Quick Answer: Both Bobbie and Kendamil are excellent organic formulas. Choose Bobbie if you want US-made formula with USDA Organic certification and EU-style clean ingredients. Choose Kendamil if you want whole milk fat, MFGM, and HMO (2'-FL) for brain development—making it arguably closer to breast milk composition. Both avoid palm oil, corn syrup, and artificial ingredients. Price is similar.
Choosing between Bobbie and Kendamil is a good problem to have—both are among the best organic formulas available. But there are meaningful differences that might make one better for YOUR baby.
Let me break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Quick Comparison: Bobbie vs Kendamil
| Factor | Bobbie | Kendamil |
|---|---|---|
| Made in | USA | UK (England) |
| Certification | USDA Organic | British Soil Association Organic |
| Protein source | Organic whey + nonfat milk | Whole milk (creamier) |
| Fat source | Plant oils (no palm) | Whole milk fat + plant oils |
| Contains MFGM | No | Yes |
| Contains HMO | No | Yes (2'-FL) |
| DHA source | Algal oil | Fish oil |
| Palm oil | No | No |
| Corn syrup | No | No |
| Price (approx) | $1.40-1.60/oz | $1.50-1.70/oz |
| Availability | Subscription (bobbie.com) | Target, Amazon, various |
Bobbie Formula: Overview
Bobbie was founded in 2018 by moms frustrated with US formula options. Their mission: create a European-quality formula made in America. It's modeled after EU formulas but produced domestically with USDA Organic ingredients.
Bobbie Key Features
- USDA Organic: First organic, EU-style formula made in USA
- Clean ingredients: No palm oil, corn syrup, maltodextrin
- Lactose-based: Primary carbohydrate is organic lactose (like breast milk)
- Subscription model: Delivered to your door monthly
- FDA registered: Meets all US safety standards
Bobbie Ingredients
Bobbie Infant Formula: Organic nonfat milk, organic lactose, organic vegetable oils (sunflower, safflower, coconut), organic whey protein concentrate, less than 1% of: DHA algal oil, ARA oil, vitamins and minerals.
Bobbie Pros
- Made in USA (peace of mind, no import concerns)
- USDA Organic certification
- No palm oil (better calcium absorption)
- Convenient subscription delivery
- Clean, simple ingredient list
- Excellent customer service and parent community
Bobbie Cons
- No MFGM (milk fat globule membrane)
- No HMO prebiotics
- Subscription-only (less flexibility)
- DHA from algal oil (some babies don't tolerate)
- Plant oils rather than milk fat for majority of fat
Kendamil Formula: Overview
Kendamil has been made in the English Lake District since 1962. It's the only formula used in British royal households and has gained a cult following among US parents seeking European-quality options.
Kendamil Key Features
- Whole milk formula: Uses full-fat milk (creamier, more milk fat)
- Contains MFGM: Milk fat globule membrane for brain development
- Contains HMO: 2'-FL human milk oligosaccharide
- Fish oil DHA: Natural source of omega-3
- British heritage: Made in Lake District since 1962
Kendamil Ingredients
Kendamil Organic: Organic whole milk, organic lactose, organic vegetable oils (sunflower, coconut, rapeseed), organic galacto-oligosaccharides, organic 2'-FL HMO, fish oil (DHA), vitamins and minerals.
Kendamil Pros
- Whole milk fat (closer to breast milk composition)
- Contains MFGM (brain development support)
- Contains HMO 2'-FL (immune and gut support)
- Fish oil DHA (some prefer over algal)
- No palm oil, corn syrup, or artificial ingredients
- Available at Target, Amazon, various retailers
- Royal warrant holder (British royal family approved)
Kendamil Cons
- Imported (longer supply chain)
- Slightly higher price point
- Contains fish (allergen concern for some)
- Stock availability can be inconsistent
- Not USDA Organic (UK organic certification instead)
Key Differences Explained
1. Protein Source: Whey vs Whole Milk
Bobbie uses organic whey protein concentrate + nonfat milk, creating a whey-dominant formula similar to breast milk's protein ratio.
Kendamil uses whole milk, which includes the cream. This creates a formula higher in naturally-occurring milk fat and includes MFGM.
Winner: Kendamil's whole milk approach may be slightly closer to breast milk's fat profile, but both provide excellent nutrition.
2. MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane)
MFGM is a component naturally found in breast milk that supports brain development and cognitive function. Studies show it may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Bobbie: Does NOT contain MFGM
- Kendamil: Contains MFGM (from whole milk processing)
Winner: Kendamil. If brain development ingredients are a priority, Kendamil's inclusion of MFGM is a significant advantage.
3. HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharides)
HMOs are prebiotics naturally found in breast milk that support immune function and gut health.
- Bobbie: Does NOT contain HMO
- Kendamil: Contains 2'-FL HMO
Winner: Kendamil. HMO is a meaningful addition for immune and gut support.
4. DHA Source: Algal vs Fish Oil
- Bobbie: DHA from algal oil (plant-based)
- Kendamil: DHA from fish oil (animal-based)
Some babies tolerate one source better than the other. Fish oil DHA is more "natural" in that fish is how humans traditionally obtained omega-3s, but algal oil is vegan-friendly and some argue gentler on digestion.
Winner: Tie—depends on baby's tolerance and parent preference.
5. Origin and Availability
- Bobbie: Made in USA, subscription-only through bobbie.com
- Kendamil: Made in UK, available at Target, Amazon, specialty retailers
Winner: Depends on your priority. Bobbie for US-made, Kendamil for easier retail availability.
Nutritional Comparison
| Nutrient (per 100ml) | Bobbie | Kendamil |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 67 kcal | 66 kcal |
| Protein | 1.4g | 1.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 7.3g | 7.2g |
| Fat | 3.5g | 3.4g |
| DHA | 17mg | 15mg |
| Iron | 1.0mg | 0.8mg |
Both formulas meet FDA and EU nutritional requirements. The macro differences are minimal—both provide complete infant nutrition.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bobbie If:
- US-made formula is important to you
- You want USDA Organic certification
- You prefer subscription convenience
- Your baby has fish allergy concerns
- You value the clean, simple ingredient list
- Algal oil DHA works well for your baby
Choose Kendamil If:
- You want MFGM for brain development
- You want HMO for immune/gut support
- You prefer whole milk fat over plant oils
- You want formula closer to breast milk composition
- You prefer retail availability over subscription
- Fish oil DHA is fine for your family
My Recommendation: If I had to pick one, I'd slightly favor Kendamil for its whole milk fat, MFGM, and HMO—ingredients that make it arguably closer to breast milk. However, Bobbie is an excellent choice if US-made and USDA Organic matter most to you. Both are far superior to conventional formulas.
What Parents Say
Bobbie Parent Reviews
- "Finally a US formula I feel good about"
- "My baby loves it and has had no digestive issues"
- "Subscription makes life so much easier"
- "Clean ingredients give me peace of mind"
Kendamil Parent Reviews
- "Closest thing to breast milk we've found"
- "Baby's digestion improved switching from US formulas"
- "Love the whole milk—seems creamier and more natural"
- "MFGM and HMO were the deciding factors for us"
The Bottom Line
- Both are excellent: You can't go wrong with either formula
- Kendamil edge: MFGM, HMO, whole milk fat (closer to breast milk)
- Bobbie edge: US-made, USDA Organic, subscription convenience
- Both avoid: Palm oil, corn syrup, artificial ingredients
- Price: Similar premium pricing
- Try both: If unsure, get one can of each and see which your baby prefers
The fact that you're choosing between Bobbie and Kendamil means you're already making a great decision for your baby. Both formulas represent the best of what's available in organic infant nutrition.
Always consult your pediatrician before switching formulas or if you have concerns about your baby's nutrition. This article is for informational purposes only.