There is quite a heated debate in the parenting community about infant milks: non GMO formula vs regular formula, and which is better for your child. The crunchier side claims that GMO baby foods, such as cow’s milk and other products with synthetic ingredients can lead to serious health risks and concerns such as sensitive stomachs, constipation, saturated fats, gluten, unprecedented weight gain, bad eye health, and disrupted immune function, and that these foods contain genetically altered elements from genetically engineered crops, as well as harmful chemicals and various additives (read further here) for kids.
The pro-GMO crowd, meanwhile, claims (and assure parents) that genetically engineered ingredients are carefully regulated. Thus, they are perfectly safe and that certified organic ingredients and foods with complete nutrition facts such as algal oil, brown rice syrup, dairy products, and other healthy crops, is just a marketing ploy designed with fear in mind.
There are a number of American parents who prefer European formulas 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 milk for their baby. This cause for concern is coming from particular details in the Infant Formula Act supported by the Food and Drug Administration showing that some ingredients in baby milk, like vegetable oils, may not be good for babies. Because of this, there are parents who can’t seem to figure out which infant formula to choose for your baby, this article will help you understand everything you need to know about organic baby formula vs regular infant milk.
Although European formulas, through the strict regulations of the European Union, are known in the market (these milks 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 milks and certified organic milks from Amazon so you can see what they offer and what verified users think about them. Note that not all formulas using organic ingredients can be given the organic label or certification.
Non-GMO Formula & Standard, Tried And Tested, Regular Formula
Similac Love&Care Non-GMO
- The organic formula from Love & Care is loaded with essential nutrients and rice syrup that can be found on breast milk that helps improve the baby’s health as well as enhance the eye and brain development. Organic infant milk is unbeatable and it is the best formula for baby.
- It is also Non-GMO and Kosher certified, it is also iron-fortified and rich with prebiotics.
- Some of its ingredients are vegetable oils, whey protein concentrate, vitamin E, vitamin D, and other essential vitamins and minerals. Vegetable oils and fish oil are normally included in most milk as a source of energy, fatty acids, and smaller proteins for babies.
- Love and Care formula, unlike the popular European milks in the market, has meet the FDA term, standards, and sage for your baby.
- Like many other milks, even the European formula, Love & Care also has corn syrup solids which is its carbohydrate source. Some milk formulas use table sugar or sucrose instead of corn syrup solids.
Earth’s Best Non-GMO Soy-Based Infant Milk
- The Earth’s best is soy plant base, it is easy to digest and it is rich with complete infant nutrition for the first year.
- Some ingredients of this soy baby formula include organic soy oil, soy protein, and organic coconut oil.
- It contains vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, high quality protein and essential fatty acids for eye and brain growth.
- It Lactose free and ideal for baby with lactose intolerance.
- It contains palm oil or palm olein oil, which for some parents, is not good.
What Is GMO Formula?
Before choosing between non GMO formulas vs. regular infant milk, let us discuss GMOs first. It stands for a genetically modified organism. 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 the 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 Acadamy of Sciences work together to provide genetically engineered baby food products that are safe for babies. But even with this, the speed in which genetically altered food has 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 Infant Formula?
When dealing with baby formula, milk made from natural ingredients is considered a non-GMO milk, but it doesn’t have to be a fully organic infant formula to get that organic label. It just needs no modified or no genetically modified ingredients. You may be wondering what elements are altered in baby formula.
In an infant formula that is from cows, are they modifying cows in a lab to produce more milk? Not necessarily? Organic baby milk means that they fed cows with food that isn’t genetically engineered or in other words, they were raised in organic farms. We are aware that what we eat affects our milk, so many parents want a formula from animals that ate the best ingredients possible.
Let’s dive deeper into this concept now.
Non-GMO Infant Milk
We’ll breakdown the pros and cons of non-GMO formula or organic formula.
Pros
- It’s made from high-quality ingredients that you can trace more. Usually, the ingredients list is something you can pronounce, giving more parents peace of mind. Unpronounceable ingredients don’t mean the product isn’t safe, but parents like having ingredients they can pronounce.
- 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. While this isn’t true all the time, it is in many cases.
- It 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. Even if the ingredients are safe for most, some artificial ingredients can indeed hurt a baby’s tummy.
- The 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.
Cons
- The biggest con of non-GMO formula is that it’s expensive. When you have a kid, it’s a price to pay already, and shopping organic formulas or non-GMO formula is another cost added on to that. Because of that, many parents stick with regular infant formula.
With that said, online shopping does make it easier to find a non-GMO formula that won’t break the bank. Also, buying the baby formula in bulk using online shopping or stores like Costco can help you get more for less.
Traditional Infant Milk
Pros
- The regular infant formula is more readily available. Some non-genetically engineered formulas 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 the regular formula in any store.
- The regular baby formula is also the more affordable option, giving you more for less. Non-GMO baby formulas tend to cost more, and it offers less per container. Also, regular baby formula may last longer due to having more preservatives.
- The regular infant formula is safe for your baby in most cases, even if it isn’t organic infant formula.
Cons
- For sensitive tummies, the regular infant formula may irritate the baby because of the genetically engineered ingredients.
- You don’t know where some of the ingredients came from.
Non-GMO Vs Classic, Traditional Formula: Which Is Better
There is no right answer to this one. Both genetically engineered and non-genetically engineered infant formulas have pros and cons. Same as American-made milk and European formula have their own health benefits and risks. If you have the money, buying non-genetically engineered infant formula gives you an infant formula with more wholesome ingredients and less of a chance of irritating your baby. It is safe to remember here that non-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 as well, European formula in the market are a bit more expensive.
In all actuality, breastfeeding your breast milk baby is the 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, give it a try. Most milk formulas contain palm olein oil which is used to replicate the fatty acid component in mother’s milk.
One of the best things for a parent is to find a happy medium between breastfeeding and formula feeding. Going to non-GMO ingredient infant formula all the time is expensive, and may not necessarily be better for your child. You may end up losing 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 a 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.
Final Thoughts
Feeding your baby is difficult, but by doing a bit of 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 non-GMO infant formula, but many parents may feel better with an option that hasn’t been genetically engineered. In this Non-GMO vs standard formula comparison, there is no right answer. However, in the end, it’s up to you, and you have the final say of the products and services you want to use with your baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Non-GMO Mean In Infant Formula?
Infant or Baby formulas labeled as “Non-GMO” do not include genetically engineered ingredients.
Does Infant Formula Have GMO?
The most known baby formula is from different kinds of soy and corn. There are some baby formulas that will contain genetically engineered ingredients. There are some hesitations with the use of soy oil in baby formulas, but it is accepted to be safe as long as it comes from organic soy.
What Is GMO In Milk?
The non-GMO infant formulas are produced by using components that have not been genetically engineered.
Is Enfamil Premium GMO-free?
The infant formula brands Enfamil recently introduced Enfagrow PREMIUM and Enfamil PREMIUM baby formulas, which are all non-GMO formula or not genetically engineered and they will be labeled non-GMO formula.
What Is In Non-GMO Similac Infant Milk?
Similac infant formulas have 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 non-GMO formula for its baby food products.
Does Enfamil Infant Milk Have GMO?
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 organisms which are then used to create genetically engineered ingredients that can be found in food products.
Is GMO Formula Better Than Non-GMO?
When it comes to nutrients and health safety, non-GMO formula is the best option as it contains organic ingredients which are preferred by many due to its natural vitamins and minerals.
Can Non-GMO Milk Taste Like Breast Milk?
Yes, there are non-GMO formula that taste like breast milk. Same goes with other types of milk formulas. The key here is to find the best one that your baby will like and will give him or her the best nutrients. Some formulas use milk proteins which give its 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, a non-GMO formula milk is the option. There are various non-GMO formula milk products in the market that one can purchase or one can choose to create a non-GMO formula as well.
Below are the recipe and ingredients good for 36 ounces of non-GMO milk formula.
- 2 cups of organic or certified clean raw milk; for non-whey milk formula – use either a 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 bifodobacterium infantis
- 2 tablespoons of organic cream, not ultrapasteurized
- 1 teaspoon of organic cod liver oil or 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 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 temperature to ensure that it is not too hot.
Where Can I Find Authentic Non-GMO 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 Best For Organic Baby Formula?
Which Infant Milk In The Market Is Closest To Breast Milk?
How Long Does Organic Milk Last?
Which Is Cheaper, Organic Or Non-Organic Formula?
How Do You Know If A Formula Is Organic?
Last Updated on April 28, 2023 by Edwin Sinsona
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