The Baby Formula Guide

Morning!

There are a few things most people assume are straightforward until they look a little closer: taxes, choosing the right probiotic, and baby formula.

Baby formula is one of the most heavily marketed and widely used nutritional products in the world, and yet, for something so common, it’s surprisingly hard to get straightforward, science-based information about what’s actually in it.

Whether you’re a parent comparing formulas, a health professional advising others, or just curious about what we feed the youngest members of the population, this week’s breakdown is for you.

We’ll cover the main types of formula, the ingredient red flags, and perhaps most importantly, the parts of the label you see, like added sugars. It’s not about judgment. It’s about clarity.

CORE

Start with the Protein: What Type of Formula Are We Dealing With?

Infant formulas are classified by their protein base, the structural foundation of any formula. The one you choose (or evaluate) should match the child’s individual needs, especially if they have allergies, intolerances, or other medical considerations.

Here are the primary categories:

Cow’s Milk-Based Formulas
This is pretty much the standard as far as formula protein. Over 80% of all infant formulas sold are based on cow’s milk. The cow’s milk is always processed to improve digestibility and safety. It’s widely tolerated, which is why it’s the gloden standard.

Hydrolyzed Formulas
These formulas have proteins that are partially or fully broken down into smaller peptides, making them far easier to absorb. You’ll often see them labeled “gentle,” “comfort,” or “calm.” They’re typically used when a baby can’t tolerate intact milk or soy proteins.

Soy-Based Formulas
Used as an alternative when cow’s milk proteins are off the table (due to an intolerance). But soy protein comes with a caveat: it’s low in methionine, an essential amino acid. That means soy protein is structurally less ideal for growth and tissue development compared to milk proteins. If you’re curious about why Soy isn’t a complete protein, check out our Real vs Fake meat edition. 

Specialized Formulas

There are dozens of formulations designed for specific clinical needs: premature infants, metabolic disorders, reflux, malabsorption syndromes, etc. These are typically used under medical guidance, and often carry very different ingredient profiles.

Organic vs. Non-Organic: Is It Worth It?

Short answer: when it comes to infants, yes.

Organic formulas are required to be GMO-free and are produced without pesticides or growth hormones. Infants are in the most vulnerable stage of immune and neurological development, so reducing their exposure to toxins is especially important. And while the term “organic” isn’t a guarantee of perfection, it does meaningfully reduce certain risks.

Don’t Skip the Iron

Iron gets overshadowed by flashier nutrients, but it’s doing some very high-stakes work. In adequate amounts, it supports neurological development, strengthens the immune system, and fuels oxygen transport throughout the body.

In formula, look for at least 12 mg/L—that’s the level needed to match infant requirements, especially if they’re not getting iron from other dietary sources.

The Sugar Conversation

Unfortunately there is a big, big problem in our country… the vast majority of baby formulas contain too many added sugars. A study recently conducted said that babies who feed exclusively off of formula consume upwards of 60g of sugar a day (the equivalent of 2 cans of soft drinks)… appalling.

The types of formulas with the highest sugar content? Often the ones labeled “gentle” or “calm”, which contain up to 85–95% added sugars in their total carbohydrate content. The sugar levels in formula are have been linked to the rise in childhood obesity of upwards of 20%.

What to Watch For on the Label

If you happen to look around for formulas and try to see the “Added sugars” section that you are accustomed to seeing you will find that formulas don’t have that section, they simply state the total carbohydrates; a number that lumps together natural sugars (like lactose) with added sugars (like glucose syrup or corn syrup solids).

Does this seem absurd? Unfair? Yes, we agree. This is one of the biggest shortcomings of US regulation. The reason its labeled this way is the FDA states that babies under 2 years shouldn’t have added sugars. Yet they make it practically impossible to choose a formula that is free of added sugars.

So, What Can You Do About It?

You’ve got two main options. You can either scour the internet for formulas that are free from added sugar (make sure that they prove it with a lab analysis), or through trial and error.

That being said, there are some things you can watch out for an avoid, to make this process easier on you.

Avoid These Formula Additives When Possible

Let’s call these the “thanks, but no thanks” ingredients. They may show up on many formula labels, but that doesn’t mean they belong there

• Palm Oil
  Often added to mimic the fat composition of breast milk. But palm oil can impair calcium absorption, reduce bone mineralization, and potentially affect long-term bone strength.

• Corn Syrup Solids
  A cheap carbohydrate and sweetener. High in glucose polymers, it has a high glycemic index and may promote insulin resistance and excess weight gain when used as a primary carb source.

• Carrageenan
  Used to thicken and emulsify formula. It’s linked to inflammation, and is actually banned from infant formulas in the EU, which says a lot.

• Artificial Flavors, Preservatives, and Colors
  These don’t belong in formula, period. Infants have immature liver detoxification systems, and synthetic additives can place an unnecessary burden on those still-developing pathways.

• Synthetic Nutrients
  Commonly used to hit nutritional benchmarks, but often poorly absorbed. That means what’s on the label isn’t always what makes it into your baby’s bloodstream, which could lead to long-term micronutrient deficiencies

ENDNOTE

Final Thoughts

That’s all for today folks!

Until next week!