Bebe Mandorle vegan formula is produced by La Mandorle, a French company that has created vegan products since 1989. Their BebeM formula line is a vegan baby formula that is completely free of milk, soy, gluten, and palm oil. All BebeM formulas are certified organic by the European Union and are free of GMOs, artificial preservatives, refined sugars, pesticides, and hormones.
BebeM Stage 2 formula is designed for babies 6 months to 10 months old and is intended to be a part of a mixed diet once your child begins eating solid foods. The 100% plant-based, certified vegan formula contains no animal products or animal by-products and is intended for vegetarian or vegan babies, babies with lactose intolerance, and for those with a milk protein allergy. The product is made with hydrolyzed rice protein which ensures the proteins are digestible and absorbable.
According to current research, baby formulas made with hydrolyzed rice protein appear to be a safe and healthy alternative to traditional milk-based formulas. Additionally, studies show that these vegan formulas offer a nice alternative for babies with a milk protein allergy that can’t tolerate or dislike traditional extensively hydrolyzed (hypoallergenic) cow’s milk formulas.
Hydrolyzed rice formulas are only typically recommended as an alternative for babies with a dietary restriction such as lactose intolerance or a milk protein allergy. It is best to speak to your pediatrician to see if a vegan, hydrolyzed rice formula like Bebe Mandorle is the best choice for your baby.
Here are the pros and cons of BebeM Stage 2 Formula:
The ingredients in BebeM Stage 2 formula are designed to meet the nutritional needs of babies ages 6-10 months and are as follows:
Corn* maltodextrins (origin EU), vegetable oils* (coconut* extract, sweet almond*, rapeseed*), hydrolysed rice* proteins (16.5%), 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
BebeM Stage 2 formula is derived from corn maltodextrin as the primary carbohydrate source. Maltodextrin is a common food additive that can thicken the formula and provide a smooth and creamy texture. However, maltodextrin has a high glycemic index meaning it is rapidly absorbed by the body and can quickly increase blood sugar. This rapid absorption may cause GI symptoms like gas, bloating, and fussiness in some babies.
All of BebeM’s formulas are free from palm oil and instead, use a blend of organic vegetable oils including coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and rapeseed oil. The blend of oils in BebeM Stage 2 helps your baby absorb fat-soluble vitamins and provides necessary fatty acids to support brain development. Additionally, the formula provides DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) in the form of plant algae. DHA is an important nutrient that has been linked to improved vision and brain development in babies.
The protein in BebeM Stage 2 is derived from hydrolyzed rice. Hydrolyzed rice proteins are made through an enzymatic process that breaks the rice proteins into smaller, more digestible pieces. Since the product is free from common allergens like milk proteins, soy, and fish, it makes a nice alternative for babies that can’t tolerate traditional extensively hydrolyzed (hypoallergenic) cow’s milk formulas.
BebeM Stage 2 is complete baby formula, meaning it provides 100% of the nutritional requirements according to the European Union for babies who are 6 to 10 months old. The formula provides many of the essential vitamins and minerals that are required by the FDA for baby formulas.
While BebeM Stage 2 formula meets the European guidelines for iron in baby formula, it does fall short of the current FDA requirements. The FDA requires that baby formula should have at least 1 mg of iron for every 100 calories. Additionally, they require that infant formulas containing less than 1 mg of iron per 100 calories have a statement on the label indicating that additional iron may be necessary.
BebeM Stage 2 has 0.68 mg per 100 mL which meets the European guidelines requiring just 0.2 mg of iron per serving. It’s important to note that most babies are born with an iron supply that will last until approximately 4 to 6 months of age. Since their Stage 2 formula is intended for babies 6 to 10 months old, it is best to speak with your child’s pediatrician to see if this formula will provide an adequate amount of iron to meet your child’s specific needs.
BebeM Stage 2 formula contains 14.57mg of DHA per 100 mL in the form of plant algae. DHA is an important nutrient that has been linked to improved brain and cognitive development in babies.
BebeM stage 2 formula can be used for babies that are vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, or for those with a milk protein allergy.
The formula is made with maltodextrin which is a common food additive. While maltodextrin isn’t necessarily harmful, it has a high glycemic index and is rapidly digested. Research has shown that the rapid absorption and digestion of this carbohydrate has been shown to cause GI symptoms like bloating, gassiness, and fussiness for some babies.
Hydrolyzed rice formulas like BebeM Stage 2 are usually only recommended as an alternative for babies with a severe dietary restriction such as for those with a milk protein allergy. It is best to speak to your pediatrician to see if a vegan, hydrolyzed rice formula like BebeM will meet your child’s nutritional needs.
Here is how BebeM Stage 2 compares to other vegan baby formulas:
Made in Australia, Sprout Organic’s Infant Formula is an organic, plant-based formula made from pea and rice protein. Much like BebeM Stage 2, Sprout Organic’s Infant Formula is organic and free from preservatives and additives including refined sugars like corn syrup, corn syrup solids, and brown rice syrup.
The main difference between the two formulas is Sprout Organic’s inclusion of pea protein. While pea protein is a nice source of plant-based protein, it doesn’t typically contain all of the essential amino acids an infant needs. Therefore, pea protein has not yet been approved for use in infant formulas in the United States.
Earth’s Best Organic Soy Formula is another non-dairy option for babies with intolerances. It’s important to note that while some babies with a milk protein allergy can tolerate soy-based formulas, many cannot.
While not organic, Earth’s Best products are made in the US and are free of GMOs. However, unlike BebeM, the formula contains refined sugar in the form of corn syrup. Additionally, they use palm oil which can interfere with nutrient absorption including the absorption of fat, DHA (omega-3 fatty acids), and calcium.
Baby’s Only Plant Based Pea Protein Toddler Formula is a vegan formula intended for toddlers 1-year and older. The product is organic and free from dairy, soy, and gluten and is a nice option for toddlers with food intolerances or allergies.
Unlike BebeM’s formulas that don’t contain any refined carbohydrates, Baby’s Only Plant Based Pea Protein Formula contains brown rice syrup. Additionally, it’s important to note that pea protein has not yet been approved for use in infant formulas in the United States.
BebeM is one of the first non-soy-based vegan baby formulas to hit the market. The company was founded in France and all of the formulas under BebeM are certified organic by the European Union and are free of GMOs, artificial preservatives, refined sugars, pesticides, and hormones. The product is made from organic hydrolyzed rice protein which is suitable for babies that are lactose intolerant or for those with a milk protein allergy.
BebeM Stage 2 formula is designed for babies aged 6 to 10 months old and is enriched with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids that adhere to the current nutritional requirements according to the European Union.
Hydrolyzed rice formulas like BebeM Stage 2 are generally only recommended as an alternative for babies with dietary restrictions like a milk protein allergy or those with lactose intolerance. When choosing a formula for your baby, it is best to speak to your pediatrician to see if a vegan, hydrolyzed rice formula like BebeM is the best choice for your baby and will meet their specific nutritional needs.
BebeM stage 2 formula is intended for babies that are between 6 and 10 months old. You should switch to BebeM stage 2 once your baby reaches 6 months so they can get the right amount of nutrients to support their growth during this stage of development.
BebeM baby formulas are made in France and the FDA only regulates products manufactured in the United States. However, BebeM formulas are made in Europe and are required to meet the European Commission’s standards for food products, which may be even stricter than FDA standards.
Considering BebeM formulas are plant-based and manufactured without the use of preservatives, it is normal for their formulas to have a different color, texture, and taste.
Ensure you sterilize your bottle, nipple, and ring before preparing the formula. Then, boil the water and cool it to around 122 F. Fill 2/3 of the bottle with the boiled water and add the correct amount of powdered formula to the water (see feeding guide). Shake well until the powder is fully dissolved and cool the bottle under cold running water until it is lukewarm.
| Age | Water (ml) | Scoops | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-8 months | 210 | 7 | 3 |
| 8-12 months | 240 | 8 | 2 |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml prepared at 13.5%) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 272/65kJ/Kcal |
| Hydrolyzed rice protein at 16.5 | 1.80g |
| Total Protein | 2.15g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.19g |
| Sugar | 0.51g |
| Starch at 19% | 1.33g |
| Lipids | 3.17g |
| -saturated fatty acid | 1.44g |
| Omega 6 | |
| Linoleic Acid | 367mg |
| Omega 3 | |
| a-Linoleic acid | 59mg |
| LA/ALA ratio | 6.18 |
| EPA | 0.54mg |
| DHA | 14.57mg |
| Dietary fibers | 0.35g |
| Minerals | |
| Sodium | 13.14mg |
| Potassium | 89mg |
| Chloride | 65mg |
| Calcium | 52mg |
| Phosphorus | 38.36mg |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml prepared at 13.5%) |
|---|---|
| Calcium/Phosphorus ratio | 1.34 |
| Magnesium | 8.83mg |
| Iron | 0.68mg |
| Zinc | 0.79mg |
| Manganese | 63ug |
| Copper | 42ug |
| Iodine | 10ug |
| Selenium | 1.52ug |
| Fluoride | <65ug |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitmain A | 75ug |
| Vitamin D | 1.50ug |
| Vitamin E | 0.93mg |
| Vitamin K | 8.80ug |
| Vitamin C | 16mg |
| Thiamine B1 | 58ug |
| Riboflavin B2 | 88ug |
| Vitamin B6 | 54ug |
| Vitmain B12 | 0.17ug |
| Niacin | 572ug |
| Folic Acid (B9) | 14ug |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) | 341ug |
| Biotin (H) | 2.48ug |
corn* maltodextrins (origin EU), vegetable oils* (coconut* extract, sweet almond*, rapeseed*), hydrolysed rice* proteins (16.5%), 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
