Kendamil Vs. Bobbie: European Vs. American Baby Formulas

Overview

Which contender will win this formula battle: Kendamil (European formula) versus Bobbie (American-made, European-style formula)?

Many baby formulas made in the USA contain unhealthy ingredients. They have added sugars, corn maltodextrin, corn syrup, palm oil, canola oil, etc. The list goes on. (1)

That doesn’t include additional concerns about safety due to formula recalls.

It’s not surprising that many parents opt for a European formula like Kendamil.

Touted as “safer” and made under “stricter regulations,” European formulas appeal to parents worried about the safety of most American-made formulas. (1)(2)

Yet potential safety issues also impact European formulas, especially because most aren’t FDA-approved. It’s technically illegal to import them to the US directly. And they might lack the suggested nutrient levels required by US law. (1)(2)

A 2019 Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition study also showed that many European baby formulas don’t meet the FDA’s labeling requirements. So, you might get confused or misinformed by the labels.

The good news is that there’s a European-style formula made in the USA: Bobbie.

How does this new formula compare to more established and authentic European brands like Kendamil? Which product is ideal for your baby’s needs, and where can you buy it?

Do Bobbie and Kendamil formulas taste the same as breast milk? Have they been recalled? What other factors should you consider when choosing the right baby-feeding brand for your little one?

Let’s discuss the answers to your questions below.

Key Comparison: Kendamil Vs. Bobbie Formula Options

Product Reviews At A Glance

Kendamil Baby Formulas

Kendamil Classic Infant Formula – Flagship formula made from cow’s milk; not organic
Kendamil Organic Infant Formula – Organic formula made from cow’s milk
Kendamil Goat Infant Formula – Goat formula for babies up to 12 months old; not organic

Bobbie Organic Baby Formulas

Bobbie Organic Infant Formula – Flagship formula made from cow’s milk; organic baby formula
Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula – Gentle formulation with broken-down proteins for easier digestion

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

Things To Know About Kendamil Baby Formula

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients of Kendamil Classic Infant Formula:

Here are the ingredients of Kendamil Organic Infant Formula:

Here are the ingredients of Kendamil Goat Infant Formula:

Kendamil: History & Importance

Kendamil is a British formula brand founded in the English Lake District. The place also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ingredients for Kendamil products are sourced from farms in and around the area.

The brand was founded by Ross McMahon, a dad concerned about feeding his two sons, William and Dylan, with baby formula brands that use palm and fish oils to substitute the fats in breast milk. He had grown up on the farm and felt passionate about ingredients closer to nature. He also promotes animal welfare.

So, he founded the brand to provide an alternative for parents who want a safer, healthier, and cleaner formula for their children.

Why Is Kendamil Better Than Other Formulas?

Kendamil baby products are formulated with Mother Nature in mind. They have a protein ratio similar to breast milk (60% whey and 40% casein). They also have essential amino acids such as alanine, tyrosine, and leucine.

The founders were worried that traditional formulas use skimmed milk and highly processed vegetable oils in their products. So, they created Kendamil formulas from full cream milk and without palm oils.

Note that although palm oil has a structure similar to the fats in breast milk, it can reduce calcium absorption, which can affect your baby’s bone development. Palm oil can also cause constipation. (3)

Kendamil also adds HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharide) to their formulas. These are long-chained carbohydrate compounds unique to human breast milk.

Yes, there are concerns about European formulas not meeting the FDA standards. For your peace of mind, know that they also pass strict regulations under European laws.

Kendamil fully complies with the FDA’s nutritional standards for baby formula. It was among the first international suppliers approved as part of Operation Fly Formula by the US administration during the massive formula shortage in 2022-2023.

You can also talk to your pediatrician about possible supplementation of the essential nutrients that might be missing or lacking from your baby’s formula.

Is Kendamil Ideal For Breastfed Babies?

Yes. Kendamil products are formulated to be as close to breast milk as possible.

Things To Know About Bobbie Organic Baby Formula

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients for Bobbie Organic Infant Formula:

Here are the ingredients for Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula:

Bobbie Is An American-Made European-Style Baby Formula: History & Importance

Bobbie is a mom-founded baby formula company.

The company’s idea started when new mom Laura Modi was shopping in 2016 for formula for her first baby. Upon checking the available products, she felt worried that they contained ingredients she avoided in her own foods: palm oil, corn syrup, and various fillers.

At the time, the young mom felt guilty about buying these infant formulas and feeding them to her baby.

While pregnant with her second child in 2018, Modi founded the company as Bobbie Baby, LLC in her San Francisco home. She was later joined by another mom, Sarah Hardy, in 2019.

By 2020, Bobbie started manufacturing organic baby formula with Perrigo Nutritionals in Vermont and Ohio.

What Makes Bobbie Formula A Solid & Safe Choice?

Bobbie formulas are made with organic ingredients. The products are USDA Organic Certified.

It’s the first baby formula brand to receive both of the following distinctions:

Pesticide Free Certification
Clean Label Purity Award (free from 400+ toxic and harmful chemicals, heavy metals, contaminants, and phthalates)

Bobbie formulas are also made by Perrigo, which makes products for several formula brands, including the Gerber Good Start infant formula and store brands such as Parent’s Choice (Walmart) and Well Beginnings (Walgreens). All formula products are made with high-quality ingredients and undergo 2,000+ rigorous quality checks for each batch.

They’re made using milk from grass-fed cows sourced from Organic Valley family-owned farms in the US.

You can also use Bobbie’s lot code tracker (hibobbie.com/pages/safety) to find more information about the item you bought.

Bobbie is free from questionable ingredients such as corn syrups, maltodextrin, and other added sugars.

The brand also assures consumers that their products meet FDA requirements. Production received the FDA’s approval on August 20, 2020.

In addition, Bobbie formulas are certified as USDA Organic are non-GMO (free from genetically modified organisms).

As an added safety layer, Bobbie also uses tamper-evident cans. Once the lid is opened, the container can’t be resealed. This helps prevent tampering, similar to what happened in some baby formulas in the past (read about these tampering issues in our formula recall article).

Bobbie addresses this issue with tamper-evident cans designed to make it easier to determine whether the container has been opened.

Here are other reasons to love Bobbie:

Flexibility in buying formula either individually or through a subscription
Option to test the products with a starter bundle of two cans (you can get it with their “buy one, get one” offer)

Kendamil Vs. Bobbie: Main Similarities

European Formulation

Both brands follow a similar list of European formula ingredients. They also have similar nutritional content and are formulated to be as close as possible to breast milk.

They’re free from:

Corn syrup (also high fructose corn syrup) – added sugar sweeter than table sugar, more readily absorbed by the body, and can promote obesity with increased appetite (4)
Maltodextrin – another sweetener that can increase the risks for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, intestinal upset, and chronic inflammatory diseases (5)(6)
Palm oil – can reduce calcium and fat absorption, cause constipation, and lead to bone mineralization (compromises the quality of bone tissues) (7)
Pesticides
Fillers

Note, however, that because they’re made from milk, Kendamil and Bobbie products are also considered potential allergens.

If giving any of these products to your baby for the first time, watch out for the following allergic reaction signs and symptoms, which can develop within minutes or hours:

Hives
Wheezing
Coughing
Shortness of breath
Swelling of your baby’s tongue, lips, or throat
Vomiting
Tingling or itching around their mouth or lips

Other symptoms that some children can experience: (8)

Runny nose
Watery eyes
Colic (babies)
Abdominal cramps
Diarrhea or loose stools (that might contain blood)

Milk allergy is no joke. In certain cases it can be life-threatening because a child’s airways might become narrow and blocked. (8)

Immediately rush your child to the ER if they show any of these dangerous signs: (8)

Breathing difficulties
Swollen throat
Facial flushing (redness on their face)
Shock (quick drop in their blood pressure)

Protein Content & Source

Whey-To-Casein Ratio

Flagship milk-based products from Kendamil and Bobbie have a similar formulation regarding the ratio between the milk proteins whey and casein: 60% whey and 40% casein.

Bobbie’s gentle formula uses 100% partially hydrolyzed (broken-down) whey proteins.

In comparison, cow’s milk has a whey-to-casein ratio of 18-82. (9)

You might be surprised that breast milk composition doesn’t have a fixed ratio. During early lactation, the ratio is around 70-30 or 80-20. This changes to around 50-50 during later lactation. (9)

Casein Content

Casein protein makes up about 80% of cow’s milk. It’s denser than whey and turns into solids or curds when milk is curdled. It’s digested slower than whey, so having too much casein in your baby’s formula can lead to constipation. (9)

Whey Content

Whey proteins are easier to digest and remain liquid even when milk is curdled. Formula with a higher whey concentration is easier to digest than those with more casein. (9)

Carbohydrate Source & Content

Lactose is the primary carbohydrate (natural sugar) in breast milk. (9)

That’s why European formulas such as Kendamil (and the European-inspired Bobbie) primarily use lactose as the carbohydrate source. They’re free from added sugars.

Fat & Oil Content & Source

Breast milk has around 40-50% of fats. Dietary fats and essential fatty acids are important for brain development. They also play an important role in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (e.g., A, D, E, and K). (9)

Cow’s milk doesn’t provide all the fats and essential fatty acids that babies need. So, manufacturers supplement baby formulas with various oils. (10)

Often, highly processed oils such as canola (also called rapeseed oil) and sunflower oils are used, particularly in US-made formulas. Sadly, they can be highly inflammatory or might contain harmful fats. (11)(12)

Bobbie and Kendamil use canola or rapeseed oils in their formula. This can be a drawback for these products.

However, Bobbie claims to use a plant-based, organic expeller-pressed fat blend. This blend meets the formula’s fat requirements (a blend similar to mature breast milk produced around 10-15 days after your body begins making milk) without using highly inflammatory oils. It comes from organic coconut oil, safflower, sunflower, or canola oils.

Palm oil is also commonly used in many baby formulas because it has a fatty acid profile similar to breast milk. And while it might mimic what babies are supposed to receive during breastfeeding, studies have also found it can have negative effects, including the following: (7)(13)

Reduced fat absorption
Reduced calcium absorption
Increased bone mineralization (compromised bone tissues)
Increased risk of constipation due to harder stool consistency

According to a 2020 Nutrients journal review, fat absorption might be affected due to the difference in the fatty acid positions on the triacylglycerides of human breast milk and palm oil. (7)(13)

The good news is that Bobbie and Kendamil formulas are palm oil-free.

Vitamin & Mineral Content

Many European formulas have low iron content because they follow a minimum standard different from the FDA’s requirements.

For example, Able Group formulas (such as Kendamil, Holle, and HiPP products) were recalled in 2021 because many of them contain less than 1 mg iron per 100 calories but didn’t have warnings on their label that iron supplementation might be necessary to meet a baby’s needs. Other formulas in the group, such as Kendamil, were recalled because they didn’t have the FDA’s go signal for selling or marketing in the US. (14)

Both brands meet the following iron requirements for their respective baby formulas: (14)(15)

FDA: 1 mg minimum
European Commission: 1.3 mg maximum

Taste, Texture, Digestion, & Other Special Features

Many moms love Kendamil and Bobbie formulas because of their creamy texture and delicious taste. These can be attributed to their formulation, which is as close as possible to breast milk.

For easier digestion, both contain more portions of whey than casein proteins. As a bonus, Kendamil products also have prebiotics.

However, while technically formulated for better digestion, Bobbie’s flagship formula has complaints from some moms that it made their babies vomit or experience constipation.

Other Common Ingredients & Features

Plant-Sourced DHA

The brands also add DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid and nutrient important for brain health and eye development, to their formulas.

Conventional DHAs are often extracted using hexane. This “processing aid” can be toxic to humans. (16)

Bobbie formulas use water-extracted omega-3 DHA sourced from sea algae. It meets the EU standards of 20 mg of DHA per 100 kcal.

Kendamil formulas are also sourced from sustainably farmed marine algae.

Free From Soy Allergens

Both Bobbie and Kendamil formulas are soy-free. Although earlier versions of Bobbie formulas contained it, the brand reformulated its products to remove it entirely.

Some formula brands can contain soy, a common allergen. Aside from potentially causing an allergic reaction (see allergic symptoms listed below), soy can also lead to stomach upset, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Your baby might also experience constipation, gas, and bloating if they’re sensitive to soy or the lectins contained in it. (17)(18)

Common signs of soy allergy include: (19)

Hives
Skin rash
Itching
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Vomiting

Watch out for the following serious soy allergy symptoms: (19)

Hiccups
Coughing
Wheezing
Itchy or red eyes
Swelling (check your baby’s tongue, lips, or throat)
Skin rash
Bringing knees to the chest
Arching back
Stomach pain
Spitting up
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Trouble breathing

Kendamil & Bobbie: Main Differences In Ingredients & Nutrition (Formulation)

Full Cream Milk Vs. Nonfat Milk

Kendamil uses full cream milk to reduce the amount of added vegetable oils while providing a more naturally derived fat source. Their formulas also contain Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM).

Bobbie uses nonfat milk and vegetable oils such as sunflower, safflower, canola, and coconut.

Here are the ingredients of Kendamil Classic Infant Formula:

Here are the ingredients for Bobbie Organic Infant Formula:

Prebiotic Or Probiotic Content

Kendamil formulas have organic galacto-oligosaccharides. These prebiotics can promote better digestion and healthier baby stomachs because prebiotics act as food for beneficial gut bacteria. (21)

Bobbie formulas don’t have prebiotics.

Neither formula brand uses probiotics in their products.

Availability (Where To Buy), Pricing, & Packaging

Kendamil Availability & Pricing

Although readily available in Europe, Kendamil isn’t sold in every major store in the US. Here are some places where you can get Kendamil formulas:

Target
Walmart
Formuland
Organic Life Start

Bobbie Availability & Pricing

Even though it’s an American-made brand, Bobbie formulas aren’t available in all major U.S. retailers. There are currently only two places where you can buy Bobbie formulas:

Bobbie’s official website (hibobbie.com)
Target

Despite being a US-made brand, Bobbie (around $1.84/oz) costs slightly more than Kendamil (around $1.42/oz). Note that prices can vary.

Variety

Kendamil offers the following products:

Classic infant formula (not organic; made from cow’s milk) (note that this was previously sold as Kendamil Classic First, stages one and two)
Organic baby formula
Goat infant formula (not organic)
Classic toddler formula (not organic)
Goat toddler formula (not organic)

Bobbie offers the following products:

Organic infant formula
Organic gentle infant formula

Which Brand Offers Goat Milk For Babies?

Kendamil has goat milk for infants and toddlers; Bobbie doesn’t offer this variation

Cons & Recommendations

Both brands offer products made from cow’s milk, a common allergen
Both brands contain canola oil and DHA
Both brands have lactose as the primary carbohydrate, making them unsuitable if your baby is lactose intolerant
Both brands relatively new to the US market, making some parents worry that they aren’t as ideal as the well-known, trusted brands
Both brands offer fewer varieties than as major formula brands
Both aren’t as readily available as major formula brands due to low or limited stocks in most stores they’re sold in

We recommend talking to your pediatrician about the suitability of these products for your little one, especially if you’re considering switching formulas..

Also, monitoring your baby for any signs of allergy or intolerance is essential if you’re giving them a new formula for the first time.

Review Of Kendamil Baby Formulas

Kendamil Classic Infant Formula

Best Features & Pros

Milk Type: Full-cream cow’s milk

Age Range: 0 to 12 months old

Ingredients & Nutrition:

Other Features

Contains prebiotics (galacto-oligosaccharides)
Less vegetable oil content than Bobbie formulas

Cons & Drawbacks

Made of milk (a common allergen)
Contains canola oil and DHA
Uses lactose as the primary carbohydrate (unsuitable if your baby has lactose intolerance)
European formula that’s relatively new to the US market; you might worry that it might not be as ideal as the trusted brands like Similac and Enfamil
Fewer varieties than and not as readily available major formula brands
Some complaints in customer reviews on online shops like Amazon about the products sold in the US being different from those that come from the UK, making some babies sick

Recalls

None, but other Kendamil products were recalled along with other European brands by Able Groupe (14)

What Customers Say

Positive Customer Reviews

“Our infant has thrived on Kendamil Classic! We wanted a formula with all the goodness in it — whole milk and no palm/fish oil. It’s creamy and smells great, with all the best ingredients.” – Reviewer on Kendamil US

“Perfect formula for EBF baby. Tolerated well, was attempting enfamil to supplement with when I return to work and she’d almost never finish the bottle and milk it for an hour. First Kendamil bottle gone in 10 minutes. Also love the ingredients and price point.” – Reviewer on Target

Negative Customer Reviews

“…I tried to introduce it to my baby but she progressively got sicker. Spitting up when she hadn’t before then crying and vomiting the final time. Her tummy was full of gas and bloated.” – Reviewer on Walmart

Kendamil Organic Infant Formula

Best Features & Pros

Milk Type: Organic infant formula from full-cream cow’s milk

Age Range: 0 to 12 months old

Ingredients & Nutrition:

Other Features

Made of organic ingredients
Contains prebiotics (galacto-oligosaccharides)
Less vegetable oil content than Bobbie formulas

Cons & Drawbacks

Made of milk (an allergen)
Contains canola oil and DHA
Uses lactose as the primary carbohydrate (unsuitable for babies with lactose intolerance)
Relatively new brand in the US market
Fewer varieties and less availability than major formula brands

Recalls

Previous formulations of this product (Kendamil Organic First Infant Formula Stage 1 and Kendamil Organic Stage 2 Follow on Milk Formula) were recalled in August 2021 along with other Able Groupe European formulas for not meeting the FDA’s requirements for baby formula sold in the US; the brand has since complied with the FDA’s standards and now allowed to sell their products legally in US stores (14)

What Customers Say

Positive Customer Reviews

“…My baby twins struggled with constipation from birth and as soon as I switched over, it was gone! I was also worried at the start that they were not gaining weight but they’ve grown to become little happy chunks – thank you thank you thank you!!” – Reviewer on Walmart

Negative Customer Reviews

“This is not the same kendamil that was being sold in the beginning. These say they were made in the USA instead of the UK. Ever since they changed my son has been spitting up, having diarrhea and not finishing the bottle. I’m HIGHLY disappointed.” – Reviewer on Walmart

Kendamil Goat Infant Formula

Best Features & Pros

Milk Type: Full cream goat milk (not organic)

Age Range: 0 to 12 months old

Ingredients & Nutrition:

Other Features

Goat milk (Bobbie doesn’t have this product)

Cons & Drawbacks

Made of milk (goat milk can also be an allergen)
Has canola oil and DHA
Uses lactose as the primary carbohydrate (avoid if your baby has lactose intolerance)
Some moms are unsure about giving goat milk (as opposed to cow’s milk) to their baby
Made by a relatively new brand in the US market

Recalls

None

What Customers Say

Positive Customer Reviews

“My son has absolutely thrived on Kendamil Goat. He has regular soft stools and is perfect at every check up. He loves the taste of the formula and I love how clean it is and the high quality ingredients I know I’m providing my baby.” – Reviewer on Kendamil USA

Negative Customer Reviews

“The negatives about Kendamil- The price and procurement. It is priced very high when compared to North American formulas. $57.99 for 800grams of Kendamil vs $31.97 for 629 grams of Enfamil (not including shipping and the random inspection fees you can get from shipping from Europe).” – Reviewer on Reddit

Review Of Bobbie Organic Baby Formulas

Bobbie Organic Infant Formula

Best Features & Pros

Milk Type: European-style, American-made organic formula from grass-fed cow’s milk

Age Range: 0 to 12 months

Ingredients & Nutrition: 60% whey and 40% casein intact proteins

Other Features

Closer formulation to breastmilk (in terms of the ratio of whey and casein milk proteins)
Organic expeller-pressed fat blend (made without high heat, chemical solvents, or inorganic bleaching agents)
Free from questionable ingredients often found in most US brands, such as corn syrups, maltodextrin, or other added sugars

Cons & Drawbacks

Contains DHA and ARA (explained above)
Contains canola oil
Some complaints that the formula smells fishy and causes vomiting or constipation
Other complaints about the formula being too foamy, which some parents believe can cause colic or excessive gas for their babies
The brand offer products made of milk, a common allergen
The product contain canola oil and DHA
The product have lactose as the primary carbohydrate, making them unsuitable if your baby has lactose intolerance
It’s a relatively new to the US market, making some parents worry that they aren’t as ideal as the well-known, trusted brands
The brand offers fewer varieties than major formula brands
The product isn’t as readily available as major formula brands due to low or limited stocks in most stores it’s sold in

Recalls

None; however, Bobbie had a recall on its German-made formulation in 2019 because it didn’t meet the FDA’s standards for nutrient levels and other requirements (22)

What Customers Say

Positive Customer 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

Negative Customer Reviews

“So foamy! Even if I stir it, when he drinks it creates foam as air goes back into the bottle. After a 8oz bottle there was 6oz of foam when there was none to begin with. There’s no “waiting a minute” for it to pop and settle. Also has some censored explatives on the packaging.” – Reviewer on Target

Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula

Best Features & Pros

Milk Type: European-style, American-made organic formula from grass-fed cow’s milk with a gentle formulation

Age Range: 0 to 12 months

Ingredients & Nutrition: 100% partially hydrolyzed (or broken down) whey protein that makes this formula easier to digest by small tummies; ideal for fussy feeders

Other Features

Free from corn syrups, maltodextrin, or other added sugars

Cons & Drawbacks

Contains DHA and ARA (explained above)
Contains canola oil
Costs slightly more than the flagship formula
Some complaints that the scoop can create a mess when the milk can is still full or nearly full
Offers products made of milk, a common allergen
Contains canola oil and DHA
Has lactose as the primary carbohydrate, making it unsuitable if your baby has lactose intolerance
Relatively new to the US market, making some parents worry that it might not be as ideal as the well-known, trusted brands
Offers fewer varieties than major formula brands
Not as readily available as major formula brands due to low or limited stocks in most stores they’re sold in

Recalls

None

What Customers Say

Positive Customer Reviews

“We made the switch from Bobbie to Bobbie Gentle when my little one was 2 months old and the improvement almost immediate!! Within a day or 2 all the gas, fussiness, and witching hour were gone!” – Reviewer on Bobbie

Negative Customer Reviews

“My only complaint is the length of the scoop handle. It barely fits in the can until you’ve used a bunch so it gets a little messy at first.” – Reviewer on Bobbie

Summary & Recommendations: What Baby Formula Is Superior?

Each brand and formula can be superior in one way or another. The best formula is the one that suits your baby’s needs, your budget and preferences, and your pediatrician’s recommendations.

Here are our recommendations based on the products we reviewed above:

Kendamil Baby Formulas

Consider Kendamil products if you:

Prefer a European formula
Want a product that has HMOs (Human Milk Oligosaccharides)
Like a baby formula made from full cream instead of skimmed milk
Are okay with the product being unavailable from time to time due to stock issues or other limitations in US stores

Choose Kendamil Classic Infant Formula if you:

Prefer a flagship formula
Want a formula made from full cream milk
Don’t mind that the product isn’t organic

Choose Kendamil Organic Infant Formula if you:

Prefer an organic formula made from cow’s milk
Like your baby to use a formula made from full cream milk
Don’t mind the higher price tag (than the flagship formula)

Choose Kendamil Goat Infant Formula if you:

Want goat milk instead of cow’s milk for your little one

Bobbie Organic Baby Formulas

Consider Bobbie products if you:

Want a European formula made in the USA
Prefer having options for a subscription or a one-time purchase
Don’t mind paying a higher price than Kendamil formulas

Choose Bobbie Organic Infant Formula if you:

Prefer the brand’s flagship formula

Choose Bobbie Organic Gentle Infant Formula if you:

Need a gentle formulation that’s easy on your baby’s sensitive stomach

Comparisons Between Specific Kendamil Vs. Bobbie Formulas

Comparisons Of Nutritional Information

Here’s a comparison among the formulas reviewed above (per 100 Calories):

Kendamil Organic Infant Formula Vs. Bobbie Organic Baby Formula

Main Similarities

Organic Baby Formulas: Both are certified organic and made using high-quality milk from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows
Meeting Your Baby’s Nutritional Requirements: Both products meet European and US standards for baby formulas
Protein Content & Whey-to-Casein Ratio: Both have a whey-to-casein ratio of 60 to 40 for easier digestion
Lactose Content: Both have lactose as their main carbohydrate source
DHA Content: Both formulas have plant-based DHA
Infant Formula Safety Standards & Other Features: Free from palm oil, antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, corn syrup, and maltodextrin

Main Differences

Milk Type: Both are derived from cow’s milk, but Kendamil uses whole milk (full cream), while Bobbie uses nonfat (skimmed) milk
Fat Content & Blend: Kendamil uses whole milk fat blend plus sunflower, rapeseed (canola), and coconut oils; Bobbie uses canola, safflower, sunflower, and coconut oils
HMO & Prebiotic Content: Kendamil has HMO; Bobbie doesn’t have HMO
Milk Source (Farm): Kendamil is made in the UK with milk sourced from Red Truck Dairy (UK’s biggest farm with high standards on food safety, traceability, animal welfare, and environmental); Bobbie is made in the USA with milk sourced from US Organic Valley dairy farms

Kendamil Infant Formula (Non-Organic) Vs. Bobbie Organic Baby Formula

Main Similarities

Meeting Your Baby’s Nutritional Requirements: Both are their respective brands’ flagship formulas formulated to meet the nutrition needs of your baby from birth to 12 months old
Complying With FDA Standards: Both brands comply with the FDA requirements for infant formulas
Protein Content & Whey-to-Casein Ratio: Both have a whey-to-casein ratio of 60 to 40
Lactose Content: Both have lactose as their primary carbohydrate source
DHA Content: Both have DHA
Canola Oil: Both have canola (rapeseed) oil
Free From Added Sugars: None of the formulas from either brand use corn syrup and other added sugars
Free From Palm Oil: Bobbie and Kendamil products are free from palm oil

Main Differences

Milk Type: Kendamil uses whole milk but isn’t organic; Bobbie is an organic formula that uses nonfat (skimmed) milk
Milk Source (Farm): Kendamil is made in the UK with milk sourced from Red Truck Dairy; Bobbie is made in the USA with milk sourced from US Organic Valley dairy farms
Organic Certification & Recognition: This Kendamil product isn’t an organic infant formula; Bobbie formulas are USDA-certified organic
Formula Stages & Levels For Targeted Nutrition: Kendamil offers infant and toddler formulas; Bobbie only makes baby formulas
Fat Content & Blend: Kendamil uses a whole milk fat blend plus sunflower, coconut, and canola (rapeseed) oils; Bobbie uses a vegetable oil blend made of safflower, sunflower, coconut, and canola
HMO & Prebiotic Content: Kendamil has HMOs; Bobbie doesn’t have prebiotic fibers

Kendamil & Bobbie Vs. Similac Formulas

Kendamil and Bobbie only have a handful of product options, while Similac has over a dozen different formulas, including specialty products for preemies or babies with feeding issues
Kendamil and Bobbie have cleaner ingredients, while many Similac products use corn syrup and maltodextrin
There have been several Similac formula recalls over the years; however, the number is relative because it has more products and has been around longer than the two brands
Kendamil is made of whole milk, while Similac and Bobbie are made of nonfat skimmed milk
Kendamil and Bobbie mainly follow European formulations and guidelines, while Similac follows US regulations
All three brands are free from palm oil

What Other Formulas Are Similar To Kendamil & Bobbie?

Some baby formulas similar to these brands that are also worth considering:

ByHeart
Holle
HiPP
Nannycare
Lebenswert (Bioland)

Other Baby Formula Comparison & Alternatives

ByHeart and Bobbie are American brands; ByHeart produces their own formula, while Bobbie manufactures theirs through Perrigo Nutritionals
Kendamil, Holle, HiPP, Nannycare, and Lebenswert (Bioland) are European brands; check with your pediatrician if your baby needs iron supplementation if they’re using some of these products (particularly HiPP and Holle)
Most of these brands offer organic baby formula
ByHeart, Bobbie (Germany-made formulation), Holle, HiPP, Nannycare, Kendamil, and Lebenswert (Bioland) had a recall (learn about these in our comprehensive formula recall article); Nannycare hasn’t been recalled

Bonus: Other Formula Feeding Guides & Essentials

You can also read some of our formula guides and reviews below for more information about the products mentioned above:

FAQs

Which Baby Formula Tastes Closest To Breastmilk & Suitable For Breastfed Babies?

Kendamil and Bobbie formulas are formulated to mimic breastmilk. However, Kendamil has a closer formulation because it’s made from whole cow’s milk while Bobbie uses nonfat milk.

Does The FDA Approve & Regulate Kendamil & Bobbie Formulas In The US?

Yes. Kendamil and Bobbie have approval from the FDA to sell their formula products.

Can I Switch To Another Infant Formula Anytime?

Kendamil claims that it’s feasible to immediately switch your baby from another formula to theirs. However, they also recommend talking to your baby’s pediatrician before making any formula or diet changes.

How Do I Switch My Baby To A Different Formula?

Immediately switching to another formula can cause fussiness, gas, or constipation (some babies might also experience diarrhea). It’s ideal to let your baby adjust to the new formula through a transition period of at least five days or around 7-14 days.

There are several ways to transition to a new formula.

Kendamil suggests gradually replacing one additional feed a day with the new formula while keeping the other feeds using your baby’s old formula:

Here’s another guide from the Minnesota Department of Health: (20)

Formula Recalls To Monitor

Gerber Good Start SootheProTM Powdered Infant Formula Recall (2023)
Enfamil ProSobee Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula Recall (2023)
ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Recall (2022)
Similac Recall (2022)
Alimentum Recall (2022)
EleCare Recall (2022)
Angel Formula Recall (2022)
Able Groupe Formula Recall (2021) for Holle, HiPP, Kendamil, and Bioland (Lebenswert)
Parent’s Choice Advantage Infant Formula Recall (2019)
Nutricia KetoCal 3:1 (2022) – not a recall, only a safety alert for Cronobacter

References

(1) https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/us-parents-european–baby-formula/

(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31107795/

(3) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16582027/

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

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

(6) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4940893/

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

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

(9) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882692/

(10) https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Why-Formula-Instead-of-Cows-Milk.aspx

(11) https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/2015/04/13/ask-the-expert-concerns-about-canola-oil/

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

(13) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12728082/

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

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

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

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

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

(19) https://kidswithfoodallergies.org/living-with-food-allergies/top-food-allergens/soy-allergy/

(20) https://www.health.state.mn.us/docs/people/wic/localagency/recall/transitions.pdf

(21) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6463098/

(22) https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information/fda-alert-infant-formula-bobbie-baby-inc-june-2019