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.

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.

For a whole milk formula to be labeled as organic, it must be made with mainly organic ingredients and meet USDA certification standards. “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.

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). “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.”

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: