Growth Opportunity for Soy-Free, Hypoallergenic Formula in Asia

Concerned parents across the Asia Pacific region are turning to infant formula made with cleaner ingredient sources to minimise the risk of allergies and other health issues.

- Tan Heng Hong

They are opting for minimally processed, plant-based options to avoid potential allergens and other harmful substances in infant formula.

At the moment, specialised nutrition for babies with allergies to cow’s milk comprises mainly of hydrolysed and amino acid-based formula as well as soy-based and rice-based formulas. However, according to a report by Healthy Eating Advisory Service in Australia, up to 40% of children who are allergic to cow’s milk are also allergic to soy drink. The soy free, plant-based formula can be an option for parents with toddlers with cow’s milk allergy. It can also target parents who want to give their toddlers cleaner sources of nutrients from plants.

Going 100% vegan offers consumers a way to avoid animal milk protein that might be contaminated with antibiotics, hormones or even pesticide residues. Parents do have perceptions of plant-based foods as healthier. According to Mintel research, in Germany, three in 10 parents of children under the age of 16 see plant-based milk as healthier than dairy milk vs two in 10 of all adults. Whereas, over two-thirds of parents in the UK are worried that some baby/toddler food and drink products might contain harmful substances such as arsenic, pesticides.