BebeM, formerly Bebe Mandorle, was created in 2013 and is an innovator in the vegan baby formula market. Their line of vegan baby formulas is intended for vegetarian and vegan families, as well as babies with milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance.
All of BebeM’s products are produced in France, certified European Union organic, and made without dairy, lactose, palm oil, soy, refined sugar, gluten, artificial ingredients, preservatives, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
BebeM’s Stage 3 vegan formula is designed for babies 10 to 36 months old. At this age, babies are eating more solids and weaning from the bottle and/or breast, so this formula is intended to supplement a varied diet. It can be the “next step” for babies who have been consuming BebeM Stage 2 vegan formula or be alternated with the Stage 2 formula at 10 months of age.
This formula is entirely plant-based and free from animal products. Hydrolyzed rice protein is used as the primary protein source, maltodextrin from organic corn supplies carbohydrates, and a blend of vegetable oils provides fat. This formula also contains a blend of finely powdered cereal grains for additional carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Although this product is prepared in a bottle, BebeM considers this a “protein-enriched cereal preparation.”
BebeM produces its formulas in small batches without the use of heat or chemical processing. Their cold processing helps retain nutrients and is more ecologically friendly since it uses low energy and creates no pollution.
Pros
Cons
BebeM Stage 3 vegan formula contains the following ingredients:
Corn* maltodextrins (origin EU), precooked gluten-free cereals* 25% (rice*, millets*, buckwheat*) vegetable oils* (coconut* extract, sweet almond*, rapeseed*, sunflower), hydrolysed rice* proteins (11.5%), marine algae: Lithothamne (L. Calcareum), spirulina*(Spirulina),acerola* powder (Malpighia punicifolia), lactic ferments: Bifidobacterium Lactis, essential amino acids: L-Lysine, L-Threonine, L- Isoleucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Tryptophan, L- Leucine, L-Tyrosine, vitamins: A, B1, D3
*from organic farming
One of the standout features of BebeM Stage 3 vegan formula is the inclusion of cereal grains. This product contains a blend of organic rice, millet, and buckwheat, which are good sources of B vitamins and minerals, including iron.
BebeM Stage 3 supplies carbohydrates from cereal grains and maltodextrin, which is sourced from non-GMO corn grown in Europe. Maltodextrin is a common additive in baby formulas. While it’s considered safe, maltodextrin can cause digestive upset in some babies due to being quickly broken down and absorbed in the digestive tract.
Fats are supplied by a blend of cold-pressed vegetable oils, which includes coconut, sweet almond, rapeseed, and sunflower oils.
Hydrolyzed rice protein is the primary source of protein. Hydrolyzed simply means the rice protein has been broken down into smaller pieces that are easier to digest. BebeM Stage 3 also contains added essential amino acids to supply a complete source of protein. According to research, hydrolyzed rice protein is a good protein alternative to milk when it is combined with other essential amino acids.
The Stage 3 formula has a much shorter list of added vitamins and minerals compared to BebeM’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 formulas. Instead, they add natural ingredients like algae, spirulina, and acerola to supply certain nutrients, including DHA, vitamin C, and minerals. It’s also fortified with additional vitamins A, B1, D3, as well as probiotics to support digestive health.
This formula is free of common food allergens, which makes it a good option for babies who can not consume traditional milk or soy based formulas.
BebeM Stage 3 vegan is designed to be prepared and served as a cereal or porridge to babies 10 months old up to 3 years old. Babies 10 months and up should be transitioning to more solid foods in their diet, although they may continue to supplement with formula and/or breast milk.
Although BebeM Stage 3 supplies carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, it is not considered a complete formula but can still be a healthy addition to an older baby’s varied diet.
BebeM Stage 3 vegan formula contains many of the vitamins and minerals that the FDA requires to be present in American-made baby formulas. However, the amount of some vitamins and minerals in this product is less than the FDA requires and less than what is found in BebeM’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 formulas. This is because babies 10 months and older should be sourcing nutrients from a variety of solid foods and this formula is not meant to be the only food fed to babies this age.
This formula does not supply enough vitamin K, chloride, manganese, or selenium to include on the nutrition panel. However, it exceeds the FDA’s requirement of 1 mg per 100 calories for iron. There are 0.94 milligrams of iron in 100 mL, or 65 calories, of this formula.
This formula is also a good source of protein for babies and exceeds the FDA requirement of 1.8 grams of protein per 100 calories with 1.94 grams of protein per 100 mL/65 calories. It also contains 105 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per 100 mL, which are important for brain development.
This product should not be used in babies younger than 10 months old. Since it contains cereal grains, it’s not appropriate for younger babies who have not started transitioning to solids. It also does not contain nutrients in the amounts needed by younger babies whose sole source of nutrition is formula and/or breast milk.
That being said, BebeM Stage 3 can be a nutritious addition to the diet of older babies, 10 months and up, who are transitioning from bottle and/or breast to eating primarily solids.
Most healthy babies should have no problem with BebeM Stage 3. However, the presence of maltodextrin could result in digestive discomfort, like gas or bloating, in some babies.
The main difference between BebeM’s Stage 3 formula and other vegan formulas comes down to ingredients. BebeM Stage 3 contains cereal grains, which are not found in most vegan formulas.
BebeM Stage 3 Vegan vs Premibio Premiriz Stage 3 Vegan Formula
Both formulas are 100% plant-based, certified EU organic, and made in France. While babies can start on BebeM’s Stage 3 vegan formula at 10 months old, Premiriz Stage 3 vegan formula is designed for babies 12 months up to 36 months old.
Both formulas are free from gluten, lactose, palm oil, sugar, corn syrup, and soy. Both products supply carbohydrates from maltodextrin sourced from corn, fat from a blend of vegetable oils, and protein from hydrolyzed rice. Both formulas also contain DHA sourced from algae oil.
The iron content is similar, with 0.94 milligrams per 100 mL in BebeM and 0.97 milligrams per 100 mL in Premiriz. There are significant differences between these formulas in the amounts of other vitamins and minerals.
BebeM contains higher amounts of some B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium. Premiriz contains higher amounts of other B vitamins, vitamin E, and zinc. Premiriz supplies vitamin K and the minerals chloride, manganese, and selenium but these are not listed on BebeM’s nutrition label. Premiriz does not contain probiotics.
BebeM Stage 3 Vegan vs Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula
Like BebeM, Enfamil’s Simply Plant-Based formula is designed to be gentler on digestion for babies who are sensitive to dairy milk and can be used by vegetarian or vegan families. Enfamil is available as a powder, ready-to-feed liquid, or concentrate and all three products are intended for babies 0 to 12 months old.
Enfamil Simply Plant-Based is free of dairy and lactose but contains soy ingredients and palm oil which are not present in BebeM. Palm oil is not considered an environmentally friendly ingredient and some research has linked its use to malabsorption of fat and calcium. Enfamil sources carbohydrates from corn syrup solids, which is a type of added sugar, protein from soy protein isolate, and fat from a blend of vegetable oils.
Enfamil contains higher amounts of some vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and iron, but it lacks probiotics, organic certification, and does not specify whether the ingredients are non-GMO.
BebeM Stage 3 Vegan vs Nature’s One Baby’s Only Organic Plant-Based Pea Protein Formula
Baby’s Only Plant-Based formula is intended for toddlers aged 1 year and older. Like BebeM, Baby’s Only is certified organic, free from dairy, soy, and gluten, and made without corn syrup, palm oil, and GMOs.
Both formulas contain a blend of vegetable oils. Baby’s Only sources carbohydrates from organic brown rice syrup instead of maltodextrin and protein from pea protein concentrate instead of rice. Brown rice syrup is a type of refined sugar and increases the amount of added sugar in this formula to 5 grams per serving versus less than 1 gram in BebeM Stage 3.
Baby’s Only meets the FDA’s requirements for vitamins and minerals in formula. Although it contains more added vitamins and minerals than BebeM, it lacks omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics.
BebeM Stage 3 Vegan is a formula for babies 10 months and older. It’s a good option for babies who have consumed BebeM’s Stage 1 and Stage 2 vegan formula and are ready to begin weaning from bottle feeds around their first birthday.
A plant-based formula like BebeM may be an ideal choice for babies with lactose intolerance, diagnosed food allergies to milk or soy, and/or families who choose a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. Your family doctor is an excellent resource for helping you choose the right formula to meet your baby’s nutrition needs.
Yes, this formula is safe as long as the product is used as directed and only offered to babies once they are 10 months or older. BebeM Stage 3 formula is organic, non-GMO, and free from refined sugars. It also does not contain any common food allergens, so it’s likely safe for babies who can not tolerate milk or soy based formula. You should speak with your child’s pediatrician before starting a new formula to ensure it’s appropriate for your baby’s needs.
BebeM Stage 3 Vegan formula supplies 1.94 grams of protein per 65 calories or 100 mL of formula. The FDA requires a minimum of 1.8 grams of protein per 100 calories of formula. The amount of protein in the BebeM Stage 3 vegan formula exceeds this standard.
BebeM Stage 3 vegan formula supplies 0.94 milligrams of iron per 65 calories or 100 mL of formula. The FDA requirement for iron in baby formulas is 1 milligram per 100 calories of formula. Thus, the iron in BebeM Stage 3 vegan formula is more than this standard.
BebeM Stage 2 is for babies 6 to 10 months old, while BebeM Stage 3 is for babies 10 months old up to 3 years old. Stage 2 is designed to provide complete nutrition. Stage 3 is not a complete source of nutrition, but a healthy addition to other nutritious solid foods as babies begin to wean from bottle and/or breast.
Both formulas contain maltodextrin, hydrolyzed rice protein, and a blend of vegetable oils. BebeM Stage 3 also contains cereal grains and probiotics. BebeM Stage 2 contains more added vitamins and minerals.
The recommended feeding guide applies to babies 10 months and older. Boil clean water and let it cool to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 40 degrees Celsius. Place eight level scoops of formula into a sterilized baby bottle. Then, add the warm water, close the bottle, and shake until the powder is dissolved. Check the temperature of the prepared formula on the inside of your wrist before giving it to your baby.
| Age | Water (ml) | Scoops | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10+ months | 240 | 8 | 2 |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml prepared at 14%) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 272/65kJ/Kcal |
| Hydrolyzed rice protein at 16.5 | 1.80g |
| Total Protein | 1.94g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.75g |
| Sugar | 0.35g |
| Lipids | 3.17g |
| -saturated fatty acid | 0.84g |
| Omega 6 | |
| Linoleic Acid | 525mg |
| Omega 3 | |
| a-Linoleic acid | 105mg |
| LA/ALA ratio | 5 |
| Dietary fibers | 0.2g |
| Minerals | |
| Sodium | 20.17mg |
| Potassium | 22.15mg |
| Calcium | 106mg |
| Phosphorus | 8mg |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml prepared at 14%) |
|---|---|
| Magnesium | 14.50mg |
| Iron | 0.94mg |
| Zinc | 0.16mg |
| Copper | 0.012mg |
| Iode | 0.01ug |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitmain A | 72ug |
| Vitamin D | 1.39ug |
| Vitamin E | 0.48mg |
| Vitamin C | 12.25mg |
| Thiamine B1 | 0.29mg |
| Riboflavin B2 | 0.01mg |
| Vitamin B6 | .02mg |
| Vitmain B12 | 0.18ug |
| Niacin | 0.09mg |
| Folic Acid (B9) | .15ug |
| Pantothenic Acid (B5) | 0.03mg |
| Biotin (H) | 0.04ug |
corn* maltodextrins (origin EU), precooked gluten-free cereals* 25%(rice*,millets*,buckwheat*) vegetable oils* (coconut* extract, sweet almond*, rapeseed*, sunflower), hydrolysed rice* proteins (11.5%), marine algae: Lithothamne (L. Calcareum), spirulina*(Spirulina),acerola* powder (Malpighia punicfolia), lactic ferments: Bifidobacterium Lactis, essential amino acids: L-Lysine, L-Threonine, L- Isoleucine, L-Isoleucine, L-Histidine, L-Tryptophan, L- Leucine, L-Tyrosine, vitamins: A, B1, D3
*from organic farming
