Top 3 100% Plant-Based (Vegan) Formulas for Babies 0–12 Months (2025 Guide)
Looking for a 100% plant-based, vegan infant formula for your baby under 12 months? As of 2025, there are only three true vegan formulas worldwide: Bébé M and Preminat (formerly Premiriz) from France, and Sprout Organic Plant-Based Infant Formula from Australia.
Note: No 100% vegan formula suitable for 0–12 months is manufactured in the United States.
What Is Vegan Baby Formula?
Vegan baby formula is made entirely from 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.
How Is Vegan Formula Different from Traditional Formula?
Most baby formulas use cow's milk protein, sometimes goat's milk, and add vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids to mimic breast milk. In contrast, vegan formulas are 100% dairy-free, exclude all animal products, and provide a clean, plant-based alternative for families choosing vegan nutrition, or for babies with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.
Common Protein Sources in Vegan Baby Formula
- Soy: Common, balanced amino acid profile
- Rice: Gentle, hypoallergenic, and easily digestible
- Pea Protein: Nutrient-rich, newer, and smooth to digest
- Almond & Buckwheat: Found in some new non-soy formulas (e.g., Else Nutrition)
Vegan vs. Plant-Based vs. Dairy-Free Formula: What’s the Difference?
- Dairy-Free Formula: No dairy, but may still include animal-derived additives (like lanolin-based Vitamin D or fish-derived DHA). Not always vegan.
- Plant-Based Formula: Plant protein, but may include trace animal ingredients (like lanolin Vitamin D). Not guaranteed vegan.
- Vegan Formula: Always free of all animal products—including Vitamin D and DHA from plant, not animal, sources. Usually carries a vegan certification logo.
Top 3 Vegan Baby Formula Options (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.
Final Recommendation
While Bébé M and Preminat are excellent vegan formulas, their availability is limited in many regions. Sprout Organic Infant Formula is generally more accessible, certified organic, and contains only healthy plant-based ingredients. For parents seeking the best 100% plant-based, vegan formula for babies 0–12 months, Sprout Organic is often the best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is there a vegan infant formula made in the USA? No, currently there are no 100% vegan baby formulas for 0–12 months manufactured in the United States.
- Are all dairy-free or plant-based formulas vegan? No, always check the label for animal-derived Vitamin D, DHA, or other additives.
- Is Sprout Organic Infant Formula approved for infants? Yes, it is formulated to meet nutritional standards for babies from birth to 12 months.
