According to MarketsandMarkets, the omega-3 market is estimated to be $4362.2m in 2025 and is projected to reach $7756.4m by 2030, at a CAGR of 12.2% from 2025 to 2030.
Demand for omega-3 is projected to grow significantly as consumers become more aware of its role in supporting cardiovascular, cognitive, eye and joint health.
Unlike several other nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, cannot be synthesised efficiently by the human body, resulting in increased reliance on dietary supplements, fortified foods and pharmaceutical-grade formulations.
Omega-3 oils are highly versatile and can be incorporated into capsules, powders, beverages and functional foods whilst maintaining stability and efficacy.
Fish oil, krill oil and algal-based omega-3 are the most preferred sources, backed by scientific validation of their safety and effectiveness.
The growing popularity among health-conscious consumers, coupled with increasing demand for clean-label and sustainable products, is expected to further strengthen the outlook for the omega-3 market in the coming years.
By type, the DHA segment is expected to exhibit the fastest growth rate during the forecast period
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid, is the leading segment of the global omega-3 market.
It is a major structural fat in the brain and eyes, accounting for up to 97% of the brain’s omega-3 content and 93% of that in the retina.
Rich sources of DHA include fish, fish oils, dairy products and speciality eggs, with salmon and tuna among the most concentrated marine sources (around 1.2 g per serving).
Also known as 22:6(n-3), DHA is vital for cardiac tissue as well as cognitive and visual function.
Direct dietary intake is essential to raise DHA levels, supporting infant brain development and maintaining normal adult brain function.
Epidemiological research links adequate DHA consumption to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as it enhances membrane fluidity and nerve cell communication.
Its essential role in neurological and visual development, combined with widespread use in infant formula, supplements and functional foods, has cemented DHA’s dominance in the omega-3 market.
Rising demand across both developed and emerging economies continues to reinforce its lead over other omega-3 types such as EPA and ALA.
By application, infant formulas segment is expected to record highest CAGR during forecast period
The infant formula segment is projected to see strong growth in the omega-3 market, driven by increasing awareness of DHA’s essential role in brain and eye development.
Often called the “brain-building” omega-3, DHA is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for inclusion in infant nutrition.
As more working mothers turn to formula feeding, global demand for DHA- and EPA-fortified products continues to rise.
Manufacturers are responding with premium formulas designed to closely replicate the fatty acid composition of human breast milk.
In the EU, regulatory mandates have further accelerated adoption.
Since 2020, all infant and follow-on formulas sold in the region must contain between 20-50 mg of DHA per 100 kcal, following legislation that took effect in February 2021.
Alongside these requirements, growing consumer preference for organic and clean-label formulations, coupled with rising birth rates and purchasing power in emerging economies, is expected to sustain the segment’s strong growth in the coming years.
Europe to account for a significant share in the global omega-3 market
Europe is expected to maintain a leading share of the global omega-3 market, supported by strong regulations, high consumer awareness and a growing emphasis on preventive health.
European consumers are increasingly drawn to premium, clean-label supplements and sustainable omega-3 sources, including fish oil alternatives derived from plants and algae.
The region’s dominance is reinforced by major players such as Pelagia AS (Norway), Corbion (Netherlands) and dsm-firmenich (Netherlands), as well as ongoing R&D investments and the widespread adoption of fortified foods and beverages.
Rising numbers of vegetarian and flexitarian consumers in markets such as Germany, the UK and France are also driving demand for algal-derived omega-3.
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), omega-3s support both brain and eye health — factors contributing to sustained regional consumption growth.
In addition, findings from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) highlighting omega-3’s role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk have spurred further investment in dietary supplements, functional foods and pharmaceuticals.
Manufacturers such as BASF SE (Germany) are innovating with products such as microencapsulated omega-3 powders designed for longer shelf life.
As consumer health awareness rises, adherence to EU regulations and sustainability standards is expected to continue driving market expansion across Europe.