BebeM stage 1 is a vegan, plant-based based formula for infants ages 0-6 months. It is designed for infants who cannot tolerate or are allergic to cow’s milk formula but do not wish to use a soy-based option. It may also be a good choice for vegan or vegetarian families that do not wish to use animal-based formula. It can be used in addition to breast feeding or as a sole source of nutrition.
Made in France, Bebe Mandorle (BebeM) stage 1 formula is a milk-free vegan formula. All of BebeM’s formulas are certified organic by the European Commission which maintains the strictest standards in the world.
All of BebeMs formulas are free of GMOs, steroids, hormones, added sugar, and antibiotics. The formula does not contain palm oil, soy, or corn syrup. The omission of palm oil and corn syrup make this formula unique when compared to other European or US formulas.
Bebe Mandorle has been making high quality baby formulas since 1989. It was one of the first companies to produce a 100% vegan formula made from rice protein, a unique protein not previously used in infant formulas.
Here are the pros and cons of Bebe Mandorle Stage 1 Formula:
Here is a list of the ingredients in BebeM Stage 1 formula:
Corn* maltodextrins (origin EU), vegetable oils* (coconut* extract, sweet almond*, rapeseed*), hydrolysed rice* proteins (15%), corn* starch, EPA/ DHA, minerals (calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium phosphate, zinc oxide, copper sulphate, iron sulphate, manganese sulphate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), vitamins (C, PP, B5, E, B2, A, B1, B6, B9, K, B8, D, B12), L-Lysine, L-Tryptophan, Choline Bitartrate, Inositol, L-Carnitine, L-Tartrate.
*From organic ingredients
Being a vegan formula, BebeM does not contain any animal-based ingredients. The protein source is hydrolyzed rice protein. Hydrolyzed means the large protein molecule is broken down into smaller pieces for easier digestion. This type of protein has been found to be a safe and nutritious alternative to milk-based formulas in infants with cow’s milk allergies or other intolerances.
The carbohydrate source in this formula is corn maltodextrin and corn starch. Maltodextrin is a quickly absorbed carbohydrate that has been found safe for use in infant formulas.
There is some concern over the rapid absorption of maltodextrin into the gut. Quick absorption cna not only can lead to a rapid rise in blood sugar, but maltodextrin may also cause digestive symptoms such as bloating, fussiness, and gas in sensitive babies. There is also some concern that it may negatively alter the gut microbiome.
Fat is an essential nutrient for healthy brain and eye development in infants. BebeM’s stage 1 formula uses a blend of vegetable oils from coconut, almond, and rapeseed. Unlike other competitor brands, it does not use palm oil. EPA and DHA, two essential omega-3 fatty acids, are sourced from algae oil, instead of fish which keeps the formula 100% vegan.
BebeM stage 1 formula does not contain any GMOs, artificial flavors, hormones, added sugar, or corn syrup, as can be found in the ingredient list of other infant formulas.
BebeM stage 1 provides 100% of the nutrient needs of infants ages 0-6 months old.
The nutrients in BebeM stage 1 meet the nutritional requirements of the European Union for baby formulas. These requirements do differ slightly from those of the US FDA.
Many European baby formulas do not meet FDA requirements for iron. BebeM Stage 1 is an exception, it provides over 1 mg of iron per 100 calories.
BebeM stage 1 formula is a safe alternative for infants with a milk intolerance or allergy. Besides a personal preference for formulas that do or do not contain maltodextrin, there are no side effects to note.
It can also be used by parents who prefer an organic, non-soy vegetarian, or vegan option for their infants. If you do choose a plant-based formula for your infant, be sure to speak about your baby’s nutrient needs to your pediatrician first.
Most plant-based infant formulas available in the United States use soy as the main plant-based protein. While soy does provide all of the essential amino acids required to support growth, most soy in the US is genetically modified (GMO). The use of rice protein is what makes BebeM’s formula unique, as US-based formulas do not yet use this type of protein.
Here is a comparison of plant-based formulas found in both the US and other countries:
Earth’s Best Organic Soy formula is made from non-GMO soy, which makes it a unique US-based formula. But even without GMOs, there is some research to support hormonal alternations caused by high intakes of soy early in life.
Unlike BebeM formulas, this particular Earth’s Best product is not 100% organic, although it does contain organic ingredients.
The first ingredient in Earth’s Best Soy formula is corn syrup, which is not used in any BebeM products. Earth’s Best also contains palm oil, another ingredient not found in any BebeM products. Both formulas are a source of DHA and EPA.
Premiriz is Prémibio’s vegan infant formula also made with hydrolyzed rice and corn maltodextrin. The ingredients in Premiriz are quite similar to BebeM’s stage 1 formula. This includes the addition of plant-based omega-3 fats like DHA and other nutrients essential for healthy development.
The main difference between these two formulas is that Premiriz contains prebiotics called fructooligosaccharides that help support digestive health. Prebiotics are not found in BebeM’s formulas and neither product contains probiotics.
Sprout Organic is an Australian brand that also makes organic plant-based infant formulas. Sprout’s product contains both pea and rice protein, instead of just rice.
Peas and rice are complementary proteins. This means that one ingredient is high in a specific amino acid, not found in high quantities in the other ingredient. When paired together they form a complete protein, providing all nine essential amino acids. Pea protein has not yet been approved for use in infant formulas in the United States.
Both products are free of corn syrup, artificial ingredients, and palm oil.
BebeM has been producing high quality organic infant formulas since 1989. Their rice-based vegan formula was one of the first to hit the markets. The product is unique due to the exclusion of not only animal products, but also palm oil, soy, and corn syrup.
BebeM’s stage 1 infant formula is a great choice for parents who would prefer a vegan formula or those looking for an alternative to cow’s milk due to allergies. When choosing a formula for your baby, it is best to speak to your pediatrician to see if a vegan, rice formula is the best choice.
The FDA only regulates products manufactured in the United States. As a French company, BebeM formulas are required to meet EU Standards for infant formula. Due to the formula shortage, the FDA is currently working with European baby formula manufacturers for full approval by the end of 2022.
BebeM is an organic, vegan formula made from rice protein. This is unique as most plant-based formulas have been made from soy. BebeM stage 1 is also free of GMOs, artificial ingredients, corn syrup, and palm oil.
All infant formulas that are commercially approved in the EU or US must meet strict nutrient requirements, therefore they are all safe for most babies. Some infants do have allergies or intolerances and a plant-based or vegan formula may be more appropriate. Additionally, some parents prefer a vegan or plant-based formula. If you don’t know which formula is best for your child, your pediatrician is the best source of personalized information.
No, BebeM formulas are free of palm oil, which is found in many other infant formulas as a source of saturated fat. Instead, BebeM stage 1 uses coconut oil as part of its vegetable oil blend.
Start by preparing and sterilizing the bottle, nipple, and ring. Boil water and allow to cool to 122 F. Fill 2/3 of the bottle with the cooled water and add the desired amount of formula per the feeding guide. Shake the bottle until fully dissolved.
| Age | Water (ml) | Scoops | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Consult your pediatrician | ||
| 2-4 weeks | 90 | 3 | 4-6 |
| 1-2 months | 120 | 4 | 6-7 |
| 2-3 months | 150 | 5 | 5-6 |
| 3-4 months | 180 | 6 | 4-5 |
| 4-6 months | 210 | 7 | 4-5 |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml prepared at 13.5%) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 272/65kJ/Kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.33g |
| Saturated fatty acids | 1.5g |
| Eico Sapentaenoic acidd (EAP) | 0.54mg |
| Doo Sahexaenoic Acid (DHA) | 14.57mg |
| a-Linoleic Acid (ALA) | 85mg |
| Linoleic Acid (LA) | 520g |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Sugar | 0.3mg |
| Starch at 22% | 1.5gg |
| Fibre | 0g |
| Protein | |
| Hydrolysed rice at 15% | 1.6g |
| Minerals | |
| Sodium | 25mg |
| Potassium | 76mg |
| Chloride | 64mg |
| Calcium | 53mg |
| Phosphorus | 38mg |
| Calcium/Phosphorus ratio | 1.4 |
| Magnesium | 5.6mg |
| Iron | 0.68mg |
| Zinc | 0.74mg |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml prepared at 13.5%) |
|---|---|
| Manganese | 44ug |
| Copper | 39.73ug |
| Iodine | 10.79ug |
| Selenium | 1.6ug |
| Fluoride | <65ug |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitmain A | 77ug |
| Vitamin D | 1.32ug |
| Vitamin E | 0.92mg |
| Vitamin K | 8ug |
| Vitamin C | 10.46mg |
| Thiamine B1 | 62.87ug |
| Riboflavin B2 | 102ug |
| Vitamin B6 | 66ug |
| Vitmain B12 | 0.17ug |
| Niacin | 701ug |
| Folic Acid (B9) | 12.91ug |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) | 393ug |
| Biotin (H) | 1.92ug |
| Other | |
| Choline | 7.08mg |
| Inositol | 4mg |
| L-Carnitine | 1.33mg |
corn* maltodextrins (origin EU), vegetable oils* (coconut* extract, sweet almond*, rapeseed*), hydrolysed rice* proteins (15%), corn* starch, EPA/ DHA, minerals (calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium phosphate, zinc oxide, copper sulphate, iron sulphate, manganese sulphate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), vitamins (C, PP, B5, E, B2, A, B1, B6, B9, K, B8, D, B12), L-Lysine, L-Tryptophan, Choline Bitartrate, Inositol, L-Carnitine, L-Tartrate.
*from organic farming
