Best Infant Formula Without Corn Syrup


By: Suzanne Renee' - Updated May 7, 2024 - 16 Minute Read

Best Infant Formula Without Corn Syrup  | The Milky Box

Parents need to be aware of the ingredients present in infant formula to make informed decisions regarding their babies' nutritional requirements. This knowledge can be crucial in managing the diet of infants effectively, especially those with allergies or intolerances.


As a parent, your baby's health and well-being are undoubtedly your topmost priority, so it is natural to have questions about the ingredients that go into your baby's formula, particularly corn syrup.


This article will discuss corn syrup and why it is a controversial ingredient in baby formula. We will also recommend some of our favorite lactose-based organic baby formulas that contain no corn syrup or added sugar. You will also learn why many parents prefer European formula to conventional baby formula made with corn syrup.

Corn Syrups in Baby Formula: Everything You Need to Know

It is crucial to thoroughly evaluate the potential safety hazards of including corn syrup in baby formula. Although this ingredient is widely used in US markets, a closer examination of its purpose and possible impact on infant health raises significant concerns.

U.S. Formula Contain corn sugars | The Milky Box

What is Corn Syrup?

Corn syrup is a sweetener that's typically derived from corn starch. Depending on the corn syrup produced, it’s made up of different sugar molecules, such as glucose, maltose, fructose, and higher oligosaccharides.


The two most common types of corn syrup are regular corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup. High-fructose corn syrup is a more refined form of corn syrup and is processed to convert some of the glucose into fructose, which results in a much sweeter product.


High-fructose corn syrup is widely used in the food industry as a cheaper alternative to other natural sweeteners. It's commonly found in processed foods like soft drinks, baked goods, and candy. 


However, it's important to note that consuming high amounts of high-fructose corn syrup has been linked to several health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

High- Fructose corn syrup | The Milky Box

Why is Corn Syrup in Baby Formula in the First Place?

American baby formula companies use corn syrup solids as a source of carbohydrates. These products are often marketed as "gentler" and are claimed to reduce digestive problems, fussiness, and colic by having less lactose (the natural sugar present in milk). This claim may seem appealing to parents looking for lactose-free or reduced-lactose formulas.


However, it's important to note that babies in their early months are prone to tummy issues due to their developing digestive system. It's also rare for a baby to be lactose intolerant, and symptoms tend to resolve as their digestive system matures.


It is crucial to understand that formulas made with corn syrup, intended for babies with digestive concerns or milk intolerance, may not be appropriate for infants diagnosed with cow's milk protein allergy. If you believe that your baby may require a lactose-free or lactose-reduced formula, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes.

Potential Concerns with Corn Syrup in Baby Formula

There are various reasons why parents may choose to eliminate corn syrup solids from their infant's diet. Linked to potential health concerns, we want to help you make an informed decision about the nutrition you give to your baby. Therefore, we would like to share some possible risks of consuming corn syrup solids.

Adverse Metabolic Effects

Parents may have concerns about using corn syrup in infant formula due to potential adverse metabolic effects. Corn syrup solids are primarily composed of glucose molecules, broken down, and used as an energy source in the body. However, glucose metabolism can indirectly impact fructose levels in the body through various metabolic processes.


When metabolizing glucose in the liver, it can produce fatty acids, which can then be converted to triglycerides. These triglycerides can increase the production of very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), leading to elevated levels of fructose in the blood. Elevated fructose levels have been linked to various health issues, such as obesity, insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Blood Sugar Regulations

Corn syrup solids, mainly those high in fructose, are known to raise blood sugar levels quickly. This sudden surge in glucose can harm infants as their bodies are not yet fully developed and cannot regulate blood sugar as effectively as adults.


This rapid increase in blood sugar can cause a subsequent drop, leading to fluctuations in energy levels and overall well-being. This is especially concerning for babies who have conditions such as diabetes or insulin resistance, as their bodies cannot process sugar in the same way as healthy babies do.

Long-term Health Implications

Regular consumption of corn syrup, which babies may receive daily in their baby bottles, can lead to the development of chronic medical conditions, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.


Although occasional intake of corn syrup in small amounts may not have an immediate harmful effect, prolonged exposure to high levels of corn syrup can adversely affect an infant's health.

Potential Concerns | The Milky Box

Is Corn Syrup Safe for Babies?

It has been observed that consuming added sugar at a young age can lead to chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, asthma, elevated blood pressure, and overweight.


Therefore, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 and the American Heart Association recommend delaying the introduction of added sugar until age 2. Studies have also highlighted that the consumption of corn syrup by infants can pose long-term health risks. 


It is suggested that early exposure to sugars can shape an infant's taste preferences and increase the likelihood of childhood obesity.

Corn Syrup and Obesity

Research has indicated that infants who consume formula with corn syrup may experience an altered gut microbiome, leading to long-term health consequences. One particular study revealed a correlation between an increase in certain gut bacteria and a higher risk of obesity in infants who are fed formula with added sugars as compared to breastfed babies.

Corn Syrup and Long-Term Health

Of significant concern is the high glycemic index of formulas containing added sugars compared to traditional lactose-based formulas. This is of concern because consuming foods with a high glycemic index results in blood sugar and insulin levels spiking, increasing the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Is corn syrup safe? | The Milky Box

Corn Syrup- Link to GMO’s and Mercury

Corn syrup is often derived from genetically modified corn. This means that the corn's DNA has been altered in a laboratory setting to achieve certain desired traits, such as increased resistance to pests or improved yields. However, concerns exist about their potential long-term effects on human health, especially infants.


Another concern is that the vats used to process corn syrup are often lined with mercury. This is because mercury is used as a catalyst in the production process. However, when mercury comes into contact with food, it can lead to mercury poisoning. Symptoms of mercury poisoning can include tremors, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.

corn syrup  | The Milky Box

Baby Formula Without Corn Syrup

When it comes to selecting infant formula for your little one, it is important to choose a product that meets the most stringent quality standards. The best infant formulas are carefully crafted to provide the closest possible nutritional value to that of a mother's breast milk, ensuring that your baby is getting all the essential nutrients they need to thrive. 


In particular, lactose is a naturally occurring substance found in breast milk that gives it a sweet taste, which is why babies tend to prefer it over other types of milk.

Bébé M Organic Vegan Baby Formula 

Bébé M Organic Vegan range results from years of experience in bio-vegetable nutrition. It has been developed with input from parents and healthcare professionals.


One of the most significant benefits of the Bébé M formula is that it is non-dairy, making it an excellent choice for babies with dairy sensitivities or allergies. It is designed to provide all the essential nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development. 


The formula mimics the composition of breast milk, ensuring that your baby gets everything they need to thrive.

Bebe M | The Milky Box

HiPP Organic Baby Formula 

HiPP Organic Baby Formulas are a globally renowned brand that produces organic products that are certified to be free from genetically modified organisms, artificial colors, preservatives, and flavor enhancers.


Each HiPP variation contains support ingredients fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids required for your child's physical and cognitive growth. Each variation is designed to be as close to nature as possible.

HiPP Baby Formula | The Milky Box

Holle Organic Baby Formula 

Holle Infant Nutrition is a top producer of natural baby food worldwide. Their organic formula options for different infancy stages are made with the finest raw ingredients without chemicals, preservatives, or refined sugar.


Holle offers a comprehensive range of baby formulas that cater to newborns through the toddler stage. You can choose from formulas based on regular cow milk, A2 cow milk, and goat milk, depending on your preference and needs.

Holle Baby Formula | The Milky Box

Jovie Baby Formula 

Jovie Whole Milk Formulas are carefully designed and manufactured by a team of caring parents and experts with years of experience creating infant nutrition. Each formula stage is produced carefully and adheres to the highest organic standards, certified by strict EU regulations.


Jovie believes in the organic choice, which is a better option for families, animals, and the world our babies will grow up in. All Jovie whole milk formulas are certified as European organic, meaning they are produced without synthetic pesticides, genetically modified organisms, or hormones.

Jovie Goat | The Milky Box

Kabrita Goat Milk Baby Formula 

Kabrita Goat Milk Formulas are designed to emulate the qualities of breast milk as closely as possible. The natural A2 milk proteins in Kabrita make it easy on young and immature digestive systems.


Kabrita sources milk from humanely raised goats in the Netherlands and follows strict European regulations. Kabrita EU formula ingredients are always free of pesticides and harmful chemicals, and the use of antibiotics and growth hormones is limited.

Kabrita EU | The Milky Box

Kendamil Organic Baby Formula

Kendamil Organic is a unique infant formula exclusively made in the United Kingdom. With over 58 years of expertise in infant nutrition, Kendamil is located in the beautiful English Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This family-owned business is committed to providing traceable and sustainable nutrition from farm to formula.


Kendamil is dedicated to innovation with one goal: providing the best possible nutrition for your little one. The company's scientists have invested their lives in studying early-life nutrition and developing the most nutritionally advanced formulations as close to breast milk as possible.

Kendamil | The Milky Box

Lebenswert Organic Baby Formula

Lebenswert Organic Baby Formula is created using the well-known Holle nutrition. It is an organic and non-GMO formula that delivers exceptional baby formula quality. Each variation is designed without artificial ingredients, additives, preservatives, corn syrup, cane sugar, gluten, or soy.


The Lebenswert formula adheres to strict organic farming standards. This ensures that the milk used in the formula is sourced from cows allowed to graze on grass and roam freely on biodynamic farms that are entirely organic. 


No hormones or pesticides are employed in the process, and as a result, every box of the Lebenswert formula is granted the "Bioland" certification.

Lebenswert | The Milky Box

Löwenzahn Organic Baby Formula 

Löwenzahn Organics was founded in 2016 by two determined German mothers committed to providing their babies with the best nutrition. The company follows the latest nutritional science and never compromises on sourcing or manufacturing, ensuring that every product meets the highest quality standards.


Löwenzahn Organics is highly selective when choosing the ingredients for its formula, using only the highest-quality ingredients from responsible organic producers. The brand takes great pride in being the world's first traceable organic baby food brand, and it is dedicated to providing complete transparency in its ingredients and production processes.

Lowenzahn | The Milky Box

Nannycare Goat Milk Baby Formula

Nannycare Goat Milk is a well-known brand of infant formula in the UK. The formula is made from easily digestible goat milk containing A2 (beta-casein) proteins. The company is a family-run business based in New Zealand and has operated for almost 30 years. 


They are known for introducing goat milk formula to the mainstream market and have played a crucial role in establishing new legislation in the EU and UK. Nannycare baby formula has been widely available throughout Europe for the past eight years.


Nannycare is committed to providing scientifically proven nutrition for all babies and follows strict ingredient-sourcing practices.

Nannycare Goat | The Milky Box

Prémibio Organic Baby Formula

Prémibio Baby Formula, a French brand, offers organic products exclusively from sustainable farming practices. By choosing Premibio, you can join families worldwide in our commitment to investing ethically in our partners, suppliers, customers, and employees.


Each stage is organic, sustainable, and precisely balanced to meet your infant's dietary needs with the right amounts of fats, proteins, vitamins, and carbohydrates.

Premibio | The Milky Box

Formula Without Corn Syrup

Choosing the right infant formula can be a significant decision for new parents, and opting for a formula without corn syrup solids can significantly impact your baby's health and development. By selecting a corn syrup-free formula, you can give your little one a healthier nutritional foundation right from the start. 


Working with healthcare professionals who can offer personalized advice and guidance tailored to your baby's unique needs and circumstances is essential.


At The Milky Box, we offer a wide range of premium European infant formulas specially crafted to be free from corn syrup solids. Our selection includes only the finest specialized and organic baby formula, carefully chosen to ensure your child receives the best nutrition. 


With our European formulas, families can have peace of mind knowing that you're providing your baby with the highest quality formula available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Corn Syrup Bad for Babies? 

Corn-syrup-based formulas negatively impact toddlers' microbiome and eating habits differently than lactose-based formulas and human milk.

Does European Baby Formula Have Corn Syrup? 

European baby formulas are widely regarded as superior to other formulas. This is because European formulas are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), added hormones, and added sugars. 


In addition, European baby formula manufacturers take extra steps to ensure that every ingredient used in their formulas is of the highest quality and sourced from the best possible sources. 


These measures are taken to improve the quality of nutrition provided by their formulas and ensure that infants receive only the best ingredients for their growth and development.

Where Can Families Find European Baby Formulas?

If you are searching for high-quality baby formulas from Europe, you may be disappointed to learn that they are not readily available in local stores. However, there is a solution - The Milky Box. 


It is a trustworthy source for the finest European baby formulas. With a vast array of products to choose from, you can be confident that your baby's nutritional requirements will be met.

Disclaimer:


Please be aware that this information is based on general trends in babies, and it is not medical advice. Your doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child.


Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding.


Suzanne Renee' is an accomplished professional with extensive expertise in the area of infant nutrition, dedicated to promoting the health and wellbeing of children. She started this journey as a foster parent. Suzanne has emerged as a strong proponent of the European baby formula and has become a full time writer of the subject. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking and going to church.

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Reviewed by Dr. Eric Wood, ND, MA

Dr. Wood is a licensed naturopathic doctor, with a doctorate degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, Canada. He received his post-graduation certification in Mind Body Medicine at Harvard University.


With 15 years of experience, Dr. Wood is an Associate Professor of Holistic Nutrition at the American College of Health Sciences in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Wood is an educator, clinician, author, media figure, consultant, and owns his own holistic (naturopathic) medical practice in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Dr. Wood is currently researching and drafting books on cancer and pediatrics.


Outside of the medical profession, Dr. Wood loves singing with the Miami Lyric Opera and is an avid musician in South Florida. He also loves spending time with his wife and kids.