Plant-Based Baby Formula
While most vegans prefer to take the all-natural route whenever possible, sometimes exclusively breastfeeding your baby isn’t possible. If you need to formula feed your baby or just supplement with baby formula, you don’t have to choose one made out of cow’s milk — there are plenty of plant-based baby formula options.
However, if you live in the United States, there are not many certified vegan baby formula options available to buy. Because of strict FDA regulations regarding infant formula in the US, it’s nearly impossible to sell a completely vegan infant formula (0-12 months old). One reason is because vitamin D is required in all U.S.-made baby formula, and many brands include vitamin D3, which can be plant-based but is usually derived from an animal source. However, the regulations are not as strict for children over 12 months old. Here is a list of resources regarding the FDA’s baby formula regulations.
If you are determined to raise your child as plant-based as possible and breastfeeding isn’t an option, this list will help you find the best dairy-free baby formula brands available!
There are generally three types of store-bought baby formula options:
- Cow Milk-Based Formula
- Soy-Based Formula (plant-based!)
- Protein Hydrolysate Formulas
Infant formulas made out of cow’s milk are the most popular, but if you want to exclude animal products from your baby’s diet, you can pick up one of the close vegan formula options made from a soy base.
If your baby has a soy allergy, you need to find a vegan soy-free baby formula. These are harder to find, but I’ve included some in this list! Just look for the formula options that have soy-free written in the description.
When you find a brand you like, check out the “where to buy” section. Here I’ll list the popular stores you can find this baby formula at. And if you can buy it online, I’ll link to some online retailers so you can have it shipped right to your door!
Deciding what to feed your baby is an important decision, and if you are considering formula feeding your baby, first talk to your physician to determine what is best for your child. Also, all products listed on this page are subject to change, so always check labels and contact the manufacturer with any questions before you buy.
Vegan Baby Formula Brands
*Again, 100% vegan formula is a rare find in the United States (and so far, only available for toddlers), but these baby formula options are dairy-free and as plant-based as possible under FDA regulations.
Else Nutrition Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers
Else Nutrition is bringing more options to the table when it comes to toddler formula:
After 120 years of little change to the baby formula category, a clean, plant-based alternative is long overdue. And now, we have one.
Else Nutrition toddler formula is the only labeled vegan formula and certified plant-based! Not only is this formula vegan, but it is also soy-free, gluten-free, and organic! This product is recommended for children 12 months and older. This is a relatively new brand, so if you have questions, check out their faq page for more details!
Buy Online: Amazon | ElseNutrition.com
Where to Buy: Else Nutrition formula was newly released in 2020, and you can only order it online as of now.
Earth’s Best Non-GMO Plant Based Infant Formula
Earth’s Best Plant-Based baby formula is a powder-based formula made from soy. This infant formula is organic, non-GMO, and is made for babies 0-12 months. *As with most infant formulas, to meet FDA regulations, this product contains vitamin D3 and does not specify the source.
Find In-Store: You can buy Earth’s Best formula at many stores including Walmart, Target, Publix, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, CVS, Safeway, and more! Use their store locator to find a store near you!
Enfamil ProSobee Infant Formula
Buy Online: Enfamil.com | Amazon | Walmart | Target
Enfamil ProSobee Infant Formula is a dairy-free baby formula option for babies 0-12 months. This formula is soy-based and for babies with sensitive stomachs. In addition to the powder version, you can also purchase this formula in liquid or concentrate! *As with most infant formulas, to meet FDA regulations, this product contains vitamin D3 and does not specify the source.
Where to Buy: You can buy Enfamil formula products at stores like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, and more! Use their store locator to find a store near you!
Similac Soy Isomil Baby Formula
Buy Online: Amazon | Walmart | Target
Similac Soy Isomil Baby formula comes in both powder and liquid (ready-to-feed) versions. This product is good for babies 0-12 months and is soy-based. *As with most infant formulas, to meet FDA regulations, this product contains vitamin D3 and does not specify the source.
Where to Buy: You can buy Similac formula in stores such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS, Giant Eagle, buybuy BABY, and more! Use their store locator to find the closest store to you!
Gerber Good Start Plant-Based Protein Formula
You can get Gerber Good Start Plant-Based Protein formula in both powder formula, concentrated liquid instant formula, and ready to feed instant formula! All varieties of Gerber plant-based formula are soy-based, and you can get the soy formula for newborns (0-4 months) and the Soy 2 formula for toddlers! *As with most infant formulas, to meet FDA regulations, this product contains vitamin D3 and does not specify the source.
Buy Online: Amazon | Walmart | Target | Gerber.com
Where to Buy: You can buy Gerber formula products at stores like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, CVS, buybuy BABY, Kroger, Meijer, Safeway, HEB, and more!
Baby’s Only Pea-Protein Formula
Baby’s Only Pea Protein formula by Nature’s One is organic, soy-free, and plant-based! So far, you can only purchase this product in powder form. This formula is for toddlers and should only be consumed by children 1-year and older.
Buy Online: NaturesOne.com
Where to Buy: You can buy Baby’s Only formula by Nature’s One only at select retailers, but you are probably better off finding it online (especially the plant-based formula). If you want to find a retailer, use their store locator and then call to see if they carry the plant-based formula.
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