Organic credentials, creamy whole-milk formulation, easy mixing, and excellent acceptance in our testing!
By: Tali Ditye, Ph.D., Co-founderMommyhood101 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 evaluated Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula Stage 1 for ingredients, nutrition, packaging, preparation, certifications, sourcing, value, and real-world tolerability.
Let's see how it performed!
Full disclosure: Bubs was generous enough to provide free samples of its Stage 1 and Stage 2 formulas for our original testing; no compensation or sponsorship was provided, and all opinions are our own. This updated review focuses specifically on Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1. As always, consult your pediatrician or other qualified health professional before introducing or changing infant formula.
Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1 is an Australian-made, certified-organic cow's milk formula designed for healthy infants from birth to 6 months.
It is sold in an 800-gram tin and should not be confused with the smaller Bubs 365 Day Grass Fed formula marketed in the United States, which is a separate, non-organic formulation.
On paper, Stage 1 has a lot going for it: organic lactose as the main carbohydrate, organic whole milk, a whey-forward 60:40 protein ratio, no palm oil, algae-derived DHA, ARA, organic GOS prebiotics, and Bifidobacterium longum BB536 probiotics.
But as always, the details matter, so we looked closely at the label, preparation instructions, certifications, packaging, and our real-world feeding experience. Let's see whether it deserves a spot on our list of the best organic baby formulas!
Our Bubs Organic Formula Review
Nobody wants to read an entire article before reaching the conclusions, so here are our findings right up front.
Here is what we loved, along with a few limitations worth considering.
✔️ Australian-certified organic.
✔️ Organic whole-milk formula.
✔️ Designed for birth to 6 months.
✔️ Primary carbohydrate is organic lactose.
✔️ 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio.
✔️ Milk from grass-fed, free-range cows.
✔️ No palm oil.
✔️ No corn syrup or glucose syrup.
✔️ No maltodextrin or sucrose.
✔️ Includes DHA and ARA.
✔️ Algae-derived DHA.
✔️ Organic GOS prebiotics.
✔️ BB536 probiotic strain.
✔️ Clean Label Project Purity Award.
✔️ First 1,000 Days Promise Award.
✔️ Convenient leveling edge and long scoop.
✔️ Mixed easily with minimal foam or clumps.
✔️ Creamy flavor and texture.
✔️ Excellent acceptance in our testing.
❌ Contains soy oil and soy lecithin.
❌ No added HMOs or nucleotides.
❌ DHA level is modest versus many newer EU formulas.
❌ DHA may be extracted using hexane.
Overall, Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1 impressed us with its thoughtful ingredient profile, excellent organic credentials, convenient packaging, smooth mixing, and very good real-world acceptance.
It is especially appealing for parents seeking an organic whole-milk formula with lactose, a whey-forward protein ratio, prebiotics, probiotics, and no palm oil.
Unboxing & Packaging
Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1 comes in a large 800-gram metal tin.
Opening the tin, we appreciated the long-handled scoop and built-in leveling edge, both of which make it easier to measure consistent level scoops without needing a separate utensil.
Each scoop contains 8.8 grams of powder and is mixed with 60 mL of water to make approximately 65 mL of prepared formula.
That works out to about 90 scoops per tin and roughly 5.9 liters, or about 200 fluid ounces, of prepared formula.
We also checked the date coding on the tins used in our original testing.
The expiration date was approximately 23 months after the manufacturing date, giving the unopened formula a comfortably long shelf life.
Once opened, Bubs instructs parents to close the lid tightly, store the tin in a cool and dry place, and use the powder within four weeks.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is one of the strongest aspects of Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1.
It begins with organic lactose, followed by an organic vegetable-oil blend, organic whole-milk powder, organic whey-protein concentrate, and organic skim-milk powder.
Full ingredients list:
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. Vitamins: ascorbic acid, dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, vitamin A acetate, niacinamide, calcium pantothenate, cholecalciferol, thiamine hydrochloride, cyanocobalamin, phytonadione, pyridoxine hydrochloride, folic acid, D-biotin. Minerals: potassium phosphate, calcium phosphate, magnesium chloride, sodium chloride, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, ferrous sulphate, potassium citrate, sodium citrate, zinc sulphate, copper sulphate, manganese sulphate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite.
Allergens: Contains dairy and soy.
Some noteworthy formulation highlights include:
- Organic lactose as the primary carbohydrate, without corn syrup, glucose syrup, sucrose, or maltodextrin.
- Organic whole milk, which contributes naturally occurring milk fat alongside the added vegetable-oil blend.
- A 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, giving Stage 1 a whey-dominant protein profile.
- No palm oil, which some parents prefer to avoid.
- Organic GOS prebiotics and the named probiotic strain BB536.
- DHA and ARA, with DHA sourced from algae rather than fish oil.
We also appreciate what the formula leaves out. The current label does not list palm oil, corn syrup, glucose syrup, maltodextrin, sucrose, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, carrageenan, or genetically modified ingredients.
Organic Lactose and Whole Milk
Lactose is the first ingredient and the formula's primary carbohydrate.
That is a straightforward choice for a standard milk-based infant formula and avoids the alternative sweeteners or carbohydrate sources found in some products.
Bubs also uses organic whole-milk powder rather than relying exclusively on skim milk and vegetable oils.
Whole milk contributes some naturally occurring dairy fat and milk-fat components, although Bubs does not claim the addition of a dedicated, clinically standardized MFGM ingredient.
GOS Prebiotics and BB536 Probiotics
Bubs contains 103 mg of galacto-oligosaccharides per 100 mL of prepared formula.
GOS are prebiotic carbohydrates intended to help support beneficial intestinal bacteria and may contribute to softer stools or a more bifidobacteria-rich microbiome in some infants.
The formula also contains 80 million CFU of Bifidobacterium longum BB536 per 100 mL.
BB536 is a named and researched probiotic strain, which is preferable to vague label language that identifies only a probiotic species or genus.
That said, the presence of GOS and BB536 does not guarantee that a formula will prevent gas, reflux, constipation, colic, eczema, or infection. Tolerability varies substantially from one infant to another.
DHA and ARA
Bubs includes both DHA and ARA:
- DHA: 4.43 mg per 100 mL, sourced from algae.
- ARA: 5.42 mg per 100 mL.
We like that both fatty acids are included and that the DHA is plant-based, which avoids the fishy odor sometimes associated with fish-oil sources.
However, the DHA concentration is lower than the levels commonly found in newer formulas designed around current European Union requirements. This is not a regulatory deficiency for an Australian formula, but it is worth knowing when comparing Bubs with modern European options.
To our knowledge, Aussie Bubs does not disclose whether their DHA is extracted using hexane or other organic solvents, so it's possible.
Contains Soy
Bubs is palm-oil-free, but it is not soy-free.
The fat blend includes organic soy oil, and the formula also contains soy lecithin as an emulsifier. Parents specifically avoiding soy will need to consider another formula.
Nutrition Facts
One 8.8-gram scoop is mixed with 60 mL of water to make approximately 65 mL of prepared formula.
The prepared formula provides 288 kJ per 100 mL, equivalent to about 68.8 calories per 100 mL or approximately 20.3 calories per fluid ounce.
Here are the major nutrients listed per 100 mL of prepared formula:
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 288 kJ (~68.8 kcal) | Standard caloric density for infant formula |
| Protein | 1.56 g | Intact cow's-milk protein |
| Whey protein | 0.94 g | 60% of total protein |
| Casein protein | 0.62 g | 40% of total protein |
| Fat | 3.7 g | From milk fat and organic vegetable oils |
| Carbohydrate | 7.3 g | Primarily organic lactose |
| Omega-3 | 83 mg | Includes ALA and DHA |
| ALA | 79 mg | Essential omega-3 fatty acid |
| DHA | 4.43 mg | Algae-derived |
| Omega-6 | 525 mg | Includes linoleic acid and ARA |
| Linoleic acid | 520 mg | Essential omega-6 fatty acid |
| ARA | 5.42 mg | Long-chain omega-6 fatty acid |
| Calcium | 70 mg | Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is about 1.49:1 |
| Phosphorus | 47 mg | Works with calcium in bone mineralization |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | Iron-fortified |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | Supports calcium absorption and bone development |
| GOS | 103 mg | Organic prebiotic |
| BB536 | 80 million CFU | Named B. longum probiotic strain |
The complete label also includes vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, C, D, E, and K1; folic acid and biotin; and calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, chloride, potassium, and sodium.
Bubs Stage 1 is regulated as an infant formula under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, including Standard 2.9.1 and Schedule 29.
That is the appropriate regulatory framework for evaluating this Australian product. The old version of this review compared estimated daily intake with USDA Adequate Intake values, but that was not a particularly useful or scientifically clean comparison because those population intake targets are not the same thing as infant-formula compositional requirements.
Our updated assessment therefore focuses on the actual product label, its intended age range, and the standards governing infant formula in Australia.
Preparation & Mixing
The mixing ratio is straightforward:
One softly packed, level 8.8-gram scoop for every 60 mL of water.
That produces approximately 65 mL of prepared formula because the powder adds about 5 mL to the final volume.
Mixing chart:
| Water | Powder | Approximate Final Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 60 mL | 1 level scoop (8.8 g) | 65 mL |
| 120 mL | 2 level scoops (17.6 g) | 130 mL |
| 180 mL | 3 level scoops (26.4 g) | 195 mL |
| 240 mL | 4 level scoops (35.2 g) | 260 mL |
The label directs parents to:
- Wash hands and sterilize the bottle, teat, and preparation equipment.
- Use potable water that has been previously boiled, then cooled as directed on the tin.
- Measure the required amount of water into the bottle before adding powder.
- Add one softly packed, level scoop for every 60 mL of water.
- Shake until fully dissolved and check the temperature before feeding.
- Prepare each bottle fresh and discard any unfinished formula after feeding.
Always follow the preparation instructions printed on the specific tin you receive, because label directions can vary by country and may change over time.
Powdered infant formula is not sterile. Families with premature infants, very young infants, or infants with weakened immune systems should ask their health professional whether additional preparation precautions are appropriate.
In our testing, the powder dissolved very easily and produced minimal foaming.
We saw very little residue on the bottle walls and no obvious clumping at the bottom.
That is exactly what we like to see, especially for parents preparing several bottles each day.
Safety First: Never change the powder-to-water ratio or prepare powdered formula with anything other than water unless a qualified health professional gives you specific instructions. Incorrectly concentrating or diluting formula can be dangerous.
Our Hands-On Testing
For the Stage 1 portion of our original testing, we used Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1 with a 2-month-old infant who was normally fed Kendamil.
The formula had a rich, creamy appearance and a mildly sweet taste. We found it similar to Kendamil, though not quite as rich.
It flowed well through both slow-flow and medium-flow nipples.
Most importantly, our test baby accepted it immediately and appeared comfortable throughout the testing period.
We did not observe noticeable reflux, constipation, excessive gas, or other signs of digestive discomfort.
Of course, this was a small hands-on test rather than a clinical trial, and every infant responds differently. Our positive experience cannot predict how another baby will tolerate the same formula.
Still, the easy acceptance, smooth texture, minimal foam, and lack of obvious digestive issues made an excellent real-world impression.
Certifications & Claims
Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1 has stronger certification credentials than many conventional infant formulas.
- Australian organic certification
- NASAA organic certification
- Clean Label Project Purity Award
- Clean Label Project First 1,000 Days Promise Award
The current Clean Label Project certificate specifically lists Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula Stage 1 in the 800-gram tin.
These private third-party awards indicate that the submitted product met the certifier's applicable testing and program requirements.
They should not be interpreted as proof that every tin contains zero detectable heavy metals or contaminants, nor are they equivalent to government approval. Still, they provide an additional layer of independent screening that many parents will value.
Bubs also highlights several product claims:
- Certified-organic milk
- Milk from grass-fed, free-range cows
- Free from genetically modified ingredients
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- No palm oil, corn syrup, or maltodextrin
Sourcing & Manufacturing
Bubs was founded in Australia in 2006 by Kristy Carr and has grown into a substantial infant-nutrition company.
The Stage 1 formula is made in Australia and is marketed as using certified-organic milk from cows that graze outdoors throughout the year.
Bubs describes the range as Australia's first organic 365-day grass-fed formula range.
You can learn more about the company, its founder, and its farming and manufacturing approach in this video:
The formula is produced under Australian food, dairy, and export requirements, while its composition and labeling are governed by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code.
We appreciate that the official product page publishes a complete ingredient list, detailed nutrition values, the exact whey-to-casein split, the GOS concentration, and the declared BB536 count.
Areas where greater transparency would still be welcome include publication of current lot-specific contaminant results, fuller disclosure of ingredient-country sourcing, and a readily accessible independent clinical study of the complete Stage 1 formulation.
Value & Comparisons
In Australia, Bubs currently lists the 800-gram tin at about AU$35, though retailer pricing and promotions can vary.
At that price, the formula costs approximately:
- AU$0.39 per 65 mL serving
- AU$0.18 per prepared fluid ounce
- AU$0.044 per gram of powder
That is a competitive price for an 800-gram certified-organic whole-milk formula in Australia.
Outside Australia, value depends heavily on the retailer, exchange rate, shipping charges, import conditions, and whether the seller maintains a reliable supply chain.
Compared with popular formulas such as Kendamil Organic, HiPP, and Holle, Bubs stands out for combining whole milk, a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, GOS, and a named probiotic strain while avoiding palm oil.
Its main nutritional tradeoffs are the relatively modest DHA concentration and the lack of added HMOs, nucleotides, lactoferrin, or a dedicated MFGM ingredient.
Parents outside Australia should also remember that Bubs Organic Stage 1 is an Australian-market product. Labeling, preparation directions, and regulatory status may differ from formulas officially marketed in their home country.
Our Conclusions
Who This Formula Is Best For
- Parents seeking a certified-organic whole-milk formula
- Families who prefer lactose rather than corn syrup, glucose syrup, sucrose, or maltodextrin
- Parents specifically avoiding palm oil
- Babies who do well with standard intact cow's-milk protein
- Families who value a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio
- Parents looking for both GOS prebiotics and a named probiotic strain
- Families who value Australian organic and Clean Label Project certifications
Who Should Consider Another Formula
- Infants with diagnosed cow's-milk-protein allergy
- Families who need a soy-free formula
- Infants requiring a hydrolyzed, amino-acid, thickened, premature, or other medical formula
- Parents specifically seeking multiple HMOs, nucleotides, or higher DHA levels
- Families unable to obtain a consistent and trustworthy supply in their country
Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1 remains one of the more appealing Australian organic formulas we have tested.
It combines organic lactose, organic whole milk, a whey-forward protein profile, palm-oil-free fats, DHA, ARA, GOS, and BB536 in a thoughtfully designed formulation.
We also liked the practical details: the large tin, long scoop, built-in leveling edge, excellent shelf life, smooth mixing, minimal foam, creamy taste, and immediate acceptance by our test infant.
There are a few compromises. It contains soy, has no added HMOs or nucleotides, and its DHA concentration is modest compared with many newer European formulas.
Even so, those limitations do not overshadow its strong organic credentials, clean core formulation, good value in Australia, and excellent performance in our hands-on testing.
We give Bubs Organic Grass Fed Stage 1 a 4.7 out of 5.0!
References
Australian Organic Certification Information
NASAA Organic Certification Information
GOS and Bifidobacterium Interactions in Infant Guts
Intestinal Effects of GOS in Infant Formula
Disclaimer: Ingredient, nutrition, certification, pricing, and preparation information can change. Always check the current tin and follow its instructions. Consult your child's pediatrician or another qualified health professional before introducing or changing infant formula. Products manufactured and labeled for one country may not be authorized or distributed through official channels in another country.
