Last Updated on September 30, 2024 by Our Editors
You want the best for your baby, and we get it. From the clothes they wear to the food they consume, a parent makes hundreds of decisions that impact an infant’s life. However, not all decisions are made equal. When it comes to feeding your baby, the stakes are never higher.
After all, you want to make the best decision you can about choosing your baby’s primary diet. And if it’s formula, then that just adds another layer of complexity. If you’re strolling down the grocery store or spending hours online settling on the best formula for your infant, we don’t judge. Instead, we want to help you!
From nutrition profile to digestive qualities and price range, there is a long list of factors to tick mark while picking a formula for your baby. And if you’re dedicated to an organic lifestyle, the list doubles. Fortunately, several trusted brands offer high-quality organic formulas, and Ecowiser has hunted them down for you.
Ecowiser reviewed 19 leading organic infant formulas and shortlisted 7 best brands that match the desired criteria. After weeks of research, including consultations with our in-house paediatrician, we’ve prepared this FDA-approved brand list for you.
Nursing a baby or expecting one soon? Just save this list of 7 best organic infant formulas.
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What is Organic Infant Formula?
An infant formula is an formidle alternative to a mother’s milk. It contains the desired nutritional profile, without being heavy on the stomach of an infant.
However, non-organic infant formula has additional substances such as prebiotics, nucleotides, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), etc. The efficacy of these substances have been disputed.
Organic infant formula is made from milk and ingredients that are produced without the use of pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, or growth hormones. This ensures that the formula is free from potentially harmful chemicals and synthetic substances, aligning with the principles of organic farming and production.
Why Pick Organic Infant Formula?
Choosing organic infant formula can matter to parents for several reasons, including health, environmental, and ethical considerations. Organic formulas reduce infants’ exposure to chemicals, GMOs, synthetic hormones, and antibiotics, and they often contain fewer additives and preservatives.
Also, if organic products align with your family’s dietary preferences, then trying an organic infant formula would be an ideal choice for your baby.
How Ecowiser Selects the Best Organic Infant Formula
Before we settled on this list, here’s a checklist of all the factors we looked for:
- Every formula is USDA-certified organic.
- Every brand is organically made and follows the AAP and USDA guidelines.
- Every brand overwhelmingly positive reviews from the What to Expect community
7 Best and Expert-Reviewed Organic Infant Formula in 2024
You’ve read through our process, now let’s take you through our recommendations. If you’re tired of strolling through the supermarket, check out this list of expert-reviewed organic infant formula:
Earth’s Best’s organic infant formula is enriched with iron and free of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. It is USDA-certified, and has all the essential nutrients your baby needs. The formula, like other products from the brand, includes DHA, ARA, lutein, and prebiotic fiber, which are crucial for brain and vision development, and support immune and gut health of your baby.
Parents at What To Expect community consistently praise Earth’s Best Formula for its light and dissolvable texture. Whether you’re supplementing with formula or exclusively bottle-feeding, Earth’s Best makes way up into Ecowiser’s list of trusted recommendations.
Member’s Mark Infant Formula made it to our list for its cost-effectiveness. Priced around 50¢ per ounce, this formula has lactose as its sole carbohydrate, just like a mama’s natural milk. What sets Member’s Mark Infant Formula apart from other options on the list is its expert-recommended nutrients and additional ingredients which are mainly found in much more expensive brands.
This brand is available at Target and Walmart and ships country-wide from Amazon as well.
Parent’s Choice Tender Infant Formula is made with partially hydrolyzed whey protein, which is easier on baby stomachs. If you’re on the lookout for gentler formulas, you can also try alternatives like Gerber Good Start GentlePro or Bobbie Organic Gentle.
The brand is significantly cheaper than brand-name formulas, without compromising on quality or list of ingredients. This makes it an affordable choice for parents seeking a gentle formula for their baby.
Aussie Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula Stage 1 is a goat milk-based infant formula, which makes it an unique option for the parents. It is on the pricier side, and costs about $1.70 per powdered ounce, which makes it a controversial addition to the list.
Goat’s milk is much more similar to human milk than cow’s milk because of its A2 beta-casein protein profile. This also helps in digestion, making it a way better option for younger babies. The formula also has a milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) that supports brain development and immune health.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula is a budget-friendly choice for young families. Without compromising on the quality, this formula is a hit in the What To Expect community. The formula has lactose as its sole carbohydrate. In addition to its affordability, Kirkland Signature ProCare includes many of the same beneficial extras found in more expensive formulas.
These additional nutrients support your baby’s growth and development, making it a cost-effective alternative without compromising on nutritional value. All traditional formulas must meet the same basic nutritional standards, so we sought out the most affordable options that still offer substantial benefits.
We included an European formula brand due to their rising reputation in the American market. Bobbie has a high quality and FDA-approved product range. The brand uses USDA-certified organic and uses pasture-raised dairy sourced from small, organic family farms across the US. The ingredient list includes key nutrients like DHA and ARA to support your baby’s brain and eye development.
Its subscription-based shipping model ensures you’ll never run out of formula, but you can also purchase cans individually or opt for the special starter bundle. Standing on its organic promise, the brand has received the Clean Label Project Purity Award and Pesticide-Free Certification, which indicates its toxin-free production processs.
Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula is packed with all the essential nutrients for your baby’s development, including vitamin D, DHA, ARA, and prebiotics. It proudly holds full USDA certification, ensuring that it meets rigorous organic standards. The milk used in this formula comes from cows raised on organic farms, providing additional peace of mind for parents.
With its comprehensive nutrition and smooth transition capabilities, Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula is a trusted choice for parents seeking a quality formula for their little ones. Babies seem to adapt easily to this formula, making the transition smoother for both baby and parent.
Key Considerations While Picking Organic Baby Formula
The key to organic baby formula is picking a product with as few high-quality ingredients as possible. Here’s are the three essentials that our experts at Ecowiser based their ratings on:
Carbohydrates: Most infant formulas use lactose as the primary carbohydrate. Lactose is the same sugar found in human breast milk, making it a familiar and easily digestible source of energy for babies. This similarity to breast milk can help support healthy digestion and promote better tolerance in infants. Some formulas may use alternative carbohydrates like corn syrup solids or maltodextrin, but lactose remains the preferred choice due to its natural occurrence in breast milk and its role in supporting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
Protein: The protein content in infant formula is crucial for growth and development. Formulas can contain intact proteins, partially hydrolyzed proteins, fully hydrolyzed proteins and additional nutrients. These added nutrients aim to mimic the benefits of breast milk and ensure that formula-fed infants receive comprehensive nutrition.
Cost: Cost is a significant consideration for many families when choosing a formula. Generic or store-brand formulas are often much less expensive than their brand-name counterparts, yet they meet the same nutritional and safety standards set by the FDA. These formulas can offer the same essential nutrients and benefits, making them a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality. This affordability allows parents to provide their babies with the necessary nutrition without financial strain.
Summing Up!
Choosing the best formula for your baby isn’t easy, we know. As a new parent, you obviously want to provide your little one with the most nutritious option that supports their body and brain development. Plus, it’s equally important to make sure that the formula you choose doesn’t cause any discomfort or digestive issues for your baby.
We prepared this guide to help you understand the nuances of different formula ingredients and its various benefits, so you can pick the best one for you baby. Whether you’re seeking organic options, hypoallergenic formulas, or formulas fortified with specific nutrients, we’re certain you’ll find valuable insights here to help you make an informed choice for your baby’s well-being.
Ecowiser aims to arm you with the knowledge to make wiser choices. So, while you begin to shop for the best organic infant formula online, don’t forget to check out our guides to baby wipes, crib mattresses, baby clothes, diapers, and more!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is organic infant formula better?
Organic infant formula or organic formula milk for baby (0-6 months) has less potential exposure to pesticides and other chemicals, when compared to non-organic formula.
What is the healthiest and safest baby formula?
The healthiest and safest baby formula is one that bears the USDA-certified organic seal and is regulated by top health organizations such as the AAP and USDA.
What are the best organic infant formula brands?
Earth’s Best, Member’s Mark, Parent’s Choice, Aussie Bubs, Kirkland Signature, Bobbie, and Happy Baby make organic infant formula best suited for every baby’s needs.
What’s the closest formula to breast milk?
Member’s Mark and Aussie Bubs offer organic infant formula or organic formula milk for baby (0-6 months) that is closest to breast milk.
