Best Organic Baby Formulas 2025: Expert Reviews

Keep your little one nourished with these organic and non-GMO baby formulas.

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  By: Tali Ditye, Ph.D., Co-founder

  Updated: August 12, 2025

Mommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

We all know the old mantra "Breast is Best," but not all moms can follow that advice. The good news is you're not alone: most US moms use baby formula to supplement or replace breastfeeding by 3-6 months of age.

Fortunately, there are very high quality and nutritious (to FDA & USDA standards) organic baby formulas to choose from, made in the USA and Europe.

We've been reviewing infant formulas for over 10 years. If we made our own organic formula, here is what it would look like:

✔️  Certified organic.
✔️  Meets federal guidelines.
✔️  Lactose or milk primary.
✔️  60:40 Whey to Casein ratio.
✔️  Omega-3 fatty acids.
✔️  Omega-6 fatty acids.
✔️  Amino acids.
✔️  Prebiotics.
✔️  Inositol, Lutein, & Choline.
✔️  No Gluten.
✔️  No sucrose or corn syrups.
✔️  No maltodextrin.
✔️  No soy (soybean oil is OK).
✔️  No palm olein.
✔️  No nonorganic soy lecithin.
✔️  No carrageenan.
✔️  No DHA extracted with Hexane.

Of course, you also want the formula to mix easily and settle without bubbles or clumping, show high acceptance, and not cause gas, reflux, spit-up, constipation, and colic. And don't forget a fair price!

Full disclosure: Some of these baby formulas, including the Kendamil, Bubs, Bobbie, Loulouka, Lowenzahn, Baby's Only, and HiPP varieties, were sent to us as free test samples by the manufacturer.

Here are the top 5 formulas we've tested, followed by reviews of over a dozen options. Once your little one begins transitioning to solid foods, be sure to check out our list of the best baby cereals and purees for babies!

The Top 5 Best Organic Baby Formulas of 2025

#1. Kendamil Organic Baby Formula	★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10)	Our all-time favorite and the only whole milk organic formula available, made without palm oil, soy, or corn syrups. Features milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) for brain development, along with DHA, ALA, and prebiotics. Easy to mix with warm water, minimal bubbles, and high acceptance among babies.
#2. HiPP Combiotic Dutch Formula	★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10)	Designed for sensitive tummies with a 75/25 whey-to-casein ratio for easier digestion. Includes prebiotics, probiotics, Omega-3, Omega-6, and no starch or artificial preservatives. Mixes smoothly with water and has a mild, breastmilk-like taste. It does contain palm oil, which some parents prefer to avoid.
#3. Holle Bio Pre and Stage 1 Formula	★★★★★★★★★★ (9.5/10)	Made with high-quality ingredients from Demeter-certified organic farms. Whole milk-based with Omega-3 and Omega-6 for brain development. Highly accepted by babies, especially those transitioning from breastmilk. Contains palm oil and is more expensive than some competitors.
#4. Aussie Bubs Organic Infant Formula	★★★★★★★★★★ (9.5/10)	Certified organic, made from grass-fed cow milk sourced from New Zealand. Includes prebiotics, probiotics, and no corn syrup, maltodextrin, or palm oil. Easy to mix and gentle on digestion. Contains soy, which some parents prefer to avoid.
#5. Bobbie Organic Infant Formula	★★★★★★★★★★ (9.5/10)	European-style formula made in the USA with USDA organic certification. No palm oil, corn syrup, or maltodextrin, and includes DHA and ARA for brain health. Designed for easy digestion with a 60/40 whey-to-casein ratio. The only con is a higher price point compared to other US-made formulas.

Over the past decade, we have tested and reviewed over 50 different infant formulas with over 150 different babies, including both U.S. and European brands.

Within each of the below reviews, you can find a link to our full hands-on review of the baby formula option. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to send us a message!

In-Depth Reviews of the Best Organic Baby Formulas

1. Kendamil Organic Formula, Stages 1-3

The best organic baby formula of the year, Kendamil stands out as the only organic, whole-milk baby formula available on the market! Founded in 1962, Kendamil is one of the longest-running baby formula companies in Europe, with a long and reliable history of producing very high-quality baby formulas. They first launched this organic formula in 2018, and we were one of the first to get our hands on it for testing. Soon thereafter, Monde Selection awarded Kendamil with their prestigious Gold Metal award as the best baby formula in the world! You might also recognize the name from its use by the Royal Family: the Duchess of Cambridge fed Kendamil to Prince Louis! Lucky for us, Kendamil partnered with the U.S. FDA to bring Kendamil formulas to the United States as part of Operation Fly Formula: now you can get them here!

What makes this formula so great? It is the only whole milk formula on our list, and it doesn't contain any of the nasty ingredients we prefer to avoid: gluten, soy, palm oil, sucrose, corn syrups, or maltodextrin. What does it have? Whole milk as the first ingredient, Omega-3 (DHA, ALA), Omega-6 (LA), amino acids, prebiotics (GOS from milk), inositol, and choline. Fats come from sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oils, without any palm or soy-based oils. Also, we love the fact that it contains milk fat globule membranes (MFGM) just like breast milk, which are associated with healthy brain development and cognitive outcomes in children.

In our testing, we found that the formula mixed very well with warm water without any clumping, bubbling, or excessive foaming. You can see more details in our full review of Kendamil organic baby formula. We fed this formula to three infants and two toddlers, and all of them readily accepted it and consumed their usual feeding amounts. Only one of the four babies, the 4-month-old breastfed one, developed a bit of gas. Her mom didn't attribute it to Kendamil, noting that the same thing happens when she tries any formula. It is important to note, however, that whole milk baby formulas can be a bit more difficult to digest, especially for infants with the most sensitive tummies. For them, we would try out the HiPP option, below.

The only small drawback is price, with Kendamil coming in at about 22 cents per ounce of prepared formula (or $1.75/ounce of powdered formula). We do have a "mommyhood101" coupon code you can use here for 5% off. Overall, we love the new Kendamil organic baby formulas, available in Stages 1-3, and we're happy to feature them up here on our list. Interested? You can check out the Kendamil Organic formula here!

2. HiPP Combiotic Dutch Formula, Stages 1-3

The best sensitive organic baby formula on the market, HiPP stands out for its high sensitivity and tolerability for infants who struggle to digest other baby formulas, making it a game-changer for babies with sensitive tummies. HiPP Combotic formulas are all made in Germany but are available in Dutch, UK, and German varieties. They all differ slightly, and our strong preference is for the Dutch version (see why here). HiPP Dutch is a skim-milk and lactose-based certified organic formula that contains both prebiotics (plant fiber) and probiotics for digestibility, Omega-3 (DHA, ALA), and Omega-6 (ARA, LA) fatty acids, and uses whey powder (and whey protein) along with a mix of vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed, sunflower). Similar to mature breast milk, it has a whey-to-casein ratio of about 75/25 and contains lactic acid bacteria cultures (B.lactis) that can help reduce colic and irritability (according to published research).

Even more compelling is what this formula does NOT contain: starch, gluten, maltodextrin, processed sugar solids, artificial preservatives or vitamins/minerals, soy (Stages 1-2), or GMO ingredients. It's a very comprehensive infant formula that is widely respected around the world for its macro- and micro-nutrient profile and is frequently recommended by pediatricians and infant feeding specialists for little ones with sensitive stomachs (always ask your pediatrician first!). The lower lactose content and the addition of prebiotics and probiotics make this the best sensitive baby formula option, while also making it relatively complete in terms of nutritional value.

We have tested the Dutch, UK, and German versions of HiPP Combiotik (called Combiotic in the UK) in several infants and toddlers, and found very high acceptance rates, with none of them developing any signs of gas, bloating, colic, or discomfort. In our testing, we loved the Dutch formula in particular for its ingredients, consistency, ease of mixing, and lack of bubbles after mixing. For more details on our testing of HiPP formulas, see our full in-depth review of Dutch, UK, and German HiPP Combiotik. Cons? The HiPP formulas do contain some palm oil (alongside rapeseed and sunflower oil). Palm oil is commonly used in baby formula to provide the palmitic acid found in breast milk; however, some parents prefer other oils. As the most popular organic baby formula on the market, you might not be surprised to learn that Hipp Combiotic is somewhat expensive; we think it's worth the price! Interested? You can check out the HiPP Combiotik Formula here!

3. Holle Bio Baby Formula, Stages 1-3

Holle formulas (pronounced "ho-lay") are made by one of the oldest and most widely respected baby formula companies in the world, with over 85 years of experience making non-GMO organic baby food products. Based in Switzerland, they work directly with the best German raw organic ingredient suppliers and carefully track the sourcing, sustainability, and quality of every ingredient they include in their baby formulas. Ingredients are sourced from Demeter biodynamic farms, which hold the highest European certification for sustainable farming without chemicals and synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. This is an organic baby formula that you can truly feel good about.

The Holle Bio line comes in two infant formula stages, Holle Pre and Holle Stage 1, both intended for birth onward. It also comes in what the company calls "follow-on milk" (stages 2-4). We've personally tested the Pre and stages 1 and 2 varieties, in both Cow and Goat varieties, and are thrilled with what they have to offer. Each has no artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, thickeners, sweeteners, or chemicals. The cow version contains organic whole (Pre) or skim (Stages 1+) milk and whey powder as the first two ingredients, then organic vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed, sunflower), and vitamins and minerals.

In our testing, the Holle Pre was super easy to dispense and mix, and it showed a very high acceptance rate even for primarily breastfed babies, making it one of the best options as a transition formula or for parents who need to switch between breastfeeding and formula. We saw very low levels of gas, spit-up, reflux, or other gastrointestinal distress in babies using this formula, and we know many parents who are using it on recommendation from their pediatrician. We liked the fact that it contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 (LA, ALA, and DHA), and the nutritional profile meets US recommendations (USDA, FDA). Cons? First, it contains palm oil, which some believe can cause a bit of gassiness in babies with more sensitive tummies, and rapeseed oil (which is canola oil with more erucic acid). Second, it is pricey just like the other European formula options, coming in at about 29 cents per ounce of prepared formula (or $2.05 per ounce of powder). Fortunately, this European baby formula is available here in the US from certain online stores like Organic Life Start, making it less expensive than it used to be. For more specifics about Holle, be sure to read our Holle baby formula review here. Interested? You can find the best deals on the Holle Bio Pre and Stages 1-4 baby formulas here!

4. Aussie Bubs Organic Infant Formula, Stages 1-3

Operation Fly Formula has opened up the US market to new international formula options, including the very popular Aussie Bubs. The name may have been a dead giveaway that Bubs is made in Australia, but did you know that it uses milk from free-range, grass-fed cows in New Zealand, is FDA-cleared for distribution in the United States, and ships from offices in San Francisco? Consider yourself informed! Bubs is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, offering very high-quality certified organic formulas at a very reasonable price. This particular formula, the Bubs Organic Grass-Fed Infant formula (stages 1 and 2) is our all-time favorite.

We got our hands on the Bubs formulas late last year (thanks for the samples, Bubs!) for testing and were impressed with their quality, ingredients, nutrition, preparation, acceptance, and tolerance. Starting with quality, we love that this Bubs formula received the Clean Label Project Purity Award, which includes a very stringent certification process that ensures the farms, cows, milk, and all other ingredients are responsibly sourced and free of harmful contaminants. It is also certified organic by NASAA and ACO, uses milk from free-range and grass-fed cows in New Zealand, and has none of the nasty stuff we like to avoid: artificial colors or flavors, maltodextrin or food starch, preservatives, gluten, palm oil, or any added sucrose or corn syrups.

What it does have is a set of high-quality ingredients that include prebiotics (GOS), probiotics (bifidobacterium longum), amino acids, and biotin. The carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are thoughtfully combined to meet FDA and USDA guidelines while maintaining an ideal 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio (just like breast milk!). In our testing, the Bubs formula was very easy to prepare and mixed perfectly with room-temperature water; there were no excess bubbles, foaming, or clumps anywhere to be seen. The 2-month-old and 8-month-old test babies loved Bubs and accepted it like their normal bottle (or boob!) and showed no signs of any gastrointestinal distress (burps, spit-up, reflux, constipation, etc). If you are avoiding soy, this might not be the perfect baby formula for your family, but outside of that, we think it is a fantastic new addition to our list. The price is outstanding for the quality, coming in at about 20 cents per ounce of prepared formula (or $1.42 per ounce of powdered formula). Interested? Be sure to read our full Aussie Bubs review here, and you can check out the popular Bubs infant formulas here!

5. Bobbie Organic Infant Formula

Bobbie is making waves among discerning parents with its European-inspired formulation, organic and non-GMO ingredients, and superior nutritional composition. Based in San Francisco and founded by two moms, Bobbie released their first baby formula early last year and we were excited to get our hands on it! For all the details and results of our testing, check out our full Bobbie formula review. The Bobbie formula is designed for infants from 0-12 months and is suitable for both supplementing breastfeeding or exclusively formula feeding. It is made in the USA, which means not only is it certified USDA organic it is also regulated by the FDA (which most European formulas are not).

If that doesn't give you peace of mind, the simple and thoughtful ingredients and nutrition facts will! The first ingredient in Bobbie formula is organic lactose and it also contains organic nonfat milk, organic high oleic sunflower or safflower oil, organic canola oil (they replaced the soybean oil with canola oil in 2023), organic whey protein concentrate, organic coconut oil, and organic linoleic (sunflower or safflower) oil. Just like human breastmilk, Bobbie formula uses lactose as a primary carbohydrate and maintains an ideal 60:40 whey to casein ratio. It also meets both US and EU requirements for DHA (Omega 3) content, iron content, and vitamins and minerals. In addition to DHA, it also contains ALA and LA, for additional essential fatty acids. Here's what Bobbie formula doesn't contain: palm oil, gluten, maltodextrin, starch, sucrose, glucose or corn syrup solids, or many any other suspect ingredients.

In our testing, the formula blended very efficiently with warm water (about 100 degrees F) and had a very nice texture and taste; there was no excessive bubbling, foaming, or clumping. Both of our testing babies, a 4-month and an 8-month-old, immediately accepted the Bobbie formula and never looked back! Importantly, neither of them developed any abnormal gassiness, reflux, or spit-up. In our experience, nearly every family who tries Bobbie falls in love with everything about it. Not only is it made in the USA with an excellent ingredient and nutritional profile, but it is also easy to order online, prepare, and use. The Bobbie ordering process is one of the best we've ever seen and is designed to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about how much to order, when to order it, and how much to feed your baby. They have a monthly subscription program that is one of the easiest and most flexible we've ever used, allowing you to speed up or delay a shipment at the touch of a button. Bobbie is owned and operated by moms, and it shows in how they handle customer service.

Cons? It is certainly more expensive than most other US baby formulas, coming in at about 25 cents per ounce of prepared formula (or $1.80 per ounce for powdered formula), which is similar to European formula prices. It also isn't the best for more sensitive tummies given that the whey protein isn't partially hydrolyzed (see our new Bobbie Gentle Formula review for that!) and it doesn't contain prebiotics or probiotics (other than what naturally occurs in nonfat milk) to aid digestion. If your baby has a more sensitive tummy, check out HiPP Combiotik (above) or our ByHeart formula review for a similar option that includes prebiotics. Interested? You can check out the Bobbie infant formula here on their website!

Secondary Options

These formula options may not be as great as the ones we list above, but they are still pretty good; we recommend these options, but not as strongly.

6. Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula

This is one of the original and best organic formulas on the US market, and over the past several years Earth's Best has made several improvements to its formula in response to both parent feedback and changing FDA and USDA recommendations. Like most of the best infant formulas on this list, the Earth's Best infant formula uses lactose as the primary carbohydrate, similar to breast milk. For protein, it includes nonfat cow's milk and whey protein concentrate, like many other formulas. For fats, it includes the usual suspects: palm oil, soy oil, coconut oil, and safflower or sunflower oils. The macronutrient profile is very similar to breast milk, just like with the Baby's Only formula. In addition, Earth's Best adds in some Omega-3 (DHA) and Omega-6 (ARA) via algal oil and M. Alpina oil, prebiotics, amino acids, and lutein. Other than the palm oil and soy oil, this is a great overall ingredient profile, very similar to what you find in other front-runners on this list.

In our testing, we thought the formula mixed really easily with water, without forming any clumps or major bubbling issues, and without leaving a powdery film in the bottle. The taste was very similar to Baby's Only and Lebenswert, as was the thin consistency similar to breast milk. We gave this formula to two families for testing, one with a 3-month-old, and one with a 7-month-old. The 3-month-old was formula-fed, and the 7-month-old was weaning from breastfeeding with supplemental formula. Both babies took the formula without any issues with acceptance, though one did have some spit-up and gassiness after. That same baby developed some constipation that was more than her parents typically saw with her usual formula (HiPP Combiotik Dutch). That might be attributed to the high iron content (1.8mg per serving), though there isn't much scientific evidence that formula iron content is linked to constipation or other stomach distress. In comparison to Baby's Only, Earth's Best appears to use the traditional hexane method for extracting DHA and ARA from lab-grown algae and fungus. Hexane is a solvent that is also used as a chemical degreaser and industrial cleaner and is a known neurotoxin. Some think there may be trace levels in baby formulas containing DHA and ARA extracted using hexane. We prefer to stay out of that debate given the lack of sound scientific data one way or the other, but you can read more about DHA in baby formula here. Interested? You can check out the Earth's Best baby formula here.

7. Happy Baby Organic Baby Formula

The best organic formulas should be modeled after breastmilk and allow flexible supplementing of breastfeeding and facilitate transitions. Just like breast milk, this formula uses lactose as the primary carbohydrate source, and it contains a macronutrient (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) profile that is very similar to breast milk. Protein is provided with nonfat cow's milk and whey protein concentrate, and fats come from palm, soy, coconut, and safflower and/or sunflower oils. Plus some added bonuses like two different prebiotics (FOS and GOS), Omega 3 and Omega 6 (DHA and ARA), and choline. It is organic, non-GMO (of course), and contains no corn syrup solids or other sweeteners, maltodextrin, or food starch. Like Baby's Only, the DHA is extracted without using hexane or other harmful chemicals, in this case using a water-based process. It is also kosher and the packaging and formula itself contain no BPA. There are no surprise ingredients in this formula, other than the palm and soy oils, and the dairy cows that supply the milk are only fed the best organic diets.

With about 100 calories, 2 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat per serving, this formula has a macronutrient profile very similar to breast milk. It also doesn't taste much different from it, though some of our testers thought it wasn't quite as sweet as breast milk. While it does contain iron (1 mg per serving), it doesn't contain as much iron as many other formulas (which are typically around 2mg). Of course, we want to point out that the FDA and USDA advise against iron-reduced infant formulas, and there is no strong scientific basis for iron contributing to constipation in formula-fed infants.

Overall this is an excellent addition to our best baby formula list for several reasons, including its overall quality, ingredient sourcing, and nutritional profile. Cons? We did find it difficult to dissolve in water, taking a lot of shaking and stirring to get it to fully dissolve and not leave any clumps. So that was a bit more work than we may have desired, at least relative to other options on this list. If your baby has any food-related sensitivities, this does contain soy (just FYI). Also, like most formulas, it contains palm oil, which is a bit controversial for use in baby formula due to several risks (detailed in this research). Interested? You can check out the Happy Baby Formula at Amazon.

8. Lebenswert Stage 1 Organic Infant Formula

This Lebenswert formula sets the gold standard for how organic formulas should be sourced and manufactured. Based in Spain, the Bioland company has been making this top-rated European organic infant formula for several years. The Lebenswert formula is based on organic skim milk, organic whey, organic vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed, sunflower), organic lactose, and vitamins and minerals. The farms and ingredients are certified organic, they only use the best high-quality raw ingredients, and the company uses its profits to fund the conservation of natural resources. Even better, because this baby formula is suitable for use from birth onward, it is great for exclusive bottle feeding, which makes it a really unique addition to the organic baby formula market.

In our testing, we found that it tasted great without being too sweet or oily, mixed well with water, and caused the least gas of most other formulas on this list. That's impressive because some of them, like the HiPP options, are also really great at that. This is a baby formula intended for highly discerning parents who are looking for a European baby formula that doesn't break the bank. Cons? Many parents don't appreciate the inclusion of palm oil or rapeseed (canola) oil, and we agree with this sentiment. We also don't appreciate the inclusion of maltodextrin and food starch in Stages 2-3. Also, in comparison to Kendamil, Holle, and HiPP, Lebenswert has been slow to add Omega-3 fatty acids to their formulas, though a new European regulation finally forced them to include DHA and ALA (Omega-3) and LA (Omega-6) as of 2021, bringing them up to current recommendations. If you're intimidated by the fact that the information on the box is not in English, just head to Organic Life Start website to see the ingredients and instructions in English. Or for even more details, check out our full Lebenswert baby formula review here. Interested? You can check out the Lebenswert Organics baby formula here.

9. Similac Organic Infant Formula

Similac makes a wide range of baby formulas, including the popular Pro-Advance, Pro-Total Comfort, Advance, Sensitive, Pro-Sensitive, Spit-Up, and Alimentum options. The sheer range of formula options can perplex even the savviest parents, and we find ourselves wondering how much of that range is marketing versus substantive differences in ingredients, nutrition, or sensitivity. This baby formula stands out from the pack because it's one of only two organic options offered by Similac, and the only option we believe is worth having on this list. This organic formula is suitable for infants 0-12 months and is based on organic nonfat cow's milk, with secondary ingredients including maltodextrin, sugar, and three oils: sunflower, soy, and coconut. Maltodextrin is a very common carbohydrate powder that is used as a cheap replacement for lactose, and also as a thickener and preservative; your body processes maltodextrin like sugar, so it can cause a quick blood sugar increase. A few of the best formulas on this list avoid maltodextrin entirely, such as the Loulouka, Kendamil, Lebenswert, HiPP, Plum Organics, and Happy Baby options, but it is considered a relatively harmless ingredient. Regarding sugar, it's relatively rare for an organic formula to add sugar, but realize that this formula does not use lactose or whey powder, which other formulas use to indirectly add sugar (and at least they didn't try to disguise processed sugar as a syrup solid).

We have no major issues with the sunflower or coconut oils and think they are a good replacement for palm oil, but we also understand that some parents might be avoiding soy due to potential allergies. Other ingredients include a variety of vitamins and minerals (including 1.8mg iron and 1.5IU vitamin E), lutein, DHA, and choline. Just as an FYI because we know parents worry about these things, the DHA in this formula is from Alpina oil and c. cohii oil, which are likely treated with hexane solvent, acid, or bleach as a part of their manufacturing. Baby's Only, for instance, derives DHA from egg phospholipids using water only. In our testing, we found that this powder did not mix easily or well in water, with the powder never fully dissolving. This made for a somewhat grainy formula that left a residue in the bottle. When we let it sit for more than a few minutes, we would need to shake the bottle again to avoid the water and formula separating. Shaking also creates a lot of bubbles that will likely cause issues with babies who are sensitive to gas and reflux. The two babies we tested it on readily accepted its flavor, and we tasted it ourselves and found it to be sweet and a bit tart, similar to breast milk. No issues with gas or discomfort were experienced, but the babies we tested on tend to be pretty resilient in this regard. Overall, we appreciate this new addition to the organic formula market and think Similac did a pretty decent job with it. Once they figure out the solubility issues they could have a real winner here, as long as you're OK with the addition of sugar, maltodextrin, and the way they source DHA. Costs about a dollar per ounce if you buy in bulk, which is a very good price for organic infant formula. Interested? You can check out the Similac Organic baby formula here.

Not on this list, but worth considering: Lowenzahn Organics formula review!

Discontinued Options

Discontinued: Baby's Only Organic Premium Infant Formula and Organic Toddler Formula

In 2025, Baby's Only discontinued their Organic Infant Formula and their Organic Toddler Formula. The parent company of Baby's Only, Nature's One, was acquired by Bobbie in 2023. By 2025, the new owners slowly stopped producing organic infant formulas, directing customers to the popular Bobbie organic baby formulas (reviewed above!).

Discontinued: Loulouka 

All Loulouka baby formulas were discontinued in late 2021, and were gone from the market by late 2022. There are some rumors that Loulouka will return to market in the next few years, and we'll be the first to update you if that happens!

Discontinued: Amazon Mama Bear Organic Formula

Mama Bear is a private-label brand of Amazon specializing in infant products, including some top-rated diapers, wipes, and cleaning products. Their products are generally well-reviewed, and this Mama Bear Organic infant formula was no exception. However, we didn't appreciate their use of maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, or soy, and to our knowledge, this formula is no longer available as of this year.

Discontinued: The Honest Company Baby Formula

The Honest Company was founded by Jessica Alba to develop and market baby products with high levels of quality and transparency while offering premium products at reasonable prices. They offered two awesome organic infant formulas, but unfortunately, they were short-lived and discontinued after a few lawsuits related to misleading labeling practices.

Discontinued: Plum Organics Baby Formula

Plum Organics infant formula was discontinued and unlikely to return to market.

Discontinued: Gerber Natura Baby Formula

The Gerber Natura organic baby formula was discontinued and unlikely to return to market. It was never in the top 5 of our list, but it did rank pretty decently next to some of the other options.

Discontinued: Happy Tot Grow Shine Organic Toddler Milk

The Happy Tot organic baby formula was discontinued several years ago, which is unfortunate because it was pretty decent!

Discontinued: Burt's Bees Organic Baby Formula

The same Burt's Bees we know and love for their broad range of beauty and personal care products, with their beeswax ingredients and adorable packaging, offered an organic baby formula for a very limited time. Unfortunately, it was discontinued around 2022.

Good, Bad, and Ugly Formula Ingredients

Infant formulas are designed to mimic breast milk and must include five essential components: protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamins, and minerals. Some may also add bioactive compounds like DHA (read about DHA in baby formula here), ARA, nucleotides, prebiotics, and probiotics.

Proteins (Good to Know)

• Common protein bases include treated cow’s milk (nonfat, skim, reduced-fat, or whole), with whey and casein, formulated to achieve a similar whey-to-casein ratio (~60:40) as human milk. Goat milk is a popular new option used in formulas.
• Alternatives include soy protein formulas and hypoallergenic varieties using hydrolyzed or amino-acid proteins.
• Casein is digested more slowly than whey, which may affect digestive comfort; this distinction can be meaningful for sensitive infants.

Fats (What’s Typically Used)

• Most formulas rely on blends of vegetable oils, such as palm (or palm olein), sunflower, safflower, coconut, soybean, and rapeseed (canola), to mimic breast milk fatty acid profiles.
• Some brands like Bobbie and Holle use canola oil (a lower-erucic acid form of rapeseed oil), which is less common but appreciated for certain dietary preferences.

Carbohydrates (Energy Sources)

• Lactose is the preferred carbohydrate in most standard formulas, supporting nutrient absorption.
• Lactose-free or specialized formulas may substitute maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, glucose syrup, sucrose, or brown rice syrup.

Vitamins & Minerals (Essential Micronutrients)

• In the U.S., formula must include a comprehensive set of nutrients including protein, fat, linoleic acid, minerals (e.g., calcium, iron, zinc, selenium), and vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and B-complex; non-milk-based formulas also add biotin, choline, and inositol.
• Additional features may include supplemental DHA, ARA, HMOs, nucleotides, prebiotics, or probiotics to more closely mirror breast milk.

Important Points

• Variability across formulas (by brand and type) lies in the exact ingredient sources, ratios, and any extra functional compounds or additives.
• Extraction methods (e.g., chemical solvents like hexane) may influence ingredient quality.

When we review ingredient lists for infant formulas, we are looking for a few primary things that should be included, and some others that should not be included. We categorize these as the good ingredients, the bad ingredients, and the downright ugly ingredients.

Good Ingredients

• Cow’s milk protein (or goat milk when labeled)
• Hydrolyzed or amino‑acid formulas (for allergies)
• Blend of oils: soy, sunflower (high‑oleic), safflower, coconut, palm olein
• Lactose (or appropriate alternatives)
• Required vitamins and minerals (e.g., A, C, D, E, K, biotin, iron, choline, inositol)
• Optional: DHA/ARA, HMOs, nucleotides

Ingredients to Use with Caution

• Soy-based protein: safe in many cases, but consider iron absorption and allergy risks
• Palm olein: may impact calcium absorption and digestion (see the research here)
• Added sugars/starches: maltodextrin, corn syrup solids, sucrose, HFCS
• Synthetic additives: carrageenan, artificial colors, preservatives, flavors

Ingredients/Contaminants to Avoid

• Heavy metals: lead, arsenic, cadmium, acrylamide, PFAS/BPA. Research shows that only about 20% of baby formulas are free of heavy metals.
• Potential microbial pathogens in powdered formula when improperly handled

Additional Notes

• Soy safety: While soy formula is broadly safe for healthy infants, usage should generally be limited to specific medical or dietary conditions.
• DHA/ARA evidence: Benefits are still not strongly supported long-term, prompting ongoing monitoring by the FDA.
• Heavy metals: Even small amounts found are usually within regulatory limits, though parents may still seek cleaner labels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is organic baby formula? Organic baby formula is a type of infant formula made from primarily organic ingredients, meaning they are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

How is organic baby formula different from regular formula? Organic baby formula is made from ingredients grown without synthetic chemicals, while regular formula may contain conventionally grown ingredients with pesticides and GMOs.

Why choose organic baby formula over conventional options? Parents may choose organic baby formula to avoid exposure to synthetic chemicals and provide a potentially cleaner and more environmentally friendly option for their infants.

Are organic baby formulas free from pesticides and synthetic additives? Yes, organic baby formulas are made from ingredients grown without synthetic pesticides and often exclude synthetic additives commonly found in conventional formulas. They also tend to have lower levels of heavy metals than conventional baby formulas.

What are the key ingredients in organic baby formula? Common ingredients include organic milk or plant-based alternatives, organic oils (fats), organic carbohydrates, and essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Is organic baby formula better for a baby's health? According to the research, there are no documented health benefits for using organic versus conventional infant formulas. There are no significant differences in macronutrient composition, quality, safety, hormone levels, or antibiotic levels of the products. Thus, while some parents believe that organic baby formula is a healthier option due to the absence of synthetic chemicals, there is no strong scientific evidence for that belief. 

Do organic baby formulas meet the nutritional needs of infants? Yes, organic baby formulas are formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of infants, providing essential nutrients for growth and development. Please contact your healthcare provider if you believe your baby's formula is not meeting your child's nutritional needs.

Are there different types of organic baby formulas available? Yes, there are various types, including cow's milk-based, goat milk-based, soy-based, and also a few special formulas for specific dietary needs.

How do I know if a baby formula is certified organic? In the United States, look for certification labels like USDA Organic. In Europe, look for labels like EU Organic or Bio Certified. Both indicate that the formula meets strict organic standards.

Can organic baby formula help reduce the risk of allergies in infants? Some studies suggest that organic formulas may be associated with a lower risk of allergies, but individual responses vary.

Is organic baby formula suitable for all babies, including those with dietary restrictions? Yes, there are organic formulas designed for different dietary needs, such as soy-based formulas for babies with dairy allergies.

What are the environmental benefits of choosing organic baby formula? Choosing organic may support sustainable farming practices, reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, and contribute to overall environmental conservation.

Are there any potential drawbacks or concerns with organic baby formula? Some concerns may include higher costs and potential variations in availability compared to conventional formulas.

How does the cost of organic baby formula compare to regular formula? Organic baby formula is often more expensive than conventional formulas due to the cost of organic farming, organic ingredients, and the stringent production processes.

Can organic baby formula be used as a supplement to breastfeeding? Yes, organic baby formula can be used as a supplement to breastfeeding when needed or as a complete alternative if breastfeeding is not possible.

What is the shelf life of organic baby formula, and how should it be stored? Follow the specific instructions on the formula packaging, but generally, store in a cool, dry place, and use before the expiration date.

What is the best baby formula in the world? According to Monde Selection, Kendamil organic infant formulas were given their prestigious Gold Medal as the best in the world.

Do organic baby formulas contain added sugars or sweeteners? While it's unlikely, some organic formulas may contain added sugars or sweeteners, so it's essential to check the ingredient list.

Are there any specific regulations governing the production of organic baby formula? Yes, regulations vary by country, but organizations like the USDA in the United States and European Commission in the EU, establish strict standards for organic certification.

Can organic baby formula be used for premature or low-birth-weight infants? Specialized formulas may be recommended for premature or low-birth-weight infants, so consult with a healthcare professional.

Are there any potential side effects associated with organic baby formula? Side effects are rare, but individual babies may react differently. Monitor for any adverse reactions (skin, gastrointestinal) and consult with a healthcare provider if needed.

Do organic baby formulas come in different stages, like regular formulas? Yes, many organic formulas are available in different stages to meet the changing nutritional needs of infants as they grow.

Are there specific recommendations for transitioning between organic and regular formulas? Follow the guidelines provided by the formula manufacturer and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about transitioning formulas.

How can I tell if my baby is reacting well to organic baby formula? Look for signs of contentment, regular growth, and no adverse reactions. Consult with a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

Can organic baby formula be used for toddlers and older children? While most baby formulas are designed for infants, some organic formulas may be suitable for older children such as Stage 3 formulas, but it's essential to transition to a well-balanced solid food diet when appropriate.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding remains the gold standard for infant nutrition, but many families face medical, professional, or personal barriers that make supplementation or exclusive formula feeding necessary. Parents should never feel guilty; what matters most is that babies are loved, nourished, and thriving, whether fed by breast or bottle.

The best organic formulas use non-GMO ingredients sourced from farms that avoid pesticides, herbicides, synthetic hormones, antibiotics, and other contaminants. In contrast, non-organic formulas are more likely to contain traces of these chemicals and rely on less-desirable ingredients such as corn syrups, fillers, certain oils, or fatty acids extracted with hexane.

High-quality organic infant formulas are limited in the U.S., especially for newborns. Several popular organic formula brands have recently been discontinued, such as Baby's Only, Mama Bear, Plum Organics, and Burts Bees. European brands such as Kendamil, Holle, Lebenswert, and HiPP have earned strong reputations for meeting strict EU Bio organic standards (minimum 98% organic content). Their success has spurred U.S. companies like Bobbie and ByHeart to offer competitive organic options.

Just a few years ago, European formulas were costly and difficult to obtain in the U.S. Now, distributors such as Organic Life Start make them far more accessible and affordable for American parents.

Another option that has grown in popularity is goat milk formula, like the Kabrita Non-GMO Goat Milk Toddler Formula, the amazing Kendamil Goat formula (see our review here), the classic Nannycare formula, and the new Jovie formula. Be sure to check out our full list of the best goat milk formulas for a full list!

Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, or switching between the two, be sure to invest in one of the best nursing pillows to keep yourself comfortable and your baby well-positioned for digestion, and one of the best baby bottles to make feeding easy and efficient.

Trying to figure out whether HiPP or Holle is best for your child? Check out our comparison of HiPP vs. Holle formulas!

Trying to figure out whether Lebenswert or Holle is best for your child? Check out our comparison of Lebenswert vs. Holle formulas!

As always, if you have any questions or comments, we invite you to visit us on our Facebook page and send a message!

Disclosures

While Mommyhood101 is based in the USA, it is intended to provide timely and valuable product information to an international audience. Some of the products on this page may not be regulated or approved by your local regulatory bodies, such as the FDA (in the US), the MHRA (in the UK), or other relevant agencies. 

In the USA, the FDA does not approve infant or toddler formulas before they can be marketed; however, they must meet federal nutritional and labeling requirements, and manufacturers must notify the FDA before marketing a new formula. 

Please perform your due diligence before using any of the baby formulas reviewed in this article. Before choosing a formula for your child, always consult with your child's physician about what is appropriate for your unique needs.

Scientific References

Federal Requirements for the Manufacture of Infant Formula in the United States, United States Food & Drug Administration.

Whey and Casein Content of Human Breast Milk

Infant Formulas Supplemented with Probiotics Reduce Colic and Irritability

Benefits of Prebiotics in Infant Formulas

Review of Prebiotics and Probiotics in Infant Formulas

Risks of Palm Oil and Palm Olein in Infant Formulas

Infant Formulas with Canola Oil Support Normal Growth

Review of European Infant Formula Composition

Heavy Metal Content of European Baby Formulas, Concerns about Lead

Heavy Metal Content of US Baby Formulas, Concerns about Cadmium

Milk Fat Globular Membranes (MFGM) in Infant Formula Improves Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

What's in the Bottle? A Review of Infant Formulas