Why Some Parents Are Choosing Organic Whole Milk Baby Formulas Over Others
- Liz Regalia
- May 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Experts weigh in on what makes whole milk baby formulas different and what to consider if you’re curious about trying them.
Nationwide baby formula shortages in recent years put a massive strain on caregivers. They also created an avenue for parents to have easier access to European-made formulas, sparking interest in whole milk-based options. Now, American companies are responding to the demand.
Last month, Bobbie launched its American-manufactured organic whole milk infant formula, an option the brand boasts as inspired by breast milk. Plus, this spring new formula company Nara Organics is launching its own organic whole milk formula certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Here’s everything you need to know about the organic whole milk baby formulas hitting the market, according to experts.
What Are Whole Milk Formulas and How Are They Different?
While most baby formulas available in the U.S. are based on cow’s milk, whole milk infant formulas are considered new because traditional formulas tend to use skim milk as their base, explains Anthony Porto, MD, MPH, a pediatric gastroenterologist and co-author of The Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers.
So, what difference does a formula base make?
“Whole milk contains more natural fat, which means less vegetable oil is needed than in skim milk-based formulas to achieve the optimal fatty acid ratio required for infants’ nutrition,” Dr. Porto says.
Whole milk formulas also naturally contain more bioactive ingredients, or ingredients that can boost infant growth and development, such as milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which standard formulas don’t have unless it’s added as a supplement.1
Whole milk contains more natural fat, which means less vegetable oil is needed than in skim milk-based formulas to achieve the optimal fatty acid ratio required for infants’ nutrition.
— Anthony Porto, MD, MPH
Organic vs. grass-fed whole milk formulas
For a whole milk formula to be labeled as organic, it must be made with mainly organic ingredients and meet USDA certification standards.2 “In contrast, conventional grass-fed formulas use whole milk from grass-fed cows, but may include one or more ingredients that are not certified organic,” Dr. Porto says.
Criteria for organic infant formula certification in the U.S. is based mainly on the proportion of additives and preservatives that can be present, as well as the processes used during production, explains Jenelle Ferry, MD, a neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition and infant development at Pediatrix Medical Group.
“As an example, some formulas are made with proteins that are partially broken down to be used with infants with certain types of digestion issues,” Dr. Ferry says. Even if this formula contains organic ingredients, it would likely no longer meet criteria to be certified as organic since this is not a natural process despite the digestion benefits it can offer.
Are Organic Whole Milk Formulas Better for Babies?
The short answer is no, according to experts. All infant formula sold in the U.S. are highly regulated and must meet the nutrient requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA).3 “These nutrient requirements ensure that every infant formula contains appropriate levels of fat, protein, and sugar, and over 20 essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy infant growth and development,” Dr. Porto says.
Specific health benefits of organic whole milk baby formulas are not well understood and need to be better studied. But along with reducing the need for added vegetable oils, Dr. Porto says they naturally contain MFGM, a component of breast milk that may have benefits for infant brain development and immune support.
As for the benefits of going organic? There is no scientific evidence that organic or grass-fed formulas are better for infants than standard formulas, experts say. This is why personal choice is likely the largest factor in choosing between the two for your baby.
“Grass-fed practices tend to coincide with stricter animal welfare operations and may have less of an environmental impact than larger farming methods,” Dr. Ferry says. “Some maintain that grass-fed milk is easier to digest, though it may also be higher in lactose, which can make it harder for some infants.”
What To Consider When Choosing an Organic Whole Milk Formula
Just as standard baby formulas have different ratios of proteins, fats, and other key ingredients, so do different formulations of grass-fed and organic whole milk formulas. This is just one reason why doing your research is key. Here are a few tips:
Speak with your health care provider about your baby’s unique nutritional needs. “For infants with specific protein intolerances or digestion issues, there may not be a grass-fed option appropriate for their nutritional needs,” Dr. Ferry says. “Similarly, for premature infants, most of these formulas can not adequately meet their needs for increased protein, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.”
Factor in preferences. Just as with standard formulas, when considering organic whole milk formulas take into account the availability of powdered vs. liquid formulations, which can be a factor in suitability for some infants, Dr. Ferry says.
Consider the price point. “Because the manufacturing process is more expensive, these formulas also tend to be more expensive,” Dr. Ferry says. “When there are many healthy options for feeding infants, I would not recommend provision of these formulas for any family for whom it would add financial strain.”
Be a cautious consumer. There are no known risks associated with organic whole milk formulas if they are registered by the FDA and purchased directly from the manufacturer, Dr. Porto stresses. “Consumers should exercise caution with international formulas that are purchased online through third party vendors, however, as these may not be FDA-registered, properly stored, or labeled in accordance with U.S. regulations,” he says.
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