With plant based eating becoming more popular, it’s no surprise that parents are looking for plant based formula. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or just trying to avoid animal products, there are several options available to you.
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Soy Formula Options
There are a few soy formula options available to vegan or plant-based families. As with other formula options, the store brand equivalents are often cheaper but meet the same nutritional standards.
- Earth’s Best Non GMO Plant Based Formula
- Enfamil Prosobee (Simply Plant Based) Formula
- Gerber Good Start Gentle Soy Formula
- Similac Soy Isomil
- Store Brand Soy
Who should use vegan formula?
- Term infants who are not receiving adequate breast milk or cow’s milk formula. The AAP notes “isolated soy protein-based formula has no advantage over cow’s milk protein-based formula as a supplement for breast-fed infants” however it is an appropriate option (1).
- Infants with galactosemia and inherited lactase deficiency
- Infants of parents who prefer a vegetarian-based diet for their infants
Who should not use vegan formula?
- Infants with cow’s milk protein allergy as they are often also sensitive to soy
- Preterm infants who weigh less than 1800 grams
Is plant based formula right for you?
Only you know the answer to that. There is no one “best” formula on the market. If your family is vegetarian or vegan and you are not providing breast milk, a soy formula could be a good choice. For more information on formula feeding in general, check out my book Formula Feeding Guide available on Amazon.
Krystyn Parks is a Registered Dietitian and Lactation Consultant who specializes in feeding children. She has a Master’s Degree in Nutritional Science from California State University Long Beach. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and has been registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2013.