Healthiest Baby Formula Guide (2025)

Maia James
Healthiest Baby Formula Guide (2025)
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Best Baby Formula

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1. Lebenswert

2. Happy Baby

3. Kabrita

4. Bobbie

5. ByHeart

6. Serenity

7. Holle

8. HiPP

9. Baby’s Only

10. Kendamil

I wrote this guide on how to choose the healthiest baby formula in 2012, and have updated it more than ten times since! The great news is that overall, things have moved in a good direction on the formula front. 

This 2024 guide will review the current baby formula options, including European baby formulas, goat milk formulas, and the newer American brands. We hope it makes choosing the healthiest baby formula for your baby less stressful. Let’s get to it…

Best Stuff

What is the Healthiest Baby Formula?

Everyone asks: “What is the healthiest baby formula?” After updating this guide more than 12 times in as many years, here’s where I’ve landed:

  • Healthiest baby formula if you want an American formula that’s approved for infants: ByHeart.
  • Healthiest baby formula from Europe: Lebenswert.
  • Healthiest toddler formula: Serenity.

What is the Healthiest Baby Formula?

What to Avoid in Baby Formula

When it comes to choosing the healthiest baby formula, it’s as much about avoiding the bad stuff as it is about finding the good stuff. What follows are some of the controversial ingredients and additives that you will find in most baby formula.

Even a few brands that I have deemed Good Stuff contain some of these ingredients–it’s impossible to avoid them all! Some of them are worse than others, but I mention them all here because these are at least worth considering when you are choosing looking for the healthiest baby formula.

Non-Organic Ingredients

An organic label alone doesn’t make a formula healthy, but avoiding any non-organic formula is a good start. Conventional formula likely contains traces of pesticides, milk contaminated with antibiotics or growth hormones, and oils extracted with hexane. Organic baby formula is almost always superior to anything conventional.

Organic baby formula cannot contain GMOs or artificial colors/flavors. Organic baby formula from Europe is even better: it must be free of sugar, corn syrup solids, and chemically-extracted synthetic nutrients. In addition, 30% of the calories in organic European formulas must come from lactose.

In Europe, some formulas are better than organic:

  • Demeter-certified formulas means that the cows come from a biodynamic farm. Biodynamic farming prioritizes the environment and humane conditions for their animals. Holle is the only formula we have found with the Demeter certification.
  • If you see that a formula is “Bioland certified,” it means that those cows come from a farm that is 100% organic. Nothing produced on that farm can be without organic certification. Lebenswert has Bioland certification.

Bottom line: The healthiest formula brands are without exception organic. Organic brands from Europe will be even better.

Soy

There are a number of problems with soy formula. To start, it must have synthetic l-methionine added to it in order to meet nutrition requirements. This is prohibited in European organic foods because it is produced with like hydrogen cyanide and other air pollutants. This means that there is no such thing as organic soy-based infant formula in Europe.

Soy-based formulas tend to have higher levels of aluminum contamination since soy sucks up aluminum from the soil. Soy formula also contains high levels of plant-derived estrogens (phytoestrogens). In fact, the concentrations of phytoestrogens detected in the blood of infants fed soy formula were shown to be 13,000 to 22,000 times greater than the concentrations of natural estrogens. The effects of this are simply unknown.

Unfortunately, even most dairy-based formulas contain soy oils or lecithin, but it makes sense to avoid soy-based formulas unless a baby has a true dairy allergy. If that IS the case for your child, you can ask your pediatrician about Baby’s Only’s newer Pea Protein formula. 

Bottom line: Avoid soy-based formula unless your baby has a true allergy. And most of the healthiest baby formula brands skip all soy ingredients.

Palm Oil

Palm oil or palm olein are commonly added to formula to help replicate the high palmitic acid content of breastmilk. But the structure of the fat molecules in palm oil (and other vegetable oils) is different from that found in breast milk, and the fats are digested differently.

A lot of parents want to avoid palm oil (and palm olein) because it’s been shown to inhibit the absorption of calcium and fat. But there is an important caveat here. Plant-derived fats that match the structure of the most common fat molecules in breast milk have been shown to promote more healthy bacteria in the gut and reduce constipation.

From what we know, only one company—Kabrita—uses these more beneficial fats (high SN-2 palmitate, a.k.a. “OPO fats,” a.k.a. “structured triglycerides”), which are produced by an enzymatic reaction on a mixture of vegetable oils.

Bottom line: With the exception of Kabrita, we prefer brands that skip palm oil.

Carrageenan

You will find this additive in tons of stuff in your health food store, and infant formula is no exception.

Derived from seaweed, carrageenan helps stabilize liquid formula, but numerous animal studies suggest that it leads to intestinal inflammation. The European Union has outlawed the use of carrageenan in all infant formula. In the United States it appears in the ready-made varieties.

Bottom line: None of what we identified as the healthiest formula brands contain carrageenan, so this is one you don’t have to worry about if you shop only from our Good Stuff list!

Synthetic Nutrients

There are many synthetic nutrients that you will find in baby formulas, mostly because the FDA mandates the inclusion of 29 of them. The following four nutrients are NOT required to be in baby formula sold in the U.S., and we believe the potential harms of may outweigh the potential benefits:

  • Lutein is hexane-extracted from marigolds. This is found in human milk, but there are not studies to show that it is beneficial when added to formula.
  • Lycopene is produced with toluene, a neurotoxic benzene derivative. Again, you’ll find lycopene in human milk but we have no studies showing it’s benefit when added to formula.
  • Taurine is processed with carcinogenic sulfuric acid. Studies have not shown any benefit to adding taurine to formula.
  • L-carnitine is banned by the National Organic Standards Board because of concerns over carcinogenic properties. As of February 2020, the European Union requires infant formula to contain this nutrient. (The reasoning: L-carnitine is naturally present in breast milk, and infants with a deficiency can develop a variety of disorders.)

One form of synthetic nutrient that we think is worth including in formula is nucleotides. These will show up on the label as long chemical names that end in “-monophosphate.” Studies show that these nutrients lead to increased blood levels of several polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are critical for brain development, as well as increased infant weight gain and head growth. Many–although not all–of the healthiest baby formulas contain nucleotides.

Bottom line: We like to see the addition of nucleotides in infant formulas. Conversely, the healthiest baby formula will skip l-carnitine, taurine, lycopene, and lutein.

Skim Milk

Some of the healthiest baby formulas (see below, under Good Stuff) do contain skim milk. Still, we like to see whole milk on formula labels–the more the better!

Using whole instead of skim milk means that formula manufacturers can add smaller amounts of vegetable oils to achieve the necessary fat content. Better yet, whole cow’s milk contains milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which may confer brain-immune-gut benefits.

October 2024 update: Bobbie just released new whole-milk version of their popular baby formula. 

Bottom line: The brands we consider the very healthiest baby formula will contain at least some whole milk.

Sugars

Breast milk is naturally very sweet, so even the healthiest baby formula contains a lot of added sugars. But the type of sugar really matters.

The sweetener that most closely mimics that found in human milk is cow milk lactose, but this is expensive. Some manufacturers instead use cheaper plant-based sweeteners, such as:

  • Sucrose, which was banned by The European Union in 2009 (except for babies with allergies), because of concerns of over-feeding and subsequent obesity. The FDA provides no such regulation on what kind of sugars can be used.
  • Maltodextrin, which can be made from rice, corn, or potatoes. Even some organic baby formula brands choose maltodextrin as a sweetener, since it’s cheaper than lactose and helps powdered formula dissolve quickly.
  • Glucose syrup solids, which is just a clever name for corn syrup.
  • Brown rice syrup, which may be contaminated with arsenic. In 2012, Dartmouth researchers raised concerns about formulas sweetened with brown rice syrup after finding that they contained six times the EPA’s safe limit for arsenic. (More on arsenic in baby food here.)

Bottom line: I’m not a big fan of maltodextrin, but I do feel that it’s better than white sugar or corn syrup. The best baby formula brands contain only lactose as a sweetener.

Ranking the Healthiest Baby Formula Brands

We’ve ranked 32 brands of baby formula, with the majority actually being what we consider Good Stuff! (This is a HUGE change for the better.)

You might be wondering what makes a brand Good Stuff rather than just Okay.

To make our Good Stuff list, a cow-milk formula brand must:

  • Be organic;
  • Contain added whey;
  • Be sweetened with lactose instead of maltodextrin or corn syrup.

You should feel good feeding your baby any of these–they are the healthiest baby formula brands in the world. Some of the brands on our Good Stuff list go even further:

Where to Buy European Baby Formula

Some of the best baby formula brands come from Europe. Organic European formula isn’t allowed to contain sugar, corn syrup solids, and chemically-extracted synthetic nutrients (none of this is true for organic formula in the U.S.) Moreover, European food standards are among the strictest in the world, and the EU updates regulations every few years based on the most recent science.

Organic Formula 24, based in Germany, is where we would buy European formula if we were shopping for our own babies.

Healthiest Baby Formula: Other Things to Consider

When you’re searching for the healthiest baby formula for your infant, it’s easy to fall into a ton of different rabbit holes. You’re going to hear about things like whey/casein ratio and A2 milk. Let’s look at some of the factors worth considering when you’re looking at the best formula brands.

Whey/Casein Ratio

In an attempt to mimic real breast milk, formula manufacturers engineer their products to have a specific whey/casein ratio. Not sure what whey and protein are? Here’s the deal:

  • Whey proteins stay in liquid form in the stomach (when exposed to stomach acid)—think the watery whey that separates in a container of natural yogurt–and exit the stomach more quickly. Whey proteins are therefore easier to digest and are rarely a source of allergies.
  • Casein proteins form solids in the stomach (like cheese curds) and empty at a slower rate. They are more likely to cause digestive issues and be a source of allergies.

There is controversy over the optimal whey/casein ratio for a baby formula because the ratios found in breast milk change over time. Whey content is high in early lactation (with a ratio of about 90:10), and by late lactation, whey and casein protein amounts are roughly equal.

Goat milk and cow milk both have a whey to casein ratio of about 20:80. Manufacturers add whey protein to their formulas to adjust this ratio.

So what is the optimal whey/casein ratio? This depends on factors such as how old your baby is (in other words, how developed his/her digestion is), whether your baby has any digestive issues (like reflux, which may be a reaction to too much casein), and whether your baby is sensitive or allergic to casein.

We also don’t really know how much of the whey and casein added to formula actually ends up being assimilated. It’s definitely worth having a conversation with your pediatrician about which formula has the right ratio for your baby, although in many instances the whey/casein ratio isn’t an issue you need to worry about. Most babies do fine on standard formulas.

Bottom line: Because human milk is so rich in whey, we prefer formulas that add it. The best formula brands almost always do.

Prebiotics & Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, and prebiotics are food for probiotics. You probably already know that good gut bacteria is key to healthy immune function.

Breast milk has natural prebiotic properties, such as its oligosaccharide content. The act of breastfeeding also introduces lots of healthy bacteria to the breastfed infant’s microbiome. In an attempt to mimic human milk (and ride the wave of current health trends!), many formula manufacturers now add prebiotics and probiotics to their products.

There’s little research to suggest that this offers any real benefits, and the American Association of Pediatrics doesn’t officially recommend it. Still, the addition of pre- and probiotics are almost certainly not harmful to healthy babies.

Bottom line: Even though many of the healthiest baby formula contains pre- or probiotics, I probably wouldn’t rely on this as an effective supplement (mostly because of dosage and quality/viability of the organisms). Parents who are interested in supplementing with probiotics should choose a high-quality product like this one from Bobbie.

Aluminum in Infant Formulas

Unfortunately, it seems like high aluminum content in formulas is pretty much ubiquitous (studies confirm this in UK and Canadian markets, and there is no research done yet on formulas in U.S. market).

It’s not clear exactly why this is, but there are a variety of modes of potential contamination: raw materials (powdered milk may have aluminum added to prevent clumpiness, for instance), additives (like phosphorous), and manufacturing processes.

It’s important to note that a lot of healthful foods we eat contain more aluminum than any of the formulas in this study–including fish, spinach, and many types of tea. I’m not convinced that the amount in formula is something worth worrying about.

We also don’t know is how much of the aluminum that’s ingested ends up accumulating in the body of infants and toddlers. In adults, most aluminum is excreted, but what remains does accumulate and can cause problems in the long term.

There’s little that consumers can do about aluminum in formula, except for:

  • Choosing breastmilk if possible.
  • Avoiding soy-based formulas, as these tend to be highest in aluminum.
  • Preparing powder formula with a silicon-rich mineral water—in the U.S., Volvic and Fiji water fit the bill. Experts believe that this could reduce the absorption of aluminum across the gut of the child and also potentially help the child to excrete aluminum in the body via the urine. However, these are areas which are also being researched.

A2 Milk

You will see that some of the best formula brands in our lists above contain “A2 milk.”

Here’s the deal: Cow milk has two primary types of proteins–A1 and A2 beta-casein. More studies are needed, but there is some evidence to suggeste that A2 milk is easier to digest and less likely to cause inflammation than is A1 milk. The strongest evidence is around lactose intolerance–studies suggest that milk with A2 protein is much less likely to cause gastrointestional distress.

Among the healthiest baby formula brands, four contain A2 milk: Aussie Bubs, Baby’s Only, Serenity, and Holle. Also, goat milk contains that A2 protein, so this is part of the reason it may be more digestible.

Bottom line: We think A2 is probably better than A1 milk for babies, and some–but not all–of the best baby formula brands include it.

DHA/ARA

DHA and ARA are long chain fatty acids found naturally in human breast milk, which make up the major long chain fats in baby’s brain and nerve tissue.

We know that naturally occurring oils from food, food-based oils, and mom’s diet (in breast milk) is highly beneficial. However, it’s not clear that these benefits are enjoyed when DHA and ARA are added to formula. Still, most formulas now boast the addition of essential fatty acids DHA and ARA.

The most common types of DHA and ARA extracted by the solvent hexane, a known neurotoxin, although the hexane is removed from the formula after it’s been processed. There are other methods for extraction, but these are relatively new and the jury is out on whether they are harmful, beneficial, or of no consequence at all.

If you choose a formula without DHA added, but want to supplement on your own, this is the brand we like.

Note that all European formulas are now required to contain DHA, and that organic oils in European formula cannot be hexane-extracted.

Bottom line: We think there’s no downside to the addition of DHA/ARA in formula, and most of the best formula brands have choses to add it.

BPA in Formula Cans

Good news: there is one thing you no longer have to worry about when buying formula, and it’s BPA. The FDA has finally gotten with the program and banned BPA from formula container linings. Of course, I worry about what’s being used in place of BPA, but still this is a small victory!

Healthiest Baby Formula FAQs

What is the closest formula to breast milk?

Needless to say, I’m pro-breastfeeding. I have only two kids, but I breastfed for a total of 7 years, so you can do the math. But of course I also know amazing parents who formula feed their (very healthy!) children.

Every formula brand claims that their nutrient blend most closely mimics breast milk. Based on our research process, we think that ByHeart and Kabrita get the closest.

What’s the best hypoallergenic baby formula?

Some babies, like those with milk protein allergies, need a hypoallergenic formula. Sometimes called “gentle,” these formulas contain hydrolyzed proteins, which means that they are broken down and more digestible.

Many pediatricians recommend Pregestimil or Nutramigen (both by Enfamil) or Alimentum (by Similac). If forced to choose between these, I would go for the Alimentum since it skips the carrageenan and corn syrup. But I can’t call any of these Good Stuff since all three contain ingredients of concern and none is organic. Nutramigen is probably the very worst of these, comprised of 48% corn syrup solids!!

If it were my baby, I would choose HiPP HA organic baby formula, which contains no sugar, corn syrup, or maltodextrin, and is full of good prebiotics. You also might want to try HiPP Anti-Reflux formula if your baby has a sensitive stomach. It’s made with 100% whey and no casein to prevent reflux.

If you want an American brand, Bobbie Organic Gentle is the only one that is sweetened with just lactose.

Please check with your pediatrician first if you suspect an intolerance or allergy.

Can you give an infant a “toddler” formula?

I know many parents who have chosen to feed their infants a “toddler” formula. Most toddler formulas contain the 29 key nutrients that are required by the FDA for infant formula. Some of these are the best formula brands out there but are not marketed as infant formula because the brands haven’t completed the infant feeding studies. A few notes on this country’s formula rules and regulations, by the way:

  • The recipe requirements are from the Infant Formula Act of 1980 (which I believe is in desperate need of an update!).
  • Infant formula certification requires multi-year and multi-million dollar feeding studies.
  • Thus, there is a huge barrier to entry for innovative companies or smaller brands. ByHeart is one of the few brands who did their own study. (More on them in this post.) 
  • In early 2022, the FDA recalled brands (e.g., Similac, Alimentum and EleCare) after babies drinking these formulas became ill. This was nearly 6 months after the FDA found out but failed to act on the information. In March of 2022, the FDA finally shut down the facility producing these formulas, which lead to a formula shortage.

Again, ask your pediatrician to review the nutrition label on any formula you’re considering.

Where is American baby formula made?

Almost all infant formula sold in this country is produced by just four manufacturers:

  • Mead Johnson (Enfamil)
  • Abbott Nutrition (Similac)
  • Nestlé (Gerber)
  • Perrigo (Bobbie, Earth’s Best, generic formulas for many grocery chains)

ByHeart is made in the U.S. in its own factory.

Should you use filtered water for baby formula?

Yes! Tap water may be contaminated with chlorine byproducts, weed killers, insecticides, solvents, lead, BPA, phthalates, PFAS…the list goes on. Fluoride is present in infant formula, and when combined with fluoridated tap water, infant exposure levels can exceed safe amounts. I think everyone should invest in a good water filter, but especially if you have a formula-fed baby in your home.

What is the safest baby bottle?

Here is a cheat sheet to help you choose the safest bottle for your baby, whether you are breast- or formula-feeding!

Should I consider a goat milk formula?

Yes! Goat milk may be more similar to human milk because it contains A2 beta-casein protein. For an in-depth look at the pros and cons, check out our post about goat milk formulas.

Good Stuff

Baby’s Only Organic Infant Formula

Pros:

  • Available with or without DHA/ARA.
  • No palm oil.
  • Comes in an A2 milk version.
  • Lactose is the only carbohydrate.
  • Contains whey.
  • The most affordable U.S-based organic formula.

Cons:

  • Contains soy and sunflower oils.
  • Does not contain pre- or probiotics.
  • Uses skim rather than whole milk.

Sample Ingredients: Organic lactose, organic nonfat milk, organic high oleic sunflower oil, organic soybean oil, organic whey protein concentrate, organic coconut oil, less than 2% of: organic soy lecithin, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium citrate, magnesium phosphate, choline bitartrate, calcium ascorbate, inositol, ferrous, sulfate, d-alpha tocopheryl acetate, zinc sulfate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, biotin, vitamin A, thiamin hydrochloride, copper sulfate, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, sodium selenate, manganese sulfate, phylloquinone, folic acid, vitamin D3, and vitamin B12.

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Baby’s Only Organic Infant Formula

Bellamy’s Organic Infant Formula

Pros:

  • Lactose is the primary carbohydrate.
  • Contains DHA/ARA.
  • Contains whey.
  • Contains prebiotics.

Cons:

  • Contains palm and soybean oils.
  • Does not contain nucleotides.

Sample Ingredients: Organic milk solids [organic demineralised whey powder, organic whole milk liquid or powder, organic lactose powder, organic skim milk liquid or powder, organic whey protein concentrate], organic vegetable oil [organic palm olein oil, organic soybean oil, organic coconut oil, emulsifier (organic soybean lecithin)], organic galacto-oligosaccharides liquid (GOS) from milk, dried DHA and ARA oils [fish oil (tuna), sodium caseinate, emulsifier (soybean lecithin), antioxidants (sodium ascorbate, mixed tocopherols, ascorbyl palmitate)]. 

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Bellamy’s Organic Infant Formula

Bimbosan Organic Baby Formula

Pros:

  • Sweetened with only lactose.
  • Contains prebiotics.
  • Contains nucleotides.

Cons:

  • Not available anywhere in the U.S.
  • No DHA/ARA.
  • Contains soy, sunflower, and canola oils.
  • Contains taurine.
  • Uses skim milk.

Sample Ingredients: Skimmed milk, lactose, vegetable oils (sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil), whey protein concentrate, anhydrous milk fat, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS from lactose), minerals (calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, magnesium citrate, calcium phosphate, potassium hydroxide, sodium citrate, iron sulphate, zinc sulphate, cupric sulphate, potassium iodate, manganese sulphate, sodium selenate), refined fish oil, mortierella alpina oil, vitamins (vitamin C, vitamin E, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, thiamin, vitamin A, riboflavin, folic acid, vitamin K, vitamin D, biotin, vitamin B12), choline bitartrate, l-tyrosine, emulsifier (lecithin), taurine, nucleotides (CMP, UMP, AMP, IMP, GMP), L-tryptophan, antioxidants (ascorbyl palmitate, tocopherol-rich extract), L-cysteine, L-carnitine-L-tartrate, inositol

Bimbosan Organic Baby Formula

Bobbie Organic Baby Formula

Read our complete review of Bobbie.

Pros:

  • Clean Label Project Purity Award winner.
  • Pesticide-Free certified.
  • Milk comes from pasture-raised cows from Organic Valley Farms.
  • Sweetened with lactose.
  • Meets EU iron standards.
  • Only U.S. formula to meet EU DHA standards.
  • Contains no palm oil.
  • Contains added whey.
  • Bobbie now offers a whole milk version of their formula, made with milk that comes from grassfed cows and with 16% less vegetable oil than the 14.- oz Bobbie Organic Original.

Cons:

  • Contains soy, sunflower, and/or safflower oils.
  • Does not contain nucleotides.

Sample Ingredients: Organic lactose, organic nonfat milk, organic high oleic safflower or sunflower oil, organic soybean oil, organic whey protein concentrate, organic coconut oil, less than 1%: organic soy lecithin, schizochytrium sp. oil, motierlla alpina oil, calcium phosphate, potassium citrate, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, potassium phosphate, magnesium chloride, zinc sulfate, cupric sulfate, maganese sulfate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite, choline bitartrate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), ascorbyl  palmitate, inositol, mixed rocopherol concentrate, dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), niacinamide (vitamin B3), calcium pantothenate, vitamin A palmitate, riboflavin (vitamin B2), thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), pyridoxine hydrochloride (vitamin B6), folic acid, phytonadione (vitamin K), biotin, cholelciferol (vitamin D3), cynacobalamin (vitamin B12)

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Bobbie Organic Baby Formula

Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula

Pros:

  • Clean Label Product verified. 
  • Lactose is the sweetener.  
  • Uses whole milk. 
  • Added prebiotics and probiotics.
  • More affordable than most other Good Stuff.

Cons:

  • Contains canola, sunflower, and soy oils.
  • Contains less DHA than other Good Stuff brands.

Sample Ingredients: Organic lactose, organic vegetable oil blend (high oleic sunflower, coconut, soy, canola), organic whole milk powder, organic whey protein concentrate, organic skim milk powder, organic galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS), emulsifier (soy lecithin), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, from algae), arachidonic acid (ARA), probiotic bifidobacterium longum BB536.

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Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula

Bubs Easy Digest Goat Milk Infant Formula

Pros:

  • Clean Label Product verified. 
  • Lactose is the sweetener. 
  • Added prebiotics.
  • Contains whole, rather than skim, goat milk, so has beneficial MFGM.
  • Goat milk may be more similar to human milk because it contains A2 beta-casein protein.
  • Free of soy.

Cons:

  • Contains canola, sunflower, and palm oils.
  • Has only relatively low amount of DHA.
  • Contains taurine.

Sample Ingredients: Lactose, Goat Milk Solids (Goat Full Cream Milk Solids, Goat Whey Protein Concentrate) 28%, Vegetable Oil Blend (Sustainable Palm Olein, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil), Galacto-Oligosaccharide (GOS), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA, From Alage), Emulsifier (Soybean Lecithin), Arachidonic Acid (ARA), Choline Bitartrate, Inositol, Taurine, Antioxidants (α-Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate), L-Carnitine. Vitamins: Sodium Ascorbate, dl-α-Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Cyanocobalamin, Cholecalciferol, d-Biotin, Folic Acid, Phytonadione, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride. Minerals: Sodium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Sulphate, Magnesium Sulphate, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Phosphate, Zinc Sulphate, Copper Sulphate, Manganese Sulphate, Potassium Iodide, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Selenite.

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Bubs Easy Digest Goat Milk Infant Formula

ByHeart Infant Formula

Read our full review of ByHeart.

Pros:

  • The only Good Stuff formula produced in its own factory. 
  • Clean Label Project Purity Award winner.  
  • Created by scientists and pediatricians with support from a nationwide clinical trial. 
  • Made with whole milk (grassfed and organic).
  • Sweetened with only lactose. 
  • Contains whey.
  • Higher levels of DHA than most American formulas.
  • Free of palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin, and soy. 
  • Meets U.S. and EU standards. 
  • Contains a unique protein, alpha-lactalbumin, that is found in breast milk and no other formulas.
  • Includes a prebiotic.

Cons:

  • Contains sunflower and canola oils.
  • Does not contain nucleotides.

Sample Ingredients: Organic grass-fed whole milk, organic lactose, organic vegetable oils (organic high oleic sunflower, organic low erucic rapeseed, organic coconut, organic sunflower), organic galactooligosaccharides†, alpha-lactalbumin* whey protein, whey protein hydrolysate, less than 1%: lactoferrin°, dha algal oilȣ (schizochytrium), mortierella alpina oil¥, vitamin a palmitate, vitamin d3, vitamin e acetate, vitamin k1, thiamin hydrochloride, riboflavin, vitamin b6 hydrochloride, vitamin b12, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, folic acid, biotin, ascorbic acid, mixed tocopherols, ascorbyl palmitate, l-carnitine, inositol, calcium phosphate, sodium citrate, calcium carbonate, potassium citrate, ferrous sulfate, potassium chloride, magnesium phosphate, calcium chloride, zinc sulfate, cupric sulfate, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, sodium selenate, potassium bicarbonate, choline chloride

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ByHeart Infant Formula

Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula

Pros:  

  • Lactose-sweetened.
  • Contains nearly four times the prebiotics in other U.S. organic baby formulas.
  • Contains DHA/ARA.
  • Includes whey.
  • Clean Label Product Verified.

Cons:

  • Contains soy oil and palm oil.
  • Uses skim rather than whole milk.
  • Sensitive formula is Sneaky Stuff (see below).

Sample Ingredients: Organic lactose, organic nonfat milk, organic palm olein or palm oil, organic soy oil, organic coconut oil, organic high oleic (safflower or sunflower) oil, organic galactooligosaccharides (GOS), organic whey protein concentrate, <1% of: fructooligosaccharide (FOS), choline bitartrate, potassium chloride, organic soy lecithin, calcium hudroxide, mortierella alpina oil, calcium phosphate, sodium citrate, ascorbic acid, magnesium chloride, DHA algal oil (schizochytrium), potassium bicarbonate, inositol, ascorbyl palmitate, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, mixed tocopherol concentrate, vitamin E (Dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate), niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, cupric sulfate, vitamin A palmitate, riboflavin, thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, manganese sulfate, beta-carotene, potassium Iodide, folic acid, vitamin K (phytonadione), biotin, sodium selenite, vitamin D (cholecalciferol), cyanocobalamin

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Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula

HiPP Organic Baby Formula

Pros:

  • Sweetened with lactose.
  • HiPP HA is great if your baby needs a hypoallergenic formula.
  • Contains fish oil (DHA).
  • Contains prebiotics.
  • The Holland and Germany versions of HiPP contain probiotics .

Cons:

  • Contains palm and sunflower oils.
  • Uses skim milk rather than whole.

Sample Ingredients: Skim milk, whey powder, vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed, sunflower), lactose, galactooligosaccharies from lactose, whey protein, fish oil, calcium chloride, potassium citrate, choline oil, from M. alpina, sodium citrate, L-phenylalanine, calciumorthophosphate, magnesium sulfate, L-tryptophan, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, stabilizer lactic acid, vitamin C, natural lactic acid culture (lactobacillus fermentum Hereditum3), vitamin E, niacin, pantothenic acid, copper sulfate, calcium carbonate, vitamin A, vitamin B1, potassium Iodate, vitamin B6, folic acid, sodium selenate, vitamin K, maganese sulfate, vitamin D, biotin, vitamin B12

Buy from Organic Baby Food24
HiPP Organic Baby Formula

Holle Organic Baby Formula (Cow Milk)

Pros:

  • Made of grass-fed, organic, and biodynamic milk from Demeter-certified farms.
  • Does not contain soy or corn ingredients.
  • Holle Bio Pre is sweetened with lactose and has more milk fat (and less vegetable oil) than other formulas
  • Holle Toddler Formula contains A2 milk.

Cons:

  • Holle Stages 1, 2, and 3 contain skimmed milk and maltodextrin.

Sample Ingredients: Whole milk**, whey powder* (partly demineralised), vegetable oils* (palm oil*, rapeseed oil*, sunflower oil*), lactose*, skimmed milk powder**, calcium carbonate, vitamin C, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, vitamin E, ferrous lactate, zinc sulphate, niacin, calcium-D pantothenate, copper sulphate, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, manganese sulphate, potassium iodate, folic acid, vitamin K, sodium selenate, vitamin D

Buy from Organic Baby Food24
Holle Organic Baby Formula (Cow Milk)

Holle Goat Milk Formula

Pros:

  • One of only two organic goat milk formula brands.
  • Contains DHA.

Cons:

  • Sweetened with maltodextrin in addition to lactose.
  • Contains palm, sunflower, and rapeseed oils.
  • Does not contain whey.

Sample Ingredients: Organic Goat Milk Powder, organic maltodextrin, organic lactose, organic vegetable oils [Organic Rapeseed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil], L-Choline, Calcium Hydroxide, Algae Oil (DHA), L-cystine, calcium carbonate, Magnesium Chloride, Vitamin C, L-tryptophan, L-Tyrosine, Sodium citrate, Sodium Chloride, Iron Lactate, Inositol, Vitamin E, Zinc Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B2, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin K, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D3, Biotin, Vitamin B12

Buy from Organic Baby Food24
Holle Goat Milk Formula

Jovie Organic Goat Infant Milk

Pros:

  • EU certified organic. 
  • Certified glyphosate-residue free. 
  • No palm oil. 
  • Lactose-sweetened.
  • Contains prebiotics.
  • Includes fish oil (DHA).

Cons:

  • Contains sunflower and canola oils.
  • Does not contain whey.

Sample Ingredients: Organic lactose (milk); Organic vegetable oils (Organic sunflower oil, ORGANIC rapeseed oil); organic galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) (milk); docosahexaenoic acid rich oil (DHA) (fish); arachidonic acid rich oil (AA); MINERALS (calcium carbonate, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, ferrous lactate, zinc sulphate, copper sulphate, manganese sulphate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite); VITAMINS (ascorbic acid, dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, cholecalciferol, retinol acetate, niacinamide, calcium-d-pantothenate, thiamine hydrochloride, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, riboflavin, phytomenadione, biotin, cobalamine); l-choline bitartrate; l-cystine; l-tryptophan; l-tyrosine; inositol; l-carnitine l-tartrate.

Buy from Organic’s Best
Jovie Organic Goat Infant Milk

Kabrita Goat Milk Infant Formula

Read our full review of Kabrita.

Pros:

  • Made from non-GMO goat milk.
  • Sweetened primarily with lactose.
  • Uses plant-derived fats that match the fat structure of breastmilk.
  • Contains whey.
  • Includes a prebiotic.

Cons:

  • Contains sunflower and canola oils.

Sample Ingredients: Lactose (Milk), Nonfat Dry Goat Milk, Goat Whey Protein Concentrate Powder (Milk), High sn2-Palmitic Acid Oil, Soybean Oil*, Galacto-oligosaccharides (Milk), Palm Kernel Oil, Sunflower Oil, and less than 1%: Tri Calcium Citrate, Mortierella Alpina Oil, Tri Sodium Citrate, Crypthecodinium Cohnii Oil, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Hydroxide, Choline Bitartrate, Sodium L-ascorbate, Choline Chloride, Ferrous Sulphate, L-ascorbic Acid, Zinc Sulphate, Vitamin E Acetate, Inositol, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Cupric Sulphate, Retinyl Acetate, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Vitamin B6 Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Manganese Sulphate, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin K1, D-biotin, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin D3, Cyanocobalamin.

Take 10% off with code GIMMEKABRITA.

Buy from Kabrita
Kabrita Goat Milk Infant Formula

Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk

Pros:

  • Whole milk is the first ingredient.
  • Sweetened with lactose.
  • Contains DHA.
  • Free of palm, soy, and corn.
  • Demeter-certified.
  • Contains nucleotides.
  • Contains prebiotics.
  • Includes added whey.
  • Now available in the U.S. since the formula shortage of 2022.

Cons:

  • Contains canola and sunflower oils.
  • Contains taurine.

Sample Ingredients: Organic whole milk, organic demineralized milk whey protein powder, organic skimmed milk, organic vegetable oils (sunflower, coconut, rapeseed), organic galacto-oligosaccharides (from milk), Calcium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium chloride, calcium lactate, Magnesium chloride, Docosahexaenoic acid, Arachidonic acid, Vitamin C, Potassium hydroxide, Choline bitartrate, Inositol, Taurine, Nucleotides (cytidine-5’-monophosphate, disodium uridine-5’-monophosphate, adenosine-5’-monophosphate, disodium inosine-5’monophosphate, disodium guanosine-5’ monophosphate), Iron pyrophosphate, Zinc sulphate, Vitamin E, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Copper sulphate, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Manganese sulphate, Folic acid, Potassium iodide, Sodium selenite, Vitamin K, Vitamin D3, Biotin, Vitamin B12.

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Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk

Lebenswert Organic Baby Formula

Pros:

  • Our top pick for European formula.
  • Sweetened with lactose.
  • Stage 1 contains no maltodextrin.
  • Adheres to Bioland organic guidelines.
  • Does not include soy.
  • Contains whey.

Cons:

  • Stages beyond 1 contain maltodextrin.
  • Contains palm and canola (rapeseed) oil.
  • Uses skim milk rather than whole.

Sample Ingredients: Organic skimmed milk, organic whey powder (partly demineralised), organic vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed, sunflower oil), lactose, potassium chloride, calcium, vitamin C, sodium chloride, ferrous gluconate, vitamin E, zinc sulfate, niacin, calcium pantothenate, copper sulphate , Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 , Vitamin A, manganese sulfate, folic acid, potassium iodate, vitamin K1, sodium selenate, vitamin D.

Buy from Organic Baby Food24
Lebenswert Organic Baby Formula

Serenity Kids Toddler Formula

Pros:

  • Uses grassfed, organic A2 milk.
  • Sweetened with lactose.
  • Contains prebiotics.
  • Relies on olive and coconut oils for fats.
  • Free of corn, rice, and soy.
  • The only baby formula without seed oils (like sunflower and safflower).
  • Contains nucleotides.
  • Uses whole milk instead of skim.
  • Contains whey.

Cons:

  • Ask your pediatrician before giving Serenity Toddler Formula to an infant. 
  • Contains sunflower lecithin.

Sample Ingredients: Organic Lactose, Organic A2 Whole Milk Powder, Organic Galactooligosaccharides, Organic Whey Protein Concentrate, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Palm Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, Less than 2% of: Human Milk Oligosaccharides (2′-fucosyllactose, Lacto-N-neotetraose), Organic Inulin, Algal Oil, Organic Sunflower Lecithin, Organic Egg Lecithin, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Nucleotides (Adenosine-5-Monophosphate, Cytidine-5-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine-5-Monophosphate, Disodium Inosine-5-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine-5-Monophosphate), Choline Bitartrate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Phosphate, Inositol, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Methylcobalamin, d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Niacinamide, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Copper Sulfate, Ascorbic Acid, L-Methylfolate, Kelp Powder, Manganese Glycinate, Phylloquinone, Sodium Selenite, Biotin, Vitamin D3, Vitamin D2.

Use code GIMME15 for 15% off anything at Serenity.

Buy from Serenity
Serenity Kids Toddler Formula

Okay Stuff

Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula

I am so happy to see that Earth’s Best has gotten rid of the corn syrup in their formula! I’m still only calling it Okay Stuff because of the sheer number of synthetic nutrients, including taurine and lutein. (Note: Earth’s Best Sensitivity formula has corn syrup solids as the very first ingredient so is Sneaky Stuff.)

Pros:

  • Sweetened with only lactose.
  • Contains nucleotides.
  • Contains DHA/ARA.
  • Includes a prebiotic.
  • Contains whey.

Cons:

  • Uses skim rather than whole milk.
  • Contains soy, sunflowers/safflower, and palm oils.
  • Contains lutein and taurine.

Sample Ingredients: Organic Lactose, Organic Nonfat Milk, Organic Oils (Organic Palm or Palm Olein, Organic Soy, Organic Coconut, Organic High Oleic Safflower or Sunflower Oil), Organic Whey Protein Concentrate, Less Than 1: Mortierella Alpina Oil*, Crypthecodinium Cohnii Oil**, Fructooligosaccharide, Lutein, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol), Vitamin E (DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Mixed Tocopherol Concentrate, Vitamin K (Phytonadione), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Cyanocobalamin, Niacinamide, Folic Acid, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Choline Bitartrate, Inositol, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Chloride, Calcium Hydroxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Cupric Sulfate, Magnesium Phosphate, Potassium Bicarbonate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Iodide, Potassium Hydroxide, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Selenite, Sodium Citrate, Taurine, Organic Soy Lecithin, Nucleotides (Cytidine-5-Monophosphate, Adenosine-5-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine-5-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine-5-Monophosphate, Disodium Inosine-5-Monophosphate)

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Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula

Similac Organic Infant Formula

I bet you didn’t expect to ever see a Similac product in the Okay Stuff! Amazingly, Similac has made some changes for the better in their organic formula variety. They’ve replaced the white sugar with lactose, removed the maltodextrin, and taken out the carrageenan. (Sadly, Similac discontinued their A2 milk organic formula, which would have been better than this version.)

Pros:

  • Contains nucleotides.
  • Sweetened with lactose.
  • Contains prebiotics.

Cons:

  • Contains soy oil, sunflower oil, and lecithin.
  • Doesn’t contain whey.
  • Contains taurine and lutein.
  • Uses skim rather than whole milk.

Sample Ingredients: Water, Organic Lactose, Organic Nonfat Milk, Organic High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Organic Soy Oil, Organic Coconut Oil. Less than 0.5% of: C. Cohnii Oil, M. Alpina Oil, Beta-Carotene, Lutein, Short-chain Fructooligosaccharides, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid, Organic Soy Lecithin, Ferrous Sulfate, Salt, Choline Chloride, Choline Bitartrate, Taurine, Inositol, Magnesium Chloride, Zinc Sulfate, d-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, L-Carnitine, Vitamin A Palmitate, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Manganese Sulfate, Phylloquinone, Biotin, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B12, Potassium Iodide, Potassium Hydroxide, and Nucleotides (Adenosine 5’-Monophosphate, Cytidine 5’-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine 5’-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine 5’-Monophosphate).

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Similac Organic Infant Formula

Topfer Lacatana Bio

A lot of you have inquired about Topfer, and I like that it’s the very oldest of the German formulas! Still, when I drilled down on the ingredients, I don’t think it’s as good as the other European options.

Pros:

  • Includes whey.
  • Contains fish oil (DHA).
  • Contains probiotics.

Cons:

  • Isn’t biodynamic, which most European formulas are.
  • Contains canola and palm oils.
  • Contains no lactose, and uses maltodextrin as a sweetener.
  • Uses skim milk instead of whole.

Sample Ingredients: Skimmed milk, whey powder  partly demineralized, vegetable oils (organic palm oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil), maltodextrin, skimmed milk powderˡ, starch, oil of Mortierella alpina, fish oil, calcium carbonate,  sodium citrate, potassium chloride, vitamin C, calcium phosphate, iron lactate, vitamin E, bifidobacteria cultures (B.breve, B.bifidum, B.infantis, B.longum), zinc sulphate, niacin, calcium-Dpantothenate, copper sulfate, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, manganese sulphate,  potassium iodate, folic acid, vitamin K, sodium selenate, vitamin D.

Topfer Lacatana Bio

Bad Stuff

Bad Baby Formula Brands

Aptamil Nutura is a British brand about which many of you have inquired. Because it isn’t organic and contains corn syrup, I can’t recommend it.

Enfamil is the brand I chose for Felix when I needed a nursing break due to bleeding nipples. It’s all Bad Stuff. Pregestimil and Nutramigen lines (for sensitive or allergic babies) are made up almost entirely of corn syrup and vegetable oils. Even Enfamil’s best version (Enspire) isn’t organic and contains no whole milk so would not be Best Stuff.

Gerber Good Start now uses lactose as a sweetener and adds whey and probiotics. But it’s not organic and contains taurine.

Kirkland formula does a lot right, including being sweetened with only lactose. It’s Bad Stuff simply because none of the ingredients are organic.

Amazon’s Mama Bear Infant Formula is identical to Enfamil Infant, and therefore also Bad Stuff.

Similac makes dozens of different formulas, and with the exception of the organic variety mentioned above as Okay Stuff, it’s all bad.

Sneaky Stuff

Earth’s Best Sensitivity formula contains glucose syrup solids (as first ingredient!).

Happy Baby Sensitive contains corn syrup and maltodextrin. Note that Happy’s regular formula is Good Stuff (see above).

Similac Pure Bliss is yet another version from this pharma giant. This one uses dairy from grass-fed, antibiotic-free cows, but it’s not organic, contains soy oil, and is still loaded with synthetic nutrients.

Author's Signature

Author's Signature

Maia, Founder & CEO

Note: This article contains affiliate links or sponsored content, which means that if you make a purchase, we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that meet our strict standards for non-toxicity and that we use (or want to use!) ourselves. Thank you so much for supporting the brands that make Good Stuff! 

Tags:Baby, Breastfeeding + Formula + First Food, Pregnancy & Parenting

659 comments

S

Hi! If anyone reading the comments would like to try some of the Holle Stage 1 goat milk formula, I am selling two boxes of it. Expiration date 1/30/2019. Selling for $15/box or best offer (usually retails online for roughly double that, give or take; I just want them to go to a good home, so I’m flexible on price). Originally purchased from Organic Baby Shop ( http://organicbabyshop.com ). Tried the goat formula when baby was four months old, but it caused constipation for our little’s particular digestive system and we had to switch back to cow’s milk via Lebenswert Bio. Reply to this comment if you’re interesetd and we can exchange email addresses so I can happily send the two boxes to you with free shipping. Barring that, if you are reading this comment and know anywhere else that I could potentially sell these two boxes, please reply and let me know! I feel like it would be so wasteful and terrible to just throw these two unopened, sealed boxes out! I’d rather they go to a home where they will be used or sampled and nourish a child! Let me know—thanks!

Mollie

What did you end up going with? I am in this boat now.. have been feeding my son elecare but i really want to make a switch to something more organic.

Jun

Hi Maia,

Were you able to find out anything more on this report/topic? Thanks Jun

Suzanne Weaver-Goss

Oh, hugs to you! We all are familiar with the terror of keeping our kids healthy! The oil is definitely the biggest problem behind sugar in baby formula, and I wish I had a definitive answer for you on the soy vs. canola issue. Considering the age of your baby, why don’t you look into Kabrita? (see above)

Stella

I’ve had my baby on Lebenswert Bio since the first few weeks of life, we realized that formula would be necessary in light of my poor milk supply. We have been happy with the results—no constipation (whereas we experienced constipation with Earth’s Best and even Baby’s Only, the first two formulas we tried). The child is now almost one year old and thriving. However, I am concerned now about the use of “rapsol”—rapeseed oil or canola oil?—in the Lebenswert and other European formulas. From what I am reading, canola oil was not GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by US regulatory bodies until the last couple of years, and I see all these articles about canola oil causing fibrous lesions in the heart and dementia. I wanted my child on the European formulas to avoid the soy oil in American organic formulas, but now I am fearful that I have made a mistake in the opposite direction by using a formula with a different problematic oil. Any thoughts or research or links on this? Is the “rapsol” in the European formulas the same as canola oil? Why did and does Europe allow this oil when the US did not? I wish I or anyone could quiet all of the fear and anxiety, to the point of terror, I have experienced about my child’s diet since I was unable to fully and properly nourish using my own milk.

Evelina

Hi Maia,

I just tried to purchase the Kabrita formula and it looks like your coupon has expired. Do you by chance know anything about this? Perhaps there is another code I can use? Thanks very much! Evelina

Lucia

Just checked the Happy Baby formula ingredients and it lists palm oil. Would you still recommend it?

Maia James

Hi! Nothing is as good as breastmilk, ideally straight from the breast, so if that’s an option, I say do that for as long as you can! If not, Kabrita is a good second choice…

Meridith Arndorfer

I plan to continue breastfeeding my child hopefully until a least 2 years ( currently 7 months old) but once she reaches her first birthday and eats more solids, she probably won’t breastfeed as often and I don’t like the idea of giving her cow milk very often and I ideally would want to give her raw milk but wouldn’t know where to find that. The Dr doesn’t think young children should eat much dairy and I agree. So is Kabrita a good drink to serve with meals occasionally or should I pump breastmilk to give with meals or give water with meals and breastfeed throughout the day? ( Of course this is after she turns 1) I don’t like that Kabrita has folic acid instead of folate and I do not know how I feel about palm oil. Thank you!

Richard Collins

This is a great resource of information. I just looked at the ingredients for happy baby organics stage 1, the US brand you recommend. My question is without US brand is there had any brand for this that is also useful too? Thanks in advance for your answer also for your informative article.

Stefan

Baby’s only its not for Infants as some of the contents amounts are way too high for them, Its a toddler formula. I got a list directly fro them and Calcium and other stuff are double than FDA suggested amounts for Infants.
So please don’t include it in lists for Baby Formulas and do not give it to kids younger than 1yr.

Stefan

Baby’s only its not for Infants as some of the contents amounts are way too high for them, Its a toddler formula. I got a list directly fro them and Calcium and other stuff are double than FDA suggested amounts for Infants.
So please don’t include it in lists for Baby Formulas and do not give it to kids younger than 1yr.

Rachel

Thank you so much for this! I gave my 2.5 year old Baby’s Only (dairy, DHA ARA) when she was a newborn and I couldn’t breastfeed for a few days. It was the formula I chose for supplementation when needed (approved by her pediatrician). I’ve been waiting to read your newly updated reviews, but since I wasn’t having another baby, I didn’t need it. Well, here I am! Baby #2 on board and while we have tons of time to worry about formula, I am so thankful for this list. I will definitely consider Happy Baby along with Baby’s Only, should I need some formula this time. I know how much research you do and I am just so appreciative of this site.

Sejla

Hi Maia,

Thanks for the great article! I will have to start supplementing with formula soon but my 6mo old son has a milk protein allergy (I’m not eating any dairy nor soy just to make sure). Now I dont know which formula would be best. Soy might be my only option, but wanted to hear your thoughts on which formula would be best for an infant allergic to milk protein. Thank you so much! Sejla

Angelica Jones

Hi,

Thank you for the great resource of information​! What are your thoughts on Kabrita stage 1 and 2… They sell them in Europe and I could have access to them. I am looking for a formula for my 10 m old baby. I used to buy Hipp but it doesn’t seem like you’re​ a fan of it anymore and the one you recommend overall is for stage 1. Thanks! Angelica

Maia James

I’m not a fan of this, sorry to say:(

Hannah

Hi I’d like to know your vet/opinion of Hipp formula…stage 1!

Shelby Sidoti

Maia
The hospital started my sister’s bay in Similac Pro Sensitive for immune support non gmo. What are your thoughts on this formula? Please advise and thank you ?

Caitlin

Hi Maia,

First of all thanks for being s resource for new moms, there is a lot of conflicting information on the internet. I have a few questions about what you’re promoting with the organic formulas and specifically the European formulas. 1. Do you care about scientific research? The one thing that I’ve found with some of the larger companies (Enfamil, Gerber, and Similac) is that they at least have research to show that the ingredients in their products are bioavailable and for some of the companies – Similac & Gerber – they test their formula against the breastfed infant to see how close the formula is performing to the gold standard of the breastfed infant. Is this less important to you than having an “organic” label on something? 2. I like that you support Baby’s Only Organic and the fact that it’s a US company. There’s not enough emphasis on supporting US based companies these days. Also, that means in case of recall formula is well-documented with the FDA vs. purchasing European formulas which don’t have the same regulations as far as tracking disbursements of product. I think it’d be good to do an update on your site with the recent recall of Lactalis and the horrible contamination of Salmonella. 3. I’ve currently been feeding my baby Similac’s Pure Bliss and Similac’s Pro-Advance and I’ve been very pleased! I did a lot of research and I wanted to share it with you so you could update some of your information. I loved that Pure Bliss comes from grass-fed cows – I’m waiting to hear back from the company to see if the farms are Demeter certified like the Hipp and Holle farms. At least I know it’s non-GMO and the cow’s aren’t treated with growth hormones of any kind. I also inquired if they will apply for the Organic certification. I found out that it has the added vitamins and minerals for baby, but actually has natural ingredients like natural lutein, vitamin D, E, and DHA (not synthetic) and of course is palm oil free. Similac Pro-Advance is the latest version of the formula and like you said above it has a very similar make-up to Baby’s Only Organic. It has the same natural vitamin D, E, lutein, and DHA, is palm oil free, and has human milk oligosaccharides. I wanted to know your take on these HMO’s? I did some research and they seem like a great ingredient – very abundant in breastmilk. Is this another marketing ploy? Do any other formulas have the human milk oligosaccharides? Thanks in advance for your answers!!! I’m just trying to be the most educated in a constantly changing world! My fellow baby-mama’s thank you for your reply!

Maia James

Yes, my #1 choice overall for formula is Lebenswert.

Maia James

It depends on where you order from, but definitely ask whatever vendor you choose!

Maia James

I’d never heard of it! Definitely looks like great ingredients, but I would want you to check with your pediatrician for his/her opinion.

Maia James

Personally, I would filter my tap water and use that to mix with the formula.

Aria

Would it be best to use Fiji bottled water to mix with happy baby formula? Is the Fiji bottle safe or should I transfer the water to glass container?

Gabby

I see your review of Hipp baby milk but am wondering what you think of the combotic Dutch version here: https://lworganics.com/products/hipp-stage-1-organic-bio-combiotic-infant-milk-formula-900g-dutch-version?variant=48259569096

Why do you prefer Lebenswert to this formula? Your thoughts are MUCH appreciated, navigating European formulas are difficult! Thank you!

Michelle

what are your thoughts on this homemade formula kit and the brand Mt. Capra?

https://mtcapra.com/product/homemade-goat-milk-formula-kit/

Melinda

Are there directions in English on the German formulas? If not, how do you know how much to mix?

Lee

Hi. Thank you for this wonderful post. I just looked at the ingredients for happy baby organics stage 1, the US brand you recommend, and it lists palm oil as an ingredient (ORGANIC PALM OLEIN OR PALM OIL). I am confused why it is your top choice for US brands.

Ashley

I would recommend Holle cow milk formula. Holle is one of the best formulas on the baby food market and carry one of the strictest and highest organic certifications, Demeter. I would recommend either stage pre or stage 1, as both of them are suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. The main difference between the two stages is that stage pre contains lactose and stage 1 contains maltodextrin. OrganicBabyShop carry both.

Tracalyn

I am overjoyed that I found your site!! Such great information.. I was starting to feel discouraged at formula options! I recently took out my breast implants and although I plan to breastfeed, I may have damage to my milk ducts making it difficult, so I’ve sought out some “back-ups”.. I was wondering if Lebenswert and Holle had instructions in english and what is the typical shipping time? Thank you!

Jessie

*prebiotics, not probiotics :)

Jessie

What are your thoughts on the new infant formula from The Honest Company that has lactose as a sweetener and contains probiotics?

Aria

Hi,
I’m in the US in CA. I’m due in January 2018. I’m confused, maybe more overwhelmed, as to which European Formula is best of its two, HIPP OR HOLLE? I got overwhelmed reading your thought and dislikes from the two. In the end which of the two brand European formulas you would choose for a newborn? And just to clarify, you would chose that European brand over US brand happy baby organic?
Thank you so much I would very much appreciate your advice, my ped always recommends enfamil or similac but I’m not deciding to go that route.

Maia James

You’ll see Topfer listed under The Okay Stuff.

Julie Arney

Hi! I appreciate your extensive research on these topics. I was wondering where Töpfer rates among these brands.
Thank you!

Sandra Paperny

Hello, I’m interested to know why you didn’t add HiPP 1 to your list of Good Stuff? Thanks!

Lina

Love your site!! Thank you for your research!
Which is better, Alimentum or Alimentum RTF?
RTF has no corn and way less soy, but also has carrageenan. The regular does not.
Can’t decide which is worse- more soy/corn or carrageenan?
Are there any organic formulas that work for babies with milk protein issues?

Summer Hitch

I am curious what you decided! We’re in the same boat.

Summer Hitch

Hey! Curious which you ended up going with?

Lindsay

I have recently started using The Honest Co. Infant Formula. I read your post about the different formula brands. I think that Honest Co. may have updated their ingredients, because what we have purchased from Target no longer has “glucose syrup solids” on the ingredient list. We purchased some from Amazon, and it was older (the expiration date was much sooner than what we bought at Target) and it DID contain glucose syrup solids. We were encouraged to find that it no longer has corn syrup. Would you rate this as good stuff? Or would Happy Baby still be a better option?

Summer Hitch

Hello! Brilliant information—thank you so much! So, if my baby has been breastfed for 6 months and I’d like to begin supplementing, which formula would you recommend? Just a little confused since she will be older when getting started.

Thanks!

Kalea

The Clean Label Project rated the Happy Tot formula as a one star, showing heavy metals. It doesn’t look like they tested Happy Baby formula stage one or two (just three, for toddlers), but I’m curious if this changes your thoughts on the Happy Baby formula? http://www.cleanlabelproject.org/products/happy-tot-grow-shine-organic-toddler-milk-drink/

amy m

Hi!
I purchased the lebenswert for my 4 month old after he started drinking way more BM than I could produce. So he’s 30% formula and 70% BM.
I cannot tell if he’s “reacting” to the formula. He does seem way fussier in the 3 weeks we’ve started and his bowel movements have been a little different lately. Does that constitute an allergy? Should I be trying a different brand formula??

Sophia

Hi,
I was wondering what your opinion of NannyCare goat milk formula was. I’ve been back and forth with the ingredients, and they seem to fit the bill, but I wanted to consult an expert.

Thanks a mil!

Holly

Hey there! Love your articles. I wanted to get your thoughts. Have u noticed the honest company formula has no syrup solids anymore. Do you think this is a good formula now? I’m between this and happy baby formula. Please let me know. Would love to hear from you. Thanks so much.
Holly

Alissa

This is such a great blog post Maia! Thank you so much for all this helpful information!

I am one of those moms that had a crazy challenging time breastfeeding. It’s my third child and we literally tried everything including multiple lactation consultants, tongue/lip clipping, etc but my supply kept dropping and he kept losing weight. All this being said, we eventually moved fully to formula around 5-6 weeks and we went with Lebenswert Stage 1 because it was still super good but much cheaper per ounce when bought in bulk online. My son has been thriving on it but is about to be 6 months old so I know we need to move to Stage 2. Unfortunately, Lebenswert Stage 2 has different ingredients, one being maltodextrin instead of lactose. I also didn’t like that they have both a Stage 2 and 3 which means I can’t get it as cheap since I will need less of each type in bulk. So I went to try Hipp Dutch Stage 2 even though it costs more. The ingredients are great so I had high hopes! Of course, my son just started it and is refusing the bottle, I believe, solely on taste. I also noticed it doesn’t dissolve well in the water I put in the bottle (usually lukewarm) and so I have to put the nipple on and shake it to mix it after every 2-3 scoops…which is kind of a pain when making an 8 oz bottle when I have 2 other children to attend to or when I take him to any type of childcare/nursery at church or otherwise where they have to make his bottle. Now I’m at a loss as to which way to turn. Do I try Hipp UK and hope he is OK with the taste and it dissolves better into the water? Do I go back to Lebenswert even though their Stage 2 has maltodextrin and I have to buy it for more money in order to get less of Stage 2 since I’ll soon need to move to Stage 3?? I’d love your advice!! Thank you!! ?

Vicky Argyropoulos

Hi!! I was wondering what you would recommend as far as water goes for formula. We purchased the trio water filter through your site. But I was wondering is that good or would something like Fiji be better in your opinion?

Julianne

So that adoption fell through but we did end up adopting a sweet baby boy in July who was quite a bit premature and in the nicu for a month. He’s an eater which is great and we have recently switched him from Enfacare which had the added calories to Lebenswert. However our pediatrician is concerned about Lebenswert’s use of skimmed milk, which it appears Holle and Hipp do too. She said she wouldn’t be concerned if he was over six months old and eating solid foods when we could supplement healthy fats like avocado, but wanted to get me to use a full fat/Whole milk formula. Are there any full fat suggestions? I can’t tell if the whey protein in the HA formulas would fit the bill. Thanks!

Erika

What do you think of Deumil? I found their website and on amazon, but can find no other information or sale sites. Thank you.

Layla

Thanks so much! I’ll ask my peditrian. Do you recommend glass bottles? If so what brand is best?

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