Overview
Is lactose-free formula dairy-free?
It might surprise you to find out that many lactose-free baby formulas aren’t actually dairy-free. These terms are often confused but don’t mean the same thing.
Lactose-free products are still made from milk (cow’s or goat’s milk) but with the sugar component called lactose removed. (1)
Dairy-free formulas are those that don’t have milk products. Instead, they’re often sourced from plants, including nuts, soy, and grains.
Most dairy formulas are made from cow’s milk. But some babies might have problems when drinking this milk because of: (1)
- Lactose intolerance
- CMPI (cow’s milk protein intolerance)
- Allergies to some components in this milk source
These are often the main reasons why some parents search for other alternatives to regular formulas.
Which dairy-free formula options are the best for your little one? How do they differ from cow’s milk formula, and what might make them a good alternative? Read on to find out.
What Formula Does Not Have Dairy?
Soy-based formulas are among the most common dairy alternatives, but there are also formulas sourced from other options, including nuts, rice, and other grains.
Some babies might need hypoallergenic infant formula, while others might not like or can’t drink soy formula at all. (2)
The following are a few dairy-free formula choices, but make sure to consult your pediatrician or healthcare specialist for the best option for your little one:
- Earth’s Best Non-GMO Soy-Based Infant Formula – 23.2 oz canister: $31.96
- Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers – 22 oz can: $36
- Similac Elecare – 14.1 oz can: $33.165
- Enfamil ProSobee Soy-Based Infant Formula – 12.9 oz can: $21.99; 20.9 oz can: $31.99
- Similac Soy Isomil Infant Lactose-Free Formula – 30.8 oz can: $36.98
- Parent’s Choice Soy Infant Formula – 22 oz can: $13.12
- Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula – 14.1 oz can: $39.89
Continue reading to learn more about each dairy-free formula.
Earth’s Best Non-GMO Soy-Based Infant Formula
Pricing/Packages
- 23.2 oz canister: $31.96
Best Features & Safety
- It’s formulated for babies with lactose intolerance.
- This easy-to-digest plant-based infant formula meets all FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) requirements for infant nutrition.
- It’s made with non-GMO ingredients.
Ingredients
- Organic corn syrup solids
- Soy protein
- Organic palm olein or palm oil
- Organic soy oil
- Organic coconut oil
- Organic high oleic (safflower or sunflower) oil
- Mortierella alpina oil
- DHA algal oil (schizochytrium)
Nutritional Facts
Each 5 fl oz of this formula contains 100 calories and the following:
- Total fats: 5.3 g
- Total carbohydrates: 10.6 g
- Proteins: 2.5 g
- Vitamin A: 300 IU
- Iron: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 105 mg
This product also contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid), ARA (arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid), phosphorus, magnesium, and linoleic acid.
Product Recall
- None
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It has omega-3 DHA and omega-6 ARA that can support brain and eye health.
- It’s Kosher certified.
Cons
- Though it has dairy-free ingredients, this product is manufactured on dairy equipment.
- It contains corn syrup.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“My son liked this formula he didnt notice a difference which is a plus. I love that its completely plant based and non gmo.” – Reviewer on Walmart.
Negative Reviews
“I’m this formula gave my baby the worst constipation! I felt so bad!! He has a dairy allergy. I know that many babies who are allergic to dairy are also sensitive to soy, but so many ppl said their baby was receptive to this formula I thought it was worth a try to switch him over to a non-GMO formula.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition for Toddlers
Pricing/Packages
- 22 oz can, one pack: $36
- 22 oz can, two packs: $70
- 22 oz can, four packs: $136
Best Features & Safety
- It’s an organic, non-GMO (no genetically modified organisms) plant-based formula.
- It’s gluten-free, dairy and soy-free, and corn syrup-free.
- It contains 4 mg of iron per 180 calories( 2.22 mg per 100 calories), higher than the FDA requirement and what most formulas have. The FDA requires formulas to have at least 1 mg of iron per 100 calories. (3)
- This formula was made without chemical processing and doesn’t contain any highly processed ingredients.
- It’s also minimally processed without hexane (a toxic chemical) or solvent extraction methods.
Ingredients
- Organic almond butter
- Organic buckwheat flour
- Organic tapioca maltodextrin
Nutritional Facts
Four scoops of this formula in 4 fl oz of water contain the following:
- Calories: 180 calories
- Total fats: 9 g
- Total carbohydrates: 19 g
- Added sugars: 2 g
- Dietary fibers: 2 g
- Proteins: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 145 mcg
- Vitamin C: 4 mg
- Choline: 40 mg
- Iron: 4 mg
- Calcium: 220 mg
Product Recall
- None
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It doesn’t have corn syrup.
- It’s a plant-based formula.
- It may be mixed with breast milk or with other formulas.
- It can also be used as a nutritional boost to oatmeal, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and other snack options or baby foods. But it’s best to consult with your child’s pediatrician before you try other creative options.
- This product is sustainably made and formulated to help provide children with whole food nutrients for natural digestion.
Cons
- Else declares that this formula can’t be used as the sole source of nutrition for babies. Instead, they recommend using this formula in combination with breast milk, cow’s milk (formula), or solid foods.
- It contains tree nuts (almonds) and may not be ideal if your child has allergies to this ingredient.
- The formula may be prone to clumping.
- It’s not suitable for infants under one year old.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“My prayers have been answered! First off this formula smells like snicker-doodle, it doesn’t have a chemical smell like other formulas and has a slightly sweet flavor. I use it for all four of my kids to add to smoothies and pancakes as a healthy alternative to cow’s milk or soymilk. This product is much healthier than others and I’m so thrilled that this plant-based formula finally exists and comes in a bulk 4 pack too. I also LOVE their new vanilla and chocolate protein shakes. GREAT premium product and highly recommend it. I hope they come out with an infant formula soon! Yum!” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Negative Reviews
“I was so hopeful after reading the other reviews but my little one(14mos), after tasting it, literally throws this stuff back at me when I try to give it to him. He’s pretty picky so I wasn’t surprised. I’ve tried to blend it with breast milk. I’ve tried to add yogurts that he usually likes but to no avail. It also clumps a lot so it’s not enough to pour in the bottle and give it a good shake. I have to wisk it in a separate cup before I put it in one of his cups.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Similac Elecare
Pricing/Packages
- 14.1 oz can: $44.97 (Similac website)
We found a lower price for you on Amazon. You can save more if you purchase this in bulk. One box with six cans costs a total of $198.99, so each can only costs $33.165. (4)
Best Features & Safety
- It’s an amino-acid-based infant formula for special medical purposes.
- It contains 2’-FL (2’-fucosyllactose), a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO). These HMOs are bioactive, non-digestible carbohydrates abundant in breast milk and can promote a healthier immune system.
- It’s formulated for babies with cow’s milk allergy, food allergies, or other conditions where an amino acid-based formula may be best suited.
Ingredients
- Amino acids
- Corn syrup solids
- Vegetable oils (high oleic safflower oil, MCT oil from palm kernel oil and coconut oil in varying proportions, soy oil)
- Emulsifier: E1450 (modified starch)
- ARA from M. alpine oil
- DHA from C. cohnii oil
- 2’-fucosyllactose (derived from lactose)
Nutritional Facts
Every 5 fl oz serving of this formula preparation contains:
- Calories: 100 calories
- Total fats: 4.8 g
- Total carbohydrates: 10.7 g
- Proteins: 3.1 g
- Vitamin A: 273 IU
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
- Iron: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 116 mg
- Iodine: 8.9 mcg
- Potassium: 150 mg
Product Recall
- None
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It contains ARA and DHA that can promote better brain development.
- It’s formulated for babies from birth to 12 months old.
- It’s hypoallergenic.
- It doesn’t contain soy oil. Refined soy oil doesn’t contain soy proteins and can be safe for food allergic individuals. But make sure to avoid cold pressed, expeller pressed, or extruded soybean oil). (2)
- It’s suitable for vegetarians.
Cons
- It can be more expensive than other formulas.
- It contains corn syrup and vegetable oils.
- It’s not listed on their ingredients list but a data sheet for Elecare posted by its parent company Abbott Nutrition shows that it contains maltodextrin as a carbohydrate source. (5)
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“Both of our kids have the same cow’s milk protein allergy and this formula has been a life saver!” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Negative Reviews
“Loose stools. Smells awful! Expensive!” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Enfamil ProSobee Soy-Based Infant Formula
Pricing/Packages
- 12.9 oz can: $21.99
- 20.9 oz can: $31.99
Best Features & Safety
- It’s made from soy-based proteins.
- It can help ease bloating, fussiness, and colic.
- It’s especially formulated for babies with lactose intolerance.
- It’s suitable for vegetarian or Kosher diets.
- It contains DHA (source: crypthecodinium cohnii oil) and ARA (source: Alpina oil).
Ingredients
- Corn syrup solids
- Vegetable oil (palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils)
- Soy protein isolate
Nutritional Facts
Every 5 fl oz of this formula preparation contains:
- Calories: 100 calories
- Total fats: 5.3 g
- Total carbohydrates: 10.6 g
- Added sugars: 0 g
- Proteins: 2.5 g
- Vitamin A: 300 IU
- Vitamin C: 12 mg
- Iron: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 105 mg
Product Recall
- None
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It can contain the same amount of DHA and ARA as regular Enfamil formulas.
- It can be a good choice for babies with lactose intolerance or those following special dietary guidelines (vegetarian or Kosher diets).
Cons
- It may be harder to dissolve this formula compared with other milk alternatives.
- It contains corn syrup and vegetable oils.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“We were switched the Soy this week and I was so nervous. My little one is 6 weeks old and we have struggled with acid reflux, milk protein allergy, and lactose sensitivity for weeks with no solutions. After just one day, we had less spit up, a full baby, better sleep, no diarrhea, and more sanity! Thank you enfamil for making a great product for my family.” – Reviewer on Enfamil’s website.
Negative Reviews
“After ever scoop added to water I stir up the powder and it is still clumpy every time even after shaking it up for a minute. But helps with baby’s milk allergy.” – Reviewer on Enfamil’s website.
Similac Soy Isomil Infant Lactose-Free Formula
Pricing/Packages
- 30.8 oz can, pack of one: $36.98
- 30.8 oz can, pack of four: $147.96
Best Features & Safety
- It features an exclusive blend of DHA, vitamin E, and lutein, which are special ingredients in breast milk that may help support your baby’s brain and eye development.
- It has the prebiotic FOS (fructooligosaccharides) that can help improve your baby’s gut health and support their developing immune system.
- It’s specially formulated to help prevent fussiness or gas in your baby.
Ingredients
- Soy protein isolate
- Corn syrup solids
- High oleic safflower oil
- Sugar
- Soy oil
- Coconut oil
Nutritional Facts
Every 5 fl oz of this formula contains the following:
- Calories: 100 calories
- Total fats: 5.46 g
- Total carbohydrates: 10.4 g
- Proteins: 2.45 g
- Vitamin A: 300 IU
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
- Iron: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 105 mg
Product Recall
- Date Recalled: Sept. 23, 2010
- Company Name: Abbott Laboratories Inc.
- Reasons For Recall: This product was part of the recall involving several Similac formulas due to possible contamination with larvae or full-grown adults of the small common beetle. (6)
- Return or Refund Processing: Call 800-986-8850
Affected products are the following: (6)
- Similac Isomil Advance Soy Powder, Lot No. 7007450820 (23.2 oz)
- Similac Isomil Advance Soy with Iron Powder, Lot No. 7007455964 (12.9 oz)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It’s fortified with iron.
Cons
- It contains corn syrup, sugar, and questionable oils.
- It had a recall in 2010. (6)
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“I had to switch my daughter to Similac Soy Isomil formula. Her pediatrician recommended to keep her on this formula as she has a milk allergy. I am so happy that she loves her milk and doesn’t throw up after feeds. It’s really gentle on her tiny tummy.” – Reviewer on Walmart.
Negative Reviews
“Went from Similac Advance to Similac Soy and my baby just got worst. She started off constipated with the Similac Advance. So I switched her to the Similac Soy and now she’s having watery stool, she’s very gasy, and is spitting up!!! And she is very fussy, this just made things worst for my baby!!” – Reviewer on Walmart.
Parent’s Choice Soy Infant Formula
Pricing/Packages
- 22 oz can, single pack: $13.12
- 22 oz can, pack of four: $51.97
Best Features & Safety
- It can provide complete soy nutrition for babies ages 0 up to 12 months old.
- This lactose-free formula made from soy is specially formulated against fussiness and gas.
- It contains DHA, lutein (for better eyesight), and vitamin E.
- It has prebiotics that can help support immunity for babies who are sensitive to lactose.
Ingredients
- Soy protein isolate
- Corn syrup
- Palm olein
- Soy oil
- Coconut oil
- High oleic (safflower or sunflower) oil
- Mortierella alpina oil (source of ARA)
- Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (source of DHA)
- Lutein
Nutritional Facts
Each serving of this formula (5 fl oz) contains the following:
- Calories: 100 calories
- Total fats: 5.46 g
- Total carbohydrates: 10.4 g
- Choline: 12 mg
- Proteins: 2.45 g
- Vitamin A: 300 IU
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
- Iron: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 110 mg
Product Recall
- There’s no recall for Parent’s Choice Soy Infant Formula.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union – UDE
- It’s a gluten-free formula.
- This best-value formula may be much cheaper than other dairy-free milk alternatives.
Cons
- The formula may be prone to clumping and can be difficult to dissolve properly.
- It contains corn syrup and processed oils.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“A great alternative to Similac Soy. Love the price! My son sleeps way better after switching to this formula. It tends to clump if not mixed correctly, however I find that a minor issue. Most formula will do the same if not mixed up right.” – Reviewer on Walmart.
Negative Reviews
“This shakes up perfectly I haven’t had to deal with any clumps. It has a terrible smell to it, smells like vomit to me. My daughter has been doing well on Similac Soy Isomil but it’s so expensive. When I saw this generic version for so much less cost I had to give it a try. She is crying so much and having a lot more acid reflux since drinking this.” – Reviewer on Walmart.
Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula
Pricing/Packages
- 14.1 oz can, single pack: $39.89
- 14.1 oz can, pack of six: $239.34
Best Features & Safety
- It’s a hypoallergenic amino acid-based formula for infants from 0 to 12 months of age.
- It’s a product that’s specially formulated for babies with multiple food allergies and malabsorptive conditions.
- It features a unique fat blend with MCT (medium-chain triglycerides) to help children with fat malabsorption.
- It contains linoleic acid to support a healthy heart.
Ingredients
- Medium chain triglycerides
- Corn syrup solids
- Vegetable oils (soybean, high oleic sunflower, and high-2 palmitic vegetable oil)
- Potato starch
- L-arginine
- L-aspartate
- Mortierella alpina oil (source of ARA)
- Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (source of DHA)
- Choline bitartrate
Nutritional Facts
One serving (5 fl oz, prepared as directed) of this formula contains the following:
- Calories: 100 calories
- Total fats: 5 g
- Total carbohydrates: 11 g
- Proteins: 2.8 g
- Linoleic acid: 696 mg
- Vitamin A: 315 IU
- Vitamin C: 15 mg
- Choline: 24 mg
- Iron: 1.8 mg
- Calcium: 119 mg
Product Recall
- On December 5, 2018, Nestle recalled a batch of Alfamino amino acid infant formula in Germany because of higher levels of minerals that may make children sick. (7)
- The products included in this recall were Alfamino 14.1 oz (400-gram) tin cans produced under batch number 80250346GA. (7)
- Nestle Germany warns parents not to give the faulty formula to their babies because it can cause nausea, vomiting, and headaches. Parents of affected children should immediately seek out a doctor if their children suffer from these symptoms after drinking the formula. (7)
- Nestle added that the faulty products would usually turn green or grey after preparation. (7)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It may be easy to digest.
- It’s lactose-free and gluten-free.
Cons
- It contains corn syrup and vegetable oils.
- It was recalled in 2018 due to faulty formulation. The recall has been resolved and only involved one batch. (7)
- It can be more expensive than other formulas.
What Customers Say
Positive Reviews
“So thankful for this formula. My infant has FPIES and malabsorption and this is the only elemental formula with 10% more MCT oil than the others and actually helps him gain weight. He can tolerate it much better digestively and it doesn’t smell anywhere as bad as other elemental formulas so I can only imagine it tastes better as well.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Negative Reviews
“This formula was much more watery then Elecare and my son projectile vomited with it. Such a disappointment.” – Reviewer on Amazon.
Summary & Recommendation
If you want or need to give your child dairy-free formula, remember that not all lactose-free formulas are actually dairy-free. Many are still made from dairy sources but heavily processed to remove the lactose.
The following are infant formulas from non-dairy sources:
- Earth’s Best Non-GMO Soy-Based Infant Powder Formula
- Similac Elecare
- Enfamil ProSobee Soy-Based Infant Formula
- Similac Soy Isomil Infant Lactose Free Formula
- Parent’s Choice Soy Infant Formula
- Nestlé Alfamino Infant Formula
- Else Plant-Based Complete Nutrition Formula for Toddlers
Milk Formula FAQs
What’s A Dairy-Free Formula?
A dairy-free formula comes from non-dairy sources such as plants.
Is Goat’s Milk Non-Dairy?
Although goat’s milk can be an alternative to cow’s milk and may be easier to digest, it’s still a dairy source.
It still contains lactose but can also be processed to become lactose-free, just like cow’s milk.
What Are The Reasons For Choosing An Alternative Or Dairy-Free Formula?
There are many different reasons why you might need or want to choose dairy-free or alternative formulas for your baby:
- Your baby might be lactose-intolerant
- Your baby might have a cow’s milk protein allergy
- Your baby might have a higher risk of acid reflux or colic
- You wish to feed your child with a plant-based diet
- You may have ethical concerns about dairy formula
How To Tell If My Baby Is Lactose-Intolerant?
Lactose-intolerant babies are unable to fully digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk.
These are some of the common symptoms of lactose intolerance that may appear around 30 minutes to two hours after drinking formula and/or eating foods containing lactose: (8)
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Gas or flatulence
- Frequent crying or fussiness
These symptoms may be mistaken with other conditions. Make sure to consult with your child’s pediatrician if you frequently notice these symptoms.
What’s The Difference Between Lactose Intolerance & Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy?
These two medical conditions are often confused but are actually different from each other.
Lactose intolerance is due to having inadequate amounts of lactase enzyme in your baby’s stomach. This enzyme is responsible for digesting lactose, so people who don’t have it will have trouble breaking down foods or formula with lactose. (1)
Although it can cause great discomfort, lactose intolerance is rarely life-threatening. (1)
In contrast, cow’s milk allergy can be life-threatening, especially if it triggers a severe allergic reaction. (1)
This type of allergy is due to the immune system’s overactive response to a specific allergen, particularly cow’s milk protein. (1)
How Do I Know If My Baby Is Allergic To Cow’s Milk Formula?
Mild symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy can include: (1)
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling
Severe symptoms can include: (1)
- Trouble breathing
- Wheezing
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea
- Possible death in extreme cases
Allergy to cow’s milk affects around 2.5% of kids under three years old. Almost all babies who develop an allergy to cow’s milk (formula) do so during their first year of life. (9)
The following are some of the other dairy products and foods that you should avoid giving to a child or person with a cow’s milk protein allergy: (9)
- Dairy milk in all forms (including condensed, dry, derivative, evaporated, low-fat, malted, milkfat, non-fat, powder, solids, protein, skimmed, and whole)
- Any milk from other animals, particularly goat milk, which closely resembles cow’s milk
- Butter, butter oil, butterfat, and butter acid
- Buttermilk
- Cheese
- Cottage cheese
- Custard
- Curds
- Ghee
- Half-and-half
- Sour cream
- Pudding
- Yogurt
- Whey in all forms
- Whey protein hydrolysate
You should also watch out for: (9)
- Casein
- Casein hydrolysate
- Caseinates (in all forms)
- Lactic acid starter culture
- Lactalbumin or lactalbumin phosphate
- Lactoglobulin
- Lactoferrin
- Milk protein hydrolysate
- Rennet casein
- Tagatose
What Formula Should I Use If My Baby Has A Milk Allergy?
Hypoallergenic or extensively hydrolyzed formulas may be ideal if your baby has a milk allergy.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/milk-allergy-vs-lactose-intolerance
(2) https://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/soy-allergy.aspx
(3) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/able-groupe-recalling-products-labeled-infant-formula-formulas-have-insufficient-iron-levels
(4) https://www.amazon.com/EleCare-Nutritionally-Complete-Acid-Based-Formula/dp/B01BVQVUUA/
(5) https://www.abbottnutrition.ie/downloads/10-EleCare-datasheet-HCP-version-3-Jan-020.pdf
(6) https://buffalonews.com/news/similac-recalls-powdered-formula/article_a7d6e134-56bc-56c7-b29d-11edd4093b1e.html
(7) https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nestle-recall-idUKKBN1O50I2
(8) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lactose-intolerance/symptoms-causes/syc-20374232
(9) https://www.foodallergy.org/living-food-allergies/food-allergy-essentials/common-allergens/milk
