Is dairy-free formula safe? Here’s everything you need to know

If you’re considering a dairy-free (otherwise known as vegan or plant-based) formula for your baby, you probably already know that it can be tough to find reliable information on these formulas. 

Maybe you’re looking for dairy-free because your baby has an allergy (or suspected allergy) to cow’s milk. Or perhaps you’re vegan or have other ethical concerns about using animal milk…

Whatever your reason for choosing dairy-free, you need to know one thing more than any other: is this safe for my baby?

The quick answer: dairy-free formulas are safe, but some aren’t suitable for all babies – especially newborns. 

In this article, we’ll go into the different types of dairy-free formula, the ingredients you can expect to see, myths and concerns you might have heard, and how to make sure you’re choosing a formula that will work for your baby. 

 

Types of dairy-free formula – and what’s in them

There are 2 main types of dairy-free formula currently on the market: soy-based, and rice-protein based.

Soy-based formulas 

 

Soy formulas are the most commonly found type of dairy-free formula, and they’re often recommended for those with allergies or lactose intolerance. 

Soy formulas usually use a concentrated, processed form of soy called soy protein isolate as their main protein source. This is made by stripping the fat and carbs out of soybeans, leaving just the protein behind. If you’ve ever used protein powders or eaten vegan meat alternatives, you’ve probably eaten soy protein isolate.

 

Soy can be an appropriate protein source for babies, but there are 3 potential problems:

 

• Soy contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which mimic the hormone estrogen in the body. These are naturally occurring, but there is some evidence that they could be harmful. Some studies have linked phytoestrogens to hormone-related diseases including breast cancer, thyroid problems, and fertility issues. It is s important to note, though, that the science isn’t conclusive, and some research suggests that it is safe for babies to have small amounts of phytoestrogens. 

 

• Soy protein has a very similar structure to the proteins in cow’s milk. Which means that many babies (and adults) who are allergic to one, are allergic to the other. It’s not always the case, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free formula because your baby has a cow’s milk allergy, you should be aware that they might also be allergic to soy.

 

• Soy often contains GMOs. A high percentage of soy contains GMOs. In the US, this is thought to be as much as 95%. GMO consumption has been linked to health risks, including the development of allergies.

Rice-based formulas

 

Rice-based formulas are made with hydrolyzed rice protein. This is simply rice protein that has been broken down so that it’s gentle and easy for babies to digest. 

Babies who can’t tolerate soy or cow’s milk formulas can nearly always tolerate rice-based formulas. Though rice allergies aren’t completely unheard of, they are very rare, especially in babies.

 

There are 2 potential drawbacks to rice-based formulas, though both can be avoided by choosing your formula carefully:

 

• Unlike soy or cow’s milk, rice protein lacks some essential amino acids. These are vital for all humans (and animals), for things like energy, muscle growth and a healthy immune system. Rice-based formulas should include all the amino acids your baby needs, but do double-check to make sure. 

 

• Some concerns have been raised over trace amounts of arsenic. This sounds scary, but rice often contains small amounts of arsenic. Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in the soil, and rice tends to absorb it more than other crops. This means that any rice product could potentially contain arsenic. However, regulations mean that these should be kept below the level thought to be harmful – especially in the EU. 
  

Soy vs rice: which is the better type of plant-based formula?

 

This is a difficult question to answer definitively. As always, different formulas will suit different babies – and you should always consult your pediatrician before using a plant-based formula, especially if your baby has allergies. 

That said, rice-based formulas are likely to be the better choice for most, because:

 

• Babies who are allergic to cow’s milk are often also allergic to soy. 

• Soy formulas often contain GMOs, which could be harmful. 

• The phytoestrogens in soy have been linked to health problems. 

 

Other ingredients in plant-based formulas – what to look for and avoid

 

Any formula (whether plant-based or not) should provide complete, healthy nutrition for your baby. 

 

Here’s what to look out for:

 

• Essential vitamins and minerals. Most formulas include the full range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium for bone health and iron for brain development. In plant-based formulas, Vitamin D and B12 are especially important for anyone on a plant-based diet, since these are usually found in animal products. Make sure any dairy-free formula you buy includes them. 

 

• DHA and ARA. These fatty acids are vital for eye and brain development. They’re always included in European formulas due to EU regulations, but might not be included in formulas from the US or elsewhere. It’s worth noting that many formulas use DHA from fish oil, so if you want your baby to follow a 100% plant-based diet, make sure the formula you choose uses plant-based DHA (usually from algae).

 

• A healthy carb source. Breastmilk, and some animal-milk formulas, rely on natural lactose to provide the carbs and energy babies need. Plant-based formulas need to include an added source of carbs – and often, this is corn syrup. Corn syrup has been linked to multiple health problems, including weight gain and diabetes. To avoid it, look for formulas that use healthy carbs such as maltodextrin.

 

• Healthy oils. All formulas should include vegetable oils of some kind. They’re essential to provide the fat content that babies need – so make sure any formula you buy includes them. But be aware that many formulas contain palm oil, which is a significant driver of deforestation and environmental damage. If you’d rather avoid it, look for formula that contains oils such as coconut and sunflower instead. 

Preminat Riz – a safe, clean rice-based formula

 

Preminat Riz is the only 100% plant-based formula that we stock. And for good reason – it’s organic, allergy-friendly and provides an excellent balance of nutrients. 

It’s made in France, and isn’t widely available elsewhere – other than online.

 

Here’s why Preminat Riz might be the ideal formula for your baby:

 

• It’s certified organic by the EU. No pesticides, herbicides or GMOs.

• It’s designed for sensitive tummies. Especially gentle and easy-to-digest – even for babies who can’t tolerate other formulas. 

• It’s dairy, lactose and soy-free. Which means it’s suitable for babies with symptoms of allergies.

• It’s corn syrup-free. Instead, it includes organic maltodextrin as a carb source. 

• It’s palm oil-free. With a blend of healthy vegetable oils to provide the fat your baby needs. 

• It’s 100% plant-based. With no animal milk or other animal products. It includes DHA from algae, rather than fish oil. 

• It’s suitable from 0-36 months – a complete newborn to toddler formula. 

To find out more about Preminat Riz, including a full ingredients list, take a look here. 

 

Not sure whether Preminat Riz (or other plant-based formulas) are right for your baby? 

 

• If your baby is allergic to cow’s milk, you could consider a formula like HiPP Hypoallergenic.

 

• Some babies with cow's milk allergies are able to tolerate goat's milk formulas, as the protein structures are different.

 

• If you're looking for a vegetarian formula, but not necessarily vegan, check out Kendamil. They use plant-based DHA and are all their formulas are, therefore, vegetarian.