With so many options available today, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to choose the best organic baby formula —especially when every brand is different in some way.
In this article, we take a look at what makes organic different from a non-organic formula, as well as some of the most popular organic formulas made in the United States.
What does organic mean?
Organic baby formula is a popular option for parents. But what exactly does organic mean?
To be considered “organic,” at least 95% of the ingredients must be USDA certified organic, with the exception of salt and water.
The remaining 5% or less may be made up of non-organic ingredients from the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, as long as these ingredients aren’t commercially available as organic.
What makes organic different from non-organic formula?
While an organic label may not tell you anything about the specific ingredients used, it will give you some insight into how it’s produced.
This means that the ingredients must be grown, processed, and handled according to the USDA organic standards—which regulate and minimize the use of synthetic pesticides and other synthetic chemicals, chemical fertilizers, and growth hormones.
All formulas marketed in the United States must meet nutrient requirements set by the FDA. However, brands with the USDA organic seal are organic in addition to being FDA regulated.
What should I know about baby formulas?
While organic formulas are a great place to start, each formula is unique. Research and your pediatrician will help you find the right formula for you and your baby.
Tips for researching formula:
- If you want to get as close to breast milk as possible, look for a formula with lactose as the first ingredient on the nutrition label.
- Fatty acids, such as sunflower, safflower, soybean, and coconut oil tend to be easier to digest than palm oil.
- Maltodextrin is sometimes used as the main carbohydrate source as a substitute for lactose.
- Some formulas contain sweeteners, such as glucose syrup, corn syrup, or brown rice syrup as a carbohydrate source.
- If you're concerned about heavy metals, look for a formula with a third party heavy metal certification or testing program.
Comparing the Best Organic Formulas
We’ve compared eight of the top milk-based organic formulas. We haven’t included soy-based formulas or goat milk formulas as they are typically introduced when sensitivities, constipation, allergies, etc., are being addressed. None of these formulas have added sugars, GMOs, or artificial flavors.
1. Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
Bobbie is the first organic, European-style infant formula that meets FDA nutritional requirements in the United States. It contains lactose, which is the primary carbohydrate in breast milk, as it’s only carbohydrate. Additionally, its 60:40 whey to casein ratio closely resembles that of mature breast milk when compared to the 20:80 ratio generally found in cow’s milk. This makes it a more gentle option for your baby’s digestive system.
While the U.S. does not require DHA to be added to baby formulas, Bobbie formula provides 20 milligrams of DHA per 100 calories—which meets the EU standards for DHA.
Bobbie was also the first infant formula to receive both the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the Pesticide-Free certification.
Nutritional Information:
Protein Source: Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate
Whey to Casein Ratio: 60 to 40
Carbohydrate source: Lactose
Added nutrients: Omega 3 DHA, omega 6 ARA, iron
Form: Powder
Where is it made?
Even though it is based on a European formula recipe, Bobbie is manufactured in Vermont and Ohio using organic milk sourced from pasture-raised grass-fed cows on a cooperative of small, family farms across the United States. Their small batch processing ensures only high quality ingredients make it into the formula.
Cost and availability, $26 per can in a monthly subscription
Bobbie is available as a one-time purchase ($116 for 4 cans) or by monthly subscription ($104 for 4 cans). You also have the option to purchase Bobbie in bundles of 8 or 10 cans. Bobbie is also available at Target.
Editor's Note: We have a more in-depth review of Bobbie here (there's a discount code in there too.)
2. Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula with Iron
Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula with Iron is another option that contains lactose as its only carbohydrate to more closely resemble breast milk.
This means no corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, or other carbohydrate sources. It’s fortified with iron and contains lutein for healthy eye development. It also includes omega-3 DHA, omega-6 ARA, amino acids (l-carnitine) and taurine to support brain and eye development.
With added prebiotics to aid in gut health and immune function, it’s a great choice to support your baby’s developing defense system. Sensitive and Gentle varieties are also available for babies who have trouble digesting the original formula.
Nutritional information:
Protein Source: Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate
Whey to Casein Ratio: 30 to 70
Carbohydrate source: Lactose
Added nutrients: Omega 3 DHA, omega 6 ARA, iron, lutein, prebiotics
Form: Powder
Where is it made?
Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula with Iron is manufactured in the United States using organic milk from cows fed certified organic grain and hay.
Cost and availability, from $28 per can
Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula with Iron is currently priced starting at $28 per can and is available for purchase online and in stores such as Target, Walmart, and Kroger.
3. Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula
Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula is designed with breast milk in mind, with lactose from cows raised on organic farms as the main source of carbohydrates.
It includes DHA and ARA fatty acids for brain and eye development. It also includes dual prebiotics (GOS and FOS), which mimic the prebiotics naturally found in breast milk to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria and support your little one’s digestive system.
This formula comes in Stage 1 and Stage 2 options to help provide your little one with the nutrition needed throughout their entire first year of life. The Stage 1 Organic Formula is available in a sensitive alternative with reduced lactose for babies with delicate stomachs.
Nutritional Information:
Protein Source: Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate
Whey to Casein Ratio: 30 to 70
Carbohydrate source: Lactose
Added nutrients: Omega-3 DHA, omega-6 ARA, prebiotics, iron, calcium, choline
Form: Powder
Where is it made?
Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula is produced in the United States with ingredients sourced from certified organic farms.
Cost and availability, $30 per can
Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula is currently priced at $30 per can and is available for purchase online and in stores, such as Walmart, Kroger, Meijer, and Target.
4. Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Infant Milk Dairy Formula
Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Infant Milk Dairy Formula is modeled after breast milk and contains organic lactose as the first ingredient on the label. It contains all of the nutrients needed to support your baby’s growth and development throughout the first year of their life, including iron, vitamin D, and omega-3 DHA, which is important for brain and eye development.
This formula also contains prebiotics to help promote a healthy gut, aid in digestion and support the immune system. With both Ultra Gentle and Sensitive options, you can tailor your choice to suit the unique needs of your growing baby.
Nutritional Information:
Protein Source: Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate
Whey to Casein Ratio: 30 to 70
Carbohydrate source: Lactose
Added nutrients: Omega 3 DHA, omega 6 ARA, iron, prebiotics, calcium
Form: Powder
Where is it made?
Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Formulas are made with organic dairy ingredients sourced from pasture-raised cows on dairy farms in the United States, Canada, Europe, and New Zealand.
Cost and availability, from $32
Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Infant Milk Dairy Formula is currently priced at $32 per can and is available for purchase online and in stores such as Walmart, Meijer, and BuyBuy BABY.
5. Enfamil Simply Organic Infant Formula
Enfamil Simply Organic Infant Formula is Enfamil’s first organic formula. It’s inspired by breast milk and formulated with natural ingredients.
This formula contains omega-3 DHA for brain development and vitamins C and E for immune support. It also contains prebiotics for gut health and immune support and choline in amounts similar to those found in breast milk.
There are no antibiotics, added preservatives, or artificial growth hormones. It’s also made without corn syrup solids and instead contains a combination of lactose and maltodextrin as its carbohydrate source.
Nutritional Information:
Protein Source: Nonfat milk and whey protein concentrate
Whey to Casein Ratio: 20 to 80
Carbohydrate source: Lactose, maltodextrin
Added nutrients: Omega-3 DHA, iron, prebiotics, calcium
Form: Powder
Where is it made?
Enfamil Simply Organic Infant Formula is made in the United States with ingredients sourced from organic farms and pasture-raised cows.
Cost and availability, from $35
Enfamil Simply Organic Infant Formula is currently priced at $35 per can and is available for purchase online and in stores such as Target, Meijer, and Walmart.
6. Mama Bear Organic Infant Formula with Iron
Mama Bear Organic Infant Formula with Iron is a milk-based formula that claims to be comparable to Similac Organic formula at a cheaper price. It contains omega-3 DHA, omega-6 ARA, vitamin E, and lutein for brain and eye development, as well as more than 25 other necessary vitamins and minerals that will help your baby grow and develop throughout the first year of their life.
It doesn’t contain lactose as an ingredient but instead contains a blend of organic corn syrup solids and organic maltodextrin as its source of carbohydrates.
Nutritional Information:
Protein Source: Nonfat milk
Whey to Casein Ratio: 20 to 80
Carbohydrate source: Corn syrup solids, maltodextrin
Added nutrients: Omega-3 DHA, lutein, iron
Form: Powder
Where is it made?
Mama Bear Organic Infant Formula with Iron is made in the United States—with a combination of domestic and imported ingredients.
Cost and availability, from $24 per can
Mama Bear Organic Infant Formula with Iron is currently priced at $24 per can and is available for purchase online at Amazon.
7. Parent’s Choice Organic Infant Formula with Iron
Parent’s Choice Organic Infant Formula with Iron is a milk-based formula that offers complete nutrition for the first year of your baby’s life. It contains the vitamins and nutrients needed for your little one’s growth and development, with added omega-3 DHA and omega-6 ARA for healthy eye and brain development.
This formula is gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. It’s also currently the most cost-effective option on the list, which makes it a popular option for many people.
Nutritional Information:
Protein Source: Nonfat milk
Whey to Casein Ratio: 20 to 80
Carbohydrate source: Corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, lactose
Added nutrients: Omega-3 DHA, omega-6 ARA, lutein, and vitamin E
Form: Powder
Where is it made?
Parent’s Choice Organic Baby Formula is manufactured in Vermont, U.S., using organic milk from cows fed certified organic grain and hay.
Cost and availability, from $17 per can
Parent’s Choice Organic Baby Formula is currently priced starting at $17 per can and is available for purchase online and in-store at Walmart.
8. Similac Organic Infant Formula with Iron
Similac Organic Infant Formula with Iron is formulated with OptiGROTM—a unique blend of omega-3 DHA, lutein, and vitamin E to help support brain and eye development. It also contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals for healthy growth.
In addition to what it does offer, it was one of the few organic formulas that didn’t contain palm oil. It also doesn’t contain any corn syrup solids, which is another benefit of this formula.
Nutritional information:
Protein Source: Nonfat milk
Whey to Casein Ratio: 18 to 82
Carbohydrate source: Corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, lactose
Added nutrients: Omega-3 DHA, omega-6 ARA, lutein, and vitamin E
Form: Powder or liquid (ready-to-feed)
Where is it made?
Similac Organic Infant Formula with Iron is made in the United States at Similac’s plant in Michigan.
Cost and availability, from $40 per can
Similac Organic Infant Formula with Iron is generally priced at $40 per can for powdered formula. It’s also available as a liquid, ready-to-feed alternative, although this comes with a higher price point.
Deciding Which is the Best Organic Baby Formula For Your Baby
Every baby is unique, even when it comes to nutrition. It can be challenging to understand which type of formula might best suit your little one’s needs—lactose or dairy-free? Organic, non-GMO, or enriched with probiotics?
Remember, the best organic baby formula might not be the same for each child. As with any decision you make as a new parent, don’t be afraid to speak to your pediatrician and explore different options until you find the perfect fit for both you and your baby.
You might also like:
Formula Feeding Basics: What to Do and What You'll Need
Bobbie Infant Formula Review (Plus a Discount Code)
Bobbie vs. ByHeart: Similarities & Differences
Disclaimer: All of the information included in this story has been researched as of May 2022, but is not guaranteed to be accurate.
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