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7 Best Organic Baby Formula Brands, According to Dietitians and Parents

Our experts share the best organic options on the shelf, including European-style baby formula.

Headshot of Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPTBy Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPT
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New parents have to juggle a tremendous amount of newfound responsibilities, but the biggest one of all is giving their baby the nutrition they need. Whether you choose to exclusively formula-feed or supplement with formula, it can be difficult to determine which formula on the market is best suited for your child and family. As concerns grow regarding food sources, chemicals and pesticides, choosing organic is an option for parents who are looking to minimize their baby’s exposure to certain preservatives and additives.

That's why our registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab evaluated over 50 different formula products to find the best options on the shelf, including organic ones. We also consulted a panel of pediatricians as well as parents who currently use the formulas with their infants for real-life feedback.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Organic Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron

    Best Overall Organic Formula

    Bobbie Organic Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron

    $26 at hibobbie.com
    Read more
  • 2
    Organic Infant Formula With Iron Milk-Based Powder

    Best Value Organic Formula

    Parent's Choice Organic Infant Formula With Iron Milk-Based Powder

    Read more
  • 3
    Organic Infant Formula

    Best European Organic Formula

    Kendamil Organic Infant Formula

    Read more
  • 4
    Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula

    Best Organic Grass-Fed Formula

    Aussie Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula

    Read more
  • 5
    Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron (4 Pack)

    Best Organic Formula for Digestion

    Happy Baby Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron (4 Pack)

    Read more

“Choosing a formula is a big decision for families," says Natasha Burgert, M.D., F.A.A.P., Philips Avent’s pediatrician. The good news is that all formulas must meet federal nutrient requirements, and infant formula manufacturers must notify the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to marketing a new formula (translation: infant formula is highly regulated in the U.S. and meets rigorous safety standards, organic or not!).

When it comes to organic baby formulas, they go a step further than conventional ones as they have to meet additional federal guidelines to get the coveted USDA Organic Stamp — but Dr. Burgert says there may not be a huge nutritional difference between the two (more on that later). Regardless of whether you are purchasing organic or non-organic formula, most parents want a formula that is as close to breastmilk as possible and will want to pay close attention to the ingredients in whichever option you choose.

You can learn more about how we evaluate baby formula — including tips for selecting the best organic baby formula for your infant — at the end of this guide. There are also great traditional baby formulas if you don't want to pay a premium for organic but still want a quality option. As your little one grows, be sure to check out our guide to making your own homemade baby food and our picks for the top-tested organic baby food brands if you need something more convenient.

*Please note that price per ounce is determined using price at time of publication.

1
Best Overall Organic Formula

Bobbie Organic Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron

Organic Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron
1
Best Overall Organic Formula

Bobbie Organic Infant Formula Milk-Based Powder with Iron

$26 at hibobbie.com
Credit: Bobbie
Pros
  • Recipient of the Clean Label Project Purity Award
  • Free from palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin and soy allergens
  • Available via subscription or at Target nationwide
Cons
  • Expensive

Made without the use of GMOs, synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, this USDA certified organic formula includes the highest DHA in the U.S. (20mg/100kcal) which is an essential nutrient to support developing babies' brains. Our registered dietitians appreciate that like popular European formulas, Bobbie uses lactose as the only source of carbohydrates and meets the EU standards for DHA and iron. You'll pay a premium for the product, but the quality is undeniable — their pasture-raised dairy comes from a cooperative of small family farms across the U.S., and their lactose and whey are sourced from small organic American farms. Plus, it is free from palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin and soy allergens.

Notably, this formula is a recipient of the Clean Label Purity award, which means it was tested for hundreds of contaminants, heavy metals and more and meets high quality standards. Bobbie also shared with Good Housekeeping that their formula undergoes more than 2,000 quality checks to ensure ingredients, processing and the finished product are safe and nutritious for babies. The brand also just released a new Organic Gentle option that meets all FDA requirements and several EU benchmark guidelines too.

One mom raved about the product, saying that her daughter has "done so well with it" and it was the perfect transition for her as she weaned from exclusive breastfeeding at three months. "My baby's reflux significantly improved on Bobbie," another parent said, adding that they loved the subscription component which eliminates the hassle of having to find formula at the store. You can also purchase Bobbie at Target nationwide, but it isn't available at other major retailers.

Price per ounce$1.85
Ounces per container14
2
Best Value Organic Formula

Parent's Choice Organic Infant Formula With Iron Milk-Based Powder

Organic Infant Formula With Iron Milk-Based Powder
2
Best Value Organic Formula

Parent's Choice Organic Infant Formula With Iron Milk-Based Powder

Credit: Parent's Choice
Pros
  • Affordable price per ounce
  • Good source of DHA, lutein and vitamin E
Cons
  • Only available at Walmart
  • Contains corn syrup solids, maltodextrin and palm oil

Walmart's store brand formula line, Parent's Choice, offers an organic option that is affordable and decent quality. The cows are fed organic grain, hay and grass grown without prohibited synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, according to the brand.

Our experts like that the formula is also a good source of DHA, lutein and vitamin E, all to support baby's brain and eye development. Plus, it contains an additional 25 different vitamins and minerals. But some parents will want to take note that the formula does contain some controversial ingredients such as corn syrup solids, maltodextrin and palm oil.

One parent shared with us that they switched to this budget-friendly option to cut costs, and found it to be just as great quality as their previous big-name organic formula they were using. Although this option is only available at Walmart, it can be purchased in-store or online.

Price per ounce$0.71
Ounces per container23.2
3
Best European Organic Formula

Kendamil Organic Infant Formula

Organic Infant Formula
3
Best European Organic Formula

Kendamil Organic Infant Formula

Credit: Kendamil
Pros
  • Free from palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin and soy
  • International formula that meets U.S. standards
  • Available at many major retailers
Cons
  • Expensive

If you're looking for a high-quality European formula in the U.S., look no further than Kendamil. The brand has been around for over 60 years and their formula is fully compliant with the FDA's nutrition standards. Parents will appreciate that the formula is free from palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin and most notably soy, which can be hard to find in the current formula offerings.

You'll notice that the formula utilizes whole milk as a fat source, which the brand claims is a more natural fat source for babies and allows them to reduce the amount of vegetable oils in the formulation. They also source their omega-3 (DHA) from marine algae which keeps the product vegetarian.

Our experts highlight that Kendamil was among the first international suppliers approved by the U.S. administration as part of Operation Fly Formula during the infant formula shortage. It's now available nationwide at Target, Walmart and Kroger. Parents we spoke to that switched to Kendamil during the shortage ended up sticking with the brand moving forward since they were so impressed by the quality. It's not the most expensive option on our list but the price per ounce is substantial. If you're looking for a more affordable Kendamil option, their traditional infant formula is still exceptional quality for less.

Price per ounce$1.41
Ounces per container28.2
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4
Best Organic Grass-Fed Formula

Aussie Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula

Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula
4
Best Organic Grass-Fed Formula

Aussie Bubs Organic Grass Fed Infant Formula

Credit: Bubs Organic
Pros
  • Recipient of the Clean Label Project Purity Award
  • Free from corn syrup, maltodextrin and growth hormones
  • Also available for 6-12 months
Cons
  • Contains soy

The Australian-made brand is known for their high-quality goat milk and organic grass-fed cow infant formulas. Their products meet the FDA requirements for an iron-fortified formula and all of the offerings are free from corn syrup, maltodextrin and growth hormones and are made with full-fat milk. This option is suitable up to six months, but the level 2 version of this formula is suitable from six months to one year.

Our experts point out that this pick has also earned a Clean Label Purity Award, meaning it has been tested for chemicals of concern and industrial and environmental toxins and contaminants like heavy metals and pesticide residues. Bubs was also one of the trusted brands that came to the rescue during the infant formula shortage last year as part of the Operation Fly Formula mission, and is now widely available nationwide.

One parent shared with us that Bubs organic formula relieved their little one's constipation and gas, and another mother told us that she was pleased to find this high-quality formula when she had to start supplementing with formula due to a low breastmilk supply. But some parents may want to note that the formula does contain soy, especially if their child has an allergy.

Price per ounce$1.39
Ounces per container28.2
5
Best Organic Formula for Digestion

Happy Baby Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron (4 Pack)

Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron (4 Pack)
5
Best Organic Formula for Digestion

Happy Baby Infant Formula Milk Based Powder with Iron (4 Pack)

Credit: Happy Baby Organics
Pros
  • Free from corn syrup solids and maltodextrin
  • Recipient of the Clean Label Project Purity Award
  • Available in a sensitive variety
  • Widely available
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Contains palm oil and soy

Happy Baby Organic offers three different types of 100% USDA Organic formulas that are all modeled after breastmilk. Both their stage 1 (0 to 12 months) and stage 2 (6 to 12 months) formulas have lactose as the primary ingredient and are free from corn syrup solids and maltodextrin. The difference between the two stages is that the stage 2 formula features higher levels of key vitamins and minerals to support your growing baby. There is also a sensitive variety that has 75% reduced lactose for fussiness and gas due to lactose sensitivity.

Our registered dietitians point out that the formula has DHA and prebiotics at levels found in human milk. DHA, specifically, can help support brain and eye development, and dual prebiotics GOS and FOS help support digestive health which can result in softer and more regular stools. A parent from our panel said that they found this formula easy to digest for their infant and also noted that the container itself can be easily opened with one hand (something parents know is vital when you're holding your little one in the other arm). But take note that the formulation does contain palm oil and soy, which some parents may prefer to avoid, and is quite expensive.

Both the stage 1 and stage 2 formulas from Happy Family Organic have received the Clean Label Project Purity Award, meaning they have been rigorously tested for contaminants, heavy metals and other compounds of concern. Our experts also verified the product's USDA Organic certification as well as OU-D Kosher documentation. Happy Family Organics shared with Good Housekeeping that their infant formula products are rigorously tested for safety and quality, and we appreciate that the product is widely available nationwide.

Price per ounce$1.49
Ounces per container21
6
Best Gentle Organic Formula

Baby's Only Organic Gentle Infant Formula with Iron

Organic Gentle Infant Formula with Iron
6
Best Gentle Organic Formula

Baby's Only Organic Gentle Infant Formula with Iron

Credit: Baby's Only
Pros
  • Recipient of the Clean Label Project Purity Award
  • Free from corn syrup and palm olein oil
  • Also available in premium and dairy options
  • Moderately priced for organic formula
Cons
  • Contains soy

Not only is this infant formula from Baby's Only modeled after breastmilk, but it features organic milk that contains predominately A1 protein which is suggested to ease stomach discomfort and support digestion. The organic milk used in this formula is sourced from family farms who follow rigorous standards.

Our registered dietitians appreciate that the formula is moderately priced for an organic formula yet high quality and free from corn syrup and palm olein oil. The product does contain soy, which some parents may want to avoid due to allergies. We also point out a growth monitoring study of infants in the first four months of life sponsored by the company. Over 200 infants participated and were fed Baby's Only Organic Infant Formula or a commercial infant formula. The study found that infants fed the Baby's Only formula grew as well as the commercial infant formula and grew similarly to breastfed infants.

This Baby's Only product and multiple of the brands formula products have received the Clean Label Project Purity Award, meaning they have been tested for hundreds of contaminants, heavy metals and other compounds of concern. The brand is dedicated to high quality standards and says that each production of baby formula is tested for heavy metals, salmonella and cronobacter sakazakii.

Price per ounce$1.09
Ounces per container21
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7
Best Widely-Available Organic Formula

Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula With Iron Milk-Based Powder

Organic Dairy Infant Formula With Iron Milk-Based Powder
7
Best Widely-Available Organic Formula

Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula With Iron Milk-Based Powder

Credit: Earth's Best
Pros
  • Available at most major retailers
  • No added corn syrup solids
  • Also comes in sensitivity option
Cons
  • Contains palm oil and soy

Earth's Best line of infant formulas includes dairy and sensitivity options, which both meet the U.S. FDA's nutritional requirements and regulations, and are USDA National Organic Program Approved, non-GMO and kosher. The formulas contain no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives and meet all FDA requirements for infant nutrition. However, it does contain palm oil and soy which some parents may prefer to avoid. This one, in particular, is fortified with iron, DHA and ARA and contains lutein for eye health and prebiotic fiber for digestion too.

Our registered dietitians point out that Earth's Best formulas are made without potentially harmful pesticides and produced with milk from cows that are humanely raised and not treated with antibiotics or growth hormones. "Once we started using Earth’s Best, we no longer had to use gas drops like we did with his previous formula," one mother from our panel said, who switched to Earth's Best during the formula shortage and stuck with it since it is so widely available.

Earth's Best shared with Good Housekeeping that they maintain rigorous internal standards and testing procedures to ensure their products meet the current national and international food guidelines. They work collaboratively with suppliers and associations from the food sector to continuously refine and improve upon the standards to ensure their products exceed safety and nutrition standards — including reducing the levels of heavy metals that occur naturally in soil and water.

Price per ounce1.28
Ounces per container21

How we test the best organic baby formulas

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Our registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab spent months analyzing over 50 different formula products, including organic options. We evaluated everything from ingredient lists and DHA content to mixability and clumping. All of our top picks for the best organic formulas are certified organic and meet current FDA guidelines.

testing infant organic formulas in the good housekeeping institute
Jill Sollazzo

In addition to analyzing the formulas' nutrition quality and breakdown in-house, we thought it was important to get insight from real-life consumers. That's why we consulted a panel of parents who currently use the formulas with their infants for their real-life feedback on factors contributing to both parent and baby experience with the product, such as ease of use and baby tolerance. But keep in mind that every baby is unique and what works for one baby may not work with another, so the best choice starts with a discussion between you and your child's pediatrician.

Lastly, we worked with pediatricians for their insights as well and evaluated testing data and literature provided by the brands to support their claims.

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What parents should look for when shopping for baby formula

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“The vast majority of infants use a traditional, milk-based formula," Dr. Burgert says. "That's the type of formula I would explore first." She adds that while there may be different formula additives or "extras" in certain brands, the fundamental proteins, carbohydrates and micronutrients are very similar in all standard formulas. "Much of the extra value that formula companies claim on the label has little, if any, evidential support."

Other important factors you'll want to consider are cost, which is why we calculated price per ounce on each of our top picks so you can accurately compare each option. Intolerances, allergies or conditions that your little one may be dealing with will have to be taken into consideration as well, and finding the right formula for your baby and one that they tolerate may take some time. "Since every baby is different, feel free to experiment with different brands to find out the one that your baby likes best," Dr. Burgert advises. Here's a breakdown of the different types of baby formula that you'll get to select from on the shelf:

✔️ Cow's milk-based formula: This accounts for the vast majority of formula on the market. Milk in these formulas are heated and treated by other methods to make it more easily digestible for infants. Plus, more milk sugar (aka lactose) is added to make the amount equal to that found in breastmilk. Since some infants don't have enough natural reserves of iron in their bodies, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends iron-fortified formulas for infants who are not breastfed or partially breastfed starting from birth to age one.

✔️ Extensively hydrolyzed baby formula: These options tend to be easier to digest since the protein content has been broken down into smaller proteins to make them more easily digested. They tend to cost more than traditional formula but may be necessary for some babies, especially if your child needs a hypoallergenic formula for certain allergies and conditions.

✔️ Soy-based formula: Babies who are unable to digest lactose, which is the main carbohydrate in cow's milk formulas, or have a milk allergy may benefit from a soy-based formula. These use soy protein and carbohydrate from either glucose or sucrose. Parents who choose to follow strict vegan and vegetarian practices may also prefer soy formula since it contains no animal products.

✔️ Specialized baby formulas: Premature babies and infants with specific disorders and disease may need specialized formulas for their individualized needs. These can vary greatly from traditional formula and will come at the recommendation of your pediatrician based on your child's situation and growth.

Is organic formula better for babies?

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Organic baby formulas go a step further than conventional ones as they have to meet additional federal guidelines to get the USDA Organic Stamp. That being said, there may not be a huge nutritional difference. “Conventional formula is nutritionally equivalent to organic formula," Dr. Burgert says. "Some families have a personal preference towards organic formulas, but there is no evidence that is a nutritionally superior choice.”

testing infant organic formulas in the good housekeeping institute
Jill Sollazzo

Both organic and conventional formulas usually contain nutrients like DHA, AHA, prebiotics and lutein which may all have beneficial benefits for baby, but organic formulas do tend to come at a premium price. But if organic eating is a priority in your household, there aren't any drawbacks to choosing organic formula so long as it meets FDA requirements (which all on the shelf should).

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Should I purchase formula from overseas?

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Purchasing imported formula online or through a dealer can be extremely risky and is not advised. Infant formula is one of the most highly regulated foods in America, and the FDA monitors all formulas and consistently inspects manufacturers to make sure products are safe for your baby. If they are not safe, the formula will be recalled and customers will be quickly informed. Lack of FDA regulation, shipping and storage concerns, and labeling differences are some of the many reasons why the AAP has expressed strong concern over buying imported infant formulas online. There is no scientific evidence or research to show that imported formulas are better for babies.

However, during the formula shortage, the FDA approved several imported formulas from reliable sources, which was done under full FDA oversight to ensure safety. The good news is that many of these brands, such as Kendamil, are now widely available throughout the U.S. and allow Americans to safely purchase European formula that also meets U.S. regulations.

Infant Formula Preparation & Storage

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You can find detailed instructions on preparing information formula through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Instructions will also be provided on the formula cans themselves. According the the AAP, these are a few key tips to remember:

✔️ Water first, then powder. Always add the powder to the water that is in the bottle, not the other way around.

✔️ Boil the water when needed. For infants under 3 months of age, those who were born prematurely and those who have a weakened immune system, hot water should be used to prepare formula to kill any microbes. To do this, boil the water and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Then, add it to a clean bottle and add the formula based on the instructions on the container.

✔️ Cool formula to body temperature. If you are going to use the formula you prepared immediately, be sure to cool the formula to body temperature before feeding your baby. Run the prepared, capped bottle under cool water or place it into an ice bath.

✔️ Test the formula temperature to make sure it is not too hot before feeding it to your baby by shaking a few drops on the inside of your wrist.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

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Registered Dietitian Stefani Sassos, MS, RDN, CSO, CDN, NASM-CPT handles all nutrition content, product testing and evaluation as Nutrition Director for the Good Housekeeping Institute. She stays up to date on the latest research to provide evidence-based reporting on all things diet and nutrition, and she also runs large-scale tests and analyses for products ranging from protein bars to supplements. As a mom to an almost 2-year-old, Stefani is personally invested in thoroughly vetting and testing baby formula and baby food products for her family and yours. She has tested and written about conventional baby formula other baby food products as well as making homemade baby food, and she actively covered the baby food shortage throughout 2022.

Headshot of Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPT
Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.S.O., C.D.N., NASM-CPT
Nutrition Lab Director

Stefani (she/her) is a registered dietitian, a NASM-certified personal trainer and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, where she handles all nutrition-related content, testing and evaluation. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nutritional sciences from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is also Good Housekeeping’s on-staff fitness and exercise expert. Stefani is dedicated to providing readers with evidence-based content to encourage informed food choices and healthy living. She is an avid CrossFitter and a passionate home cook who loves spending time with her big fit Greek family.

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