Choosing the best formula for your baby is a complicated task as parents, mainly because there is no such thing.
The best formula is one that your baby will digest easily, and is as pure and unprocessed as possible.
To help you achieve this, we have created this post, where you will find five different comparison charts for different types of formula: conventional or standard, hypoallergenic, organic, sensitive (for digestive issues), and goat milk-based.
Because there are dozens of different formula brands, we have chosen the most popular, whether they are US or European-based: Similac, Enfamil, Kendamil, Bobbie, Hipp, Holle, Kabrita, Happy Baby, Earth’s Best, Gerber, Byheart and Nannycare.
Unless your baby has galactosemia, you will be able to find a formula that suits your baby’s needs.
We will compare each of the following aspects in the charts.
- Our Rating: a score between 0-10 based on our personal and professional opinion.
- Specialty: whether the formula has a specific specialty.
- Age Range: the recommended age for consumption.
- Organic: whether it is organic or not
- Protein: the sources of protein it has
- Whey-to-casein ratio: the percentage of whey and casein protein.
- Carbs: the sources of carbohydrates and sugars it contains.
- Fats: the sources of fats it contains
- Prebiotics: whether or not it has prebiotics and which ones.
- Probiotics: whether or not it has probiotics and which ones.
- Lactose-Free: whether or not it is lactose-free.
- Hypoallergenic: whether or not it is hypoallergenic.
- Suitable for CMPA: if suitable for Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy.
- Allergens: the common allergens it contains.
- Important Certifications: whether it has any certification worth mentioning.
- MFGM: whether or not it has this beneficial ingredient.
- HMOs: whether or not it has this type of prebiotics found in breast milk.
Conventional Non-Organic Formula Comparison Chart
Conventional or standard formulas are designed to be as close to breast milk as possible. They can be organic or non-organic and are made for babies without any specific digestive issues.
Since we have a separate chart for organic formulas, the chart below only compares the most popular non-organic conventional formulas.
Our opinion is to always go for organic if possible, but if those are out of your price range, here are your best options:
| FORMULA | OUR RATING | SPECIALTY | AGE RANGE | ORGANIC | PROTEIN | WHEY-TO-CASEIN RATIO | CARBS | FATS | PREBIOTICS | PROBIOTICS | LACTOSE-FREE | HYPOALLERGENIC | SUITABLE FOR CMPA | ALLERGENS | IMPORTANT CERTIFICATIONS | MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) | HMOs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SIMILAC ADVANCE | 5/10 | Standard | 0-12 Months | NO | Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate | 48-52 | Lactose | DHA, ARA, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | Galactooligosaccharides | None | No | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | None |
SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE | 7/10 | Standard | 0-12 Months | NO | Nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate | 48-52 | Lactose | DHA, ARA, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | Human Milk Oligosaccharides | None | No | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | 2′-Fucosyllactose, Lacto-N-Tetraose, 3-Fucosyllactose, 6′-Sialyllactose, 3′-Sialyllactose |
SIMILAC PURE BLISS | 8/10 | Standard | 0-12 Months | NO (Milk from grass-fed cows) | Whey Protein Concentrate, Nonfat Milk | 48-52 | Lactose | DHA, ARA, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | Galactooligosaccharides | None | No | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | None |
ENFAMIL NEUROPRO | 7/10 | Standard | 0-12 Months | NO | Whey Protein Concentrate | 60-40 | Lactose | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, and High Oleic Sunflower Oils, DHA, ARA | Galactooligosaccharides, Polydextrose | None | No | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | Yes | 2′-Fucosyllactose |
KENDAMIL CLASSIC | 9/10 | Vegetarian | By Stages | NO | Whole Milk, Whey Protein Powder | 60-40 | Lactose | Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Coconut, Rapeseed), DHA and ARA from algae | None | None | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | Red Tractor accredited farms, Certified Vegetarian | Yes | None |
Hypoallergenic Formula Comparison Chart
Hypoallergenic infant formulas are designed for babies with protein sensitivities or allergies. They have partially or extensively hydrolyzed proteins.
Learn more: Partially vs Extensively Hydrolyzed formulas | Hydrolyzed formulas
For babies with CMPA, you want to choose an extensively hydrolyzed formula. Make sure to ALWAYS consult with a healthcare professional before choosing a formula if your baby has been diagnosed with CMPA.
| FORMULA | OUR RATING | SPECIALTY | AGE RANGE | ORGANIC | PROTEIN | WHEY-TO-CASEIN RATIO | CARBS | FATS | PREBIOTICS | PROBIOTICS | LACTOSE-FREE | HYPOALLERGENIC | SUITABLE FOR CMPA | ALLERGENS | IMPORTANT CERTIFICATIONS | MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) | HMOs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SIMILAC TOTAL COMFORT | 6/10 | For Lactose Sensitivity and Hypoallergenic | 0-12 Months | NO | Whey Protein Hydrolysate | Unknown | Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar | DHA, ARA, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides | None | Yes | Yes, partially hydrolyzed | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | None |
SIMILAC PRO-TOTAL COMFORT | 7/10 | For Lactose Sensitivity and Hypoallergenic | 0-12 Months | NO | Whey Protein Hydrolysate | Unknown | Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar | DHA, ARA, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | Short-Chain Fructooligosaccharides and 2’- Fucosyllactose (2’-Fl) | None | Yes | Yes, partially hydrolyzed | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | 2′-Fucosyllactose |
SIMILAC ALIMENTUM | 7/10 | Reducing colic symptoms due to protein sensitivity. Hypoallergenic. | 0-12 Months | NO | Casein Hydrolysate | Hydrolyzed Protein | Corn Maltodextrin, Sugar | High Oleic Safflower Oil, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Soy Oil | None | None | Yes | Yes, extensively hydrolyzed | Yes | Corn and Soy | None | No | None |
ENFAMIL GENTLEASE | 5/10 | For Lactose Sensitivity and Hypoallergenic | 0-12 Months | NO | Partially Hydrolyzed Nonfat Milk And Whey Protein Concentrate Solids | 60-40 | Corn Syrup Solids | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, and High Oleic Sunflower Oils, DHA, ARA | None | None | Yes | Yes, partially hydrolyzed | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | None |
ENFAMIL NEUROPRO GENTLEASE | 6/10 | For Lactose Sensitivity and Hypoallergenic | 0-12 Months | NO | Partially Hydrolyzed Nonfat Milk And Whey Protein Concentrate Solids | 60-40 | Corn Syrup Solids | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, and High Oleic Sunflower Oils, DHA, ARA | None | None | Yes | Yes, partially hydrolyzed | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | Yes | None |
ENFAMIL NUTRAMIGEN | 7/10 | Hypoallergenic, Lactose-Free, Suitable for CMPA | 0-12 Months | NO | Casein Hydrolysate (Milk) | Hydrolyzed Protein | Corn Syrup Solids, Modified Corn Starch | Palm Olein, Coconut, Soy, High Oleic Sunflower Oils, DHA | None | Lactobacillus Rhamnosus | Yes | Yes, extensively hydrolyzed | Yes | Casein (Milk) | None | No | None |
GERBER GOOD START GENTLEPRO | 7/10 | Gentle digestion and Hypoallergenic | 0-12 Months | NO | Whey Protein Concentrate (Partially Hydrolyzed Whey) | 70-30 (Partially Hydrolyzed Whey) | Lactose, Corn Maltodextrin | Palm Olein, Soy, Coconut, High Oleic Safflower or High Oleic Sunflower | 2′-0-Fucosyllactose | None | NO | Yes, partially hydrolyzed | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | 2′-0-Fucosyllactose |
HIPP HA | 9/10 | Allergy prevention with extensively hydrolyzed milk | By Stages | YES | Extensively Hydrolyzed Whey | Hydrolyzed Protein | Lactose | Organic Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil), DHA and ARA from fish oil | Galacto-Oligosaccharides | Limosilactobacillus fermentum | NO | Yes, extensively hydrolyzed | No | Dairy (Milk*) | EU Organic | No | None |
Organic Formula Comparison Chart
Organic formulas are the way to go if you can afford them and they are available in your area. They are usually the purest ingredients and the closest to natural breastmilk.
| FORMULA | OUR RATING | SPECIALTY | AGE RANGE | ORGANIC | PROTEIN | WHEY-TO-CASEIN RATIO | CARBS | FATS | PREBIOTICS | PROBIOTICS | LACTOSE-FREE | HYPOALLERGENIC | SUITABLE FOR CMPA | ALLERGENS | IMPORTANT CERTIFICATIONS | MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) | HMOs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BOBBIE | 9/10 | Organic, Pesticide-Free | 0-12 Months | YES | Organic Whey Protein | 60-40 | Organic Lactose | Organic High Oleic Oils (Safflower or Sunflower), Organic Canola Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Schizochytrium Sp. Oil | None | None | NO | No | No | Milk, coconut | Certified Pesticide-Free by the Clean Label Project | No | None |
BOBBIE GENTLE | 9/10 | Organic, Partially Hydrolyzed Protein, Pesticide-Free | 0-12 Months | YES | Organic Partially Hydrolyzed Protein | 60-40 | Organic Lactose | Organic High Oleic Oils (Sunflower or Safflower), Organic Canola Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Mortierella Alpina Oil | None | None | NO | No | No | Milk, coconut | Certified Pesticide-Free by the Clean Label Project | No | None |
HAPPY BABY | 8/10 | Organic, Pesticide-Free | 0-12 Months | YES | Organic Whey Protein Concentrate | 30-70 | Organic Lactose | Organic Palm Olein Or Palm Oil, Organic Soy Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic High Oleic (Safflower Or Sunflower) Oil | Fructooligosaccharide (FOS), GOS | None | NO | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | Certified Pesticide-Free by the Clean Label Project | No | None |
EARTH’S BEST | 8/10 | Organic, Pesticide-Free | 0-12 Months | YES | Organic Whey Protein Concentrate | 70-30 | Organic Lactose | Organic Oils (Organic Palm or Palm Olein, Organic Soy, Organic Coconut, Organic High Oleic Safflower or Sunflower Oil) | Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) | None | NO | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | USDA-Certified Organic | No | None |
KENDAMIL ORGANIC | 10/10 | Organic, Vegetarian, Pesticide-Free | By Stages | YES | Organic Whole Milk, Whey Protein Powder | 60-40 | Organic Lactose | Organic Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Coconut, Rapeseed), DHA and ARA from algae | Organic Galacto-Oligosaccharides (From Milk*), HMOs | None | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | EU-Certified Organic, UK Red Tractor Farms, Certified Vegetarian | Yes | 3’-GL, 4’-GL, and 6’-GL |
HIPP DUTCH | 9/10 | Organic, Pesticide-Free | By Stages | YES | Nonfat Milk, Whey Protein | 60-40 | Lactose | Organic Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil), DHA and ARA from fish oil | Galacto-Oligosaccharides | Limosilactobacillus fermentum hereditum® | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | EU Organic | No | None |
HIPP GERMAN | 8/10 | Organic, Pesticide-Free | By Stages | YES | Nonfat Milk, Whey Protein | 20-80 | Lactose, Starch | Organic Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil), DHA and ARA from fish oil | Galacto-Oligosaccharides | Limosilactobacillus fermentum hereditum® | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | EU Organic | No | None |
HOLLE BIO | 9/10 | Organic, Pesticide-Free | By Stages | YES | Nonfat Milk, Whey Protein | 60-40 | Lactose | Organic Palm Oil, Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Oils from Microalgae and Mortierella Alpina | None | None | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | EU Organic, Biodynamic Farming, Demeter Organic Certification | No | None |
HOLLE A2 | 9/10 | A2 Milk, Suitable for sensitive tummies and digestibility | By Stages | YES | Skimmed A2 Milk, Whey | 60-40 | Lactose | Organic Palm oil, Rapeseed oil, Sunflower oil, Fish oil | None | None | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | EU Organic, Biodynamic Farming, Demeter Organic Certification | No | None |
BYHEART | 10/10 | Organic, Pesticide-Free | 0-12 Months | YES | Alpha-Lactalbumin Whey Protein, Whey Protein Hydrolysate | 60-40 | Lactose | High Oleic Sunflower oil, Low Erucic Rapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Algal Oil, Mortierella Alpina Oil | Galactooligosaccharides | None | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | Clean Label Purity Award, Pesticide-Free from Clean Label, Certified Organic | No | None |
Sensitive Formula Comparison Chart
Sensitive formulas are designed for babies with one or more digestive issues. Make sure to read the ingredients and their specialty considering your baby’s needs.
They tackle problems like lactose sensitivity, reflux, constipation and colic.
| FORMULA | OUR RATING | SPECIALTY | AGE RANGE | ORGANIC | PROTEIN | WHEY-TO-CASEIN RATIO | CARBS | FATS | PREBIOTICS | PROBIOTICS | LACTOSE-FREE | HYPOALLERGENIC | SUITABLE FOR CMPA | ALLERGENS | IMPORTANT CERTIFICATIONS | MFGM | HMOs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE SENSITIVE | 7/10 | For Lactose Sensitivity | 0-12 Months | NO | Milk Protein Isolate | 48-52 | Corn Syrup, Sugar | DHA, ARA, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | Human Milk Oligosaccharides | None | Yes | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | 2′-Fucosyllactose, Lacto-N-Tetraose, 3-Fucosyllactose, 6′-Sialyllactose, 3′-Sialyllactose |
SIMILAC SENSITIVE | 5/10 | For Lactose Sensitivity | 0-12 Months | NO | Milk Protein Isolate | 48-52 | Corn Syrup, Sugar | DHA, ARA, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | None | None | Yes | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | None |
SIMILAC PRO-SENSITIVE | 6/10 | For Lactose Sensitivity | 0-12 Months | NO | Milk Protein Isolate | 48-52 | Corn Syrup, Sugar | DHA, ARA, High Oleic Safflower Oil, Soy Oil, Coconut Oil | 2′-Fucosyllactose and Fructooligosaccharides | None | Yes | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | 2′-Fucosyllactose |
SIMILAC FOR SPIT UP | 5/10 | Reduces Spit-Up | 0-12 Months | NO | Milk Protein Isolate | Unknown | Corn Syrup and Sugar | High Oleic Safflower Oil and Soy Oil | Galactooligosaccharides | None | Yes | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | None |
ENFAMIL AR | 6/10 | Reduces spit-up | 0-12 Months | NO | Nonfat Milk | 20-80 | Lactose, Maltodextrin, Rice Starch | DHA, ARA, Palm Olein, Coconut Oil, Soy Oil, High Oleic Sunflower Oil | Galactooligosaccharides, Polydextrose | None | No | No | No | Milk, soy, coconut | None | No | None |
ENFAMIL REGULINE | 5/10 | For Occasional Constipation | 0-12 Months | NO | Nonfat Milk, Whey Protein | 60-40 | Corn Syrup Solids | Palm Olein Oil, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Soy Oil | Polydextrose, Galactooligosaccharides | None | No | No | No | Milk, soy | None | No | None |
HIPP COMFORT | 9/10 | Constipation and Colic | By Stages | YES | Hydrolyzed Whey Protein | 60-40 | Lactose, Maltodextrin, Starch | Organic Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil), DHA and ARA from fish oil | Galacto-Oligosaccharides | Limosilactobacillus fermentum hereditum® | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | EU Organic | No | None |
HIPP AR | 9/10 | Reflux and regurgitation | By Stages | YES | Nonfat Milk, Whey Protein | 60-40 | Lactose | Organic Vegetable Oils (Palm Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil), DHA and ARA from fish oil | Galactooligosaccharides, fiber from Carob fruit | Limosilactobacillus fermentum | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | EU Organic | No | None |
Goat Milk Formula Comparison Chart
Goat milk formula has lots of benefits compared to cow’s. It’s increasing its popularity mainly in Europe, but they are starting to arrive in the US too. However, they have limited availability.
Learn more: Benefits of Goat Milk Formulas | Goat vs Cow Milk Formula
| FORMULA | OUR RATING | SPECIALTY | AGE RANGE | ORGANIC | PROTEIN | WHEY-TO-CASEIN RATIO | CARBS | FATS | PREBIOTICS | PROBIOTICS | LACTOSE-FREE | HYPOALLERGENIC | SUITABLE FOR CMPA | ALLERGENS | IMPORTANT CERTIFICATIONS | MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) | HMOs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
KENDAMIL GOAT | 9/10 | For Cow’s protein sensitivity, Vegetarian | By Stages | NO | Whole goat milk, Demineralised goat whey powder (from milk) | 40-60 | Lactose | Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Coconut, Rapeseed), DHA and ARA from algae | Galacto-Oligosaccharides (from milk) | None | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | Red Tractor accredited farms, Certified Vegetarian | Yes | None |
| HOLLE GOAT | 9/10 | For Cow’s protein sensitivity | By Stages | YES | Whole Goat Milk Powder | 40-60 | Lactose | Sunflower Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Algae Oil (DHA) | None | None | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | EU Organic, Biodynamic Farming, Demeter Organic Certification | No | None |
KABRITA | 9/10 | For Cow’s protein sensitivity | By Stages | NO | Goat Whey Protein Concentrate | 60-40 | Lactose | High sn-2 Palmitic Acid, Coconut Oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil, DHA | Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) | None | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | Strict European Infant Certification | No | None |
NANNYCARE | 9/10 | For Cow’s protein sensitivity | By Stages | NO | Pasteurized Goat Milk Solids | 20-80 | Lactose | High Oleic Sunflower oil, Rapeseed Oil, Sunflower Oil, DHA Fish Oil | None | None | NO | No | No | Dairy (Milk*) | None | Yes | None |
How to Choose a Formula Infographic
Last Words
We hope these 5 formula comparison charts help you choose the best formula for your baby.
Remember that sometimes trial and error is necessary, so do not panic if your baby reacts badly to the first couple of formulas you offer.
Keep learning and researching to find the best one.
Happy feeding!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
