Choosing the right infant formula is an important decision for parents seeking the best for their baby. Bobbie and Kendamil are two well-regarded options, each offering distinct benefits. Bobbie is known for its organic, European-style formulas designed for U.S. families, while Kendamil, originating from the U.K., prides itself on using whole milk and supporting sustainable farming. This guide compares key factors such as ingredients, nutritional content, pricing, and eco-friendly practices. By understanding these differences, parents can make an informed choice that aligns with their baby’s needs and their own values.

Overview of Bobbie and Kendamil

Bobbie and Kendamil are two trusted infant formula brands with distinct missions. Bobbie, a U.S.-based company, offers an organic, European-style formula that meets FDA regulations, providing parents with a clean, high-quality option. Committed to transparency and safety, Bobbie supports families seeking a thoughtfully sourced formula.

Kendamil, from the U.K., emphasizes whole milk as a primary ingredient and adheres to strict European formula standards. Both brands prioritize infant health and provide parents with reliable options for their baby’s nutrition.

Key Similarities and Differences Between Bobbie and Kendamil

Bobbie and Kendamil are committed to providing premium infant formulas made with organic and natural ingredients. Both brands prioritize high-quality, clean nutrition without the use of corn syrup, palm oil, soy allergens, or unnecessary fillers.  Additionally, both brands include EU-required levels of DHA, a critical omega-3 fatty acid essential for brain and eye development. With their dedication to clean ingredients and balanced nutrition, Bobbie and Kendamil offer parents confidence in their choice of nourishing infant formula.

Bobbie offers several formulas that are certified USDA Organic, ensuring they meet the world’s strictest standards for ingredient sourcing and production, including no antibiotic use. Bobbie provides a variety of options, including organic and non-organic formulas, whole milk or nonfat milk-based products, and a Gentle formula with partially broken-down proteins for sensitive tummies.

Kendamil exclusively uses whole milk in all of their formulas, which contain intact milk proteins, and also offers a goat milk formula option.

Both brands use grass-fed dairy, source DHA/ARA from algae, and offer an EU Organic certified formula. Some formulas from both brands include organic lactose, while others do not, giving parents flexibility based on their baby’s needs or budget.

Nutrition, Key Additives, and Quality:

Bobbie and Kendamil differ somewhat in their protein, fat, and carbohydrate sources. Bobbie uses a blend of whole milk, nonfat milk, whey protein concentrate, and whey protein hydrolysate, depending on the formulation, while Kendamil uses whole cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and whey protein concentrate in their formulas.

Both brands have formulas that source fat from whole milk and plant-based oils, and all of their formulas use 100% lactose as the carbohydrate source. Both brands offer routine formulas with a 60/40 whey-to-casein protein ratio, resembling mature breast milk. Both ensure high-quality, balanced nutrition for growing infants.

For babies who need extra support with digestion, Bobbie offers an Organic Gentle formula with partially broken-down milk proteins while Kendamil does not (in the U.S. market). 

Kendamil includes prebiotic fibers in all its formulas, supporting digestive health in a different way.

It is also worth noting that Bobbie received a “Top Choice” designation for their formulas by Consumer Reports, highlighting low/non-detect levels of heavy metals and contaminants. While Kendamil received this designation for their classic product, their Organic formula was shown to contain lead close to daily limits for infants.

Additionally, Bobbie is the first US baby formula to have received both the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the Clean Label Pesticide-Free Certification, neither of which have been awarded to Kendamil.

Manufacturing Standards and Transparency:

Bobbie is fully FDA-registered, certified USDA and EU organic, and meets all U.S. infant formula standards.

Kendamil is currently available in the U.S. through the FDA’s enforcement discretion pathway and is awaiting long-term approval. Additionally, while offering an EU-certified organic formula, none of Kendamil’s formulas have received the USDA organic seal.

Both brands offer high-quality, organic options, but Bobbie’s established FDA certification may provide additional reassurance for parents seeking a formula that meets strict U.S. regulations.

Cost, Availability and Purchasing Options

When comparing Bobbie and Kendamil, pricing and availability are key factors for parents to consider. Bobbie typically costs around $1.47-$1.99 per ounce, while Kendamil’s pricing can vary depending on the retailer and product, averaging between $1.22 to $1.67 per ounce. While both are considered premium formulas, Bobbie offers added convenience with its subscription model.

Bobbie is widely available at major retailers, including Target, Meijer, Wegmans, Whole Foods, Thrive Market, Walmart.com, and Amazon.com. Additionally, parents can subscribe directly through hibobbie.com for a 10% monthly discount, free shipping, and guaranteed formula supply. The subscription also features inflation-proof pricing, ensuring consistent costs throughout the baby’s first year.

Is Your Kendamil Out Of Stock?

In contrast, Kendamil does not offer a subscription option. Parents must rely on retail availability (at Target, Kroger, Walmart and others), which can be unpredictable, especially during periods of formula shortages. Without a subscription, parents may face challenges securing consistent formula supply.

For those seeking reliability and savings, Bobbie’s subscription service provides peace of mind. Parents can avoid last-minute store runs and ensure their baby has a steady supply of formula, making it an appealing choice for those prioritizing consistency.

Sustainability and Brand Ethos

Bobbie and Kendamil are committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. Bobbie uses grass-fed dairy from farms that follow strict organic farming standards, ensuring animal welfare and environmentally responsible agriculture. Kendamil sources milk from Red Tractor-certified farms in the U.K., which prioritize high animal care standards and sustainable farming.

In terms of environmental impact, Bobbie uses recyclable materials and BPA-free packaging, reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly consumption. Kendamil takes a carbon-conscious approach to production, using renewable energy at its manufacturing facilities to minimize its carbon footprint, though some of this impact is offset by transportation required to import its formula from overseas.

By supporting responsible dairy farming and incorporating sustainable packaging and operations, both brands demonstrate a commitment to protecting the planet. Parents choosing Bobbie or Kendamil can feel confident that they are supporting environmentally conscious companies dedicated to providing high-quality nutrition while reducing their ecological impact.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Formula for Your Baby

When choosing between Bobbie and Kendamil, parents should consider several factors. Baby’s digestion and tolerance are key — while Bobbie offers a Gentle formula with partially broken-down proteins for sensitive babies, Kendamil only provides routine formulas with intact proteins, limiting options if a baby experiences discomfort.

Cost and availability are also important. Bobbie’s subscription service ensures consistent supply with discounts and free shipping, while Kendamil relies solely on retail availability, which can be unpredictable.

Personal preferences, such as choosing organic, whole milk, or non-GMO ingredients, can further influence the decision. Bobbie offers both USDA and EU organic plus non-organic options as well as whole milk-based and nonfat milk-based formulas, while Kendamil is EU-certified organic with whole milk-based formulas.

Finally, reading parent testimonials can provide valuable insight. Bobbie is often praised for its clean ingredients and digestive support, while Kendamil receives positive feedback for its creamy texture and European sourcing. Evaluating these factors will help parents make an informed choice.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

When choosing a formula, consider factors like digestion support, cost, quality, and availability. With Bobbie’s subscription convenience, European-style recipes, Clean Label Project awards and Consumer Reports “Top Choice” designation, it’s the natural choice for consumers wanting or needing to find an alternative to Kendamil.