Best Organic Baby Formula (2026 Guide)
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.When I was researching formula for my kids, I spent weeks reading labels in the baby aisle and scrolling through ingredient lists online at 2 a.m. I wanted organic, but I also needed to understand what that actually meant. Was European formula really better? Did I need goat milk? What about all those scary ingredients I kept reading about?
The truth is, choosing formula felt overwhelming. But after consulting with pediatricians, reviewing over 65 different brands, and testing formulas with both my kids, I’ve narrowed down the cleanest, highest-quality organic options available today.
This guide will help you find the best organic baby formula for your little one without the confusion or endless research. Whether you’re supplementing, exclusively formula feeding, or transitioning from breastfeeding, you’ll find a safe, nutritious option here.
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A Quick Note On Feeding
I strongly believe that FED is best. Whether you breastfeed for a year, six months, or not at all doesn’t make you a better or worse parent. I nursed my daughter for eight months before switching to formula, and it was one of the hardest decisions I made as a new mom. With my son, I supplemented from two months onwards because he was eating way more than I could produce! Both kids are healthy and thriving.
If you need formula, don’t feel guilty about it. Your baby needs you happy and healthy more than anything else.
Top Picks: Best Organic Baby Formulas
Here’s my at-a-glance view of the top organic formulas for different needs:
- Best USDA Organic And EU Organic Formula: Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
- Best Overall Organic Formula: HiPP Dutch
- Best Whole Milk Formula (US Made): Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula
- Best Whole Milk Formula (Made In Europe): Nara Organics
- Best For Breastfed Babies: Kendamil Organic
- Best Goat Milk Formula: Jovie Goat
- Best Budget-Friendly Organic Formula: Baby’s Only Organic A2 Infant Formula
- Best European Formula (Budget): Holle PRE & Holle Stage 1
- Best Hypoallergenic Formula: HiPP HA
Disclaimer & Methodology
This guide is based on over 200 hours of research including peer reviewed studies, consultations with pediatricians and dietitians, collecting feedback from thousands of parents, and personal experience with my two kids. I’m a board-certified health coach and certified nutritionist, and this post has been medically reviewed by Katie Drakeford, MA, RD, CSP, LD, CLC (see my about page for more info about Katie). My recommendations are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician before starting or switching formulas.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I’ve personally researched or used with my own children.
What To Look For In Organic Baby Formula
Before we get into specific brands, here’s what I prioritize when choosing formula:
✅ Certified Organic (USDA or EU certified)
✅ No added sugars, sucrose, syrup solids, or maltodextrin (lactose should be the main carbohydrate)
✅ Contains DHA and ARA for brain and eye development
✅ Includes prebiotics and probiotics when possible (Learn More: Prebiotics For Kids)
✅ 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio (mimics mature breast milk)
✅ No hexane-extracted DHA (or undetectable after extraction)
✅ Palm oil-free (or uses sustainable palm oil, learn more: Palm Oil In Baby Formula)
✅ Non-GMO
✅ No Carrageenan
✅ Good parent reviews for tolerance and mixing
The 8 Best Organic Baby Formulas
1. HiPP Dutch – Best Overall Organic Formula
What It Is: EU-certified organic formula with a complete nutritional profile
Age Range: 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
Why I Love It: HiPP Dutch is one of my top picks when it comes to organic baby formula. It has a whey-to-casein ratio that mimics breast milk, contains both prebiotics and probiotics, and includes DHA and ARA for brain development. The formula is free from GMOs, added sugars, starch, soy, and synthetic preservatives.
I tested HiPP Dutch with my daughter when she was four months old, and she took to it immediately (my son did too when he was born!) The powder mixes easily (even at 3 a.m. when you’re half asleep), and I didn’t notice any increase in spit-up or fussiness. The container is also easier to use than some European brands since it comes in an airtight can instead of a foil-lined box.
The one downside is that HiPP uses hexane to extract DHA and ARA. However, when I spoke to their team, they claimed that all hexane is removed and undetectable in the final product. Given Europe’s strict testing standards, I feel comfortable with this.
Also Good:
- HiPP UK Stage 1 ($36.99-$42.99): Similar to HiPP Dutch but more affordable. Contains prebiotics (but no probiotics) and comes in a box instead of a can. Great budget-friendly European option.
- HiPP PRE Germany ($28.99-$37.99): Designed for babies 0-3 months. Contains both prebiotics and probiotics. More affordable than HiPP Dutch and comes in a box.
Price: $42.99-$48.99 per 28.2oz container (depending on quantity purchased)
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar, Bottles & Burps
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Mimics breast milk composition | Contains palm oil |
| Contains prebiotics and probiotics | Uses hexane extraction (though removed) |
| EU Organic certified, non-GMO | Not available in US stores (online only) |
| No added sugars or maltodextrin | |
| Easy-to-use container | |
| Contains DHA & ARA |
2. Bobbie – Best US-Made Organic Formula
What It Is: USDA organic, European-style formula made in the US
Options: Organic Infant Formula (skim milk), Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula, Grass Fed Whole Milk (Not Organic)
Age Range: 0-12 months
Why I Love It: Bobbie is the best organic formula made in the US, and it’s the only American brand that meets EU standards for DHA content. Made with milk from Organic Valley pasture-raised cows, this formula is as close as you can get to European quality without importing. Bobbie was created by a mom, Laura Modi, who developed Bobbie after feeling frustrated over a lack of clean formula options for her baby.
Bobbie offers three infant formulas: their Original Organic Infant Formula (made with organic skim milk), their Grass Fed Whole Milk Formula (not organic, made with whole milk) and their newer Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula (made with organic whole milk). The whole milk version has the highest milk fat content of any formula Bobbie makes, with less added vegetable oils since whole milk naturally contains more fat.
I love that Bobbie doesn’t use hexane to extract DHA (though they do use it for ARA extraction, but it’s undetectable in the final product). Both formulas have a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, are modeled after breast milk, and are completely free of palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, and maltodextrin. And I know I can trust their formula, especially because they were awarded the Clean Label Purity Project award.
When my nephew transitioned from breastfeeding after 8 months, Bobbie’s Original formula was what worked best for him. He didn’t have any digestive issues, and I know we all felt good that he was getting grass-fed organic nutrition. I’ve heard from other moms who prefer the Whole Milk version for their babies.
The only thing missing is prebiotics and probiotics, which you’ll need to supplement separately if you want them. (Learn more: Best Probiotics For Kids). Honestly, if Bobbie included prebiotics and probiotics in their formula, they would be my #1 pick overall too!
Price: $23.40 per 14.1oz can (subscription), $26.49 at Target
Where To Buy: Bobbie website, Target stores nationwide
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA Organic certified, FDA regulated | No prebiotics |
| Made in the US, available at Target | No probiotics |
| 60:40 whey:casein ratio | |
| Meets EU DHA standards | |
| No palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, or maltodextrin | |
| Lactose is the only carbohydrate | |
| Affordable compared to European formulas | |
| Clean Label Purity Award and Pesticide Free certified | |
| Three options: original (skim milk), grass fed, and whole milk formula |
3. Nara Organics – Best Whole Milk Formula Made In Europe
What It Is: USDA organic whole milk formula, made in Germany
Age Range: 0-12 months
Why I Love It: Nara Organics is a brand-new formula that just launched in 2025 and it is the first and only USDA-certified organic formula made with whole milk and no skim milk. Nara has the highest percentage of milk fat of any formula sold in the US, which means less added vegetable oils. The founder, Esther Hallam, created this formula after struggling to find a clean organic option when her daughter was born.
Made in a state-of-the-art facility in Germany and meeting both EU and US safety standards, Nara underwent a large-scale clinical trial with infants to demonstrate safety and efficacy. The formula includes naturally occurring MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), prebiotics (GOS), and EU-required levels of DHA and ARA for brain development.
What sets Nara apart is the focus on whole milk fats. The formula uses organic whole milk as the primary fat source, then adds a small amount of organic plant-based oils (coconut, sunflower, rapeseed) for essential fatty acids. It’s completely free of palm oil, soy, corn syrup, maltodextrin, and GMOs.
Nara was awarded the Clean Label Purity Award, which means it’s been rigorously tested for contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides. The formula has a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio (just like mature breast milk) and uses lactose as the only carbohydrate.
Price: $45 per 24.7 oz can, $40.50 per can for 4-can subscription
Where to buy: Nara.com, Target.com
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| USDA Organic certified, FDA regulated | Brand new (launched 2025), so less long-term parent reviews |
| 60:40 whey:casein ratio | Mainly available online (limited availability in stores) |
| Meets EU standards, made in Germany | No probiotics |
| No palm oil, soy, corn syrup, or maltodextrin | |
| Lactose is the only carbohydrate | |
| Contains MFGM, prebiotics, DHA, and ARA | |
| Clean Label Purity Project Award | |
| Highest milk fat percentage of any formula |
4. Kendamil Organic – Best European Whole Milk Formula
What It Is: UK organic formula made with whole milk
Age Range: 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
Kendamil is similar to Nara Organics and Bobbie’s Whole Milk formula because it’s made organic whole milk instead of skim milk, which means less added vegetable oils. It contains HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides), a prebiotic that supports immune health, and includes DHA and ARA.
The formula is completely free of palm oil and soy oil, and uses coconut oil as one of the main fat sources. Parents consistently mention that Kendamil smells sweet and tastes good, making it one of the best options for picky breastfed babies who are resistant to formula.
I recommended Kendamil to many parents during the formula shortage in 2022, and heard good feedback that it mixed well and most babies took to it without fussiness.
The formula doesn’t contain probiotics, so you’d need to add those separately if you want them. It also contains taurine, l-carnitine, and nucleotides, but Kendamil doesn’t use chemical solvents to extract these nutrients.
Price: $42.49 for a 28.2oz container at Target, $41.13 with subscription – $52.99 per 28oz container online
Where To Buy: Target, Bottles & Burps, Organic’s Best
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with organic whole milk | No probiotics |
| Lactose is the only carbohydrate | |
| Contains HMOs for immune support | |
| No palm oil or soy oil | |
| Contains prebiotics, DHA, ARA (non-hexane extracted) | |
| Available online and at Target | |
| Clean Label Purity Project Award | |
| Highest milk fat percentage of any formula |
5. Jovie Goat – Best Goat Milk Formula
What It Is: EU organic goat milk infant formula
Age Range: 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
Why I Love It: Jovie is the best goat milk formula available, and it’s a great option for babies who have trouble digesting cow’s milk. Made with organic whole A2 goat milk, this formula is easier on sensitive tummies since goat milk contains only A2 protein (versus both A1 and A2 in cow’s milk).
The ingredients are 100% organic and non-GMO, with added prebiotics and a whey-to-casein ratio similar to breast milk. Jovie is also free of glucose syrup solids, maltodextrin, palm oil, and soy oil.
I recommended Jovie to a friend whose baby was having constant spit-up and gas on cow’s milk formula. Within three days of switching to Jovie, her baby was sleeping better and much less fussy.
One thing to note: Jovie uses fish oil for DHA, so it’s not vegetarian-friendly. It also doesn’t contain probiotics. (Learn More: Jovie Formula Review).
Price: $56.99-$64.99 per 28.2oz container (depending on number ordered)
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made with A2 organic whole goat milk | No probiotics |
| EU Organic certified | Expensive |
| No palm oil or soy oil | Not vegetarian (contains fish oil) |
| Contains prebiotics | |
| Contains DHA/ARA | |
| Can be easier to digest than cow’s milk | |
| No added sugars |
6. Baby’s Only Organic – Best Budget-Friendly US Formula
What It Is: USDA organic formula available in US stores
Age Range: 0-12 months (infant formula) and 12+ months (toddler formula)
Why I Love It: Baby’s Only Organic is the most affordable USDA organic formula you can buy in the US. It’s made with organic A2 milk, is non-GMO, and is Clean Label Purity project certified. The formula contains no palm oil, no corn syrup, and no glucose syrup solids.
Baby’s Only is free of syrup solids and added sugars, and while it doesn’t contain DHA, ARA, prebiotics or probiotics, I like Baby’s Only for parents who want organic nutrition on a budget. The formula has full-fat nutrition and a simple ingredients list. It’s been a trusted brand for over 20 years and is widely available both online and in stores.
Price: $30 per 21oz can
Where to buy: Amazon, natural grocery stores like Sprouts
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable organic option | No probiotics |
| No palm oil | No DHA or ARA |
| Clean Label Purity Project certified | No prebiotics |
| Contains prebiotics | |
| Available in stores and online |
7. Holle PRE – Best Budget European Formula
What It Is: Demeter biodynamic certified organic formula from Germany
Age Range: [PRE] 0-3 months, [Stage 1] 0-6 months, [Stage 2] 6+months
Why I Love It: Holle PRE is one of the most affordable European formulas, and it carries a Demeter biodynamic certification, which is even stricter than regular organic standards. This ensures the highest animal welfare standards and commitment to sustainability.
The formula is simple and clean, with organic ingredients and no added maltodextrin (though Stage 2 does contain some). Holle PRE now includes DHA and ARA, which wasn’t always the case with older formulations.
I like Holle PRE for parents who want to supplement with their own probiotics and prebiotics. The formula doesn’t include these, so you have full control over what you’re adding.
One limitation is that Holle PRE is designed for babies 0-6 months (ideally 0-3 months). After that, you’ll need to switch to Stage 1 or Stage 2. Additionally Holle (across all stages) doesn’t have a whey:casein ratio that matches breastmilk, so that might cause digestive discomfort in some babies
Price: $21.85-$27.49 per 400 gram box
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar, Bottles & Burps
Also Good:
- Holle Goat Stage 1 ($25.71-$33.99): Made with organic A2 goat milk. Bioland certified. Good option for babies sensitive to cow’s milk, though the whey-to-casein ratio doesn’t mimic breast milk, which can be constipating for some babies. Contains maltodextrin.
- Holle Bio Stage 1 ($21.85-$27.49): Similar to Holle PRE but for ages 0-6 months. Demeter certified. Contains DHA and ARA. Includes maltodextrin (unlike Holle PRE).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable European formula | No probiotics |
| Demeter biodynamic certified | No prebiotics |
| EU Organic certified | Stage 1 & 2 contains maltodextrin |
| Contains DHA and ARA | Whey:casein ratio doesn’t match mature breastmilk |
| No maltodextrin in PRE stage |
8. HiPP HA – Best Hypoallergenic Formula
What It Is: European hypoallergenic formula for cow’s milk sensitivities
Age Range: 0-3 months (Stage PRE), 0-6 months (Stage 1), 6+ months (Stage 2)
HiPP HA is the best option if your baby has a cow’s milk protein sensitivity (but not a full allergy). The formula contains extensively hydrolyzed protein (86-87% broken down), which is easier for sensitive tummies to digest.
It’s 100% whey with no casein, and includes prebiotics, probiotics, DHA, and ARA. The lactose content is the same as regular formula, so if your baby has severe lactose intolerance, this may not work.
A friend of mine switched to HiPP HA after her baby had constant gas and fussiness on regular formula. Within a week, her baby was sleeping through the night and much happier overall.
While HiPP HA isn’t technically certified organic (because the hydrolyzed protein requires more processing), all other ingredients are organic.
Price: $31.71-$42.99 per 600 gram container
Where To Buy: Organic’s Best, Baby Milk Bar
Also Good:
- HiPP Comfort ($30.85-$42.99): Meant to relieve gas, fussiness, and digestive discomfort, HiPP Comfort is even more broken down than HiPP HA. Contains extensively hydrolyzed protein, (86-87% broken down), 100% whey (no casein), reduced lactose content and modified fats.
- HiPP AR ($30.85-$40.99): Meant to ease reflux in infants, HiPP AR contains locust bean gum that thickens the formula slightly to prevent reflux and/or reduce spit up.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hydrolyzed protein for easier digestion | Not fully organic |
| No casein (100% whey) | Regular lactose content (not suitable for severe lactose intolerance) |
| Contains prebiotics | May not work for diagnosed cow’s milk protein allergy |
| Contains probiotics | |
| Includes DHA and ARA | |
| No added sugars |
Organic Baby Formula Comparison Chart
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of all the formulas featured in this guide:
| Formula Brand | Type Of Milk | Pre-biotics | Pro-biotics | DHA & ARA | Palm Oil? | Soy Oil? | Malto-dextrin | Price Per Can |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HiPP Dutch | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $42.99 – $48.99 |
| Bobbie Original | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $25 |
| Bobbie Whole Milk | Organic Whole Milk, Skim Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $28 |
| Nara Organics | Organic Whole Milk | ✓ (GOS) | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $45 |
| Kendamil Organic | Organic Whole Milk, Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ (HMOs) | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $41.13 – $52.99 |
| Jovie Goat | Organic Whole Goat Milk | ✓ | No | ✓ | No | No | No | $56.99 – $64.99 |
| Baby’s Only Organic | Organic Grass-Fed Milk, Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | No | ✓ (DHA only) | No | No | No | $30 |
| Holle PRE | Organic Whole Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $21.85 – $27.49 |
| HiPP HA | Hydro-lyzed Whey (No Casein) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $31.71 – $42.99 |
| HiPP UK | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | No | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $36.99 – $42.99 |
| HiPP PRE Germany | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Yes | No | No | $28.99 – $37.99 |
| Holle Goat | Organic Goat Milk | No | No | ✓ | Yes | No | Yes | $25.71 – $33.99 |
| Holle Bio Stage 1 | Organic Skim Milk, Whey | No | No | ✓ | Yes | No | Yes | $21.85 – $27.49 |
Key: ✓ = Contains this ingredient/feature; No = does not contain; Yes = contains
Notes:
- All formulas listed are certified organic (USDA or EU)
- All formulas are non-GMO
- All formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate (no corn syrup solids)
- DHA extraction methods vary by brand (some use hexane extraction with undetectable residue, others use fish oil or algae)
European vs. American Baby Formula
You’ll notice that many of my top picks are European formulas. Here’s why:
European formulas have stricter standards:
- No corn syrup solids or processed sugars allowed
- Minimum 30% of calories must come from lactose
- No synthetic nutrients extracted with chemical solvents
- More transparent testing for trace contaminants
- Required DHA in all formulas (not required in US)
US formulas are improving: Brands like Bobbie are now meeting EU standards while being made in the US. This gives you European-quality nutrition with the convenience of buying at Target.
Both EU and US organic formulas must be 95% organic and free from growth hormones, GMOs, and antibiotics. The main difference is that Europe regulates more strictly when it comes to added ingredients and testing standards.
All US-based formulas are regulated by the FDA, and all European formulas are regulated by the European Commission, which also certifies formulas as organic. Additionally, Europe has designations that are “beyond organic” like “Demeter” which essentially means biodynamic farming on top of organic farming.
A note on organic labeling: Certified organic does not mean the same thing as “made with organic ingredients.” If a package has the label “made with organic ingredients,” it means that only 70% of the ingredients are organic, not 95%. (source).
Understanding Formula Stages (European Formulas)
European formulas come in stages to match your baby’s changing nutritional needs:
- Stage PRE/1 (0-6 months): Gentlest formula, often 100% lactose-based, less iron since babies have iron stores until 6 months
- Stage 2 (6-10 months): More iron, adjusted vitamins and minerals for growing babies
- Stage 3 (10-12+ months): Designed to supplement solid foods
US formulas typically have one stage for 0-12 months, then a separate toddler formula for 12+ months.
What About Palm Oil And Hexane?
I have heard from so many parents that two of the most common ingredients that concern parents are palm oil and hexane-extracted DHA.
Palm Oil: Palm oil is added to mimic palmitic acid in breast milk, but it can cause digestive issues in some babies. It reacts with calcium in the gut and may lead to constipation or harder stools. Formulas like Bobbie, Kendamil, and Jovie are palm oil-free, which I prefer.
Hexane-Extracted DHA: Hexane is a petroleum-based solvent used to extract DHA and ARA from algae. While this sounds scary, the hexane is removed after extraction and should be undetectable in European formulas due to strict testing.
If this concerns you, I recommend choosing formulas that use non-hexane extracted DHA (like Bobbie or Kendamil).
Best Supplements For Baby Formula
I have gotten a lot of questions about what to supplement with if your baby is on a formula that doesn’t have DHA added, what probiotic to use, or what to do if your baby is getting some breast milk along with their formula (in which case you need to add Vitamin D). Here’s what I recommend:
Best Vitamin D Drops: Bobbie Vitamin D Drops (USDA organic, vegan, Clean Label certified, only 3 drops per day)
Best Probiotic Drops: Bobbie Probiotic Drops (1 billion live cultures, can be mixed into anything, helps with colic and crying)
Best Prebiotics: BeginHealth (for infants 0-12 months, no artificial flavors or stabilizers)
Best DHA Supplement: Nordic Naturals Baby’s DHA (pure, no preservatives, includes Vitamin D)
Ingredients To Avoid In Baby Formula
Here are the ingredients that I recommend avoiding in baby formula, whenever possible:
❌ Corn Syrup Solids/Maltodextrin: Cheaper alternatives to lactose that provide empty calories without nutritional benefit.
❌ GMOs: May contain trace pesticides.
❌ Hexane-Extracted DHA/ARA: While DHA and ARA are important for brain development, some are extracted using hexane (a neurotoxic solvent). Look for formulas with non-hexane extracted versions or algae-based DHA.
❌ Carrageenan: Added as a stabilizer in ready-to-feed formulas; linked to intestinal inflammation and banned in EU.
❌ Palm Oil: Can bind with calcium in baby’s gut, causing digestive issues and harder stools.
❌ Soy Protein: May contain phytoestrogens that may not be suitable for infants. Always consult your pediatrician before using soy formula. (Source: Check out this study about soy).
FAQs
What is the closest formula to breast milk?
Any formula with a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio and key vitamins and minerals is very close to breast milk. HiPP Dutch, Bobbie, Kendamil, and Nara Organics all mimic breast milk composition.
Is organic formula really better?
Organic formulas are free from antibiotics, chemical fertilizers, hormones, and pesticides. While research doesn’t show huge long-term health advantages, many parents (including myself) prefer organic for peace of mind. If you can afford it, it’s worth the investment.
However, not all families may be able to choose organic formula, in which case I firmly believe that fed is best, and you should choose the formula that works for your budget and your baby. Other considerations such as price, or needing a hypoallergenic formula (which by definition will not be organic due to the hydrolyzed proteins), or availability should also be kept in mind when choosing a formula.
How long is baby formula good for?
Most formulas need to be used within one month of opening. Unopened formula is typically good for 6-12 months (check the expiration date on the container).
Can you mix formulas?
Technically yes, but this can be tricky. If you want to mix formulas (to transition between brands or because your baby does well with a blend), consult your pediatrician first to make sure you’re following correct mixing instructions.
How do I know which baby formula to choose?
Here are some steps to help you make an informed choice when deciding which is the right formula for your baby:
1) Talk to your pediatrician first – they can provide recommendations based on your baby’s specific needs.
2) Determine the type of formula – cow’s milk, goat’s milk, hypoallergenic, vegan, etc. based on your baby’s age and any allergies or dietary restrictions.
3) Consider the ingredients list and choose formulas that have no sugar or syrup solids added, are non GMO and/or organic, contain DHA/ARA, and meet your baby’s nutritional requirements.
4) Consider cost & budget! Always choose a formula that meets your budget constraints.
What if my baby doesn’t like the formula I chose?
Not every baby likes every formula. Some formulas can cause constipation or upset stomach in certain babies while keeping others perfectly happy. If you try a formula and it doesn’t work after 4-6 weeks, it’s ok to switch to something else.
Other Helpful Resources
I have specific guides for each type of formula, if you’re looking for more detailed information! Here are my guides to the best goat milk formula, the best hypoallergenic formula, the best toddler formula, and the best vegan baby formula.
If you’re choosing a European formula, I also have translated instructions and guides for each one! Here they are: HiPP Dutch, HiPP PRE Germany, Holle PRE, Holle Bio, Holle Goat
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right formula for your baby is a personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one baby might not work for another, and that’s completely normal. If you try the formulas I recommend and they don’t work for your baby, that is ok!
If you can afford organic European formulas like HiPP or Kendamil, or European style options like Bobbie, those are your best bets. And if you’re on a tight budget, just try to find a formula free of syrup solids, maltodextrin and added starches.
The most important thing is that your baby is fed, healthy, and happy. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or do a combination of both doesn’t define you as a parent.
You’re doing an amazing job. Trust your instincts, consult your pediatrician, and know that you’re making the best choice for your family. I hope this post helped you find the right baby formula for you and your little one!
Thank you for such great information. I have been on the search for a formula that has “methyl folate” and not the synthetic form of “folic acid” as well as the natural form of vitamin B12 “methylcobalamin” vs the synthetic/toxic form “cyanocobalamin”. Do you know of any?
I wanted to use Kendamil but when I reached out to their US email, they stated they used the synthetic folic acid & not the natural form “methyl folate/ 5-MTHF”. They do use B12 methylcobalamin vs the toxic form which is nice but doesn’t help my concern for folic acid. I would appreciate any insights you could provide on this. Thank you
Hi Elida! You are right that most formulas – even European and US organic formulas – use folic acid instead of the methylated form of folate. However, Serenity Kids does use the methylated forms of B vitamins in their formula. But Serenity Kids is technically a toddler formula, so you can’t use it for your infant without your pediatrician’s approval. So I would talk to your pediatrician about whether it might make sense for you to use Serenity Kids for your baby, and go with what they advise!
Hi! Your information is so thorough! I appreciate the research. If you had to choose between Hipp Dutch Stage 1 or Kendamil Organic Stage 1, which would you prefer? Thank you!
Hi Sabrina! I’m so glad this post was helpful! To your question – it really just depends on what you’re looking for because both formulas are great. I wanted an “all-in-one” solution, so I chose HiPP Dutch for my two kids – since it includes DHA, ARA, prebiotics and probiotics. But if you don’t mind supplementing with probiotics, then Kendamil is a great choice and has a few benefits including being vegetarian (HiPP Dutch uses fish oil for DHA, Kendamil uses vegetarian friendly DHA), and using organic whole milk. So basically, if you want an all in one solution, go with HiPP Dutch. But if a vegetarian option is more important to you, go with Kendamil and supplement with probiotics. Hope that helps!
Hi! If using Hipp Organic line, do babies typically eat less of stage 2 than they were eating of stage 1 since stage 2 is more fortified?
Hi Ashlee! Great question! In my experience, it really all depends on the baby. Some babies age 6-12 months start drinking less formula because they are eating more solid food, some babies will drink just as much formula as they did when they were 0-6 months in addition to eating a lot of solid food – it really varies from baby to baby. HiPP Stage 2 doesn’t have dramatically more calories than Stage 1, so it’s not way more filling in that aspect. From what I’ve seen, the amount of formula a baby might drink at that age is more dependent on their overall appetite and how well they’re doing with solids than anything else. Hope that helps!
Hi Anjali
I have introduce jovie goat formula for my son when he was 3 and half month old. Due to low supply of Brest milk. And completely on formula when he was 5 month. But started having Constipation. He push really hard but then consistency is not that hard it still soft . I can’t figure it out why is that should I try something else. He actually had enfamil before with breastmilk no problem with that . Then I come across with European formula and I find your bold some integer articles so I really want give best to my son . So I started jovie goat milk formula. Please help me with this should I start cow formula? Thank you in advance
Hi Jinal! It could be that your son is reacting to the difference in the whey:casein ratio of Jovie compared to breastmilk, and that’s what’s causing some of his constipation. I would try a cow’s milk formula as long as your pediatrician is supportive of it – my recommendation would be HiPP Dutch. So if your pediatrician is ok with you switching him to HiPP Dutch then go ahead and try that!
Thank you so much for such a comprehensive list. It’s been hard to find consolidated information like this! For the Kendamil organic formula, you note that it includes these ingredients: taurine, l-carnitine, and nucleotides. What would be the issue with them?
Hi Stephanie! The. main issue with those ingredients is that they’re typically extracted using hexane or another solvent. But Kendamil has assured me that they don’t use any solvents in extracting any nutrients in their formulas, so for them, it shouldn’t be an issue. Hope that helps!
Hello! I have a baby who had occult blood in a stool sample and suspected CMPA. I’m a bit confused about HiPP HA vs comfort and your blog was the clearest explanation I’ve seen, however, I’m just trying to understand why a non-HA formula would be essentially more hypoallergenic than the HA? I definitely want to triple check that the comfort version is equally hydrolyzed as the HA before trying it out. Thanks!
Hi Vanessa! I think HiPP brands their HA formula as HA because the only thing they change about it is the milk proteins, while Comfort is branded for both sensitivity and hypoallergenic because they not only change the milk proteins, they also reduce the amount of lactose and modify the fats. So for example, a lactose intolerant baby who doesn’t have CMPA wouldn’t do well on HiPP HA, but they could do well on HiPP Comfort. HiPP Comfort and HA both have the same degree of hydrolyzed milk proteins (86-87%) so from that standpoint they are equivalent. I would only use Comfort if you suspect your baby also has an issue with lactose and the milk fats, along with the milk proteins, in which case Comfort could be a better choice. And of course, make sure your pediatrician is comfortable with the formula you end up choosing before you give it to your baby! I hope that helps!
I love the Hipp Dutch formula, I used it for both of my first two children and also started using for my third. However, I believe my daughter has an allergy to it because after every feed she develops a rash all over her face. Our ped recommended we switch formulas, which do you recommend we change to? Is it a goat formula we should try or one of the hypoallergenic ones? Which would you do? Thank you so much!
Hi Callais! Yes I agree with your pediatrician, your daughter is likely having an allergic reaction to the cow’s milk protein in the formula. Depending on how severe her reaction is, you could either try goat milk or go straight to a hypoallergenic one. If your pediatrician is supportive of a goat milk formula, I’d try that first and I’d use Jovie Goat Formula. If your pediatrician suspects a cow’s milk protein allergy (in which case goat milk formula will not work), then I’d go to a hypoallergenic formula and I’d use HiPP HA. Hope that helps, let me know if you have any other questions!
Hello!
Thank you for this valuable information. My baby is breastfed and is soon turning 6 months. Any recommendations on stage 2 formulas? The ingredients seem to change from stage 1 and not sure which one to go with.
Hi Meriem! I love HiPP Dutch Stage 2 — it’s one of the best stage 2 formulas out there – super gentle, has more iron than stage 1, and works well for most babies. It’s what I used for both of my kids after they were older than 6 months of age. Hope that helps!
Hi there! Amazing information, thank you. I’m predominantly breastfeeding my daughter but just started supplementing with HIPP Dutch 1. So far so good but was just told about Serenity Kids toddler formula. Do you still recommend HIPP Dutch over Serenity Kids and Bobbi? Serenity kids website says they meet nutritional requirements for infants and go into why it’s better formulated than European favorites. Wondering your thoughts! Thank you!
Hi Paige! I’m always hesitant to use a toddler formula for infants – which is why I’d pick HiPP Dutch over Serenity kids. Regarding ingredients between HiPP Dutch and Serenity kids, they’re comparable (both are very high quality). Regarding HiPP Dutch and Bobbie – honestly both are great. HiPP Dutch has a slight advantage in that it has both pre and probiotics, which means you wouldn’t have to supplement with anything if you used that formula. Bobbie doesn’t have pre/probiotics – so you would have to supplement. Hope that helps!
Hi Anjali
Between HIPP Uk , bellamys (Aus) and Kendamil what would be your top pick for stage 1? I have been trying to see some comparisons between the other two versus Bellamys but haven’t been able to find any. Any know-how on this would be super helpful!
Hi Vandana! Bellamys looks pretty comparable to Kendamil and HiPP UK actually – the main difference between these formulas is that Kendamil is vegetarian friendly (its DHA doesn’t come from fish oil), while Bellamys and HiPP UK uses DHA from fish. So I’d say if you want a vegetarian formula, choose Kendamil. If you don’t want a vegetarian formula, I’d pick the one that’s most affordable / easiest to get as you really can’t go wrong with any of these!
Hi Anjali,
My baby is drinking Enfamil Gentlease (colic, spit-ups, fussiness, gas etc.) and I want to switch her to something that is organic and similar to the above. I am looking at Hipp, Holle and Lebenswert but I don’t know which formula will suite her due to that fact she can’t take normal formula.
Any recommendations? I have been looking online and comparing which ones are better but I’m pretty much stuck and with the formula shortage, I need to order some as soon as possible.
Hi Vickie! Has your baby been diagnosed with a milk protein allergy, or do you just suspect she has a sensitivity? If it’s just a sensitivity, you could try HiPP HA as a next step as long as your pediatrician is supportive! If you have more questions, feel free to just book a time with me here and we can chat in more detail about all of the other options you could try if HiPP HA doesn’t work! Hope that helps!
Hello Anjali,
I see you’re recommending Hippe Dutch formula to all. But I see it contains palm oil in the ingredients as per your chart. May I know why you still recommend it?
Hi Sampath! Great question – honestly the reason is because there is no perfect formula that eliminates all ingredients that are less than ideal. HiPP Dutch is a super high quality formula in almost every way, and the only drawback is that it has palm oil. This makes it a much better choice than other formulas that may not contain palm oil but contain more than one other sub-optimal ingredient. I hope that helps explain how I’ve thought about the rankings!
Hi Anjali!
Thanks for all the great information, it really helps.
We started using HIPP Dutch 1 since day one and everything was great with it, until he turned 3 weeks old, that our baby started demanding more quantity than recommended and sooner than usual, so after trying everything without success, we switched to HIPP Germany 1, looking for a more satiating option within Hipp’s products even if it had starch, which we initially tried not to.
It hasn’t changed much, probably a tiny more satiating but our baby is still demanding more than the usual recommendations.
Do you have any experience or tip on that? Is there any option we should try other than what we’ve done to date? Would really appreciate your help on that.
Thanks a lot!
Rob
Hi Rob! Thanks for reaching out! Honestly, all of the European formulas are going to be about the same in terms of how long they keep your baby full for. There isn’t like a “hungry baby milk” option from Europe to try as far as I know. Also, as babies hit that 4 week mark, they do start to eat a lot more — and the quantity they eat tends to keep increasing until they hit about 5-6 months and start solids! How do you know your baby is demanding more milk than he should? Is your pediatrician concerned about how much he’s eating? I think I’d need more information in order to advise you properly! Feel free to book a time with me here and I’d be happy to answer all of your questions over the phone! 🙂
Hi Anjali,
Thanks for the valuable information. We were feeding our baby HiPP Dutch Stage 1. He is now six months and should we go ahead with Dutch Stage 2 or you recommend any other formula for six months and older babies.
Hi! If your baby has done well on HiPP Dutch, it makes sense to move him to Stage 2 now that he’s 6 months old — Stage 2 is designed specifically for babies aged 6 months and up. The formulation between Stage 1 and 2 is similar (Stage 2 has more iron and slightly different levels of other nutrients which older babies need). I wouldn’t switch to another brand entirely if HiPP Dutch is working well for you and him! Hope that helps!
Hi,
We have been using Bobbie but do to cost I am considering using Happy Baby Organic Stage 2, do you think this is a close second? Thank you!
Hi Courtney! Yes Happy Baby is a decent second place to Bobbie – the main difference is that Happy Baby contains palm oil, and Bobbie does not. Hope that helps!
There is a new supplier called Formula Vita.
They seem to have a large portfolio of products including Humana and Aptamil. Any experience? They say that they have the best baby formula from Europe.
Hi Krystel! I don’t know much about them unfortunately! I don’t know anyone at the company so haven’t gotten any info about them. But saying that they have the “best baby formula from Europe” is a bit of false marketing, since anyone who carries HiPP / Holle / Leb formulas are selling the same formula (e.g. HiPP Dutch is equally high quality no matter which distributor you are getting it from). The differentiators are price, reliability, shipping, sourcing, etc. Sorry I can’t be more helpful here!