Sprout Organic is a certified vegan, organic infant formula from Australia using intact pea and rice proteins. It's designed as a general plant-based formula for families who want to avoid dairy and soy.

Bébé M is a certified organic, plant-based formula from France using hydrolyzed rice protein. It's classified as a Food for Special Medical Purposes (FSMP) in Europe, originally developed for babies with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) and reflux.

Both deliver complete infant nutrition from plant sources. The right choice depends on your baby's medical needs, your preferences, and your pediatrician's guidance.

The two brands structure their product lines differently.

Sprout Organic: 2 stages

Bébé M: 3 stages (Anti-Reflux line)

Bébé M's three-stage system offers more granular age targeting — particularly useful for babies whose nutritional needs shift significantly between 0–6 months and 6–10 months. Sprout's two-stage approach is simpler and may appeal to parents who prefer fewer transitions.

For guidance on what changes between formula stages and when to move up, see our  toddler formula ultimate guide.

This is where the two formulas diverge most clearly.

Bébé M: Built for severe sensitivities and reflux 

Bébé M's entire product line (currently available on The Milky Box) is the Anti-Reflux range, thickened with organic carob gum and corn starch. This thicker consistency is designed to help formula stay down in babies who experience gastroesophageal reflux — a condition where feeds come back up frequently.

The hydrolyzed protein base also makes Bébé M easier to digest for babies with confirmed protein allergies, since the proteins are already partially broken down before they reach the baby's gut. Clinical research supports this: a 2014 study published in the European Journal of Pediatrics found that all 40 infants with confirmed CMPA tolerated an extensively hydrolyzed rice formula, with significant symptom improvement within the first month.

Scientific reference: Safety and Tolerance of Extensively Hydrolyzed Rice Protein Formula in CMPA — European Journal of Pediatrics (PubMed Central)

Sprout Organic: Gentle for general plant-based feeding:

Sprout Organic uses intact proteins and rice starch, which creates a gentler, smoother formula suitable for babies without diagnosed allergies who do well on a standard plant-based option. Many parents report positive digestive outcomes when switching from cow's milk or soy-based formulas to Sprout, particularly regarding gas and stool consistency.

However, Sprout is not formulated specifically for reflux and does not contain a thickening agent like carob gum. If your baby has significant reflux or medically confirmed CMPA, Bébé M may be the more targeted choice — always under your pediatrician's direction.

For more on managing digestive issues with formula, see our guides to formulas for sensitive tummies and baby formula and constipation.

A practical difference that parents care about: how does it taste, and is it easy to prepare?

Taste

Hydrolyzed protein formulas — including Bébé M  — are known for having a slightly bitter taste. This is a direct result of the protein hydrolysis process and is common across all hydrolyzed formulas, whether dairy-based or plant-based. Some babies accept it quickly; others need a gradual transition period.

Sprout Organic, using intact (non-hydrolyzed) proteins, has a milder, more neutral flavor. Parents who have tried both often describe Sprout as easier for babies to accept on first introduction.

Preparation 

Bébé M has a specific preparation method: the manufacturer recommends adding the powder first, then a small amount of water to form a smooth paste before adding the remaining water. This helps prevent lumps, which are common with hydrolyzed rice protein powders.

Preparation 

Sprout Organic follows a more conventional preparation: water first, then powder, then shake.

Both formulas require boiled and cooled water, sterilized bottles, and exact scoop-to-water ratios. For a complete preparation walkthrough, see our baby formula preparations guide.

Both formulas are European imports available in the US through The Milky Box, which offers all-inclusive pricing with import duties covered for US customers.

Sprout Organic

Bébé M (Anti-Reflux line)

Pricing for both brands is higher than mass-market US formulas like Enfamil ProSobee — but you're paying for certified organic ingredients, plant-based sourcing, European regulatory standards, and the absence of corn syrup solids, palm oil, and synthetic additives. For a comparison of Sprout Organic against a mainstream US alternative, read our Sprout Organic vs Enfamil ProSobee guide.

US shipping through The Milky Box is fast and tracked. For details, visit the shipping policy page.

Here's a simple framework:

Choose Sprout Organic if:

Choose Bébé M  if:

Not sure where to start? 

Or use the Baby Formula Comparison Chart to compare options across all brands.

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.