BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – A new workshop report on Plant-Based Proteins for Infant Formula is published in Frontiers in Nutrition. The proceedings summarize the outcomes of a multidisciplinary expert workshop hosted by ILSI Europe in November 2024, bringing together leading scientists, clinicians, and food technologists to explore the potential of plant-based proteins as sustainable, safe, and nutritionally adequate alternatives in infant formula.
The workshop, coordinated by the Early Nutrition and Long-Term Health Task Force of ILSI Europe, evaluated both established and emerging plant-based protein sources in the context of infant nutrition. While soy and hydrolyzed rice proteins are currently the only plant-based proteins approved for use in infant formula within the EU, new sources such as pea, lentil, and faba bean show significant promise but require further validation of their amino acid profiles, digestibility, and safety for infants.
Key Findings and Research Priorities
The expert group emphasized that a successful transition toward plant-based infant formulas depends on a strong scientific foundation and well-designed safety assessments. The workshop identified four main research priorities to advance the field:
- Prioritize promising candidates such as pea, lentil, and faba bean, supported by robust in vivo nutritional studies.
- Refine sustainable and safe processing methods to maintain protein integrity and remove antinutritional factors.
- Enhance in vitro digestion and allergenicity models to improve prediction of infant tolerance.
- Encourage more clinical trials to confirm growth, tolerance, and safety equivalence with current cow’s milk-based formulas.
A Balanced Approach to Sustainability and Nutrition
While plant-based proteins are often promoted for their environmental advantages, the publication highlights that sustainability must also encompass nutritional adequacy and safety. Life cycle analyses that integrate both environmental and nutritional dimensions (n-LCA) are essential to provide a realistic assessment of sustainability in infant nutrition.
“This publication provides a balanced perspective of the potential benefits that plant-based protein could have for infant nutrition, on the one hand, but also the hurdles that must be overcome” said Dr. Kasper Hettinga from Wageningen University & Research, lead author and Chair of the expert group. “It also calls for alignment in future research, as a sharp focus on a limited number of plant proteins with high potential for use in infant nutrition can accelerate the development of the required knowledge required to overcome the hurdles.”
Implications for Innovation in Infant Nutrition
The report underscores that growing consumer demand for plant-based and sustainable food options is influencing early-life nutrition. However, developing plant-based infant formulas that meet stringent nutritional and regulatory standards remains a complex scientific challenge.
About the Study
This publication represents the collective expertise of 21 international experts from academia, clinical practice, and industry. It synthesizes the latest evidence on plant-based proteins in infant nutrition and provides clear, science-based recommendations for future research, regulatory consideration, and product innovation.
The full paper will be available in Frontiers in Nutrition (DOI to be added upon online publication).
About ILSI Europe
ILSI Europe is the European branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), a global, non-profit federation with 10 entities worldwide. Its mission is to develop, communicate, and disseminate science-based guidance to address challenges in food, public health, and sustainability. ILSI Europe facilitates collaboration and consensus-building between experts from academia, industry, and public authorities.
Contact Information
For questions about the publication, the Task Force, or ILSI Europe, please contact:
Ching-Yu Chang
Scientific Project Manager, ILSI Europe
publications@ilsieurope.be | +32 (0)491 28 03 22
Access to full article here: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2025.1677243