Introducing BebeM - A Fully Vegan Formula!

by Megan Nash

Bebe M is an organic all-in-one infant formula brand based on certified organic rice protein hydrolysate. It offers 100% plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, allergen-free, and palm oil-free infant formula. After more than 20 years of research and experience, BebeM was specifically designed in a controlled and high-quality French production site in partnership with infant diet experts and recognized childcare nutrition professionals. It has protein from organic rice protein hydrolysate, a trio of balanced natural plant-based oils giving unique balanced complex of essential fatty acids, vitamin D3, and a range of other well-conserved and enriched nutrients required by your baby.

Bebe M has come to solve the problem of food allergies in babies. According to statistics, over the past 20 years, the number of children with allergies has doubled. Food allergies and intolerances affect 8% of children worldwide and today 1 in 4 children has a food allergy. Milk and gluten allergies are primarily common in 0-3 years children.

MILK ALLERGY

A report published by AFSSA (French Health Products Safety Agency) on food allergies in January 2012 found the protein in cow's milk as the 3rd cause of children's allergies with a prevalence of 9%. In France, over 80 000 children are affected, but their number is rising sharply and under-estimated. For such babies, parents must replace the baby formula based on cow's milk, including hypoallergenic milk containing milk protein fragments, or soy isolates containing isoflavones.

GLUTEN ALLERGY

Gluten intolerance or Celiac Disease affects nearly 1% of the population in France as elsewhere in the world but remains misdiagnosed and underestimated. It is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the intestinal lining through contact with protein fragments of gluten from certain cereals. Only a gluten-free and sometimes dairy-free infant formula brings about an improvement in the condition. Rice is gluten-free and an infant formula based on rice protein hydrolysate is completely safe for gluten-allergy.

ROLE OF BeBe M FOR ALLERGIES

Previously, one of the best available alternatives is conventional, not organic partial hydrolysates of plant-based protein. Bebe M is the first organic plant-based infant range suitable for babies from birth to 3 years old, even the most sensitive ones. As milk protein and lactose are not always well tolerated by babies, Bébé M has decided to create an infant range 100% milk-free, soy-free, gluten-free and palm-oil free

3 INNOVATIVE PRINCIPLES OF BeBe M

BebeM guarantees a 100% organic and optimized formulation process that respects babies' physiology as it works on the principle of triple innovation. The 3 innovative principles implemented by BebeM are:

1:  A partial hydrolysate of 100% organic rice protein

This hydrolysate used by the BebeM range is obtained naturally using a mild enzyme process and is ideal for infant formulas. For developing 1 t of an organic rice protein hydrolysate, more than 10 t of whole grain organic rice approved for infant nutrition quality is used. Organic rice protein hydrolysate makes up about 11-17% of one box of Bebe M infant formula. It is recognized as a better alternative to milk protein than soya and has a protein profile close to that of breast milk. Partially hydrolyzed rice protein can be used in infant formula, in line with European Directive 2006/141/EC. A

After hydrolysis of rice protein, a higher bioavailability is attained than native animal or plant-based protein. Due to the natural nature of the product, rice protein hydrolysate is dark beige.

2: 100% plant-based formulations using selected ingredients that respect young children's physiology as closely as possible

This infant formula range is free from milk or dairy products, free from gluten, soy, and nuts, and free from palm oil or trans fatty acids, saccharose, flavoring, or coloring agents.  It is based on qualitative, cold-pressed virgin oils that bring in balanced essential fatty acids and offer only natural nutritional supplements.  Some specific plant-based organic ingredients selected and approved by competent authorities are also used in order to meet the nutritional requirements of the regulation in terms of micronutrients. These include vitamin D from lichen, EPA/DHA from seaweed, and some other gluten-free flours. All raw materials undergo strict organic guarantees, allergen control, and expensive tests before each production.

3: Low-temperature manufacturing process

Currently, most infant formulas are obtained by atomization or spray-drying, involving a series of technical operations which can affect the powders’ quality and properties determining their nutritional benefit.

As the production method is just as important as the composition, at Bebe M, a new microencapsulation and dehydration process operating under controlled temperatures, protecting the oils and preserving the temperature-sensitive nutrients without overdosing the additives is incorporated. It is a cold treatment process using vegetal cold extracted oils but does not use palm oil. This process also makes the powder easier to reconstitute in water when preparing bottles and also offers a low ecological impact.

3 STAGES OF Bébé M INFANT FORMULA RICE PROTEINS

The 3 stages of Bebe M infant formula are as follows:

1st Stage: BB1 Bébé M Infant formula-From birth to 6 months:

This infant formula is suitable for the specific needs of non-breastfed infants from the moment they are born. It is a dense powder of white to yellow color coming in an 800g tin with a scoop and has a signature taste. It meets the regulatory criteria in force as defined in the modified Order of 11 April 2008 and the European Directive EC 2006/141 and the EU Regulation N°609/2013. The product is free of allergens such as nuts, soy, eggs, fish, gluten, dairy, lupine, mollusks, sesame, celery, and mustard. The sulfur dioxide and sulfite content is also less than 10mg/kg.  The product is guaranteed to be non-ionized, GMO-free, and following the microbiology guidelines.

Ingredients

Corn, maltodextrins (origin EU), vegetable oils (coconut extract, sweet almond, rapeseed), hydrolyzed rice proteins (15%), corn starch, EPA/ DHA, minerals (calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium phosphate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, iron sulfate, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), vitamins (C, PP, B5, E, B2, A, B1, B6, B9, K, B8, D, B12), L-Lysine, L-Tryptophan, Choline Bitartrate, Inositol, L-Carnitine, L-Tartrate.

Preparation instructions

As the powdered formula is not sterile, failure to follow preparation instructions and storage may make your baby ill.

  • First, thoroughly wash hands and sterilize all utensils according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Using the scoop provided, add the correct number of scoops of powder according to the feeding guide.
  • Always level off each scoop with the back of a clean dry knife.
  • Boil fresh tap water.
  • Leave to cool for no longer than 30 minutes.
  • Measure the amount of required water according to the feeding guide into a sterilized bottle.
  • Do not use artificially softened or repeatedly boiled water.
  • Place the sterilized teat and cap on the bottle and shake well in circles then vertically until the powder is fully dissolved.
  • Cool bottle under cold running water until lukewarm (approx. 37° C), do not immerse the teat.
  • Test the temperature by pouring a few drops onto the inside of your wrist.
  • Feed immediately.

Guide to bottle feeding

  • For less than 1 month: 90ml water with 3 scoops of formula 6-8 times per 24h
  • For 1-2 months: 120ml water with 4 scoops of formula 6-7 times per 24h
  • For 2-3 months: 150ml water with 5 scoops of formula 5-6 times per 24h
  • For 3-4 months: 180ml water with 6 scoops of formula 4-5 times per 24h
  • For 4-6 months: 210ml water with 7 scoops of formula 4-5 times per 24h

Storage instructions

  • Protect from light and humidity.
  • Store in a cool, dry place.
  • It is preservative-free and its ex-factory shelf-life is 30 months.

2nd Stage: BB2-Bébé M – Follow-on Formula Rice Proteins-Infant Formula–From 6 months:

It is only suitable for the special feeding of infants who have reached the age of at least 6 months as part of the diversification process. For better preservation of the nutrients, the manufacturing process is an exclusively cold treatment, totally innovative in the field of instant powders. It is a dense powder of white to yellow color with a signature taste and comes in a packaging of 800g with a scoop. The product is free of allergens such as nuts, soy, eggs, fish, gluten, dairy, lupine, mollusks, sesame, celery, and mustard. The sulfur dioxide and sulfite content is also less than 10mg/kg.  The product is guaranteed to be non-ionized, GMO-free, and following the microbiology guidelines.

Ingredients

Corn, maltodextrins (origin EU); vegetable oils (coconut extract, sweet almond, rapeseed), hydrolyzed rice proteins 16,5%, corn starch, EPA/DHA, minerals (calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, potassium phosphate, potassium chloride, magnesium phosphate, zinc oxide, copper sulfate, iron sulfate, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite), vitamins (C, PP, B5, E, B2, A, B1, B6, B9, K, B8, D, B12), L-Lysine, L-Tryptophan.

Preparation instructions

  • As the powdered formula is not sterile, failure to follow preparation instructions and storage may make your baby ill.
  • First, thoroughly wash hands and sterilize all utensils according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Using the scoop provided, add the correct number of scoops of powder according to the feeding guide.
  • Always level off each scoop with the back of a clean dry knife.
  • Boil fresh tap water.
  • Leave to cool for no longer than 30 minutes.
  • Measure the amount of required water according to the feeding guide into a sterilized bottle.
  • Do not use artificially softened or repeatedly boiled water.
  • Place the sterilized teat and cap on the bottle and shake well in circles then vertically until the powder is fully dissolved.
  • Cool bottle under cold running water until lukewarm (approx. 37° C), do not immerse the teat.
  • Test the temperature by pouring a few drops onto the inside of your wrist.
  • Feed immediately.

Bottle feeding guide

  • For 6-8 months: 210ml water with 7 scoops of formula 3 times per 24h
  • For 8-12 months: 240ml water with 8 scoops of formula 2 times per 24h

Storage instructions

  • Protect from light and humidity.
  • Store in a cool, dry place.
  • It is preservative-free and the ex-factory shelf life is 30 months.

3rd Stage: Bébé M Infant formula-Cereal plus protein supplement-from 10 months to 3 years:

This cereal preparation with a protein supplement is intended to be used during the weaning period of infants and as a supplement to the diet of toddlers and/or with a view to their gradual adaptation to a normal diet. It is a dense powder with greyish-beige color and a signature taste. It comes in an 800g tin with a scoop. The product is free of allergens such as nuts, soy, eggs, fish, gluten, dairy, lupine, mollusks, sesame, celery, and mustard. The sulfur dioxide and sulfite content is also less than 10mg/kg.  The product is guaranteed to be non-ionized, GMO-free, and following the microbiology guidelines.

Ingredients

Corn, maltodextrins (origin EU), precooked gluten-free cereals 25% (rice, millet, buckwheat), vegetable oils (rapeseed, coconut extract, sweet almond, sunflower), hydrolyzed 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-Histidine, L-Tryptophan, L-Leucine, L-Tyrosine, vitamins: A, B1, D3.

Preparation instructions

  • As the powdered formula is not sterile, failure to follow preparation instructions and storage may make your baby ill.
  • Wash hands and sterilize all utensils according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Measure cooled boiled water into a clean bottle.
  • Using the scoop provided, add the correct number of leveled scoops according to the feeding guide.
  • Place the sterilized teat and cap on the bottle and shake well in circles then vertically until the powder is fully dissolved.
  • Test the temperature by pouring a few drops onto the inside of your wrist. Water must be lukewarm (approx. 37° C).
  • Feed immediately.

Storage instructions

  • Protect from light and humidity.
  • Store in a cool, dry place.
  • It is preservative-free and the ex-factory shelf-life is 30 months.

FEW COMMITMENTS, CERTIFICATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OFFERED BY BEBEM:

BebeM offers the following certifications and guarantees.

Infant nutrition regulations

Bébé M range was developed in 2013 and validated with the authorities before marketing. The formulations comply with European and French infant regulations in terms of particular nutrition and health intent including n°2013/609/EC & Delegated Regulation N°2016/127/EC. All products are subject to strict control plans and could be sold only after release analyses. For a better guarantee, we work in close collaboration with three external laboratories, that specialize in infant nutrition, allergen screening, and contaminant analysis. Bébé M range was recommended by the French Pediatric Federation in 2019, referenced in the VIDAL medical directory since 2014, and in the directory of Midwives of France.

Organic farming certification

Bébé M is also certified in organic agriculture for an extreme approach in terms of ingredient selection, formulation, and manufacturing. It has had 100% organic ECOCERT certification since 2013. This organic certification implies two annual audits of its products and production site to obtain a certificate.

100% bio-vegetal, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and palm oil-free guarantee

The Bébé M products are free of allergenic proteins for better digestive tolerance so that babies can grow up in peace. Bebe M products are without animal ingredients for better respect of our environment and so that all babies have a solution, whatever their beliefs. Bebe M products are reasoned for better respect of the physiology of infants and for babies to grow up with good dietary guidelines (without palm oil, without sugar, without salt, without an overdose of micronutrients, with cereals naturally gluten-free, with natural supplements). The products are audited every year and are under AFDIAG license since 2014 for accessing their gluten-free nature.

Certified sustainable

Since 2016, Bébé M has been certified as a "Sustainable company (Bioentreprise durable) with a policy committed to social, economic, societal and environmental issues.

WHAT MAKES BEBEM UNIQUE?

Bébé M remains unique today thanks to the development of our organic rice protein hydrolysate. Bébé M is a new and innovative range of baby foods. It has been awarded the Natexpo Golden Trophy for innovation in 2013.  The products contain no milk or soy and are elaborated with organic rice proteins, by a patented low-temperature manufacturing process. It is important to bear in mind that Bébé M's infant formulas may differ from other standardized infant preparations.

WHY DOES THE PREPARATION TASTE DIFFERENT?

It is a known fact that even though rice protein hydrolysate is excellent for digestion, it has a slight bitterness. There is no problem with the product and no risk in feeding it to your baby. From experience, we know that babies generally accept and enjoy this formula. Babies' taste buds are different from those of adults, and their appreciation of taste is also different.

WHY ARE THE TEXTURE AND COLOR SO UNUSUAL?

Due to their plant-based organic nature and their cold manufacturing process without palm oil, Bébé M formulas can present variable texture, color, and taste, while maintaining nutritional, allergenic, and microbiological guarantees in compliance with regulations in force. To meet regulatory requirements, organic rice protein hydrolysate can vary in color and give Bébé M infant formulas a beige to light beige color.

The “wet sand” texture is related to two factors:

  • The mix of the powdered ingredients with the cold-pressed vegetable oils. The oils penetrate the powder, giving it a greasy texture that can form clumps, which are easily broken up by touch.
  • The fineness of the protein hydrolysate powder tends to clump together.

WHY ARE THERE SMALL SHAVINGS IN THE PREPARED BOTTLE?

The addition of coconut oil in a cold manufacturing process can lead to the formation of small white particles (coconut shavings). They can be larger than 1mm and dissolve after reconstitution with hot water and strong agitation. However, they can still limit the proper flow of a teat with small holes. If required, it is recommended to use teats with larger holes.

If you prepare the bottle carefully (first adding a small amount of water to the powder to form a smooth paste, then adding the rest of the water), the formation of lumps of a rice protein hydrolysate is greatly reduced.

WHY ARE THERE TINY DARK PARTICLES IN BB3?

In the product Cereal with Protein Supplement (Bébé M 3), the deposit consists mainly of cereals. FThe black spots in the deposit are typical of buckwheat. They are completely natural, are not an anomaly, and meet the requirements of organic farming: no chemical treatment to bleach the powder.

SOME REVIEWS ABOUT BEBEM INFANT FORMULA

BebeM infant formula range has already gained a name and has a large fan following. Let’s see some of the reviews by the consumers using it and the doctors recommending it.

“Perfect, perfect, perfect! My little one has an allergy to cow's milk protein so finding the Bebe M formula has been great for us. She's taken well to this formula which has been such a relief as it's allowed me now to stop breastfeeding at 8 months (phew) and she's really happy with it. Fantastic product, I'm really glad I found it!”

“I am a pediatrician and I work in Belgium. I recommend your products to the parents of my little patients when breastfeeding is not possible.”

“My baby was in pain with the other milks (colic) and has regained his calm (and sleep) with the Bébé M.”

"Before feeding my baby with new products, I usually like to try them first. The second stage of baby formula had an unusual smell and a rather bitter taste; I thought my child would never like it. To my surprise, my little one enjoyed the bottle and finished it quickly."

“The first time I prepared a Bébé M feeding bottle, I was quite surprised to see floating bits. I called them to find out what they were, and they told me they were coconut shavings. I realized that I had not prepared the feeding bottle correctly. Now, thanks to their advice, I can get the perfect feeding bottle for my baby by not adding all the water at once, which greatly reduces the formation of lumps. Thank you, Bébé M.”

THE “ONLYFORMULA.COM” WRAP-UP

BebeM is the first organic plant-based infant formula brand committed to ensuring the good health of both your baby and the planet. BebeM ensures high-quality nutrition for your little ones and offers unique healthy products at a fair price. The over 20 years of experience and research about child nutrition has given a stable and virtuous foundation to the BebeM infant formulas making them perfect for meeting the requirements of your little one.  The aim to go less industrial has made it eco-friendly too.

Important notice and disclaimer:

Breastfeeding is best for babies and should be recommended as the first choice before any other alternatives, for at least 3 months. It is the perfect food for a baby, essential for building up his immune system and ensuring a better response to allergies. Infant formula is suitable from birth when babies are not breastfed and should only be used on the advice of qualified healthcare, medical or pharmaceutical professionals. The volume and feeding times are for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare professional for further guidance. Remember to feed the baby on demand.

 

 

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