3 reasons to love European baby formula (vs American)

Finding the best formula option for your little one feels impossible with so many different brands available. But even in such a highly saturated market, the benefits of European baby formula can be the only evidence you need to make the switch.

Who Sets the Rules?

Let’s start from the beginning. In Europe, we have the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for formula approval. The equivalent to this in America in the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the organization that pushes American baby formula to store shelves. 

Both parties are responsible for setting guidelines and requirements for baby formulas that may be sold on their continent. They set-up the rules and requirements concerning the nutritional composition, the safety of the food/ingredients, and the labeling of the packaging. This means that both agencies are responsible for providing guidance and issuing approvals before an infant formula can be sold in their respective country.

Similarities between the EFSA and FDA both of these parties have set similar compositions of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. They also both regulate that important micronutrients are included in all formulas, such as:

• Vitamin B
• Folic Acid
• Choline
• Calcium
  
  

The EFSA and the FDA both require that formulas closely mimic the composition of breast milk, which sets a strong foundation for the idea and creation of formula. 

3 Reasons to Buy European Baby Formula  

Giving your baby the best possible source of nutrition is a no brainer, and finding formula that mimics this idea is simplified when you choose European brands over American formulas.

Here are some of the reasons why you might consider European over American baby formula: 

1. Gaining Carbohydrates for Energy 

Yes, we’re talking sugar. And when it comes to European formulas, we’re not talking about the processed stuff. 

Breast milk is naturally sweet, so baby formulas do invariably contain sugar. Understanding what form of sugar formula brands use can help you determine if it’s the best option for your little one; finding one that contains lactose should be your top priority. Lactose is the substance that most closely mimics breast milk.  

Since lactose is an expensive product, a lot of American manufacturers tend to stay away and resort to cheaper, plant-based sweeteners, such as corn syrup. These sweeteners have a reputation for fueling weight gain, type 2 diabetes and other similar conditions that may be detrimental to health.  

The European Commission requires that at least 30% of carbohydrates in infant formula come from lactose They specifically exclude sources from being used, such as:

• Corn syrup 
• Fructose
• Rice syrup
• Sucrose
• Carrageenan

2. Reaching a Healthy Gut Flora 

Many European baby formulas contain probiotics and prebiotics. Probiotics (such as lactobacillus) is also found in breastmilk. This is important for the baby’s gut flora, which helps your baby digest food, absorb those useful nutrients and use them as they develop. Although some American cow-milk formulas are catching up, the large majority of them do not contain probiotics or prebiotics like European baby formulas.

3. No GMO’s, Sucrose, or pesticides.

All European formulas are made with organic ingredients, and nearly all are certified organic. European formula does not contain any Genetically Modified Ingredients (G.M.O.), sucrose, or pesticides.

The only formulas that are not certified organic are those that use protein hydrolysates, such as HiPP Anti Reflux or HiPP Hypoallergenic, as protein hydrolysates are not available in organic form.

All formulas approved by the European Commission must be produced from animal milk that contains no hormones, no detectable levels of pesticide residues, and no GMO’s. The USFDA only sets out several very basic guidelines to be included in the baby formula. So, as long as the ingredients are somewhat “safe” and not contaminated, they’re good to go.

Why European Specialty Formula is Best for Baby 

The reasons speak for themselves. European baby formulas are produced in a healthier and more natural way, making them the optimal choice for a developing baby. The recommendation and guidelines of the EFSA continually evolve as more is discovered about the properties of breastmilk. We are convinced!

Check out all the European Organic Baby formulas we offer. If you are not yet convinced and still have further questions about this, please do not hesitate and shoot us an email. We are happy to help