Bobbie vs. Kendamil Formula Comparison Guide
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.There are so many infant formulas on the market today, so it can be tough to figure out which formula might be the best option for your little one! In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Bobbie organic infant formula compared to Kendamil infant formulas so you can find the best formula for your baby.
Bobbie Infant Formula and Kendamil’s line of infant formulas are some of the newer options on the market today. If you’re wondering which formula is better and what the differences are between the two, you’ve come to the right place!
In recent years, American parents have become more interested in feeding their babies organic baby formula with high-quality organic ingredients. I know when I had both of my kids, I wanted products that listed lactose as the primary carbohydrate and were free of ingredients like palm oil and corn syrup.
European baby formulas have become more popular in the United States because they often fill this need, same with European-style baby formula brands, like Bobbie.
Due to the 2022 baby formula shortage, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed the import of more formulas manufactured outside the US, including Kendamil. Given recent formula shortages, you might be looking for new brands and other quality formula options you can trust! To help you choose which options to consider, this formula comparison will highlight the similarities and differences between Bobbie vs. Kendamil.
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About Bobbie Organic Baby Formula
Bobbie formula was founded in 2018. The company was created by and is still led by two moms who struggled to breastfeed exclusively and were frustrated with the infant formula options that were available in the United States at the time. Bobbie is the only European-style infant formula that’s both manufactured and sold in the US and is made in Vermont and Ohio.
Bobbie meets FDA requirements for infant formula and was inspired by European nutritional requirements. It is USDA-certified organic, kosher, and is the first US baby formula to have received both the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the Clean Label Pesticide-Free Certification. It is the only infant formula brand made in the United States to meet the EU standard for DHA at 20 mg per 100 calories of prepared formula.
Since Bobbie organic infant formula is manufactured in the US and uses a subscription-based model, parents with a subscription will have continued access to their infant’s formula for the duration of their formula feeding journey without having to search or shop at retail stores.
About Kendamil Baby Formulas
Kendamil is a privately-owned baby formula brand made in the United Kingdom (UK) that has been in business for more than 60 years. Kendamil was founded by a British family and uses a British supply chain to make their formula in the UK. Kendamil has 2 formula varieties that are recently available at Target stores in the United States: Kendamil Classic First infant formula, Kendamil Organic First infant formula. Both version of Kendamil’s formulas are kosher and have a whey:casein ratio that is similar to mature breastmilk.
Kendamil has become recently available to the U.S. market under the FDA enforcement discretion as part of Operation Fly Formula; A plan to increase infant formula supply in the United States.
Are All Infant Formulas FDA Approved?
All infant formula that is manufactured and sold in the United States is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA sets minimum requirements of certain nutrients that all US formula brands must meet.
The FDA also sets Good Manufacturing Practices, Quality Control Procedures, Quality Factors, Notification Requirements and Records and Reports guidelines for infant formula manufacturers. These requirements are designed to help ensure the safety of American formulas.
But the FDA doesn’t technically “approve” food products, including infant formulas, they only regulate them.
European formulas are not regulated by the FDA, however they are regulated by the European Union (European commission) and they meet the European standards for infant formula. Additionally, many of them do meet FDA nutritional requirements for infant nutrition. And today, because of Operation Fly Formula, Kendamil Organic is one of the few European brands that is now regulated by the FDA.
What Are The Key Building Blocks Of Baby Formula?
Proteins
Milk protein is a key component in baby formula and in breastmilk. Infant formulas that are cow-milk based typically contain whey and casein – the two protein components in milk. The ratio of whey to casein matters because if the ratio is off, it can cause constipation and other tummy troubles in babies.
WHAT IS WHEY?
Whey protein is the liquid that remains after milk has gone through the cheese making process (e.g. curdled and strained). Whey is typically digested more quickly than casein.
WHAT IS CASEIN?
Casein protein is what gives milk its white color. Cow’s milk is about 80% casein. Casein is also a byproduct of the cheese making process, and is the curds or solids that separates from the liquid whey when milk is curdled. Casein is more dense than whey, and is digested more slowly. Too much casein in a formula can cause constipation.
WHAT IS THE WHEY TO CASEIN RATIO IN BREASTMILK?
The whey:casein ratio in breast milk starts off at 80:20 or 70:30 in early lactation / newborn stages, and decreases to 50:50 over a couple of years. Typically, mature breast milk still during the infant stages has a ratio of 60:40.
Fats
The natural composition of breast milk is full of essential fatty acids, so baby formula needs to be able to mimic that fat content / mix that human breast milk has. Typically, the fat content of baby formula will be a mix of different vegetable oils: soy oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, palm oil, are all frequently used in varying ratios to provide the healthy fats your baby needs.
Carbs
Carbohydrates are what gives your body energy! They are in breastmilk and are absolutely essential to include in baby formula. The best type of carbohydrate to include in formula is lactose, which is the naturally occurring carbohydrate in breast milk and in cow’s milk.
The unfortunate thing here is, many conventional formula brands will use carbs like corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, brown rice syrup, sucrose, or glucose syrup instead of lactose – because they’re cheaper, have a longer shelf life, and can be more suitable for the rare occurrence when a child has a lactose sensitivity (so sensitive formulas will often have to use some sort of sugar instead of lactose).
Comparing Popular Formulas: Bobbie vs. Kendamil
There are two types of Kendamil formula – an organic version and a non-organic version. Here we will compare Bobbie organic infant formula to both Kendamil Classic First Formula and Kendamil Organic First.
We will review these important components of infant formula:
- Adequacy of Vitamins and Minerals
- Protein ratio
- Type of carbohydrate
- Types of fats
Note: All of these formulas are made from cow’s milk. Bobbie and Kendamil don’t offer a hypoallergenic or sensitive formula option.
Bobbie Vs. Kendamil Classic First
The Similarities Between Bobbie Organic And Kendamil Classic Are:
- Nutritional Requirements: Both Kendamil Classic First and Bobbie organic formula will meet the vitamin and mineral needs of a growing infant from birth to 12 months.
- FDA Standard: Both formula options meet FDA requirements for standard infant formula.
- No Palm Oil: Neither Bobbie nor Kendamil Classic contains palm oil.
- DHA: Both formulas contain DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid important for eye and brain vitamins for kids development.
- Lactose: Both formulas use lactose as their carbohydrate source and contain no added corn syrup or other added sugars.
- Whey:Casein Ratio: The protein in both formulas is milk-based, and both have a 60 to 40 ratio of whey to casein, which matches the ratio in mature breast milk.
The Major Differences Between These Two Formulas Are:
- Organic Certification: Kendamil Classic First is not an organic infant formula. Bobbie is USDA organic and uses pasture-raised organic milk from Organic Valley farms in the United States. Bobbie is an organic choice for parents searching for European-style infant formula.
- Milk Source: Kendamil’s milk source is Red Truck Dairy, a not-for-profit company that is the UK’s biggest farm and food assurance scheme. They developed standards based on best practices and legislation that cover animal welfare, food safety, traceability and environmental protection.
- Type Of Milk: Kendamil uses whole milk while Bobbie uses nonfat milk
- Fat Sources: Kendamil uses a blend of fat from whole milk and sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oils. Bobbie uses a blend of vegetable oils: safflower, sunflower, soy, and coconut.
- HMOs: Kendamil Classic First contains a Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO) and Bobbie does not. An HMO is a type of prebiotic fiber.
- Price: Kendmail Classic is cheaper than Bobbie Organic Formula, Kendamil Classic is $1.07 per oz, while Bobbie formula is $1.74 per oz.
Bobbie Vs Kendamil Organic First
The Similarities Between Bobbie Organic And Kendamil Organic Are:
- Nutritional Requirements: Bobbie organic formula and Kendamil Organic First formulas each meet the needs of infants based on the US standards of the FDA.
- Organic: Both formulas are certified organic and use high quality milk from grass-fed cows. Though both Bobbie and Kendamil Organic First formulas are organic and European style, and use milk from pasture-raised cows, Bobbie is made in the United States with milk sourced from US organic dairy farms.
- DHA: Both formulas include DHA, and neither contain palm oil.
- Whey:Casein: Both formulas have a 60 to 40 ratio of whey to casein for easier digestion
- Lactose: Both formulas use lactose as the carbohydrate source.
- Dairy Standards: No antibiotics, no hormones, no pesticides – this is consistent across both the US and EU in organic dairy cows.
The Main Differences Between Bobbie Organic and Kendamil Organic Are:
- Fat Blend: Kendamil Organic First uses a blend of fats from whole milk fat and sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oils, while Bobbie uses safflower, sunflower, soy, and coconut oils.
- Type Of Milk: Kendamil uses whole milk while Bobbie uses nonfat milk.
- HMOs: Kendamil Organic First contains Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMOs – a prebiotic) and Bobbie does not.
- Price: Kendmail Organic is cheaper than Bobbie Organic Formula, Kendamil Organic is $1.41 per oz, while Bobbie formula is $1.74 per oz.
Kendamil vs. Bobbie FAQs
HOW DO KENDAMIL FORMULAS COMPARE TO BOBBIE BABY FORMULA?
The key differences between Bobbie and Kendamil are:
** Bobbie and Kendamil Organic are USDA certified organic, but Kendamil classic is not
** Bobbie and Kendamil both mimic the whey:casein ratio of breastmilk
** Kendamil provides stages of their formulas, while Bobbie does not
** Kendamil contains HMOs, while Bobbie does not
** All formulas contain the optimal combination of vitamins, minerals, DHA and ARA for your child and meet US Market nutritional requirements.
** All formulas are FDA regulated
** All formulas can be found in the formula aisle at Target stores, as well as online at target.com and on their own websites.
** Kendamil Classic is cheaper than Bobbie Formula, and while it’s not organic, it can be a good choice for a more budget friendly option
Note: Parents should always discuss any formula changes with their pediatrician. In addition, always refer to the manufacturer’s website for the most up-to-date and accurate product information.
IS BOBBIE BETTER THAN KENDAMIL?
Honestly, I think all three formulas are great options for infant formula for your baby. Kendamil Classic isn’t organic, so I’d say it’s a step below the other two. But Bobbie Organic and Kendamil Organic are two of the best organic baby formulas on the market today. There are slight differences between these two formulas – and it all comes down to personal preference in terms of which one you think might work best for your baby!
HOW DO YOU FIND THE BEST INFANT FORMULA?
When looking for the best baby formula for your child, try to find a formula that is:
1) Organic and Non GMO (many non-organic formulas will have GMO ingredients)
2) Contains DHA & ARA
3) Has no added sugars, syrup solids or maltodextrin
4) Contains no added preservatives, no stabilizers, no synthetic ingredients
More Helpful Formula Guides!
- Bobbie Vs. Similac Formula
- Best Organic Baby Formulas
- Best Formula For Gassy Babies
- How To Transition From Breastmilk To Formula
- Best Vegan Baby Formula
- Bobbie Formula Review
In Conclusion: Our Formula Recommendation
Kendamil and Bobbie both offer an organic European-style baby formula option, though Kendamil Classic First is not organic. All formulas reviewed in this article meet FDA requirements for infant formula and contain all the key vitamins and minerals for infant growth and development.
Both brands are available at Target and on Target.com. Bobbie is also available via subscription service, making it very convenient for parents to receive formula on their doorstep month after month.
Bobbie remains the only US, European-style organic baby formula and is a great option for new parents. You really can’t go wrong when choosing between Bobbie and Kendamil Organic. As always, make sure to review any possible formula changes with your infant’s pediatrician before introducing a new formula!
I hope this Bobbie vs. Kendamil comparison guide helped you understand the differences between Bobbie and Kendamil, and find the right choice for your baby! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below – I respond to every single question I get!
Thanks for this very informational post! My baby has been vomiting more frequently–every other day now. He eats majority expressed breastmilk, and 1 or 2 bottles/day of Kendamil. I was thinking of trying Bobbie, just to see if it helps with the vomiting. Do you think the nonfat milk in Bobbie (vs whole milk in Kendamil) or any other differences in ingredients could be a factor in causing vomiting?
Hi Christine! Thanks for reaching out and I’m so glad you found this post helpful! So sorry to hear that your baby has been vomiting more frequently. Have you talked to your pediatrician about whether they think your baby might have reflux? If it is reflux, then you might want to try an anti reflux formula (with your pediatrician’s approval) like HiPP AR vs. Bobbie or Kendamil. If your baby is having trouble digesting milk fats specifically, then the nonfat milk in Bobbie might help alleviate some of the reflux since Kendamil has more milk fats from the whole milk. But between the two formulas, they are pretty comparable, so it’s really just a matter of trial and error to see if your baby tolerates one better than the other! I hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
How do these compare to Hipp bio combiotic infant formula?
Hi Taeler! HiPP Bio Combiotic is also a great formula option! I have a separate guide that actually ranks all of the formulas against each other which you can see here. I created a comparison chart within that guide here which should help as well.
Hi! You mention that Kendamil Organic includes canola oils but I don’t see it in the ingredients list. I prefer not to have canola oils in formula because I saw that it’s not the healthiest. Where can I find this information?
Hi Jesenia! On the ingredients list for Kendamil you will see “rapeseed oil” which is the same as canola oil. Canola is the genetically modified version of the rapeseed plant. You can see more info here. Hope that helps!
Love this!!! Thank you for so much info in one place. I know it’s fairly new, but what are your thoughts on how the two compare to Byheart?
Hi Lauren! No problem, I’m so glad you found it helpful! ByHeart is a great formula from what I can tell! But they are having major issues with availability right now, which is why I haven’t included them in this guide or any of my other formula guides so far. Once they open up their availability and people are actually able to purchase it I’ll likely be doing a separate post about it! But for your reference, here are a few ways ByHeart compares to Bobbie and Kendamil:
1) ByHeart uses organic whole milk (Bobbie uses organic nonfat milk, Kendamil uses organic whole milk)
2) ByHeart uses organic coconut oil (Bobbie uses organic soybean oil, Kendamil uses organic coconut oil)
3) ByHeart has prebiotics added (Bobbie has no prebiotics, Kendamil does have prebiotics)
4) ByHeart contains lactoferrin which is a protein found in breastmilk (Bobbie does not, Kendamil contains HMOs).
Hope that helps!
The EU recently banned the use of antibiotics in farm animals. So then that ideally will remove the concern of antibiotics in the Kendamil, correct?
Hi Lauren! Great question, so yes, the EU has banned the use of antibiotics – even for nonorganic farms, but there are concerns that enforcement and compliance will be spotty. Given that, I still highlight it in this post because there is a chance that the non-organic Kendamil formula will have this issue (the organic Kendamil formula obviously will not have an issue around antibiotics use). Hope that helps clarify!
This was great thank you so much! I switched from kendamil original to kendamil organic per my pediatrician and just learned about Bobbie. The only reason I’m looking elsewhere is because my baby is straining when I do more formula than bm. I’m nervous it’s the kendamil. I’m going to discuss with my pediatrician tomorrow but I’m wondering if there is anything in Bobbie vs kendamil that helps ease going to the restroom
Hi Deema! Bobbie and Kendamil are super similar in formulation when it comes to easing gas, constipation, etc. Kendamil does contain a prebiotic, which theoretically should improve constipation issues, but every baby is different and it could be possible that your baby doesn’t react well to prebiotics, in which case Bobbie would be easier to digest because Bobbie doesn’t contain pre or probiotics. I hope that helps!