Bobbie vs Kendamil Formula (2026): Ingredients, Safety, and Which Is Better

Updated April 2026

A note about ByHeart: This post was originally a three-way comparison that included ByHeart formula. In November 2025, ByHeart recalled all of its infant formula products nationwide following an infant botulism outbreak, and has paused all production. This post has been updated to focus on the two premium formula brands parents are comparing most: Kendamil and Bobbie.

When it comes to choosing a high-quality infant formula, two brands consistently rise to the top of conversations among parents: Bobbie and Kendamil.

Both are known for high-quality ingredients and a commitment to avoiding palm oil, corn syrup, and synthetic additives.

Both meet FDA requirements. And families feel very strongly about their opinions on the formulas.

If you’re feeling stuck trying to decide between them, you’re not alone.

As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I can tell you this:
The “best” formula isn’t about hype...it’s about what your baby tolerates and what works for your family.

This post will walk you through everything you need to know:

• a brand overview of Kendamil vs. Bobbie
• a side-by-side ingredient comparison of Bobbie and Kendamil
• a breakdown of specific formula lines (Bobbie Original vs. Kendamil Classic, Bobbie Gentle vs. Kendamil Goat, and Bobbie Whole Milk vs. Kendamil Organic)
• guidance on which formula might be the right fit for your baby.

Remember: both formulas are FDA-reviewed and proven to support infant growth and development. The best formula is the one your baby thrives on.

>>> What formula is best for your baby? Take the free quiz!<<<

Bobbie vs. Kendamil: Brand Overview

About Bobbie

Bobbie was founded in 2018 in San Francisco and entered the U.S. market in 2020, becoming the first new infant formula company to launch in the U.S. in over six years.

It was created by moms who felt the American formula market needed updated options for modern parents.

Bobbie's mission has always been to offer a European-style formula that meets USDA Organic standards and avoids the ingredients parents were questioning: corn syrup, palm oil, and synthetic additives.

Bobbie manufactures entirely in the United States, which makes it different from other brands. It has become especially important to many families after supply chain issues, including the 2022 formula shortage and the 2024 port strikes that affected imported brands.

Bobbie sources its organic milk from Organic Valley, a co-op of American pasture-raised, organic dairy farms.

Bobbie's formula options have grown a lot since they came to market in 2020. As of 2026, they offer four main formulas:

• Bobbie Organic Original: the original nonfat milk-based formula
• Bobbie Organic Gentle: partially hydrolyzed protein for fussy, gassy babies
• Bobbie Organic Whole Milk: USDA organic, grass-fed, whole milk-based (launched April 2025, the first of its kind in the U.S.)
• Bobbie Grass-Fed Whole Milk: non-organic whole milk option

Every Bobbie formula avoids palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin, and soy.

Consumer Reports named Bobbie formulas a "Top Choice" in their 2025 heavy metals testing.

About Kendamil

Kendamil is a British brand with over 60 years of history, manufactured in Kendal in the Lake District of England.

It's family-owned and has been making formula longer than most U.S. brands have existed.

Kendamil became legally available in the U.S. in 2022, initially as an emergency measure during the formula shortage, and has remained on American shelves since.

Prior to that, many families imported it through illegal third party websites.

What sets Kendamil apart is its use of whole milk as a base rather than nonfat or skim milk.

Kendamil also uses plant-based DHA from algae rather than fish oil, making it vegetarian-friendly, and it avoids palm oil across its entire line.

Kendamil formulas available in the US are:

• Kendamil Classic: non-organic whole cow's milk formula
• Kendamil Organic: certified organic whole cow's milk formula
• Kendamil Goat: whole A2 goat milk formula for sensitive tummies

Because Kendamil is imported from the UK, it has been subject to supply disruptions. The 2024 port strikes resulted in significant shortages on U.S. shelves, and parents who rely on Kendamil should be aware of potential availability gaps, especially for the Goat formula, which has had multiple shortages since coming to the US market in 2022.

Interested in learning about goat milk formulas? Click here.

Kendamil vs. Bobbie: Key Ingredient Comparison

Both formulas meet FDA nutritional requirements and will support your baby's growth and development.

Here is how they compare on the key ingredients:

Protein

Protein is essential for muscle, tissue, and organ development. The whey-to-casein ratio matters because it affects how easily a baby digests the formula.

For reference, breast milk has a whey to casein ratio of 60:40.

• Bobbie Original: Uses nonfat milk with a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio. Protein is sourced from organic milk.
• Bobbie Whole Milk: Also 60:40 whey-to-casein, but the protein comes from organic whole milk, which contains naturally occurring milk fat alongside the protein.
• Bobbie Gentle: Uses 100% partially hydrolyzed (broken-down) whey protein, making it even easier to digest for babies with protein sensitivity. It's whey-to-casein ratio is 100:0.
• Kendamil Classic & Organic: Uses whole cow's milk with a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio. Contains A1 and A2 proteins naturally present in cow's milk.
• Kendamil Goat: Uses whole A2 goat milk with a 60:40 ratio. A2 protein forms smaller, softer curds during digestion, which some babies tolerate better than cow's milk.

Fats

Fat is critical for brain development, energy, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The biggest difference between these brands is whether milk fat or vegetable oils are the primary fat source.

• Bobbie Original & Gentle: Fat blend from organic sunflower/safflower oil, coconut oil, and canola oil, 100% plant-based oils. No palm oil.
• Bobbie Whole Milk: Combination of whole milk fat and plant-based oils. The milk fat provides naturally occurring MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), associated with brain development and immune support.
• Kendamil Classic, Organic & Goat: Uses whole milk fat as the primary fat source, plus added sunflower, coconut, and canola oils. No palm oil.

Kendamil's whole milk approach means more naturally occurring milk fats across all of their formulas, while only Bobbie Whole Milk uses whole fat milk. Bobbie Original and Bobbie Gentle use non-fat milk, meaning more added oils.

Carbohydrates

• All Bobbie formulas: Use lactose as the sole carbohydrate. The Organic formulas use organic lactose. No corn syrup, glucose syrup, or maltodextrin.
• Kendamil Classic: Lactose as primary carbohydrate (not organic).
• Kendamil Organic: Organic lactose.
• Kendamil Goat: Lactose as primary carbohydrate.

This is a wash as both brands use lactose-only carbohydrate profiles.

Of note, Bobbie Gentle is the only gentle formula available in the US that uses 100% lactose as the carbohydrate source.

DHA & ARA

DHA and ARA are omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids critical for brain and eye development.

• Bobbie: DHA from algae (plant-based). All Bobbie formulas now include both DHA and ARA. Bobbie meets EU guidelines for DHA at 20mg per serving.
• Kendamil: DHA from marine algae (plant-based), ARA from Mortierella alpina oil. Kendamil also meets EU DHA standards. No fish oil.

Both are plant-based DHA sources, a plus for vegetarian families and a meaningful difference from many conventional U.S. formulas that use fish oil.

Prebiotics & Probiotics

• Bobbie Original & Whole Milk: no prebiotics or probiotics.
• Bobbie Gentle: no prebiotics or probiotics.
• Kendamil Classic: GOS and FOS prebiotics, plus HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides), a prebiotic found naturally in breast milk.
• Kendamil Organic: GOS prebiotics and HMOs.
• Kendamil Goat: GOS prebiotics and HMOs.

Kendamil has an edge here on prebiotic variety, particularly with the addition of HMOs, which are a more advanced type of prebiotic associated with immune support. Neither brand includes probiotics directly in their formula (both recommend separate drops if needed).

Head-to-Head: Specific Formula Comparisons of Bobbie vs. Kendamil

Bobbie Organic Original vs. Kendamil Classic

These are the flagship formulas from each brand and are a good starting point for most families.

Bobbie Organic Original is a nonfat milk-based formula, meaning fat comes entirely from plant-based oils. It is USDA Organic certified, made in the U.S., and uses only organic lactose. The 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio closely mirrors breast milk. It's a reliable, widely available formula with a strong safety track record.

Kendamil Classic is a whole cow's milk formula, meaning natural milk fat is featured and there are fewer added oils. It is not organic but is non-GMO. Made in the UK, it follows EU nutritional standards and includes a broader prebiotic blend (GOS, FOS, and HMOs). It is not USDA certified but meets both UK and EU regulatory standards and is on the FDA's list of internationally approved formulas. 

Best for: If organic certification matters most to you and you want a U.S.-made formula with a strong availability record, Bobbie Original is the pick. If you prefer a whole-milk fat profile and European-style formulation (and can tolerate some supply unpredictability), Kendamil Classic is an excellent option.

Bobbie Organic Gentle vs. Kendamil Goat

These are the go-to options for babies with sensitive digestion...but they work in very different ways.

Bobbie Organic Gentle uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein. "Hydrolyzed" means the protein has been partially broken down before it goes into the formula, which makes it easier for sensitive digestive systems to handle.

It contains the same USDA Organic ingredients as Bobbie Original. It is a cow's milk formula. This is a good option when your baby seems uncomfortable, gassy, or fussy but does not have a confirmed cow's milk protein allergy.

Kendamil Goat uses whole A2 goat milk as its base. Goat milk naturally contains A2 beta-casein protein, which forms smaller, softer curds during digestion compared to the A1 protein found in most cow's milk formulas. It also includes naturally occurring MFGM from the goat milk fat. It is not organic but is non-GMO. It does NOT have a partially hydrolyzed protein...the protein is intact but simply comes from goat milk, which many sensitive babies tolerate better.

Important note: Kendamil Goat is not appropriate for babies with a confirmed cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). It still contains some cow milk-derived ingredients. If your baby has a confirmed CMPA, speak with your pediatric provider about hypoallergenic formula options.

Best for: Bobbie Gentle is a good first step for a fussy or gassy baby on cow's milk formula. Kendamil Goat may suit babies who have tried cow's milk formulas and done poorly on them but haven't been diagnosed with CMPA. Availability is a factor...Kendamil Goat has experienced significant supply gaps in the U.S., while Bobbie Gentle is generally consistently available.

Bobbie Organic Whole Milk vs. Kendamil Organic

These are the premium whole-milk options from each brand.

Bobbie Organic Whole Milk launched in April 2025 as the first USDA Organic whole milk infant formula in the United States. It is made with organic grass-fed whole milk from pasture-raised cows, sourced from Organic Valley. It contains naturally occurring MFGM from the milk fat, uses a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, and has a lower proportion of added plant-based oils compared to Bobbie's other formulas. It is manufactured in the U.S.

Kendamil Organic is a certified organic (EU Organic and UK Soil Association) whole cow's milk formula. It has been on the market in the UK for years and has a longer track record as an organic whole milk formula. It contains GOS prebiotics and HMOs, includes DHA and ARA from plant-based sources, and uses whole Jersey cow milk from UK farms.

Best for: This is the closest head-to-head matchup between the two brands. Both are whole-milk, organic options with clean ingredient profiles. Bobbie Organic Whole Milk is newer to market, U.S.-made with more consistent availability, and carries USDA Organic certification. Kendamil Organic has a longer track record as an organic whole milk formula in Europe and includes a more comprehensive prebiotic profile. The choice often comes down to supply reliability (advantage: Bobbie) vs. prebiotic depth and European heritage (advantage: Kendamil).

Pricing & Availability of Bobbie vs. Kendamil

Bobbie is available direct from Bobbie's website (hibobbie.com) via subscription or one-time purchase, as well as at Target and other U.S. retailers. Pricing runs approximately $28–$32 per 14.1 oz can. Bobbie's domestic manufacturing gives it a significant supply chain advantage. It has maintained consistent availability through multiple market disruptions.

Kendamil is available at Target, Walmart, and through online retailers. Pricing is comparable to Bobbie, typically $28–$34 per can depending on the retailer and formula type. The goat milk formula is typically more expensive.

Which Formula Is Right for Your Baby?

Here is a simple guide based on your priorities:

• You want USDA Organic + U.S. made + reliable supply: Bobbie Organic Original or Bobbie Organic Whole Milk
• You want whole milk fat + European heritage + HMOs: Kendamil Classic or Kendamil Organic
• Your baby is gassy or fussy on cow's milk: Try Bobbie Organic Gentle first
• You want to start with a gentle, non cow-milk based option: Consider Kendamil Goat
• You want the closest to breastmilk with MFGM and whole milk nutrition: Bobbie Organic Whole Milk or Kendamil Organic (very similar, both excellent)
• Supply reliability matters a lot to you: Bobbie has a domestic supply chain advantage

Always consult your pediatrician or a formula expert before switching formulas, especially if your baby is showing signs of intolerance or allergy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kendamil FDA approved?

Kendamil is not "FDA approved" in the traditional sense. The FDA does not formally "approve" infant formulas before they go to market. However, all infant formula sold in the U.S. must comply with FDA regulations. Kendamil formulas sold in the U.S. are on the FDA's list of international formulas under enforcement discretion guidance, meaning they have met key nutritional, manufacturing, and labeling standards required for U.S. sale. They have been reviewed and are proven to support infant growth and development.

Who makes Kendamil formula?

Kendamil is made by a family-owned company called Kendal Nutricare, founded in Kendal, a town in the Lake District of England. The company has been producing infant formula for over 60 years. All Kendamil formula is manufactured at their facility in the Lake District.

Is Kendamil the best formula?

"Best" depends entirely on your baby and your priorities. Kendamil is widely respected for its whole-milk formulation, clean ingredient profile, and European heritage. But there is no single best formula, the best formula is the one your baby tolerates well and that you feel confident feeding. Both Kendamil and Bobbie are excellent options, and neither is superior across the board.

Who makes Bobbie formula?

Bobbie was founded by Laura Modi and Sarah Hardy in 2018 and is headquartered in San Francisco. It is the only mom-founded and mom-led infant formula company in the United States. Bobbie manufactures its formula domestically and owns its U.S. production end-to-end.

Does Bobbie have a gentle or sensitive formula?

Yes. Bobbie Organic Gentle uses partially hydrolyzed whey protein, which is easier to digest for babies experiencing gas, fussiness, or crying. It is a good option to try before moving to a more specialized or hypoallergenic formula.

Does Kendamil have a sensitive or gentle version?

Kendamil does not currently offer a partially hydrolyzed or "gentle" cow's milk formula in the U.S. If your baby is sensitive to cow's milk formula, Kendamil Goat (which uses A2 goat milk protein) may be a gentler alternative. If your baby has a confirmed cow's milk protein allergy, speak with your pediatrician about hypoallergenic options.

Can I switch between Bobbie and Kendamil?

Yes. Most babies tolerate formula switches well. You can switch cold turkey or gradually transition over a few days by mixing old and new formula. Watch for signs of intolerance: changes in stool texture or frequency, increased gas, fussiness, or rash. These are usually temporary during a transition. If they persist beyond a week, contact your pediatric provider.

Is Bobbie or Kendamil better for breastfed babies supplementing with formula?

Both are excellent options for supplementing. Both use a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio that closely mirrors breast milk, use lactose as the sole carbohydrate (same as breast milk), and avoid palm oil. Bobbie Organic Whole Milk and Kendamil Classic are particularly close to breast milk in their fat composition because of the whole milk fat they contain. Many supplementing parents find these feel like a natural bridge.

Bobbie comes in smaller tins, which may be beneficial for combination-feeding parents using small amounts of formula.

Will tariffs affect the price of Kendamil in 2026?

Possibly. Kendamil is imported from the UK, and changes in U.S. import tariff policy could affect pricing. This is an active area of uncertainty for all imported European formula brands. Bobbie, as a domestically manufactured formula, is not subject to import tariffs. Families on a budget or those who rely heavily on formula may want to factor in supply and price stability when choosing between these brands.

Where can I get personalized help choosing a formula?

If you are still unsure which formula is right for your baby, a nurse practitioner or feeding specialist can help. I offer personalized formula recommendations based on your baby's specific needs, feeding history, and your family's priorities, without the overwhelm of sorting through conflicting online advice on your own.

Every baby is different, and no blog post replaces the guidance of your pediatric provider. If your baby is showing signs of formula intolerance, reflux, or allergy, please reach out to your pediatrician for personalized support.