Parents always want to give their baby the best. This includes the type of formula that they use to keep their babies healthy. When selecting an infant formula, most parents want to go with the organic blends to ensure that their baby is safe from harmful chemicals and genetically modified foods.
The best organic baby formula is the ultimate choice when selecting a formula for your baby. However, each manufacturer makes their formula in a different way. Knowing what to look for in the formulas will allow you to select the right one for your baby.
A look at the following 12 baby formulas will allow you to decide just what you want from your baby’s formula for optimal health and satisfaction.
Best Organic Baby Formula Comparison Table
Product | Age | Protein | Carb | Fat | Extras |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baby Only Dairy for Toddlers Editor's Choice | 12-36 months | Nonfat Milk | Brown Rice Syrup | Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | Hexane-Free DHA & ARA |
Earth’s Best Infant, Omega 3 and Omega 6 | 0-12 months | Nonfat Milk, Whey | Lactose, Glucose Syrup Solids | Palm, Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | DHA & ARA, Lutein, Fructooligosaccharide |
Baby Only Lacto-Relief for Toddlers | 12-36 months | Milk Protein Concentrate | Brown Rice Syrup, Brown Rice Maltodextrin | Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | Hexane-Free DHA & ARA |
Vermont Organics Infant | 0-12 months | Nonfat Milk | Maltodextrin, Corn Syrop Solids | Palm, Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | DHA & ARA, Lutein, Fructooligosaccharide |
Earth’s Best Toddler | 12-36 months | Nonfat Milk, Whey | Maltodextrin, Evaporated Cane Juice | Palm, Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | DHA & ARA |
Earth’s Best Infant No DHA/ARA | 0-12 months | Nonfat Milk, Whey | Lactose | Palm, Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | Lutein, Fructooligosaccharide |
Earth’s Best Infant with Iron | 0-12 months | Nonfat Milk, Whey | Corn Syrup Solids | Palm, Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | DHA & ARA, Lutein, Fructooligosaccharide, Extra Iron |
Plum Baby with Iron | 0-12 months | Nonfat Milk, Whey | Lactose | Palm, Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | DHA & ARA |
Honest Company Low Lactose for Infants | 0-12 months | Nonfat Milk, Whey | Glucose Syrup Solids, Maltodextrin | Palm, Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | Fructooligosaccharide, Pure Fish Oil |
Honest Company for Infants | 0-12 months | Nonfat Milk, Whey | Lactose | Palm, Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | Fructooligosaccharide, Pure Fish Oil, Extra Iron |
Similac for Infant | 0-12 months | Nonfat Milk | Maltodextrin, Sugar | Soy, Coconut, Sunflower Oils | DHA & ARA, Lutein, Fructooligosaccharides |
Parents’ Choice | 0-12 months | Milk | N/A | N/A | DHA & ARA |
Baby Only Organic Dairy Toddler Formula – Best Rated Organic Baby Formula
Baby Only Organic toddler formula is a complete dairy based nutritional drink that is almost identical to breast milk. This formula is nutritionally fortified with vitamins and minerals that will help your toddler stay healthy. Baby Only also fortifies their formula with DHA/ARA that are not sourced using hexane.
Baby Only is an ultra-pure product that has received several awards and recognition for the purity of their products. Their milk comes from cows that live on certified organic farms and are free from hormones and antibiotics. The company avoids any unnecessary fillers such as corn syrup or palm oil and packages their product in PBA free containers.
The only issue that could be found with the Baby Only Organic toddler formula is the size of the container that it is available in for purchase. The containers are small in comparison, so more must be purchased at any one given time to ensure supply is accessible when your toddler needs to have a formula.
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- Hexane free DHA/ARA
- Reduced lactose for sensitive babies
- No palm oil
- Created specifically for the nutritional needs of toddlers
- In high demand and can be hard to find
Earth’s Best with Iron, Omega 3 and Omega 6 – Best Organic Baby Formula for Infants
Earth’s Best infant formula is the very first organic baby formula to enter the market over 30 years ago. The formula is certified to be organic by the USDA and also meets all Kosher standards. Earth’s Best Organic baby formula is also made with all non-GMO ingredients.
Earth’s Best Organic formula has been developed to be the closest possible formula to match breast milk. This includes the addition of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for brain development, iron for overall good health, and lutein for eye health. The formula is also sweetened to taste like breast milk using natural sugars and not corn syrup solids.
Earth’s Best Organic infant formula is very easy to use. You simply add one unpacked scoopful of formula for every 2 ounces of warm water. The manufacturer recommends that you place the water in the bottle first to ensure that the right amount of liquid is measured first, then add the formula powder. Formula should be consumed within two hours of making.
it should be noted that there has been controversy about the methods used for extracting the Omega fatty acids for this product. Many companies use hexane to extract the DHA/ARA (Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids) from algae to add to their products. Hexane has been shown to be a dangerous chemical compound when used in excess. Earth’s Best uses products that were extracted using hexane. The company, however, has stated that their additives show no trace of hexane and that they still meet or exceed all organic guidelines.
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO
- Contains lutein to aid in eye development
- Uses whey as a sweetener instead of sugars
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- Does not disclose DHA/ARA extraction method
- Contains palm oil or palm derivatives
Baby Only for Toddlers – Best Organic Baby Formula for Sensitive Stomachs
Baby Only Organic lacto-relief formula is designed with lower lactose content to help toddlers with digestive issues. Baby Only is an organic formula that is certified non-GMO and has received the designation of being the purest formula on the market by an independent research group. Baby only does contain DHA/ARA fatty acids, but these acids are not sourced used hexane.
Created by a company dedicated to organic baby food products, Baby Only is one of the highest quality toddler formulas on the market. All of their milk is sourced from hormone and antibiotic free cows that are raised under organic farming standards. All of their additives are 100 percent organic, and they do not use any palm oil or corn syrup derivatives in their product.
It was very hard to find any issues that parents should be alerted to with this toddler formula. The ingredients are all of the very high standards and the overall product is not cost-prohibitive for anyone to use. In fact, this product often prices lower than similar less-quality toddler formulas.
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- Hexane free DHA/ARA
- Reduced lactose for sensitive babies
- No palm oil
- In high demand and can be hard to find
Vermont Organics Infant Formula
Vermont Organics is a milk based formula that has been USDA certified as organic. This means that the cows that produced the milk for the formula were not exposed to pesticides, hormones or antibiotics. To receive this type of certification the government must officially inspect the property where the cows are kept and must inspect the food processing to ensure that everything meets or exceeds organic food standards.
Vermont Organics is fortified with vitamins and minerals that are designed to help your baby grow. The composition of the vitamins and minerals are very similar to those found in breast milk.
Vermont Organics baby formula contains a prebiotic to help with digestion. In some cases, babies can develop constipation from using any type of baby formula. The addition of a natural prebiotic allows the baby to develop the right bacteria within their intestines to ensure that the formula can be easily eliminated. Not all formulas, organic or not, contain a prebiotic.
Vermont Organics also contains DHA, ARA and lutein. These vitamin and mineral additives are believed to help with brain and eye development.
It is important to know that Vermont Organics does contain some soy. For parents that wish to avoid soy products for their baby, Vermont Organics is not their choice of formulas. Additionally, Vermont Organics does contain palm oil or palm oil derivatives. Palm oil has been associated with gastrointestinal distress in babies as well as adults.
- Certified USDA Organic
- No pesticides, antibiotics or hormones
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- Does not disclose DHA/ARA extraction method
- Contains palm oil or palm derivatives
- Contains corn syrup solids as a sweetener
Earth’s Best Organic Toddler Formula – Vanilla
Earth’s Best Organic toddler formula is a transitional formula designed for babies one year and older. It is a complete nutritional drink that has a mild vanilla flavor to make it more appealing to your toddler. The formula contains all the vitamins and minetrals necessary for continued growth and health.
Designed to help toddlers transition from a baby formula to a nutritional drink that meets their more active lifestyle, Earth’s Best organic toddler formula continues to provide a completely organic product that meets or exceeds all USDA guidelines for organic food products. The formula also meets all kosher guidelines. The formula is milk based and has added vitamins, minerals and fatty acids for optimal health.
The manufacturer of the product recommends that product is made at time of consumption. If you plan to refrigerate premade formula for your toddler, the manufacturer strongly recommends that you do not allow the formula to set for more than 24 hours in your refrigerator, even if it is in a sealed container.
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO
- Specially formulated for toddlers
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- Does not disclose DHA/ARA extraction method
- Contains palm oil or palm derivatives
- Has a tenancy to foam when first made
Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula No DHA/ARA
For parents that are concerned about the extraction methods of DHA/ARA fatty acids, Earth’s Best makes an organic infant formula that is free from these products. The Earth’s Best Organic infant formal still contains all of the necessary vitamins and proteins needed for a healthy formula without the added fatty acids.
Earth’s Best organic infant formula is USDA approved as an organic food product. It is non-GMO and is in strict compliance with kosher laws. The formula is free of pesticides and growth hormones. This formula also contains a prebiotic to make it easy for the baby to digest.
If you are considering using this formula for your baby, you should understand that it lacks the essential fatty acids that are found in breast milk. DHA/ARA have been associated with better brain and tissue health. This formula is very similar to breast milk nutritionally but is not complete without these nutrients.
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO
- No added DHA/ARA
- No corn solids used as sweetener
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- Contains palm oil or palm derivatives
- Has a tenancy to foam when first made
Earth’s Best Organic Sensitivity Infant Formula With Iron
Infants that have an intolerance to lactose may benefit from a reduced lactose formula. The reduction in milk proteins can help eliminate fussiness, gas, and crying. A reduced lactose formula is also a preferred option for those who wish to avoid soy-based products for their baby. The Earth’s Best Sensitivity formula for infants is a reduced lactose product that has been fortified with DHA/ARA and iron for complete nutrition.
Earth’s Best Sensitivity formula is designed to have less lactose sugars in it than their standard formula. However, the reduction in lactose does not represent a reduction in nutrition. The formula has been fortified to provide a nutritionally complete alternative to breast milk. Earth’s Best Sensitivity is a non-GMO, certified organic and kosher product.
It should be noted that this product does contain palm oil or palm oil derivatives. Some doctors have found that palm oil can have an adverse effect on your digestive system. This is especially true in infants.
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO
- Reduced lactose content for sensitive babies
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- No artificial additives and meets kosher guidelines
- Contains palm oil or palm derivatives
- Does not disclose DHA/ARA extraction method
Plum Organics Baby Formula With Iron
Plum Organics baby formula with iron is the only organic baby food on the U.S. market that is completely free from corn additives. Many baby formulas supplement the carbs in formula with corn syrup or similar derivatives. Plum Organics, however, only uses lactose for its carb content.
Plum Organics baby formula is completely organic and is certified by the USDA. Their product is non-GMO and is packaged in a container that is certified PBA-free. This is one of the few if only companies that certify that their packaging is completely safe for your baby.
Plum Organics adds iron and DHA/ARA for optimal nutrition for your baby. The company does not state how the DHA/ARA is extracted or what sources it uses to obtain these natural fatty acids. Additionally, Plum Organics does not contain a prebiotic to aid in digestion.
One of the few drawbacks to Plum Organics is the fact that their product still contains palm oil. Palm oil has been associated with building a film in the intestines that can lead to intestinal distress. This can occur in adults as well but seems to be more frequent in infants.
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO
- Lactose is only source of carbohydrates – no added sugars
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- No artificial additives and meets kosher guidelines
- Contains palm oil or palm derivatives
- Does not disclose DHA/ARA extraction method
- Higher cost per ounce
Honest Company Organic Sensitivity Low Lactose Formula For Infants
Honest Company offers one of the purest infant formulas on the market. Made to exceed USDA regulations for organic infant formula, Honest Company formula is USDA certified organic, is a non-GMO product, and is made from organic milk that does not contain any hormones. Honest Company formula does not include DHA/ARA supplements.
This organic baby formula is designed to help babies that have an intolerance to lactose. The reduced lactose formula is gentle on the stomach while still remaining rich in nutrition. Honest Company supplements the lack of lactose with the addition of whey to the formula to ensure that the baby receives enough carbohydrates to remain healthy. The company does not supplement with corn syrup solids.
The only drawback that can be found with this product is the use of palm oil in the formula. Otherwise, this is one of the best products out there for your baby if you are searching for an organic product that exceeds organic regulations.
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO
- Reduced lactose for sensitive babies
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- Does not contain DHA/ARA
- Contains palm oil or palm derivatives
Honest Company Premium Organic Infant Formula
Honest Company created an organic formula that is very close to breast milk using all organic food products that are certified non-GMO. This nutritionally enhanced formula contains all the vitamins and minerals necessary to have a superior formula without adding unnecessary byproducts such as corn syrup solids. The Honest company does not add DHA/ARA to their products.
The Honest company strives to provide a superior product, which includes packaging. The formula package is also certified PBA free to ensure that your baby is not exposed to chemicals from the container. The formula is fortified with all of the vitamins and minerals necessary for health, and the composition of the formula is nearly identical to breast milk.
Despite all of the efforts that Honest Company has gone through to provide a pure organic product in safe packaging, the company continues to use palm oil in their products. While this is not deemed unhealthy, palm oil has been associated with digestive issues in babies as well as adults.
- Certified USDA Organic and Non-GMO
- Contains a prebiotic for easy digestion
- Does not contain DHA/ARA
- No corn syrup solids or sweeteners
- Contains palm oil or palm derivatives
- Higher price per ounce than similar products
Similac Organic Infant Formula
Similac Organic infant formula is the organic version of the popular Similac product line. Made using organic milk and vitamins, this product has their special blend of DHA, lutein and other nutrients to encourage optimal health in your baby. Similac is the leading brand used by hospitals when they provide baby formula.
Nutritionally, Siminlac Organic has a very special and patented vitamin mixture that it uses for all of its formulas. The company has created a formula that is also free from palm oil. The formula is easy to mix and has been associated with easy digestion for the baby.
There are a few drawbacks concerning Similac Organic formula. Of the first three ingredients in the formula, two of them are sugar based products. This seems a little high for a baby. Babies do need carbohydrates, but they would most likely be better from the natural lactose than sugar. The other drawbacks include the fact that Similac does not state if their milk is hormone and antibiotic free.
- Certified USDA Organic
- Exceptional vitamin blend for nutrition
- No palm oil
- Does not disclose extraction method of DHA
- Does not state if product is non-GMO or kosher
- Does not state if product is pesticide, hormone or antibiotic free
Parents’ Choice Organic Baby Formula
Parent’s Choice Organic Baby Formula is a non-gmo, milk based baby formula. The label does not, however, specify if it is made from whole milk or nonfat milk. The formula container states that the product has been enhanced with vitamins and minerals to make it as close to breast milk as possible. It also states that the organic milk used for the product is antibiotic and hormone free.
If you are concerned with the actual ingredients, such as what type of sweetener is used, you will need to go into a store that sells the product and examine the ingredients. The company has only posted the vitamin information on their website and has not shown any ingredient information.
It is also important to seek out additional information on this product if you are worried about giving your baby palm oil or palm oil-based products. It could not be identified with the information provided on the Internet about this product if it contains palm oil. Palm oil has been associated with causing intestinal problems in babies.
The formula, overall, seems to be filled with all of the nutritional needs of an infant. DHA and Choline have been added to the formula to help improve brain development and health. The label also states that lutein has been added to help the eyes. These vitamins are naturally occurring in breast milk. It should be noted that this baby formula does not include any prebiotics or probiotics.
- Certified USDA Organic
- Well balanced vitamin content
- Affordable per serving price
- Does not disclose DHA/ARA extraction method
- Contains palm oil or palm derivatives
- Does not disclose if milk contains hormones or antibiotics
Best Organic Baby Formula Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to buying baby formula, it is all about what is on the label. Parents should take the time to really read the label of their formula to determine if it offers exactly what they want for their baby. This includes more than the vitamin content.
Parents are going to want to read the front of the label to determine what type of formula it is, such as milk, lactose reduced or soy, if it is certified organic, non-GMO, kosher and hormone and pesticide free. They may also want to check on the type of container being used to hold the product.
On the back of the label, you will see the nutritional information. What is most important, however, is the products used to make the formula. Look at the ingredients to determine if they are right for your child. Remember: Ingredients are listed from highest to lowest amount included in the product.
What To Look For In Ingredients
- Protein. You will want to determine where the protein is coming from in your formula. As a general rule, most formulas use non-fat milk to make their formula. This form of protein is mostly casein, a milk derivative found in all milk. You will want to make sure that there is whey added to the formula to make it more balanced and nutritionally sound for your baby. Casein and whey are the two major components of breast milk.
- Carbohydrates. Babies need carbs for energy and growth. Lactose is generally the source of carbs in all types of milk. However, some formulas that have reduced lactose will fill their formulas with different types of sugars, including corn syrup solids. You must determine how much of these products you are willing to give your baby. Some formulas do not include any additional sugars.
- Fats. Babies need fats in their diet for good health. Fats help feed their organs, especially brain development. All formulas add oils to their formula to compensate for the fats found in breast milk. Palm oil should be avoided if possible. Palm oil has been associated with a soapy like film build up in the intestines that can lead to discomfort. Look to see what types of oils are in the formula.
- Prebiotics. Babies often need help digesting their foods. Breastmilk contains prebiotics that naturally help babies build their gut bacteria and digest their food. Some formulas will contain added prebiotics to help with digestion.
- DHA/ARA. DHA and ARA are Omega fatty acids that are believed to help with brain development. Some formulas add these products to their formula. Parents that are concerned if their formula contains traces of hexane, a chemical used in some extraction methods of these fatty acids, should look at the label to see if it states non-hexane DHA.ARA. If it does not say this, you can assume that these acids were extracted using hexane.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember when you are searching for an organic baby formula is to know that every formula is different. Manufacturers have different ways of making formula that still allow them to classify their product as organic.
The best way to find the right formula for your baby is to carefully read the label and chose the one that meets your standards. You may want to sample several to see if your baby likes the flavor and can easily digest the product. Organic products are always considered a safer alternative to chemical-based products, so look for ones that are certified with the USDA so that you know they have met or exceeded all standards for organic foods.
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