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

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 USDA certified organic whole milk option to their lineup And it’s actually the first USDA Organic Whole Milk in the world– surprisingly! 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 mirror 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 in addition to  added oils, which more closely mirrors the fat profile of breast milk. This naturally-occurring milk fat provides added brain support, in the form of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), and can also mean easier digestion for some babies.
• 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 as it stays liquid during digestion, while casein digests more slowly and helps babies feel full. A 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio matches what’s found in 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. It’s harder to source and has the most stringent organic standards in the world (even more so than EU Organic!) 
• Beneficial additives: Look for nutrients like DHA and choline for brain development, milk fat globule membrane (MFGM, from whole milk) to support cognition. But don’t just look– ask how much is in it. While many brands say they “include DHA” there is no minimum in US formulas so some have zero, 2mg or some have 15 or 20mg (the EU bare minimum).
• Safety and transparency: Where and how a formula is made matters. Brands that own their manufacturing and/or meet both U.S. and many EU standards offer added peace of mind. Made in the US often means it’s more reliable and faster from formula facility to your doorstep. 
• 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. Keep in mind that some formulas offer subscribe & save discounts for committed customers!

Criteria #1: Nutrition

Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Formula

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 simple, trusted ingredient list.

• 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 oil, corn syrup, fillers like maltodextrin
• Added choline?: Yes
• Added DHA?: Yes (20mg!)
• Additional additives?: Naturally occurring MFGM (whole milk fats) 

ByHeart Whole Nutrition Formula

ByHeart uses a unique protein blend along with a whole milk base, formulated to resemble colostrum, the breastmilk created during the first week or so of breastfeeding. 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 (based on colostrum)
• Free from: Palm oil, soy oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin
• Added choline?: Yes
• Added DHA?: Yes 
• Additional additives: Naturally occurring MFGM, lactoferrin, alpha-lactalbumin whey protein

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, pasture-raised cows, and their extensive quality checks per batch.

Bobbie

• Milk source: Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows (raised outdoors with access to graze 365 days a year)
• Farming practices: USDA-certified organic—no hormones, antibiotics, or synthetic pesticides; ingredients are non-GMO
• Manufacturing: Made in Bobbie’s own facility in Ohio with over 2,000 quality checks per batch
• Certifications: The only U.S. whole milk infant formula with *both* USDA and EU organic certifications
• Traceability: Transparent ingredient sourcing with full supply chain oversight

ByHeart

• Milk source: Organic whole milk from grass-fed cows 
• Farming practices: Some organic and non-GMO ingredients, as well as some non-organic ingredients
• Manufacturing: Byheart’s formulation moves through three different facilities across the US in Pennsylvania, Iowa then Portland for drying, processing and canning before it’s sealed and shipped to retailers and distribution centers. 
• 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, minimal 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
• Can Size: 14oz, great for combo feeders or those who don’t need a ton of formula in each can and easy to throw into a diaper bag on the go. 
• Available at hibobbie.com with select retailers coming early summer.
• 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 

Bobbie users also get 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
• Can Size: 24oz cans 
• 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

Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Formula is my pick for Best Whole Milk Formula!

✅ The only USDA-certified organic whole milk formula manufactured in the U.S.

✅ Made with organic, grass-fed whole milk 

✅ Supports brain development with MFGM from milk fat, DHA, and choline

✅ Breast milk-inspired fat blend designed to support softer stools

✅ Smooth, easy-to-mix consistency

✅ 2,000+ quality checks per batch

✅ USDA + EU organic certified

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