GMO vs. Organic Formulas
There is a debate in the parenting community about infant formula (not GMO vs standard formula) and which is better for your child. The crunchier side claims that GMO baby formula, such as cow’s milk with synthetic ingredients, can lead to health risks, like sensitive stomachs, constipation, saturated fats, gluten, unprecedented weight gain, bad eye health, and disrupted immune function, and that these formulas contain genetic material from genetically engineered crops that are bad for babies.
The pro-GMO crowd, meanwhile, claims (and assures parents) that genetically engineered ingredients in regular formulas are carefully regulated. Thus, they are perfectly safe, and certified organic ingredients and organic foods with complete nutrition facts, such as algal oil, brown rice syrup, dairy products, and other healthy crops, are just a marketing ploy designed with fear in mind.
There are a number of American parents who prefer European baby and toddler formula because they offer other variants not available in the US since there are parent consumers who become more and more careful in choosing the right formula for their baby. This cause for concern comes from particular details in the Infant Formula Act supported by the Food and Drug Administration, showing that some ingredients in regular baby formula or non-organic skim milk or full cream milk, like vegetable oils, may not be good for babies.
Because of this, some parents can’t figure out which infant formula to choose for their baby. This article will help you understand everything you need about organic baby formula and regular baby formula. Although European formula, through the strict regulations of the European Union, is known in the market (these kinds of milk are known to have organic vegetable oils), the list provided are brands in the US.
We included a list of the best non-GMO infant milk and certified organic formulas from Amazon so you can see what they offer and what verified users think about them. Not all formulas using organic ingredients can be given the organic label or certification.
Top Organic Baby Formula Options On The Market
Similac Love&Care Non-GMO
- The non-GMO formula from Love & Care is loaded with essential nutrients and rice syrup that can be found in breast milk, which helps improve the baby’s health and enhance eye and brain development. Non-GMO infant formula is unbeatable vs. standard formula, and it is the best formula for babies.
- It is a non-GMO baby formula, and it’s also Kosher certified, iron-fortified, and rich in prebiotics.
- Some of its ingredients are vegetable oils, whey protein concentrate, vitamin E, vitamin D, and other essential vitamins and minerals.
- Love&Care Non-GMO formula, vs. popular European brands on the market, has met FDA terms and standards for your baby.
- Like many other kinds of non-GMO formula, even vs. European milk, Love&Care has corn syrup solids as its carbohydrate source.
Earth’s Best Non-GMO Soy-Based Infant Milk
- Earth’s Best Non-GMO Milk is soy plant-based. It is easy to digest and rich vs. other formula brands, and it offers complete infant nutrition for the first year.
- Some non-GMO ingredients of soy baby formula include organic soy oil, soy protein, and organic coconut oil.
- This non-GMO formula contains vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, high-quality protein, and essential fatty acids for eye and brain growth.
- This not GMO formula is lactose-free and ideal for babies with lactose intolerance.
- It contains palm or olein oil, which is not ideal for some parents.
What Is GMO Formula?
Traditional Formula
Before choosing between organic formulas and standard infant milk, let us discuss GMOs first. GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. These are foods with altered genes, through genetic engineering or genetic modification, to produce better results. Some foods are changed to be more resistant to pests without the need for synthetic pesticides. Other foods are altered so that they grow bigger. Some apples are modified so that they never go brown.
According to the United States Academy of Sciences, modifying a plant’s genes isn’t anything new. Farmers have been breeding plants in a way that thins out undesirable traits for many years. Look at the banana, for instance. An unaltered banana is a lot different than the banana we know. It’s filled with seeds, smaller, and not as easy to open up.
The United States Drug Administration and the National Academy of Sciences work together to provide genetically engineered baby food products with a USDA organic seal that is safe for babies. But even with this, the speed at which genetically modified crops have been going has had some parents wanting to slow down and make sure these foods underwent testing, and thus, they go with foods that are more organic and grown in a more “natural” way.
What Is The Better Baby Formula? Non-GMO Or Regular?
Baby milk made from natural ingredients is considered non-GMO, but it doesn’t have to be fully organic infant formula to get that organic label. It just needs no modified or genetically modified foods. You may be wondering what elements are altered in baby formula.
In infant formula derived from cows, are they modifying cows in a lab to produce more milk? Not necessarily? Organic baby milk means that cows are fed organic feed that isn’t genetically engineered; in other words, they are raised on organic farms. We know that what we eat affects our milk, so many parents want a formula from animals that eat the best ingredients possible.
Let’s dive deeper into this concept now.
Non-GMO Milk
We’ll break down the pros and cons of non-GMO and organic.
Non-GMO Pros
- Non-GMO formula is made from high-quality ingredients that you can trace. Usually, the ingredients list is something you can pronounce, giving more parents peace of mind.
- Non-GMO foods tend to come from more high-quality and ethical sources as well. For example, grass-fed cows or other animals that are raised in open fields feed on grass and are never given artificial growth hormones as opposed to what they eat in a factory.
- Non-GMO formula has no artificial or genetically engineered ingredients whatsoever. They’re all-natural, high-quality ingredients. For some parents, they don’t want anything harmful in the baby’s tummy.
- Non-GMO infant formula and certified organic formulas go through a rigorous process to show that the ingredients come from where they say they do.
Non-GMO Cons
- The biggest con of the not GMO formula vs the GMO is that it’s expensive. When you have a kid, it’s a price to pay already, and shopping for organic formulas or not GMO formulas is another cost added to that. Because of that, many parents stick with regular infant formula.
That said, online shopping makes it easier to find not GMO formula that won’t break the bank. Also, buying baby formula in bulk using online shopping or stores like Costco can help you get more for less.
Regular Infant Milk
Traditional Formula Pros
- Regular infant formula is more readily available. Some GMO formula brands are sold in specialty stores or online. When you’re out of infant formula, you need it right now, and you’re guaranteed to find regular milk in any store.
- Regular baby formula is also more affordable, giving you more for less. Non-GMO baby milk tends to cost more and offers less per container. Also, regular baby milk may last longer due to having more synthetic preservatives.
- Regular infant formula is safe for your baby in most cases, even if it isn’t organic infant formula.
Traditional Formula Cons
- Regular infant formula may irritate babies with sensitive tummies because of the genetically engineered ingredients.
- You don’t know where some of the ingredients came from.
Non-GMO Formula Vs. Organic Formula
There is no right answer to this one. Both genetically engineered and non-genetically engineered infant formulas have pros and cons. American-made formula and European formula have their own health benefits and risks. If you have the money, buying non-genetically engineered infant milk gives you an infant formula with more wholesome ingredients and less chance of irritating your baby. It is safe to remember that not GMO formula does not necessarily mean organic baby food.
However, if you’re on a shoestring budget, the regular formula will do fine for the most part. Budget-wise, European formula is a bit more expensive. In all actuality, breastfeeding your baby is the best way to go as opposed to formula feeding, but we do understand that it’s not for everyone. However, if breastfeeding and breast milk are on the table, try it. Most milk formulas contain palm oil or olein oil used to replicate the fatty acid component in human milk.
One of the best things for a parent is to find a happy medium between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Going to not GMO ingredient infant formula vs standard formula all the time is expensive and may not necessarily be better for your child. You may lose sleep over worrying about what you’re putting in your mouth. However, in a case such as baby formula, maybe non-genetically engineered ingredients are the way to go.
If you’re still unsure, going to a doctor is the best move. If genetically engineered formula is hurting your baby’s stomach, perhaps there is another reason for that, and you can find safe baby food that doesn’t cost too much.
Non-GMO Formula Versus Standard Formula: Conclusion
Feeding your baby is difficult, but by doing some research, you can find the right baby food products for you. As we said before, there isn’t too much of a difference between GMO infant formula and regular not GMO infant formula, but many parents may feel better with an option that hasn’t been genetically engineered. There is no right answer to the comparison between not GMO vs standard formulas. However, ultimately, it’s up to you, and you have the final say on the products and services you want to use with your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Not GMOs Mean In Infant Formula?
Infant or baby formulas labeled not GMO do not include genetically engineered ingredients or artificial flavors.
Does Infant Formula Have GMOs?
The most known type of baby formula is from soy and corn. Some baby formulas will contain genetically engineered ingredients. There are some hesitations about using soy oil in baby formulas, but it is safe if it comes from organic soy.
What Is Non-GMO In Infant Formula?
Non-GMO infant formula is produced by using components that have not been genetically engineered.
Is Enfamil Premium Formula Not GMOs?
The infant formula brands Enfamil recently introduced Enfagrow PREMIUM and Enfamil PREMIUM baby milk, which are all not-GMO formulas or not genetically engineered, and they will be labeled not GMO formulas.
What Is In The Not Genetically Modified Similac Infant Formula?
Similac infant milk has a unique blend of lutein, DHA, and Vitamin E to help support the baby’s brain and eye development. It is the first leading infant formula brand labeled not-GMO for baby food products.
Does Enfamil Infant Formula Have GMOs?
Enfamil is exposing American and Canadian babies to potential grave health risks by using genetically modified ingredients in their infant formulas. This is referred to as GMOs or genetically modified organism, which are then used to create genetically engineered ingredients that can be found in food products.
Is GMO Formula Better Than Not Genetically Modified?
When it comes to nutrients and health safety, a not GMO formula (and other organic products) is the best option as it contains organic ingredients, which are preferred by many due to their natural vitamins and minerals. They also don’t have any synthetic/harmful chemicals.
Can Organic Formulas Taste Like Breast Milk?
Yes, there are not GMO formulas that taste like breast milk. The same goes for other types of milk formulas. The key here is to find the best one your baby will like and give him or her the best nutrients. Some formulas use milk proteins, which give it a bad taste and smell. Because of this, formulas use corn syrup or glucose syrup to improve the taste of milk proteins in baby formulas. And to those who are asking if glucose syrup is bad for babies, the answer is no.
How Do I Prepare Non-GMO Formula?
Although breastfeeding is highly recommended for babies to ensure that they will get the best nutrients to grow healthier and fight off allergies and infections better, it is not always possible for some mothers, no matter how willing they are to do it. In this case, non-GMO milk is an option. There are various non-GMO milk products on the market that one can purchase or choose to create a non-GMO formula.
Below are the recipe and ingredients for 36 ounces of non-GMO milk formula.
- 2 cups of organic or certified clean raw milk; for non-whey milk formula – use either coconut milk, organic pasteurized or organic soy milk, or non-homogenized piima milk
- 1/4 cup of organic liquid whey (homemade)
- 4 tablespoons of organic lactose
- 1/4 teaspoon of bifidobacterium infantis
- 2 tablespoons of organic cream, not ultrapasteurized
- 1 teaspoon of organic cod liver oil, hemp oil, or flax oil
- 2 teaspoons of non-GMO nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon of organic sunflower oil (unrefined)
- 2 teaspoons of organic coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons of non-GMO gelatin
- 1 teaspoon organic extra virgin olive oil
- 1 7/8 cups of water (filtered)
- 1/4 teaspoon of non-GMO acerola powder
The process is very simple. Add 1 7/8 cups of filtered water to 2 teaspoons of non-GMO gelatin. Gently heat it in a pan until the gelatin has melted. Put it and all other natural ingredients in a blender and blend until fully mixed. That’s it! Transfer it to a sterilized milk bottle, shake well, and serve it to your precious one. Check the temperature to ensure that it is not too hot.
Where Can I Find Authentic Non-GMO Formula Milk?
They say that the best quality milk comes from the cows of New Zealand. The cows are grass-fed, thus fully organic and non-GMO.
What Age Range Is Organic Formula Best For?
Which Formulas Are Closest To Breast Milk?
When considering infant formulas, those designed to be closest to breast milk often strive to mimic its nutritional composition. Some formulas are enriched with key components such as omega-3 fatty acids, including fish oil, to enhance their similarity to breast milk. These formulations aim to provide essential nutrients like DHA and EPA, commonly found in fish oil, which play crucial roles in infant brain and eye development. It’s advisable to explore formulas that specifically mention the inclusion of DHA and EPA from fish oil as they contribute to making the formula closer in composition to breast milk.
How Long Does Formula Without GMOs Last?
The shelf life of milk without GMOs can vary, but it is typically influenced by factors such as processing aids, the use of the same ingredients, and the inclusion of additives like DHA and ARA. Milk produced without genetically modified organisms often emphasizes natural processing aids and the same high-quality ingredients used in conventional milk. Additionally, the presence of additives such as DHA and ARA, which are sometimes included for nutritional enhancement, may also impact the product’s shelf life. It is advisable to check the product label and adhere to the recommended storage conditions for optimal freshness.
Is Infant Milk With Artificial Ingredients Dangerous?
Which Is Cheaper, Organic Or Traditional Milk?
Last Updated on April 28, 2023 by Jeanne Meets
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