The 7 Best Organic Baby Formula Brands That Abide By the Strictest Standards
These organic formulas, both milk-based and vegan, are free of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and artificial additives.
Published Sept. 30 2024, 4:11 p.m. ET
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The argument for feeding your baby organic baby formula is kind of a no-brainer. Just like an adult might want to stick to organic foods, a baby benefits from a diet filled with natural, sustainably sourced ingredients that are free of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and artificial additives like high-fructose corn syrup. In fact, it's even more important for babies to eat healthy while their bodies and brains are growing and developing. Some organic baby formulas even include plant-based ingredients that mimic sugars and fatty acids found in breast milk, so they come as close as possible to the source.
USDA Organic vs. European Organic baby formula
In your quest for the best organic baby formula, you'll find both USDA Organic and European Organic options. So what's the difference? While both ensure a high standard of organic purity, European formulas generally have stricter regulations regarding additives, sourcing, and environmental sustainability.
Those with the EU Organic label avoid certain ingredients allowed in USDA Organic formulas, such as hexane-extracted DHA and synthetic nutrients. They also focus on biodiversity and animal welfare at a higher level. USDA Organic baby formula is still an excellent choice, though. It requires 95 percent organic ingredients and prohibits synthetic pesticides and GMOs.
Milk-based vs. vegan baby formula
The most popular and easy-to-access kind of organic baby formula is milk-based. Cow's milk allergies are fairly common, leading some families to choose goat's milk formula.
But for many families, plant-based formula is a more attractive choice for a number of reasons. Many babies have lactose sensitivities; plus, many families are concerned about the negative health effects of consuming dairy, as well as the ethical and environmental issues in the dairy industry. Plus, plant-based formula tends to be more easily digestible (but is less likely to have organic certifications).
Soy can make some babies gassy, but vegan formulas come in lots of plant-based protein options these days, including rice, pea, and chickpea. Just make sure to speak with your child's pediatrician before making your choice.
Here's our list of the seven best organic baby formula brands to order today and have delivered right to your doorstep, no trip to the store required. In some cases, you can even set up auto delivery.
Plant-based organic formulas
Else Nutrition
Else Nutrition is a plant-based brand focused on providing clean, sustainable, and allergen-friendly formula alternatives to traditional dairy and soy-based products. Founded with a mission to offer wholesome, plant-based options for children, Else Nutrition emphasizes clean, minimally processed ingredients that are free from artificial additives.
The brand's flagship product is their Complete Nutrition for Toddlers, which is 100 prcent plant-based, dairy-free, soy-free, and made from whole foods like almonds, buckwheat, and tapioca, making it ideal for children with dairy or soy sensitivities. The formula contains plant-based protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and B vitamins.
Baby's Only
Baby’s Only makes vegan baby formula that meets high standards for quality and safety, and some are even USDA Organic. The company prides itself on using sustainably sourced ingredients.
Their Organic Plant Based Pea Protein Toddler Drink is great for toddlers with dairy or soy sensitivities. Made with organic pea protein, it provides essentials like DHA and ARA. But rest assured, it's free from corn syrup, gluten, and GMOs. The gentle formula is available in 12.7-ounce cans.
Growth Spurt
Growth Spurt is focused on vegan, allergen-free nutrition. While not USDA Organic, it adheres to strict standards, avoiding GMOs, soy, gluten, and artificial additives.
Its Plant-Based Toddler Formula, ideal for tot ages 12 to 36 months, is packed with organic oat milk, organic pea protein, and organic chickpea protein. It provides DHA and ARA for brain and eye development, along with bioavailable methylfolate to support growth — and no dairy whatsoever. It's important to note it also has no maltodextrin or artificial sweeteners. Grab it in 20.5-ounce cans or subscribe for recurring deliveries.
Cow's milk organic baby formulas
HiPP
HiPP produces organic formulas with a reputation for high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition. Certified to the strict EU organic standards, HiPP uses premium organic skimmed milk in both its Dutch and German formulas. The company promises that no synthetic pesticides or GMOs are involved in the production process of this milk.
HiPP Dutch Stage 1 Combiotic Infant Formula is specially designed for newborns and includes a unique blend of prebiotics and probiotics to support gut health, along with essential nutrients like DHA and ARA for brain and eye development. HiPP’s commitment to natural ingredients makes it gentle on sensitive stomachs. It can be purchased individually or as part of a subscription service for regular deliveries.
Bobbie
Bobbie is an FDA-approved, USDA Organic infant formula that meets rigorous U.S. standards while avoiding palm oil, maltodextrin, and corn syrup, and GMOs. It's made with organic milk sourced from grass-fed cows, and it avoids unnecessary additives.
Bobbie Organic Infant Formula is designed to be easy on sensitive stomachs. It provides key nutrients like DHA and ARA for cognitive and visual development and is made in small batches to preserve its integrity. Available in single cans or the convenient Organic Infant Formula Starter Bundle (two cans for $25), you can subscribe for recurring deliveries if that's easier.
Earth's Best
Earth’s Best is a trusted USDA Organic certified option for parents seeking an organic cow's milk formula. The brand's formulas are free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs. This formula includes essential fatty acids such as DHA and ARA, which are important for brain and eye development. It also contains iron and other key vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritionally complete option for infants.
Designed to be gentle on developing digestive systems, Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula avoids added corn syrup solids and artificial colors or flavors. While it’s dairy-based, it’s formulated to be easily digestible, making it suitable for most babies without sensitivities to cow’s milk proteins. It's available in various can sizes and can be purchased through a one-time order or subscription for regular deliveries.
Goat's milk organic baby formula
Jovie
Jovie specializes in formulas made of organic goat milk formulas due to its natural digestibility, especially for babies who may have sensitivities to cow's milk proteins. Certified according to European organic standards, Jovie formula is free from GMOs, synthetic pesticides, and artificial additives. It contains essential nutrients like DHA, ARA, and prebiotics, and claims that its ingredients helps reduce gas, bloating, and other common digestive issues.
Available in 800-gram cans, Jove Stage 1 Organic Goat Milk Formula can be purchased as a one-time buy or through regular delivery options to ensure you never run out.