Nara Organics impressed us with its premium whole milk formulation, easy mixing, and excellent real-world tolerability!
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 put the new Nara Organics Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula through our hands-on testing to evaluate nutrition, ingredients, certifications, tolerability in infants, and overall value.
Let's see how it performed!
Full disclosure: Nara Organics was generous enough to provide us with free samples for testing; no compensation or sponsorship was provided, and all opinions are our own. As always, consult your pediatrician before switching formulas, especially for babies with allergies, feeding difficulties, reflux, growth concerns, or other medical needs.
Nara Organics markets this as an organic whole milk infant formula with iron for babies 0-12 months, featuring a breast milk-inspired nutrient profile, organic lactose as the primary carbohydrate, and a thoughtful ingredient list free from several ingredients many parents prefer to avoid.
There are many things to love: organic whole milk, organic lactose, no palm oil, no soy, no corn syrup, no maltodextrin, a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, GOS prebiotics, DHA, ARA, and naturally occurring MFGM components from dairy ingredients.
But we also know details matter, so we did a deep dive! Does it deserve a spot on our list of the best organic baby formulas? Let's find out!
Our Nara Organics Baby Formula Review
Here are our findings, right up front - what we loved, and a couple of things that could be improved.
✔️ Organic whole milk formula with iron for 0-12 months.
✔️ Uses organic lactose as the primary carbohydrate source.
✔️ Nara says it has the most whole milk of any U.S. infant formula.
✔️ No palm oil, soy, corn syrup, maltodextrin, fillers, or gluten.
✔️ Includes DHA, ARA, GOS prebiotics, and naturally occurring MFGM components from dairy ingredients.
✔️ 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, modeled after breast milk.
✔️ USDA Organic, FDA registered, kosher dairy, and made with non-GMO ingredients.
✔️ Clean Label Project Purity Award.
✔️ Scoop is attached to the lid rather than buried in the powder.
✔️ Tin includes a built-in flat leveling edge for the scoop.
✔️ Mixed very easily in our testing, with minimal foam and no clumpy residue.
✔️ Excellent tolerance in our hands-on test with a 4-month-old baby.
✔️ Tins arrived well protected and seem unlikely to dent during shipping.
✔️ Produced in a modern facility in Germany with extensive microbiological and finished-product testing.
❌ Limited transparency regarding the sourcing of major ingredients such as milk, lactose, and oils.
❌ The company does not publicly disclose whether the DHA or ARA oils are extracted using organic solvents such as hexane.
Overall, Nara Organics Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula impressed us! It has a nice ingredient profile, strong nutrition, easy preparation, and excellent real-world tolerability.
If you're a parent looking for an organic whole milk formula with lactose as the primary carbohydrates, and no palm oil, soy, or corn syrup, then this could be perfect for you!
Unboxing & Packaging
Nara Organics ships the formula in a plain cardboard box, so the presentation is not especially fancy, but the packaging was very functional and protective.
The tins were well protected inside the box and appeared very unlikely to get dented during shipping, which is something we always appreciate with metal formula cans.
Each tin contains 700 grams (24.7 ounces) of formula powder.
Because each scoop holds 4.3 grams, that works out to about 163 scoops per tin, or about 181 fluid ounces of prepared formula.
When you first open the flip-top lid, the scoop is attached to the underside of the lid, which we really appreciate.
That means you do not need to dig around in the powder to find it.
Under the lid, there is also a peel-back foil seal, which is a nice touch for cleanliness and freshness.
Another nice usability feature is the built-in flat edge inside the can for leveling each scoop of formula powder.
That makes it easier to prepare a proper level scoop quickly and neatly.
We also checked the date coding on the tins we received and found an expiration date printed on the bottom of the can.
Based on the tins we examined, the expiration date was about two years after the manufacturing date, which is a good shelf life for a powdered infant formula.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is one of the most important things we evaluate in any infant formula review, and Nara starts off strong.
The first ingredients are organic whole milk, organic lactose, an organic vegetable oil blend, organic whey protein concentrate, and organic galactooligosaccharide (GOS).
That is a nice departure from formulas that rely more heavily on corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, palm oil, soy, or skim-milk-heavy formulations.
Full ingredients list:
Organic whole milk, organic lactose, organic vegetable oil blend (organic oleic sunflower, organic coconut, organic low erucic rapeseed, organic linoleic sunflower), organic whey protein concentrate, organic galactooligosaccharide, and less than 1%: organic low erucic acid rapeseed lecithin, Mortierella alpina oil, Schizochytrium sp. oil, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D3, vitamin E acetate, vitamin K1, thiamine hydrochloride (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B6 hydrochloride, vitamin B12, niacinamide (vitamin B3), folic acid, calcium pantothenate, biotin, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), choline bitartrate, inositol, calcium phosphate, magnesium oxide, ferrous gluconate, zinc gluconate, manganese sulfate, copper gluconate, potassium iodide, sodium selenite, sodium chloride, potassium citrate, potassium chloride.
Some noteworthy formulation highlights include:
- Organic whole milk as the first ingredient and a source of naturally occurring milk fat.
- Organic lactose as the primary carbohydrate source.
- No palm oil, which many parents prefer avoiding due to digestibility and stool softness concerns.
- No soy, corn syrup, or maltodextrin.
- GOS prebiotics for digestive support.
- DHA and ARA to support early development.
- Naturally occurring MFGM components from dairy ingredients.
- A 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, which Nara says is modeled after breast milk.
We also appreciate the formula's free-from approach. Specifically, Nara says the formula is free from palm oil, soy, corn syrup, maltodextrin, fillers, gluten, and GMO ingredients.
Excellent!
Nutrition Facts
According to the label, every 5 fluid ounces of prepared formula provides 100 calories.
Here are the nutrients listed per 100 calories:
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 2.0 g | Provides essential amino acids for growth and development |
| Fat | 5.4 g | Main energy source in infant formula and important for brain development |
| Carbohydrate | 10.8 g | Primarily from organic lactose, the main carbohydrate in breast milk |
| Water | 133 g | Reflects the formula as prepared for feeding |
| Linoleic acid | 500 mg | An essential omega-6 fatty acid important for growth and skin health |
| Vitamin A | 300 IU | Supports vision, immune function, and normal growth |
| Vitamin D | 60 IU | Helps support calcium absorption and bone development |
| Vitamin E | 1.7 IU | An antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress |
| Vitamin K | 9 mcg | Supports normal blood clotting and bone health |
| Thiamine (B1) | 110 mcg | Helps convert carbohydrates into energy and supports nervous system function |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 140 mcg | Supports energy metabolism and cellular function |
| Vitamin B6 | 60 mcg | Important for protein metabolism and brain development |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 mcg | Supports red blood cell formation and nervous system development |
| Niacin | 850 mcg | Supports energy production and healthy cell function |
| Folic Acid | 18 mcg | Important for cell division and growth |
| Pantothenic Acid | 800 mcg | Supports energy metabolism and synthesis of important biomolecules |
| Biotin | 2.5 mcg | Helps support fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg | Supports immune function and helps with iron absorption |
| Choline | 20 mg | Important for brain development and cell membrane structure |
| Inositol | 24 mg | Commonly included in infant formula to support cellular signaling and development |
| Calcium | 70 mg | Important for bone and tooth development |
| Phosphorus | 45 mg | Works with calcium to support bones, teeth, and energy metabolism |
| Magnesium | 7 mg | Supports muscle function, bone development, and enzyme activity |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | Important for cognitive development and healthy red blood cells |
| Zinc | 0.7 mg | Supports growth, immune function, and wound healing |
| Manganese | 18 mcg | A trace mineral involved in metabolism and bone formation |
| Copper | 70 mcg | Supports iron metabolism, connective tissue formation, and enzyme function |
| Iodine | 15 mcg | Important for thyroid hormones and brain development |
| Selenium | 2.8 mcg | A trace antioxidant mineral that supports cellular protection |
| Sodium | 35 mg | An electrolyte important for fluid balance and nerve function |
| Potassium | 90 mg | An electrolyte that supports muscle, nerve, and heart function |
| Chloride | 60 mg | An electrolyte that helps maintain fluid and acid-base balance |
FDA Nutrition Comparison
One of the things we like to do when reviewing infant formula is compare the label values to U.S. infant formula nutrition requirements.
Based on the values printed on the can, Nara Organics appears to line up very well with the standard nutrient ranges used for infant formulas in the United States.
| Nutrient | Nara Organics | U.S. Standard | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | 2.0 g | 1.8-4.5 g | Within range |
| Fat | 5.4 g | 3.3-6.0 g | Within range |
| Calories from fat | 48.6% | 30-54% | Within range |
| Linoleic acid | 500 mg | ≥300 mg | Comfortably above minimum |
| Vitamin A | 300 IU | 250-750 IU | Within range |
| Vitamin D | 60 IU | 40-100 IU | Within range |
| Iron | 1.2 mg | 0.15-3.0 mg | Within range |
| Iodine | 15 mcg | 5-75 mcg | Within range |
| Selenium | 2.8 mcg | 2-7 mcg | Within range |
| Sodium | 35 mg | 20-60 mg | Within range |
| Potassium | 90 mg | 80-200 mg | Within range |
| Chloride | 60 mg | 55-150 mg | Within range |
| Calcium:Phosphorus ratio | 1.56:1 | 1.1:1 to 2.0:1 | Within range |
| Vitamin E:Linoleic acid ratio | ~3.4 IU/g | ≥0.7 IU/g | Comfortably above minimum |
That's reassuring, and several of the nutrients are not just barely meeting the minimums; they sit comfortably within the target range.
For example, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio is about 1.56:1, which is right where we would want to see it, and the vitamin E to linoleic acid ratio is also comfortably above the U.S. minimum.
Another nice touch is that the formula includes choline and inositol.
Those nutrients are required in non-milk-based infant formulas, but not necessarily in standard milk-based formulas, so it's a welcome addition here.
Preparation & Mixing
The preparation instructions are straightforward and standard for powdered infant formula.
Nara instructs parents to wash hands, surfaces, and bottles before preparing, add the desired amount of water to a clean bottle, then add powder using the enclosed scoop, cap the bottle, and shake until dissolved.
Mixing chart:
| To Make | Water | Powder |
|---|---|---|
| 2 fl oz bottle | 2 fl oz water | 2 unpacked level scoops (8.6 g) |
| 4 fl oz bottle | 4 fl oz water | 4 unpacked level scoops (17.2 g) |
| 6 fl oz bottle | 6 fl oz water | 6 unpacked level scoops (25.8 g) |
| 8 fl oz bottle | 8 fl oz water | 8 unpacked level scoops (34.4 g) |
Each scoop adds approximately 0.1 fluid ounces to the prepared formula.
When mixed as directed, each can makes about 181 fluid ounces of prepared formula, which Nara says is about 45 four-ounce bottles.
Once feeding begins, the bottle should be used within 1 hour or discarded.
As with other powdered formulas, the label also notes that parents should ask their doctor whether cooled, boiled water or sterilized feeding equipment is recommended for their baby.
In our own mixing test, the powder dissolved easily and produced minimal foaming.
We also did not notice any obvious clumping or residue on the bottom of the bottle.
That can make a real difference in day-to-day use, especially for tired parents making multiple bottles a day.
Our Hands-On Testing
We tested Nara Organics Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula with a 4-month-old baby boy who is usually fed Bobbie Organic Infant Formula.
He took to it readily and tolerated it very well.
Over the course of our testing, we observed minimal gas and burping, and no noticeable reflux, fussiness, or GI distress.
Of course, every baby is different, and tolerability can vary a lot from one infant to another. But based on our hands-on testing, Nara made a very good first impression.
We think the combination of whole milk, organic lactose, a whey-forward protein balance, no palm oil, and clean mixing behavior may all contribute to that positive experience.
Certifications & Claims
Nara Organics makes several meaningful quality and certification claims, and many of them are the kinds of things parents actively look for in a premium infant formula.
- USDA Organic
- Clean Label Project Purity Award
- FDA registered
- Kosher dairy
- Gluten free
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
The front of the can and company materials also highlight several positioning claims, including:
- Organic whole milk infant formula with iron
- Modeled after breast milk
- 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio
- No palm oil, soy, corn syrup, or maltodextrin
- Made in Germany
For parents looking for a formula with strong organic credentials and a more premium ingredient story, this is one of Nara's strongest selling points.
Nara also emphasizes an unusually extensive safety and testing program.
According to the company, it tests every raw ingredient before production, performs extensive in-process microbiological and nutrient testing, and then re-tests the finished product after canning.
Nara says it tests for 13 different microorganism parameters during production, even though only a smaller subset is mandated, and that it verifies 29+ nutrients against tight specifications while also evaluating fatty acids, moisture, pH, residual oxygen, density, purity, and sensory characteristics.
The company also says its testing program follows whichever of the U.S. or EU standards is stricter, and that it has added voluntary limits and non-required bacterial testing beyond minimum regulations.
Those are strong claims if executed well, and we were happy to see that Nara provides more manufacturing and safety detail than many formula brands do.
Transparency & Ingredient Sourcing
This is where our praise becomes more mixed.
On the positive side, Nara provides a lot of broad information about how the formula is made.
The company says the formula is produced in a modern facility in Germany with extensive hygiene controls, HEPA-filtered positive-pressure areas, environmental swabbing, UV light disinfection for cans and lids, and very low residual oxygen in the final product to help preserve freshness and nutrient stability.
Nara also says its manufacturing partner has been making formula for more than 70 years, undergoes annual unannounced food safety audits, and typically receives strong audit marks.
In addition, the company says its Cronobacter testing exceeds the minimum sampling requirements under both U.S. and EU regulations.
Those are all meaningful positives.
However, Nara is much less transparent when it comes to the sourcing and processing details of its ingredients.
- It does not publicly identify where the primary milk, lactose, and vegetable oil ingredients are specifically sourced.
- It does not publicly identify the suppliers of its DHA and ARA oils.
- It does not publicly state whether the DHA or ARA ingredients are extracted using organic solvents such as hexane.
That may not bother every parent, but it is absolutely the kind of detail some families care about, especially at this price point.
We also think this is one of the few areas where Nara has room to improve. A formula this thoughtfully designed would benefit from even more sourcing transparency.
One final note here: while whole milk is a major strength of this formula, it still also relies on a vegetable oil blend to meet essential fatty acid requirements. That is normal for infant formula, but it is worth noting for parents who assume a whole milk formula uses only dairy fats.
Value & Comparisons
Nara Organics clearly positions this as a premium infant formula, and the formulation supports that positioning.
For pricing, if you subscribe for automatic shipments, each can is about $40. That equates to about $0.22 (22 cents) per fluid ounce of prepared formula.
That's a pretty good price for such a high-quality baby formula!
Compared with many mainstream U.S. formulas, it offers several notable advantages: organic whole milk, organic lactose, no palm oil, no soy, no corn syrup, no maltodextrin, a whey-forward protein ratio, GOS prebiotics, and strong certification credentials.
It also compares favorably with many European-style formulas in that it uses whole milk and a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, while still being tailored for the U.S. market and FDA registered.
In our own testing, the baby who usually drinks Bobbie accepted Nara readily, which we think is a meaningful real-world point of comparison.
Where Nara falls a little short is transparency around ingredient sourcing and processing, especially for parents who want to know exactly where the milk, lactose, fats, DHA, and ARA come from and how those specialty oils are extracted.
But taken as a whole, this is a very thoughtfully designed formula that checks a lot of the boxes modern parents care about.
As a bonus, Nara also offers a free, ad-free companion app for iOS and Android that includes features like a pumping timer, combo feeding, weekly sleep trends, pregnancy tracking, baby tracking, and postpartum tracking. Parents who use the formula can also order directly through the app.
Our Conclusions
Who This Formula Is Best For
- Parents looking for an organic whole milk infant formula
- Families who want organic lactose instead of corn syrup solids or maltodextrin
- Parents specifically avoiding palm oil, soy, or corn syrup
- Babies who do well on whey-forward, milk-based formulas
- Families who value premium features like GOS prebiotics, DHA, ARA, and MFGM components from dairy ingredients
Nara Organics Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula is one of the strongest formulas we've tested in quite a while.
It combines an excellent ingredient profile with strong certifications, a solid nutrition panel, easy mixing, and very good real-world tolerability.
We especially like the use of organic whole milk, organic lactose, no palm oil, GOS prebiotics, DHA, ARA, and naturally occurring MFGM components from dairy ingredients.
We also appreciate small usability details like the scoop attached to the lid and the built-in leveling edge inside the can.
We do wish the company were more transparent about the sourcing of major ingredients and about whether its DHA and ARA oils are extracted using organic solvents.
Even so, those are relatively minor drawbacks compared with the overall quality of the formula.
We give Nara Organics Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula a 4.5 out of 5.0!
