Plant-Based Toddler Food: What You Need to Know

Q: Why choose Plant Based Formula?

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Q: What are the best vegan baby formulas available in 2025?

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Q: What’s the difference between vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and soy-free baby formula?

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Q: What nutrients are missing in vegan baby formulas, and how are they replaced?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Plants typically lack certain nutrients found in animal products,"},{"type":"link","url":"https://groworganicbaby.com/blogs/babys-nature/dha-b12-in-vegan-baby-formula-a-nutrient-guide","title":null,"target":null,"children":[{"type":"text","value":" especially vitamin B12, vitamin D, DHA"}]},{"type":"text","value":", and sometimes iron, calcium, and iodine. For plant-based formula these are replaced through careful fortification and ingredient selection to ensure safety and completeness for infants."}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"It took years of research to develop blends that were safe, digestible, and nutritionally complete for infants under 12 months"}]},{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Vegan Baby Formula Nutrition Facts—How They're Replaced","bold":true}]}]}

Q: Is Sprout Organic suitable for babies with dairy allergies?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"Yes. The formula is completely free from lactose, casein, and whey, making it suitable for babies with dairy sensitivities or allergies."}]}]}

Q: Does Sprout Organic contain added sugars?

{"type":"root","children":[{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"type":"text","value":"No. The formula’s natural sweetness comes from the organic rice base — no added sugars are included."}]}]}

Q: Is Sprout 100% vegan certified organic and who is it certified by?

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Q: Why is Sprout a healthier choice than soy-based formula?

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Q: Is Sprout 100% vegan and free of all animal by-products?

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September 5, 2025

As toddlers grow and begin to explore a world beyond bottles, many parents start to question what role formula still plays in their child’s diet — especially when following a plant-based lifestyle. While infant formula tends to get most of the spotlight, toddler formula can serve an important transitional purpose for families who want extra nutritional insurance during picky-eating phases or dietary shifts.

This guide breaks down the essentials of plant-based toddler formula — what it is, what to look for, and how it can support a growing child’s health without compromising your family’s values.

What Is Plant-Based Toddler Formula?

Unlike infant formula, which is tightly regulated and designed to be a sole source of nutrition, toddler formula is meant to complement a varied diet for children 12 months and older. It’s not a replacement for food — rather, it acts as a supplement to help fill nutritional gaps.

Plant-based toddler formulas are made without dairy and typically use plant proteins such as rice, soy, almond, or blends of legumes and grains. These formulas often include:

Fortified vitamins and minerals (like B12, iron, D3, and calcium)
Plant-based DHA and ARA for brain and vision support
Prebiotics and probiotics for gut health
Non-GMO and organic ingredients

They are ideal for families following a vegan diet, dealing with dairy allergies, or simply wanting to reduce animal product consumption.

Why Choose a Plant-Based Option?

There are a few key reasons parents opt for plant-based toddler formulas:

Ethical Lifestyle: Families who follow vegan or vegetarian values want formulas aligned with their beliefs.
Allergy Concerns: Toddlers with sensitivities to dairy or soy need alternative protein sources.
Clean Nutrition: Some families seek formulas with fewer allergens, no antibiotics or hormones, and more transparency around ingredient sourcing.

In all cases, a plant-based formula can offer peace of mind when mealtime battles or busy schedules leave nutritional gaps.

Nutritional Highlights and Considerations

The best plant-based toddler formulas aim to mimic the key nutrients found in dairy-based counterparts while staying clean and allergen-friendly. Here’s what to look for:

Complete protein profile (usually achieved through combining plant sources)
Calcium and vitamin D to support bone development
Iron and B12 — two common deficiencies in vegan toddlers
Healthy fats from coconut, sunflower, or flaxseed oils
No added sugars or artificial flavors

That said, not all plant-based formulas are equal. Some may use heavily processed protein isolates or be lower in fat and calories than needed. Always check the nutrition panel and consult with a pediatrician, especially if your toddler is a selective eater or has growth concerns.

Real-World Parenting with Plant-Based Toddler Formula

For many families, the transition to toddlerhood brings a new set of challenges — from unpredictable appetites to increased mobility and emotional development. In this whirlwind phase, nutrition often becomes a silent worry in the background.

Parents who use plant-based toddler formula often describe it as a safety net. One mom shared that while her toddler was going through a "pasta-only" phase, knowing they were still getting iron and healthy fats from their daily formula serving brought peace of mind. Another parent told us that switching to a soy-free, almond-based formula eased their child’s digestive issues and significantly improved energy and mood throughout the day.

These real-world experiences remind us that while toddler formula isn’t mandatory, it can be incredibly valuable — not just for nutrition, but for peace of mind. It’s less about replacing meals and more about supporting them, especially when every day with a toddler can feel wildly different from the last.

How Grow Organic Baby Supports Plant-Based Families

At Grow Organic Baby, we understand that every stage of feeding matters — and that doesn’t stop at 12 months. Our selection of plant-based toddler formulas is carefully curated to offer families clean, dairy-free, and trustworthy options.

We go beyond the label to ensure the formulas we stock meet our standards for ingredient quality, nutritional value, and ethical sourcing. Whether you’re transitioning from infant formula or simply seeking extra support through toddlerhood, we’ve got you covered.

Nourishing Their Next Chapter

Toddlerhood is a time of big leaps, messy meals, and constant change. A plant-based toddler formula can be a steady hand in the background, helping fill in gaps while your little one learns and grows.

Explore our curated lineup of plant-based toddler formulas at Grow Organic Baby and find an option that supports your values, your lifestyle, and your toddler’s bright future.

Why choose Plant Based Formula?

Plant-based formulas offer a dairy-free alternative to traditional milk-based formulas, making them ideal for babies with lactose intolerance, cow’s milk protein allergies, or families following a vegan lifestyle. These formulas are typically made from pea, rice, or soy proteins, ensuring a complete amino acid profile for proper growth and development.

One of the key benefits is digestibility—many plant-based formulas are gentler on sensitive stomachs, reducing issues like colic, gas, and bloating. They also avoid common allergens found in dairy-based formulas, such as casein and whey, making them a safer option for infants prone to allergic reactions.

Can I buy vegan baby formula in the U.S., or do I need to import it?

Vegan formula brands like Sprout Organic and Bébé M are imported via specialty retailers like GrowOrganicBaby.com.

When parents want the healthiest plant based start for their little ones, GrowOrganicBaby.com is the #1 Choice for Organic Baby Formula in the U.S.

Grow Organic Baby is the exclusive Sprout Organic US Distributor, and the only U.S. retailer offering Sprout Organic, the world’s first vegan-certified 100% plant based organic baby formula.

A trusted US Based Seller since 2016, located in Los Angeles, they have a proven track record of providing exceptional service to customers and is the best place to buy vegan baby formula in the USA.

The benefits of being US based are:

Contactable by phone or text
Customer Service based in the US time zone for faster response
Ship returns domestically for refund
Local pick up or delivery for LA/OC based formula emergency

Simply put, GrowOrganicBaby.com offers what no other competitor can — exclusive access to Sprout Organic, US based customer service, fast delivery options and most importantly a long history of reliability and trustworthiness.

What are the best vegan baby formulas available in 2025?

Vegan baby formula is made entirely from only plant-based sources, free from any animal ingredients or byproducts. Unlike conventional baby formulas made with cow's or goat's milk, vegan formulas use plant proteins like soy, rice, or pea to deliver essential nutrients for healthy growth and development.

We recently published an article comparing the 3 Vegan Baby Formula Options for babies 0–12 Months.

Below is a comparison of Bébé M, Preminat, and Sprout Organic formulas:

Feature	Bébé M	Preminat	Sprout Organic
Protein Source	Hydrolyzed Rice	Hydrolyzed Rice	Pea & Rice
Vegan	Yes	Yes	Yes
Soy-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes
Dairy-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes
Organic	Yes (EU Certified)	Yes (EU Certified)	Yes (Australian Certified)
DHA Source	Plant-Based	Plant-Based	Plant-Based
Prebiotics	Yes	Yes	Yes
Corn Maltodextrin	Yes	Yes	No
Palm Oil-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes
Gluten-Free	Yes	Yes	Yes
Country of Origin	France	France	Australia

Key Differences

Bébé M & Preminat use hydrolyzed rice protein—hypoallergenic and gentle on digestion.
Sprout Organic uses a blend of pea & rice protein for a soy-free, easy-to-digest option.
Bébé M & Preminat contain corn-derived maltodextrin, Sprout Organic does not.
Bébé M & Preminat can be hard to find outside Europe.
Sprout Organic is often easier to source and contains only plant ingredients, making it the most recommended 100% plant-based formula for most families.

What’s the difference between vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and soy-free baby formula?

These terms often overlap are easily confused even though there are significant differences between a “vegan vs plant-based formula”. The table below summarizes the meaning of each term.

Term	What it means	Includes/Excludes
Vegan Baby Formula	Contains no animal-derived ingredients whatsoever	Excludes dairy, lactose, casein, whey, fish oil, lanolin-based vitamin D, etc.
Plant-based Baby Formula	Primarily made from plant ingredients, but may include some animal-derived additives	May include fish-derived DHA or lanolin-based vitamin D unless labeled vegan
Dairy-free Baby Formula	Contains no cow’s milk or milk derivatives	Excludes lactose, casein, whey; may still contain soy or other animal-derived nutrients
Soy-free Baby Formula	Contains no soy protein or soy derivatives	Excludes soy flour, soy protein isolate, soy oil; may still contain dairy or other animal products

Sprout uses rice and pea protein, algae-derived DHA, and vegan vitamin D, making it one of the few formulas for infants under 12 months that is 100% certified vegan.

What nutrients are missing in vegan baby formulas, and how are they replaced?

Plants typically lack certain nutrients found in animal products, especially vitamin B12, vitamin D, DHA, and sometimes iron, calcium, and iodine. For plant-based formula these are replaced through careful fortification and ingredient selection to ensure safety and completeness for infants.

It took years of research to develop blends that were safe, digestible, and nutritionally complete for infants under 12 months

Vegan Baby Formula Nutrition Facts—How They're Replaced

Nutrient	Why it is missing	How it is replaced
B12 in plant-based formula	Found only in animal products	Added as a synthetic, vegan-safe supplement
Vitamin D	Typically derived from lanolin (sheep wool)	Replaced with vegan D2 or lichen-derived D3
DHA (Omega-3)	Traditionally sourced from fish oil	DHA Derived from algae oil, which is vegan and bioavailable
Iron	Plant-based sources are less bioavailable	Fortified with chelated or micronized iron for better absorption
Calcium	Abundant in dairy, less so in plants	Added via calcium carbonate or citrate
Iodine	Often sourced from dairy or seafood	Supplemented with potassium iodide or seaweed-derived iodine
Protein Quality	Plant proteins may lack essential amino acids	Blended proteins (e.g., rice + pea) with added amino acids like lysine and methionine

Is Sprout Organic suitable for babies with dairy allergies?

Yes. The formula is completely free from lactose, casein, and whey, making it suitable for babies with dairy sensitivities or allergies.

Does Sprout Organic contain added sugars?

No. The formula’s natural sweetness comes from the organic rice base — no added sugars are included.

Is Sprout 100% vegan certified organic and who is it certified by?

Sprout Plant Based formula is 100% vegan certified. It carries the “Vegan Australia Certified” logo which is a trusted symbol that ensures a product is 100% vegan, meaning it contains no animal-derived ingredients and has not been tested on animals at any stage of production. This certification guarantees that the product meets strict vegan standards, including avoiding dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, and lanolin-derived vitamin D.

Businesses displaying this logo have undergone a verification process to confirm their products align with ethical, environmental, and cruelty-free principles. It ensures that you are purchasing an authentic vegan product without needing to scrutinize the ingredient lists.

Why is Sprout a healthier choice than soy-based formula?

Sprout Organic is a healthier choice compared to soy-based formulas because it avoids common allergens and synthetic additives while providing complete plant-based nutrition. Unlike soy formulas, which rely on soy protein isolate, Sprout uses pea and rice proteins, ensuring a gentler, more digestible alternative for infants.

Soy formulas often contain phytoestrogens, which may impact hormone development, whereas Sprout is free from soy, lactose, and dairy, making it ideal for babies with sensitivities or allergies. Additionally, Sprout does not contain GMOs, artificial preservatives, and palm oil, which are commonly found in soy-based options.

Is Sprout 100% vegan and free of all animal by-products?

Yes. The vitamin D contained in Sprout is derived from plants whereas nearly all other plant based formula contains vitamin D extracted from lanolin, a substance derived from sheep’s wool and so cannot claim to be free of all animal by-products.

Sprout carries the “Vegan Australia Certified” logo which is a trusted symbol that ensures a product is 100% vegan.

What is the Sprout Food Standard Certification?

Sprout Plant Based Infant Formula is manufactured in Australia and is regulated by, and must comply with the FSANZ standard. This is the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which sets mandatory food safety, labeling, and composition regulations for all food sold in Australia and New Zealand.

Key Aspects of FSANZ Standards

Food Safety & Handling – Covers processing, storage, and hygiene requirements to ensure food is safe for consumption.
Labeling & Advertising – Regulates ingredient lists, nutrition panels, allergen warnings, and health claims.
Food Composition – Defines acceptable ingredients, contaminants, residues, and additives in food products.
Infant Formula Regulations – Ensures that baby formulas meet strict nutritional and safety guidelines.

FSANZ standards are legally enforced, meaning all food manufacturers—including Sprout Organic—must comply with these regulations before selling product.

What is the Sprout Company background?

Sprout Organic is an Australian-based company that specializes in plant-based, vegan infant formulas. Sprout Organic officially launched its vegan infant formula in 2021, after navigating complex regulatory approvals to ensure compliance with FSANZ standards.

Key Highlights of Sprout Organic

World’s First Vegan Infant Formula – Sprout created the first fully plant-based, organic infant formula, free from dairy, soy, gluten, and preservatives.
Certified Organic & Paediatrician Approved – Their formulas meet FSANZ standards and are approved by nutritionists and paediatricians.
Award-Winning Innovation – Sprout won the World Food Innovation Award for ‘Best Children’s Product’ in a UK ceremony.
Expanding Global Presence – Available in 1,500+ stores across Australia

Sprout Organic is proudly Australian-made and owned, sourcing ingredients locally whenever possible. Their formulas use rice starch as a base, a safe and widely used ingredient in European infant formulas.

Why choose Sprout Plant Based Formula?

Sprout Organic stands out as the best plant-based infant formulas due to its clean, organic ingredients, allergen-free composition, and complete nutrition. Unlike many plant-based formulas that rely on soy or synthetic additives, Sprout uses pea and rice proteins, ensuring a gentle, digestible alternative for infants.

Here’s why Sprout is our top choice:

100% Vegan & Organic – Free from dairy, soy, palm oil, and GMOs, making it ideal for babies with sensitivities or allergies.
Balanced Nutrition – Includes DHA, ARA, vitamins, and minerals to support brain development, immune health, and strong bones.
Gentle on Digestion – Designed to be easy to digest, reducing issues like colic, gas, and bloating.
Sustainable & Ethical – Uses coconut oil instead of palm oil, promoting eco-friendly farming practices.

Sprout Organic is a trusted brand, offering a safe, plant-based formula that aligns with vegan and eco-conscious parenting.

Why are rice and pea protein formulas considered better than soy based formula?

Rice and pea protein formulas are often considered better than soy-based formulas due to their digestibility, allergen profile, and nutritional balance. The key benefits are listed below.

Hypoallergenic & Gentle on Digestion – Soy protein contains phytoestrogens, which may affect hormone development, and can be harder to digest for some infants. Rice and pea proteins, on the other hand, are free from common allergens and easier on sensitive stomachs.
Balanced Amino Acid Profile – While soy is a complete protein, pea and rice proteins complement each other, ensuring a full spectrum of essential amino acids for proper growth.
No Soy-Related Concerns – Soy formulas may contain genetically modified ingredients (GMOs) and anti-nutrients that can interfere with nutrient absorption. Many rice and pea formulas are organic and free from GMOs, making them a cleaner choice.
Better for Sensitive Babies – Some infants experience gas, bloating, or digestive discomfort with soy formulas. Rice and pea proteins are gentler, forming softer curds in the stomach, which aids digestion.

Rodney Hyde

International Formula Expert – Grow Organic Baby

For over 10 years Rodney has been researching and selecting the world's best formulas, making them available on Groworganicbaby.com.

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My son loves this formula! Dairy Allergy!

My son loves this formula! He has a dairy, soy & egg allergy and we really have zero good options for allergy friendly formulas in the US. So happy to have found sprout organics! We use it in our baby brezza machine and it works wonderfully. Shipping has always been relatively quick, considering it’s coming from out of the country!

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