You may wonder how your breastfed baby will respond to trying, supplementing with or switching over to formula. Fluctuating spontaneously, homemade breast milk is hard to imitate in terms of taste via formula.

Various formulas on the market with different flavor profiles are more likely to be accepted by breastfed infants. Human milk is sweet, so use a sweet formula if possible, but keep an eye on the sugar levels.

So which formula tastes like breast milk? My list comprises the most nutrient-dense and tasty formulas available on the market. Because each infant is unique, be prepared for a lot of trial and error. The following brands have been well-tolerated by nursing infants so you may use any of them.

10 Formula Tastes Like Breast Milk

The best infant milk formulas that taste like breast milk in terms of nutrition and flavor are as follows:

1. Gerber Good Start

One key ingredient that separates Gerber Good Start from other brands is A2 milk. According to some experts, A2 milk has health benefits and is easier for lactose intolerant people to digest.

What does this mean for your child? If you’re concerned about feeding your infant formula because of a delicate stomach or fears over the safety of formula, try Good Start. It is great for babies’ with gas and who spit up often. The probiotic L. reuteri in this formula aids in the maintenance of a healthy digestive system. According to a 2011 study, taking this probiotic might help alleviate colic symptoms.

Gerber’s Good Start formula, also contains 2′-FL Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO), a prebiotic found in breast milk that is key for digestive health. Non-GMO Good Start also has DHA to enhance eye and brain development. Lastly, the product blends smoothly and doesn’t clump like some other brands.

2. Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula With MFGM & Lactoferrin

Enfamil Enspire is one of the most similar baby Formula to human milk, especially nutritionally. Although it often costs a little more than other options, it contains nutrients only found in mother’s milk, making it perfect for breastfed infants. First and foremost, it includes lactoferrin which is found in colostrum. Both colostrum and lactoferrin boost a child’s immune system and digestive function.

This formula also contains MFGM (aka milk fat globule membrane, choline, iron, and omega-3 DHA–all critical elements for cognitive development. If you’re looking for an infant formula that comes as close as possible to breast milk, give Enfamil Enspire a try!

3. Similac Pro-Advance Non-GMO Infant Formula with Iron

Similac’s Pro-Advance formula contains nutrients that have been shown to assist a baby’s health and development. Important ingredients like DHA, vitamin E, and lutein help support brain growth, eye health, and overall physical development.

Prebiotic 2′-FL HMO aids not only your child’s stomach but also their immune system. Unlike other formulas, this contains no growth hormones and is guaranteed not to clump. If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic option, Alimentum or Nutramigen are both great choices.

I debated including Similac in this list. The Similac brand has struggled recently, with some products sadly being in 2022 recalled due to defective packaging. I decided to leave it in, because of I am hopeful that the brand can recover trust and get back to the high quality it always represented.

Read more: How much milk does your baby need.

4. Enfamil A2 Premium Infant Formula

Enfamil A2 premium formula is based on A2 milk, which is beneficial for digestive health. Consider this option if your infant has a sensitive tummy. It’s free of GMOs and includes DHA, which is better for a baby’s brain development.

Your baby is more satisfied and comfortable after every feed when there’s less gas. Because it’s simple to combine and tastes wonderful, breastfed babies will enjoy it.

5. Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Powder Formula with Iron

Earth’s Best is a well-known organic product brand. The infant formula is USDA-certified organic, and is made with non-GMO ingredients.

Earth’s Best combine a lot of great ingredients in their infant formula milk powder. Iron, essential for healthy growth and brain development. DHA and ARA help neuronal, ocular, and brain development. Lactose, whey protein concentrate, and corn syrup solids are other organic ingredients.

The organic, plant-based formula is perfect for infants who are sensitive to cow’s milk. This means that parents who use Earth’s Best formula don’t have to worry as much about gas, acid reflux, or yellow spit-up

6. Nestle Nan 1 Pro Infant Formula Powder

Nestle Nan is a great option for supplementing breastmilk with formula. This baby formula contains 2′-FL HMO and L. reuteri, which have been proven to aid digestion and help reduce infant gas or indigestion-related fussiness. One downside of the Nestle Nan 1 Pro is that it does sometimes clump up, which can be a hassle when compared to many alternatives on the market.

7. Happy Baby Organic Infant Formula

Another organic choice is Happy Baby. The are USDA certified organic and GMO-free. Their products are free from rice, wheat, or corn-derived maltodextrin. The formula also contains galactooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which nourish stomach microorganisms and aid digestion.

This product is complete with ARA, DHA, and other essential nutrients to promote growth in babies.

8. Enfamil NeuroPro Infant Formula

Enfamil NeuroPro also contains MFGM, which has been found to aid in newborns’ cognitive development and provide infection protection. A 2019 study showed that adding MFGM to formula positively affected babies’ cognition and well-being.

I have heard some moms worry that formula-fed babies are more susceptible to infection or illness. Hopefully this product helps reassure these moms that there are formula options available that might help.

Enfamil is a hypoallergenic and GMO-free cow’s milk replacement with prebiotics and DHA. Vitamin D3, calcium, and taurine are some of the other ingredients. If your kid has a fragile digestive system, try using Enfamil’s gentler formulation.

9. Baby’s Only Organic LactoRelief with DHA & ARA Toddler Formula

Baby’s Only Organic is a great choice if you’re thinking of formula options for your 12 to 36-month-old. It’s free of harmful pesticides, corn and glucose syrup, antibiotics, and other substances.

The firm does not use hexane, a hazardous chemical, to process DHA. This product will be pleasant to your baby’s taste buds and easy on her tummy, reducing fussiness and crying.

10. Pure Bliss by Similac

Similac is great for newborns. So great in fact that it is a staple in many hospital systems. Similac Pure Bliss includes everything your baby needs for the first year. It’s free of antibiotics and palm olein oil. Palm olein oil might contribute to constipation, which can be fatal to newborns.

Palm olein oil has also been shown to reduce bone density and calcium uptake, according to a study conducted in 2006. Pure Bliss includes DHA, ARA, lutein, and vitamin B12. Breastfed infants prefer pure Bliss’s flavor.

Conclusion

Which formula tastes like breast milk? Finding breast milk-tasting formulas might be tough, especially when purchasing online. Some babies are also more picky than others; if this is the case with your little one, be prepared to test different brands before finding one that works for you.

Breastfeeding is fantastic for babies, but it is not the only available path to ensuring baby is getting the right nutrition. When comparing components and brands, consider your baby’s digestive issues – for example, some parents have discovered that their babies prefer ready-to-feed formula to powdered infant food. The modern baby formula are better than ever, so you’ll still be giving your child the best possible start.