Bobbie vs Aptamil: Which Brand Has The Best Formula?

Key Differences Between Bobbie and Aptamil

Features/Aspect	Bobbie	Aptamil Gold+
Organic Ingredients	Yes, uses organic, non-GMO ingredients	Non-GMO, not organic
Protein Source	Organic nonfat milk and organic whey protein concentrate	Milk solids and whey protein, with a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio
Carbohydrate Source	Organic lactose	Lactose
Fat Blend	Mix of organic high oleic oil, organic canola oil, and organic coconut oil; cold-extracted	Uses high-oleic sunflower, canola, palm, and coconut oils; includes soy lecithin
DHA Source	From marine algae (schizochytrium sp. oil)	From fish oil
Prebiotics and Probiotics	None	Includes Bifidobacterium breve M-16V and dual prebiotics GOS & FOS
Special Features	Made with milk from grass-fed cows, clean processing, approved by the Clean Label Project	Designed based on 50 years of research, focuses on brain and immune system development

In this article, we will compare two popular formulas: Bobbie and Aptamil.

We have chosen Aptamil Gold+ as the main contender, but this comparison can be applied to other Aptamil formulas because their ingredients change almost nothing.

We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to help you make an informed decision for your little one.

Let’s get after it!

Our Short Answer

After analyzing both formulas, we choose Bobbie for the following reasons:

• It uses organic ingredients, which means it is much healthier in the long run, and will likely reduce the risk of potential health problems in the future.
• Its fat blend is healthier and more nutritious, as Bobbie uses cold extraction, which means no nutrients are lost, and also because it does not use soy lecithin.

Aptamil excels in having prebiotics and probiotics, however, we would only consider this if your pediatrician recommends that your baby be supplemented with these additives. And if that is your particular case, we recommend you take a look at Hipp, in the alternatives below in the article.

Overview of the Two Formulas

Bobbie’s formula, made from organic, non-GMO ingredients, features milk from happy, grass-fed cows on Organic Valley® farms, focusing on safe, nutritious blends with clean processing.

Aptamil Gold, Europe’s top formula brand, draws on 50 years of research, offering a nutrient-rich mix with DHA, Vitamin D, and prebiotics for digestive health.

Bobbie

Bobbie is a baby formula that comes from a place of care and attention.

What makes Bobbie special?

It starts with choosing organic and non-GMO ingredients. Bobbie takes pride in using clean, pesticide-free components.

Imagine happy cows roaming freely, munching on lush grass—that’s where Bobbie’s milk comes from. These cows are treated well and live the good life on Organic Valley® farms across the U.S., and their diet is at least 80% green grass.

Why do parents lean towards Bobbie?

Because it checks all the boxes for safety and nutrition, its oil blend comes from plants like sunflower, safflower, and coconut and is processed gently without harsh chemicals.

Plus, this formula meets high standards in the U.S. and Europe, with thumbs-up approval from the Clean Label Project.

Aptamil Gold

Aptamil Gold is the go-to choice for many parents worldwide—it’s the #1 formula brand in Europe in terms of units sold.

But what’s behind its popularity?

For starters, Aptamil Gold has been carefully designed based on 50 years of research into what makes breast milk so amazing.

This formula is packed with goodies that support your baby’s growth and health. Everything is covered, from brain-boosting DHA (Omega-3) to Vitamin D for a strong immune system.

Including dual prebiotics GOS & FOS and probiotic B. breve puts a spotlight on developing a happy tummy by aiding digestion.

Nutritional Composition

Bobbie and Aptamil Gold formulas both offer a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio for protein, with Bobbie’s organic ingredients as its standout feature.

Both use lactose for carbohydrates, closely mimicking breast milk.

Bobbie uses organic, cold-extracted oils without soy lecithin, presenting a slight edge in fats.

Bobbie’s DHA comes from algae, avoiding mercury risks.

Protein Content

Bobbie formula uses organic nonfat milk and organic whey protein concentrate. These sources are the conventional way of adding protein to formulas, but the fact that Bobbie uses organic milk gives it a huge advantage. It has a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, which is ideal.

Aptamil Gold uses milk solids and whey protein as its primary sources. Milk solids are the powder form of milk, with all its nutrients (including fats and minerals). It also has a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio.

There is no real winner in protein content if you leave aside the fact that Bobbie uses organic milk. Both have the same whey:casein ratio and there are no big differences between milk solids and conventional milk nutritionally.

Carbohydrate Content

For carbs, Bobbie sticks with organic lactose. Lactose is a natural carbohydrate, just like in breast milk, making it an excellent energy source for babies.

Aptamil Gold also uses lactose (non-organic), mimicking breast milk as much as possible.

Same as with protein, aside from Bobbie using organic ingredients, there is no difference in carb content, with both formulas using lactose exclusively, which is what we expect from conventional and quality formulas.

Fats and Oils

Bobbie uses a mix of organic high oleic (sunflower or safflower) oil, organic canola oil, and organic coconut oil.

Aptamil does not specifically mention the vegetable oils it uses in its Aptamil Gold formula. However, if we look at its other formulas, it usually uses high-oleic sunflower, canola, palm, and coconut oils. Aptamil Gold also includes soy lecithin as an emulsifier.

The fact that Bobbie uses cold extraction and organic vegetable oils gives it a big advantage. Also, Bobbie does not include soy lecithin, which is better to avoid if possible. Palm oil is acceptable if it is organic, but it is not the case in Aptamil.

DHA and ARA

Bobbie features DHA sourced from schizochytrium sp. oil, which is marine algae—a sustainable source that ensures babies get the benefit without the risk of mercury found in some fish oils.

Aptamil Gold, on the other hand, includes DHA (from fish oil).

What do we think about palm oil in baby formulas? 

Let’s put it this way: only if it’s organically grown. Truth is palm oil contains palmitic acid, a fatty acid that is very similar to breast milk fats. You’ll find palm oil in many top-notch formulas, and some brands, like Holle or Hipp. So, don’t dismiss a formula just for having palm oil in it. There are other baddies, like corn syrup solids, soy oil or canola oil, that you should worry about more. When in doubt, stick with organic, high-quality formulas!

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are good bacteria that live in our gut and help digest food, kill harmful organisms, and keep everything balanced. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are food for these good bacteria. They help the good bacteria grow strong and work better.

Bobbie: Bobbie focuses heavily on organic and non-GMO ingredients for overall nutrition, it doesn’t have any specific probiotics or prebiotics in its formula. Bobbie ensures that your baby gets a healthy dose of nutrients through high-quality ingredients aimed at gentle digestion.

Aptamil: Aptamil Gold takes an advanced approach by including a probiotic strain – Bifidobacterium breve M-16V. This particular probiotic promotes a healthy digestive tract in some infants. Aptamil Gold also incorporates dual prebiotics GOS & FOS (Galactooligosaccharides and Fructooligosaccharides). These prebiotics are special fibers that nourish the good bacteria in your baby’s gut, helping to maintain a balanced digestive system.

Best Places to Buy Bobbie and Aptamil

Bobbie

You can purchase Bobbie at Target and Walmart, but we recommend that you do so through their official website, thanks to its subscription service (see below).

Aptamil

You may purchase Aptamil Gold at Target and Walmart if you live in the US, as well as other infant formula stores worldwide.

What are the best alternatives to Bobbie and Aptamil?

Holle: A well-loved European brand, Holle offers organic infant formulas made from biodynamic and Demeter-certified ingredients. They’re a popular choice for parents seeking high-quality, environmentally friendly options. *Read: Holle vs Bobbie and Holle vs Aptamil

Hipp: With a focus on organic and sustainable ingredients, Hipp is another fantastic European brand that caters to your baby’s nutritional needs. They have many different formulas, and they specialize in making easily digestible, anti-reflux, and hypoallergenic formulas. *Read Hipp vs Bobbie and Hipp vs Aptamil

Kendamil: Proudly British, Kendamil uses locally sourced, organic ingredients to create their infant formulas. They’re unique in using whole milk and omitting palm oil, making them a popular choice for eco-conscious parents. *Read: Kendamil vs Bobbie and Kendamil vs Aptamil

Lebenswert: Offering organic infant formulas made with ingredients from Bioland-certified farms, Lebenswert is committed to sustainability and high-quality standards. *Read: Lebenswert vs Bobbie

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Bobbie and Aptamil has helped you make an informed decision for your little one.

If you have further questions leave a comment below or contact us at [email protected].

Happy feeding!