The Short Answer
Bobbie wins this matchup by default. In November 2025, ByHeart issued a nationwide recall of all their formula after an infant botulism outbreak hospitalized 51 babies across 19 states.
If you need a clean, premium, U.S.-made formula right now, Bobbie is the safest and best choice. It offers European-level DHA, USDA organic ingredients, and zero corn syrup—with a spotless safety record.
Why This Matters
Until late 2025, Bobbie and ByHeart were neck-and-neck as the best new disruptors in the American formula market. Both promised clean ingredients, no palm oil, and recipes far closer to breast milk than legacy brands. Closest To Breast Milk
Then, disaster struck. ByHeart is currently off the market and facing massive class-action lawsuits. The FDA found Clostridium botulinum in their formula, leading to a complete halt in production. Baby Formula Recalls
This leaves parents scrambling for a premium alternative. Bobbie steps perfectly into this gap. They recently launched a whole milk version that matches ByHeart's fat profile, while maintaining their rigorous safety testing and USDA Organic certification. Is Bobbie Good
What's Actually In These Formulas
Even though ByHeart is recalled, here is how their recipes historically compared:
- Protein Ratio — Bobbie uses a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio matching mature breast milk. ByHeart used an 80:20 ratio mimicking early colostrum.
- Carbohydrates — Both use 100% lactose. Neither brand uses cheap fillers like maltodextrin or corn syrup. Formula No Corn Syrup
- Fats — Bobbie's original uses nonfat milk with plant oils, but their new version uses grass-fed whole milk. ByHeart also used whole milk. Neither uses constipation-causing palm oil. Palm Oil Baby Formula
- DHA — Both use water-extracted algal DHA. This avoids the harsh chemical solvents used in most commercial formulas. Hexane Extracted Dha
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- 100% Lactose — The primary carbohydrate in breast milk, providing clean energy without sugar spikes. Is Corn Syrup Formula Bad
- European DHA Levels — Bobbie meets strict EU standards (20mg/100kcal) for brain and eye development. European Vs American Formula
- Clean Label Certification — Verifies the product is strictly tested for heavy metals and toxins. Heavy Metals Baby Formula
Red Flags:
- Bacterial Contamination — The 2025 ByHeart botulism outbreak is a stark reminder of why rigorous manufacturing and safety testing is non-negotiable.
- Corn Syrup Solids — Used by legacy brands as a cheap substitute for lactose, but thankfully avoided by both of these premium options.
The Best Options
Because of the massive botulism recall, ByHeart is no longer a safe or viable option. Here is how the current landscape looks. Safest Formula Brands
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobbie | Organic Infant Formula | ✅ | USDA Organic, European-style DHA, spotless safety record. |
| Bobbie | Organic Whole Milk | ✅ | Adds whole milk fat for brain development and easier digestion. |
| ByHeart | Whole Nutrition Formula | 🚫 | RECALLED NATIONWIDE due to a deadly botulism outbreak. |
The Bottom Line
1. Throw away ByHeart immediately. — All cans and stick packs are under a nationwide recall for deadly botulism contamination.
2. Switch to Bobbie. — It is the closest, safest premium alternative currently available on the US market. Is Bobbie Good
3. Monitor for symptoms. — If your baby consumed ByHeart, watch for constipation, weak cry, or lethargy, and contact your pediatrician immediately.
FAQ
Why was ByHeart recalled?
In November 2025, ByHeart recalled all formula products after 51 infants were hospitalized with infant botulism. The FDA found Clostridium botulinum bacteria in their manufacturing process. Baby Formula Recalls
Is Bobbie formula safe?
Yes. Bobbie has never been recalled and undergoes more than 2,000 quality checks per batch. It holds the Clean Label Project Purity Award for avoiding heavy metals. Is Bobbie Good
What is the closest alternative to ByHeart?
Bobbie Organic Whole Milk is the closest 1:1 replacement. It uses grass-fed whole milk, zero palm oil, and 100% lactose, just like ByHeart did. Closest To Breast Milk
Is ByHeart FDA approved?
It was registered with the FDA, but it is currently under a massive federal investigation. The FDA has recalled all of their products from store shelves. Is Formula Fda Regulated
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- 14. marianos.com
- 15. byheart.com