Baby formula is an important topic when it comes to living a vegetarian lifestyle. Although the selection of vegetarian-friendly formulas is small, thankfully vegetarians can choose to give their baby an organic formula made according to the highest standards.

Vegetarian families have taken notice of European baby formula due to high quality ingredients, organic farming practices, and strict regulations. They have seen the difference when it comes to other baby formulas that have soy, sugar, and other toxic food additives.

European organic formula manufacturers do not use corn syrup, glucose, fructose, rice syrup, or table sugar (sucrose).

Organic European baby formula is made from clean ingredients and with milk from animals raised on organic farms, some of which are Demeter-Certified biodynamic farms or have been Red Tractor Certified.

With the newest changes with European formulas, vegetarian parents are finding themselves in a position where they need to find a formula without fish oil DHA in it.

Based on the findings of the latest scientific and nutritional research, the EU has decided that all formulas for babies up to a year old should contain the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is derived from fish oil.

DHA is a healthy Omega-3 fatty acid that can help support heart and brain health. The regulation requires a higher usage of these fats to further improve infant health.

In an attempt to provide a plant-based diet, vegetarian parents can be tempted to use a soy-based baby formula.

1. Phytic Acid which is present in the outer protective covering of all seeds and blocks the absorption of critical minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Zinc is required for optimal brain and neurological development. As a result, deficiency of this nutrient in infants at a time when the brain is growing at its most rapid rate could have lifelong implications and possibly reduce IQ.

2. Trypsin Inhibitors which are found in substantial amounts inside soybeans, inhibit digestion and absorption of nutrients.

In the manufacturing process, trypsin inhibitors need application of high heat for extended periods of time to break down, but some remain in the final product; studies show their presence prevents normal growth.

Knowing that a baby’s brain and nervous system grows to about 75% of its full size in the first year, any retardation of normal growth development is counter to helping your child reach his or her full potential.

3. The Biggest Danger of using soy is the phytoestrogens (plant estrogens called isoflavones) found in all soybeans whether organic, conventional, or GMO.

Phytoestrogens cause hormone disruption and could potentially affect and alter an infant’s developing brain and physiology.

Research shows that soy milk and soy formula contain up to 4,500 times the level of phytoestrogens found in cow’s milk or breastmilk. Phytoestrogens are potent human endocrine disruptors, binding efficiently to the estrogen receptors found in both females and males.

The overwhelming consensus is that soy infant formulas should be used only when all other options are exhausted.

Three of the most well respected names in organic baby formula companies, Kendamil, Loulouka and Holle, offer plant-based DHA, certified vegetarian and soy free baby formula.

These European baby formula companies have a strong commitment to using only high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients from well-cared-for animals.

Kendamil has over 58 years utilizing the finest ingredients to produce the standard in European formulas.

Kendamil formula has the distinction of becoming the first ever baby formula globally to contain Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and to be certified vegetarian friendly.

Kendamil uses predominantly whole milk in their cow’s milk formula. Whole milk to provide a natural mammal fat source is better than any vegetable oil when mimicking the natural fats in breastmilk.

Kendamil’s cow's milk-based formula comes in three stages to support your baby from birth to the toddler years.

Kendamil is the only British baby milk brand on the market, using British milk and manufactured entirely in Britain. Produced in an 800-gram powder baby formula, and packaged in a recyclable metal can, this powdered formula has excellent storage and shelf life.

Kendamil Stage 1 and Kendamil Stage 2 baby formula contain both prebiotics sourced from GOS to support babies' digestive systems.

Kendamil Stage 3 is based on a whey to casein ratio, 20% whey to 80% casein, allowing children over 1 year to be ready to be weaned onto normal cow’s milk of a similar whey to casein ratio or to ready them for toddler milks that are balanced in the same way.

The iron and calcium content are higher in Kendamil cow stage 3 than what is found in Stage 1 & Stage 2.

From the Kendamil baby formula gold standard line comes the only British goat milk formula.

Specially designed to be the first of its kind to contain Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) – the third largest solid component in human breast milk. Kendamil Goat Milk formula adds to a full range of whole cream baby formulas that are humanely and locally sourced, vegetarian, and contain no toxic chemicals.

Kendamil Goat is specially made for sensitive babies starting from day one and lends the needed nutrition in 3 stages all the way to 12 months.

Starting with Kendamil Goat Stage 1 this 800g powdered baby formula is complete nutrition for supplementing or is perfectly balanced as a standalone formula. Near the 6 month mark your baby may move to Kendamil Goat Stage 2 and finally Kendamil Goat Stage 3.

Each of the formulas continue to provide the most amazing pure clean ingredients in the amounts that compliment your little one’s energy level and solid food intake.

The makers of Kendamil pride themselves on creating a vegetarian-friendly recipe so parents and caregivers have healthy options.

Their formula is also free of corn starch, soy, GMOs, glucose syrups, and maltodextrin.

Instead of fish oils and palm oils, Kendamil uses plant-based Omega 3. It is also vitamin and mineral-fortified, so your baby will get well-balanced nourishment.

Loulouka goat milk formula may be a new brand in the European baby formula scene, but it is already known to be among the world's best because of the organic whole goat milk that comes from Switzerland.

Loulouka organic goat milk baby formula comes in two stages. Each stage is designed to give your little one the most balanced nutrition available.

Designed to closely mimic breast milk in nutrition and ease of digestion, Loulouka stage 1 goat formula is perfectly balanced nutrition for development and growth in the first months of your baby's life.

At stage 2, Loulouka follow on goat milk formula is specially designed for when your little one starts to explore solid food. Made with the right amount of protein to carbohydrate ratio to meet the newly learned crawling and walking stages.

Swiss organic goat milk is at a higher standard of milk production. Happy goats make the sweetest and healthiest milk, which really helps Loulouka goat milk formula stand out among European baby formulas.

Furthering the commitment to all families and the planet, Loulouka contains plant-based DHA derived from algal oil and leaves out fish oil.

A leading European baby formula company that has been providing infant nutrition for over 80 years. Holle is produced in Germany so you can be sure that this formula meets high manufacturing standards.

Holle goat milk formula has made the list of vegetarian friendly baby formula due to DHA that also comes from algae just like Kendamil and Loulouka, however, to extract several formula ingredients, including prebiotics, lactose, and whey powder, animal rennet is used in small quantities.

 For many plant-based families, Holle goat milk formulas fit nicely into their vegetarian lifestyle from birth all the way through the toddler years.

Holle goat formula comes in two sizes for convenience and ease. Parents like the 800g reinforced can of Holle Goat Dutch for home and extended stays and find the 400g Holle Goat German sealed boxes favorable for diaper bags and day trips.

Thoughtfully designed for the first year, Holle goat German is made with clean, organic ingredients produced under the world's best standards.

For the delicate first days, Holle Goat Formula stage 1 is ideal for infants who have milk allergies, need a formula that is easier to digest, or those who can’t process lactose.

As the baby's system matures, Holle Goat Formula stage 2 and Holle Goat Formula stage 3 continue to provide natural vitamins and minerals for immunity, digestion, and bone strength. You can also either use Holle baby formula alone or as a healthy breastfeeding substitute.

Holle goat Dutch has the same nutrition as you find in Holle goat German, just in a bigger container. Just like the German version, these baby formulas leave out palm oil and coconut oils that are found in many baby formulas which are better for babies and better for the environment.

Families love that Holle Goat Dutch has 3 stages to give A2 digestive support as a breastfeeding supplement or for the perfect complete alternative.

You may be wondering if goat milk is a healthy alternative to cow's-milk based baby formulas and how European goat milk formulas may fit into your vegetarian lifestyle.

Goat milk formula naturally supports gentle digestion for toddlers with sensitive tummies and provides critical nutrients similar to breastfeeding which are needed to meet a child's developmental milestones.

       ✓ Organically certified goat milk formula

       ✓ No harmful additives, chemicals, or preservatives added

      ✓ Uses clean ingredient alternatives to breastfeeding

       ✓ Meets strict EU Biodynamic Demeter farming standards

      ✓ Gluten-free and nut-free

       ✓ High levels of vitamins and minerals, including A, C, D, and calcium

       ✓ Does not have synthetics like L-Carnitine or Taurine

      ✓ Has 1/3 more magnesium than cow milk to boost healthy growth

      ✓ Goat milk products are ideal for babies with dairy intolerances

      ✓ Best formula for the most sensitive digestive system

Vegetarian families looking for a cow’s milk alternative for their lactose sensitive babies can feel good about giving their little ones a gluten-free, soy, nut, and wheat-free goat milk baby formula.

European goat milk formulas are made with the world's best A2 Milk. Only pure, clean, and organically sourced and manufactured ingredients will ever be used to produce any stage of European baby formulas.

My Organic Company offers the perfect organic formula options for your vegetarian lifestyle.

Kendamil, Loulouka and Holle European baby formulas have only the best ingredients, are organically farmed, and are free from unwanted additives and toxic ingredients that are found in American baby formulas.

European vegetarian approved baby formulas represent a wholesome, natural, and balanced diet, from the very beginning. We are pleased to offer only the best vegetarian formulas to help support your little ones' first years.