The plant based, non-soy infant formula category has only emerged in the last 10-15 years. Soy based formulas have been around since the 1920’s and cow’s milk-based infant formulas have been produced commercially since the 1860s.

After 160 Years of Cow’s Milk Formula. Time for Something New 

Henri Nestlé, a Swiss pharmacist, developed Farine Lactée, the first commercial infant formula in 1867. Cow milk based formula for newborns quickly became (and remains) the default due to cow’s milk being a high quality protein that is widely accessible, easy to process and medically trusted as safe and effective.

100 Years of Soy based formula. Still Not the Answer

 Soy-based formulas have been around since the 1920s, originally created as a solution for babies who couldn’t tolerate cow’s milk. Soy formulas gained popularity from the 1950’s to the 1970’s as lactose-free options. However, from the 1980’s concerns began to surface about nutrient absorption, the hormonal effects of phytoestrogens, identification as a potential precursor to nut allergens, and digestive discomfort in some babies.

Today Soy formulas account for about 20–25% of the U.S. formula market, but their use is often limited to specific medical conditions. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends them only for infants with galactosemia or hereditary lactase deficiency—not for routine use.

Why Parents Are Choosing Plant-Based, Non-Soy Formulas

For decades, soy was the go-to alternative to cow’s milk. But it was never perfect, and there are new entrants such as Sprout Organic who in 2021 launched a range of approved vegan infant formula, with a non-soy blend that’s free from palm oil, GMOs, and common allergens. It’s the first of its kind from Australia, now available in the U.S.

The key benefits of plant-based formula for newborns.

• Dairy-free by design: Ideal for infants with cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. These formulas avoid the digestive and immune issues that dairy can trigger.
• Soy-free for peace of mind: While soy is a common dairy alternative, it raises concerns for some parents due to:
  • Phytoestrogens (plant compounds that mimic estrogen)
  • Allergenicity (soy is a top 8 allergen)
  • Digestive discomfort in sensitive infants
• Clean-label and vegan-friendly: Many non-soy formulas are also free from palm oil, GMOs, and synthetic additives. They appeal to families following vegan, vegetarian, or eco-conscious lifestyles.
• Nutritionally complete: Modern plant-based formulas use proteins like hydrolyzed rice, pea, or buckwheat, carefully blended to match the amino acid profile of breast milk. They’re fortified with essential nutrients like DHA, B12, and vitamin D to support healthy growth.
• Lower environmental impact: Compared to dairy-based formulas, plant-based options have a smaller carbon footprint and require less water to produce—making them a more sustainable choice

Read our US Baby formula safety study

Non-soy Plant Based Baby Formula is beneficial for babies with cow’s milk allergy, galactosemia, or hereditary lactase deficiency. Families avoiding soy due to allergies or hormonal concerns and parents seeking vegan, organic, or sustainable feeding options.

Naturally the most common questions that parents have about vegan or plant-based formula center on safety, nutritional adequacy, sourcing and product recommendations. 

The top 5 queries parents have about vegan or plant-based baby formula