This post is in partnership with Bobbie. We only endorse products we use with our families.

When I started supplementing with formula for my daughter, the decision felt overwhelming. I wanted something clean, high-quality, and as close to breast milk as possible, but honestly, three years ago, there just weren’t many choices that checked all those boxes. 

Fast forward to today, my sister-in-law just had a baby, and asked me for formula recommendations. The formula aisle looks a lot different. There are now plenty of great options that don’t compromise on nutrition, safety, or your values as a parent. Whole milk–based formulas caught my attention because they contain natural milk fat, like breast milk. That led me to take a closer look at two brands making them, Bobbie and Nara, to see how they compare. Let’s dive in.

Why choose a whole milk formula?

Whole milk fat more closely matches the fat profile of breast milk, including naturally-occuring components like MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), a complex matrix of proteins and lipids which is believed to support brain development. In skim milk-based formulas, milk fat is replaced with plant-based oils. Because whole milk formulas contain more natural milk fat, they require less added oils, bringing their overall fat content closer in composition to breast milk.

Criteria #1: Nutrition

Breast milk contains two main proteins: whey and casein. Whey is easier to digest and moves through the stomach faster, while casein digests more slowly and helps babies feel full. A 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio matches mature breast milk, which can make formula feeding feel more comfortable for your baby. 
When it comes to seed oils in infant formulas, these supply essential fatty acids that allow the product to provide a fat profile that resembles that of breast milk. And spoiler: every infant formula around the world has seed oils, as they are necessary to support appropriate development! I look for formulas that have both naturally occurring milk fat and plant-based oils to support overall healthy growth.

Bobbie Organic Whole Milk

• Milk type: USDA Organic, whole milk from grass-fed cows
• Whey:casein ratio: 60:40 (modeled after mature breast milk)
• Free from: Palm oil, palm plein oil, soy allergens, corn syrup, and maltodextrin
• Added DHA?: Yes, at EU-required levels
• Nutrient call-outs?: Naturally occurring MFGM from whole milk, 75 IU of vitamin D per 100kcal serving, choline (for brain development). 

Nara Organic Whole Milk

• Milk type: USDA Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows
• Whey:casein ratio: 60:40 (modeled after mature breast milk)
• Free from: Palm oil, palm plein oil, soy, corn syrup, and maltodextrin
• Added DHA?: Yes, at EU-required levels
• Nutrient call-outs?: Naturally occurring MFGM from whole milk, 60 IU of vitamin D per serving, choline, prebiotics*.

*Prebiotics are not included in Bobbie because there aren’t any organic prebiotics available and they’d rather not use synthetic ones. Parents who want prebiotics for their baby can supplement with them!

Nutrition winner: Tied

Criteria # 2: Ingredient quality & safety 

Bobbie Organic Whole Milk

Bobbie takes ingredient quality and safety more seriously than any brand I know. They hold dual organic certifications (both US and EU, via the USDA/EU organic equivalency agreement), use organic whole milk from cows on pasture 365 days per year, and run extensive (2,000+, which is more than required) quality checks on every batch of formula. Plus, it’s made in the US in their own facility, so there’s no risk of tariffs, customs delays, or shipping disruptions.

• Milk source: Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows
• Certifications: USDA Organic, EU Organic*, Clean Label Project Purity Award, Clean Label Project Pesticide Free Certification
• Free from: Hormones, antibiotics, synthetic pesticides, GMO ingredients 
• Manufacturing in USA: Made in Bobbie’s own facility in Ohio with over 2,000 quality checks per batch

Nara Organic Whole Milk

• Milk source: Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows
• Certifications: USDA Organic, Clean Label Project Purity Award
• Free from: Hormones, antibiotics, synthetic pesticides, GMO ingredients
• Manufacturing Overseas: Made in Germany and imported to the U.S.

*Certified organic to USDA standards. Recognition by the EU is via the US/EU Organic Equivalency Arrangement

Ingredient quality & safety winner: Bobbie Organic Whole Milk

Criteria # 3: Convenience and Support

Bobbie Organic Whole Milk

• Available for purchase: Online at hibobbie.com, in-store at Whole Foods, Amazon (via Whole Foods).
• Access to Journeys by Bobbie, the brand’s expert-led virtual support sessions on topics like feeding, sleep, and daily care
• Weekly live support sessions with RNs, lactation consultants, and a formula expert
• Quarterly webinars about feeding
• Resource library of expert-led topical videos on feeding and more
• Email, text, and phone call support
• Customer Community events held across the US 

Nara Organic Whole Milk

• Only available on nara.com.
• Nara app for tracking feedings 
• Email support

Convenience and support winner: Bobbie Organic Whole Milk

Criteria #4: Cost and Subscription Benefits  

Bobbie Organic Whole Milk

• 2-can starter bundle (14.1 oz each): $28 + free shipping [$0.99/oz]
• Subscribe and save 10%: $25.20/14.1 oz can + free shipping [$1.79/oz]
• One time purchase: $28/14.1 oz can [$1.99/oz]
• Subscribers receive inflation-proof pricing and the Bobbie Promise—a guarantee that reserves a full year’s supply of formula at a locked-in price, no matter how costs change
• Subscription benefits:
  • 10% off every delivery 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 
• 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.

Nara Organic Whole Milk

• 2-can starter bundle (14.1 oz each): $36 + free shipping [$1.28/oz)
• Subscribe and save 10%: $40.50/24.7 oz can + free shipping [$1.64/oz]
• One time purchase: $45/24.7 oz can [$1.82/oz]

Cost and benefits winner: Bobbie Organic Whole Milk

Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Formula is my pick!

When it comes to whole milk infant formulas, Bobbie stands out as the best option. Its quality and nutritional profile are unmatched, making it my go-to recommendation for parents who want the very best for their babies.

✅ USDA Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows 

✅ Whey to casein ratio modeled after mature breast milk 

✅ Supports brain development with naturally-occurring MFGM from whole milk fat and DHA

✅ High-quality manufacturing practices, ingredients, and safety protocols 

✅ Smooth, easy-to-mix consistency

✅ A variety of pricing and availability options tailored to your family’s needs

Author