Clean Baby Formula: Mom Creates Alternative to Corn Syrup & Skim Milk

A Mother's Quest for Better Infant Nutrition

Upon the arrival of her daughter, Nara, Esther Hallam encountered a significant hurdle: locating dependable brands offering premium, organic infant formula within the United States.

Concerns About Existing Formula Options

Hallam expressed a belief that, despite a history spanning nearly 160 years, the quality of infant formula available in the U.S. remains suboptimal. Many manufacturers utilize skim milk as a cost-saving measure, necessitating the addition of oils to meet necessary nutritional standards.

Certain formulas incorporate palm oil, soy, and corn syrup – ingredients not generally recommended for infants due to potential adverse health effects.

The Impact of Specific Ingredients

Studies have established a link between corn syrup consumption and an elevated risk of obesity. Furthermore, palm oil has been demonstrated to hinder calcium and fat absorption.

The Genesis of Nara Organics

“I was deeply concerned by the absence of a trustworthy, high-quality organic infant formula available in the United States, a developed nation,” Hallam conveyed to TechCrunch.

Driven by this concern, Hallam dedicated the past seven years to formulating her own organic, whole-milk infant formula, collaborating with scientists and pediatric nutrition specialists.

Introducing Nara Organics

Today marks the official introduction of Nara Organics, a formula that adheres to both European and U.S. safety regulations, and holds FDA registration and USDA certification.

Crucially, the formula is devoid of palm oil, soy, corn syrup, maltodextrin, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), presenting a pure choice for parents prioritizing optimal nourishment for their infants.

Unique Formulation and Composition

Nara Organics boasts the highest milk fat content of any formula currently sold in the U.S. It also features the lowest proportion of plant-based oils, a result of utilizing whole milk, which reduces the need for supplemental oils to achieve the required fat levels.

The ingredient list includes an “organic vegetable oil blend” comprising organic sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oils, providing essential fatty acids vital for healthy development.

Differentiating from Competitors

While several brands offer organic formulas, such as Bobbie and ByHeart, their production takes place within the U.S.

Manufacturing Choices and Safety Standards

Nara Organics opted for manufacturing in Germany, potentially influenced by past instances of Cronobacter contamination – a resilient germ found in dried foods – and subsequent formula recalls.

Germany was selected, in part, because it is the origin of powdered infant formula.

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Meika Hollender, chief marketing officer, explained to TechCrunch that the company’s manufacturing partner employs technology “unparalleled globally.”

“A key aspect of infant formula’s shelf life is the amount of oxygen entering the can during sealing. Facilities in the U.S. typically operate in open air during filling, canning, and sealing. However, our facility utilizes a chamber with zero oxygen content during these processes,” Hollender stated.

Investment and Backing

Nara has successfully raised $32 million in funding from AlleyCorp, BBG Ventures, Corazon Ventures, Gingerbread Capital, and Torch Capital.

The company has also garnered investment from prominent figures, including tennis icon Serena Williams, actress Gina Rodriguez (“Jane the Virgin”), and the creators of “Nobody Wants This,” Erin and Sara Foster.

Celebrity Endorsements and Perspectives

Nicky Hilton, a fashion designer and philanthropist, serves as both an investor and advisor.

“I breastfed all three of my children, but they also consumed formula,” Hilton shared. “Each baby and parent’s situation is unique, and breastfeeding isn’t always feasible due to medical, physical, or personal reasons. There’s often undue judgment surrounding breastfeeding… I’m thrilled to support an innovative brand that is reshaping the baby formula market.”

Market Potential and Growth

Supported by this investment, Nara Organics is poised to become a significant contender in the organic formula market, which was valued at roughly $20.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $37 billion by 2032.

Availability and Purchasing Options

The formula is currently available for purchase on the company’s website. A starter bundle, containing two cans, is priced at $36.

Subscription options are also available, delivering either four or six cans every four weeks for $136 or $243, respectively. Each can yields approximately 25 four-ounce bottles.

Integrated Mobile App

The formula can also be purchased via the company’s free mobile app, initially launched by Hallam in 2018. This app assists users in tracking vital infant care elements, including feeding schedules, diaper changes, and tummy time.

Commitment to Social Responsibility

In conjunction with its launch, the company is donating over 1,400 cans of infant formula to the Good+Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating multi-generational poverty by providing essential resources to underserved parents and caregivers.