Collection: Sprout Plant Based Formula - 0 to 12 months

Sprout Plant Based Formula - 0 to 12 months

Sprout Organic Infant Formula (0-12 months) is designed to be nutritionally complete and suitable for babies from birth to 12 months. It is a 100% plant-based, organic formula, made with pea and rice proteins, ensuring a balanced amino acid profile for proper growth and development.

Sprout contains essential nutrients, including DHA, ARA, vitamins, and minerals, to support brain development, immune health, and strong bones. It is free from dairy, soy, palm oil, and GMOs, making it ideal for babies with sensitivities or allergies.

Additionally, Sprout is formulated to be gentle on digestion, helping to reduce issues like colic, gas, and bloating. If you're looking for a vegan-certified, organic formula, Sprout is a trusted choice for plant-based families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this collection and our general policies.

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.

Does Sprout Organic help prevent sugar cravings?

Yes, it likely helps prevent sugar cravings, but for a unique reason.

Unlike standard formulas that rely on sugars (lactose, sucrose, or corn syrup) for carbohydrates, Sprout Organic is plant-based and derives its carbohydrates primarily from organic rice starch. This gives it a significantly different sugar profile than both breast milk and standard dairy formulas.

Here is how Sprout Organic stacks up regarding sugar cravings and taste programming:

1. It Has No "Hyper-Sweet" Ingredients

Sprout Organic is free from the intense sweeteners that are often blamed for "programming" a baby's palate for sugary foods.

  • No Corn Syrup Solids: Common in many US plant-based or sensitive formulas.
  • No Sucrose (Table Sugar): Often used to mask the taste of hydrolyzed proteins in other brands.
  • The Benefit: By avoiding these high-intensity sweeteners, Sprout Organic prevents the "sugar spike" and intense flavor hits that can lead to cravings later in childhood.

2. It Is Exceptionally Low in Sugar

Because Sprout uses rice starch (a complex carbohydrate) rather than lactose (a simple sugar) as its energy source, its actual sugar content is very low.

  • Sprout Organic: ~0.5g of sugar per 100ml (derived naturally from the rice).
  • Standard Dairy Formula: ~7g of sugar (lactose) per 100ml.
  • Breast Milk: ~7g of sugar (lactose) per 100ml.

The "Taste Training" Effect:
Because the formula is not dominated by sugar (even natural milk sugar), it has a neutral, starchy taste rather than a sweet one. This may help "train" a baby's palate to accept less sweet flavors, potentially making them more open to savory vegetables and solids later on.

What is the healthiest taste profile for baby formula?

The "healthiest" taste profile for a standard baby formula is one that mimics the natural composition of human breast milk: mildly sweet, creamy, and lactose-based.

This profile is considered ideal not just for palatability, but for metabolic programming—teaching a baby's body and palate what "food" should taste like.

Here is a breakdown of why this profile is the gold standard and what to look for.

1. The Ideal Profile: Lactose-Dominant

Breast milk is naturally sweet because of lactose, but it is a mild, consistent sweetness. A formula with a lactose-based profile is healthier because:

  • Glycemic Index: Lactose has a lower glycemic index than corn syrup or sucrose, meaning it provides a steady energy release rather than a "sugar spike."
  • Flavor Imprinting: It sets a "sweetness threshold" that is natural, not hyper-palatable. This helps prevent the baby from developing an intense craving for sugary foods during the toddler years.
  • Gut Health: Lactose acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
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, we are located in Los Angeles and 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 us 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 vegan baby formula safe for infants under 12 months?

As of 2025, there are three fully vegan formulas globally that are specifically formulated and approved for infants under 12 months: Sprout Organic (Australia), Bébé M (France), and Preminat (formerly Premiriz, also from France).

To be considered safe for babies under 12 months, a vegan formula must:

  • Meet strict nutritional standards for infant growth and development
  • Be approved by regulatory authorities for use from birth (0–12 months)
  • Include complete protein sources (e.g., hydrolyzed rice, pea protein) with added amino acids
  • Be fortified with essential nutrients like DHA, vitamin D (from non-animal sources), B12, calcium, and iron
  • Be free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten

For example, Sprout Organic is regulated by the Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). A government regulator that independently sets the minimum food standards which are significantly higher than the FDA.

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.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
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.