Regulatory guidelines for the nutrient content of formulas and drinks designed for toddlers (1-3 years old) have not been clearly established by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). However, products must be manufactured in a facility that strictly follows current FDA good manufacturing principles and procedures. Manufacturers must accurately define the finished product with appropriate labeling to ensure that the nutrients declared on the label are met during the shelf life.
Most toddler formulas are powders that are easily mixed with water to provide a nutrient-rich formula.
While there are many nutritional options for toddler formulas and toddler milk, most include cow’s milk proteins or soy proteins. Until now, this posed a problem for children with cow milk and/or soy allergies. Hydrolyzed/elemental and hypoallergenic formulas are not very palatable.
With respect to the carbohydrate sources, most toddler formulas and toddler milk use lactose and extracts derived from corn (corn syrup solids or corn maltodextrin). Some formulas add prebiotic fibers, such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), or fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) to support gut health; however, these fibers belong to a family of carbohydrates known as fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAPs) which may contribute to gassiness in some toddlers. Else Toddler is certified as low-FODMAP and only contains naturally occurring fibers from our main ingredients.
The oil blends found in toddler formulas and toddler milk are diverse, however, the majority use soy oil (for monounsaturated fat) and sunflower oil (to optimize essential fatty acid intakes), and coconut oil (for saturated fat). Else Nutrition has developed an alternative to standard toddler milk beverages and toddler formulas. Else Toddler delivers protein from a proprietary blend of almonds and buckwheat using a clean, chemical-free process. This plant-based alternative to dairy or soy-based formulas and toddler milks is made from whole food such as almond, buckwheat, tapioca. It is also free of any dairy or soy ingredients, free of any antibiotics, hormone-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO.