Due to the formula shortage, the FDA created an expedited approval pathway for international formulas. This means that we are now seeing some formulas from other countries on our shelves.
For the first time, we have goat milk formulas available. These formulas are generally considered “gentle” and can be tolerated by babies with mild tummy problems on a standard formula.
One major concern with the importation of international formula was that the mixing instructions can be different. I have included mixing instructions that were available as information on the formula became available, however formulations can change. Always check your can of formula for the correct mixing instructions. Many of the labels have mixing instructions in ml. For easy conversion, 1 ounce is about 30 ml. 2 ounces is about 60 ml.
If you find all this overwhelming (you’re not alone), definitely check out my Formula Feeding Guide for all the info you need about formula feeding your baby!
On January 9, the FDA released a list of formulas that will remain in the US long term. Any formula that is currently in stock in the US can remain, but once the stock is out, they will not restock. I have removed any formula not staying long term from the formula comparison chart. I have left information on every formula in the following article, because I know that many of these formulas will remain on shelves for quite a while.
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International Formula Comparisons
Stage 1 vs Stage 2 Formulas
While not popular in the US, other countries utilize a staging system for their formulas. Stage 1 formulas are designed for infants 0-6 months whereas stage 2 formulas are designed for infants 6-12 months. There are only slight differences between the formulas. I compared the Grass Fed Formula as an example. During the shortage, I would prioritize finding an infant formula over the staging, but if you’re able to find the correct stage, definitely choose it.
| Stage 1 | Stage 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 69 | 67 |
| Protein | 1.56 grams (60:40 whey:casein) | 2.3 grams (50:50 whey:casein) |
| Fat | 3.7 grams | 3.4 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 7.3 grams | 6.9 grams |
| Calcium | 70 mg | 77 mg |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 1.2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 47 mg | 56 mg |
| Probiotic | 80 million colony forming units | 120 million colony forming units |
The main differences are an increase in protein between stage 1 and 2 with a different ratio of whey to casein. There is also an increase in calcium and phosphorus to help with bone mineralization and iron due to the increase in iron needs at 7 months.
Kendamil
Kendamil is a British formula. All of their formulas use whole milk, which means they are palm oil and soy oil free. As of 6/18/2022, it is available in Target stores. Kendamil has also released a statement that they plan on applying to stay in the US long term.
- Kendamil Classic First Infant Milk: Standard formula with added whey protein and a variety of prebiotics. It’s most similar to ByHeart, Enfamil Enspire, and Similac 360 Total Care. It’s appropriate for infants with no allergies on standard formulas. Mix 1 scoop to 1 ounce water.
- Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk: Organic version of the classic formula with added whey and prebiotics. It’s most similar to ByHeart, Bobbie, and Similac Pure Bliss. It’s appropriate for infants with no allergies on standard formulas who would like an organic option. Mix 1 scoop to 1 ounce water.
- Kendamil Goat First Infant Milk: Naturally gentle formula with added why protein and prebiotics. It’s most similar to Similac Organic A2 and Gerber A2. It’s appropriate for infants on an A2 or gentle formula or those on standard formulas who may not be tolerating well. Mix 1 scoop to 1 ounce water.
- Kendamil First Infant Formula with Iron (Kosher Formula): A press release from the FDA stated that there would be a Kosher formula sold through Kosher stores. A rep from Kendamil states that the formula is actually Kendamil Classic. It is certified Kosher.
Bubs
Bubs is based out of Australia. All products are Clean Label Project Purity Award Winners. It is currently available through Kroger, Albertsons, and Walmart (locations vary). You can check out their formula locator to find formula near you or purchase directly from their website. Bubs has also released a statement that they plan on applying to stay in the US long term.
- Bubs Organic Grass-Fed Formula Stage 1&2 (affiliate link): Standard term formula made with whole milk and added whey protein. It does have prebiotics and probiotics. It’s most similar to Happy Baby Organic, Earth’s Best Premium, and Bobbie. It’s appropriate for any baby without allergies who tolerates a standard formula. Mix 1 scoop to 2 ounces water.
- Bubs Supreme A2 Infant Formula Stage 1&2 (affiliate link): Gentle formula made with whole milk and added whey protein. It uses A2 beta-casein milk protein for better tolerance. It also has prebiotics and probiotics. It’s most similar to Similac Organic A2, Gerber A2, and Enfamil A2. It’s appropriate for any baby on A2 or gentle formulas or on standard formulas who may not be tolerating it well. Mix 1 scoop to 2 ounces water.
- Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula Stage 1&2 (affiliate link): Gentle formula made with whole goat milk and added whey protein. It has prebiotics. It’s most similar to Organic A2 formulas. The US doesn’t have any goat milk infant formulas. It’s appropriate for any baby who is on an A2, gentle, or standard formula or for families who have wanted a goat milk option. Mix 1 scoop to 2 ounces of water.
Nan
Nan is made by Nestle, who also makes Gerber products. Formula arrived 6/9 and should be available online through the Gerber website, Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon. The plan is to sell it online so that the company can give parents and caregivers important instructions on how to use it. Nan products were on the original list of formulas planning on remaining in the US long term, but in the most recently updated list (current as of 1/24/2023), none of the products seem to be staying.
- SupremePro will be available in Stage 1 (for 0-6 months) and Stage 2 (for 6-12 months). It is made from 100% whey protein that is hydrolyzed (or broken down). It is palm oil and soy oil free. It uses fish oil for DHA. Also, it contains HMO prebiotics. It is most similar to Gerber GentlePro, Burt’s Bees Ultra Gentle, and ByHeart. It’s appropriate for infants with no allergies who are looking for a gentle formula or may be having pooping problems. Mix 1 scoop with 1 ounce water. It does not appear this formula will be remaining on the market long term.
- ExpertPro Sensi Pro (affiliate link) is very similar to the SupremePro. The main difference seems to be the type of probiotic used. It also uses a partially hydrolyzed whey protein. The labeling doesn’t require the specific types of vegetable oils used in formulation to be listed, so it may be similar or different than SupremePro. It uses fish oil for DHA. It is most similar to Gerber GentlePro, Burt’s Bees Ultra Gentle, and ByHeart. It’s appropriate for infants with no allergies who are looking for a gentle formula or may be having pooping problems. Mix 1 scoop with 1 ounce of water. It does not appear that this formula will be remaining on the market long term.
- NanPro does not use partially hydrolyzed whey protein. It contains probiotics. It is most similar to Gerber Good Start Gentle. It would be appropriate for any baby who uses a standard formula. Mix 1 scoop with 2 ounces of water. It does not appear this formula will be remaining on the market long term.
Aptamil
Aptamil was recently approved to be imported. It is made by Nutricia who already makes Neocate in the US. Aptamil is currently available at Walgreens and Albertsons.
- Aptamil Stage 1 First Infant Milk Powder (affiliate link): standard formula with added whey protein. It is palm oil free. It contains HMO prebiotics as well. It is most similar to Enfamil Infant, NeuroPro, Similac Pro-Advance, or generic standard formulas. It’s appropriate for any baby on a standard formula. This is a lower iron formula so may not be appropriate for infants born prematurely (even once they are term), born at a low birth weight, born with low iron levels, or infants who are at risk for becoming iron deficient due to illness. For babies over 6 months, it will be extra important to incorporate high iron food pairings.
- Aptamil Gold+ (affiliate link): standard formula with added whey protein, 2 types of prebiotics and a probiotic. Unlike the other Aptamil formula, it is not considered low iron. It is most similar to Enfamil Infant, NeuroPro, Similac Pro-Advance, or generic standard formulas. It’s appropriate for any baby on a standard formula. Mix 1 scoop of formula to 50 ml of water which is just under 2 ounces. This formula will NOT be imported long term.
- Aptamil Care: standard formula with added whey protein. Contain prebiotics as well as probiotics. It has added DHA from fish oil and does not contain palm oil. It is most similar to Enfamil Infant, NeuroPro, Similac Pro-Advance, or generic standard formulas. It’s appropriate for any baby on a standard formula. Mix 1 scoop of formula to 30 ml of water which is about 1 ounce.
Bellamy’s Organic
Bellamy’s is an Australian based formula company founded in 2004 by a Tasmanian mother. They have added a section to their US website to help find formula.
- Bellamy’s Organic Infant Formula (affiliate link): standard formula with prebiotics. It is made using whole milk with added whey protein. It has intact protein. It’s most similar to ByHeart, Bobbie, and Similac Pure Bliss. It’s appropriate for infants with no allergies on standard formulas who would like an organic option. Mix 1 scoop to 2 ounces water.
Abbott Nutrition (Ireland)
Abbott is the parent company of Similac. Some of the formulas we are seeing on shelves now are actually being made in Ireland.
- Similac Advance 2’FL Stage 1: very similar, if not identical to the Similac formulas we are used to seeing on the shelves. It is most similar to Similac Pro-Advance, Enfamil Infant, Neuropro, or generic standard formulas. It’s appropriate for any baby on a standard formula. This formula will NOT be imported long term.
Care A2+
Care is another Australian company. They make only A2 formula using A2 cows. Plans are to distribute to CVS/Rite Aid, Whole Foods, Kroger, HCA Healthcare, Publix Supermarkets, Safeway, the Vitamin Shoppe, Duane Reade Convenience Store, and Peapod Online Grocer. It was estimated to be shipped the first week of August, however as of January, there has yet to be any formula.
- Care A2+: A2 formula with intact protein. Added lactoferrin for immune support. Contains prebiotics. Palm oil free. It’s most similar to Similac Organic A2, Gerber A2, and Enfamil A2. It’s appropriate for any baby on A2 or gentle formulas or on standard formulas who may not be tolerating it well. Mix 1 scoop to 2 ounces of water.
The A2 Milk Company
The a2 Milk Company was founded in New Zealand. It started as a milk company in 2000, but expanded to infant formulas in 2013. They use only A2 milk. As of August 2023, they are available at Meijer, but will be updating their retailer partner list regularly.
- a2 Platinum Infant Formula: This is a standard infant formula with added whey protein, prebiotics, and DHA from fish oil. It has no palm oil. It’s available in an infant and follow-on version. As implied by the name, it uses only A2 milk, so should be easier to tolerate. It’s most similar to Similac Organic A2, Gerber A2, and Enfamil A2. It’s appropriate for any baby on A2 or gentle formulas or on standard formulas who may not be tolerating it well.
Comparison of International Formulas
| Formula | Stages | Protein | Fat | Prebiotics | Probiotics | Bonuses | Mixing | Compare to | Pricing (per 800 grams) | Planning to Stay Long Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kendamil Classic First Infant Milk | no | 60:40 whey:casein, intact | whole milk, vegetable oils, plant based DHA | GOS, FOS, 3′-GL HMO | no | no palm oil, soy oil, or corn syrup; vegetarian, Kosher | 1 scoop: 1 oz water | ByHeart, Enfamil Enspire, Similac 360 Total Care | $30.21 | Yes |
| Kendamil Organic First Infant Milk | no | 60:40 whey:casein, intact | whole milk, vegetable oils, plant based DHA | GOS, 3′-GL HMO | no | no palm oil, soy oil, or corn syrup; vegetarian | 1 scoop: 1 oz water | ByHeart, Bobbie, Similac Pure Bliss | $39.99 | Yes |
| Kendamil Goat First Infant Milk | no | A2 casein; 60:40 whey:casein, intact | whole milk, vegetable oils, plant based DHA | GOS, 3′-GL HMO | no | no palm oil, soy oil, or corn syrup; vegetarian | 1 scoop: 1 oz water | Similac Organic A2, Gerber A2 | $44.99 | Yes |
| Bubs Organic Grass Fed Formula | 1 & 2 | 60:40 whey:casein, intact | whole milk, vegetable oil, plant based DHA | GOS | Bifidobacterium longum BB536 | clean label award, no palm oil | 1 scoop: 2 oz water | Happy Baby Organic, Earth’s Best Premium, Bobbie | $35.99 | Yes |
| Bubs Supreme A2 Infant Formula | 1 & 2 | A2 beta casein; 60:40 whey:casein, intact | whole milk, vegetable oil, plant based DHA | GOS, FOS | Bifidobacterium longum BB536 | clean label award | 1 scoop: 2 oz water | Similac Organic A2, Gerber A2, Enfamil A2 | $44.78 | Yes |
| Bubs Goat Milk Infant Formula | 1 & 2 | A2 casein; 60:40 whey:casein, intact | whole milk, vegetable oil, plant based DHA | GOS | no | clean label award | 1 scoop: 2 oz water | Similac Organic A2, Gerber A2, ENfamil A2 | $54.99 | Yes |
| Nan SupremePro | 1 & 2 | 100% whey, partially hydrolyzed | vegetable oil, DHA from fish oil | 2’FL HMO | bifidobacterium lactis | partially hydrolyzed, 100% whey protein, fish oil DHA | 1 scoop: 1 oz water | Gerber GentlePro, Burt’s Bees Ultra Gentle, and ByHeart | $38.99 | No |
| Nan ExpertPro Sensi Pro | no | 100% whey, partially hydrolyzed | vegetable oils, DHA from fish oil | 2’FL HMO | lactobacillus reuteri | partially hydrolyzed, 100% whey protein, fish oil DHA | 1 scoop: 1 oz water | Gerber GentlePro, Burt’s Bees Ultra Gentle, and ByHeart | $38.99 | No |
| Aptamil First Infant | 1 & 2 | 60:40 whey:casein, intact | milk fat, vegetable oil, fish oil | GOS, 2’FL HMO, FOS | no | no palm oil, fish oil DHA, low iron (not necessarily a bonus) | 1 scoop: 1 oz water | Enfamil Infant, NeuroPro, Similac Pro-Advance, generic standard formulas | $34.99 | Yes |
| Aptamil Care | 1 | intact | vegetable oils, fish oil | GOS, FOS | bifidobacterium breve | no palm oil, fish oil DHA | 1 scoop: 1 oz water | Enfamil Infant, NeuroPro, Similac Pro-Advance, generic standard formulas | $38.99 | Yes |
| Bellamy’s Organic Infant Formula | 1 & 2 | 60: 40 whey:casein, intact | milk fat, vegetable oil, fish oil | GOS | no | fish oil DHA and ARA | 1 scoop: 2 oz water | ByHeart, Bobbie, Similac Pure Bliss | $28.44 | Yes |
| Care A2+ | 1 & 2 | A2 casein, 65:35 whey:casein, intact | vegetable oils | GOS, FOS | no | lactoferrin, no palm oil, Halal | 1 scoop: 2 oz water | Similac Organic A2, Gerber A2 | TBD | Yes |
| a2 Platinum | 1&2 | A2 casein, 60:40 whey:casein, intact | vegetable oils, fish oil | GOS | no | no palm oil | 1 scoop: 50 ml water (not quite 2 oz) | Similac Organic A2, Gerber A2, Enfamil A2 | $35.55 | Yes |
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Specialty Formulas
These are technically part of the international formulas, however they are not standard formulas, so I feel like they deserve their own section. Most of the international formulas have been standard formulas with the plan for US factories to be prioritizing specialty formula production. However, there is still a need for specialty formulas, so there have been a couple that have been approved.
On August 25th, the White House announce that they were facilitating a shipment of Alfamino Infant and Alfamino Junior formulas as well as Nestle SMA Nutrition Althera on August 26th. They will be distributed through retail, hospital, and home health care providers.
Vitaflow
PKU Start
This is a specialty/metabolic formula for infants with phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare genetic disorder in which the amino acid phenylalanine builds up in the body. It can be purchased through Vitaflow or through medical channels. They plan on staying in the US long term.
Nutricia
You may recognize the name Nutricia as they are also the makers of Aptamil which was also approved.
Pepticate and Pepticate Syneo
Pepticate and Pepticate Syneo are both extensively hydrolyzed formulas, meaning they are appropriate for infants with allergies. They syneo version has a probiotic and prebiotic whereas the original does not. They will be available through medical and retail channels including WIC. They plan on staying in the US long term.
Nestle Health Science
Based out of the Netherlands. Nestle is the parent company of Gerber.
Nestle SMA Nutrition Althera
This is another hypoallergenic, extensively hydrolyzed formula. Appropriate for babies with cow’s milk allergy or other food allergies. It’s the first hypoallergenic formula with lactose as the carbohydrate source that we will have in the US. It will be available for purchase online. They plan on staying in the US long term.
Krystyn Parks is a Registered Dietitian and Lactation Consultant who specializes in feeding children. She has a Master’s Degree in Nutritional Science from California State University Long Beach. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and has been registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2013.