Whole milk infant formula is gaining attention as more parents explore their options – but with so much information available, it’s hard to know what’s best.
Most baby formulas on the shelf today use skim milk as the base, which means manufacturers have to add fats (usually vegetable oils), adjust protein levels, and carefully balance vitamins and minerals to mimic breast milk.
For a long time, whole milk fat was left out of formulas. Why?
Mainly tradition and processing convenience. But research shows that naturally occurring milk fat may offer important benefits – for some babies, whole milk formula could be easier to digest and support better cognitive outcomes than skim-based formulas.
In this post, we’ll cover what makes whole milk infant formula different and how it may benefit your baby’s brain development, digestion, and overall health.
What Is Whole Milk Infant Formula?
Most formulas use skim milk and remove the natural animal fat. To make up for this, manufacturers add oils (like palm, soy, coconut, or safflower) to match the fat level of breast milk.
Whole milk infant formula keeps the milk fat intact, and still adjusts protein, vitamins, and minerals to meet baby’s needs – but the fat comes mostly from cow’s milk and relies less on added vegetable oils.
Key Components in Whole Milk Formula:
- MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane): A natural component of breast milk that contains important proteins and lipids that support brain development and help protect against infections.
- DHA: An omega-3 fat that supports healthy brain and eye development.
- Choline: Works with DHA to help supply key nutrients to your baby’s brain.
- 100% Lactose: Just like breast milk, lactose is the only carbohydrate source.
- 60:40 Whey:Casein Ratio: This is the same protein ratio in breast milk. Most formulas have this—but not all.
Benefits of Whole Milk Infant Formula
1. Supports Brain Development
Whole milk formulas often contain natural DHA, a type of omega-3 fat that your baby’s brain quickly absorbs. It plays a key role in brain and vision development during the first year of life.
When paired with choline—another important nutrient—DHA is even more effective. Choline carries DHA directly to your baby’s brain and eyes, where it’s needed most.
Another standout component is MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane), which is naturally present in whole milk fat. Research shows that MFGM can help support cognitive development, showing benefits to early learning and brain growth.
2. Better Digestibility and Fewer Infections
Whole milk formulas use less vegetable oils than skim-based formulas because they retain their natural fat from cow’s milk. This can be gentler on digestion and better mimic the fat structure of breast milk.
There’s also some evidence that palm oil (a common vegetable oil used in many formulas) can interfere with calcium and fat absorption and may contribute to constipation or harder stools in some infants.
On top of that, studies show that babies fed formulas with whole milk fat and MFGM may have fewer respiratory infections and less diarrhea compared to those on standard formulas.
RD-Approved Brand Recommendation: Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Formula
Use code LAUREN at checkout!
Feeding looks different for every family, but I want to highlight a formula that’s really getting it right when it comes to whole milk: Bobbie.
Bobbie recently launched the first USDA-certified organic whole milk infant formula in the U.S. and it’s raising the bar on quality and transparency.
Here’s why I love recommending it:
1. Brain-boosting nutrients like MFGM, DHA, and choline.
Bobbie includes all three—nutrients that are naturally found in breast milk and critical for your baby’s brain development.
2. 100% lactose as the carbohydrate source
Just like breast milk, Bobbie uses only lactose—no corn syrup, maltodextrin, or added sugars. This keeps the carbohydrate profile closer to what babies are biologically built to digest.
3. No palm oil or soy oil
Many formulas use palm oil or soy oil to meet fat requirements, but Bobbie doesn’t! That’s a big deal if you’re concerned about potential digestive issues like constipation, or if your family is avoiding soy.
4. Meets all FDA requirements and most EU standards
Bobbie is made to the highest safety and nutritional standards. It meets all U.S. FDA regulations, and aligns with most European Union requirements – widely considered some of the most rigorous in the world.
5. Made in the USA with domestic supply chains
No relying on international imports or worrying about shortages! Everything is made in their Ohio facility, so you can trust it’ll be available when you need it.
6. Transparent pricing—no inflation surprises
Bobbie offers predictable, subscription-based pricing so you won’t be hit with rising costs month to month.
Overall, Bobbie is a clean-label, research-backed formula that brings whole milk nutrition to families in a safe, accessible, and baby-friendly way. It’s one of the closest formulas to breast milk on the market today, which is why it’s a great feeding option for families!
Whole Milk Formula FAQ
Is whole milk formula good for babies?
Yes! It provides all the nutrients babies need and closely mimics breast milk by using natural cow’s milk fat.
What is the closest formula to breast milk?
Look for a formula with whole milk fat and a 60:40 whey:casein ratio. That’s why I generally recommend brands like Bobbie that check both boxes!
Is whole milk formula harder to digest?
Not usually! In fact, many babies tolerate it better than skim milk formulas. Less vegetable oil means it may be gentler on digestion. But if your baby struggles with any formula, talk to your pediatrician. Some babies may benefit from a partially hydrolyzed option.
The Bottom Line
As a dietitian, I recommend choosing a formula that closely mimics breast milk and meets strict safety standards. Whole milk formulas are doing just that!
Just remember: feeding is personal. What works for one baby might not work for another. Always follow your pediatrician’s guidance and read labels carefully.
Need help making the best choice for your baby? I’d love to support you! Schedule a free phone consultation here.
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This post is sponsored by Bobbie. All opinions and recommendations are my own.