Best Organic Baby Formula: 2026 Expert Comparison Guide

Quick Answer: The best organic baby formula depends on your baby's individual needs and your priorities. Nara Organics is the only USDA-certified organic whole milk formula with no skim milk, made in Germany with the highest milk fat content of any U.S. formula. Bobbie Organic offers a European-style recipe with a breast milk-like 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio and Clean Label certification. Kendamil uses whole milk from grass-fed cows with naturally occurring MFGM. Each formula meets FDA requirements but varies in ingredients, sourcing, and price.

By Amy Morrison, founder of Pregnant Chicken and mom of two. I've been helping parents navigate pregnancy and early parenthood since 2010, combining research with real-world parenting experience.

What Makes Organic Formula Different?

Before diving into specific brands, here's what "organic" actually means for baby formula.

To earn USDA organic certification, at least 95% of ingredients must be certified organic (excluding salt and water). The remaining 5% must come from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances when organic versions aren't commercially available.

Organic standards regulate:

Minimal use of synthetic pesticides and chemicals
No chemical fertilizers
No growth hormones
No GMOs

Important distinction: All formulas sold in the United States – organic or not –must meet the same FDA nutritional requirements. The organic seal tells you about how ingredients are produced, not whether the formula provides complete nutrition (they all do).

mom bottle feeding her infant baby formula

How to Choose the Right Formula

Through my years writing about newborns, I've learned that formula selection often comes down to three key factors:

1. Your baby's digestion. Some babies tolerate certain protein ratios or fat sources better than others. Watch for signs like excessive gas, constipation, or fussiness.

2. Your budget. Organic formulas range from about $1.08 to $1.63 per ounce. A baby consuming 32 ounces daily will go through roughly $100-$150 worth of formula per month.

3. Availability and convenience. Can you order directly with subscribe-and-save? Is it stocked at your local Target? Supply chain issues are real and having a backup option matters.

The 7 Best Organic Formulas (Detailed Comparison)

1. Nara Organics Whole Milk Infant Formula

Best for: Families wanting the highest milk fat content and whole milk nutrition

Launched in 2025, Nara Organics is the first and only USDA-certified organic whole milk formula with no skim milk. After seven years of development by founder Esther Hallam (creator of the popular Nara Baby tracking app), this formula delivers German manufacturing quality with American convenience.

What sets it apart:

Made with organic whole milk (not skim milk with added oils)
Highest milk fat content of any U.S. formula with naturally occurring MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane)
Manufactured in Germany to meet both U.S. FDA and EU safety standards
Clean Label Project Purity Award recipient
Over 2,000 safety and quality tests per batch with full traceability

Nutritional highlights:

Protein source: Organic whole milk and whey protein concentrate
Whey to casein ratio: 60:40
Carbohydrate source: Organic lactose only
Added nutrients: DHA (omega-3), ARA (omega-6), prebiotics (GOS), choline, inositol, naturally occurring MFGM
Free from: Skim milk, palm oil, soy, corn syrup, GMOs, artificial sweeteners, gluten

Pricing: $28-$35 per 24.7oz can ($1.13-$1.42 per ounce)

Available at nara.com and Target stores nationwide
Starter bundle: 2 cans for $36
Subscription available for additional savings

Worth noting: This is a brand-new formula (launched mid-2025), so there's less long-term user feedback compared to established brands. The whole milk base uses fewer seed oils than other formulas because of its high milk fat content, but it does contain organic sunflower and canola oils. It's one of the more affordable premium options when you subscribe.

2. Bobbie Organic Infant Formula

Best for: European-style formula with breast milk-like protein ratio

Bobbie follows a European recipe while meeting all FDA requirements. The standout feature is its 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, which closely matches mature breast milk (compared to cow's milk's 20:80 ratio). This higher whey content may support gentler digestion.

What sets it apart:

Made in Vermont and Ohio using milk from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows
Clean Label Project Purity Award and Pesticide-Free certification
Lactose as the only carbohydrate (no corn syrup, maltodextrin, or alternative sugars)
Small-batch processing for quality control
Now offers both Original and Organic Whole Milk formulas
DHA at EU levels of 20mg per 100 kcal

Nutritional highlights:

Protein source: Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate (Original); Organic whole milk (Whole Milk version)
Whey to casein ratio: 60:40
Carbohydrate source: Lactose only
Added nutrients: DHA (omega-3), ARA (omega-6)
Free from: Palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin, GMOs

Pricing: $23-$26 per can ($1.63 per ounce)

Available at hibobbie.com and Target stores nationwide
One-time purchase: $104 for 4 cans
Monthly subscription: $93.60 for 4 cans (saves about $10)
Starter bundle: 2 cans for $40

Worth noting: This is one of the pricier options, but the subscription helps offset the cost. Parents appreciate being able to buy it at Target when they run low between deliveries. Bobbie doesn't include prebiotics or probiotics, unlike some other formulas, but you can add them separately.

3. Kendamil Organic Infant Formula

Best for: Families wanting European standards with U.S. availability

This UK family-owned company became available in the U.S. through Operation Fly Formula during the 2022 formula shortage. Kendamil uses organic whole milk (not skim milk with added fats) from grass-fed cows.

What sets it apart:

Made in Kendal, UK with European manufacturing standards
Uses whole milk with naturally occurring MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane)
Certified organic by the European Union and British Soil Association
Can be labeled and sold as organic in both the UK and U.S.
Plant-based DHA (no fish oil)
Exceptional ingredient transparency

Nutritional highlights:

Protein source: Whole milk, whey, and casein protein
Whey to casein ratio: 60:40
Carbohydrate source: Lactose only
Added nutrients: Omega-3 DHA and ALA, Omega-6 LA, prebiotics, naturally occurring MFGM
Free from: Palm oil, fish oil, soy

Pricing: $30 per can ($1.42 per ounce)

Available at Target stores
Cannot order directly from their site yet

Worth noting: Slightly more expensive than some options, but parents appreciate the European manufacturing standards and whole milk base. You can't subscribe directly, so you're relying on retail stock.

4. Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula with Iron

Best for: Families prioritizing prebiotics and eye health nutrients

Earth's Best uses lactose as its only carbohydrate and includes prebiotics for gut health. It's formulated with lutein specifically for healthy eye development.

What sets it apart:

Made by Perrigo in the United States
Prebiotics to support gut health and immune function
Lutein for eye development
DHA, ARA, amino acids (l-carnitine), and taurine for brain and eye development
Sensitive and Gentle varieties available

Nutritional highlights:

Protein source: Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate
Whey to casein ratio: 30:70
Carbohydrate source: Lactose only
Added nutrients: DHA (omega-3), ARA (omega-6), iron, lutein, prebiotics
Contains: Palm oil

Pricing: $31.50 per can ($1.56 per ounce)

Available at Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon
Cannot order directly from the company

Worth noting: Moderately priced but contains palm oil, which some parents prefer to avoid. The 30:70 whey-to-casein ratio is less like breast milk than formulas with 60:40 ratios. You're at the mercy of retailer supply since there's no direct ordering.

5. Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula

Best for: Families wanting dual prebiotics (GOS and FOS)

Happy Baby includes two types of prebiotics (GOS and FOS) that mimic those naturally found in breast milk to promote healthy gut bacteria.

What sets it apart:

Made in Europe with high-quality ingredients
Dual prebiotics (GOS and FOS) like those in breast milk
Both USDA and EU-certified organic
Stage 1 and Stage 2 options for different ages
Stage 1 Sensitive alternative with reduced lactose available
Parents report it smells and tastes very similar to breast milk

Nutritional highlights:

Protein source: Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate
Whey to casein ratio: 60:40
Carbohydrate source: Lactose only
Added nutrients: DHA (omega-3), ARA (omega-6), dual prebiotics (GOS and FOS)
Free from: GMOs, artificial ingredients

Pricing: $31 per can ($1.48 per ounce)

Available at Amazon and Target
Cannot order directly from the company

Worth noting: Happy Baby was the only company that wouldn't disclose their specific manufacturing location to me, which may concern some parents. No subscribe-and-save option means you're dependent on retail availability.

6. Pure Bliss by Similac Organic Infant Formula

Best for: Families wanting ready-to-feed convenience

Now sold under the "Pure Bliss by Similac" brand, this is the only USDA organic formula available in ready-to-feed liquid form. It's formulated with OptiGRO – a blend of DHA, lutein, and vitamin E.

What sets it apart:

Made by Abbott at their Michigan plant
Available in ready-to-feed liquid (most convenient option)
OptiGRO blend for brain and eye development
Non-GMO
No palm olein oil

Nutritional highlights:

Protein source: Nonfat milk
Whey to casein ratio: 48:52
Carbohydrate source: Lactose (Pure Bliss line contains no corn syrup or maltodextrin)
Added nutrients: DHA (omega-3), ARA (omega-6), lutein, vitamin E
Free from: Palm olein oil (in Pure Bliss line)

Pricing: Approximately $25 per can for powder ($1.08 per ounce)

Ready-to-feed liquid costs more but requires no mixing
Available at Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon

Worth noting: The least expensive organic powder option. Note that Similac markets multiple organic lines – Pure Bliss by Similac Organic does not contain maltodextrin or added sugars, but check labels carefully as formulations vary. Availability has been inconsistent at some stores.

7. Bubs Organic Grass-Fed Infant Formula

Best for: Families wanting Australian-made formula with probiotics

Bubs comes from Australian dairy farms and includes both prebiotics and probiotics. It's Clean Label certified with no GMOs, corn syrup, or artificial ingredients.

What sets it apart:

Made in Victoria, Australia with rigorous regulatory oversight
Made with organic milk from grass-fed Australian cows
Contains probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum) plus prebiotics (GOS)
Australian State regulators audit every six months
Strict pathogen monitoring program
Plant-based Omega-3
Available at Amazon, Walmart, and Target

Nutritional highlights:

Protein source: Whole milk, whey, nonfat milk
Whey to casein ratio: 60:40
Carbohydrate source: Lactose only
Added nutrients: Prebiotics (GOS), probiotics (Bifidobacterium longum), plant-based omega-3
Free from: GMOs, corn syrup, maltodextrin, growth hormones, artificial ingredients

Pricing: $40 per can ($1.39 per ounce)

Available at Target, Walmart, and Amazon
Cannot order directly from their site yet

Worth noting: One of the most expensive options. The probiotic inclusion is unique among these formulas. Parents appreciate the whole milk base and high manufacturing standards, but the price is a consideration for many families.

Important Formula Facts Parents Should Know

About whey-to-casein ratios: Mature breast milk has approximately a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio. Whey digests more quickly and is generally considered gentler on babies' stomachs. Cow's milk naturally has a 20:80 ratio, so most formulas adjust this.

About whole milk vs. skim milk: Nara Organics, Kendamil, and Bubs use whole milk as their base, which provides naturally occurring MFGM and requires fewer added oils. Most other formulas use skim (nonfat) milk and add back fats through vegetable oil blends.

About fat sources: Formulas use different oil blends to provide fatty acids. Sunflower, safflower, soybean, and coconut oils tend to be easier to digest than palm oil. Many parents specifically seek formulas without palm oil, as some research suggests it may affect calcium absorption and lead to firmer stools.

About added sugars: Quality organic formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate since it's the main carb in breast milk. Watch out for maltodextrin, corn syrup, glucose syrup, or brown rice syrup as primary carb sources – these are sometimes used as lactose substitutes.

About DHA and ARA: These fatty acids support brain and eye development. Most organic formulas now include them, though the sources vary (some use algal oil, others use different methods).

A Note About European Brands

You may have heard about HiPP, Holle, and other European brands. These formulas have devoted followings and high-quality ingredients. However, they are not FDA-approved for sale in the United States.

Third-party vendors do import and sell these formulas to U.S. consumers. While many families use them without issue, be aware of potential risks. Since they're not regulated for U.S. sale, there's no guarantee about:

Proper shipping and storage conditions
Product authenticity
Labeling accuracy
Preparation instructions matching U.S. water safety standards

For this guide, I've focused only on formulas legally available and regulated in the United States.

How to Make Your Decision

Start with your pediatrician. They know your baby's health history and can guide you toward appropriate options, especially if your baby has any sensitivities or special needs.

Consider trying:

Start with a formula that fits your budget and values (organic certification, protein ratio, specific nutrients)
Give it at least a few days to a week unless you see concerning reactions
Watch for signs it's working well: comfortable digestion, good sleep, appropriate weight gain, a content baby
Don't be afraid to switch if it's not working – every baby is different

Red flags to watch for:

Excessive fussiness or gas
Constipation or very hard stools
Persistent vomiting or severe spit-up
Rashes or other signs of allergic reaction
Poor weight gain

If you see these signs, talk to your pediatrician before switching formulas.

Money-Saving Tips

1. Subscribe and save when possible. Direct subscriptions from Nara Organics and Bobbie offer the best per-can prices and ensure you don't run out.

2. Buy larger containers. Larger cans typically cost significantly less per ounce than smaller sizes.

3. Sign up for rewards programs. MySimilac Rewards and similar programs from other brands offer coupons and benefits.

4. Check your insurance. Some insurance plans or WIC programs cover formula costs or offer reimbursement.

5. Don't overbuy. Babies' needs change, and formula expires. Calculate approximately how much you'll use in a month before stocking up.

Final Thoughts From a Parent

After a decade of writing about newborns and early parenthood, here's what I've learned about formula feeding: There's no single "perfect" formula. The best choice is the one that works for your baby, fits your budget, and gives you peace of mind.

Organic certification matters to many families and that's valid. But remember that non-organic formulas also provide complete, regulated nutrition. If budget is tight, don't sacrifice other needs for the organic label.

Trust yourself. You'll know if a formula is working for your baby. And if it's not? It's okay to try something different. This is one of many decisions you'll make as a parent, and fortunately, it's one you can adjust.

Related Resources:

Last updated: January 2026

About the Author

Amy Morrison is the founder of Pregnant Chicken, where she's been writing about pregnancy, childbirth, and new parenthood since 2010. As a mom of two boys, she combines expert research with real-world parenting experience to help families navigate their journey. Her work has helped millions of parents feel more confident and less alone during pregnancy and early parenthood.