From time to time, parents contact us with questions about seed oils in infant formula . Often, they have read or heard a lot about olive oil, avocado oil or ghee as “healthy fats” for adults – and wonder why they are not used here.
Here it is important to understand the difference: an infant formula is not a simple oil, but a carefully formulated product with the aim of mimicking the unique nutritional profile of breast milk.
Why do babies need fat?
Babies grow incredibly quickly in their first months. About half of all the energy in breast milk comes from fat , primarily in the form of triglycerides. Fat is essential for:
- Brain development – special need for long-chain fatty acids.
- Cell growth and immune system function.
- That the child gets enough energy despite a small stomach.
Why seed oils are used in infant formula
Decades of research have shown that combining several different vegetable oils can recreate the fatty acid profile of breast milk. Infant formula requires a precise balance of the following fatty acids:
- Linoleic acid (omega-6)
- Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3)
- Oleic acid
- Palmitic acid
Seed oils (e.g. sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil) are rich in unsaturated fatty acids – both monounsaturated (like oleic acid) and polyunsaturated (like omega-3 and omega-6). They provide exactly the fatty acids and in the proportions required to resemble breast milk.
But why not olive oil, ghee or avocado oil?
Such oils can be great alternatives in adult diets – but they do not contain the right balance of fatty acids required to mimic breast milk. Simply adding “healthy oils” does not work when creating a complete nutritional solution for infants. Therefore, carefully selected seed oils are used in baby food and formula instead.
Although olive oil, ghee, and avocado oil as sources of fat can be safe and nutritious for adults, they are not appropriate in an infant formula – for several reasons:
-
Wrong fatty acid profile
Breast milk has a unique balance of fatty acids that are crucial for brain and body development. Olive oil, avocado oil, or ghee do not contain the exact combination of, for example, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) needed to mimic breast milk. -
Not approved as ingredients in milk replacer
All ingredients used in infant formula must have comprehensive safety data and be approved according to EU and Swedish Food Agency regulations. Olive oil, avocado oil or ghee are simply not listed as permitted fat sources for formula – precisely because they do not have documented safety in that context. -
Stability and purity
A formula should last as a powder, dissolve evenly, and be stable over time. Some oils or fat sources (such as ghee/butterfat) have a different composition that is not suitable for this process. They also do not always meet the strict purity requirements for ingredients for infants.
Are seed oils safe as replacements?
Yes. All infant formula sold in Sweden must meet the Swedish Food Agency's and the EU's strict regulations for nutritional content and residue levels. This means that both the type and amount of oils are carefully controlled and tested to ensure safety, nutrient absorption and good digestion for small stomachs.
Cold-pressed or refined oils?
Oils used in infant formula must be of baby food quality – which means extremely low levels of residues. There are currently no cold-pressed oils that meet these requirements.
Unna uses an organic oil blend that is well below the applicable limits in both the EU and Sweden. We have also chosen not to use palm oil, which is otherwise approved but often has higher levels of unwanted residues (glycidyl esters and MCPD).
Why organic seed oils?
For us at Unna, it's not just which oils we use, but also how they are produced. Our oils:
- Comes from organic farming , without synthetic pesticides or GMOs
- Are pressed without chemical solvents (such as hexane)
- Purified with natural filters , not harsh bleaches
- Are free from preservatives and additives
This is the more difficult path – but we believe it is the right path when it comes to baby food.
Conclusion
Seed oils in infant formula are not a “filler” – they are a crucial part of the nutritional profile that makes the formula as similar to breast milk as possible.
It's not about what sounds healthy for adults, it's about what's scientifically proven and regulatory approved for babies. By choosing organic oils and clean processes, we ensure your baby gets the best – in a way you can feel confident about.
Frequently asked questions about seed oils in infant formula
Are seed oils really safe for babies?
Yes. All infant formula sold in Sweden must meet strict EU and Swedish National Food Agency requirements. This also applies to the oils used – both type, quantity and purity are carefully checked before they are approved.
Why can't you use olive oil, avocado oil or ghee as a substitute?
These fat sources are fine for adults, but not suitable for infants. They have the wrong fatty acid profile to mimic breast milk, they are not approved as ingredients in infant formula, and they lack the stability required for a powdered product. In short: they are not scientifically or regulatory safe for infants.
Which seed oils are most often used in replacement?
Common examples include sunflower oil, canola oil, coconut oil, and sometimes soybean oil or palm oil. They are combined to provide the right balance of fatty acids such as linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).
Why is organic important when it comes to oils?
Organic seed oils come from crops grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, and are pressed without chemical solvents like hexane. They are purified using natural methods and do not require unnecessary additives. This results in both a safer and cleaner end product.
Do all replacements need to contain seed oils?
Yes, some form of vegetable oil is always required to mimic the fatty acid profile of breast milk. It is not an “option”, but a basic requirement for the formula to provide the right nutrition.
