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Best Soy Free Baby Formula

Best Soy Free Baby Formula
Latest posts by Keith Lindner (see all)

The decision to feed your baby with formula should not be taken lightly. Milk is what gives babies the nutrients and energy they need to grow up strong and healthy. If you have chosen to replace or supplement your baby’s meals with a formula, then take some time to consider whether or not it should be soy-free.

This can be a complicated choice because there are benefits to soy-based formula. But then, there are also plenty of drawbacks to soy-based formula. To give you a better idea of what you are facing, let’s look at a few of these pros and cons before we dive into actual product recommendations.

Pros of Soy-Based Baby Formula

  • It can be used as an alternative to milk-based formula. This is great for those babies who are sensitive to milk and lactose, or, for those parents who want their baby to eat a plant-based diet.
  • It contains quality nutrients and calories. Soy-based formulas are regulated just like any other type of formula to ensure that they provide adequate nutrition.

Cons of Soy-Based Baby Formula

  • It creates a higher risk of aluminum toxicity. Because soy-based formulas contain more aluminum than either cow’s milk or breastmilk, pre-term babies can suffer from the effects of aluminum toxicity. Symptoms of this are decreased renal function and bone and brain development.
  • It usually contains GMOs. If you intend for your baby to consume natural and organic foods, then you will have to read labels to be sure you choose a soy-based formula that is free of GMOs.
  • It can inhibit the absorption of calcium and iron.  
  • Some babies are allergic to soy. If your child shows signs of an allergic reaction to soy, then you will need to look elsewhere for their food supply.

Now that we have covered the reasons why you might want to consider using a soy-free formula, I want to bring up one more fact for you to consider as you make a decision. The hard truth is, there are currently no other nutritionally-balanced, plant-based formula alternatives.

So, if you opted to use a soy-based formula to live out a plant-based diet, you will be hard-pressed to find a good replacement. Hopefully, science will catch up, but until then, here are your options for the best soy-free formulas available.

Bottom Line Up Front

baby formula

If you don’t have time to read the entirety of this article, just note that my favorite soy-free option is Kendamil Goat Milk Baby Formula.  

My Top Picks at a Glance

  1. Kendamil Goat Milk Baby Formula – My favorite option out there. I like the strict regulations that are required from the manufacturers, the quality ingredients used in the formula, and the way it is designed to help with sensitive tummies.
  2. Jovie Goat Milk Baby Formula – This option is a close second. It has everything I want in baby formula, but I couldn’t put it as my #1 choice because it includes fish oil.
  3. HiPP Dutch Organic Infant Formula – This German brand really shines with all its tightly regulated ingredients and balanced nutrition.
  4. Holle Bio Stage Pre Organic Baby Formula – Any formula produced by this company is sure to be a favorite of mine. They make a tasty and nutritious baby formula from all types of milk.

Tips for Selecting a Baby Formula

Selecting a baby formula is hard work. As parents, we want to provide the best nutrition for our little ones, but we also realize that it can be expensive, time-consuming, and tedious. So, if you are considering switching formulas or supplementing your baby’s meals with a new formula, you should consider the following tips:

  1. Consult with your pediatrician. If you have any concerns about the health of your baby, you should speak with your baby’s physician right away. They may be able to advise you on which types of formula would be best for your baby’s health or they may be able to construct a diet plan based on tests they run.
  2. Ask other parents. Check with your parent friends or browse a reputable parenting blog for tips from those who have been in a similar situation. While they are not the parent of your child or your child’s doctor, there is value in hearing encouraging and experienced voices.
  3. Read the labels and ask good questions. When you find a formula that looks promising, be sure you know what the label is saying. If you don’t know what an ingredient is, look it up, ask your doctor, and/or consult with the manufacturer. You’ll never be upset that you know exactly what you are feeding your baby.
  4. Try and try again. You can read about potential formula options all day long, but until you try one you will never know how it works for you. The time will come when you have to heat some water and mix the formula in a bottle before you really know if this is the stuff your baby needs. If you’re nervous about spending a lot of money on a big container, check to see if the manufacturer gives out samples or if they have a return policy for a formula that is unsuitable for a baby’s tummy.

Selection Criteria

To be included in my list of recommendations, each soy-free formula must meet the following criteria:

  • It must be free of soy
  • It must be free of GMOs
  • It must have vitamins and minerals to support immune health and growth
  • It must have great customer reviews

My Product Recommendations

Baby’s Only Organic Pea Protein Formula

Baby’s Only Organic Pea Protein Formula

Here is a formula that utilizes pea protein rather than milk or soybeans. Using pea protein in baby formula is a new development so there is still plenty of research that needs to be done. At the present time, pea protein is not processed well enough to provide all the nutrients that infants require.

Because it lacks these nutrients, formulas made from pea protein should only be given to toddlers or used in conjunction with other types of formulas.

Pros of Baby’s Only Organic Pea Protein

  • It is free of GMOs, palm olein oil, corn syrup, dairy, and soy
  • It is organic, Kosher, and vegetarian
  • It contains nutrients to encourage eye and brain health

Cons of Baby’s Only Organic Pea Protein

  • It is not nutritionally complete
  • It is not FDA approved
  • Some children are allergic to peas
  • There is a chance that arsenic and lead have seeped into the pea plants

HiPP Dutch Organic Infant Formula

HiPP Dutch Organic Infant Formula

This is a great formula for parents who like to read labels. Everything in this canister has been screened and approved by organic standards set by the EU. Parents can rest assured that their baby is receiving a delicious and nutritious meal every time they mix a bottle.

Pros of HiPP Dutch Organic Infant Formula:

  • It is organic
  • It contains ARA & DHA to assist with brain development
  • It contains prebiotics and probiotics to assist with digestion
  • It is free from eggs, gluten, GMOs, peanuts, starch, additional sugars, and soy
  • It comes with a Happy Baby Guarantee 

Cons of HiPP Dutch Organic Infant Formula:

  • It contains dairy and lactose
  • It ships from Europe so it may take longer to receive orders

Jovie Goat Milk Baby Formula

Jovie Goat Milk Baby Formula

With this formula, you can avoid both soy and cow’s milk. Goat’s milk is oftentimes more digestible than cow’s milk, so this could be the solution to your baby’s fussy tummy. If your baby struggles with milk-based formulas, give this formula a try.

Pros of Jovie Goat Milk Baby Formula

  • It is free from soy, GMOs, additional sugars, and palm and coconut oils
  • It contains probiotics to assist with digestion
  • It is organic
  • It uses full cream milk rather than skim milk

Cons of Jovie Goat Milk Baby Formula

  • It is a pricey option
  • It is not vegetarian (contains fish oil)

Kendamil Goat Milk Baby Formula

Kendamil Goat Milk Baby Formula

This is another goat milk-based formula that is designed for finicky tummies. Babies who have demonstrated that they may have soy or cow’s milk-related allergies will benefit from this option. Kendamil is produced under strict British regulations so you know your baby is only getting the best.

Pros of Kendamil Goat Milk Baby Formula

  • It is free from palm oil, additional sugars, synthetic preservatives, fish oil, GMOs, soy, and wheat
  • It contains organic prebiotics to assist with digestion
  • It uses milk from goats that have not been exposed to growth hormones
  • It is fortified with minerals and vitamins that help with brain, eye, and muscle development
  • It is certified Halal and Kosher
  • It is used by the British Royal family

Cons of Kendamil Goat Milk Baby Formula

  • It is an expensive option
  • It is often low in stock

Little Oak Natural Goat Milk Infant Formula

Little Oak Natural Goat Milk Infant Formula

Produced in New Zealand using whole goat’s milk, this formula prides itself on being pure, delicious, and nutritionally complete. The company has taken the lead in the industry by being the first to certify its baby formula as palm oil-free.

Pros of Little Oka Natural Goat Milk Formula

  • It is free of palm oil and GMOs
  • It is easy to measure and mix
  • It is designed to be gentle on sensitive tummies

Cons of Little Oka Natural Goat Milk Formula

  • Shipping from New Zealand can be both an expensive and lengthy undertaking

Holle Goat Milk Organic Baby Formula

Holle Goat Milk Organic Baby Formula

Here is another European baby formula option that is sure to please even the pickiest parents. This formula is designed and manufactured under strict European regulations which make the company strive to produce only the best.

Pros of Holle Goat Milk Organic Baby Formula

  • It is free from GMOs, chemicals, palm oil, artificial preservatives, additional sugars, gluten, soy, and peanuts
  • It is made from the milk of grass-fed goats

Cons of Holle Goat Milk Organic Baby Formula

  • It is a pricey option
  • It can take time for it to be shipped
  • It is often low in stock

Holle Bio Stage Pre Organic Baby Formula

Holle Bio Stage Pre Organic Baby Formula

This company doesn’t just produce excellent soy-free goat’s milk formula, but it also produces soy-free cow’s milk formula with the same level of quality and care. If your baby is not sensitive to cow’s milk, then try this soy-free alternative.

Pros of Holle Bio Stage Pre Organic Formula

  • It is free from maltodextrin, soy, peanut ingredients, and gluten
  • It is fortified with vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system and assist in the growth and development of the body and brain
  • It is made from the milk of grass-fed cows

Cons of Holle Bio Stage Pre Organic Formula

  • It is a pricey option
  • It can take time for it to be shipped
  • It is often low in stock
  • It is only 99% organic

FAQs

What Are the Symptoms of Soy Intolerance?

Many of the symptoms of soy intolerance resemble those of a soy allergy. Be sure to consult with your pediatrician if you notice any of the following when your baby drinks soy-based formula:
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Vomiting (more than normal spit up)
• Upset tummy

What Are the Benefits of Goat’s Milk?

Replacing cow’s milk with goat’s milk has become a popular trend as of late. But this is not a trend without a purpose. Here’s why:
• Goat’s milk mimics human milk better than cow’s milk
• Goat’s milk is better for sensitive tummies than cow’s milk (those who have lactose sensitivity will appreciate this)
• Goat’s milk is easier to digest than cow’s milk
• Goat’s milk has more beneficial fatty acids than cow’s milk

What is A2 Milk?

This type of milk is constructed from a beta-casein that is called A2. There is also an A1 beta-casein which can be found in most grocery store milk. A2 beta-casein is structured to mimic human milk and is more digestible than milk that contains an A1 beta-casein.  

Final Thoughts

As a parent, I understand the challenge of finding the right formula for my baby. Even after all the online research and the chats with my pediatrician, I still hesitated in making a decision. But, I figure that’s because nutrition is so important.

I know nutrition is important to you too, or else, why would you be reading an article on baby formula? Hopefully, this article has provided you with answers to some of your questions and will lead you to your ultimate decision.If I had the opportunity to do it again, I would not hesitate, I would grab a bundle of Kendamil Goat Milk Baby Formula and never look back.

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