Growing up Formula 3

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Growing up Formula 3 healthy?

Growing up Formula 3 scores 60/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This product contains beneficial ingredients like skimmed milk, whey protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, which support growth and development.

How processed is Growing up Formula 3?

Growing up Formula 3 is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Growing up Formula 3's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Skimmed Milk, Whey Product, Demineralised Whey count in its favor; Vegetable Oils, Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Growing up Formula 3

60 Fair

Analysis updated May 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 9
Harmful ingredients 5
Category Milk
Summary

This product contains beneficial ingredients like skimmed milk, whey protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, which support growth and development. However, the presence of highly processed vegetable oils, including palm, sunflower, and rapeseed oils, raises concerns due to their potential inflammatory effects and high omega-6 content. The processing level of the product also contributes to a moderate score, as it includes both beneficial and harmful components.

Key ingredients 16

Vitamins
Very Good

Vitamins are essential nutrients that support various bodily functions, including immune health and energy production. They are crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing deficiencies. This product includes a range of vitamins to support growth and development.

Benefits

Supports immune health and energy production.

DHA
Very Good

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid crucial for brain and eye development, especially in infants and young children. It is derived from fish oil or algae and is essential for cognitive function. Adequate intake supports neurological health and development.

Benefits

Supports brain and eye development, crucial for cognitive function.

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Iron
Very Good

Iron is a vital mineral necessary for the production of hemoglobin and oxygen transport in the blood. It is essential for growth and development, particularly in children. Adequate iron intake prevents anemia and supports overall health.

Benefits

Essential for oxygen transport and preventing anemia.

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Choline
Very Good

Choline is an essential nutrient that supports brain development and liver function. It is crucial for the formation of neurotransmitters and cell membranes. Adequate choline intake is important for cognitive health and development.

Benefits

Supports brain development and liver function.

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Prebiotics
Very Good

Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. They support digestive health and enhance nutrient absorption. Including prebiotics in the diet can improve gut health and overall well-being.

Benefits

Promotes gut health and enhances nutrient absorption.

Skimmed Milk
Good

Skimmed milk is a source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. It is processed to remove fat, making it a lower-calorie option while retaining nutritional benefits. It supports bone health and provides a good amino acid profile.

Benefits

Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle maintenance.

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Whey Product
Good

Whey product is a high-quality protein source derived from milk, rich in essential amino acids. It supports muscle growth and repair, making it beneficial for active individuals. It is easily digestible and absorbed by the body.

Benefits

Supports muscle growth and repair with a complete amino acid profile.

Demineralised Whey
Good

Demineralised whey is a protein-rich ingredient with reduced mineral content, making it suitable for specific dietary needs. It retains the beneficial amino acids of whey protein. It is often used in infant formulas for its digestibility.

Benefits

Provides high-quality protein with essential amino acids.

ARA
Good

ARA is an omega-6 fatty acid important for brain development and immune function. It is naturally found in breast milk and is often added to infant formulas. It works synergistically with DHA to support growth and development.

Benefits

Supports brain development and immune function.

See more about ARA →
Lactose
Neutral

Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk, providing energy and aiding in calcium absorption. It is a simple carbohydrate that can be easily digested by most individuals with lactase enzyme. However, it may cause digestive issues in lactose-intolerant individuals.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in individuals with lactose intolerance.

Benefits

Provides energy and aids in the absorption of calcium.

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Organic Starch
Neutral

Organic starch is used as a thickening agent and carbohydrate source. Being organic, it is free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It provides energy but lacks significant nutritional benefits.

Benefits

Provides a source of energy.

Palm Oil
Bad

Palm oil is high in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. It is often criticized for its environmental impact due to deforestation. Despite being a source of vitamin E, its health risks outweigh the benefits.

Risks

High in saturated fats, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease.

Benefits

Contains vitamin E, but benefits are minimal compared to risks.

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Maltodextrin
Bad

Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.

Risks

May cause blood sugar spikes and is highly processed.

Benefits

Provides quick energy.

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Vegetable Oils
Very Bad

Vegetable oils, including palm, sunflower, and rapeseed oils, are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. These oils are often highly processed, which can reduce their nutritional quality. They are considered unhealthy due to their potential to disrupt the omega-3 to omega-6 balance.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation and contribute to chronic diseases.

See more about Vegetable Oils →
Sunflower Oil
Very Bad

Sunflower oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation if not balanced with omega-3 intake. It is often refined, which can strip away beneficial nutrients. Its high smoke point makes it suitable for cooking, but health concerns remain.

Risks

May promote inflammation due to high omega-6 content.

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Rapeseed Oil
Very Bad

Rapeseed oil, commonly known as canola oil, is high in omega-6 fatty acids and often genetically modified. It is processed to remove erucic acid, but concerns about its omega-6 content remain. It is used for its neutral flavor and high smoke point.

Risks

Potential to promote inflammation due to high omega-6 content.

See more about Rapeseed Oil →

Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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