AUTHOR=Hettinga Kasper A. , van den Akker Chris H. P. , Billecke Nils , Cardinaals Renée , Chang Ching-Yu , Dupont Didier , Furber Matthew , Grimshaw Kate , Hallam Paula , de Jong Peter , Keppler Julia K. , van Loo-Bouwman Carolien A. , Mersh Cath , Mulder Kelly A. , Oliveros Elena , Ozanne Susan , Petersen Iben Lykke , Tomé Daniel , Vandenplas Yvan , van de Velde Fred , Verbruggen Sascha C. A. T. 

TITLE=Plant-based proteins for infant formula: findings and recommendations from the ILSI Europe workshop

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nutrition

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1677243

DOI=10.3389/fnut.2025.1677243

ISSN=2296-861X

ABSTRACT=This Review Article summarizes outcomes from the ILSI Europe expert workshop on plant-based proteins in infant formula, held in November 2024. Experts from academia, clinical nutrition, and food science evaluated the current use and future potential of plant-based protein sources in infant formula, considering nutritional adequacy, allergenicity, sustainability, processing technologies, and regulatory constraints. While soy and hydrolyzed rice proteins are already approved and in use, emerging sources such as pea, lentil, and faba beans show promise but require further validation of their amino acid profiles, digestibility, safety, and suitability for infants. Key research priorities identified include the development of improved protein extraction methods, in vitro digestion and allergy modeling, and targeted clinical studies. This review synthesizes current evidence and expert perspectives to support the development of sustainable, nutritionally adequate plant-based infant formulas.