What is the difference between Bobbie and Bobbie whole milk? A detailed comparison for parents

October 9, 2025 •

5 min read

While all infant formulas sold in the U.S. are highly regulated by the FDA to ensure they provide complete nutrition, many parents question what is the difference between Bobbie and Bobbie whole milk? The primary distinction lies in their unique fat blends, which directly influences their nutritional composition and potential developmental benefits.

Quick Summary

The main difference between Bobbie formulas is the fat source: the Original uses plant-based oils, while the Whole Milk version includes whole milk fat, which contains naturally occurring MFGM and less added oil.

Key Points

Primary Difference: The main distinction between Bobbie Original and Whole Milk formulas is the fat source; the Original uses plant-based oils, while the Whole Milk formula incorporates fat from whole milk.
MFGM Presence: The Whole Milk formulas naturally contain Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), a component found in breastmilk that supports brain and immune development, which is not naturally present in the Original formula.
Added Oil Content: Bobbie's Whole Milk formula contains 16% less added oil than its Organic Original counterpart because it uses the natural fat from whole milk.
Organic vs. Conventional: While the Bobbie Organic Original is fully certified organic, the brand offers both an Organic Whole Milk and a conventional Whole Milk formula, so it's important to check the label for specific certification status.
Digestive Benefits: The whole milk fat blend is designed to be easier on the stomach for some babies and is linked to supporting softer stools, similar to breastfed infants.

Understanding the Bobbie Formula Lineup

When evaluating Bobbie's infant formulas, it's essential to understand the different products available. Bobbie offers a few main types, including the Organic Original, the Organic Whole Milk, and a Conventional Whole Milk formula, alongside a Gentle formula for sensitive tummies. For most parents comparing the standard options, the choice is between the flagship Bobbie Organic Original and one of the Whole Milk formulas. Both are modeled after breastmilk, using 100% lactose as the carbohydrate source, and feature a 60:40 whey-to-casein protein ratio for easier digestion. Both are designed to provide complete nutrition for healthy, full-term infants from newborn to one year. The core differences, however, stem from their fat composition, which impacts other key features like MFGM content and organic status.

Core Differences in Fat Composition

The fundamental distinction between Bobbie's Original and Whole Milk formulas is the fat blend. This difference is not minor; it has a significant impact on the formula's nutritional profile and how it mimics breastmilk.

Bobbie Original Formula: This formula uses an exclusively plant-based fat blend. The oils used include organic high oleic (safflower or sunflower) oil, low erucic acid rapeseed oil, and coconut oil. This provides all the essential fatty acids your baby needs to support healthy growth and development.
Bobbie Whole Milk Formula: This recipe takes a different approach by including fat from whole milk in addition to plant-based oils. Because of the inclusion of full cream from whole milk, the formula has less reliance on added oils—specifically, 16% less added oil than the Organic Original formula. This whole milk fat blend is designed to be closer to breastmilk and supports softer stools for some babies.

The Significance of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM)

One of the most notable advantages of Bobbie's Whole Milk formula is the inclusion of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM). MFGM is a complex layer of lipids and proteins naturally present in the fat of all mammal milk, including breastmilk and whole cow's milk. Standard formulas that use skim milk and rely solely on added plant oils do not contain MFGM unless it is added separately. In the Whole Milk formula, MFGM is naturally occurring and provides benefits studied for their role in infant brain development and immune health.

Organic Status and Other Ingredients

When comparing the Bobbie Original and Whole Milk formulas, it's important to consider their organic certification status. This can be a point of confusion for some parents due to the different product names.

Bobbie Organic Original Formula: This formula is certified as USDA Organic and EU Certified Organic, meaning it meets the stringent standards required for both certifications.
Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Formula: There is an organic version of the whole milk formula, which also meets USDA Organic standards. This formula includes organic lactose and other organic ingredients.
Bobbie Conventional Whole Milk Formula: It's important to note that Bobbie also offers a conventional (non-organic) Whole Milk Infant Formula. This product contains several organic ingredients but does not meet the specific threshold to be USDA certified as organic. While still a high-quality product, it is a key difference to be aware of if organic certification is a top priority for you.

Additional ingredient comparisons:

DHA Levels: All Bobbie formulas, including both the Original and Whole Milk varieties, meet or exceed EU standards for DHA to support brain development.
No Palm Oil: A hallmark of Bobbie formulas is the absence of palm oil, which can sometimes cause digestive discomfort or harder stools in infants. The whole milk fat blend in the Whole Milk formula further helps avoid this potential issue.
Clean Label Project: Both formulas have earned the Clean Label Purity Award, demonstrating their commitment to high quality and ingredient safety.

How to Choose the Right Bobbie Formula for Your Baby

Deciding between Bobbie Original and Whole Milk formulas depends on several factors, including your baby's needs, your budget, and ingredient preferences. Here are some steps to guide your decision:

Consider Your Baby's Digestion: While both are gentle, some parents find the whole milk fat blend in the Whole Milk formula results in softer, more comfortable stools for their babies, similar to those of breastfed infants.
Evaluate Your Budget: The Whole Milk formula is often priced slightly higher due to the premium ingredients, including the whole milk fat blend. If you are on a tighter budget, the Organic Original remains an excellent, nutritionally complete option.
Prioritize Organic Certification: If a full USDA Organic certification is a priority, ensure you are selecting the Bobbie Organic Original or the Bobbie Organic Whole Milk, not the conventional Whole Milk formula.
Consult Your Pediatrician: For any questions or concerns, especially when switching formulas, always consult your pediatrician. They know your baby's health history best and can provide tailored advice.

Comparison Table: Bobbie Original vs. Whole Milk


Feature	Bobbie Organic Original Formula	Bobbie Whole Milk Formula (Conventional)	Bobbie Organic Whole Milk Formula
Fat Source	100% Plant-Based Oils	Whole Milk Fat + Plant-Based Oils	Organic Whole Milk Fat + Organic Plant-Based Oils
Organic Certification	USDA & EU Certified Organic	Not USDA Organic Certified	USDA Certified Organic
MFGM	Not Naturally Occurring	Naturally Occurring	Naturally Occurring
Added Oil Content	Standard Amount	16% Less Added Oil	Less Added Oil
Digestive Benefit	Gentle & Well-Tolerated	Supports Softer Stools	Supports Softer Stools
Best For	Routine feeding; high-quality organic option	Closest to breastmilk fat profile; not organic	Closest to breastmilk fat profile; organic

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

Ultimately, the choice between Bobbie Original and Whole Milk formula comes down to personal preference, budget, and specific benefits you seek for your infant. Both are high-quality, nutritionally complete formulas made to meet or exceed FDA standards, ensuring your baby receives the proper nutrition for their first year. The Whole Milk formula offers a unique fat blend that is closer to breastmilk, includes naturally occurring MFGM for cognitive development, and uses less added oil, which may aid in softer digestion for some babies. However, the Organic Original remains an excellent and reliable USDA organic option. Taking the time to understand these key differences will help you make the most informed decision for your family and your baby's health. For a direct comparison on their website, visit the Bobbie formula comparison page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many parents successfully switch between Bobbie formulas. As the recipes are similar in many ways, most babies tolerate the change well. However, it's normal to notice temporary changes in fussiness or stool consistency as your baby adjusts. Consult with your pediatrician for guidance.

No, many parents report that the Whole Milk formula is actually easier to digest for their babies. The fat blend, which includes whole milk fat, is designed to be closer to breastmilk and supports softer stools, potentially leading to fewer tummy troubles.

MFGM, or Milk Fat Globule Membrane, is a naturally occurring component of milk fat found in both human and cow's milk. The Bobbie Whole Milk formula contains naturally occurring MFGM, which has been studied for its role in supporting infant brain development and gut health.

Bobbie considers its Organic Whole Milk formula to be its closest recipe to breastmilk. This is largely due to its breastmilk-inspired fat blend, which includes naturally occurring MFGM and less added oil.

Not necessarily. The Bobbie Organic Original formula is USDA Organic certified. However, Bobbie offers two Whole Milk formulas: an Organic Whole Milk formula that is USDA certified, and a conventional (non-organic) Whole Milk formula. Always check the label if organic status is important to you.

No, none of the Bobbie formulas use palm oil. This ingredient is deliberately excluded to support comfortable digestion and avoid issues with harder stools that some babies experience with formulas containing it.

To decide, consider your priorities. If organic certification is key, the Organic Original or Organic Whole Milk are best. If mimicking breastmilk's fat profile and MFGM is the goal, the Whole Milk formulas are the closer option. For sensitive tummies, the Gentle formula might be needed. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.