Seed Oils in Formula

Why Are Vegetable Oils Used in Infant Formula?

At Bubs, we know that parents want only the best for their little ones—especially when it comes to nutrition. One common question we receive is: Why do your formulas include seed oils? Aren’t they unhealthy? It’s a great question, and the answer lies in understanding infant nutrition, regulatory standards, and the essential role fats play in a baby’s early development.

Vegetable Oils: Essential Fat Sources for Growing Bubs

Vegetable oils (including seed oils) are plant-based fats derived from seeds such as sunflower, canola, soy, and coconut.

These oils are rich in essential fatty acids, which are critical to an infant's development and must be obtained through diet because the body cannot produce them on its own.

Fats make up about 50% of the calories in both human breast milk and infant formula. These fats are not just a source of energy—they are vital building blocks for brain development, eye health, cell membranes, and overall growth. So premium fats aren’t optional, they’re foundational. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against restricting fat intake in children under the age of two.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements in the U.S.

In the United States, all infant formulas—whether they are made from cow, goat, or soy milk—must meet strict nutritional guidelines regulated by the FDA. These regulations ensure that formulas provide a balance of essential fatty acids that closely mimics the profile of human breast milk. To meet these requirements, all formula manufacturers use carefully selected blends of vegetable oils.

Each oil contributes a different fatty acid profile. For example:

  • Canola oil provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

  • Sunflower oil is high in linoleic acid, a key omega-6 fatty acid.

  • Coconut oil delivers saturated fats similar to those found in breast milk.

  • Palm olein helps mimic the palmitic acid structure of breast milk fat, especially at the sn-2 position, which aids absorption.

And while avocado and olive oils are great for adults, they are not yet approved for infant formula.

At Bubs, our formulas—whether goat milk, cow milk, or grass-fed cow milk—combine natural whole milk fats with a tailored vegetable oil blend to meet these exacting nutritional standards.

Whole Fat vs Oils?

Infant formula brands use different milk sources (cow, goat, plant-based     ) and fat contents (skim vs whole) to create their formulations. A lower-fat      content source like skim milk and plant milks, will require a higher proportion of the necessary and legally mandated fat contents of the final product to be reached by adding additional fat in the form of oils. By using whole-fat      goat and cow      milks in our products, Bubs requires a lower proportion of oil in our formulas, meaning less reliance on oils. Whole milk also provides a naturally balanced fat profile      and additional developmental benefits from milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and a higher beta-palmitate content (just like breastmilk).

Are Vegetable Oils Safe?

Yes—seed oils used in infant formula are not only safe, but they are also essential. The oils in Bubs formulas are sourced from trusted suppliers who follow stringent quality control processes. We also prioritize sustainability, using RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil and organic soy and sunflower oils where possible. While much of the conversation around seed oils has centered on links to inflammation, seed oils have not been linked to inflammation in babies and are necessary to support healthy development in infants.

Why Adults and Babies Have Different Needs

It’s important to remember that while adult diets are often advised to limit certain fats, babies are not tiny adults. Their nutritional needs are very different—especially in the first year of life. What might be considered "too much fat" for an adult is exactly what a developing baby needs to fuel growth and brain development.

The Bottom Line

At Bubs, we are committed to transparency and science-backed nutrition. Our use of vegetable oils isn’t just safe—it’s required to support your baby’s healthy growth. Every oil in our blend is chosen with care to ensure it delivers the essential fatty acids your baby needs during the most critical stage of development.

If you have questions about a specific oil or formulation, our team is always here to help you make the most informed decision for your family. As always, consult with your pediatrician or healthcare provider to help clarify the nutritional needs for your bub.