Australian company Coco2 has announced the launch of what is claimed to be the world’s first coconut-based infant formula.

The formula reportedly took ten years to develop in collaboration with the University of Queensland, parents, and healthcare professionals. It is said to closely mimic the nutrition and health benefits of breast milk, containing essential vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

Coconut also contains naturally occurring lauric acid, an important component of human breast milk. According to Coco2, lauric acid makes milk easily digestible, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. It is also crucial for neurodevelopmental growth and can aid in the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

“Coco2 is nutritionally complete and fortified with all the key minerals and vitamins,” said pharmacist Helen Nguyen. “It also has a simplified protein and fat profile that closely mimics breastmilk. This makes it easier to digest and absorb compared to traditional dairy-based formulas.”

“Innovative solution”

Coco2 is available in three varieties — Infant Formula (for babies up to six months old), Follow-On Formula (for ages 6-12 months), and Toddler Drink (for infants over 12 months old). The products can be purchased online and on subscription, and will soon be stocked at major grocery stores and pharmacies across Australia. They will also be exported worldwide.

Despite the prevalence of cow’s milk allergies among young children, there are still relatively few alternatives to conventional formula. One exception is the US’s Else Nutrition, which offers a range of infant nutrition products free of dairy and soy. Additionally, some companies — such as Yali Bio and Checkerspot — are working to produce analogs of human breast milk fat using fermentation. However, there is still a need for widely available allergen-free infant formulas.

“Coco2 was born from the collaboration of parents, chemists, and professors, blending personal experience with scientific expertise,” said Coco2 General Manager Dr. Nicholas Bouchaia. “The infant formula was developed to address the growing demand for plant-based alternatives and offers an innovative solution for infants with lactose intolerance, cow’s milk protein allergies, and dietary restrictions.”