Starch in baby formula: helpful, or something to avoid?

Starch is a common ingredient in baby formulas – even premium European formulas. But many parents don’t realize it’s there until they scan the ingredients list. 

 

Perhaps you’re wondering what starch is doing in your baby’s milk, and whether it’s healthy or not. Especially as those formulas that are starch-free often make this a selling point…

Starch in formula isn’t necessarily good or bad. It’s true that some babies struggle to digest it, especially in large quantities, and for that reason, many parents make sure they avoid it. But other babies really benefit from starch, as it helps fill up those with bigger appetites and provides extra energy. 

What actually is starch?

Starch is a carbohydrate, found naturally in foods like potatoes, rice and grains. Most of us eat starch every day in some form, and it’s a key part of our diets. 

It’s also a complex carb – unlike sugar, which is a simple carb. This means it breaks slowly during digestion, can help you feel fuller for longer, and shouldn’t cause blood sugar to spike. 

Breastmilk doesn’t contain starch, but it does contain another complex carb – lactose. 

Why starch is added to formula

 

Starch is added because babies need complex carbs, whether starch or lactose or both, to give them the energy they need. Growing bodies use up a lot of energy as they develop!

Some European formulas provide all the energy babies need from lactose alone, but others use some starch too. 

Some non-European formulas might also use corn syrup or another sugar to provide energy, but we’d definitely recommend you avoid these. Corn syrup (unlike starch and lactose) is a simple carb that can spike blood sugar. 

Starch in formula can mean that:

 

• Your baby might stay fuller for longer

Starch can make formula more satisfying, and help you space out feeds – especially for hungrier or older babies. Babies who seem constantly hungry might be more settled with a formula that includes some starch. 

 

• You see less spit-up

Formulas containing starch are often thicker and creamier, which can help them sit better in the stomach, reducing spit-up. 

 

• They get long-lasting energy

Because starch is a slow-release carb, it provides more long-lasting energy than formulas that contain corn syrup or other simple sugars.  

Reasons to avoid starch

 

Even though starch can be beneficial, it’s not ideal for every baby. You might want to avoid it if:

• You have a newborn 

In the first few months, a baby’s digestive system is still developing. This can make it hard to digest starch, leading to a gassy or unsettled baby. It’s by no means always the case, but if your newborn is struggling on a formula that includes starch, try switching to one that’s starch-free. 

• Your baby has a sensitive stomach

Babies of any age can struggle to digest starch, potentially causing fussiness, colic or constipation. It’s always worth trying a starch-free formula if this happens. 

Or it could just be that you prefer to feed your baby a formula that (as far as possible) doesn’t contain ingredients that aren’t found in breastmilk. Many parents feel the same, and the truth is, no baby needs starch – as long as they’re getting enough carbs from lactose. 

What about maltodextrin?

 

You might have heard of another ingredient called maltodextrin, which is often compared to starch. 

Formula manufacturers – including European brands – sometimes include maltodextrin in their formulas instead of starch. They’re very similar, since maltodextrin is actually a derivative of starch. 

Maltodextrin is more processed than starch, and provides quicker-release energy – which means some parents are keen to avoid it. However, it’s usually quite easy to digest, and acts as a stabilizer in formula, giving it a creamy texture that many babies like. 

Organic starch vs conventional

 

Where European formulas contain starch or maltodextrin, it's usually organic. While there isn’t much difference in terms of nutrients between organic and conventional starch, there are other important differences. 

Organic starch is sourced from plants (mostly corn, rice, or potatoes) grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, It’s also always non-GMO. This means that it's a sustainable, minimally processed, plant-based ingredient.

How to decide whether to go starch-free

 

Many babies are happily given formula that contains starch without any problems at all. So if you’ve been using a formula that includes it, don’t worry. If your baby is happy, there’s no need to switch. 

These are the signs that you should consider a starch-free formula:

• You have a newborn or very young baby. It’s not always the case, but some smaller babies struggle with starch, so it’s worth trying a starch-free formula. 

• You’re combi-feeding or weaning off the breast. Formulas that contain starch can be thicker and feel less like breastmilk. If you’re moving between breastmilk and formula, a starch-free option might be easier for your baby to adapt to. 

• You’re seeing signs of poor digestion, such as colic and constipation. There are many reasons your baby might develop these, and starch is only one possible cause. But it’s still worth removing starch from your baby’s diet in case it helps. 

Which formulas are starch-free?

If you’re looking for a starch-free formula, you’ll find there’s plenty of choice among premium, European formulas. 

All Kendamil formulas are starch-free at every stage.

Kendamil uses rich, creamy whole milk from Jersey cows or pasture-raised goats to make their formulas. They have a high lactose content, and don’t need to add starch for extra energy. 

Most (but not all) goat’s milk formulas are starch-free. 

Including Kabrita, Jovie, and Nannycare. 

Goat’s milk formulas generally use whole goat’s milk, and have a high natural lactose content, with no need for starch. 

 

Stage Pre formulas are starch-free

Stage Pre formulas, including HiPP and Holle, are designed for the smallest babies. They’re extra gentle and easy-to-digest, and so don’t contain starch. 

All HiPP UK and HiPP Dutch formulas are starch-free

Some HiPP German formulas are also starch-free, but not all – make sure you check the ingredients’ list if you want to avoid starch. 

Still confused about starch? We’re here to help.

If you’re not sure whether to avoid starch, or you want advice on the best starch-free formula for your baby, get in touch. We’ll happily go through your options.