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Baby Formula Without Corn Syrup & Without Sugar
61 hours of research5 minute read
" More than ever, parents are realizing the long term negative impacts sugar can have on childhood development. Sugar-free formula options can set your little one up for healthy development. "
If a mother isn't breastfeeding, she may be uncertain about which formula to choose for her child and also uncertain about the formula's ingredients.
Sugars are a wonderful area to begin researching since they are present in both breast milk and infant formula. Let's talk about sugar in baby formula and why it is present.
Why Is There Sugar In Infant Formula
One of the most vital ingredients in infant formula is sugar, which serves as the primary source of energy for a developing baby. Sugars are much more than just a sweetener; they're also simple-to-digest sources of carbohydrates that support your baby's growth and development, especially throughout the first year of life. However, not every sugar in infant formula is the same.
The type and amount of sugars children ingest as infants and toddlers has been shown to affect their metabolic health, food preferences, and long term intake of sweet, high-energy meals.
Sugar In Infant Formula: A Source of Carbohydrates
Sugars are included in baby formula since it is a carbohydrate, and since sugar is a simple, easily-digested carbohydrate, it is present in that food. As one might anticipate, it is essential that the carbohydrates in baby formula are easy to digest because newborns' intestines aren't yet evolved enough to handle significant amounts of complex carbs and fiber. This is why sugars are produced. Let's look at some of the typical substances used to offer carbohydrates in formulas and talk about why some are preferred over others.
Types Of Sugar Found In Baby Formula
1. Lactose: The Gold Standard Of Sugar For Infants
Lactose, which is composed of one glucose and one galactose bonded together. It is a form of sugar naturally present in breast milk, and is generally considered to be the finest sugar for infants. Almost all newborns have the lactase enzyme, which means they have the capacity to properly digest lactose from birth. It can be processed easily. It helps the formation of the good bacteria in newborns' intestines and does not boost blood sugar as much as other sweets.
Given the many advantages of breast milk as the ideal first diet for a baby, the best formulas are those that closely resemble the composition of breast milk. Because of this, the European Commission mandates that lactose be the main source of carbohydrates in all standard formulations.
Lactose has a glycemic index (a measure of how much a food increases blood sugar) of 45 and receives a relative sweetness score of only 16 on a scale of 100, where 100 is equal to table sugar.
2. Sucrose
You'll find sucrose as an additional sugar in baby formula. The white substance you add in your coffee and pastries is known by its chemical name—table sugar. A single glucose and a single fructose are joined to form sucrose.
Sucrose has a 65 glycemic index (higher than lactose) and a relative sweetness rating of 100, it has the sweetest sugar of any infant formula you can find.
The use of sucrose in infant formula is not forbidden by the European Commission. However, it does set restrictions on when and how much sucrose can be used (for example, in specialist formulae that call for lower lactose for newborns with sensitive stomachs).
While sucrose is not the best option if a totally lactose-based formula is not an option, lactose continues to be the best carb source for newborns.
3. Corn Syrup
The United States does not forbid the use of corn syrup solids in baby formula, but the European Commission does. Most corn syrup produced in the United States is from genetically modified corn, using corn syrup solids as the main source of carbohydrates is not appropriate. When corn syrup is dried, the water is removed, concentrating the sugars, and creating corn syrup solids. Some conventional formula businesses use corn syrup solids because it is readily available and inexpensive to produce.
A quick-acting carbohydrate is corn syrup. As a result, glucose tablets are advised for people who experience periods of low blood sugar because it is known that glucose increases blood sugar quickly.
The relative sweetness score, which is more than lactose but less than sucrose, can range from 23 to 40 depending on how much the corn starch was broken down.
4. Maltodextrin
Corn maltodextrin is a typical variant of corn sugar. has sugar molecules that have been broken down for simple digestion. Some infants with sensitive stomachs can benefit from it.
Compared to corn syrup, corn maltodextrin is a little less sweet. It has a relative sweetness rating that ranges from 6 to 21.
Maltodextrin can be added to infant formula in three different methods:
- Maltodextrin as the main source of carbohydrates
- Maltodextrin as a source of additional (supplementary) carbohydrates
- Maltodextrin as thickening agent or organic preservative
It is generally okay to use maltodextrin as an additional source of carbs. Maltodextrin in European formulae is comparatively better than that found in American formulas because it is certified organic, GMO-free, and present in smaller amounts.
A European formula that has both lactose and maltodextrin components is a wise choice if your infant needs a hydrolyzed or broken down carb source.
5. Starch
Starch is the final type of carbohydrate you might find in baby formula. Typically, rice starch is used. While not the only source of carbohydrates, these specialized formulas employ starch to thicken the formula and reduce the likelihood that the infant would spit it back up.
The below chart lists key types of sugars found in infant formula. The glycemic index serves as a gauge for how much sugar raises blood sugar levels. Therefore, the higher the glycemic index number, the harder a baby’s pancreas will have to work.
Types of Starch In Infant Formulas
| Sugar | Glycemic Index | Sweetness Index Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactose | 45 | 16 | Galactose + Glucose This is the sugar found in breast milk |
| Corn Syrup | 100 | 30-40 | Short chains of glucose |
| Corn Syrup Solids | 100 | 23-40 | Dehydrated corn syrup |
| Maltodextrin | 110 | 6-21 | Longer, more complex chains of glucose |
| Sucrose | 65 | 100 | Glucose + Fructose This is table sugar |
| Rice Starch | 100 | - | Added to thicken certain formulas. This won’t be a large source of carbohydrate calories |
| Glucose Syrup | 100 | 30-40 | Likely Corn Syrup – but may come from a different plant, but the end product is the same |
Why Use Formula Without Corn Syrup & Without Sugar
Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of sugar can help you choose the ideal formula for your kid. The best baby formulas don’t have sugar or corn syrup. Make sure to familiarize yourself with ingredient lists and stay away from formulas that contain corn syrup or sugar-sweetened substances.
Continue reading to find out why the healthiest baby formula is free of corn syrup and sugar.
1. Formula With Sugars & Corn Syrup Causes Childhood Obesity
High fructose corn syrup, according to many nutritionists and medical professionals, is the main contributor to childhood obesity. Obese children are more likely to stay that way into adulthood, increasing their chance of developing a number of significant health issues like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and a number of illnesses. After all, the development of a good eating regimen begins from birth.You should become familiar with ingredient labels and keep away of any formulas that contain corn syrup or sugar-sweetened substances to lower the chance of your baby developing obesity.
2. It Can Cause Other (Serious) Health Concerns
In addition to contributing to childhood obesity, infant formula containing sugar and corn syrup has a number of other negative health effects. Some of them are really serious.
Some of the most well-known and widely used kinds of infant formula include colossal amounts of sugar and corn syrup. It is causing a variety of health difficulties, including as behavioral problems like ADD, dental decay, and diabetes. Additionally, for young children, being overweight or obese might lead directly to diabetes.
3. The Best Baby Formulas Are Not Sweetened With Sugar Or Corn Syrup, But Rather With Lactose
The best infant formulae are held to higher standards in order to produce baby food that is as similar to mother's breastmilk as possible. Additionally, lactose is a naturally occurring substance in breastmilk, giving it the 'sweet' flavor that newborns like.
Some infant formulas use sucrose and corn syrup in place of lactose, which is a major concern. As previously mentioned, the presence of sugar and corn syrup in formula can have a negative impact on a range of health issues. When a baby has lactose intolerance, often known as a lactose allergy or sensitivity. There are many organic specialty formulas that are readily available if your infant is unable to tolerate cow's milk-based formula.
Baby Formula Without Corn Syrup or Sugar
Whether you're looking for a high-quality formula with the proper level of sugar, have questions about the ingredients, or need assistance choosing the finest formula for your child, Organic Life Start has you covered! The finest sugar for babies, lactose, is included as the very first ingredient in all HiPP, Holle, and Lebenswert formulas—this includes their specialty formulas!
Holle is top-notch in the organic baby formula industry. This genetically modified free formula is held to the highest standards. It’s pesticide free, free from added sugars, corn syrup and is fluoride free. It comes with the option for goat’s milk formula, or lactose formula.
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Lebenswert is held to the same standards as the Holle Formula. It’s free from sugars and corn syrup, certified organic, contains no genetic modifications, and the cows are treated humanely.
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3. HiPP Formula
HiPP formula is one of the best! It’s not genetically modified, free from harmful sugars and additives, and has quickly become one of the world’s experts in baby formula.
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Kendamil formulas are crafted with the world’s most sustainable and traceable ingredients in the English Lake District. Kendamil proudly developed a whole milk baby formula without the use of palm and soy oils. It was even trusted by the British Royal Family and babies absolutely love the taste of it!
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Aptamil, a trusted and reputable baby formula brand, offers a range of scientifically formulated infant formulas designed to provide essential nutrition for healthy growth and development during the crucial early stages of a baby's life.
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6. Specialty Formulas
Parental discomfort from a newborn is just as awful as it is for your child. Sensitivity, gassiness, allergies, and starch intolerances can all be helped by specialized formulae.
✓ Contains Probiotics & Prebiotics
✓ No sugar, no corn syrup, no soy
✓ Hydrolyzed milk proteins reduce allergic reactions
✓ Popular for constipated babies
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✓ Contains Probiotics & Prebiotics
✓ Hydrolyzed milk proteins reduce allergic reactions
✓ No sugar, no corn syrup, no soy
✓ Easy to digest formula for sensitive babies
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✓ Contains Probiotics & Prebiotics
✓ No sugar, no corn syrup, no soy
✓ Reduced lactose with hydrolyzed milk protein
✓ Easy to digest formula for sensitive babies
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✓ Contains Probiotics & Prebiotics
✓ No sugar, no corn syrup, no soy
✓ Reduced lactose with hydrolyzed milk protein
✓ Easy to digest formula for sensitive babies
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✓ Contains Probiotics & Prebiotics
✓ No sugar, no corn syrup, no soy
✓ Organic locust bean gum makes formula creamier
✓ Organic Whey
✓ Popular for babies that spit-up
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✓ Clean formula ingredients
✓ Demeter biodynamic certified
✓ Contains natural whey, DHA, & ALA
✓ Contains A2 milk protein for easier digestion
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✓ No sugar, no corn syrup, no soy
✓ Reduced lactose
✓ Hydrolyzed milk proteins reduce allergic reactions
✓ Designed to help with colic and constipation
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✓ Formula for reflux
✓ No sugar, no corn syrup, no soy
✓ Thickened consistency to reduce spit up
✓ Popular baby formula for acid reflux
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✓ Contains a patented blend of prebiotics GOS/FOS
✓ Has no added lactose
✓ Hydrolyzed milk proteins reduce allergic reactions
✓ Popular for the dietary management of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA)
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Formula Without Corn Syrup
Sugar is necessary for all newborns! For a baby's proper development, carbohydrates are a crucial macronutrient.
Infants should, whenever possible, receive their lactose-based calorie needs from breast milk or formula that contains lactose. Formulas prepared with sucrose and/or organic, non-GMO maltodextrin are preferred to those made with corn syrup solids if a lactose-based formula is not an option due to dietary limitations or digestive issues.
Best Formula Without Corn Syrup
Organic Life Start is committed to providing accurate, reliable, and trustworthy information to parents and caregivers. We carefully choose credible sources and follow a meticulous fact-checking process to uphold the highest standards in infant nutrition and parenting advice. To learn more about our dedication to accuracy, please explore our editorial guidelines.
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47 comments
Researched & Written
By: June
Proud mom of three boys (all formula-fed!) and a believer that raising kids takes a village. Organic Life Start customer service since 2022.
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Anna W. -
Finding the right formula for my newborn, Redd, felt like a big job because I wanted to make sure it didn’t have any extra sugar or corn syrup. I studied extensively about ingredients, compared US and European products, and considered what might be softer on his delicate stomach. That’s when I discovered Holle Goat, and it immediately felt like the right choice. From the very first bottle, Redd seemed comfortable and happy, which brought me so much relief. I was told that each item was carefully chosen and didn’t have any extra parts. As I fed him, he grew and changed. It became more fun and less stressful to take care of him. When his stomach problems got better, and he seemed generally happy, I was even more sure that I had made the right choice. The state of my mind and body can be significantly improved by following a systematic method. It makes me happy to hear that Holle Goat is getting the best food, because he has become an important part of our everyday life. In each case, the chance to see him change into a happy and healthier person makes the choice worthwhile.
Stewart Clarkson -
We decided to go with EU formulas because we wanted our daughter to have the healthiest start in life. A lot of US formulas have corn syrup and sugar. We know that we do not want that for our baby. We read about nutrition for babies, and we saw that EU formulas are clean, healthy, and strictly regulated. We tried Hipp Dutch because it seemed to have the most recommendations. We had hopes for it, but we wanted to temper it so that we don’t get disappointed if it does not work… Turns out we did not have to worry. Our daughter loved Hipp Dutch. No tummy troubles at all!
Ariel -
I have consistently believed it essential to select the appropriate formula for my son Weston, particularly to prevent the inclusion of sugar and corn syrup. I explored several possibilities as I sought a delicious, nutritious, and high-quality product. At that very moment, Holle Goat captured my eye, and it appeared to be the optimal selection. It was a huge comfort to see that the first bottle did not affect Weston. Now that he’s digesting well, feeding time is relaxing and fun instead of a source of tension. The guarantee that each bottle is made with carefully chosen natural components is very appreciated. Observing his progress and achievements makes me happy. That we are providing him with the best possible start is what it means. It brings me great comfort to know that the baby is getting formula made with care and love. Choosing Holle Goat has truly been a blessing for both Weston and our family. I feel confident every day that he’s nourished the right way.