When I had my first baby, choosing a formula felt overwhelming. I wanted something clean, high-quality, and as close to breast milk as possible—but the best options always seemed to be overseas.
That’s changed, thanks to U.S. brands like Bobbie and ByHeart, who’ve raised the bar with thoughtfully made formulas. ByHeart has used whole milk from the start, and now Bobbie has added a certified organic whole milk option to their lineup. It’s a big step forward in the U.S. formula space—giving parents access to formulas with natural milk fat to help support brain development, digestion, and more closely mimic breast milk.
So with two strong contenders—how do they really compare? Let’s take a closer look.
How to choose a baby formula
If you’re starting to explore formula or thinking about supplementing, here are a few key things to look for:
- Milk source: Whole milk formulas use more natural milk fat instead of added oils, which more closely mimics the fat profile of breast milk. For some babies, that can mean easier digestion and added support for brain development.
- Whey:casein ratio: Whey and casein are the two main types of protein in breast milk. Whey is easier to digest and empties from the stomach faster, while casein digests more slowly and helps babies feel full. A 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio closely matches mature breast milk, which can help with smoother digestion and make formula feeding feel more natural for your baby.
- Clean ingredients: Look for formulas without palm oil, soy oil, or corn syrup solids. If it’s USDA organic, that’s usually a good sign you’re getting a higher-quality option.
- Beneficial additives: Look for nutrients like DHA and choline for brain development, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) to support cognition and immune health, a protein called lactoferrin for added gut and immune support, and alpha-lactalbumin which is the most abundant protein in breast milk.
- Safety and transparency: Where and how a formula is made matters. Brands that own their manufacturing or meet both U.S. and EU standards offer added peace of mind.
- Convenience: Whether it’s subscription delivery or in-store availability, you want a formula you love, but also one that’s easy to find and fits your routine.
- Cost: Formula can add up quickly. Consider what works for your budget while still meeting your ingredient preferences.
About Bobbie & ByHeart
It’s no surprise that more and more parents are turning to Bobbie and ByHeart. These newer U.S. formula brands have built serious trust by focusing on clean ingredients, thoughtful nutrition, and transparency. If you’ve ever stood in the formula aisle feeling overwhelmed (been there!), these two are the ones moms are talking about—and for good reason.
Bobbie overview
Bobbie was created by moms who know feeding isn’t one-size-fits-all. Their mission is to offer clean, trustworthy infant formulas made with care—raising the bar for quality with every ingredient, every batch, every bottle.
Origin and manufacturing
Launched in 2019, Bobbie started with a single infant formula and has since expanded to a full lineup of four thoughtfully crafted options—all made in FDA-registered facilities in the U.S. with higher ingredient and nutrition standards you usually only see in European formulas.
Bobbie’s core values:
- Formulation that mimics breast milk
- Sourced with organic, gentle ingredients that are easier for digestion
- USDA Organic and non-GMO
- Clean Label Project certified
- Small-batch manufacturing in their own facility, sourcing milk from organic, grass-fed cows through partnerships with local, family-owned farms when possible
- Clinically tested to meet FDA growth standards, with ongoing studies to ensure safe, effective nutrition that supports healthy development.
- Third-party testing for 400+ contaminants and toxins, including heavy metals, pesticide residues, and plastics
ByHeart overview
ByHeart was built on the belief that every family deserve a feeding choice they feel good about. Their mission is to bring no-compromise nutrition to formula, combining breast milk–inspired innovation with transparency and quality.
Origin and manufacturing
ByHeart has its own factories in Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Oregon—giving them full control over how their formula is made from start to finish. They updated a manufacturing facility in Reading, PA, to provide the best conditions for making their infant formula. ByHeart's factory is now the 4th fully integrated, FDA-registered infant nutrition brand in the US, plus the first new one in decades.
ByHeart’s core values:
- Formulation that mimics breast milk
- Patented protein blend for easier digestion
- Organic and non-GMO
- Clean Label Project certified
- Owns and operates three FDA-registered manufacturing facilities across the U.S., ensuring full control over the production process
- Clinically studied for digestion and absorption, demonstrating benefits like easier digestion, less spit-up, and improved nutrient absorption
- Sources ingredients directly from trusted suppliers
Criteria #1: Nutrition
Bobbie
Bobbie stands out for its clean, organic formulation that more closely mirrors the fat profile of breast milk. It avoids any extra additives not typically found in breast milk with a simpler, streamlined ingredient list.
- Milk type: Organic whole milk from pasture-raised cows
- Whey:casein ratio: 60:40 (modeled after mature breast milk)
- Free from: Palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin
- Added choline?: Yes
- Added DHA?: Yes
- Additional additives?: Naturally occurring MFGM
ByHeart
Uses a unique protein blend and whole milk base, formulated to resemble early breast milk. The custom blend allows for targeted nutrition but also means a more complex ingredient list.
- Milk type: Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows
- Whey:casein ratio: 80:20 (modeled after colostrum/ early breast milk)
- Free from: Palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin
- Added choline?: Yes
- Added DHA?: Yes
- Additional additives: Naturally occurring MFGM, lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin whey
Nutrition winner: Bobbie
Criteria # 2: Ingredient quality & safety
Both brands clearly prioritize clean ingredients and high standards, but Bobbie pushes things a step further—with dual organic certifications and their extensive quality checks per batch.
Bobbie
- Milk source: Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows (raised outdoors with access to graze)
- Farming practices: USDA-certified organic—no hormones, antibiotics, or synthetic pesticides; ingredients are non-GMO
- Manufacturing: Made in Bobbie’s own facility with over 2,000 quality checks per batch
- Certifications: First and Only Whole Milk Infant Formula to receive USDA Organic Seal
- Traceability: Transparent ingredient sourcing with full supply chain oversight
ByHeart
- Milk source: Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows
- Farming practices: Organic and non-GMO ingredients; no hormones or antibiotics used
- Manufacturing: Made in ByHeart-owned facilities with full control over production
- Certifications: Clean Label Project certified; not USDA or EU organic certified
- Traceability: Every ingredient is traceable and tested for safety
Ingredient quality & safety winner: Bobbie
Criteria # 3: Consistency and mixability
Bobbie
When I tested Bobbie’s Organic Whole Milk formula, I was impressed with how it mixed—quickly and smoothly, no clumps, no foam. The texture was creamy, thanks to the high quality whole milk fat. It felt really easy to prep, which makes a difference whenever you’re getting a bottle ready.
ByHeart
ByHeart also mixed well overall, but I did notice it created more bubbles and foam compared to Bobbie. It took a bit more effort to get the texture just right, and the final mix wasn’t quite as rich. Still a strong option, but a slightly different experience in terms of prep and consistency. I will say, I love that the canister has a built-in lip to level off the scoops.
Consistency and mixability winner: Bobbie
Criteria # 4: Cost and convenience
Bobbie
- $0.26 per fl. oz when prepared
- Available at bobbie.com, and coming to select retailers this summer
- Subscription benefits:
- 10% off when you subscribe
- Free shipping
- Monthly plan savings and suggestions based on your feeding style (4, 8 or 10 cans)
- Flexible delivery (skip, update, pause, or cancel anytime)
- Discounts on trusted brands like Coterie, Perelel, and more
- Access to Journeys by Bobbie, the brand’s expert-led virtual support sessions on newborn topics like feeding, sleep, and daily care.
- Also of note: purchases support Bobbie for Change, Bobbie’s social impact and policy arm that drives mission-led advocacy, giveback, and community-focused initiatives, like paid parental leave.
ByHeart
- $0.23 per fl. oz when prepared
- Available at byheart.com, Target, Whole Foods, and other select retailers
- Subscription benefits:
- $3 savings per formula can
- Free shipping
- Delivery options based on how you feed (1, 2, 4, or 6 cans)
- Flexible delivery (skip, update, pause, or cancel anytime)
- Purchases support ByHeart’s OpenHearted Donation Initiative, providing formula and nutrition support to families in need
Cost and convenience winner: ByHeart
TLDR: Similarities and differences between Bobbie & ByHeart whole milk formulas
Similarities
- Organic, grass-fed whole milk
- Lactose as primary carbohydrate source
- Includes MFGM, DHA & choline for brain and immune support
- Formulated to closely resemble breast milk
- Made in FDA-registered U.S. facilities
- Transparent sourcing & higher safety standards
- Available online and at select retailers
- Offer flexible subscription plans
Differences
- Bobbie is USDA and EU organic certified, while ByHeart is made with organic milk but is not a USDA Organic certified product
- Bobbie has a simple, nutritionally complete formula & ByHeart includes added proteins like lactoferrin and alpha-lac
- Bobbie uses a gentle, standard protein blend & ByHeart's protein contains both intact and partially broken down proteins for babies who need it
- Bobbie is $0.26 per fl oz & ByHeart is $0.23 per fl oz
Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Formula is my pick for whole milk formula!
✅ The only USDA Organic certified whole milk infant formula in the U.S.
✅ Made with grass-fed whole milk
✅ Supports brain development with MFGM from milk fat, DHA, and choline
✅ Breast milk-inspired fat blend is designed to support softer stools
✅ Smooth, easy-to-mix consistency
✅ 2,000+ quality checks per batch
✅ USDA + EU organic certified
Not every baby will thrive on the same formula—and while Bobbie Whole Milk Formula is my top pick in this category, there are other amazing organic options out there too (both U.S.-based and international). I rounded up my top choices in this post on the best organic baby formulas, so you can see what else is out there.If you’re feeling stuck on how to choose, I also walk through my own decision-making process here—with real tips to help you feel confident in your formula choice.
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