Organic vs. Conventional Formula

Updated 3 months ago

What is the difference between organic and conventional formula?

All baby formulas provide the essential nutrients your baby needs to grow. The difference is in how those ingredients are sourced, processed and regulated. European organic formula is held to some of the strictest food safety and organic standards in the world — standards that ban many ingredients routinely found in conventional formula.

What conventional formula may contain

Refined sugars

Most conventional formulas contain refined sugars such as corn syrup, sucrose, glucose and fructooligosaccharides. These are not naturally occurring carbohydrates — they are added to hit nutritional targets cheaply. European organic formula uses lactose as its primary carbohydrate, which is the same sugar naturally found in breast milk.

Highly processed vegetable oils

Conventional formulas often use oils that have been genetically modified or extracted using toxic solvents. European organic standards prohibit the use of such extraction methods in any stage of production. Brands like Kendamil source DHA entirely from algae, making it suitable for vegetarians.

Synthetic preservatives and additives

Conventional formula commonly contains synthetic preservatives, synthetic fiber and artificial additives. European organic brands use no synthetic preservatives, no artificial additives and no GMOs.

Hormones, antibiotics and pesticides

Milk used in conventional formula may come from cows treated with growth hormones and antibiotics, and raised on crops sprayed with synthetic pesticides and herbicides. EU organic regulations require that all animals are raised without hormones, antibiotics or synthetic pesticides — and that all crops are grown to certified organic standards.

What European organic formula guarantees

• No corn syrup or refined sugars — lactose is the primary carbohydrate, just as in breast milk
• No GMOs — prohibited at every stage of production under EU law
• No hormones or antibiotics — all animals are raised to certified organic standards
• No synthetic preservatives or artificial additives

Why European organic sets a higher standard

Not all organic formula is equal. While some countries permit an “organic” label with only 95% organic ingredients, EU organic certification applies to the entire product — including how the animals are raised, how the crops are grown and how the formula is processed. Brands like Holle go even further with Demeter biodynamic certification, and Kendamil is the only European brand to use 100% whole milk and algae-sourced DHA.

All formulas at My Organic Formula are sourced exclusively from European certified organic brands. You will not find corn syrup, GMOs, synthetic hormones or artificial additives in any product we carry.