The formula shortage is so interesting to me for many reasons. One positive outcome from this crisis is that we now see a much wider variety of formula options on store shelves. The industry is diversifying, offering parents more choices than ever before, including alternatives like goat’s milk-based formulas, hypoallergenic options, and organic blends. This shift isn’t just about filling a gap in supply—it’s about empowering parents to find formulas that better meet their babies’ specific needs. The formula market was overdue for this kind of change, and now, more than ever, we’re seeing innovation and variety where it matters most.
Goat’s Milk-Based Infant Formula: A Nutritious Alternative
When it comes to feeding your baby, finding the right formula can feel like a big decision. A weight on parents shoulders. While cow’s milk-based formulas are the most common infant formulas available in the United States, goat’s milk-based formula is gaining attention as a potential alternative to these standard cow’s milk formulas. Goat’s milk and goat's milk formula offers some unique qualities that make it appealing for babies with sensitive stomachs or parents looking for something different. But what makes goat’s milk a good option, and is it right for your baby? Let’s dive into the benefits, differences, and considerations when choosing goat’s milk-based formula.
Why Choose Goat’s Milk-Based Formula?
Goat’s milk offers a few unique advantages that make it an appealing choice for some parents:
Gentler on Digestion: Goat’s milk proteins are broken down more easily in the digestive tract. Goat’s milk proteins form a softer curd in the stomach compared to cow’s milk, making it easier for babies to digest and may result in less discomfort for some babes. The fat content of goat’s milk is made up of smaller fat globules as well, which might contribute to easier digestion and quicker absorption of nutrients which may also help infants with sensitive tummies.
Lower in Alpha-S1 Casein: Compared to cow’s milk, goat’s milk is lower in alpha-S1 casein, the protein most responsible for milk allergies in infants. While goat’s milk is not recommended for babies with confirmed cow’s milk protein allergies (CMPA), its lower allergenic protein profile can be gentler for babies with mild sensitivities.
A2 Milk Proteins: Goat’s milk naturally contains a higher amount of A2 beta-casein, which may be easier for infants to digest compared to the A1 protein typically found in cow’s milk. A2 proteins have been linked to fewer digestive issues like bloating and gas, though more research is needed in this area for infants.
Lower Lactose Content: Goat’s milk has slightly less lactose than cow’s milk. While it’s not lactose-free, it may be more tolerable for babies who experience minor digestive discomforts. Goat's milk based formula is not suitable for babies with a true lactose intolerance (example: congenital lactase deficiency).
Nutrient-Dense and Rich: Goat’s milk is naturally high in essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin A, and selenium. While both cow's milk based and goat's milk based infant formula's are fortified to meet nutritional standards, goat’s milk provides a solid foundation for a nutrient-packed product.
Vitamin A for eye development and immune support.
Calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Selenium and zinc for immune function.
How Does Goat’s Milk Formula Compare to Cow’s Milk Formula?
Nutritionally, both goat’s milk and cow’s milk formulas are designed to meet the same rigorous standards, so your baby will get the nutrients they need for healthy growth. However, some parents notice a difference in how their babies respond to the formulas:
Fewer Allergens: Goat’s milk formula may contain fewer of the proteins that tend to trigger allergic reactions in babies with a cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), but it’s important to note that it’s not hypoallergenic. Babies with a confirmed CMPA may still react to goat’s milk, so check with your pediatrician if this is a concern.
Taste and Smell: Goat’s milk formula tends to have a slightly different taste and smell than cow’s milk-based formulas, which some babies (and parents) may prefer, while others might not notice a difference at all.
Who Should Consider Goat’s Milk-Based Formula?
Goat’s milk formula might be a good choice for parents looking for:
An alternative to cow’s milk-based formulas.
A formula that’s easier on their baby’s digestion.
A different protein structure that might be more suitable for sensitive babies.
Considerations Before Choosing Goat’s Milk Formula
While goat’s milk formula has many benefits, it’s essential to weigh some considerations before making a switch:
Not Hypoallergenic: Despite being easier to digest for some babies, goat’s milk is not suitable for those with a confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), as goat’s milk proteins may still trigger a reaction.
Fortified Nutrition: Always ensure that the goat’s milk formula you choose is fortified with the necessary nutrients, including iron, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and ARA. Non-fortified goat’s milk, or homemade formulas, are not nutritionally complete for infants.
Not Suitable for Lactose Intolerance: Goat’s milk-based formulas still contain lactose, so they aren’t a suitable option for babies with lactose intolerance or galactosemia.
Consult with Your Pediatrician: Before switching to goat’s milk formula, it’s essential to consult your pediatrician to ensure it meets your baby’s dietary needs, especially if there are concerns about allergies or digestive issues.
Key Brands of Goat’s Milk-Based Formula
Goat's milk based infant formula may be new to the United States, but it is far from new across the globe. There are several trusted goat’s milk-based formula brands available on the market, each offering its own unique blend of nutrients. Here are the options we will continue to see on store shelves here in the USA!
Kabrita Goat Milk Formula
Kabrita is a Dutch brand that has gained popularity in North America for its goat milk-based infant formula, which is marketed as a gentle and nutritious alternative to cow’s milk formulas. This worldwide formula aims to mimic the ease of digestion of breast milk, making it a great option for babies with sensitive digestive systems.
Key Kabrita Goat Formula Features:
Whole Goat Milk: Kabrita uses whole goat milk as its base, providing essential fats and nutrients. The formula’s fat profile supports healthy brain and body development, similar to the benefits of whole cow’s milk.
Mild Taste: Unlike some other goat’s milk formulas, Kabrita has worked on improving the taste of their formula. Goat milk naturally has a slightly "goaty" flavor, but Kabrita’s formula is designed to be mild and palatable for infants who might otherwise reject it.
Digestive Comfort: Kabrita is particularly focused on digestive health. Goat milk is naturally easier to digest due to the softer curd formed during digestion, making it suitable for infants with sensitivities to cow’s milk protein. While it’s not a solution for CMPA (cow’s milk protein allergy), it can be beneficial for those with mild intolerances or discomfort from cow’s milk.
DHA & ARA from Algal Oil: Similar to Kendamil, Kabrita includes DHA and ARA, two important fatty acids critical for brain and eye development. These are sourced from algal oil, making Kabrita a fish-free formula.
Lactose-Based: Kabrita uses lactose (the sugar found in breast milk) as the main carbohydrate source, rather than other sweeteners such as corn syrup, making it closer to breast milk in composition.
GMO-Free: Kabrita is non-GMO, meaning it is made without genetically modified organisms, which may appeal to parents.
Why Parents Love It:
Gentle on Digestion: Kabrita is often chosen by parents for babies experiencing digestive issues like constipation, gas, or colic. The gentle composition of goat’s milk proteins and the smaller fat globules make it easier on the digestive system than cow’s milk formulas.
Balanced Nutrition: Parents also appreciate that Kabrita provides complete nutrition, fortified with essential vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin D. It contains the right balance of fatty acids (including DHA and ARA) for healthy development.
Kendamil Goat Formula
Kendamil is a British brand known for its high-quality infant formulas, and their Goat Milk Formula is no exception. Kendamil focuses on using natural ingredients, and their goat formula is designed to be gentle on infants' delicate digestive systems.
Kendamil Goat Formula Features:
Whole Goat Milk: Kendamil uses whole goat milk as the primary ingredient, which offers a more complete fat profile compared to skimmed milk. This contributes to better digestion and helps support brain and body development.
Omega-3 DHA from Algal Oil: Kendamil uses DHA derived from plant-based algal oil, making it suitable for parents seeking a fish-free formula. DHA is crucial for brain and eye development.
Naturally Occurring A2 Proteins: Goat’s milk naturally contains A2 beta-casein, which is easier for babies to digest compared to A1 proteins found in most cow’s milk formulas. This can be beneficial for babies with sensitive stomachs or mild milk sensitivities.
European Formula Standards: Kendamil formulas are made to meet strict European standards, which are often seen as more stringent than U.S. regulations, particularly in terms of organic ingredients and processing.
Why Parents Like It:
Parents appreciate Kendamil Goat Milk Formula for its wholesome ingredient list, absence of palm oil, and the use of whole milk, which is thought to offer better nutrition. It’s also praised for being gentle on digestion and helping with issues like gas or constipation.
Aussie Bubs Goat Formula
Aussie Bubs is an Australian brand that’s become a favorite among parents looking for clean, minimally processed formulas. The Bubs Goat Milk Formula is designed to support gentle digestion while providing complete nutrition for infants.
Key Aussie Bubs Goat Formula Features:
Goat Milk from Australian Goats: Aussie Bubs uses milk sourced from Australian goats, ensuring a high-quality and reliable supply. The formula is based on whole goat milk, offering a natural source of essential fats.
Certified Organic Ingredients: While not all goat’s milk formulas are organic, Aussie Bubs takes pride in using certified organic ingredients wherever possible, ensuring fewer chemicals and additives in the product.
Free from Corn Syrup & Soy: Many parents are concerned about corn syrup and soy as ingredients in infant formulas. Aussie Bubs avoids both. (Btw, you don't have to be concerned about those ingredients!)
Easily Digestible: Like other goat’s milk formulas, Aussie Bubs contains naturally occurring A2 proteins, which are easier to digest than the A1 proteins in cow’s milk. This can be helpful for babies who experience gas, bloating, or discomfort from traditional formulas.
No GMO Ingredients: Aussie Bubs avoids genetically modified organisms (GMOs), making it a great choice for parents focused on natural, non-GMO foods.
Why Parents Like It:
Parents who choose Aussie Bubs appreciate the formula’s organic ingredients, gentle composition, and clean label free from corn syrup and soy. It’s also well-regarded for helping babies with digestive issues like reflux, constipation, and colic.
How They Compare
Kendamil Goat Formula vs. Aussie Bubs Goat Formula vs. Kabrita Goat Formula
Feature | Kendamil Goat Formula | Aussie Bubs Goat Formula | Kabrita Goat Formula |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Australia | Netherlands |
Primary Ingredient | Whole Goat Milk | Whole Goat Milk | Whole Goat Milk |
Organic Certification | No, but adheres to strict European standards | Yes, certified organic | No, but non-GMO |
Fat Source | Whole goat milk fat, sunflower, and rapeseed oil | Whole goat milk fat with added vegetable oils | Whole goat milk fat with added vegetable oils |
DHA & ARA Source | Algal oil (plant-based) | Fish oil | Algal oil (plant-based) |
Carbohydrate Source | Lactose | Organic lactose, with no added corn syrup | Lactose |
Free From | No palm oil, no fish oil, non-GMO | No corn syrup, no soy, non-GMO, certified organic | No palm oil, no fish oil, non-GMO |
Protein Type | Naturally occurring A2 proteins (gentle on digestion) | Naturally occurring A2 proteins (gentle on digestion) | Naturally occurring A2 proteins (gentle on digestion) |
Fortification | Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals | Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals | Fortified with essential vitamins and minerals |
Special Features | - Focus on whole milk nutrition | - Clean label, free of synthetic additives | - Milder taste, made to be more palatable for infants |
- No palm oil | - Certified organic | - Readily available in North America | |
Availability | Available in the U.S (becoming more available!).; widely available in the UK | Readily available in Australia; limited U.S. availability (becoming more readily available!) | Readily available in North America |
Target Age Range | Stage 1 (0-6 months), Stage 2 (6-12 months), Stage 3 (12+ months) | Stage 1 (0-6 months), Stage 2 (6-12 months), Stage 3 (12+ months) | Stage 1 (0-6 months), Stage 2 (6-12 months), Stage 3 (12+ months) |
Key Comparisons
Ingredient Quality and Certifications:
Kendamil: Uses whole goat milk, prioritizing a natural fat profile similar to breast milk, without palm oil or fish oil, and includes algal DHA. Although not organic, it meets high European standards.
Aussie Bubs: Stands out with its organic certification, making it the preferred choice for parents strictly seeking organic options. It avoids palm oil, soy, and synthetic additives, aligning with "clean-label" expectations.
Kabrita: Known for its non-GMO ingredients and mild taste, Kabrita offers a formula designed to be more palatable to infants who may reject stronger goat flavors. While not organic, it emphasizes gentle digestion and high-quality Dutch manufacturing standards.
Digestibility:
All three formulas utilize the natural benefits of A2 beta-casein proteins found in goat milk, which are easier on digestion compared to A1 proteins in most cow’s milk formulas. This makes each of these options suitable for babies with sensitive stomachs but not recommended for those with a confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).
Fat and Carbohydrate Sources:
Kendamil and Kabrita use algal oil for DHA, making them suitable for families avoiding fish oil. Aussie Bubs uses fish oil for DHA, which might be a consideration for vegetarian families.
All three use lactose as the primary carbohydrate, aligning closely with the natural sugar profile of breast milk. None include corn syrup, and Aussie Bubs also avoids any soy derivatives.
No 'KID-ding' here, goat's milk formula will
totally 'bleat' your expectations
Goat’s milk-based infant formula can be a great alternative for some babies, offering a gentle, nutrient-rich option for parents looking for something other than cow’s milk. However, it’s important to make this decision with the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure it meets your baby’s specific needs. For parents considering goat’s milk formula, this could be a nourishing and digestible choice that supports your baby’s healthy development!
OH! and btw - your baby is getting all the nutrition needed whether a formula is certified as organic, non-GMO, clean, etc. These terms do not change the nutritional value of a formula (& honestly, in some respects, they are mostly for marketing purposes...). These are specific features of these formulas, however please know that it does not indicate that one is better than another!
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