Organic vs. Non-organic Infant Formula
Choosing how to feed your baby is a personal decision and for some families, that includes deciding between an organic or non-organic infant formula.
Organic formula is more of a lifestyle choice than a medical need. What matters most is that every formula sold in the U.S. — organic or not—has to meet the same strict safety and nutrition standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA).
No matter which option you go with, you can feel good knowing both organic and non-organic formulas are carefully made to support your baby’s growth and development.
So what does "organic" mean?
When a formula is labeled organic, it means nearly all its ingredients come from farms that meet specific certification requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). But organic farming methods don’t make a formula healthier or more nutritious for babies.
In fact, there’s no scientific evidence that organic formulas offer any added health benefit compared to non-organic ones. Parents should consider the potential higher costs of formulas labeled as organic versus the actual benefits provided to your baby.
What about ingredients—are they different?
All infant formulas must provide the same core nutrients: proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Whether it's organic or not, every formula meets those requirements.
The main difference is really in how some of those ingredients are grown and chosen. In organic formulas, ingredients like milk and plant-based oils come from USDA-certified organic farms. These farms follow specific practices but that doesn’t change the nutritional makeup of the ingredients themselves.
Some organic formulas may also include fewer added extras, like certain probiotics or nutrients like DHA (an omega-3 fat that supports brain development), which are commonly found in non-organic options.
Are all ingredients in organic formula “organic?”
Most of them are, but not every single one. Some added nutrients like vitamins and minerals don’t have an “organic” version and are included to meet strict nutritional standards for infants.
To be labeled “USDA organic” a product must contain 95% organic material (Unless a product is labeled 100% Organic) not including water or salt, with the remaining 5% coming from materials that are not commercially available in an organic format and other specific materials allowed by the program.
Are non-organic formulas safe?
Yes. All infant formulas sold in the U.S., whether organic or not, must meet strict nutritional and safety standards set by the FDA. That means that every formula on the shelf is a complete, safe, and healthy option for babies.
What about antibiotics or growth hormones?
USDA organic standards prohibit the use of antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones in their cattle. If a cow gets sick it is treated and removed from the organic farm. All infant formulas sold in the U.S., organic or not have milk ingredients derived from cows with strict requirements around antibiotic and synthetic growth hormone use. Some companies voluntarily indicate that synthetic growth hormones such as rBST are not used in their products, although this is not required.
Do organic formulas avoid processed ingredients?
Yes. Organic formulas still use processed ingredients like certain protein, fat, and carbohydrate sources. “Organic” refers to how the base ingredients are farmed, not whether the product is processed.
Why do some parents choose organic formula?
For many, it’s about lifestyle and values. Some parents like knowing their baby’s formula ingredients come from farms that use organic practices, while others select a non-organic option based on price, availability, or their pediatrician’s recommendation.
Bottom line
Whether you choose organic or non-organic formula, you can feel confident that:
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They meet the same strict FDA safety and nutrition standards.
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There’s no proven nutritional advantage to organic formulas.
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The best choice is the one that fits your baby’s needs and your family’s preferences.