If you are looking for a formula without milk protein for your sensitive baby, you’ve come to the right place.
In forums like Reddit and Quora, many parents ask about these type of baby formulas, whether they are healthy or not, nutritious, safe…
In this article, we have chosen the seven best formulas without milk protein for babies with allergies or sensitivities in 2024. All of them have been carefully selected and are in order of preference, but make sure to read carefully so you don’t miss any details.
*We have not included any “buy here or purchase links” since we want this information to be as transparent and wholesome as possible. We are not trying to sell you anything. We want to help, for real.
Quick note: If your baby has been diagnosed with CMPA, you need an extensively hydrolyzed formula, numbers 5, 6, and 7 in this article.
PODIUM: Top 3 Infant Formulas For Babies with Cow’s Milk Protein Sensitivity
If you want a quick recommendation, these are our top 3 formulas in this article.
If your baby has sensitivity to cow’s milk protein but has not been diagnosed with CMPA, Hipp HA is our recommendation.
If you have not tried a goat milk formula, we recommend you try it before offering other types of sensitive formulas.
Lastly, if your baby has been diagnosed with CMPA (Cow’s milk protein allergy), Similac Alimentum is your best option.
Best Overall: Hipp HA
Best generalist hypoallergenic formula currently
Best Goat Formula: Nannycare
Best goat milk formula available
Best for CMPA: Similac Alimentum
Best for babies with severe allergies
Choosing the Right Formula for Your Baby
If your baby has digestive problems with conventional formulas, there are two possible reasons: lactose or milk protein.
Related read: Formulas With Low Lactose Content
If you are not sure which ingredient is causing problems, we recommend following the steps below:
- Try a formula with reduced lactose, partially hydrolyzed protein, and prebiotics, such as Hipp Comfort.
- If after several days it doesn’t work, you can try an extensively hydrolyzed formula, such as Hipp HA.
- If none of these work, you will need a formula explicitly designed for babies with severe allergies and intolerances, which in this case are Similac Alimentum and Enfamil Nutramigen, although these are very, very rare cases.
We also recommend avoiding the following ingredients if possible:
- Corn syrup solids
- Table sugar
- Soy oil
- Non-organic palm oil
How We Chose the Formulas in This Article | Our Criteria
These are the aspects we have taken into account to create this list in order of priority:
- Partially or extensively hydrolyzed milk
- Use of prebiotics (GOS if possible).
- Organic ingredients
- Avoid soy oil if possible
- Avoid corn syrup solids
Learn more by reading the following articles on infant formulas:
What are the Best Formulas Without Milk Protein?
1. Hipp HA PRE
$40 per 600g
HiPP HA’s formula is meticulously crafted to cater to babies with milk protein allergies, focusing heavily on hydrolyzed whey proteins enriched with prebiotics and probiotics, for gentle digestion.
Why we chose it.
We selected HiPP HA for its advanced approach in reducing allergenicity through the use of extensively hydrolyzed milk proteins. This process breaks down complex proteins into simpler, less allergenic forms, making it easier for your baby’s digestive system to handle without triggering allergic reactions.
Along with this, the inclusion of vital ingredients like galactooligosaccharides (GOS) from lactose acts as prebiotics, nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy intestinal environment.
The addition of natural lactic acid cultures (similar to those found in breastmilk) further aids in establishing a robust immune system.
HiPP HA stands out by using organic palm oil from sustainable sources alongside other vegetable oils, ensuring that while catering to sensitive diets, it also respects environmental concerns.
With its blend of essential fatty acids from fish oil and M. alpina oil, HiPP HA supports overall brain and eye development while maintaining the integrity of a baby’s delicately evolving digestive system.
Pros
- Extensively hydrolyzed whey protein reduces risk of allergies.
- Contains probiotics extracted from breast milk.
- Utilizes GOS prebiotics for gut health.
- Sustainable and organic ingredients where possible.
- Free from soy oil and corn syrup solids.
Cons
- Contains palm oil, which may raise sustainability concerns despite certification. However, it’s organic, which eliminates sustainability concerns.
- Not suitable for babies with severe milk protein allergies due to lactose content.
2. Hipp Comfort
$40 per 600g
Designed for easing digestive troubles, HiPP Comfort offers a gentle formula with hydrolyzed proteins and reduced lactose, bolstered by both prebiotics and probiotics to mimic breastfeeding benefits closely.
Why we chose it.
HiPP Comfort is specially designed for babies who struggle with colic and constipation. It’s an excellent choice for managing digestion from birth.
What makes this formula unique is its hydrolyzed whey protein, which is gentler on little tummies than regular milk proteins and reduces the risk of allergies. It’s ideal for babies who have trouble with cow’s milk protein.
Also, it has less lactose, which eases digestion and helps your baby feel more comfortable.
HiPP Comfort includes natural lactic acid cultures, like those found in breast milk, to support your baby’s gut health. It’s made with a mix of organic oils – palm oil**, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil – to provide necessary fats without using soy oil.
Plus, it contains galactooligosaccharides from lactose, which act as a prebiotic to promote healthy gut bacteria growth.
Pros
- Hydrolyzed protein aids digestibility and reduces allergenic potential.
- Reduced lactose helps mitigate gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas and bloating.
- Contains breastmilk-derived probiotics supporting gut health.
- Utilizes prebiotics for further digestive aid.
- Excludes soy oil and corn syrup solids aligning with healthier dietary considerations.
Cons
- Uses palm oil**, albeit sustainably sourced, which might concern environmentally conscious consumers.
- Not suitable for severe allergies
3. Bobbie Gentle
$28 per 400g
Bobbie Gentle stands out with its organic, partially hydrolyzed protein formula, combining premium organic oils, including coconut oil, ensuring a nutritious and easy-to-digest option for sensitive tummies.
Why we chose it.
Bobbie Gentle is a great choice for baby formula in the US. It’s made with organic ingredients that are good for babies, especially those who might have food sensitivities.
The formula uses organic lactose and a special type of protein that’s easy for babies to digest. This helps make sure your baby gets all the important nutrients they need to grow.
One special ingredient in Bobbie Gentle is coconut oil. It’s a the best oil, rich in saturated fats essential for brain development.
Bobbie Gentle doesn’t have corn syrup or soy oil, which are common things that can bother some babies. This makes the formula more natural and gentle for your baby’s tummy.
A big plus of this formula is that it uses non-GMO ingredients. This means there are no genetically modified organisms and it’s certified to be free from pesticides and harmful stuff. It shows that Bobbie Gentle really cares about keeping babies healthy.
The formula also includes DHA, which comes from sources that are safe for the environment. DHA is important for your baby’s brain and eye development, and using sustainable sources is good for the planet too.
Pros
- Organic ingredients ensure a high purity level.
- Contains coconut oil for optimal nutrition.
- Formulated without corn syrup solids or soy oil.
- Certified by the Clean Label Project for safety and purity.
- Partially hydrolyzed proteins enhance digestibility.
Cons
- Partial hydrolysis is not sufficient for babies with severe allergies
- No prebiotics or probiotics
4. Nannycare
$66 per 900g
Nannycare offers a novel approach to infant nutrition with its goat milk-based formula, enriched with essential fatty acids and nutrients, to enhance digestion and sleep patterns.
Why we chose it.
Nannycare is a great choice for baby formula because it uses goat milk instead of cow’s milk. This is good for babies who might not do well with cow’s milk. Goat milk is easier for babies to digest than cow’s milk, even though they are quite similar.
Additionally, it uses whole milk instead of skimmed milk, which is a big plus since milk fats are highly bioavailable, more than the ones in vegetable oils.
This formula also has a mix of vegetable oils, which are good fats for babies. It doesn’t use soy oil, which matches what we’re looking for in healthy fats for babies.
What’s special about Nannycare is that it has a lot of a natural nutrient called tryptophan. This is important because it helps babies make melatonin, which can help them sleep better.
It also includes DHA from fish oil, which is important for brain development and overall health.
Nannycare doesn’t just help with digestion. It also focuses on the total health of babies, including how well they sleep and how their brains grow.
Pros
- Goat milk base offers a more digestible protein alternative.
- Free from soy oil and corn syrup solids.
- High levels of tryptophan may improve sleep patterns.
- Contains essential fatty acids from non-soy vegetable oils.
- Focuses on holistic baby health including digestion and cognitive development.
Cons
- Goat milk proteins may still trigger allergies in some infants sensitive to dairy.
- May have a higher price point due to its unique composition and sourcing.
Alternatives: Kendamil, Holle and Hipp Goat, Jovie, Kabrita.
5. Similac Alimentum
$36.49 per 343g
Similac Alimentum pioneers hypoallergenic feeding with its quick symptom alleviation formula, featuring hydrolyzed casein and 2’-FL HMO to support immune health for protein-sensitive babies.
Why we chose it.
Similac Alimentum is a special baby formula designed for little ones who can’t handle cow’s milk protein.
It’s made with very finely broken down proteins and a special prebiotic ingredient called 2’-FL HMO, which is also found in breast milk and helps support the immune system.
This formula is great for quickly easing colic symptoms, which are often caused by a sensitivity to protein, usually within 24 hours. This means babies feel better fast, and parents can relax.
The formula includes ingredients like high oleic safflower oil and MCTs, which are types of fats that babies can easily digest. This makes Similac Alimentum a good choice for babies with sensitive tummies.
It does have corn maltodextrin, which is a better alternative to lactose than corn syrup solids.
Pros
- Quick relief from colic symptoms related to protein sensitivity.
- Contains 2’-FL HMO for immune system support.
- Ultra-hydrolyzed for improved digestibility.
- Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals.
- Free from artificial growth hormones.
Cons
- Contains soy oil, which is the worst vegetable oil in terms of nutrition.
- Higher price point due to specialized formulation.
- Includes simple sugars
6. Enfamil Nutramigen
$37.99 per 357g
Enfamil Nutramigen is a clinically proven hypoallergenic formula designed to manage cow’s milk allergy with ease, offering fast relief from allergy symptoms alongside comprehensive nutritional benefits.
Why we chose it.
Enfamil Nutramigen is a special baby formula designed to help babies who are allergic to cow’s milk. It uses a special kind of protein that’s broken down into tiny pieces, making it easier for babies to digest and less likely to cause an allergic reaction.
This formula also has good bacteria, known as LGG probiotics, which help in building a healthy stomach for the baby. This can lower the chance of allergies in the future and help with digestion.
Nutramigen includes healthy fats from coconut and sunflower oils, which are important for a baby’s brain growth and better than some other types of fat like soy oil.
One thing to note is that it uses corn syrup solids as its main sugar source. This choice is made to focus on reducing allergic reactions and helping the baby’s immune system. So, for babies who have trouble with regular baby formulas due to allergies, Nutramigen can be a really helpful option.
Pros
- Extensively hydrolyzed proteins reduce allergen exposure.
- Contains LGG probiotics for immune and digestive health.
- Provides essential fatty acids without relying on soy oil.
- Designed to offer quick relief from allergy-induced discomfort.
- Supports brain development with DHA.
Cons
- High content of corn syrup solids may not be preferable for all diets.
- Due to its specialized formulation, it comes at a higher cost.
7. Enfamil ProSobee
$23.99 per 366g
Enfamil ProSobee is a soy-based formula designed to offer lactose-intolerant and dairy-sensitive babies complete nutrition, aligning with special dietary needs like vegetarian or Kosher diets.
Why we chose it.
It’s important to know that Soy formulas are not recommended for babies younger than 6 months unless a healthcare provider gives you the OK.
We chose Enfamil ProSobee for our list because it’s a great choice for babies who can’t have dairy. It’s made from soy, not milk, so it’s safe for little ones with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.
Enfamil made this formula to help families who need to avoid certain foods while making sure babies still get all the important nutrients they need. It’s made from plant-based ingredients, which is great for families following a vegetarian diet.
Plus, it has DHA, just like milk-based formulas, to support brain development.
While it mainly uses corn syrup for energy, ProSobee’s soy-based recipe offers vital nutrition without going against any dietary rules.
Pros
- Soy protein isolate caters to lactose intolerance and cow’s milk allergies.
- Suitable for vegetarian and Kosher diets.
- Complete nutrition profile including DHA for brain health.
- A viable option for families seeking non-dairy formulas.
- Helps manage fussiness and gas related to lactose sensitivity.
Cons
- High percentage of corn syrup solids.
- Soy protein may not be suitable for all babies with sensitivities or allergies.
Last Words
We hope this article has helped you narrow down the number of cow’s milk protein-free formulas available on the market.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to comment or write to us directly at [email protected] and we will be happy to help you.
Happy feeding!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
What i do not understood is in truth how you are not actually a lot more smartlyliked than you may be now You are very intelligent You realize therefore significantly in the case of this topic produced me individually imagine it from numerous numerous angles Its like men and women dont seem to be fascinated until it is one thing to do with Woman gaga Your own stuffs nice All the time care for it up
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today yet I never found any interesting article like yours It is pretty worth enough for me In my opinion if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did the web will be much more useful than ever before