Nutraceuticals, once sidelined as a niche segment within FMCG and Ayurveda, are now evolving into a high-growth, innovation-driven industry that has captured the attention of global venture capital.

Today, India's nutraceutical market is valued between $8 billion and $40 billion; multiple independent projections estimate that it may touch the $100 billion milestone by 2035, driven by rising consumer awareness, scientific validation, supportive regulations, and investor confidence.

What was once an ancillary category is rapidly becoming one of India's most promising export-ready sectors, reminiscent of the IT and pharmaceutical waves that defined earlier economic decades.

Health awareness drives demand

The pandemic reshaped India's health priorities. Preventive wellness moved from aspiration to necessity, sparking widespread adoption of dietary supplements, fortified foods, probiotics, herbal extracts, and functional beverages. This shift is now a sustained behavioural change rather than a temporary post-pandemic trend.

Importantly, the transformation extends beyond metros. Tier II and III cities are recording some of the fastest adoption rates, propelled by rising health literacy, improved access to digital information, and an increasing willingness to invest in immunity, gut health, metabolic health, sleep support, and long-term wellbeing.

A new, highly informed consumer cohort has emerged, one that scrutinises clinical evidence, clean labels, ingredient traceability, scientific claims, and overall efficacy. This rising demand for authenticity is compelling brands to build research-first product pipelines.

Venture capital is fuelling the health boom

Venture capital firms have taken notice of this structural shift. Over the last three years, Indian nutraceutical and wellness startups have raised more than $180 million, a significant jump from earlier funding cycles. Investors across stages, from seed to growth, are exploring opportunities not just in consumer brands but also in ingredient science, formulation innovation, delivery-tech, and supply chain optimisation.

Several macro factors are driving this surge in capital. Nutraceuticals demonstrate high repeat purchase cycles and attractive gross margins. The category is relatively recession resilient with strong year-round demand. Global appetite for plant-based wellness solutions is at an all-time high. India is uniquely positioned to serve both domestic and international markets with cost-effective, scientifically validated products.

Investors are also tracking India's regulatory improvements carefully. Clearer FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) categorisation, tightening of labelling rules, and the establishment of frameworks around health claims are creating a more predictable environment, something VCs consider essential before deploying institutional capital.

The result is a virtuous cycle. Regulation improves confidence, capital fuels innovation, and innovation accelerates market expansion.

Old knowledge meets new science

One of India's strongest differentiators is its ability to merge ancient traditional wisdom with modern scientific rigour. Ayurvedic botanicals such as ashwagandha, curcumin, tulsi, and amla offer a deep reservoir of trusted ingredients. However, the real shift lies in how these ingredients are being standardised, clinically evaluated, and transformed into evidence-backed formulations.

Modern nutraceutical science is elevating these botanicals through advanced extraction, bioavailability enhancement, targeted delivery systems, and rigorous clinical research. This fusion of heritage and high-precision science is giving Indian nutraceuticals defensible strength in global markets. It allows Indian companies to build products that not only reflect traditional knowledge but also meet the regulatory and scientific expectations of the US, EU, and APAC markets.

The coming decade of breakthrough growth

India's nutraceutical momentum is being accelerated by three intertwined drivers. Consumer evolution, investor interest, and scientific advancement.

R&D investments are increasing, with universities, contract research organisations, and private labs collaborating on formulation development and clinical studies. The export opportunity is expanding, as global retailers, private-label brands, and wellness companies look to India for sustainable, plant-based, and cost-efficient solutions. Manufacturing capabilities are strengthening, with India emerging as one of the few regions able to offer scale, compliance, and innovation under one umbrella.

Over the coming decade, India is expected to witness the rise of nutraceutical companies that achieve unicorn-scale valuations, driven by strong domestic demand and significant export potential. The integration of AI and machine learning into product development and personalised nutrition will become more mainstream, enhancing both precision and efficacy.

Supply chains will evolve to become far more transparent and sustainable, with deeper, more direct partnerships at the farmer level to ensure traceability and quality from source to shelf. At the same time, India is poised to strengthen its position as a leading global supplier of clinically validated, plant-based ingredients that meet stringent international regulatory standards.

India's strategic advantage

What excites global investors most is India's capacity to build and export credible, science-led, sustainable health solutions at scale. Nutraceuticals are no longer a tradition-driven sector. They are transforming into a knowledge-intensive, research-driven industry shaping the future of preventive healthcare.

India's nutraceutical story is no longer emerging. It is a $100 billion opportunity in motion, powered by its botanical heritage, expanding scientific ecosystem, and entrepreneurial ambition. The next decade will determine how strongly India positions itself as a global powerhouse in preventive wellness.

The author is Founder and Managing Director of Botanic Healthcare.