How to Choose the Best Baby Formula Series: Shopping for Baby Formula
The choices in the baby formula aisle at the grocery store can be incredibly overwhelming. If you actually develop the courage to turn a can of baby formula over and look at the nutrition label, the panel looks completely different than you’re used to, and is very difficult to interpret. Finally, the humorously ironic truth is that the people buying infant formula are always stressed, in a hurry, and sleep-deprived… because they have an infant at home!
My hope is that you have read all the other articles in this series and are now armed with the information to look at that intimidating list of ingredients with confidence! In this article, I will break down 4 example infant formula nutrition labels from name-brand formulas for healthy term babies. I’ll translate the first label completely, and then point out the ingredients of interest for the other 3 labels. Remember, ingredients are listed in order of volume – the first ingredient is the largest ingredient.
Example #1: Similac® Advance®
Nonfat Milk, Lactose, Whey Protein Concentrate, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, Galactooligosaccharides. Less than 2% of the Following: C. Cohnii Oil, M. Alpina Oil, Beta-Carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Soy Lecithin, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Choline Bitartrate, Choline Chloride, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Salt, Taurine, m-Inositol, Zinc Sulfate, Mixed Tocopherols, d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Palmitate, Cupric Sulfate, Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin D3, Cyanocobalamin, Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Hydroxide, and Nucleotides (Adenosine 5’-Monophosphate, Cytidine 5’-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine 5’-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine 5’-Monophosphate).
Macronutrients
- Protein: “Nonfat Milk” and “Whey Protein”. This is obviously a cow’s milk protein source. They have adjusted the casein:whey ratio to look more like breast milk by adding additional whey protein (excellent!). Note, these proteins are NOT hydrolyzed, they are intact (full size).
- Carbohydrates: “Lactose”. This is similar to breast milk! Also, no corn syrup or sugar here… great!
- Fat: “High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil”. You need a few different types of fat to mimic the fatty acids in breast milk; this is pretty standard. Note, no palm olein oil here, so more calcium will be absorbed.
- Specialty ingredients: “Galactooligosaccharides”. These are prebiotics, similar to (but not identical to) the kind found in breast milk. These will not be found in every baby formula. This is a great additional ingredient.
Micronutrients (Less than 2% of the following):
These ingredients are mostly vitamins and minerals and this part of the label reads like the ingredients on a multivitamin. Below are the ingredients in order, and their translation.
- C. Cohnii Oil, M. Alpina Oil – These are added as sources of the fatty acids DHA and ARA
- Beta-Carotene – Vitamin A
- Lutein – BONUS NUTRIENT! This is not required in formula because it is not considered a vitamin. However, Lutein is in breast milk and may help baby’s eyes and brain development
- Lycopene – BONUS NUTRIENT! This is also not required in formula because it is not considered a vitamin. Lycopene is rich in tomatoes and certain red vegetables
- Potassium Citrate – Potassium
- Calcium Carbonate – Calcium
- Ascorbic Acid – Vitamin C
- Soy Lecithin – An emulsifier: this is a non-nutrient ingredient added to make the texture of formula appropriate for baby
- Mono- and Di-glycerides – These are manufactured fats that are also added to make the texture and thickness of formula appropriate for baby
- Potassium Chloride – Potassium. Also helps keep the correct pH
- Magnesium Chloride – Magnesium
- Ferrous Sulfate – Iron
- Choline Bitartrate – the vitamin Choline
- Choline Chloride – more choline
- Ascorbyl Palmitate – more vitamin C, bound to a fatty acid
- Salt: Added for taste, and as a source of chloride
- Taurine – This molecule (not technically a vitamin or mineral) is used in countless biological processes and added to almost all formulas
- m-Inositol – This molecule (not technically a vitamin or mineral) is used in countless biological processes and added to almost all formulas
- Zinc Sulfate – Zinc
- Mixed Tocopherols – Vitamin E
- d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate – Specific type of vitamin A
- Niacinamide – Niacin
- Calcium Pantothenate – Pantothenic Acid/ Vitamin B5
- L-Carnitine – This molecule (not technically a vitamin or mineral) is used in countless biological processes and added to almost all formulas
- Vitamin A Palmitate – another form of Vitamin A
- Cupric Sulfate – Copper
- Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride – Thiamine/ Vitamin B1
- Riboflavin – Vitamin B2
- Pyridoxine Hydrochloride – Vitamin B6
- Folic Acid – Folate
- Manganese Sulfate – Manganese
- Phylloquinone – Vitamin K
- Biotin – An easy one! (Biotin)
- Sodium Selenate – Selenium
- Vitamin D3 – Another easy one! (Vitamin D)
- Cyanocobalamin –Vitamin B12
- Calcium Phosphate – more Calcium, this is the kind found in your bones
- Potassium Phosphate – more Potassium
- Potassium Hydroxide – more Potassium (also an electrolyte)
- Nucleotides – These are non-nutrient additions that are also found in human milk. They are not added to every formula but they’re perfectly safe.
Example #2: Enfamil® Gentlease
I will only point out the micronutrients of interest in this formula.
CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, VEGETABLE OIL (PALM OLEIN, COCONUT, SOY, AND HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER OILS), PARTIALLY HYDROLYZED NONFAT MILK AND WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE SOLIDS (SOY), WHEY PROTEIN-LIPID CONCENTRATE (MILK) AND LESS THAN 2%: MORTIERELLA ALPINA OIL, SCHIZOCHYTRIUM SP. OIL, CALCIUM CARBONATE, SODIUM CITRATE, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, MAGNESIUM PHOSPHATE, FERROUS SULFATE, ZINC SULFATE, CUPRIC SULFATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, SODIUM SELENITE, CHOLINE CHLORIDE, INOSITOL, ASCORBIC ACID, NIACINAMIDE, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, RIBOFLAVIN, THIAMIN HYDROCHLORIDE, VITAMIN D3, VITAMIN B6 HYDROCHLORIDE, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN K1, BIOTIN, VITAMIN B12, VITAMIN E ACETATE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, TAURINE, L-CARNITINE.
Macronutrients
- Protein: “Partially Hydrolyzed Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate solid”. This is a cow’s milk protein source and is a combination of cow’s milk protein with additional whey added. This will adjust the casein:whey ratio to look more like breast milk … excellent! This protein is also partially hydrolyzed. Two thumbs up!!
- Carbohydrates: Corn Syrup Solids is the only added carbohydrate added to the formula. There will be a very small amount of lactose that comes from the protein source, so it is not technically a “lactose-free” formula. But the very-reduced lactose is one of the main reasons this formula is called “Gentle”. But remember, very few infants actually have a lactose intolerance. With Corn Syrup as the first ingredient in this formula, this baby will be eating a large amount of corn syrup. There are infants that thrive better on a lactose-reduced formula like this; but if you are just starting out, I recommend looking for lactose as the primary source of carbohydrate, unless your doctor recommends otherwise.
- Fat: “Vegetable Oils (Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, and High-Oleic Safflower or High-Oleic Sunflower)”. You need a few different types of fat to mimic the fatty acids in breast milk; this is pretty standard. Note: Palm olein oil is the primary fat source of this formula which will slightly decrease the fat and calcium absorption of the formula.
- Specialty ingredient: “Whey protein-lipid concentrate”. This is a source of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). MFGM is a “sexy extra” ingredient that has been shown to improve cognition scores and immune function. (Learn more about MFGM here) This is a great additional ingredient, but comes at a hefty price. If you cannot afford it, do not worry! Your baby will be just fine.
Micronutrients of interest (Under 2% of the following):
- Nucleotides – These are non-nutrient additions that are also found in human milk. They are not added to every formula but are perfectly safe.
Example #3: Similac® Sensitive
I will only point out the micronutrients of interest in this formula.
Corn Syrup, Sugar, Milk Protein Isolate, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil, Galactooligosaccharides. Less than 2% of the Following: C. Cohnii Oil, M. Alpina Oil, Beta-Carotene, Lutein, Lycopene, Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Magnesium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulfate, Magnesium Chloride, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Choline Bitartrate, Taurine, m-Inositol, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulfate, Mixed Tocopherols, L-Carnitine, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Cupric Sulfate, Thiamine Chloride Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin D3, Cyanocobalamin, Potassium Hydroxide, and Nucleotides (Adenosine 5’-Monophosphate, Cytidine 5’-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine 5’-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine 5’-Monophosphate).
Macronutrients
- Protein: “Milk Protein Isolate” This is obviously a cow’s milk protein source. There is no additional whey protein, so this will have much more casein protein than breast milk. Note, these proteins are NOT hydrolyzed. They are intact (full-size).
- Carbohydrates: There is no lactose added to this formula, which is why it is called “Sensitive”. There will be a very small amount of lactose that comes from the protein source, so it is not technically a “lactose-free” formula. But remember, very few infants actually have lactose intolerance. Instead, the sources of carbohydrate in this formula are: “Corn Syrup, Sugar”. As the first 2 ingredients this is a huge part of baby’s diet and means (when digested), the carbohydrate source is mostly glucose along with fructose. .
- Fat: “High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil”. You need a few different types of fat to mimic the fatty acids in breast milk; this is pretty standard. Note: No palm olein oil here, so baby will be able to absorb more of the calcium from this formula.
- Specialty ingredients: “Galactooligosaccharides”. These are prebiotics, similar to the kind found in breast milk. This is a great additional ingredient.
Micronutrients of interest (Under 2% of the following):
- Lutein – BONUS NUTRIENT! This is not required in formula because it is not considered a vitamin. However, Lutein is in breast milk and may help baby’s eyes and brain development
- Lycopene – BONUS NUTRIENT! This is also not required in formula because it is not considered a vitamin. Lycopene is rich in tomatoes and certain red vegetables
- Nucleotides – These are non-nutrient additions that are also found in human milk. They are not added to every formula but are perfectly safe.
Example #4: Gerber® Good Start GentlePro
I will only point out the micronutrients of interest in this formula.
WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE (FROM MILK, ENZYMATICALLY HYDROLYZED, REDUCED IN MINERALS), VEGETABLE OILS (PALM OLEIN, SOY, COCONUT, HIGH OLEIC SAFFLOWER OR HIGH OLEIC SUNFLOWER), LACTOSE, CORN MALTODEXTRIN, AND LESS THAN 2% OF: POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, CALCIUM CHLORIDE, POTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, SODIUM ASCORBATE, SODIUM CITRATE, CHOLINE BITARTRATE, 2′-O-FUCOSYLLACTOSE, M. ALPINA OIL, C. COHNII OIL, MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE, TAURINE, NUCLEOTIDES (CYTIDINE 5′-MONOPHOSPHATE, DISODIUM URIDINE 5′-MONOPHOSPHATE, ADENOSINE 5′-MONOPHOSPHATE, DISODIUM GUANOSINE 5′-MONOPHOSPHATE), INOSITOL, FERROUS SULFATE, ALPHA-TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, MIXED TOCOPHEROLS, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, CITRIC ACID, ZINC SULFATE, NIACINAMIDE, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, L-CARNITINE, COPPER SULFATE, VITAMIN A ACETATE, RIBOFLAVIN, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, PYRIDOXINE HYDROCHLORIDE, MANGANESE SULFATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, FOLIC ACID, PHYLLOQUINONE, BIOTIN, SODIUM SELENATE, VITAMIN D3, VITAMIN B12, B. LACTIS CULTURES, SOY LECITHIN.
Macronutrients
- Protein: “Whey Protein Isolate” This is a cow’s milk protein source and is 100% whey. Whey empties the stomach faster than casein and so this emptying time more resembles breast milk. This protein is hydrolyzed… excellent!
- Carbohydrates: Corn Maltodextrin, Lactose. Despite the order of ingredients, the carbohydrate in this formula is 70% lactose and 30% corn maltodextrin (I know because Gerber publishes this info). Yes, Corn Maltodextrin comes before lactose on the list of ingredients, but there is some lactose in the protein source which is how you get up to 70% lactose. As I write this, Gerber’s formulas have the lowest corn sugar (highest lactose) concentration of any other partially hydrolyzed formula in the US.
- Fat: “Vegetable Oils (Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, and High-Oleic Safflower or High-Oleic Sunflower)”. You need a few different types of fat to mimic the fatty acids in breast milk; this is pretty standard. Note: Palm olein oil is the primary fat source of this formula which will slightly decrease the fat and calcium absorption of the formula.
Micronutrients of interest (Under 2% of the following):
- Specialty ingredients: “2′-O-FUCOSYLLACTOSE”. This is a prebiotic that is also found in breast milk (called a Human Milk Oligosaccharide, or HMO). This prebiotic feeds healthy bacteria in babies’ intestines, and is a great additional ingredient.
- Nucleotides – These are non-nutrient additions that are also found in breast milk.
- B. Lactis Cultures – This is not a “nutrient” – it’s a probiotic! (Officially Bifidobacterium Lactis). This is one of the most common healthy bacteria found in breastfed infants’ intestines. It’s super cool that this formula provides both a PREbiotic (2-fucosyllactose) and a PRObiotic (B. Lactis).
Take-Home Messages:
Always ask your pediatrician. If you need a place to start, here’s a brief summary of suggestive things to look for when starting off. Remember every baby is different and there is no “perfect” formula. If your baby thrives on ingredients other than the ones below – then who cares! You’ve found the perfect formula for her!
- Protein: I recommend a cow’s milk source (not soy) to start with. Think about the casein:whey ratio. Either additional whey or 100% whey will more closely resemble breast milk protein. I also highly recommend a “partially hydrolyzed” formula if your baby is a newborn. These are just places to start!
- Carbohydrates: Look for “Lactose”, which is the primary carb in breast milk. If you see any sort of corn syrup ingredients, rice starch, or sugar, they are contributing to the carbs. They may also be there as a specialty ingredient (like rice starch which thickens formula). In general, I recommend starting with lactose and tweaking if necessary. If other carb sources are on the label, I prefer they be listed after lactose meaning there is more lactose than other sugar contributing to baby’s carbohydrate needs.
- Fat: All formulas will have several oils listed because you need different types of fat to mimic the fatty acids in breast milk. When Palm olein oil is the first oil listed on the list of ingredients, it will likely slightly decrease the amount of fat and calcium that can be absorbed in baby’s intestines. This may be a consideration if your baby was born earlier than 38 weeks gestation.
- Pre and Probiotics: Prebiotics are commonly called, “Galactooligosaccharides, Fructooligosaccharides, or 2-Fucosyllactose”. Probiotics are often listed along with the word “culture”. Two common strains are: L. reuteri and Bifidus. Both pre and probiotics are found in breast milk and can be beneficial to your little one. If you have to choose between them, I recommend prebiotics.
As the parent of a newborn, I am sure you have lots of spare time to leisurely read through all of my detailed articles. But on the off-chance you don’t have excess leisure time – you can click the button below to get a lovely summary of the take-home points of this flagship article series. I’d love to help!