Infant formula

Abstract

An infant formula comprises (a) a protein component; (b) a carbohydrate component; (c) a lipid component; and (d) a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iro

Description

FIELD

[001] The invention relates to a first or follow-on infant formula, and in particular to a powdered first or follow-on infant formula. BACKGROUND

[002] While breast milk is the best and most natural way of providing an infant with the nourishment that they need to grow and develop, in cases where mothers are unable to, or choose not to breastfeed, infant formula can provide an alternative for providing the infant with nutrition.

[003] Infant formula that is for infants in the first year of life from birth is known as ‘first infant formula’. Infant formula that is intended more specifically for infants of from around 6 to 12 months of age is known as ‘follow-on infant formula’.

[004] It is desirable that the composition of the first and follow-on infant formula resembles breast milk as closely as possible. First and follow-on infant formula contains a range of nutrients as a source of energy and to support growth and development in infants. First and follow-on infant formula will typically be formed primarily of a mixture of protein, carbohydrate and lipid (fat) components.

[005] The current market for first and follow-on infant formula is focused on using vegetable oil blends as the dominant source of fat rather than incorporating milk-based fat, partially due to challenges with the stability of first and follow-on infant formula that can be found when large amounts of milk fat are added. There are, however, major differences in the fatty acid composition comparing vegetable and milk-based fat, and low levels of milk-based fat can reduce the nutritional content of the formula compared to a fat-blend incorporating higher levels of milk-based fat.

[006] It is an object of the present invention to address one or more of the abovementioned, or other, problems. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula comprising: (a) a protein component; (b) a carbohydrate component; (c) a lipid component, wherein the lipid component comprises: i. at least 15% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component; ii. optionally, up to 35% of coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iii. from >0 to 40% of rapeseed oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iv. from >0 to 35% of non-high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; v. from 5 to 50% of high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and vi. from >0 to 1.5% of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) obtained from a plant-based source, by dry weight of the lipid component; and (d) a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate.

[008] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for the production of a first or follow-on infant formula, wherein the process comprises: forming a first or follow-on infant formula comprising: (a) a protein component; (b) a carbohydrate component; (c) a lipid component, wherein the lipid component comprises: i. at least 15% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component; ii optionally, upto 35% of coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iii. from >0 to 40% of rapeseed oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iv. from >0 to 35% of non-high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; v. from 5 to 50% of high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and vi. from >0 to 1.5% of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) obtained from a plantbased source, by dry weight of the lipid component; and (d) a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate.

[009] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, comprising: (a) a protein component; (b) a carbohydrate component; (c) a lipid component, wherein the lipid component comprises: i. at least 15% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component; ii optionally, upto 35% of coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iii. from >0 to 40% of rapeseed oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iv. from >0 to 35% of non-high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; v. from 5 to 50% of high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and vi. from >0 to 1.5% of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) obtained from a plantbased source, by dry weight of the lipid component; and (d) a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate, wherein the formula is obtainable by a process comprising: forming a mixture comprising components (a) to (c) and subjecting the mixture to ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing.

[010] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula comprising: (a) a protein component; (b) a carbohydrate component; (c) a lipid component, wherein the lipid component comprises: i. at least 15% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component; ii. optionally, up to 35% of coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iii. from >0 to 40% of rapeseed oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iv. from >0 to 35% of non-high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and v. from 5 to 50% of high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and (d) a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate.

[011] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a process for the production of a first or follow-on infant formula, wherein the process comprises: forming a first or follow-on infant formula comprising: (a) a protein component; (b) a carbohydrate component; (c) a lipid component, wherein the lipid component comprises: i. at least 15% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component; ii optionally, upto 35% of coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iii. from >0 to 40% of rapeseed oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iv. from >0 to 35% of non-high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and v. from 5 to 50% of high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and (d) a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate.

[012] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, comprising: (a) a protein component; (b) a carbohydrate component; (c) a lipid component, wherein the lipid component comprises: i. at least 15% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component; ii optionally, up to 35% of coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iii. from >0 to 40% of rapeseed oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iv. from >0 to 35% of non-high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and v. from 5 to 50% of high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and (d) a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate, wherein the formula is obtainable by a process comprising: forming a mixture comprising components (a) to (c) and subjecting the mixture to ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[013] Iron pyrophosphate is considered to be a less bioavailable iron source for infants compared to the conventionally used ferrous sulphate, which has a higher bioavailability. Surprisingly, it has been found that an infant formula according to the present disclosure combining a high level of milk lipids with use of iron pyrophosphate provides a formula demonstrating non-inferior growth in infants whilst also providing an improved sensory profile (e.g. reduced mineral aftertaste), and this is expected even compared to formulas including a higher equivalent level of iron in the form of ferrous sulphate.

[014] Advantageously, the formula of the present invention is also able provide a high milk lipid content offering nutritional components as identified within breastmilk and linked to improved cognitive development in infants that are not able to be replaced by lipids obtained from vegetable oil sources, in combination with good stability.

[015] The first infant formula of the present invention may mean a formula that is intended for infants of from 0 to 12 months of age, or even from 0 to 6 months of age. The first infant formula may be intended as a substitute for human milk. The first infant formula may be used as the sole source of nutrition for the infant. The follow-on infant formula of the present invention may mean a formula that is intended for infants of from 6 to 12 months of age.

[016] It will be understood that the first or follow-on formula of the present invention relates to a composition that is synthetic, i.e. it is not formed solely of human milk, cow milk or milk from another mammal.

[017] The first or follow-on formula may be a powder. The first or follow-on formula in a powdered form may be operable to be reconstituted with water to form a ready-to drink liquid first or follow-on formula.

[018] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a liquid carrier, such as water. The first or follow-on formula may be in a pre-prepared ready to drink form.

[019] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package comprising a ready-to-drink first or follow-on formula, wherein the formula comprises: (a) a protein component; (b) a carbohydrate component; (c) a lipid component, wherein the lipid component comprises: i. at least 15% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component; ii optionally, up to 35% of coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iii. from >0 to 40% of rapeseed oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iv. from >0 to 35% of non-high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; v. from 5 to 50% of high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and vi. optionally, from >0 to 1.5% of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) obtained from a plant-based source, by dry weight of the lipid component; (d) a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate; and (e) a liquid carrier.

[020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, wherein the formula comprises: (a) a protein component; (b) a carbohydrate component; and (c) a lipid component, wherein the lipid component comprises: ii. at least 15% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component; ii optionally, up to 35% of coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iii. from >0 to 40% of rapeseed oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; iv. from >0 to 35% of non-high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; v. from 5 to 50% of high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; and vi. optionally, from >0 to 1.5% of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) obtained from a plant-based source, by dry weight of the lipid component.

[021] As used herein, "protein" includes protein, peptides and free amino acids. As such, the amount of protein that is contained in the first or follow-on formula is determined by the sum of protein, peptides and free amino acids.

[022] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a protein component in an amount of at least 1 g / 100 kcal, such as at least 1.2 g / 100 kcal, such as at least 1.5 g / 100 kcal.

[023] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a protein component in an amount of up to 4 g / 100 kcal, such as up to 3.5 g / 100 kcal, such as up to 3 g / 100 kcal.

[024] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a protein component in an amount of from 1 to 4 g / 100 kcal, such as from 1.2 to 3.5 g / 100 kcal, such as from 1.5 to 3 g / 100 kcal.

[025] The first or follow-on formula may comprise at least 5 % protein by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as at least 7 wt%, or at least 9 wt%.

[026] The first or follow-on formula may comprise up to 20% of protein by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as up to 15 wt%, or up to 13 wt%.

[027] The first or follow-on formula may comprise from 5 to 20% of protein by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as from 7 to 15 wt%, or from 9 to 13 wt%.

[028] The protein component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise any protein that is suitable for use in a first or follow-on formula. The protein component may comprise cow’s milk protein. The cow’s milk protein may comprise whey and / or casein. The whey protein may comprise acid whey, sweet whey, whey protein concentrate, demineralised whey protein, demineralised whey permeate, sweet whey protein permeate and / or whey protein isolate.

[029] The protein component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise free amino acids. The free amino acids may comprise histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, cysteine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine, choline, carnitine and / or taurine.

[030] The carbohydrate component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise digestible and / or non-digestible carbohydrates.

[031] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a carbohydrate component in an amount of at least 5 g / 100 kcal, such as at least 7 g / 100 kcal, such as at least 9 g / 100 kcal.

[032] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a carbohydrate component in an amount of up to 15 g / 100 kcal, such as upto 13 g / 100 kcal, such as upto 11 g / 100 kcal.

[033] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a carbohydrate component in an amount of from 5 to 15 g / 100 kcal, such as from 7 to 13 g / 100 kcal, such as from 9 to 11 g / 100 kcal.

[034] The first or follow-on formula may comprise at least 40 % of carbohydrate by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as at least 45 wt%, or at least 50 wt%.

[035] The first or follow-on formula may comprise up to 70% of carbohydrate by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as up to 65 wt%, or up to 60 wt%.

[036] The first or follow-on formula may comprise from 40 to 70% of carbohydrate by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as from 45 to 65 wt%, or from 50 to 60 wt%.

[037] The carbohydrate component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise a digestible carbohydrate such as lactose, sucrose, maltose, glucose, fructose, galactose, starch (such as wheat, maize, tapioca and / or potato) and / or maltodextrin. Preferably, the carbohydrate of the first or follow-on formula may comprise lactose.

[038] The carbohydrate component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise a non-digestible carbohydrate such as galactooligosaccharide (GOS); galactosyllactose; fructooligosaccharide (FOS); acacia gum; carob gum; soya fibre; plant proteins hydrolysed by enzymes such as alcalase, trypsin; and / or a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), such as 3'- galactosyllactose, 4'-galactosyllactose, 6'-galactosyllactose, 2-fucosyllactose, lacto--tetraose, lacto--neotetraose, 3-fucosyllactose, 6'-sialyllactose, 3'-sialyllactose, difucosyllactose and / or lactotriose.

[039] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a non-digestible carbohydrate component in an amount of up to 1 g / 100 kcal.

[040] The first or follow-on formula may comprise at least 1 % of non-digestible carbohydrate by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as at least 1.5 wt%, or at least 2 wt%.

[041] The first or follow-on formula may comprise up to 5% of non-digestible carbohydrate by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as up to 4.5 wt%, or up to 4 wt%.

[042] The first or follow-on formula may comprise from 1 to 5% of non-digestible carbohydrate by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, preferably from 1.5 to 4.5%, more preferably from 2 to 4 wt%.

[043] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a lipid component in an amount of at least 2 g / 100 kcal, such as at least 3 g / 100 kcal, such as at least 4 g / 100 kcal.

[044] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a lipid component in an amount of up to 10 g / 100 kcal, such as up to 8 g / 100 kcal, such as up to 7 g / 100 kcal.

[045] The first or follow-on formula may comprise a lipid component in an amount of from 2 to 10 g / 100 kcal, such as from 3 to 8 g / 100 kcal, such as from 4 to 7 g / 100 kcal.

[046] The first or follow-on formula may comprise at least 10% of lipids by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as at least 15 wt%, or at least 20 wt%.

[047] The first or follow-on formula may comprise up to 50% of lipids by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as up to 40 wt%, or up to 30 wt%.

[048] The first or follow-on formula may comprise from 10 to 50% of lipids by dry weight of the first or follow-on formula, such as from 15 to 40 wt%, or from 20 to 30 wt%.

[049] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula comprises at least 15% milk lipids by dry weight of the lipid component, such as at least 20 wt%, or at least 25 wt%, or at least 30 wt%, or at least 35 wt%, or at least 40 wt%.

[050] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise up to 60 % milk lipids by dry weight of the lipid component, such as up to 55 wt% or up to 50 wt%.

[051] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise from 15 to 60% milk lipids by dry weight of the lipid component, such as from 20 to 60 wt%, or from 25 to 60 wt%, or from 30 to 60 wt%, or from 40 to 55 wt%, or from 40 to 50 wt%.

[052] As used herein, ‘milk lipids’ may include lipids that are obtained from milk or a derivative thereof (e.g. buttermilk, butterfat, cream, anhydrous milk fat), and are either directly obtained by addition of the appropriately pasteurized milk or milk derivative (which may be fresh or frozen) to components (a) and (b) during manufacturing, or indirectly obtained by addition of a treated form of the milk or milk derivative to the manufacturing process, such as a form that has been treated by reduction or increase of the water content. For example, milk lipids may be directly obtained from whole milk with the addition of pasteurized (but not ultra-high temperature processed) whole milk with components (a) and (b), and / or milk lipids may be indirectly obtained from cream by spray drying the cream prior to addition with components (a) and (b).

[053] The milk lipids may be obtained from mammalian milk, such as non-human mammalian milk, preferably from cow, goat and / or sheep milk. The milk lipids may be obtained from cow milk.

[054] The milk lipids may be obtained from whole milk, buttermilk, butterfat, cream and / or anhydrous milkfat.

[055] The lipid component may comprise at least 7% milk lipids obtained from a liquid milk or liquid derivative thereof that comprises at least 80% of milk-sourced water by total weight of the water content of the liquid milk or derivative thereof, such as butterfat, cream, and / or whole milk, by dry weight ofthe lipid component, such as at least 10 wt% or at least 12 wt%. The liquid milk or derivative thereof may comprise at least 82 wt% or at least 85 wt% milk-sourced water by total weight ofthe water content.

[056] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise at least 40% of ‘nonmilk lipids by dry weight ofthe lipid component, such as at least 45 wt%, or at least 50 wt% or at least 60 wt%. As used herein, ‘non-milk lipids’ may mean lipids that have not been obtained from milk, or a derivative thereof.

[057] The lipid component ofthe first or follow-on formula may comprise up to 80% of non-milk lipids by dry weight of the lipid component, such as up to 75 wt%, or up to 70 wt% or up to 60 wt%.

[058] The lipid component ofthe first or follow-on formula may comprise from 40 to 80% of non-milk lipids by dry weight ofthe lipid component, such as from 45 to 75 wt%, or from 50 to 70 wt% or from 50 to 60 wt%.

[059] The lipid component ofthe first or follow-on formula comprises coconut oil in an amount of from 0 to 35 % by dry weight ofthe lipid component.

[060] The lipid component ofthe first or follow-on formula may comprise coconut oil in an amount of at least 1 % by dry weight of the lipid component, such as at least 3 wt% or at least 5 wt%.

[061] The lipid component ofthe first orfollow-on formula may comprise coconut oil in an amount of up to 30% by dry weight ofthe lipid component, such as up to 20 wt%, or up to 15 wt%.

[062] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise coconut oil in an amount of from 1 to 35% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as from 3 to 20 wt%, or from 5 to 15 wt%.

[063] The lipids of the first or follow-on formula may comprise <10 % coconut oil by dry weight of the lipid component, such as <5 wt%, or< 1 wt%. The present invention may advantageously provide a first or follow-on formula having a high milk lipid content with improved nutritional content in combination with good stability while comprising a low amount, or being substantially free of, coconut oil.

[064] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula comprises rapeseed oil in an amount of from >0 to 40% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as >0 to 37% or 10 to 37 wt%.

[065] The rapeseed oil may comprise canola oil, colza oil and / or low erucic acid rapeseed oil.

[066] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise rapeseed oil in an amount of at least 12% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as at least 14 wt%.

[067] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise rapeseed oil in an amount of up to 37% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as up to 30 wt%, such as up to 20 wt%.

[068] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise rapeseed oil in an amount of from 10 to 30 % by dry weight of the lipid component, such as from 10 to 20 wt%, such as from 12 to 20 wt% or from 14 to 20 wt%.

[069] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula comprises non-high oleic sunflower oil in an amount of from >0 up to 35% by dry weight of the lipid component.

[070] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise non-high oleic sunflower oil in an amount of at least 8% by dry weight of the lipid component.

[071] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise non-high oleic sunflower oil in an amount of up to 32% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as up to 27 wt% or up to 20 wt%.

[072] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise non-high oleic sunflower oil in an amount of from 8 to 32% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as from 8 to 27 wt%, or from 8 to 20 wt%.

[073] As used herein ‘non-high oleic sunflower oil’ may mean sunflower oil that is not high oleic sunflower oil. Non-high oleic sunflower oil may have an oleic content of less than 40% by dry weight of the sunflower oil.

[074] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula comprises high oleic sunflower oil in an amount of from 5 to 50% by dry weight of the lipid component.

[075] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise high oleic sunflower oil in an amount of at least 7% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as at least 15%, or at least 20wt%.

[076] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise high oleic sunflower oil in an amount of up to 40% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as up to 30wt%.

[077] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise high oleic sunflower oil in an amount of from 7 to 40% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as from 15 to 40 %, or from 20 to 30 wt%.

[078] As used herein ‘high oleic sunflower oil’ may mean sunflower oil having an oleic content of at least 60% by dry weight of the sunflower oil.

[079] It has surprisingly been found that the use of (optional) coconut oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil and high oleic sunflower oil in the first or follow-on formula in combination within these ranges improves the nutritional content of the formula while also providing good stability when in combination with a high amount of milk lipid component.

[080] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise a triglyceride, monoglyceride, diglyceride, free fatty acid and / or polar lipid. The polar lipid may comprise sphingomyelin, phospholipid, glycolipid and / or cholesterol.

[081] The lipid component of the formula may comprise from >0 up to 1.5 wt% of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) obtained from a plant-based source, by dry weight of the lipid component. As used herein, “obtained from a plant-sourced DHA” means that DHA that has been extracted from the plant source rather than extracted indirectly from an animal that has consumed the plant source, such as from a fish or part thereof. Directly obtained plant-sourced DHA such as this may provide improved nutritional benefits in the formula. The DHA obtained from a plantbased source may be an algal-sourced DHA.

[082] The lipid component may comprise DHA in an amount of at least 0.3% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as at least 0.35 wt% or at least 0.4 wt%. The lipid component may comprise DHA in an amount of up to 1.1% by dry weight of the lipid component, such as up to 0.6 wt% or up to 0.5 wt%. The lipid component may comprise from 0.3 to 1.5% of the DHA by dry weight of the lipid component, such as from 0.3 to 1.1 wt%, or from 0.35 to 0.6 wt%, or from 0.4 to 0.5 wt%.

[083] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise a further fatty acid such as capric acid; lauric acid; myristic acid; palmitic acid; stearic acid; linoleic acid; alpha linolenic acid and / or arachidonic acid (ARA), such as fungal-sourced ARA.

[084] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise arachidonic acid (ARA), such as fungal-sourced ARA. The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise at least 0.1% ARA, by dry weight of the lipid component, such as at least 0.12 wt%; and / or upto 1% ARA, by dry weight of the lipid component, such as up to 0.8 wt% or up to 0.7 wt%.

[085] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise capric acid in an amount of at least 0.5 % by total dry weight of the fatty acids, such as at least 1 wt% or at least 1.2 wt%.

[086] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise lauric acid in an amount of at least 0.5 % by total dry weight of the fatty acids, such as at least 3 wt% or at least 6 wt%.

[087] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise myristic acid in an amount of at least 1.5 % by total dry weight of the fatty acids, such as at least 4 wt% or at least 6 wt%.

[088] The lipid component of the first or follow-on formula may comprise palmitic acid in an amount of at least 7 % by total dry weight of the fatty acids, such as at least 10 wt% or at least 14 wt%.

[089] The lipid component of the first orfollow-on formula may comprise stearic acid in an amount of at least 3 % by total dry weight of the fatty acids, such as at least 4 wt% or at least 6 wt%.

[090] The lipid component of the first orfollow-on formula may comprise linoleic acid in an amount of at least 10 % by total dry weight of the fatty acids, such as at least 12 wt% or at least 14 wt%.

[091] The lipid component of the first orfollow-on formula may comprise alpha linolenic acid in an amount of at least 1 % by total dry weight of the fatty acids, such as at least 1.2 wt% or at least 1.4 wt%.

[092] The lipid component of the first orfollow-on formula may comprise arachidonic acid in an amount of at least 0.1 % by total dry weight of the lipid component, such as at least 0.15 wt% or at least 0.2 wt%.

[093] The non-milk lipids of the first or follow-on formula may comprise other vegetable lipids, such as linseed oil, olive oil, safflower oil, high oleic safflower oil, maize oil, soyabean oil, walnut oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, palm oil and / or palm kernel oil.

[094] The lipids of the first or follow-on formula may comprise <10 % palm oil by dry weight of the lipid component, such as <5 wt%, or <1 wt%. The present invention may advantageously provide a first or follow-on formula having a high milk lipid content with improved nutritional content in combination with good stability while comprising a low amount, or being substantially free of, palm oil.

[095] It has surprisingly been found that the combination of non-milk lipids of the present invention within the given ranges allows for the use of a high proportion of milk lipids while providing good stability without requiring the high amount of palm oil that would normally be expected to be required.

[096] The first or follow-on infant formula comprises a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate. As used herein ‘source of iron’ may mean a compound comprising bioavailable iron.

[097] The iron source may comprise at least 0.01% iron pyrophosphate, by dry weight of the formula, such as at least 0.015 wt% or at least 0.02%; and / or the iron source may comprise up to 0.05% iron pyrophosphate, by dry weight of the formula, such as up to 0.04 wt%, or upto 0.03 wt%.

[098] The mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate may be added to the mixture of components (a) to (c).

[099] The first or follow-on infant formula may comprise a mineral component that comprises a further mineral selected from a sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and / or iodine mineral.

[100] The first or follow-on infant formula may comprise a prebiotic component (e.g. as component (e) or (f), as applicable). The prebiotic component may comprise galactooligosaccharide (GOS) and / or fructooligosaccharide (FOS). The prebiotic component may comprise at least 2% GOS and / or FOS by dry weight of the formula, such as at least 3 wt% or at least 3.5 wt%; and / or comprise up to 10% GOS and / or FOS by dry weight of the formula, such as up to 9 wt% or up to 8.5 wt%.

[101] The first or follow-on infant formula may comprise a ratio of GOS to FOS of at least 1:1, such as at least 5:1 or at least 7:1; and / or a ratio of GOS to FOS of up to 15:1, such as upto 13:1 or up to 11:1.

[102] The first or follow-on infant formula may be substantially free, or completely free, of dairy ingredients or ingredients derived from dairy obtained from animals that have been treated with antibiotics. The first or follow-on infant formula may be substantially free, or completely free, of antibiotic residues ordownstream products therefrom. The first or follow-on infant formula may comprise only dairy ingredients or ingredients derived from dairy obtained from animals that have not been treated with antibiotics according to the USDA National Organic Programme.

[103] The formula may be an organic formula. The first or follow-on infant formula may be a USDA organic formula. The first or follow-on infant formula may be an EU Organic certified formula.

[104] In the process for producing a first or follow-on infant formula according to the present invention, the process may comprise forming a mixture comprising components (a) to (c) of the first aspect of the present invention.

[105] The mixture of components (a) to (c) may be wet mixture comprising water.

[106] The mixture of components (a) to (c) may comprise pasteurized milk or derivative thereof, such as pasteurized whole milk. The mixture may comprise pasteurized milk or derivative thereof, such as pasteurized whole milk, that has not been subjected to ultra-high temperature processing prior to contact with the mixture.

[107] The mixture may comprise at least 30% pasteurized liquid milk, or liquid derivative thereof that has not been subjected to ultra-high temperature processing prior to contact with the mixture, by total weight of the mixture, such as at least 40 wt% or at least 50 wt%.

[108] By avoiding an early or additional ultra-high temperature treatment step, the solids composition of the milk lipids may be better maintained. Advantageously, this may improve the nutritional content of the first or follow-on formula.

[109] As used herein, unless provided for otherwise, ‘ultra-high temperature’ processing or treatment may mean subjecting the milk / mixture to a temperature of at least 130°C, typically for a short period, such as less than 10 seconds. The pasteurized milk or derivative thereof, such as whole milk, that is used for the mixture may be a liquid milk or liquid derivative thereof, such as a liquid milk or liquid derivative thereof comprising at least 80% of milk-sourced water by total weight of the water content of the milk, such as at least 85 wt%.

[110] The mixture comprising components (a) to (c) may be further contacted with / comprise a first mineral, such as a first mineral premix. The mixture comprising components (a) to (c) may be further contacted with / comprise a first mineral, such as a first mineral premix, prior to the evaporator step.

[111] The first mineral, or mineral pre-mix, may comprise an alkali and / or alkali earth metal mineral, such as a sodium, potassium, calcium and / or magnesium mineral. The first mineral, or mineral pre-mix, may consist of alkali and / or alkali earth metal minerals.

[112] The mixture comprising components (a) to (c) may be subjected to an elevated temperature treatment of up to 100°C, such as up to 97°C when at a solids content of up of up to 30% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as up to 27% solids.

[113] The process may comprise processing the mixture of components (a) to (c) through an evaporator step operable to increase the solids content of the mixture.

[114] The mixture that is contacted with the evaporator may comprise a solids content of at least 20% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as at least 25% solids. The mixture that is contacted with the evaporator may comprise a solids content of up to 30% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as up to 27% solids. The mixture that is contacted with the evaporator may comprise a solids content of from 20% to 30% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as from 25% to 27% solids.

[115] The mixture that is produced by the evaporator step may comprise a solids content of at least 40% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as at least 45% solids. The mixture that is produced by the evaporator step may comprise a solids content of up to 60% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as up to 55% solids. The mixture that is produced by the evaporator step may comprise a solids content of from 40% to 60% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as from 45% to 55% solids.

[116] The mixture may be subjected to a temperature of at least 40°C during the evaporator step, such as at least 50°C.

[117] The mixture may be subjected to a temperature of up to 90°C during the evaporator step, such as up to 80°C.

[118] The process may comprise processing the mixture of components (a) to (c), suitably the increased solids content mixture of components (a) to (c), through an ultra-high temperature processing step.

[119] The pre-ultra-high temperature treatment step / evaporated mixture may not have been subject to an ultra-high temperature treatment step.

[120] The ultra-high temperature treatment step may comprise contacting the mixture with a temperature of at least 130°C, such as at least 135°C, or at least 138°C.

[121] The ultra-high temperature treatment step may comprise contacting the mixture with a temperature of upto 150°C, such as upto 148°C, or up to 145°C.

[122] The ultra-high temperature treatment step may comprise contacting the mixture with a temperature of from 130°Cto 150°C, such as from 135°Cto 148°C, or from 138°Cto 145°C.

[123] The ultra-high temperature treatment step may comprise contacting the mixture with the ultra-high temperature for a period of at least 0.2 seconds, such as at least 0.3 seconds, or at least 0.4 seconds.

[124] The ultra-high temperature treatment step may comprise contacting the mixture with the ultra-high temperature for a period of up to 1 second, such as up to 0.8 seconds, or up to 0.6 seconds.

[125] The ultra-high temperature treatment step may comprise contacting the mixture with the ultra-high temperature for a period of from 0.2 seconds to 1 second, such as from 0.3 seconds to 0.8 seconds, or from 0.4 seconds to 0.6 seconds.

[126] The ultra-high temperature treatment step such as for a ready-to-drink formula, may comprise contacting the mixture with the ultra-high temperature for a period of at least 0.5 seconds, such as at least 1 second.

[127] The ultra-high temperature treatment step, such as for a ready-to-drink formula, may comprise contacting the mixture with the ultra-high temperature for a period of up to 5 seconds, such as up to 4 seconds.

[128] The ultra-high temperature treatment step, such as for a ready-to-drink formula, may comprise contacting the mixture with the ultra-high temperature for a period of from 0.5 seconds to 5 seconds, such as from 1 second to 4 seconds.

[129] The ultra-high temperature treatment step may comprise an infuser treatment step and / or a tubular heat-exchange treatment step. An infuser ultra-hight temperature treatment step may comprise contacting the mixture with steam.

[130] The mixture that is contacted with the ultra-high temperature treatment may comprise a solids content of at least 40% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as at least 45% solids. The mixture that is contacted with the ultra-high temperature treatment may comprise a solids content of up to 60% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as up to 55% solids. The mixture that is contacted with the ultra-high temperature treatment may comprise a solids content of from 40% to 60% solids by total weight of the mixture, such as from 45% to 55% solids.

[131] The mixture that is contacted with the ultra-high temperature treatment and / or the ultra-high temperature treated mixture may comprise a density of at least 1120 kg / m3, such as at least 1130 kg / m3. The mixture that is contacted with the ultra-high temperature treatment and / or the ultra-high temperature treated mixture may comprise a density of upto 1150 kg / m3, such as up to 1140 kg / m3.

[132] The milk or derivative thereof, or the mixture, such as the pre-evaporator step mixture, the evaporated mixture, and / or the ultra-high temperature treated mixture may comprise milk-sourced water. As used herein, ‘milk-sourced water’ may mean water that is obtained from milk. The milk from which the milk-sourced water is obtained may comprise milk that is added to the mixture to form at least part of component (c), such milk-sourced water may be termed ‘direct milk-sourced water’.

[133] The mixture, such as the pre-evaporator step mixture, the evaporated mixture, and / or the ultra-high temperature treated mixture may comprise at least 60% milk-sourced water by weight of the water content of the mixture, such as at least 65 wt% or at least 75 wt%.

[134] The mixture, such as the pre-evaporator step mixture, the evaporated mixture, and / or the ultra-high temperature treated mixture may comprise up to 98% milk-sourced water by weight of the water content of the mixture, such as up to 95 wt% or up to 90 wt%.

[135] The mixture, such as the pre-evaporator step mixture, the evaporated mixture, and / or the ultra-high temperature treated mixture may comprise from 60% to 98% milk-sourced water by weight of the water content of the mixture, such as from 65 to 95 wt% or from 75 to 90 wt%.

[136] The process may comprise processing the mixture of components (a) to (c), suitably the ultra-high temperature treated mixture of components (a) to (c), through a drying step operable to reduce the water content of the mixture.

[137] The wet mixture may be substantially dried, such as spray dried, to produce a dry mixture or powder. The dry mixture / powder may comprise up to 5% water, by total weight of the mixture, such as up to 4 wt% or up to 3 wt%.

[138] The dry mixture / powder may comprise at least 50% milk-sourced water by total weight of the water content of the dry mixture / powder, such as at least 60 wt% or at least 70 wt%. The dry mixture / powder may comprise up to 98% milk-sourced water by total weight of the water content of the dry mixture / powder, such as up to 95 wt% or up to 90 wt%. The dry mixture / powder may comprise from 50% to 98% milk-sourced water by total weight of the water content of the dry mixture / powder, such as from 60 to 95 wt%, or from 70 to 90 wt%.

[139] A mineral component, such as a second mineral component, such as a second mineral pre-mix, may be added to the dry mix, such as with dry blending.

[140] The mineral component, such as a second mineral component, or mineral pre-mix, may comprise a non-alkali and / or non-alkali earth metal mineral, such as an iron, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium and / or iodine mineral.

[141] The mineral component comprising iron pyrophosphate may be added to the dry mix.

[142] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first or follow-on infant formula produced by the process of the present invention.

[143] As used herein, unless otherwise expressly specified, all numbers such as those expressing values, ranges, amounts or percentages may be read as if prefaced by the word "about", even if the term does not expressly appear. The term “about” when used herein means +1- 10% of the stated value. Also, the recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all integer numbers and, where appropriate, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 can include 1,2,3,4 when referring to, for example, a number of elements, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.75 and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements). The recitation of end points also includes the end point values themselves (e.g. from 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Also, any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

[144] Singular encompasses plural and vice versa. For example, although reference is made herein to "a" protein component, “a” carbohydrate component and the like, one or more of each of these and any other components can be used.

[145] The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of as used herein are synonymous with "including", "includes" or "containing", "contains", and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or process steps. The process steps of the present invention may be carried out in any suitable order. Although the present invention has been described in terms of “comprising”, the articles detailed herein may also be described as “consisting essentially of or “consisting of. Where the present invention has been described in terms of “obtainable by”, the articles detailed herein may also be described as “obtained by”.

[146] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a list is described as comprising group A, B, and / or C, the list can comprise A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination, B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[147] All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.

[148] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the following examples. EXAMPLES

[149] Infant formula 1 according to the present invention was formed from the components of Table 1 as follows.

[150] The whole milk was received as raw milk which was then subjected to pasteurization. The pasteurized whole milk was then combined and mixed with all of the components of Table 1 apart from the mineral premix 2 to form a wet mix. The wet mix was then arranged into an evaporator and the solids content was increased from 25% to 55%. The increased-solids wet mix was then arranged into an infuser apparatus and the wet mix was heat-treated at 140°C for 0.5 seconds. The heat-treated wet mix was then spray dried to form a powder. Mineral premix 2 and the iron pyrophosphate were then added to the powder with dry blending. Table 1 - Components Component Amount (g) Whole milk (15.1 wt% of lipids) 110 Whey powder (1.2 wt% of lipids) 35.2 Pre-blended vegetable oil mixture: high-oleic sunflower oil (31 wt% of lipids), non-high oleic sunflower oil (17 wt% of lipids), coconut oil (16 wt% of lipids), and rapeseed oil (17 wt% of lipids) 22.8 Lactose 13.5 Oligosaccharides 4.9 Skimmed milk powder (0.2 wt% of lipids) 4.8 Mineral premix 1 2.8 Alpha lactalbumin WPC 1.2 Mineral premix 2 0.34 ARA oil (40%) (1,2wt% of lipids) 0.34 DHA oil (40%) (1.0 wt% of lipids) 0.31 Vitamin premix 0.3 Choline bitartrate 0.29 Fructo oligosaccharides 0.17 Inositol 0.16 Nucleotides premix 0.06 Taurine 0.05 Iron (III) pyrophosphate 0.02

[151] A clinical animal study determined the protein efficiency ratio (PER) of a test diet formulated based on Formula 1 (containing iron pyrophosphate) and in accordance with the AOAC official method number 960.48, was undertaken. The standard protocol of 28 days allocation to the test diet (based on Formula 1) in comparison to control animals allocated to a casein standardised protein diet was employed. The daily measurement of weight gain and food intake was utilised to determine the protein quality of the test formulation with a standard formula of: PER = gain in weight (g) I protein intake (g)

[152] Juvenile rodents maintained on each diet, control and test, were evaluated daily over a 28 day period for their rate of growth and consumption of their allocated diets. All treatment groups exhibited the typical rapid rate of growth of young rodents. The test diet (based on Formula 1, including iron pyrophosphate as the iron source) did not change the increase in rat weight gain as compared to the casein control diet group. A measure of total weight gain over the 28 day period demonstrated no difference between diet groups. This was also evident by the average daily weight gain of animals, with no significant difference between the control and test diet animal groups.

[153] Animal food consumption was recorded for the same 28-day period, with daily food intake measured for each animal. Analysis of daily food consumption demonstrated no significant change in food consumption between the test and control diet groups across the period of evaluation. The known values for protein Nx6.25 for control diet and test diet were employed to calculate the average protein intake for each formulated diet over the period of the 28-day study. Analysis demonstrated no significant difference in average protein intake by animals allocated the test diet.

[154] Calculation of protein efficiency ratio (PER) for each diet indicated there to be a significant change in PER value in the test diet formulation versus the casein control. A calculation of ratio x100 of the test diet formulation to ANRC reference casein PER was determined that suggested statistically-significant increase in total weight gain in animals fed the test diet (based on Formula 1, containing iron pyrophosphate).

[155] The results of the animal trial showed that a test diet based on Formula 1 according to the present disclosure was surprisingly able to demonstrate non-inferior (and indeed, statistically superior) growth in animals compared to a standard casein control diet.

[156] It is also expected that the infant formula according to the present disclosure will demonstrate non-inferior growth even compared to a commercial formula containing ferrous sulphate instead of iron pyrophosphate. This surprising benefit would be of particular importance given the commercial formula being trialled as the ‘control’ contain a higher equivalent level of iron (mg / 100g) of the ferrous sulphate variety, versus a formulation according to the present disclosure that contains a high proportion of whole milk as a lipid source in combination with a lower equivalent level of iron obtained from iron pyrophosphate.

[157] Formula 1 was tested for sensory profile as follows.

[158] The sensory analysis comprised a triangle test, a commonly used sensory discrimination method. The triangle test is used to determine whether a sensory difference exists between two products, in this instance a formula containing iron pyrophosphate and a formula containing ferrous sulphate (all other variables were kept constant for comparability).

[159] Samples were prepared in the R&D laboratory based on standard preparation instructions. Each sample was then presented in identical bottles containers and coded, following a balanced experimental test design. Each sample was then evaluated following a standardised tasting protocol. To conduct the test; the assessors compared the test product (formula based on iron pyrophosphate) against a control product (formula based on ferrous sulphate). Each assessor was presented with three samples (two being the same and one being different) and asked to evaluate the samples, select the ‘different’ sample and describe the difference perceived. Assessors used bottled water as a palate cleanser to clean the palate between samples to minimise flavour carry-over.

[160] Each assessor was asked to select a sample even if they thought there was no difference between the samples. The assessors were furthermore allowed to state that their answer was a guess in the comments section. The number of correct answers / judgements are counted and compared to verify whether it can be concluded that a meaningful difference exists between the two samples.

[161] In this instance, the formulation containing iron pyrophosphate was determined to be superior to the formulation containing ferrous sulphate in both taste and smell. These tests were conducted under controlled test conditions in the company headquarters and each product sample was prepared and presented in a standardised and consistent manner to ensure no sources of bias were introduced which could have a negative impact on the end test result.

[162] Formula 1 was tested for stability as follows.

[163] Batches of the formula were packed into tins under nitrogen gas and then held at a given temperature at 65% humidity for an extended period to monitor the stability of the formula under a range of temperatures. The results are shown in Table 2.

[164] The stability of the formula was graded as a pass or a fail. The formula was assessed as a pass when the odour, caking, appearance and taste of the formula were acceptable, and also when the formula could be reconditioned with water to form a consumable liquid product in accordance with the consumer instructions. The formula was assessed as a fail when any one of these criteria was not at an acceptable level for consumer use. Table 2 - Results Temperature (°C) 3 months 6 months 11 months Formula 1 <0 Pass - - Formula 1 20 Pass Pass - Formula 1 37 Pass Pass Pass

[165] As shown by the results of Table 2, an infant formula according to the present disclosure was able to provide excellent stability performance despite containing a high level of milk lipids. Furthermore, the infant formula of the present disclosure provided improved nutritional content in combination with the excellent stability performance.

[166] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[167] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[168] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[169] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula comprising:(a) a protein component;(b) a carbohydrate component;(c) a lipid component, wherein the lipid component comprises:i. >15% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component;ii. optionally, <35% of coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component;iii. from >0 to 40% of rapeseed oil, by dry weight of the lipid component;iv. from >0 to <35% of non-high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component;v. from 5 to 50% of high oleic sunflower oil, by dry weight of the lipid component; andvi. from >0 <1.5% of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) obtained from a plant-based source, by dry weight of the lipid component; and(d) a mineral component comprising a source of iron, wherein the iron source comprises iron pyrophosphate.

2. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to claim 1, wherein the first or follow-on formula is a powder formula ora ready-to drink liquid formula.

3. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lipid component comprises >25% milk lipids, by dry weight of the lipid component.

4. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the lipid component comprises >7% milk lipids obtained from a liquid milk or liquid derivative thereof, by dry weight of the lipid component, wherein the liquid milk or liquid derivative thereof comprises >80% of milk-sourced water by total weight of the water content of the liquid milk or derivative thereof.

5. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the lipid component comprises >10% milk lipids obtained from a liquid milk or liquid derivative thereof, by dry weight of the lipid component, wherein the liquid milk or liquid derivative thereof comprises >80% of milk-sourced water by total weight of the water content of the liquid milk or derivative thereof.

6. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the lipid component comprises <10% coconut oil, by dry weight of the lipid component.

7. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the lipid component comprises >0.3% DHA, by dry weight of the lipid component.

8. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the mineral component comprises >0.01% iron pyrophosphate, by dry weight of the formula, and / or wherein the mineral component comprises <0.05% iron pyrophosphate, by dry weight of the formula.

9. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the lipid component comprises >0.1% arachidonic acid (ARA), by dry weight of the lipid component.

10. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the formula comprises a prebiotic component comprising galactooligosaccharide (GOS) and / or fructooligosaccharide (FOS), optionally wherein the prebiotic component comprises >2% GOS and / or FOS by dry weight of the formula and / or comprises <10% GOS and / or FOS by dry weight of the formula.

11. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to claim 10, wherein the formula comprises a ratio of GOS to FOS of >1:1 and / or <15:1.

12. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the lipid component comprises <5% palm oil, by dry weight of the lipid component.

13. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the first or follow-on infant formula is substantially free of dairy ingredients or ingredients derived from dairy obtained from animals that have been treated with antibiotics.

14. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any preceding claim, wherein the formula is an organic formula.

15. A process for the production of a first or follow-on infant formula according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the process comprises:(a) forming a mixture comprising components (a) to (c), and(b) subjecting the mixture to ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing.

16. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula according to any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the formula is obtainable by a process comprising:(a) forming a mixture comprising components (a) to (c), and(b) subjecting the mixture to ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing.

17. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, or process, according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the process comprising adding mineral component (d) to UHT treated mix of components (a) to (c), optionally to a dry UHT treated mix of components (a) to (c).

18. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, or process, according to any of claims 15 or 17, wherein the mixture comprises pasteurized liquid milk or liquid derivative thereof that has not been subjected to ultra-high temperature processing prior to contact with the mixture of components (a) to (c).

19. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, or process, according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the mixture comprises >40% pasteurized liquid milk or liquid derivative thereof that has not been subjected to ultra-high temperature processing prior to contact with the mixture, by total weight of the mixture of components (a) to (c).

20. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, or process, according to any of claims 15 or 20, wherein the process comprises processing the mixture of components (a) to (c) through an evaporator step operable to increase the solids content of the mixture prior to step (b).

21. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, or process, according to claim 20, wherein the mixture that is contacted with the evaporator has a solids content of <30% solids by total weight of the mixture.

22. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, or process, according to any of claims 15 to 21, wherein the mixture that is contacted with the ultra-high temperature treatment has a solids content of >40% solids by total weight of the mixture.

23. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, or process, according to any of claims 15 to 22, wherein the mixture that is contacted with the ultra-high temperature treatment and / or the ultra-high temperature treated mixture has a density of >1120 kg / m3.

24. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, or process, according to any of claims 15 to 23, wherein the mixture (such as the pre-evaporator step mixture, the evaporated mixture, and / or the ultra-high temperature treated mixture) comprises >60% milk-sourced water by weight of the water content of the mixture.

25. A first infant formula or a follow-on infant formula, or process, according to any preceding claim, wherein the formula is a powder formula comprising >50% milk-sourced water by total weight of the water content of the powder formula.