infant nutrition

Coconut-based infant formula

© Coco2
Products & Launches

Australia’s Coco2 Launches “World’s First” Coconut-Based Infant Formula

Australian company Coco2 has announced the launch of what is claimed to be the world’s first coconut-based infant formula. The formula reportedly took ten years to develop in collaboration with the University of Queensland, parents, and healthcare professionals. It is said to closely mimic the nutrition and health benefits of breast milk, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Coconut also contains naturally occurring lauric acid, an important component of human breast milk. According to Coco2, lauric acid makes milk easily digestible, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. It is also crucial for neurodevelopmental growth and can aid in the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. “Coco2 is nutritionally complete and fortified with all the key minerals and vitamins,” said pharmacist Helen Nguyen. “It …

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The Live Green Co. unveils two new functional ingredients from its precision fermentation division: GreenTAGs Human Milk Lipids for infant nutrition and GutRevyv Postbiotics for gut health.

Image courtesy of The Live Green Co.
Fermentation

The Live Green Co. Unveils Yeast-Derived Breast Milk Fat and Gut Health Postbiotic

The Live Green Co. (TLGC), a US food tech company headquartered in Boston since 2022, unveils two active functional ingredients developed with precision fermentation: GreenTAGs —  an analog of human breast milk fat known as OPO — and GutRevyv, a postbiotic for gut health. Human milk fat, mainly containing Triacylglycerols or OPO, plays a crucial role in infant development and health: It benefits nutrient absorption, supports neurodevelopment, boosts immunity, favors gut health, and promotes infant well-being. Yeast-derived, GreenTAGs is said to closely mimic the nutritional profile of this human milk fat providing essential nutrients for infants. The functional ingredient is described as a game-changing alternative to the commonly used vegetable oils in infant formulas, capable of bridging the nutritional gap between breast milk and formula feeding. CEO …

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New Zealand's premium infant nutrition company, Heaven, has launched what it claims is the world's first 100% oat-based toddler drink, Heaven Oat.

© Haven
Milk- and Dairy Alternatives

New Zealand’s Haven Launches “World’s First” 100% Oat-Based Toddler Drink

New Zealand’s premium infant nutrition company Haven has launched what it claims is the world’s first 100% oat-based toddler drink, Heaven Oat, for dairy-intolerant children and plant-based parenting. Haven Oat is said to provide the same levels of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals as the company’s other formulas made with A2 cow and goat milk proteins. Scientifically designed for toddlers aged 12+ months, Haven Oat includes a specific type of oat protein, dairy-free probiotics, and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) obtained from algae to ensure the product is allergen and lactose-free.  In addition, it contains Lutein (an organic pigment) for eye health, 16 essential vitamins, and minerals, and has been formulated for “sensitive tummies.” It does not contain palm, soy, or fish oil. Made in …

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Yali Bio team

Yali Bio team © Yali Bio
Fermentation

Yali Bio Unveils Game-Changing Human Breast Milk Fat from Yeast, Set to Transform Nutritonal Value of Infant Formula

Yali Bio, a US biotech startup developing climate-smart ingredients using yeast in precision fermentation, announces a new game-changing development for infant nutrition: a bioidentical analog of human breast milk fat known as OPO. Yali Bio says that its yeast-derived OPO will optimize and enhance the nutritional value of infant formulas, improving infant health outcomes; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 130 million newborn babies are fed infant formula at least partially. OPO, scientifically termed 1,3-dioleolyl-2-palmitate, is naturally found in high concentrations in breast milk and plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and the overall health of infants. However, according to Yali Bio, a cost-effective source of OPO for infant formula has yet to be available, with most products relying on fats derived from …

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The Checkerspot team

The Checkerspot team © Checkerspot
Fermentation

Checkerspot Unveils “Breakthrough” for Baby Formula: Human Milk Fat Analog Made Using Microalgae Fermentation

California’s Checkerspot, a biotechnology firm that produces renewable oils by fermentation of microalgae, announces the development and large-scale production of fat analog that the company claims mimics the human milk fat known as OPO (Oleic-Palmitic-Oleic or sn-2 palmitate).  According to the company, this “breakthrough” achievement will revolutionize infant nutrition with essential lipids that contribute to better digestion and nutrient absorption and potentially offer long-term health benefits for infants. Making a human milk triglyceride Checkerspot has developed a technology that can accurately modify specific fatty acids in a living organism to create triglyceride structures with precise distribution at the molecular level. This capability allows for the production of OPO’s analog. The biotech has also been able to scale its fermentation platform, allowing for the production of fats at …

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PlantBaby Kiki Milk lineup

© PlantBaby
Company News

PlantBaby Celebrates 3rd Anniversary, Doubling YOY Revenue with $6M in Sales Amid Global Expansion

PlantBaby, a producer of plant-based child nutrition products, is celebrating its third anniversary with substantial revenue growth and an upcoming partnership set to expand its reach globally. Launched in 2021, the company claims it has doubled its revenue yearly, reporting an impressive $6 million in the first two years. The company’s flagship product, Kiki Milk, has been a significant contributor to its success. Since its launch in December 2021, the company has been expanding its retail presence in the US, with a recent rollout in nearly 100 Wegman’s Food Markets, along with the addition of new product offerings, and now Kiki Milk is set to make a global impact. A strategic partnership with iHerb will facilitate Kiki Milk’s availability in over 180 countries.  Alex Abelin, co-founder …

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Else Nutrition toddler

©Else Nutrition
Company News

Else Announces UK Launch, Marking Debut on Multi-Billion Dollar European Market

Else Nutrition announces the launch of its Plant-Based Complete Nutrition Toddler Drink in the UK, marking the company’s entrance into the multi-billion-dollar European market. The news follows Else’s announcement from this March regarding the commencement of commercial production operations in Europe, thus tripling its production capacity. The company has seen continued growth since its launch in 2018 and produces the best-selling plant-based baby and toddler nutrition products in multiple markets. The company has seen exponential retail success yearly with products listed at over 2,500 stores across North America. To cater to rising demand, this September Else announced it had begun commercial production at its new facility in the mid-western United States. The European Baby Food market amounts to US$17.42 billion in revenue in 2023 and …

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Else Nutrition toddler

©Else Nutrition
Company News

Else’s Plant-Based Child Nutrition Expands Into 900+ Locations at Canada’s Largest Pharmacy Retailer

ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC., a leader in plant-based child nutrition, has expanded its retail footprint in the Canadian market with Canada’s largest pharmacy — Shopper’s Drug Mart — and is now available at over 900 locations across 11 provinces and territories. The rollout is focused on Else Toddler Formula, which the company reports to be the highest-ranked seller within its portfolio. The expanded distribution follows Else’s recent listing in more than 7,000 CVS Pharmacies, the largest pharmacy chain in the US.  Additionally, this March the female-led company announced it had tripled its production capacity with the addition of a second production facility in the United States as well as the beginning of manufacturing capabilities in Europe. “We are exceptionally proud to once again grow our …

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Else Nutrition Baby Cereal

©Else Nutrition

Retail & E-Commerce

Else Nutrition’s Vegan Cereals For Babies & Toddlers Now Available in 7,000 CVS Stores

Else Nutrition recently announced that two of its products — Baby Super Cereal and Toddler Organic — are now listed in more than 7,000 CVS Pharmacies, the largest pharmacy chain in the US. Additionally, itss Toddler and Kids Shake SKUs are now avilable at 440 Loblaws stores, Canada’s largest retailer, as of last month. This expansion follows the successful launch of Toddler Organic in 1,040 retail stores in September 2022. Else’s Baby Super Cereal is the number one most popular baby cereal on Amazon, according to the company, and is also the first Clean Label Purity Award-winning cereal product for babies without heavy metals in the United States. The cereals have Clean Label certification contain no animal ingredients, no soy and no gluten. According to …

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kiki-milk-founders

©PlantBaby
Interviews

PlantBaby: “CPG Products Aren’t Going Anywhere and We Want to Challenge the Industry to Do Better”

In a sea of wellness brands, PlantBaby, a plant-based company focused on supporting children’s nutritional journey from infancy to adulthood, has carved a highly unique niche. Founded by husband and wife Alex and Lauren Abelin, PlantBaby is on a passionate mission to reinvent children’s food, beverage and supplements by sourcing sustainable, organic ingredients and supporting regenerative agriculture. Its first product, Kiki Milk, launched in 2021 as the “world’s first” organic plant-based milk designed specifically for kids, and achieved sell-out success at Thrive Market and beyond. Now, the company is looking to revolutionize macadamia milk with Mac Nut Milk – an organic, clean-label product it describes as “wildly delicious” and nutritionally superior to most competing brands.  We spoke to Co-founder Lauren Abelin about PlantBaby’s innovative portfolio …

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Else Plant-Based Formula

©Else Nutrition
Products & Launches

Else Debuts Full Infant and Child Nutrition Line at Fresh Thyme Markets

Else Nutrition (OTC: BABYF) announces it is launching its full range of Baby, Toddler and Kids Nutrition products at all 71 Fresh Thyme Market stores. The company’s plant-based nutrition products will be available in ten states, including IL, IA, WI, MN, MO, IN, MI, OH, KY and PA. Fresh Thyme will offer Else Toddler, Toddler Omega, Kids Nutritional Drink in Chocolate and Vanilla, as well as three flavors of Baby Super Cereal. “At Fresh Thyme Market, we are committed to offering our customers real food at low prices, helping people live better and healthier lives,” said Liz Zolcak, President of Fresh Thyme Market. “Else’s plant-based food is a natural fit and will help meet our shoppers wherever they are on their wellness journey. We couldn’t …

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Else Nutrition Super Cereal for Babies

©Else Nutrition

Retail & E-Commerce

Else Nutrition Launches on Amazon Canada Following 84% Growth on Amazon US

Else Nutrition began sales on Amazon Canada yesterday as part of the company’s Canadian market launch announced this June. Else reports that, in its Q2 2022 financial results, sales increased by 84% quarter-on-quarter and the number of regular subscribers on the platform doubled from 1,000 to nearly 2,000. The launch includes a range of Canadian-targeted products with bilingual packaging, including an infant formula, children’s shakes in vanilla and chocolate flavours, and Supper Cereals for babies 6 months and older in several flavours to follow. Ms. Hamutal Yitzhak, founding member and CEO of Else Nutrition, says, “We are extremely excited about our entry into the Canadian market and think Amazon.ca will cover an essential component in our growth strategy in Canada, as it did in the …

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Amara Organic Foods

©Amara Organic Foods
Studies & Numbers

Over Half of Parents Want to See Their Children Eat More Plant Proteins

A survey conducted by baby food company Gerber has found that 55% of new parents in the US want to see their children eat more plant proteins. Additionally, two-thirds of parents would like their infants to try new foods, but 55% said they found it difficult to come up with flavourful, nutritious meals. The child’s preferences, lack of knowledge about nutrition, and cost were cited as the main challenges. A huge 83% of respondents were worried that their children weren’t getting enough nutrients due to picky eating, while over half (55%) said they had a child who was reluctant to try new foods. Despite these challenges, parents said their children ate five meals per week containing plant-based proteins. 39% had given their children alt-protein products, …

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SMA Nutrition Nestlé baby food

©SMA Nutrition

Products & Launches

Nestlé Launches Plant-Based Toddler Milk Little Steps Plantygrow in UK

Nestlé-owned SMA Nutrition is bringing a new plant-based infant nutrition drink to market in the UK. The Little Steps Plantygrow Plant-Based Growing Up Drink is nutritionally designed for toddlers aged one to three.  Rolling out into Tesco and Asda, SMA claims the new drink is a versatile choice for parents looking to diversify their toddler’s diet, with no added sugars and a source of vitamins A, C, B2, B12 & Iron, as well as iodine, and Omega 3 & 6. The drink also contains Calcium and Vitamin D which are needed for normal growth and bone development in children. Nestlé in plant-based  Multinational food conglomerate Nestlé has invested heavily into plant-based across its divisions, from plant-based eggs and shrimp to a new $73 million alt …

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Else Girl with Product

©Else Nutrition
Company News

Else Nutrition Enters Canada After Conquering USA

Else Nutrition announces today it will formally launch its plant-based infant and child nutrition in the Canadian market this July following two years of “solid growth” in the US. The publicly listed company is set to distribute and sell three flavors (original, mango, banana) of its Super Cereals for Babies, two flavors (chocolate and vanilla) of its Plant-Based Shakes for Kids, and a Plant-Based Toddler Formula, throughout retail and online channels. Continued success Else has seen astonishing success since its initial launch and is widely available in mainstream retail throughout the US. Just last month, the female-led company launched its first cereal product for babies, receiving its first US Clean Label Certification, and successfully completed a second preclinical study on its Plant-Based infant formula, marking …

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BIOMILQ Co-Founders

Leila Strickland & Michelle Egger ©BIOMILQ
Cultivated, Cell-Cultured & Biotechnology

BIOMILQ Says Its Cell-Cultured Breast Milk Could Be Ready in 3-5 Years

BIOMILQ, a biotech startup producing human breast milk from cultured cells, reveals its technology is on pace to reach the market in the next three to five years. Aiming to disrupt the $52 billion infant formula industry, BIOMILQ is working to combine the nutrition of breast milk with the convenience and practicality of formula.  Based in North Carolina, BIOMILQ raised $21M in Series A funding in 2021 from backers that included Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy Ventures. To make human milk outside of the body, BIOMILQ grows mammary cells from sample breast tissue and milk provided by local donors, reports CNN Business. The cells are then cultivated in flasks and fed nutrients before incubating in bioreactors, which provide additional nourishment and growth requirements, stimulating the cells …

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founder Mamamade

©Mamamade
Company News

London’s Mamamade Reports Rapid Growth After Launching Vegan Toddler Food With 63% Increase in Sales

Plant-based infant food producer Mamamade reports this week that since launching a range of toddler food in May, its average order value has increased by 20% – from £29 to £35. On the week that the new range was launched, the London company saw an increase of 63% in sales over the previous week. The new range launched in response to community feedback regarding post-baby stage products and a continued wish to provide freshly cooked, unprocessed meals for children at the next stage of growth. Overall 175,000 Mamamade meals have been sold since launching in 2020, with this number predicted to grow to 200k by August. First launched in 2019, Mamamade reported in June last year that it had experienced a 300 percent spike in …

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Tiny Organics founders Betsy Fore & Sofia Laurell

Tiny Organics' cofounders Betsy Fore (left) and Sofia Laurell (right) ©Tiny Organics
Investments & Finance

New York: Plastic-Free Infant Food Brand Tiny Organics Raises $11M in Series A Round

Plant-based infant nutrition brand Tiny Organics, founded in 2020 in New York and delivering throughout the United States, announced yesterday a raise of $11 million Series A funding which will be used to scale the team, build brand and customer awareness, and develop new product categories and sales channels. Tiny Organics is 100% plant-based and additionally, through a strategic partnerships with the Plastic Pollution Coalition, the brand became one of the only direct-to-community food brands that is almost entirely plastic-free, aiming to be completely plastic-free in 2021. The funding was led by Springdale Ventures with additional participation by InvestEco, Silas Capital, Human Ventures, VegInvest, Babylist, Gaingels, XFactor Ventures, Natureza and Howard Morgan, joining previous investors Elizabeth Street Ventures, Rocana Ventures, Chingona Ventures, Bonin Ventures, Gary …

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Else Nutrition toddler

©Else Nutrition
Company News

Else Signs Agreement With UNFI For Distribution in Over 30,000 US Retail Locations

ELSE NUTRITION HOLDINGS INC, an innovative manufacturer of plant-based foods for infants, toddlers and children, announces that its whole plant foods have now been listed with United Natural Foods (UNFI) as a core partner for food distribution in the US. Else was the first producer of plantbased infant nutrition and is a publicly listed company.

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baby bottle and milk with clipping path

©Else Nutrition
Food & Beverage

Else Plant-Based Nutrition For Toddlers Now Available in All 350 Sprouts Farmers Market Stores

Plant-Based baby, toddler and children nutrition producer, Else Nutrition, which became a publicly listed company last Autumn, announces today that its Plant-Based Nutrition for toddlers begins national rollout in the US with around 350 Sprouts Farmers Market locations, as plant-based alternatives become increasingly mainstream.

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