Last Updated May 6, 2021

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 child 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 food additives.

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

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.

Three main reasons to reconsider a soy baby formula are:

1. Phytic Acid

Present in the outer protective covering of all seeds, and it 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

Found in large amounts inside soybeans, inhibit digestion and absorption of nutrient.

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. Phytoestrogens

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 formula should be used only when all other options are exhausted.

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

Both have a long 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 the only European formula that is certified vegetarian friendly.

Kendamil baby formulas are made with whole milk from grass-fed cows that fit into vegetarian-friendly lifestyles.

The avoidance of palm and fish oils in their recipe makes it both delicious and highly digestible. The addition of plant-based Omega 3 not only creates a more natural, but also a more sustainably-sourced formula - as well as making it suitable for vegetarians.

Kendamil Cows Milk Based Formula

• Kendamil Stage 1 is for babies up to six months. It’s similar to breastmilk.
• Kendamil Stage 2 is a follow-on baby formula for babies 6 to 12 months.
• Kendamil Stage 3 is ideal for toddlers who still need critical daily nutrients.

Kendamil Goats Milk Based Formula

• Kendamil Goat Stage 1 is A2 nutrition for babies up to 6 months old
• Kendamil Goat Stage 2 is perfect for little ones older than 6 to 12 months old
• Kendamil Goat Stage 3 is ideal for toddlers who need a boost to solid food

The makers of Kendamil pride themselves on creating a vegetarian-friendly recipe so more moms have healthy options.

Their formula is also free of corn starch, soya, GMOs, glucose syrups, and maltodextrin. Instead of fish oils and palm oils, Kendamil uses plant-based Omega 3.

It’s also vitamin and mineral-fortified, so your baby will get well-balanced nourishment.

Holle is a leading European baby formula and has been for years. As it is manufactured in Germany, it meets high manufacturing standards.

The milk comes from animal-friendly farms where the cows and goats graze on peaceful and natural farms and do not experience any maltreatment, fitting the vegetarian-lifestyle.

Holle goat milk formula is vegetarian friendly, as their DHA also comes from algae just like Kendamil, however, to extract several formula ingredients, including prebiotics, lactose, and whey powder, animal rennet is used in small quantities.

Many vegetarian families find this A2 formula still fits nicely into their vegetarian lifestyle.

Goat milk formula is a healthy baby formula, providing critical nutrients similar to breastfeeding which are needed to meet a child's developmental milestones.

• Holle goat stage 1 is goat milk and lactose-based, making it ideal for babies zero to six months.

• Holle goat stage 2 is nutrient-fortified for babies six months old to 10 months.
• Holle goat stage 3 is for babies over ten months who eat solids, but need those extra nutrients as they grow into toddlers.

Health Benefits Of Goat Milk

• 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
• Holle goat milk formula is gluten-free and nut-free
• Has high vitamins and minerals, including A, C, D, and calcium.
• Holle goat milk 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
• It’s the best formula for a sensitive stomach

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 healthy alternative.

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

Kendamil and Holle baby formulas have only the best ingredients, are organically farmed, and are free from unwanted additives. They represent a wholesome, natural and balanced diet, from the very beginning.

We are pleased to offer only the best vegetarian formulas for your little ones first years.