In recent years, there has been a nationwide shortage of powdered milk, placing a huge burden on caregivers. It also created an easy path for parents to access European-made powdered milk and sparked interest in whole milk-based options. Now, American companies are trying to meet that demand.
Last month, Bobby launched American-made organic whole milk infant formula, the brand’s proudest option inspired by breast milk. Additionally, this spring, a new formula company, Nala Organics, will launch its own USDA-certified organic whole milk formula.
Here’s everything you need to know about organic whole milk powder on the market, according to experts.
What is whole milk powder and how is it different?
Most infant formulas available in the United States are based on cow’s milk, but whole milk infant formula is considered new because traditional formulas tend to use skim milk as a base, says Pediatric Gastroenterologist and author Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Infants and Toddlers.
So what difference does the formulation base make?
“Whole milk contains more natural fats, so it requires less vegetable oil than skim milk-based formulas to achieve the optimal fatty acid ratio needed for infant nutrition,” says Dr. Porto.
Naturally, whole milk powder also contains bioactive ingredients and ingredients that promote infant growth and development, such as milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), but standard milk powder does not contain these ingredients unless added as a supplement.
Anthony Porto, MD, MPH
Because whole milk contains more natural fat, it requires less vegetable oil than skim milk-based formula to achieve the optimal fatty acid ratio needed for infant nutrition.
— Anthony Porto, MD, MPH
Comparison of organic and grass-fed whole milk powder
For whole milk powder to be labeled organic, it must be made with primarily organic ingredients and meet USDA certification standards. “In contrast, conventional grass-fed milk uses whole milk from grass-fed cows but may contain one or more ingredients that are not certified organic,” says Dr. Porto.
Standards for organic infant milk certification in the United States are primarily based on the percentage of additives and preservatives that may be present and the processes used during manufacturing, explains Dr. Jenelle Ferry, a neonatologist and director of feeding, nutrition, and infant development at Pediatrics Medical Group.
“As an example, some infant formulas are made with partially broken down proteins for use in infants with certain types of digestive problems,” says Dr. Ferry. Even if this formula contains organic ingredients, it may no longer meet the standards for organic certification, as this is not a natural process, despite its digestive benefits.
Is organic whole milk powder better for my baby?
The short answer, according to experts, is no. All infant formula sold in the United States is highly regulated and must meet nutritional requirements set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “These nutritional requirements ensure that all infant formulas contain appropriate levels of fat, protein and sugar, as well as more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development in infants,” says Dr. Porto.
The specific health benefits of organic whole milk powder are not well understood and need to be better studied. But along with reducing the need for additional vegetable oils, Dr. Porto says they naturally contain MFGM, a component of breast milk that may have benefits for infant brain development and immune support.
What about the benefits of going organic? Experts say there is no scientific evidence that organic or grass-fed formula is better for infants than standard formula. Therefore, personal choice may be the biggest factor in choosing between the two for your baby.
“Grass-fed practices tend to align with more rigorous animal welfare practices and may have a lower environmental impact than large-scale farming methods,” Dr. Ferry says. “While some claim that grass-fed milk is easier to digest, it can also be difficult for some infants to digest due to its high lactose content.”
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What to consider when choosing organic whole milk powder
Just as standard infant formula has different ratios of protein, fat, and other key ingredients, so too does the formulation of grass-fed whole milk formula and organic whole milk formula. This is just one reason why it’s important to do your research. Here are some tips:
- Talk to your health care provider about your baby’s specific nutritional needs. “For infants with certain protein intolerances or digestive issues, there may not be a grass-fed option that fits their nutritional needs,” says Dr. Ferry. “Similarly, for premature infants, most of these formulas cannot adequately meet the needs for increased protein, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc.”
- consider preferences. As with standard formula, when considering organic whole milk formula, you should consider the availability of powder and liquid formulations, which may be a factor in suitability for some infants, says Dr. Ferry.
- Consider your price range. “These formulations also tend to be expensive because the manufacturing process is costly,” Dr. Ferry says. “When there are many healthy options for feeding infants, we do not recommend providing these formulas to families who may be adding to their financial burden.”
- Be a prudent consumer. There are no known risks associated with organic whole milk powder if These are FDA-registered and purchased directly from the manufacturer, Dr. Porto emphasizes. “Consumers should be wary of international formulas purchased online through third-party vendors, as these are not FDA-registered according to U.S. regulations and may not be properly stored or labeled,” he says.
