Nara Organics vs Bobbie Formula: Which One is Right for You?

Parents try to do the best that they can for their babies. Whether it’s buying the safest car seat or the best crib, we want to make sure our little ones can thrive. One thing that we might stress about the most is milk. Specifically, how exactly we are going to feed them. Breastmilk? Formula? Both? I am a mother to a 10-month-old, and my breastfeeding journey was very unique. My daughter wouldn’t latch, so I ended up exclusively pumping for 7 months before switching to combo feeding. 

When we made the switch, it took a lot of effort to figure out which formula was the best one to give her. You want to give your baby the best, so they are happy, thriving, and healthy. So when I was researching formulas, one thing I looked into was organic whole milk formula. That’s where Nara Organics and Bobbie came in. But which one was better? I decided to look deeper.

It’s important to note that Bobbie has several formula options: Organic Whole Milk, Organic Gentle, Whole Milk, and Gentle. For this comparison, I will be focusing on the Organic Whole Milk formulas from each brand.

Nara vs Bobbie Comparison Table

How to Choose a Baby Formula for Your Family

Choosing a baby formula for your family will mostly depend on your baby and what you’re looking for in a formula. The first thing you should look out for is an iron-fortified formula because a baby’s iron stores begin to deplete around four to six months of age. I also personally prefer one with a cow’s milk base as it’s the closest to my breastmilk and it provides the essential proteins and fat my baby needs to grow. 

You should also consider the type of formula you want to buy. You can stick with the classic powder, but some brands make ready-made formulas. I like to buy ready-made 8-ounce bottles of formula for when we are on the go. It is so much more convenient for us to not have to bring the powder and water separately and mix it when our baby is ready to eat. 

Consider your baby’s needs: Do they often have constipation? Maybe they are a bit gassier than most babies. Do they have reflux? Answering these questions can help you find the right formula for your little one.

Other things to note include certifications, cost per ounce, and ingredients.

Why Choose a Whole Milk Formula

Parents typically choose a whole milk formula because the natural milk fats are pretty close to breastmilk—it’s why I chose it too! This type of formula supports brain development and immune function and is easier to digest than other formulas. This is why Nara Organics’ whole milk-only formula takes the cake for me. Traditional formula (and Bobbie) uses skim milk, which removes the natural fat and replaces it with vegetable oils. Bobbie uses some whole milk and some skim milk, but the amounts are not the same, as they are both skim milk. Nara received a special “GRAS” designation from the FDA to include the most milk fat of any formula in the US, so they can use less vegetable oil in their formula. Bobbie does not do that, but it’s worth noting that they do include skim milk in their formula.

How is European-Style Formula Different From Standard U.S. Options?

European formulas have stricter EU regulations, which lead to cleaner formulas, usually free of corn syrup, GMOs, and fewer additives. To be more specific, the EU bans these synthetic preservatives. The US allows more additives, including corn syrup solids, which I personally would prefer not to give my baby. Another example is that the EU formula requires DHA at specific levels, while it’s optional in the US formula.

Nara vs Bobbie: A Closer Look

Nutrition

Breastmilk contains two proteins: whey and casein. Whey is gentle on new tummies, and casein digests more slowly, helping babies feel fuller for longer. Because of this, a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio is the closest formula to breastmilk, and will make formula feeding feel more natural to your baby’s digestion. 

Bobbie is inspired by European standards. It uses USDA Organic whole milk, including DHA and ARA for brain and eye development. It is free from palm oil and soy allergens. Nara also uses organic whole milk and offers EU-levels of DHA and ARA, avoiding palm oil and soy. One difference between the two is that Bobbie uses skim milk in their formula, while Nara does not. 

Unlike Bobbie, Nara adds an organic prebiotic called galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) to its formula, which helps support digestion and promote softer stools. Bobbie does not include prebiotics as they have stated that organic HMO prebiotics are not available, but Nara shares that organic GOS contains 3 HMOs also found in breastmilk: 3’-GL, 4’-GL, and 6’-GL. I personally appreciate the addition of prebiotics to formula, especially when my daughter was younger and had a sensitive stomach.

Both formula brands use a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, but Nara’s fat composition is closer to breastmilk because it uses higher amounts of milk fat. This was important to me because I wanted to make sure the formula was as close to my breastmilk as possible.

Ingredient List

Since the formulas are so similar, let’s take a closer look at the ingredient lists for more information. I know that both formulas use an organic whole milk base and rely on lactose as the primary carbohydrate. They both use whey protein and have DHA and ARA from the same source. 

When inspecting the ingredient list, Bobbie lists organic lactose first, followed by organic whole milk. Nara lists organic whole milk first, then organic lactose. This may suggest a slightly different emphasis on their formulation. Nara leans heavily on whole milk fats up front, whereas Bobbie highlights lactose as the primary ingredient. 

Nara includes GOS, while Bobbie doesn’t. Parents, like myself, may prefer this option for babies who might be prone to constipation or digestive discomfort. 

L-Carnitine is present in Bobbie’s ingredient list, but not in Nara’s. This ingredient helps support fat metabolism and energy and is commonly added to infant formula. I do believe it’s possible that Nara meets the requirements of this ingredient through other components or even naturally occurring levels, but it’s important to note that Bobbie explicitly lists it. 

Bobbie includes organic nonfat milk in their formula, which is another term for skim milk. It doesn’t inherently make it better or worse, but it is a structural difference in how the milk base is balanced. 

The last thing I noticed is that the mineral forms are different, albeit functionally equivalent. It’s the same core minerals, but they are different chemical forms. Some examples are Iron, which Bobbie lists as Ferrous sulfate, and Nara lists as Ferrous gluconate. Some other minerals I noted are Zinc, Copper, Magnesium, and Selenium. Again, this doesn’t change the nutritional value of these formulas in any way. They are all FDA-approved and meet the regulatory standards. However, some parents believe gluconate forms (like the ones in Nara) are gentle on digestion, but evidence is mixed, and, as we know, baby tolerance will vary individually. 

Certifications

I found that both brands carried similar certifications. Here are the ones they both have: 

• USDA Organic Certification
• FDA standards
• Clean Label Project Purity Award
• Pesticide-free certification
• Third-party testing

One thing I want to note is that, because Nara is made in Germany, the formula must be tested for heavy metals and must meet the EU’s established maximum limits, which are more clearly defined than those currently in place in the U.S. but not subject to maximum limits in the U.S. 

Manufacturing and Sourcing

Bobbie uses a European-style formula manufactured in the U.S. For some parents, this could be something to consider if you prefer “made in USA” products. This also means it’s possible that the journey from manufacturing to your door is shorter than that of an overseas product. 

However, I do want to note that some of Bobbie’s formulas are co-manufactured by Perrigo, and their Organic Whole Milk formula is a Nature’s One recipe. Bobbie acquired Nature’s One and their manufacturing facility in Heath, Ohio, in 2023. Perrigo is a large infant formula manufacturer that makes all of the store brand formulas in the U.S., like Up & Up and Parent’s Choice, as well as Bobbie Organic Original and Bobbie Gentle formula.

Nara’s formula is a truly unique recipe developed by scientists, nutritionists, and pediatricians. It is manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in Germany that produces some of the top infant formulas in Europe. This is not “co-manufacturing”; rather, it is “toll manufacturing.” Let’s just make sure it is clear in this section that Bobbie’s formula is not unique and is co-manufactured here in the US.

Additionally, Bobbie has not completed their own clinical trial on any of their formulas. Nara has conducted its own double-blind clinical trial.

Both brands provide transparent sourcing details on their websites for added reassurance. You can read Bobbie’s here and Nara’s here.

Pricing and Size

Let’s be real here—pricing can make or break whether you want to pull the trigger on a higher-end formula compared to, say, a store brand one. When I made the switch from breastmilk to exclusively formula, it was quite a jumpscare to see how much we spend every month on formula. We’re talking upwards of $300 a month! So I had to compare the prices of Nara and Bobbie’s Organic Whole Milk Formula. 

Bobbie’s 14.1-ounce cans are available for purchase individually or as a subscription with a 10% discount and free shipping. The starter bundle, which includes two of these cans, will cost around $28 a month. 

Nara offers single cans as well as 2, 4 and 6-pack options, with a 20% discount for new customers to try it out, and 10% off with free shipping when purchased on a subscription. Each can contains 24.7 ounces. One can is $45, or $40.50 with a subscription.

While Bobbie is available at major retailers, while Nara is available online and in Target stores nationwide. Sometimes time slips by me, and I don’t realize that she is running out of formula. It’s easier for me to run to the store to pick up a brand-name item than to order one online. Additionally, I live in a rural area and don’t have access to a Target. However, if you set up a subscription, it’s possible you might not run into the issue of running out of formula.

Health Considerations

Both Bobbie and Nara are modeled after breast milk and formulated to be gentle on digestion. Bobbie has more reviews from parents reporting that the formula has helped their little ones pass softer stools and promote overall feeding comfort. Nara is newer to the market, but they already have over 350 5-star reviews from happy parents. 

One thing I love about Nara is that they are the only organic whole milk formula in the U.S. that has been clinically studied. Bobbie’s whole milk formulas rely on previous studies of skim milk formula. 

Another thing that had me wary of these types of formula brands was the most recent recall involving the formula brand ByHeart. They recently had a recall due to reports of infant botulism, which would be any parent’s worst nightmare. I appreciate that Nara has submitted its own safety assessment to the FDA to use the highest level of whole milk in a U.S. formula. They also conducted a double-blind clinical trial spanning over twelve months that showed their formula is safe, supports healthy growth, and is well-tolerated by babies. Nara has also been conducting voluntary SRC and C. perfringens screening for spore-forming bacteria on every batch since day one. Other brands are now following suit and setting up similar testing processes post-recall.

FAQs

Can My Baby Switch Formulas?

Yes, you can absolutely switch infant formulas, but it’s important you consider a few things. Most babies will tolerate it well, but if your baby has a sensitive stomach, they may experience side effects such as gas, spitting up, or changes in their stool. When I was building my milk supply, I had to give my daughter formula for a bit. I found that she wasn’t reacting well to it, so I switched her to a different formula, and she did experience a few symptoms from the change.

Some tips for switching are:

• Stick to the same base, like cow’s milk, or soy milk.
• Transition gradually, mixing the old formula with the new one, increasing the proportion with the new formula over about a week.

If this is a situation involving an allergy or recall, you should consider a cold-turkey switch.

Are There Any Allergens to Watch Out for?

You should look out for any allergic reactions when your baby starts a new formula. Typical allergens you might experience are cow’s milk protein, lactose, and soy protein. Some symptoms that may occur are digestive (vomiting, colic, diarrhea), respiratory (wheezing, congestion), or skin problems (eczema, rashes, hives). If you notice any of these, consult a doctor immediately. They may suggest switching to a hyperallergenic formula. 

Can Formula be Mixed With Breast Milk?

Yes! This is typically called “combo-feeding” and is very common. Many mothers can’t produce enough milk to sustain their infant and have to use formula to top off bottles. This is completely safe when done properly. I had to combo-feed for a little bit at the beginning, and then, after seven months, I used the remaining breastmilk I had stored in the freezer.

Always prepare formula (mix with water) before you combine with breast milk. You should also follow the formula’s 1-hour room temp and 24-hour fridge temp storage rules. Please consult your pediatrician for any advice or recommendations with this method. 

Final Thoughts

After comparing Nara and Bobbie, I believe they are both solid options, neither choice would be a “wrong” one. That said, if I had to recommend one overall, I would choose Nara. I personally value the whole-milk-only formula, the added prebiotics, and how much closer it is to breast milk. I also appreciate, as a parent, that Nara has undergone its own clinical trial and the strict EU manufacturing standards.

Bobbie remains a strong option, especially if you prioritize retail availability. As I mentioned, Nara is now available nationwide at Target, but rural areas, like mine, may not have access to a Target. However, the use of skim milk and the lack of prebiotics made a difference for me in my choice.

Ultimately, the “best” formula is the one your little one tolerates well, fits into your family’s lifestyle, and gives you peace of mind.