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 baby formula 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're naturally closer to 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.
Better organic infant formula is finally here
I know firsthand that not too long ago, it felt like the only clean, high-quality formulas were coming from Europe. So many moms (myself included) were importing European formulas to meet their baby’s needs, all to match the trusted European standards we wished were available here.
Now? We have more thoughtful options here at home. US brands are using organic cow’s milk, offering whole milk fat for easy digestion, and blending proteins to better support baby’s growth. Some even meet USDA and EU organic infant formula standards without all the extra shipping stress.
Why choose a whole milk formula?
For years, skim milk was the standard base in formula. But now, there’s a shift happening.
More brands are leaning into organic whole milk infant formula as a more natural, nutrient-rich option. Instead of stripping milk of its fat and replacing it with a mix of plant-based oils, formulas with whole milk keep more of the natural milk fat intact to support infant nutrition and healthy development.
A few important reasons to consider whole milk formula:
- Better fat blend – Whole milk includes more of the natural milk fat found in breast milk, which may be gentler on digestion (yes for softer stools for your little one… IYKYK)and support better nutrient absorption.
- Supports healthy immune system development – Whole milk contains MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), a bioactive compound linked to immune and brain development.
- Balanced protein blend – Many whole milk formulas pair that rich milk fat with a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, mirroring the protein structure of mature breast milk to support baby needs like satiety and steady growth.
- Fewer additives – Because whole milk already brings in more fat and nutrients, there’s less need to add synthetic or highly processed ingredients.
- Closer to breast milk – The fat profile in organic whole milk is more similar to that of breast milk than skim milk formulas.
About Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Formula
Bobbie was founded by moms who wanted a formula that was just as thoughtful as breast milk. Today, Bobbie is the first U.S. brand to hold both USDA and EU Organic certifications. Bobbie formula is modeled after mature breast milk, with a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio for easier digestion.
What sets Bobbie apart:
- Made in the U.S. in their own Ohio facility
- 2,000+ quality checks per batch
- Free from palm oil, soy allergens, corn syrup, and fillers
- Supports brain development with DHA and naturally occurring MFGM from whole milk fats
- Community support: Journeys by Bobbie (RN- and lactation consultant–led sessions)
About Nara Organic Whole Milk Formula
Nara is a new formula that's produced in Germany with organic whole milk from grass-fed cows. Its formulation also follows the 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio of breast milk.
What sets Nara apart:
- USDA Organic certified
- Added prebiotics
- Free from palm oil, soy, corn syrup, and gluten
- Made in Germany with rigorous safety testing
- App for tracking feedings and digital support
👉 TLDR: Both are strong contenders, but Bobbie offers dual organic certifications, more safety testing, and U.S. manufacturing advantages. Try Bobbie now!
Criteria #1: Nutrition
Breast milk contains two main proteins: whey and casein. Whey is gentler on digestion 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 natural for your baby.
When it comes to seed oils in infant formulas, these supply essential fatty acids that closely resemble the fat profile of breast milk. I look for formulas that have both milk fat and plant-based oils to support overall healthy growth and development.
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, fillers like maltodextrin
- Added DHA?: Yes
- Additional additives?: Naturally occurring MFGM (whole milk fats), 75 IU of vitamin D per serving, choline.
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, soy, corn syrup, gluten.
- Added DHA?: Yes
- Additional additives?: Naturally occurring MFGM (whole milk fats), 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.
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 (US and EU), use milk from pasture-raised cows, and run extensive quality checks on every batch. 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 (raised outdoors with access to graze 365 days a year)
- 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: 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
- Certifications: USDA Organic, Clean Label Project Purity Award
- Free from: Hormones, antibiotics, synthetic pesticides, GMO ingredient
- Manufacturing: Made in Germany with over 2,000 quality checks
Ingredient quality & safety winner: Bobbie Organic Whole Milk
Criteria # 3: Convenience and support
Bobbie Organic Whole Milk
- Available for purchase: Online 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 newborn 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
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
IMO, having a set-it-and-forget-it subscription for things like formula (and diapers, wipes, vitamins, etc.) is always worth it. When you opt in for subscriptions, you often can get exclusive discounts and it's one less thing to constantly wonder if you need to restock or not. I'm also pretty blown away by the perks of a Bobbie subscription.
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 have a committed 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
- 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.
As a mom who’s done the formula deep dive (more than once), Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Infant Formula checks every box I care about. Clean ingredients, thoughtful sourcing, and a protein and fat blend that aligns with what babies need. It's one of the only formulas that holds both USDA and EU Organic certifications, which really speaks to how rigorously it’s made.
And I love that the brand makes things easier on the day-to-day side, with flexible subscription options and clear offer terms that don’t leave you guessing. I'm telling all the moms that ask to set up a subscription today for this brand and their whole milk formula.
✅ USDA Organic and EU Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows
✅ Whey to casein ratio modeled after mature breast milk
✅ Supports brain development with MFGM from milk fat and DHA
✅ High-quality manufacturing practices, ingredients, and safety protocols
✅ Smooth, easy-to-mix consistency
✅ A variety of pricing options tailored to your family’s needs
I hope this helped you feel more clear on choosing the right organic formula for your little one. For more real-life recs, check out my baby registry checklist, sign up for the newsletter, or come say hi on Instagram. I’d love to connect!
Author
