Vegan infant formula: What products are available?
Created on: July 14, 2026
Last edited on: July 14, 2026
Approved vegan infant formula is a suitable alternative if a baby cannot be (fully) breastfed. Vegan infant formula meets legal requirements and is specifically tailored to the needs of infants. Conventional plant-based drinks, however, are not a substitute for breast milk or infant formula.
It is important not to confuse infant formula and complementary foods. Infant formula is not complementary food, but can provide a complete substitute for breast milk in the first months of life. You can find out more about vegan complementary food in our FAQ: How does vegan complementary feeding work?
Disclaimer: Our content is based primarily on the current recommendations and regulations in German-speaking countries. Product availability and legal requirements may vary between countries. If you live outside the German-speaking region, we recommend consulting local guidance and researching the infant formula products available in your country.
→ A detailed overview is available in our PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING GUIDE, which we have developed together with Dr. Anika Döll and nutrition scientist Christina Dengg (BBSc, MSc). The guide is currently published in German, but can be translated using tools like ChatGPT or Google’s browser translator. The guide provides a well-founded introduction and general guidance, but it does not replace individual nutrition counseling or medical care. Especially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, we recommend seeking personalized support from qualified healthcare professionals. Examples include Dr. Anika Döll, Christina Dengg, or Dominik Machner.
Which vegan infant formula is suitable for babies?
If a baby cannot be breastfed or cannot be fully breastfed, only approved formula labeled "infant formula" should be used. This is specially tailored to the needs of infants and contains the prescribed basic composition of energy, protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. In German-speaking countries, the currently available vegan products are based on soy protein.
A currently available example is Bimbosan Bisoja 1+2 (not sponsored).
There are several similar products available in English-speaking countries. Since our research has focused specifically on the German-speaking market, we recommend doing your own research when choosing products available in your region. Please note that not every cow's milk-free infant formula is fully vegan - some products may still contain animal-derived ingredients.
Is vegan infant formula safe?
Yes. Approved vegan products labeled as infant formula meet legal requirements and are tailored to the nutritional needs of infants.
IMPORTANT: As with pregnancy and breastfeeding in general, individual support from qualified professionals is recommended. Infant formula should never be prepared with a plant-based drink on your own! Regular plant-based drinks like oat or soy drinks are not a suitable substitute for breast milk or infant formula.
Why are plant-based drinks unsuitable for babies?
Plant-based drinks do not provide enough energy or the necessary nutrient composition. If plant-based drinks are given instead of breast milk or infant formula, this can lead to inadequate supply and growth or developmental disorders. Even calcium-enriched plant-based drinks are not comparable to infant formula in the first year of life. They can play a role later, as part of a balanced family diet, but should not be used independently as a main food for babies.
Is vegan infant formula suitable from birth?
Yes. Approved and appropriately labeled vegan infant formula is suitable for nutrition from birth. It is a practical alternative if breastfeeding is not possible or not fully possible.
How long do babies need vegan infant formula?
There is no fixed time to stop infant formula – it depends on the needs of the child and family. Even when vegan complementary feeding begins, breast milk or infant formula remains an important source of nutrients and energy in the first year of life. Complementary food initially only gradually supplements milk meals and does not replace them overnight.
As children get older and complementary food intake increases, the ratio slowly changes. From about 12 months, most healthy children can eat normal family food. Unsweetened, calcium-enriched plant-based drinks can then also be part of a balanced diet.
Is there vegan infant formula without soy?
If there is no soy allergy, there is initially nothing against a soy-based formula. In the case of a soy allergy, special formulas for medical purposes – for example, based on rice protein – may be considered. Currently, these are not vegan-marketed standard infant formulas, but rather specialized medical products available in (online) pharmacies or after consultation with pediatricians. Availability varies by country.
If breast milk is preferred, pasteurized donor milk from a human milk bank may be an option – however, this is rare and usually reserved for sick newborns. Private milk donations or direct breastfeeding by other healthy individuals should only be done after careful consideration of possible risks.
Summary
Approved vegan infant formula meets the legal requirements for infant formula and can be a complete alternative to breast milk if breastfeeding is not (fully) possible. Conventional plant-based drinks, however, are unsuitable for babies in the first year of life! Even after complementary feeding begins, infant formula remains an important part of the diet and is only gradually replaced.
→ Detailed information on vegan infant formula and the start of vegan complementary feeding including a complementary feeding plan can be found in the PREGNANCY and BREASTFEEDING GUIDE.
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