Tips for Choosing Infant Formula: Importance of Transparency in Ingredients and Production Process
Parental awareness of children’s nutrition has entered a new phase. No longer simply following trends or being influenced by front packaging claims, parents are now expected to be more critical in understanding the ingredients and production processes behind infant formula and growing-up milk.
Health experts caution that excessive sugar consumption during growth can negatively impact children’s long-term eating habits and health. Therefore, carefully reading packaging labels has become a essential skill for modern parents.
Nutrition Partnership and Research Manager at Ace Kid Indonesia, Ratri Aryenti S.Tr.Gz, emphasised that crucial information is often hidden within lengthy ingredient lists. She advised parents to familiarise themselves with protein sources and types of sugar used.
‘Many parents focus on claims on the packaging front, but important information is frequently found in the ingredient list. They need to pay attention to protein sources, types of sugar, and other additives to tailor choices to their child’s needs,’ Ratri stated during Ace Kid’s recent Media gathering in Jakarta.
Ratri explained that not all sugars are alike. Lactose is natural sugar found in milk, but many products on the market add other sweeteners to enhance taste.
In response to demand for transparency, FEIHE’s Ace Kid brand has introduced a more integrated production approach in Indonesia. This strategy includes natural whole milk formula, traceable milk sources, and ‘one-step fresh’ processing.
Lucine Chen, FEIHE’s Southeast Asia Marketing Director, noted that parents now want to understand milk origins and how ingredient quality is maintained during production. Similarly, Ace Kid Indonesia’s Marketing Director, Lucky Zheng, stated brand popularity is no longer the sole benchmark.
‘We want to introduce a new perspective: choosing infant formula is about transparency in milk sources and raw material quality. The ’one-step fresh’ process directly converts fresh milk into formula in a single production line to preserve nutritional freshness,’ explained Lucky.
A notable innovation is the ’ traceable milk source ’ concept. A QR code on the packaging allows parents to track the product journey from source to consumer. Ace Kid Indonesia Brand Manager Novita Utomo stated that this open information is key to building trust with increasingly detail-oriented consumers.
Beyond transparency, the formulation now avoids sucrose, maltodextrin, corn syrup, and synthetic flavours. Additional technologies like flash dissolution ensure the powder dissolves evenly and quickly, making preparation easier for parents.
Despite product variety, Ratri Aryanti reminded parents not to solely follow social media trends. Each child’s condition is unique, especially those with allergies or specific intolerances.
‘Formula selection should align with each child’s needs and health conditions. Parents should consult healthcare professionals to ensure appropriate nutritional choices,’ she concluded.
It is important to note that breast milk (ASI) remains the optimal nutrition for infants. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life to support optimal growth and development. (Z-1)