If you’ve made the choice to either supplement with formula or switch to formula completely, it’s normal to be a little worried.
Some babies reject formulas. You’re also bombarded with facts about how healthy breastmilk is, so you want to make sure that the formula you choose is nutritious for your baby.
It’s not possible to replicate the taste of breastmilk because the taste tends to change with your diet.
Related Reading: 5 Uses for Expired Baby Formula
However, most breastmilk tastes a little bit sweet. Because of this, moms that are supplementing usually have greater success with a formula that is at least a little bit sweet.
Keep in mind to watch out for high sugar content, though. Some manufacturers make their formula taste sweeter with a lot of high fructose corn syrup, which isn’t good for your baby.
In this article
- Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Products
- Baby Formula That Is Closest To Breastmilk
- 1. Enfamil Enspire
- 2. Nestle Nan
- 3. Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Formula
- 4. Pure Bliss by Similac
- 5. Similac Organic Formula
- 6. Happy Baby Organic Formula
- 7. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
- 8. Gerber GoodStart Gentlease
- 8. Similac Pro Advance
- 9. Similac Isomil Soy Formula
- 10. Enfamil ProSobee Baby Formula
- 11. Elecare
- 12. Enfamil Premature
- 13. Parent’s Choice
- 14. Puramino Infant Formula
- 15. Burt’s Bees Ultra Gentle Organic Formula
- In Conclusion
Short On Time? Here Are Our Top 3 Products
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top | Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula with Immune-Supporting Lactoferrin | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Nestle Nan 1 Pro Infant Formula Powder | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | Earth's Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula with Iron | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Baby Formula That Is Closest To Breastmilk
These formulas are packed with nutrition so you can rest assured that your little one is getting exactly what they need from a formula. Some of them are a little sweeter but don’t have the high amounts of sugar that you’ll find in some brands.
Of all the formulas on the market, these 15 are the closest to breastmilk in terms of nutrition. The flavor isn’t bad either. (You can taste them to double-check if you want to.)
1. Enfamil Enspire
When it comes to being close to breastmilk, Enfamil Enspire is hard to compete with.
The team at Enfamil consulted with leading experts in the field of breastmilk and breastfeeding to provide you with a formula that is packed with many of the same things that your baby is getting from your breastmilk.
Enfamil Enspire has Lactoferrin in it. This star ingredient is found in breastmilk, but few formulas have it. Lactoferrin is also found in colostrum.
It helps your baby build a strong, healthy immune system, supports the development of a healthy digestive system, and can help support healthy cognitive development.
The main downside to Enfamil Enspire is the cost. Along with it being one of the formulas on the market that is closest to breastmilk, it’s also one of the more expensive formulas you’ll come across.
- BRAIN BUILDING & IMMUNE SUPPORT: DHA has been shown to support brain development and Lactoferrin is a protein found in Colostrum that supports the immune system
- DUAL PREBIOTICS: Proprietary blend of Dual Prebiotics designed to support the immune system, and clinically proven to promote digestive health
- RECOMMENDED BY PEDIATRICIANS: Enfamil is the #1 Infant Formula brand recommended by pediatricians**
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2. Nestle Nan
Nestle Nan is a little sweeter, just like breastmilk. It’s packed with probiotics to help support digestive health, too. Among other vitamins and minerals, you’ll find that it has DHA, another common ingredient in breastmilk.
Because this formula supports digestive health a bit more than other formulas, most moms find that they don’t have as many problems with digestive issues when switching their baby if they use Nestle Nan.
It can cut down on things like gas and fussiness. As a bonus, this formula is one of the more affordable options if you’re searching for a formula that is like breastmilk.
- Probiotic Formula: Nan 1 formula features probiotic L. Reuteri that supports digestive health
- Give Your Baby A Good Start: Nan 1 Infant Formula features prebiotics, probiotics, DHA, iron, Vitamin & minerals
- Nutrition For Growing: Like your baby, were always growing & learning. More than ever were committed to being your partner in parenthood with quality ingredients, nutritious food & expert guidance.
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3. Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Formula
Earth’s Best is one of the most popular organic formulas and for good reason. It contains no corn syrup and is milk-based. It’s packed with fatty acids and DHA to support the health of your baby as you transition from breastfeeding to formula feeding.
Although this formula isn’t as sweet due to the lack of corn syrup, there are not a lot of reviews from mothers claiming that their baby refused to take it.
- Organic formula that is easy to digest and nutritionally complete for babys first twelve months
- All lactose milk based powder formulation; our closest formula to breast milk, no added corn syrup solids. Water assisted extracted DHA
- Omega 3 DHA and Omega 6 ARA fatty acids naturally found in breast milk to support brain and eye development, Iron for healthy development
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4. Pure Bliss by Similac
This formula is made from one of the leading brands that we all know and love, but they’ve changed a few things in this formula. Pure Bliss by Similac is crafted from European nutrition guidelines. Although it does have milk, the milk comes from grass-fed cows.
This non-GMO infant formula has DHA and ARA. Both of these are commonly found in breastmilk. You won’t find any antibiotics in Pure Bliss by Similac. The carefully crafted nutrition makes sure that your baby stays healthy as they grow and learn.
Pure Bliss has a slightly different taste when compared to other formulas, but that’s a good thing. Most babies that switch to this formula love the taste!
- MODELED AFTER BREAST MILK: Pure Bliss by Similac is thoughtfully crafted nutrition modeled after breast milk
- NO COMPROMISE: With NO artificial growth hormones,* antibiotics, or palm olein oil, and it’s non-GMO
- FOR BRAIN & EYE DEVELOPMENT: Pure Bliss has DHA and ARA, key nutrients to support brain & eye development
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5. Similac Organic Formula
This company took the extra step to make sure that their Similac Organic formula is certified organic by the USDA. It has a blend of DHA, Lutein, and more to make sure that your little one gets nutrition to boost both their brain and eye development.
Not only will you not find ingredients that aren’t organic, but you also won’t have to worry about growth hormones. If you’re searching for an organic formula that is like breastmilk, you should consider this one.
- USDA-CERTIFIED ORGANIC: Similac Organic Infant Formula for your baby’s first year is made with wholesome organic milk and other organic ingredients
- NO ARTIFICIAL GROWTH HORMONES: Similac is the first leading infant formula brand with no artificial growth hormones*(*No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rbST-treated and non-rbST-treated cows). Similac Organic has no antibiotics or palm olein oil and is also non-GMO (Ingredients not genetically engineered)
- FOR BRAIN & EYE DEVELOPMENT: Our exclusive blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E, nutrients also found in breast milk, help support baby’s overall growth and brain and eye development
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6. Happy Baby Organic Formula
Happy Baby Organic Formula is another great organic formula. It is made with non-GMO ingredients. All lactose is from cows that are raised on organic farms.
Happy Baby goes above and beyond to help cater to babies that might have lactose insensitivity.
If your little one has a mild intolerance, but they aren’t completely lactose intolerant, the Happy Baby Organic Sensitive formula is a wonderful option. They’ve cut back on lactose in this formula by 75%.
Another thing that I love about this formula is that there are no corn syrup solids. That means that there is less sugar that is going to be in your baby’s diet. Happy Baby isn’t the only organic formula like breastmilk on the market, but it’s one of the best.
- Modeled After Breast Milk & made with carefully sourced premium ingredients, this formula is made with organic lactose the principal carbohydrate found in breast milk Our formula provides key vitamins and minerals that are found naturally in breast milk
- With 4X More Prebiotics than most other organic infant formula, our formula delivers 2 prebiotics, GOS & FOS, Fibers that mimic the function of prebiotics found naturally in breast milk, which promote healthy gut bacteria in infants No corn syrup solids
- Happy Baby: At Happy Baby Organics, we provide organic and delicious options for your babys nutritional journey We develop premium organic recipes perfectly matched with your childs age and stage This is enlightened nutrition for every family
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7. Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease
Enfamil designed their NeuroPro line of formula with breastfed babies in mind. It’s full of vitamins and nutrients that your little one needs, like DHA.
Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease is specifically designed to give your baby the same nutrients but without as much gas. This is typically the preferred formula for babies that are having digestive issues as they make the switch from breastfeeding to formula.
- ON THE GO: Convenient and ready-to-use bottles, perfect for late night feedings or on-the-go moms. Made with non-GMO ingredients
- ALL IN ONE COMFORT: Enfamil Gentlease is scientifically formulated to help ease fussiness, crying, gas and spit-up in 24 hours
- BRAIN-BUILDING NUTRITION: Get brain building nutrition inspired by breast milk from Enfamil
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8. Gerber GoodStart Gentlease
If your little one is having a hard time tolerating other brands of formula, consider giving this one a shot. The grandbaby was originally on donated breastmilk when he was in the NICU.
Then, he was on Similac NeoSure. He did not tolerate it well, but we were stuck with it for a while due to the extra calories and nutrients it had. (It’s specially designed for preemie babies.)
As soon as he was allowed to be off of it, it was a mission to find a formula that would help with the gas and colic. We tried different versions of Similac. Enfamil didn’t help either. (That includes Enfamil NeuroPro Gentlease.)
However, he did amazingly well with this one. It’s definitely worth a shot if your little one has colic or a lot of gas and fussiness.
- Soothing Nutrition: Modeled after the complete nutrition and gentleness of breastmilk, this formula offers nutrition for babies up to 12 months experiencing colic, excessive crying, fussiness and gas
- Probiotic Formula: Good Start Soothe formula features prebiotics, Comfort Proteins and probiotics that improve the good bacteria in tummies and promote soft stools; Its our closest formula to breastmilk
- Give Your Baby a Good Start: Your baby’s nutritional needs evolve over time. Thats why we created the Gerber Good Start line. Made to comfort your babys tummy and available in a range of products
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8. Similac Pro Advance
Similac is a well-known brand that has stood the test of time. They have years of experience in the formula industry, and each new label brings a formula that is better for your baby.
Similac Pro Advance is similar to older versions of Similac, but it has more ingredients to make it more similar to breastmilk.
You’ll find vitamin E, DHA, and lutein on the ingredient list so that you know your baby is getting the proper nutrition they need for the first year of life. You’ll also notice that artificial growth hormones aren’t used with this formula.
It is important to note that Similac Pro Advance uses cow’s milk as a base, so this won’t work for baby’s that are lactose intolerant.
The cost isn’t bad. It’s not as expensive as Enfamil Enspire, but it’s not as cheap as Gerber Soothe either.
- BRAND FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT: Similac Pro-Advance is the first infant formula with 2’ FL HMO designed to be closer than ever to breast milk. (Based on pediatrician recommendations & IQVIA ProVoice survey 12 months ending February 2020; not from human milk)
- NO ARTIFICIAL GROWTH HORMONES: Similac is the first leading infant formula brand with no artificial growth hormones (No significant difference has been shown between milk derived from rbST-treated and non-rbST-treated cows)
- BRAIN & EYE DEVELOPMENT: Our exclusive blend of DHA, Lutein, and Vitamin E – nutrients also found in breast milk – helps support baby’s overall growth and brain and eye development
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9. Similac Isomil Soy Formula
Similac Isomil is a wonderful choice if you’re searching for a soy formula that is closer to breastmilk. It does contain a prebiotic to support your baby’s developing immune system.
That’s something that you don’t always find in soy formula, so it’s a huge bonus point for Similac Isomil.
Similac Isomil is also designed to help eliminate fussiness or gas. This makes it a great option for babies that are having a hard time digesting other formulas.
On the website, it does state that this formula is not meant for preemie babies. If your little one was born prematurely and you need a soy-based formula, consider other options or speak with your pediatrician.
- Similac Soy Isomil Infant Formula is the #1 formula for complete soy nutrition. Our baby formula is a nutritionally complete, soy-based infant formula that is iron-fortified and naturally lactose-free
- NUTRIENTS: Features OptiGRO, our exclusive blend of DHA, Lutein and Vitamin E, special nutrients found in breast milk that are important for helping support babys brain and eye development
- TRUSTED FORMULA: Similac is the #1 brand chosen by moms (Total US infant formula, all outlets as of 3/31/2018, Nielsen data)
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10. Enfamil ProSobee Baby Formula
Enfamil ProSobee formula is made with the same positive ingredients that other Enfamil formulas are, such as DHA. These help support everything from brain development to your baby’s immune system.
However, Enfamil ProSobee is lactose-free. There is no dairy or lactose. Instead, it provides a plant-based protein. You can pick up this formula in an average-sized can, larger can, or ready-to-feed bottles.
It’s also considered an exceptional vegan formula. Another thing I love about this formula is that it’s affordable, especially when you consider that it’s from a name brand.
- CONTAINS: 4 - 20.9 ounce containers of baby formula soy milk powder (Total = 83.6 ounces)
- DAIRY-FREE FORMULA: Enfamil ProSobee baby formula powder is a completely lactose and dairy free, soy formula alternative to milk-based baby formula
- POWDER FORMULA FOR MILK SENSITIVITY: Dairy free formula helps ease Fussiness, Gas Colic caused by sensitivity to milk based formulas
- COMPLETE NUTRITION: Gentle formula tailored for your baby through their first 12 months
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11. Elecare
Elecare is often recommended for baby’s that have severe food intolerances or digestive issues. It does not contain any hydrolyzed proteins, such as lactose. You also won’t find soy ingredients.
Like other formulas, you’ll find DHA, RHA, and plenty of vitamins to guarantee that your little one has the nutrition that they need.
The major downside of this formula is that corn syrup is listed as the main ingredient. If your little one has to have a hypoallergenic formula, this is a great choice.
However, you do need to remember that there is a lot of corn syrup and decide whether you’re okay with that for your baby. Remember, you have to make the choice that is best for your baby.
- IMPROVED SYMPTOMS: Well-tolerated formula clinically proven to help improve symptoms of severe food allergies and other GI conditions
- SUPPORTS GROWTH: Complete nutrition specially formulated to help growth & development in infants who need it most
- AMINO ACID-BASED FORMULA: Made with 100% free amino acids as the protein source for infants who cannot tolerate intact or hydrolyzed protein
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12. Enfamil Premature
Enfamil has a wide variety of formulas, and, thankfully, they also have Enfamil Premature. This formula is considered a high-calorie formula, which is something that most premature babies need.
They also make a version of this formula with iron in it to make sure that your baby is getting all of the iron that they need. Premature babies have special needs, and this formula strives to meet those needs.
- SUPPORTS IMMUNE SYSTEM: Milk-based, 22 Cal/fl oz formula with enriched nutrition and a blend of nutrients to help support babys immune system
- PROMOTES CATCH-UP GROWTH: Clinically proven to promote catch-up growth similar to full-term breastfed infants
- EXPERT RECOMMENDED OMEGA-3 DHA: A amount for brain-building nutrition inspired by breast milk from the formula brand thats
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13. Parent’s Choice
Parent’s Choice is another great formula. If you like Gerber formula for your baby, this is a brand worth checking out. The formula has the same ingredients.
My grandson could tolerate the Parent’s Choice version of Gerber Soothe amazingly well! The main difference that you’re going to find is the price. Parent’s Choice is much cheaper than brand names because it’s a Walmart brand.
- Lactose-free
- DHA, choline, luetin & vitamin E
- Triple Benefit growth support
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14. Puramino Infant Formula
Puranimo is a formula that is designed specifically for babies and children that are allergic to cow’s milk. It is also highly recommended for babies that have digestive issues or specific medical conditions. This formula can be used for both bottle and tube feeding as well.
Puramino formula is created by Enfamil, so it’s coming from a brand that you can trust. The same thought and care were put into this formula as their other formulas. You’ll find that it has both DHA and ARA on the ingredient list.
The one thing that I love about this formula is that there is a formula for babies and an additional one that can be used as a supplement in children’s diets when they are older than 12 months old.
Because cow’s milk and other dairy products are often fortified with certain vitamins and nutrients, such as Vitamin D, most people with a food allergy are deficient in those vitamins. Supplements like this one can help make up for that as your little one grows.
- Contains 4 - 14.1 ounce container of powder formula
- Hypoallergenic, 100% amino acid-based, iron-fortified formula, suitable for someone with lactose intolerance
- Scientifically designed for infants and toddlers with severe cows milk protein allergies and/or multiple food protein allergies
- Has DHA and ARA, nutrients also found in breast milk that promote brain and eye development
- Can be your babys only food for up to age 6 months, and a large part of your childs diet through 24 months of age
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15. Burt’s Bees Ultra Gentle Organic Formula
Burt’s Bees is known for their baby products, such as diaper rash cream and baby wash, so it only makes sense that they would also start to make the formula. This formula is gluten-free and has DHA in it.
You’ll also notice that it’s USDA-certified organic. The cows that the milk comes from are fed an organic diet as well. There is no additional corn syrup in this formula, which is hard to come across in organic, gluten-free formulas.
The taste also isn’t bad. Some moms use this formula to mix with their breast milk. Others have used it to supplement breast milk with no problems. It’s designed to be as natural as possible and easy on your baby’s stomach.
- Complete nutrition: This gentle baby formula provides vitamins D, E and K, calcium, gentle proteins and DHA for brain and eye development.
- Baby formula for sensitive tummies: easy-to-digest proteins to help reduce fussiness, gas and crying throughout the day.
- Milk-based infant Formula with complete nutrition to support growth and development.
- Organic Baby formula: made with milk from dairy cows raised in pastures and fed a 100% organic diet.
- Gluten Free baby formula and safe breast milk alternative.
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In Conclusion
Trying to find a formula that is close to breastmilk can be a challenge. You’ll also need to consider what’s in your budget and other issues your little one has before picking one. This list is comprehensive enough that you’ll be able to find one that will work for you, your baby, and your budget.
