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There are so many infant formulas on the market today, so it can be tough to figure out which formula might be the best option for your little one! In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Bobbie organic infant formula compared to Kendamil infant formulas so you can find the best formula for your baby.
Bobbie Infant Formula and Kendamil's line of infant formulas are some of the newer options on the market today. If you're wondering which formula is better and what the differences are between the two, you've come to the right place!
In recent years, American parents have become more interested in feeding their babies organic baby formula with high-quality organic ingredients. I know when I had both of my kids, I wanted products that listed lactose as the primary carbohydrate and were free of ingredients like palm oil and corn syrup.
European baby formulas have become more popular in the United States because they often fill this need, same with European-style baby formula brands, like Bobbie.
Due to the 2022 baby formula shortage, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed the import of more formulas manufactured outside the US, including Kendamil. Given recent formula shortages, you might be looking for new brands and other quality formula options you can trust! To help you choose which options to consider, this formula comparison will highlight the similarities and differences between Bobbie vs. Kendamil.
About Bobbie Organic Baby Formula
Bobbie formula was founded in 2018. The company was created by and is still led by two moms who struggled to breastfeed exclusively and were frustrated with the infant formula options that were available in the United States at the time. Bobbie is the only European-style infant formula that's both manufactured and sold in the US and is made in Vermont and Ohio.
Bobbie meets FDA requirements for infant formula and was inspired by European nutritional requirements. It is USDA-certified organic, kosher, and is the first US baby formula to have received both the Clean Label Project Purity Award and the Clean Label Pesticide-Free Certification. It is the only infant formula brand made in the United States to meet the EU standard for DHA at 20 mg per 100 calories of prepared formula.
Since Bobbie organic infant formula is manufactured in the US and uses a subscription-based model, parents with a subscription will have continued access to their infant's formula for the duration of their formula feeding journey without having to search or shop at retail stores.
About Kendamil Baby Formulas
Kendamil is a privately-owned baby formula brand made in the United Kingdom (UK) that has been in business for more than 60 years. Kendamil was founded by a British family and uses a British supply chain to make their formula in the UK. Kendamil has 2 formula varieties that are recently available at Target stores in the United States: Kendamil Classic First infant formula, Kendamil Organic First infant formula. Both version of Kendamil's formulas are kosher and have a whey:casein ratio that is similar to mature breastmilk.
Kendamil has become recently available to the U.S. market under the FDA enforcement discretion as part of Operation Fly Formula; A plan to increase infant formula supply in the United States.
Are All Infant Formulas FDA Approved?
All infant formula that is manufactured and sold in the United States is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA sets minimum requirements of certain nutrients that all US formula brands must meet.
The FDA also sets Good Manufacturing Practices, Quality Control Procedures, Quality Factors, Notification Requirements and Records and Reports guidelines for infant formula manufacturers. These requirements are designed to help ensure the safety of American formulas.
But the FDA doesn't technically "approve" food products, including infant formulas, they only regulate them.
European formulas are not regulated by the FDA, however they are regulated by the European Union (European commission) and they meet the European standards for infant formula. Additionally, many of them do meet FDA nutritional requirements for infant nutrition. And today, because of Operation Fly Formula, Kendamil Organic is one of the few European brands that is now regulated by the FDA.
What Are The Key Building Blocks Of Baby Formula?
Proteins
Milk protein is a key component in baby formula and in breastmilk. Infant formulas that are cow-milk based typically contain whey and casein - the two protein components in milk. The ratio of whey to casein matters because if the ratio is off, it can cause constipation and other tummy troubles in babies.
WHAT IS WHEY?
Whey protein is the liquid that remains after milk has gone through the cheese making process (e.g. curdled and strained). Whey is typically digested more quickly than casein.
WHAT IS CASEIN?
Casein protein is what gives milk its white color. Cow's milk is about 80% casein. Casein is also a byproduct of the cheese making process, and is the curds or solids that separates from the liquid whey when milk is curdled. Casein is more dense than whey, and is digested more slowly. Too much casein in a formula can cause constipation.
WHAT IS THE WHEY TO CASEIN RATIO IN BREASTMILK?
The whey:casein ratio in breast milk starts off at 80:20 or 70:30 in early lactation / newborn stages, and decreases to 50:50 over a couple of years. Typically, mature breast milk still during the infant stages has a ratio of 60:40.
Fats
The natural composition of breast milk is full of essential fatty acids, so baby formula needs to be able to mimic that fat content / mix that human breast milk has. Typically, the fat content of baby formula will be a mix of different vegetable oils: soy oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil, palm oil, are all frequently used in varying ratios to provide the healthy fats your baby needs.
Carbs
Carbohydrates are what gives your body energy! They are in breastmilk and are absolutely essential to include in baby formula. The best type of carbohydrate to include in formula is lactose, which is the naturally occurring carbohydrate in breast milk and in cow's milk.
The unfortunate thing here is, many conventional formula brands will use carbs like corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, brown rice syrup, sucrose, or glucose syrup instead of lactose - because they're cheaper, have a longer shelf life, and can be more suitable for the rare occurrence when a child has a lactose sensitivity (so sensitive formulas will often have to use some sort of sugar instead of lactose).
Comparing Popular Formulas: Bobbie vs. Kendamil
There are two types of Kendamil formula - an organic version and a non-organic version. Here we will compare Bobbie organic infant formula to both Kendamil Classic First Formula and Kendamil Organic First.
We will review these important components of infant formula:
- Adequacy of Vitamins and Minerals
- Protein ratio
- Type of carbohydrate
- Types of fats
Note: All of these formulas are made from cow's milk. Bobbie and Kendamil don't offer a hypoallergenic or sensitive formula option.
Bobbie Vs. Kendamil Classic First
Bobbie Vs Kendamil Organic First
Kendamil vs. Bobbie FAQs
IS BOBBIE BETTER THAN KENDAMIL?
More Helpful Formula Guides!
In Conclusion: Our Formula Recommendation
Kendamil and Bobbie both offer an organic European-style baby formula option, though Kendamil Classic First is not organic. All formulas reviewed in this article meet FDA requirements for infant formula and contain all the key vitamins and minerals for infant growth and development.
Both brands are available at Target and on Target.com. Bobbie is also available via subscription service, making it very convenient for parents to receive formula on their doorstep month after month.
Bobbie remains the only US, European-style organic baby formula and is a great option for new parents. You really can't go wrong when choosing between Bobbie and Kendamil Organic. As always, make sure to review any possible formula changes with your infant's pediatrician before introducing a new formula!
I hope this Bobbie vs. Kendamil comparison guide helped you understand the differences between Bobbie and Kendamil, and find the right choice for your baby! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below - I respond to every single question I get!
