Else Nutrition Formula Review (2026): Worth the Price?

📚 What Is Else Nutrition?

Else Nutrition is a plant-based toddler nutritional drink designed for children 12 months and older who are transitioning off breast milk or infant formula. Unlike the vast majority of toddler formulas on the market (which are dairy-based or soy-based), Else is built on a base of three whole-food ingredients: almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca. It was created as an option for families who want to avoid dairy, soy, corn syrup, and heavily processed ingredients.

Else is one of the only non-soy, plant-based toddler nutrition options currently available, which makes it unique in a market dominated by cow's milk formulas and soy alternatives. It is organic, non-GMO, and free of gluten, dairy, soy, corn syrup, and artificial additives.

🧪 Ingredients and Nutrition Breakdown

Else Nutrition's ingredient list is notably short compared to conventional toddler formulas, which often contain maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, or palm oil as primary ingredients. Here is what is inside:

• Protein source — almonds and buckwheat provide plant-based protein. Per serving, Else delivers around 3g of protein, which is lower than dairy-based toddler formulas (typically 4-5g). Buckwheat is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids
• Carbohydrate source — tapioca starch provides the primary carbohydrates. No added sugars, corn syrup solids, or maltodextrin
• Fat source — almond-derived fats plus added plant oils provide healthy fats essential for brain development
• Vitamins and minerals — fortified with iron, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, zinc, and DHA/ARA (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids critical for brain and eye development)
• What it does NOT contain — dairy, soy, gluten, corn syrup, palm oil, artificial colors, artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, or GMO ingredients

👍 Pros

After testing Else Nutrition and researching parent reviews, here are the standout strengths:

• Uniquely plant-based without soy — the only major toddler formula option for families avoiding both dairy and soy. Fills a real gap for children with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) or soy sensitivity
• Clean, minimal ingredient list — built on whole foods (almonds, buckwheat, tapioca) rather than synthetic fillers. Appeals to parents who prioritize transparent, recognizable ingredients
• No added sugars or corn syrup — many mainstream toddler formulas use corn syrup solids as a primary ingredient. Else avoids this entirely
• Organic and non-GMO certified — USDA Organic certification provides an extra layer of ingredient quality assurance
• Fortified with essential nutrients — includes DHA, iron, calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients toddlers need, making it nutritionally comparable to dairy-based options
• Mild, slightly nutty taste — most parent reviews report toddlers accept it well, especially when introduced gradually by mixing with familiar milk or formula

👎 Cons

No product is perfect. Here are the genuine drawbacks to consider:

• Price — at approximately $35 for a 22oz can (making roughly 40 servings), Else is significantly more expensive than mainstream toddler formulas. A toddler drinking 2 cups per day will go through a can in about 3 weeks, costing around $50-60/month
• Contains tree nuts — the almond base means Else is off-limits for children with tree nut allergies. This eliminates it for a subset of allergy families who would otherwise benefit from a dairy/soy-free option
• Lower protein per serving — at ~3g protein per serving compared to 4-5g in dairy formulas, some pediatricians may want to ensure the toddler is getting adequate protein from solid foods
• Not a complete infant nutrition source — unlike infant formula, this is designed as a supplement to a solid food diet. Parents sometimes confuse "toddler formula" with infant formula and expect it to serve as a sole nutritional source
• Limited availability — primarily sold online (Amazon, Else Nutrition website, some specialty retailers). Not widely available in brick-and-mortar stores, which can be inconvenient when you run out
• Mixability — some parents report it does not dissolve as smoothly as dairy-based powders and may leave a slightly gritty texture. Using a blender bottle or shaking vigorously helps

👶 Who Is Else Nutrition Best For?

Else Nutrition fills a specific niche well. It is the strongest option for:

• Toddlers (12 months and older) with cow's milk protein allergy or dairy sensitivity who also cannot tolerate soy
• Families following a plant-based or vegan diet who want a dairy-free toddler supplement
• Parents who prioritize organic, whole-food-based ingredients and want to avoid corn syrup, palm oil, and synthetic additives
• Toddlers transitioning off hypoallergenic infant formula (like Nutramigen or EleCare) who need a dairy-free next step

Else is probably not the best choice if your toddler tolerates dairy well (a standard toddler milk or whole cow's milk is cheaper and higher in protein), if your child has a tree nut allergy, or if budget is a primary concern.

⚖️ How Else Compares to Alternatives

Here is how Else stacks up against other toddler nutrition options in the same space:

• vs. Ripple Kids — Ripple is pea-protein-based, soy-free, and cheaper (~$5/carton). However, it is a ready-to-drink beverage with fewer added vitamins/minerals than Else and contains sunflower oil
• vs. soy-based toddler formulas — soy formulas (like Enfamil ProSobee) are significantly cheaper but contain soy protein, corn syrup solids, and are more heavily processed. Not an option for soy-sensitive children
• vs. goat milk toddler formulas (Kabrita) — Kabrita is a popular alternative for dairy-sensitive toddlers. It contains goat milk protein (which some CMPA children still react to), is non-plant-based, and costs around $30/can
• vs. fortified oat milk — cheaper but much lower in protein and fat than Else, and not specifically formulated for toddler nutritional needs. Oat milk alone should not be a toddler's primary milk source