When I first learned that the FDA is opening clearer pathways for plant-based, non-dairy, non-soy infant formulas, I felt a deep sense of hope. As a founder who has built It’s Nola on the belief that real nourishment should be accessible to everybody, these steps represent a meaningful shift, one that countless families have been waiting for.
For many parents, navigating allergies, intolerances, or values-driven feeding choices can feel overwhelming. Too often, the options available simply don’t reflect what their children need or what they believe in. This new development signals something powerful: the recognition that families deserve choices, and that infants deserve formulas that support their bodies with care and intention.
At It’s Nola, our mission has always centered on whole foods, wellness, and community care. Seeing progress at the federal level aligns with what I’ve always believed that our food system can evolve, and when it does, families benefit.
I want to acknowledge Else Nutrition for their leadership and persistence in advocating for more inclusive infant nutrition. Their work reflects what drives us every day: creating food options that honor the diverse needs of modern families. No parent should have to choose between their child’s well-being and the limited products available on a shelf.
As a woman founder committed to expanding healthier choices across all stages of life, I am encouraged by this momentum. We’re moving toward a future where whole-food, plant-forward options are not seen as alternatives, but as essentials — respected, supported, and widely available.
This is a win for parents. A win for children. And a win for the future of nutrition in this country.
And at It’s Nola, we will continue championing nourishment that listens to people’s lives, honors their values, and supports their journey toward wellness from the very beginning.
With care,
Dr. Margaret Barrow
Founder & CEO, It’s Nola
