Formula ingredients glossary

Updated 3 months ago

Not sure what an ingredient on your formula tin means? This glossary covers the most common ingredients found in European organic baby formula — in plain language, without jargon.

For a full side-by-side comparison of which ingredients appear in which formula, see the Formula Comparison Chart.

A

ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid)

An essential omega-3 fatty acid that the body cannot produce itself. Found in plant oils such as rapeseed oil. ALA is a precursor to DHA — the body can convert a small amount of ALA into DHA, though this conversion is inefficient. Most formula includes ALA alongside pre-formed DHA.

ARA (Arachidonic acid)

A long-chain omega-6 fatty acid found naturally in breast milk. Added to formula alongside DHA to support brain and nervous system development. The ratio of ARA to DHA in formula is important — ARA should be present at least in equal amounts to DHA. See the article What is ARA and is it safe?

B

Beta-carotene

A naturally occurring pigment found in plants that the body converts to vitamin A. Added to some formulas as a natural source of vitamin A to support eye health, immune function and skin development.

C

Calcium carbonate

A mineral supplement added to formula to support bone and tooth development. Often added in higher amounts to formulas containing palm oil, which can reduce calcium absorption.

Casein

One of the two main proteins in cow’s milk (the other is whey). Casein digests more slowly than whey and forms firmer curds in the stomach. Standard formula typically contains both whey and casein in a ratio closer to breast milk. Casein is the protein most associated with cow milk protein allergy (CMPA).

Coconut oil

A vegetable oil used as a fat source in some formulas. Contains medium-chain fatty acids that are easily absorbed. Used as an alternative to palm oil by brands that prefer to avoid palm oil — for example, Kendamil uses coconut oil as part of its fat blend.

D

DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid)

A long-chain omega-3 fatty acid found naturally in breast milk. Mandatory in all EU infant formulas since 2020. Supports brain and eye development during the critical first years of life. Sourced from fish oil in most European formulas; from algae in Kendamil. See the article What is DHA and why does it matter?

F

Ferrous lactate / Ferrous sulphate

Forms of iron added to formula to prevent iron deficiency. Iron is essential for cognitive development and the production of red blood cells. Ferrous lactate is considered the more gentle form and is less likely to cause constipation than ferrous sulphate.

Fish oil

The primary source of DHA in most European organic formulas including HiPP, Holle and Nannycare. A clean, well-established source that closely mirrors the DHA found in breast milk. Not suitable for strict vegetarians — parents who prefer a plant-based DHA source can choose Kendamil, which uses algae oil.

G

GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharides)

A prebiotic fibre derived from lactose, also found naturally in breast milk. Feeds beneficial bacteria in the gut, supports immune development and helps maintain healthy stool consistency. Found in HiPP and Kendamil formulas.

L

Lactose

The naturally occurring sugar in all mammalian milk and the primary carbohydrate in breast milk. The preferred carbohydrate source in EU infant formula — all standard EU-certified formulas must use lactose as their primary carbohydrate. Supports calcium absorption and gut health. See the article Lactose vs. corn syrup — why it matters.

L. fermentum hereditum®

The specific probiotic strain used in HiPP formula — a natural lactic acid culture originally isolated from real breast milk. Supports gut health and immunity. Found in HiPP Dutch and German formulas; not present in HiPP UK.

Locust bean gum

A natural thickener derived from carob seeds. Used in HiPP Anti-Reflux formula to give it a thicker consistency that helps reduce regurgitation in babies with reflux. Not a sweetener or filler.

M

Maltodextrin

A processed carbohydrate derived from starch — usually corn, rice or potato starch — broken down into shorter glucose chains. Tasteless, easily digestible and used in formula to balance sweetness, add creaminess and provide supplementary energy. Not the same as corn syrup. See the article Common formula ingredients explained.

O

Oligosaccharides

Short chains of sugar molecules that act as prebiotics — feeding beneficial bacteria in the gut. Found naturally in breast milk in large quantities (called HMOs, or human milk oligosaccharides) and in goat milk at higher levels than cow milk. GOS is the most common oligosaccharide added to formula.

P

Palm oil

A vegetable oil used as a fat source in formula because it is a natural source of palmitic acid — the primary saturated fat in breast milk. Some concerns exist around fat and calcium absorption. Used in HiPP and Holle cow milk formulas; not present in Kendamil, Holle goat or Nannycare. See the article Palm oil in formula.

Partially demineralised whey

Whey protein that has had some of its mineral content removed to bring it closer to the protein profile of breast milk. Used in Stage 1 formulas where a higher whey-to-casein ratio is needed to support easy digestion in young babies.

R

Rapeseed oil

A vegetable oil used as a fat source in European formula. A good source of ALA (omega-3) and oleic acid (omega-9). Widely used in EU organic formula as part of a balanced vegetable oil blend.

S

Skimmed milk

Cow’s milk from which the fat has been removed. Used as the milk base in HiPP and Holle cow milk formulas. Because skimmed milk contains no fat, vegetable oils are added back in to match the fat profile of breast milk. Contrast with whole milk, which retains its natural fat content.

Starch

A complex carbohydrate derived from natural sources such as corn or tapioca. Digests more slowly than lactose, providing sustained energy and making formula more filling. Permitted in EU formula from Stage 2 onwards as a supplementary carbohydrate. Not a sweetener. See the article Common formula ingredients explained.

Sunflower oil

A vegetable oil used as a fat source in formula. A good source of linoleic acid (omega-6) and vitamin E. Used in most European formula brands as part of a balanced vegetable oil blend.

W

Whey

One of the two main proteins in cow’s milk (alongside casein). Whey digests quickly and forms soft curds in the stomach, making it easier on a baby’s digestive system. Breast milk is predominantly whey-based. Stage 1 formulas typically have a higher whey-to-casein ratio than Stage 2 formulas to mirror breast milk more closely.

Whole milk

Milk that retains its natural fat content. Used as the milk base in Kendamil and Nannycare formulas. Because whole milk already contains fat, less vegetable oil needs to be added — which is why Kendamil and Nannycare are palm oil-free.