Corn Syrup in Baby Formula Explained

In infant formula, carbohydrates provide energy for growth and development. Breast milk contains lactose, a carbohydrate, and as a result, this is the preferred carbohydrate in most standard formulas. However, not every baby has the ability to digest lactose, and some specialty formula products are designed for this reason. Corn syrup solids provide an easily digested alternative carbohydrate that can help provide energy for your baby when lactose is not the best option.³

The FDA regulates infant formula as a food product under 21 CFR Part 106 and Part 107. Corn syrup solids are simply dried corn syrup, which is recognized as GRAS under FDA regulations when used in food at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice. In infant formula, any use must also comply with FDA infant formula requirements for safety, nutrition, labeling, and manufacturing.

The FDA also requires that infant formulas meet strict minimum and maximum nutrient standards for energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate content, regardless of which carbohydrate source is used.

While it is approved for infant formula, one study has shown slightly adverse effects with the ingredient. Infants who were fed formula made with corn syrup solids instead of lactose became more likely over time to show food fussiness and picky eating, compared with infants fed traditional lactose-based formula or breast milk. The early exposure to a sweeter carbohydrate source may shape babies’ taste preferences, making them more drawn to sweet foods and less accepting of bitter foods like some vegetables. 

If you are exploring EU organic formulas as an alternative to US conventional formulas that contain corn syrup solids, understanding what these brands use as their carbohydrate source is helpful.

HiPP formulas use organic lactose as the sole carbohydrate in their Stage 1 infant formula. HiPP is certified under EU organic regulations and holds the Bioland and Demeter certifications in some product lines, which carry additional standards beyond the baseline EU organic rules. Their follow-on formulas (Stage 2 and Stage 3) may include small amounts of organic starch, but lactose remains the predominant carbohydrate source. Learn more about HiPP formula ingredients.

Holle formulas are Demeter biodynamic certified, one of the strictest organic certifications available. Their Stage 1 formulas use organic lactose as the sole carbohydrate, and their follow-on stages use lactose combined with organic starch. No corn syrup solids are used at any stage. See the full breakdown of Holle formula ingredients.

Kendamil is a UK-based brand that continues to follow EU-derived organic standards and uses whole organic milk with organic lactose as the carbohydrate source. Kendamil's formulas also stand out for including whole milk fat. More details are available on Kendamil formula ingredients.

Parents comparing these options with US conventional formulas can find a broader overview of the best organic baby formula choices currently available.

While many formula products are made with lactose, there are situations where formula made with corn-syrup solids is medically appropriate. For example:

• Infants diagnosed with galactosemia cannot safely consume lactose-based formula because lactose breaks down into glucose and galactose, and these infants are unable to properly metabolize galactose. For these babies, soy-based or amino acid-based infant formula made with corn-syrup solids as the primary source of carbohydrate is a medically necessary alternative.³
• Infants with a documented cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) require extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formulas, and may be fed a lactose-reduced or lactose-free formula containing corn syrup solids. These specialized products often use corn syrup solids or other glucose-based carbohydrates to provide energy while reducing or avoiding lactose.⁴
  
  

In these clinical contexts, the presence of corn syrup solids in a formula is not a red flag, but part of the formula's intended nutritional design. 

US food labeling rules require ingredients to be listed in descending order by weight. If corn syrup solids appear as the first or second ingredient on a formula label, they constitute a large proportion of the formula by weight and are likely the primary carbohydrate source.

Common names to look for when checking carbohydrate sources include:

• Lactose — the preferred carbohydrate in breast milk and EU-regulated standard infant formula

• Corn syrup solids or glucose syrup solids — glucose polymers derived from corn starch; not HFCS

• Maltodextrin — similar to corn syrup solids in structure; can be derived from corn, rice, or other starches

• Sucrose — permitted in some specialized formula types but generally not permitted for standard infant formula due to its sweetness and dental concerns⁷

• Starch — used in small amounts in some follow-on formulas as a thickening agent, distinct from corn syrup solids

Corn syrup solids in baby formula are a glucose-based carbohydrate, not high-fructose corn syrup, and they are FDA permitted for use in infant formula in the United States. They serve a legitimate purpose in soy-based, hypoallergenic, and amino acid-based formulas designed for infants who cannot tolerate lactose. 

However, their presence in mainstream cow-milk standard formulas is a US-specific formulation practice, not a nutritional requirement for healthy term infants. European takes a different approach, requiring lactose to predominate in standard cow-milk infant formula. This is why EU organic brands like HiPP, Holle, and Kendamil use organic lactose as their primary carbohydrate and do not include corn syrup solids at any stage.