11 Best Baby Formula Brands (2024 Guide)

Why I Love It: In January 2022, a new US-based, healthy baby formula entered the market! Bobbie Organic Infant Formula is by far, the best baby formula made in the US today. It is fantastic for quite a few reasons: this organic formula is made with a European recipe but is made in the United States and is FDA-approved. It also meets the European Union’s nutritional standards and is made with only pasture-raised organic milk from Organic Valley, making it one of the best organic options available today.

A big part of what makes Bobbie the best overall is what it doesn’t contain: there is no corn syrup, sugar solids, palm oil, hexane-derived DHA, GMOs, gluten, or maltodextrin; just only wholesome and natural good-for-your-baby ingredients! It certainly is one of the best baby formulas around, not to mention one of the best American formulas without corn syrup.

Bobbie is formulated for infants aged 0-12 months of age and is not intended for premature babies. It has a whey-to-casein ratio of 60:40 which matches that of mature breast milk, making it gentle on digestion. There is more DHA in this formula than in most American-manufactured formulas, too – it comes in at 20mg/100kcal, the highest percentage in the US market that also meets EU standards. 

There are a few drawbacks of this formula: it does not contain probiotics or prebiotics so you will likely want to supplement with those. It is also made with nonfat milk so an increased amount of vegetable fats need to be added to the formula to reach the macro blend needed to be a complete source of infant nutrition. The formula also only has one stage, which many other American formulas also have. Many European brands have 3 to 4 stages to account for the changes in their formulations which mimic the changes in breast milk as the baby matures. 

Not only is Bobbie available for purchase in Target, but they also have a very convenient and flexible subscription model. To try out the formula before you subscribe, just grab their starter bundle, which offers two cans for the price of one! 

Where To Purchase: Target & Company Website 

Cost: $26 for a 400g (14.1 oz) can, which makes about 105 fl. oz of formula (or $.25/fl oz.). You can also order a trial can through their starter offer which gives you 50% off your first 24oz can + free shipping!

Why I Love It: If you are looking for the best European-style formula that is made in the EU, HiPP Dutch is for you! This EU-brand makes some of the best baby formula in the world. It is organic and non-GMO, certified to European standards, made without sugar, starch maltodextrin, or soy, and it contains probiotics, prebiotics, DHA, and other omega-3s necessary for immune health and cognitive development (source, source). 

Though it does not contain any sugar or starch, the formula is lower in lactose than some other brands of formula, making it gentle on developing little digestive systems. HiPP is also known to reduce symptoms such as colic, constipation, gas, or bloating.

The high quality of this formula combined with their unique formulations for specific ages makes HiPP a fantastic option for parents who want complete nutrition tailored to their baby’s age and developmental needs. The formula comes in 4 different stages, two of which are specifically formulated for your baby’s first year of life. For example, Stage 1 is formulated for babies under 6 months old; I consider it to be the best formula milk for newborns and babies 0-6 months old. Stage 2 is for babies 6-12 months old, making it a great option for older babies who have started to add solids to their diet. 

Where To Purchase: Organic’s Best

Cost: $48.99 for an 800g can, which makes about 210 fl oz of formula(or $.23/fl oz).

Why I Love It: ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is another new formula in the American baby formula market. Though some parents may be hesitant to try a newer company, this new brand ran one of the largest clinical trials by a new baby formula brand in 25 years. They tested it on 311 healthy babies over 6 months and even compared their formula to breast milk. No other formula companies have done that, proving how trustworthy the company is and how safe and healthy the formula is. Furthermore, ByHeart has received the Project Purity Clean Label award, certifying that each batch of formula has been tested for over 400 contaminants – including heavy metals, pesticides, dangerous microorganisms, and more. 

If you are looking for the best formula for newborns, ByHeart is one of the best organic options. This brand is FDA-approved and made with organic grass-fed whole milk, not skim milk, meaning that they don’t have to augment the milk with as many additional vegetable oils.

Other aspects that set this brand apart are that it is iron-fortified formula and includes two proteins, lactoferrin, and alpha-lactalbumin, that are in breast milk but not in many formulas, making its protein profile the most similar to human milk. Finally, you won’t find any corn syrup or sugar in ByHeart, making it a great infant formula without corn syrup.

ByHeart’s whey-to-casein ratio is 80:20, which mimics breast milk during early lactation (vs. 60:40, which is the ratio for mature breast milk). 

The most significant drawback of ByHeart is that it does not contain probiotics. Some parents have also reported the formula can be foamy when mixed up, but the company reports that mixing it with warm water can reduce this. 

Currently, you can only purchase ByHeart on their company website. They do offer discounts for setting up a subscription service through their site, however.

Where To Purchase: Company Website

Cost: $42 for a 680g (24 oz) can, which makes about 168 fl oz of formula (or $.25/fl oz). Subscribe and save for as low as $39/can (or $.23/fl oz).

Why I Love It: Kendamil is a family-owned company based in the Lake District of the United Kingdom. Though they offer a standard and organic version of their formula, their standard formula is made with whole milk from Red Tractor-certified farms, or farms that produce their dairy according to high humane and quality standards, making it safe, traceable, and as nutritious as possible. 

Kendamil’s Organic First Baby milk is made with 100% organic whole cow’s milk. Because both types of formula are made with whole milk, minimal added vegetable oils are needed to supplement the formulas to make them safe for formula feeding. This also makes this milk’s fat profile more natural and similar to the composition of breast milk. 

Otherwise, both Kendamil traditional and organic are vegetarian-friendly, made with non-hexane-extracted DHA, have lactose as their only carbohydrate, and contain at least all of the minimum amounts of necessary vitamins and minerals – such as Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Iron, and Folic acid. They do not contain palm oil and are made without corn syrup or any other syrup or sugar solids, making it another great pick if you are looking for a corn syrup-free formula. 

Where To Purchase: Organic’s Best & Target 

Cost Of Kendamil Organic: $53.99 for an 800g (28 oz) can, which makes about 215 fl oz of formula (or $.25/fl oz). Buy in bulk for as low as $47.99/800g can ($.22/fl oz).

Cost Of Kendamil Classic: $43.99 for an 800g (28 oz) can, which makes about 215 fl oz of formula (or $.20/fl oz). Buy in bulk for as low as $37.99/800g can ($.18/fl oz).

Why I Love It: There’s good news if you are in the market for a gentle infant formula: Bobbie now makes and offers an Organic Gentle Formula! This cow’s milk-based formula is organic, non-GMO, meets European certifications, and is the first gentle formula to be made with lactose as its only carbohydrate. 

The main difference between the gentle formulation and Bobbie’s classic organic formulation is that the gentle is made with partially hydrolyzed proteins that are broken down into smaller segments called peptides. Such peptides, since they are less molecularly complex, are known to better support gentle digestion in little ones and be easier on sensitive stomachs. 

Bobbie Organic Gentle is not suitable for babies who have a cow’s milk allergy, as the blend still contains cow’s milk proteins. Discuss hypoallergenic or elemental formulas with your doctor if your baby has such an allergy. This gentle formula is also not made for premature babies and it doesn’t contain prebiotics or probiotics, either. It is, however, made without palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, and non hexane- extracted DHA and ARA, making it one of the best gentle formulas available in America.

Where To Purchase: Company Website

Cost: $28 for a 400g (14.1 oz) can, which makes about 106 fl oz of formula (or $.26/fl oz). Subscribe and save for 10% off your two orders of formula.

Why I Love It: Similac Alimentum RTF is a liquid ready-to-feed formula that is specifically formulated for infants who have food allergies, colic or lactose sensitivity. Alimentum RTF is  is more hypoallergenic than many European hypoallergenic options and can easily be purchased on Amazon and at many major retailers. 

This hypoallergenic formula is made with hydrolyzed protein that is derived from milk but does not contain any milk protein. It also contains prebiotics, does not contain palm oil or maltodextrin, and has added DHA for brain and eye health. 

I recommend the liquid ready-to-feed formula above the powdered formula, as it has less sugar. Unfortunately, it contains carrageenan which may cause intestinal inflammation (source), but otherwise is a solid option.  Overall, both offerings are good choices when it comes to cow’s milk protein allergy-safe formulas; the form that you choose is ultimately a matter of personal preference, as the liquid is also slightly more expensive. 

If you would rather go for a European hypoallergenic formula, HiPP HA is a great choice. It is non-GMO, made without any added sugar, and is maltodextrin-free. Furthermore, it contains probiotics, prebiotics, and DHA, and is certified to European standards. Because HiPP HA is made with hydrolyzed protein it isn’t as broken down as Alimentum RTF, making it not always the best option for infants with true cow’s milk protein allergy. If in doubt, consult your healthcare provider when choosing the best allergy-friendly option for your child. 

Where To Purchase: Amazon and Target

Cost: $13.29 for a 32 fl oz, or $.41/fl oz, at Target. A pack of 48, 2-ounce bottles (or 96 fl oz of formula) is also available for purchase on Amazon.  Subscribe and save on Amazon for up to 15% off. 

Why I Love It:  Made with added rice to prevent excess spitting-up associated with acid reflux and colic, Enfamil AR features a slightly thicker consistency which is clinically proven to reduce your baby’s spit-ups by over 50% in one week. 

This formula meets the American Academy of Pediatrics’ reflux reduction guidelines and contains DHA, ARA, and prebiotics. Though it does contain palm oil and maltodextrin, it is free of corn syrup, and sugar solids, and the only main carbohydrate other than lactose comes from rice. 

An added benefit of Enfamil AR is that it is also sustainably minded: purchase the tub once and then refill it with more affordable cardboard boxes of the formula for easy recycling and reduced plastic usage. 

Like with Similac Alimentum, a good European alternative to this product is HiPP HA. This formula is made with hydrolyzed milk protein and prebiotics to support gentle digestion while being made with all other organic ingredients. It contains non hexane-extracted DHA & ARA and is free of maltodextrin and corn syrup. 

Where To Purchase: Amazon and Target

Cost: $56.99 for an 862g (30.4 oz) box, which makes about 212 fl oz of formula (or $.27/fl oz). 

Why I Love It: Though Aussie Bubs Organic Grass-Fed formula is Australian-made, it was approved by the FDA for sale in the United States during the 2022 formula shortage and has been available for purchase ever since! This is an exceptional product, especially for the low price of just $.22 per fluid ounce – the lowest of all organic formula prices!

There is so much more than just the price tag to love about Bubs, however. Their grass-fed variety is organic, non-GMO, and a Clean Label Project Purity award winner, meaning that it is tested for hundreds of contaminants. Furthermore, Bubs does not contain palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin, or hexane-extracted DHA. 

Reach for Bubs if you want a high-quality formula that has lactose as the only carbohydrate, probiotics, prebiotics, naturally extracted DHA, more natural fats from a whole milk base, and two stages of formula to progress through as your baby grows. 

Want to read more about this brand? Check out my complete Aussie Bubs Review! 

Where To Purchase: Amazon and Target

Cost: $39.47 for an 800g (28.2oz) can, which makes about 180 fl oz of formula (or $.22/fl oz).

Why I Love It: Goat milk baby formula can be another great option for babies who need a gentle digestion option or aren’t tolerating cow’s milk formula well. Whereas most cow’s milk formulas are made with A1 milk protein, goat milk has a different type of milk protein, A2 beta-casein milk protein. Also known as A2 milk protein, this is the same protein that exists in breast milk, making it generally easier for babies to transition to and tolerate (source).

With main ingredients of organic whole goat milk powder and organic lactose, you can feel great about feeding Jovie to your baby. The formula also contains prebiotics, non hexane-extracted DHA & ARA, and is made without palm oil, corn syrup, or maltodextrin. Though Jovie now also manufactures formula in the United States, it is a Dutch brand and is certified to European standards. 

Purchase the stage of formula to best support your baby’s nutritional needs: Stage 1 for 0-6 months and Stage 2 for 6-12 months. Jovie also makes a Stage 3, a toddler formula for babies 12 months+.

Where To Purchase: Organic’s Best

Cost: $63.99 for an 800g (28.2 oz) can, which makes about 182 fl oz of formula (or $.35/fl oz). Buy in bulk for as low as $56.99/can.

RELATED: The Best Goat Milk Formula

Why I Love It: Give your baby some of the best in nutrition while being earth-conscious by choosing Holle Bio. Not only is Holle organic and non-GMO, but it is also Demeter certified. This certification is the highest organic certification in Europe, meaning that the farms the milk is sourced from are all chemical-free and only employ practices that promote animal welfare and environmental sustainability (source).  The formula also comes in a cardboard box, making it easier to recycle or reuse. 

This high-quality formula is made with lactose as its only carbohydrate, is vegetarian-friendly, and contains only naturally extracted DHA and ARA. The main drawbacks of it are that it contains palm oil and lacks probiotics and prebiotics. 

Where To Purchase: OBF24

Cost: $28.99 for a 400g (14.1 oz) box, which makes about 100 fl oz of formula (or $.29/fl oz). 

Why I Love It: Not only is Bébé M plant-based and dairy-free, but it is also 100% vegan. Due to Vitamin D3 being hard and expensive to source from animal sources, many plant-based formulas do contain D3 derived from lanolin, or the wax-like substance found on sheep’s wool. The Vitamin D3 in Bébé M, however, is 100% vegan, making this one of the few only truly vegan formulas currently available. 

Bébé M is manufactured in France, meaning that it is certified to European standards. It can be purchased in the United States through online retailers and is available in three different stages of formula to support every stage of your baby’s development. Every stage is made without palm oil and contains naturally extracted DHA. Though the formula does have ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid, it does not contain ARA, prebiotics, or probiotics.

Because this organic formula does not contain dairy, lactose, nuts, or gluten, it is a great allergy-friendly option for babies who have milk intolerances or allergies. It’s made from rice and designed to aid with symptoms of reflux. It is important to note, however, that this product is labeled as “Foods for special medical purposes (FSMPs)” and should be only given under medical supervision. Always consult your pediatrician before introducing the formula to your baby.

Where To Purchase: OrganicsBestShop.Com

Cost: $64.99 for a 600g (21.2 oz) can.