Formula

ByHeart Formula Vs. Bobbie: A Comprehensive Comparison Of US-Made Baby Formulas

Updated on
byheart formula vs bobbie

 

Overview

Many American brand baby formulas contain questionable and ‘unclean’ ingredients. Thankfully, we have two new brands on the market: ByHeart and Bobbie.

Both brands promise to be nutritious, delicious, safe, and “clean” — backed by the “Clean Label Project Purity Award” they’ve received.

But which is better? How do they stack up against each other? s? Should you pick from these two or stick to the tried-and-tested formula brands like Similac and Enfamil?

ByHeart and Bobbie cost more than the flagship formulas of traditional brands. But many parents are ready to spend the extra money, because they consider both options superior formula.

What formula ingredients can be problematic for your little one, and Bobbie and ByHeart products contain them? Which brand offers organic formula products, and does this really matter? 

Get answers to your questions below.

 

What Makes ByHeart Formula & Bobbie Different From Traditional Brands?

High-quality traditional formulas are meant to provide for your baby’s nutritional needs.

However, while certain ingredients are used in formulas for important reasons (e.g., palm oil has a similar fatty acid profile as breast milk), they can affect your baby negatively. (1)

Several studies show that some of the ingredients contained in many formulas can also cause the following: 

  • Palm oil – Increased risk for constipation, reduced calcium and fat absorption, and bone mineralization (compromise of bone tissue quality) (1)
  • Corn maltodextrin (additive) – Increased risk for heart diseases, diabetes, obesity, and chronic inflammatory diseases (2)
  • Corn syrup (sweetener; sweeter than table sugar) – Increased risk for obesity, especially because it’s absorbed more readily by the body (3)
  • Other added sugars – Studies show that sugar can be more addictive than cocaine and may lead to increased obesity risks (4)
  • DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)- Although important for brain and eye development, conventional DHAs are often extracted using a possibly toxic processing aid called hexane (5)
  • Canola oil (also called rapeseed oil; used in the fat blend) – Can be highly inflammatory and also have harmful fats (6)
  • Other highly processed vegetable oils – Contain unhealthy fats that may increase the long-term risks of ailments such as coronary heart disease (7)
  • Soy ingredients – Potential allergen; aside from triggering an allergic reaction, it can also cause gas, bloating, vomiting, stomach upset, constipation, or diarrhea due to the presence of lectins (8)(9)

 

ByHeart and Bobbie formulas are free from most of the ingredients listed above, except canola oil. Both use hexane-free DHA.

 

New Formulas In A Market Dominated By Giants

  • ByHeart is marketed as an American formula brand
  • Bobbie Formula is marketed as a “European-styleUS formula brand

 

Both brands boast of high-quality milk products with cleaner ingredients than traditional formulas. Their products are formulated for 0-12 months old and sourced from grass-fed cows. 

They’re also both created to be as close as possible to breast milk, which can help your baby transition from breastfeeding to formula feeding.

However, they’re also fairly new brands trying to compete in a market dominated by giants, particularly Similac and Enfamil.

As new brands, ByHeart and Bobbie might not be readily recognized by many parents, but they’re slowly gaining traction on the market. 

It can seem unlikely either will unseat the major brands from the Top 2 spots, especially considering that Similac is steadily regaining its dominance as the #1 brand in the US despite figuring in a massive recall and causing a formula shortage. (10)

Yet these newbie brands are becoming popular among health-conscious moms looking for a cleaner formula for your little one.

However, we recommend you consult your pediatrician before switching your baby to any new formula.

 

Are There Heavy Metals In These Baby Formulas?

None. Both brands are recipients of the Clean Label Project Purity Award granted to the cleanest, purest products. They’re certified free from heavy metals, pesticide residues, and other environmental or industrial toxins and contaminants. (11)

 

Which Is ‘Cleaner’ & More Ideal For Your Baby: ByHeart Or Bobbie Formula?

Both brands are clean and can support your baby’s nutrient needs.

However, Bobbie offers superior safety because each batch goes through 2,000+ quality and safety tests during production.

This number is nearly three times that of ByHeart, which tests its products for 700+ toxic chemicals and contaminants.

Note that having more tests doesn’t automatically mean Bobbie is cleaner. Still, it can give you peace of mind that these products are known to be free from more harmful products, possible contaminants, or other toxic substances.

We’ll discuss more similarities and differences below.

 

Subscription-Based Options

Both brands offer subscriptions.

You’ll never have to worry about your baby formula stock because they deliver to your doorstep monthly. 

They also offer assistance in determining how many cans you need to buy or subscribe to, depending on your baby’s feeding and development needs (often based on your little one’s age).

 

Key Comparison: ByHeart Formula Vs. Bobbie 

Products At A Glance

ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula

The brand only has one formula option:

  • ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula

Learn more about this product in our ByHeart Formula Reviews article.

 

Bobbie Organic Baby Formulas

The brand offers two formulas:

  • Bobbie Organic Infant Formula

BOBBIE BUTTONTARGET BUTTON

  • Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula

BOBBIE BUTTONTARGET BUTTON

Learn more about these specific products in our article on Bobbie Formula Reviews.

 

ByHeart Formula & Bobbie: Brand Origin, Production, Ethos, & Reputation In Infant Nutrition

Things To Know About ByHeart Formula

ByHeart Formula: History, Vision, Values, & Importance

Siblings Ron Belldegrun and Mia Funt founded ByHeart in September 2016. The co-founders wanted to create an “updated” baby formula cleaner than the “outdated” recipe used by the main baby formula brands.

The brand was founded because Funt experienced challenges with breastfeeding and formula feeding. She couldn’t find any product she felt confident feeding her then one-year-old daughter Neve. She felt like she was compromising every time she couldn’t breastfeed her daughter.

To ensure they would cover everything parents were looking for in a formula, ByHeart conducted a survey.

Their survey showed that 84% of parents wanted a formula resembling breast milk but with all-in-one benefits and clean ingredients.

The brand also discovered that 60% of parents didn’t understand formula ingredients. At the same time, more than half felt that the traditional formula brands were “forcing” them to consider one certain benefit over another. (12)

 

Why Is The ByHeart Formula More Ideal Than Other Formulas?

ByHeart formulated a patented protein blend in order to have a closer composition to breast milk. (12)

Instead of a formulation close to mature breast milk, they chose an 80:20 whey protein-to-casein ratio akin to early breast milk content or colostrum. (12)

ByHeart has established its product effectiveness and safety with a clinical trial. In contrast, Bobbie’s trial is still ongoing.

 

Is ByHeart Formula Ideal For Breastfed Babies?

Yes. It’s formulated close to breast milk and has a whey-to-casein ratio similar to colostrum, making the transition easier.

 

Is ByHeart Formula Safe?

Yes. ByHeart uses clean ingredients for its formula and ensures that products are tested for 700+ toxic chemicals and contaminants.

However, the brand also uses canola oil, which can be highly inflammatory. (6)

Note that the brand also had a recall over safety issues, but this has been resolved. (see next section)

 
Why Was ByHeart Recalled?

In December 2022, ByHeart voluntarily recalled five batches of its Infant Formula over possible cross-contamination with the deadly bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii. (13)

The contamination happened when the brand used a third-party packing company. After shutting down production for months, the company bought its own packing facility and restarted operations. (14)

 

Things To Know About Bobbie Organic Baby Formula

Bobbie Formula: History, Vision, Values, & Importance

Bobbie is owned and managed by mommies Laura Modi and Sarah Hardy.

Like ByHeart, the company was founded after Modi felt concerned about traditional baby formula ingredients. 

The idea for the company began when Modi found palm oil, corn syrup, and fillers on formula ingredients list while shopping for her firstborn. She didn’t even use products with these ingredients, so she felt guilty feeding them to her baby.

Bobbie Baby, LLC was officially founded in 2018 while Modi was pregnant with her second child. Her friend, Hardy, joined the business the following year.

 

Safety & Meeting EU Nutrition Requirements

As a European-based formula, Bobbie meets EU (European Union) nutrition standards that differ slightly from those used in the US. Still, as an American brand, the company also meets the FDA regulations.

For this reason, Bobbie only uses 1.2 mg per 100 calories. In comparison, many American formulas (especially Similac and Enfamil) have around 1.8 mg iron per 100 calories (but ByHeart only has 1 mg iron per 100 calories).

However, Bobbie’s (and ByHeart’s) iron content still falls within the FDA’s minimum of 1 mg iron per 100 calories and the EU’s maximum of 1.3 mg iron per 100 calories. (15)(16)

 

Unique Selling Point: Why Choose Bobbie?

Bobbie uses tamper-resistant cans to ensure product safety. Once opened, the container can’t be resealed, so you know if it has been tampered with.

It also tests products more thoroughly throughout the manufacturing process.

 

ByHeart Formula Vs. Bobbie: Main Similarities

Formulation, Production, Benefits, & Safety

ByHeart

Together with a team of nutritionists and scientists, the co-founders created a formula using grass-fed, organic whole milk instead of skimmed milk (used in most formulas). (12)

The brand stands out from the competition by producing its own products. It manages everything, from choosing the formula’s ingredients and suppliers to manufacturing and packing the products.

 

Bobbie

The co-founders decided to make a European-style recipe for the US market. After working with a team of nutritionists and experts, they received the green light from the FDA and finally started production in 2020. (17)

Bobbie partners with Perrigo Nutritionals, an established formula manufacturer, to produce their products. Although they don’t manufacture their own products, it isn’t exactly a con. After all, Perrigo is also a trusted manufacturer that makes various formulas, including Gerber.

Some parents even feel they can trust Bobbie more because a known formula manufacturer makes it.

 

FDA Registration & Regulation

They’re both FDA-regulated.

 

Recipient Of Clean Label Project Purity Award
  • ByHeart is the first to receive the award
  • Bobbie is the first to get both this award and Clean Label Project Certification as Pesticide-Free

 

Non-GMO Baby Formulas

Both formulas are free from GMOs (genetically modified organisms).

Although authorities consider GMOs safe for human consumption, some sectors disagree. Studies have shown that they can have some dangerous effects on humans.

California-based pediatrician Michelle Perro recommends avoiding products with GMOs because they can cause the following: (18)

  • Autoimmunity
  • Allergies
  • Neurological disorders
  • Stunted or growth failure
  • Autism
  • ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
  • Endocrine disruption

 

A 2020 Cureus Journal study also explained that GMOs can trigger more severe and possibly dangerous allergic reactions, especially in those who are already predisposed to allergies. (19)

 

Free From Palm Oils & Other Ingredients Of Concern

All ByHeart and Bobbie products are free from:

  • Corn syrup
  • Palm oil
  • Soy
  • Maltodextrin

 

Milk Sources & Main Ingredients: Formula Based On Cow’s Milk

  • All ByHeart and Bobbie products are based on cow’s milk

 

Because cow’s milk is a potential allergen, always check for any allergic reaction the first few times you give these products to your baby. Some of the signs that can appear within minutes include: (20)

  • Hives
  • Itching 
  • Wheezing
  • Tingling feeling around their lips or mouth
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Vomiting
  • Coughing

 

The following symptoms might take time to develop but can still be an allergic reaction to cow’s milk: (20)

  • Colic in babies
  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Diarrhea or loose poop, which might contain blood

 

Meeting Your Baby’s Nutrition Requirements: Vitamins & Minerals

Based on the FDA‘s standards, all formula options from ByHeart and Bobbie can meet your baby’s nutritional needs.

 

Lactose As The Carbohydrate Source

Both brands use lactose as the main carbohydrate in all their products for a formulation that is as close to breast milk. This allows them to produce formulas free from corn syrup, maltodextrin, and other added sugars.

Note, however, that you need to choose a lactose-free formula if your baby has intolerance to this carbohydrate. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include: (26)

  • Diarrhea
  • Gas
  • Swelling or painful tummy
  • Irritability
  • Failure to gain weight
  • Passing gas and crying when pooping
  • Refusal to feed or failure to settle while feeding

 

In worse cases, your baby might have reddish skin on their bottom, with the possibility of skin being worn or peeling at some spots. (26)

 

ByHeart Formula Vs. Bobbie: Main Differences 

Organic Vs. Non-Organic

  • Bobbie Formula is USDA-Certified Organic (by the United States Department of Agriculture)
  • ByHeart uses organic ingredients, especially the milk source, but isn’t USDA-Certified

 

Whole Milk Vs. Nonfat Milk

  • ByHeart uses organic grass-fed whole milk
  • Bobbie uses organic, nonfat (skimmed) milk

 

Protein Blend & Source: Whey-To-Casein Ratio

ByHeart uses two protein sources that are closer to the proteins in breast milk: lactoferrin and alpha-lactalbumin. Bobbie doesn’t use these.

Casein makes up the solid proteins in milk, while whey is the liquid protein portion. So, a formula with more whey can be easier for your baby’s small tummy to digest.

  • ByHeart Infant Formula has 80% whey and 20 casein
  • Bobbie Organic Infant Formula has 60% whey and 40% casein (intact proteins)
  • Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula has 100% partially hydrolyzed (or broken down) whey proteins

 

Gentle Formulation Or Not?

ByHeart has whey protein hydrolysate (broken-down proteins), which makes it a gentle formulation, even if it uses whole milk

Bobbie has options for a standard formulation and a gentle formula.

 

Ingredients & Nutrition (Formulation)

Vitamin & Mineral Content

ByHeart formula has more of the following than Bobbie:

  • Calcium
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin K
  • Vitamin B12
  • Choline
  • Folic acid
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Phosphorus
  • Magnesium
  • Sodium

 

Bobbie Organic Infant Formula has more of the following than ByHeart:

  • Carbohydrates
  • Iron
  • Linoleic acid
  • Inositol
  • Thiamin (vitamin B1)
  • Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
  • Vitamin B6
  • Copper
  • Selenium
  • Potassium
  • Chloride
  • Zinc

 

Prebiotic Or Probiotic Content
  • ByHeart has prebiotics
  • Bobbie doesn’t have prebiotics

 

None of these brands have probiotics in their products.

Studies about probiotics have inconclusive results. However, some indicate that these “friendly” gut bacteria can aid in better digestion and provide immune support. (21)

Also, breastmilk has natural probiotics and prebiotics. That’s why some formula manufacturers use them for their products. 

Note that the FDA warns against the use of probiotics for preemies after the death of a premature baby given Infinant Health’s Evivo probiotic with MCT Oil while in the NICU. (22)

It’s ideal to discuss with your pediatrician before giving any formula with probiotics if you have a preemie.

 

Fats, Oils & Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content

ByHeart has more fat content than Bobbie because it uses whole milk instead of nonfat skimmed milk.

A 2020 Nutrients Journal study showed that babies fed with a formula enriched with more fats would likely have fewer behavioral problems up to 2.5 years old than those given regular formula.  (23)

The enriched formulas had more of the following fats: (23)

  • MFGM (milk fat globule membrane)
  • LC-PUFAs (long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids)
  • Human milk oligosaccharides
  • Synbiotics (prebiotics and probiotics)

 

That research was part of The COGNIS Study, which also studied the long-term effects of the enriched formula. (23)(24)

By six years old, the kids given the fat-enriched formula in The COGNIS Study showed better cognitive development in working memory and verbal comprehension than those given the standard formula. (24)

They also had better brain development and structure (having greater volumes in their left orbital cortex). (24)

 

Taste, Texture, Digestion, & Other Special Features

Both brands claim to have a formulation as close as possible to breast milk. Some parents who have tried their products agree that they have a similar texture and taste. 

In some reviews, however, parents prefer Bobbie because it smells ‘better’, arguing that ByHeart has a “bad” or rancid smell.

(source: reddit.com)
(source: reddit.com)
(source: reddit.com)

However, other parents also claimed in reviews that their babies preferred ByHeart after they switched from Bobbie.

(source: target.com)

 

Scooper Features

ByHeart has a scooper attachment under the lid and includes a level edge. In comparison, many parents complained about the lack of these features in Bobbie formula reviews.

 

Availability (Where To Buy), Pricing, & Packaging

ByHeart Formula Availability & Pricing
  • The formula is sold on ByHeart’s official website (byheart.com) and Target
  • It costs slightly less per ounce than Bobbie’s formulas (subject to change without prior notice)
 
Bobbie Availability & Pricing
  • The products are available on Bobbie’s official website (hibobbie.com) and Target 
  • Offers a starter bundle option (you can try the product without getting a subscription); ByHeart formula doesn’t offer this

 

Cons & Drawbacks

Possible Allergens

Both brands use cow’s milk, a possible allergen (but they’re free from soy, another potential allergen).

 

Questionable Ingredients

Both brands use canola oil, which can have unhealthy fats and might be highly inflammatory. (6)

 

Other Limitations & Challenges

ByHeart and Bobbie are newbies in the formula market. Being new isn’t exactly a con, but it makes it more challenging for them to gain new customers from parents loyal to these tried-and-tested brands.

Both also had recalls, though the issues that caused the safety problems have already been addressed. 

For example, the brand now uses a different formulation after the Bobbie formula recall (2019) on its Germany-made product.

After the ByHeart formula recall (2022), the brand acquired its own packing facility for finished products.

 

Which Brand Offers Goat Milk For Babies?

None. Neither brand offers goat milk for babies or toddlers.

 

What Customers Say

ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula

Positive Reviews

I was so upset when I couldn’t breastfeed (we tried everything) but finding a formula that was organic, clean, and whole milk based made me feel better about our feeding journey. My baby loves his ByHeart and we have had zero issues with spitting up, gas, or constipation. My baby is happy, healthy, and growing like a weed!!!!!” – Reviewer on ByHeart

I’m extremely happy with this formula for my 6 month old. It was a very easy transition from breast milk to bottle and he seems to love the taste. No tummy or digestion issues, and he’s gaining weight beautifully. I really appreciate the clean label, small batching and sourcing from small, family owned cruelty-free farms.”  – Reviewer on ByHeart

We love ByHeart! We were using Similac and then switched to Similac Sensitive for our new guy and he was still so gassy an uncomfortable. After switching to ByHeart he was almost instantly better. Way less gassy and uncomfortable. Highly recommend. The biggest seller for us though is the ingredients – specifically no soy!” – Reviewer on Target

 

Negative Reviews

I was hoping my baby would do well on this formula but it immediately gave him disgusting mucousy green diarrhea and increased his spit up dramatically. If you’re looking for clean formula get one without any Canola Oil (serenity kids has a great one) as this oil is extremely inflammatory and probably the cause of a lot of the GI upset and gross diapers that formula fed babies have.” – Reviewer on Target

It made my baby super gassy and she was not able to have a bowel movement for 4 days, when she use to have 2 everyday.” – Reviewer on Target

The formula is working okay. I am concerned because my granddaughter is experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, gas, and extremely loose stools.” – Reviewer on ByHeart

 

Bobbie Organic Infant Formula

Positive Reviews

It was the best option ! healthy for my baby, I didn’t need to use the gentle , and very convenient the subscription and. Delivery set up. So sad they don’t have the full milk for toddlers. Otherwise I’ll keep using it.” – Reviewer on Bobbie

I cannot say enough amazing things about our experience with Bobbie. My son refused to breastfeed and I wasn’t producing enough just pumping so we supplemented with Bobbie the first 4 months. Once I went back to work he was fully fed through Bobbie and we loved every second of it. He was always happy and full.” – Reviewer on Bobbie

 

Negative Reviews

Very foamy. Made my babies gas worse. Also after finishing almost the whole can I noticed black spots on the bottom of the bottle after mixing.” – Reviewer on Target

Why is this formula so foamy its insane! This is my second baby and I’ve never seen foam like this. Not buying again and way to expensive since all I get to feed .y baby is foam. Definitely ripped off. Oh and he’s grumpy and hungry still after a 6 oz when given this formula.” – Reviewer on Target

 

Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula

Positive Reviews

My son has been on Bobbie since he was born. He originally started on regular Bobbie and switched to gentle after his pediatrician noticed he was a bit gassy. Since he started on the gentle his fussiness and gas has decreased. He has also regularly gained weight and loves the formula. We are very pleased with Bobbie gentle!” – Reviewer on Bobbie

When we started Bobbie formula, we loved it and so did our exclusively fed newborn. However, she was getting fussy after her feeds and we decided to try the gentle version. After switching to gentle, she was having regular bowel movements and so much less fussiness! We love Bobbie Gentle!” – Reviewer on Bobbie

 

Negative Reviews

After reading reviews I thought this would work for my baby. I’ve been giving it to her for 6 weeks, it gave her terrible gas and diarrhea. I finally found a new pediatrician and she is allergic to the cow protein in the formula. I would recommend buying 2 cans to try before subscribing. I’m stuck with 10 cans of formula I can’t use.” – Reviewer on Target

EVERYTHING IS GREAT BUT THE SMELL. Everything is great but the smell I started using Bobbie because I love what they stand behind and the ingredient quality. The only reason why they aren’t getting 5 stars is because the original formula has a very strong metal smell to it. The organic gentle isn’t as bad but all in all I love this formula and so does my baby!” – Reviewer on Bobbie

 

Summary & Recommendations: What Baby Formula Is Superior?

Each brand has its strengths and limitations. One might be superior to the other, depending on your baby’s needs and your preferences.

Here are our recommendations:

 

Choose ByHeart if you:

  • Prefer an American formulation
  • Prefer a formulation similar to colostrum
  • Love that it uses whole instead of nonfat or skimmed milk
  • Prefer a product with higher healthy fat content for your baby’s brain development
  • Want a product with prebiotics
  • Prefer a product with a scooper attachment and level edge
  • Want a brand that produces its own formula
  • Want peace of mind knowing its effectiveness and safety have been established in a clinical trial
  • Don’t mind having only one formula option

 

Choose Bobbie if you:

  • Prefer a European formulation
  • Want USDA-Organic Certified products
  • Like having more options (the brand has two formulas)
  • Like that it has more iron content than ByHeart
  • Like that it has tamper-resistant cans
  • Feel more at peace that the brand tests for 2,000+ chemicals (about three times more than ByHeart) and produces formula through a trusted manufacturer
  • Prefer a brand with more awards from the Clean Label Project

 

Comparisons Between Specific ByHeart Vs. Bobbie Formulas

The following are some of the similarities between these formulas:

  • They’re made from cow’s milk and have lactose
  • ByHeart uses whole milk, while Bobbie uses nonfat skimmed milk

 

Main Differences Between Flagship & Standard Products: ByHeart Vs. Bobbie Organic Infant Formula

(source: byheart.com and hibobbie.com)

 

 

  • Whey-To-Casein Ratio: ByHeart Infant Formula has 80% whey and 20 casein, while Bobbie Organic Infant Formula has 60% whey and 40% casein (intact proteins); so, ByHeart has a gentler formulation and is easier to digest
  • Fat Blend: ByHeart uses organic whole milk, organic high oleic sunflower, organic coconut, organic low erucic canola or rapeseed, and organic sunflower oils; Bobbie uses organic high oleic and linoleic sunflower or safflower, organic canola, and organic coconut oils

 

Main Differences Between Gentle Products For Spit-Up & Colic: ByHeart Vs. Bobbie Gentle Organic Baby Formula

(source: byheart.com and hibobbie.com)

 

  • Whey-To-Casein Ratio: ByHeart Infant Formula has 80% whey and 20 casein, while Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula has 100% partially hydrolyzed (or broken down) whey proteins; so, Bobbie has a gentler formulation and is easier to digest
  • Fat Blend: ByHeart uses organic whole milk, organic high oleic sunflower, organic coconut, organic low erucic canola or rapeseed, and organic sunflower oils; Bobbie uses organic high oleic and linoleic sunflower or safflower, organic coconut, and organic canola oils

 

What Formulas Are Comparable To Bobbie & ByHeart?

 

ByHeart & Bobbie Vs. Other Baby Formulas

ByHeart & Bobbie Vs. Kendamil

(source: byheart.com, hibobbie.com, and kendamil.com)

 

Main Similarities

  • These brands offer formula from cow’s milk
  • All brands use lactose as the formula’s primary carbohydrate
  • They’re all free from most of the questionable ingredients (e.g., maltodextrin, corn syrup, other added sugars, palm oil, and hexane-extracted DHA)
  • They all have canola oil (a drawback)
  • They all had recalls for varied reasons
  • They’re all fairly new brands on the US market

 

Main Differences

  • ByHeart and Kendamil use whole milk, while Bobbie uses nonfat skimmed milk
  • ByHeart and Kendamil have more healthy fat content than Bobbie
  • ByHeart and Kendamil have prebiotics; Bobbie doesn’t have any
  • ByHeart is an American company with an American formulation, Bobbie is an American with a European style formulation, while Kendamil is a European brand with a European formulation
  • Bobbie offers USDA-Organic certified products, ByHeart isn’t certified organic but uses organic milk, and Kendamil offers organic and non-organic options (but they aren’t USDA Organic certified)
  • ByHeart has one formula, Bobbie has two, and Kendamil has three baby formulas
  • Kendamil offers two toddler formulas; ByHeart and Bobbie have none
  • Kendamil offers goat milk for babies and toddlers; ByHeart and Bobbie have none

 

Read our Kendamil Vs. Bobbie review for more information.

 

ByHeart & Bobbie Vs. Similac Pure Bliss

(source: byheart.com, hibobbie.com, and amazon.com)

 

Main Similarities

  • They’re all made with milk from grass-fed cows 
  • Made of cleaner ingredients
  • Formulated for infants 0 to 12 months old
  • Use lactose as the primary carbohydrate source
  • Free from palm oil
  • Free from maltodextrin, corn syrup, and other added sugars
  • Free from artificial growth hormones

 

Main Differences

  • Pure Bliss and Bobbie are European-style products; ByHeart is an American-style formula
  • Bobbie (previous formulation) and ByHeart had a recall; Pure Bliss hasn’t been recalled
  • Pure Bliss has nucleotides; Bobbie and ByHeart don’t have any
  • ByHeart has prebiotics; Bobbie and Pure Bliss don’t have any
  • PureBliss has more iron content (1.9 mg per 100 calories); ByHeart only has 1.0 mg and Bobbie has 1.2 mg
  • ByHeart and Bobbie are free from soy; Pure Bliss has soy lecithin and oil
  • ByHeart and Bobbie are fairly new brands on the formula market, while Similac is a tried-and-tested brand

 

Read our Bobbie Formula Vs Similac review for more information.

 

ByHeart & Bobbie Vs. HiPP Dutch Combiotic Formula

(source: byheart.com, hibobbie.com, and bottlesandburps.com)

 

Main Similarities

  • All products are made of cow’s milk
  • All products have lactose as the main ingredient
  • They all had a recall (with HiPP being recalled for having low iron content and not meeting the FDA’s premarket requirements) (25)

 

Main Differences

  • ByHeart (American) and Bobbie (European-style; American brand) meet the FDA’s standards; HiPP Dutch is a European formula that meets strict EU (European Union) standards but has a lower iron content than the FDA requirements
  • HiPP Dutch contains palm oil (a drawback); ByHeart and Bobbie are free from this ingredient
  • ByHeart uses whole milk, while Bobbie and HiPP Dutch use skimmed milk
  • HiPP Dutch uses a combiotic formulation (probiotic + prebiotic combo), ByHeart has prebiotics but no probiotics, and Bobbie has none of these

 

Read our HiPP Organic Formula Reviews for more information.

 

Other Baby Formula Articles & Guides

 

Formula Recalls To Monitor

 

References

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7759907/

(2) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6409436/

(3) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/avoid-the-hidden-dangers-of-high-fructose-corn-syrup-video/

(4) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28835408/

(5) https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/21/3412

(6) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/canola

(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8767382/

(8) https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/soy

(9) https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/anti-nutrients/lectins/

(10) https://finance.yahoo.com/news/abbott-sees-recovery-in-baby-formula-business-post-recall-154124713.html

(11) https://cleanlabelproject.org/purity-award/

(12) https://www.forbes.com/sites/marijabutkovic/2022/03/23/byhearts-mia-funt-on-the-launch-of-its-next-generation-infant-formula-raising-190-million-in-funding-and-the-future-of-baby-nutrition/?sh=25ed5d175d6b

(13) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/byheart-issues-voluntary-recall-five-batches-its-infant-formula-because-possible-health-risk

(14) https://support.byheart.com/en-US/when-did-you-acquire-this-company-215681

(15) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/able-groupe-recalling-products-labeled-infant-formula-formulas-have-insufficient-iron-levels

(16) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10143847/

(17) https://www.vogue.com/article/bobbiefda-approved-baby-formula

(18) https://www.greenamerica.org/blog/downsides-gmo-infant-formula-we-asked-pediatrician

(19) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7164548/

(20) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/milk-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20375101

(21) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10004767/

(22) https://www.fda.gov/media/172606/download

(23) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7765166/

(24) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8959863/

(25) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/able-groupe-recalling-products-labeled-infant-formula-formulas-have-insufficient-iron-levels

(26) https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/J_M/Lactose-intolerance-in-babies

 

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