europe and the U.S. market.


• May 2024: Vitaco, a leading sports nutrition company in Australia, launched a new brand that develops products specifically targeted toward athletic women. The product range includes protein powders, supplements, and bars, which are specifically designed to provide nutrition to female athletes.


• September 2023: Coco Cola launched 'Limca Sportz,' a sports nutrition drink, as a part of its Limca brand in India. This product is manufactured to meet the hydration and energy demands of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The product is low in sugar and provides long-term energy support to the consumers.

INVESTMENT ANALYSIS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Manufacturers are adopting different growth strategies to expand their market presence. Mergers and acquisitions of related companies, expansion of distribution channels, and new product launches are the key areas where companies have been investing in recent years. Several startups and mid-sized companies are raising capital from the market to boost their product innovation capability and expand their market presence in new territories. For instance, in 2024, direct-to-consumer company Nutrabay obtained USD 5.0 million in funding from RPSG Capital Ventures and Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Limited to multiply its Omni channel presence and drive product innovation. Such strategies support the global sports nutrition market growth.

REPORT COVERAGE

The global sports nutrition market report includes quantitative and qualitative insights into the market derived from different research methodologies. This growth forecast includes a detailed regional analysis, market analysis, market trends, market dynamics, and projections for all potential market segments. This global analysis provides key insights into the market, a competitive landscape, recent industry developments, mergers & acquisitions, the regulatory scenario in critical countries, and key industry trends.

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Report Scope & Segmentation