Kendamil vs Nan: Which Formula Is Better For Your Baby?

Key Differences Between Kendamil and Nan

Key Differences	Kendamil	Nan
Origin	United Kingdom	Global (Nestlé)
Ingredients	Organic whole milk and organic ingredients	Non-organic ingredients, including palm olein and soy
Milk Source	Organic whole milk	Nonfat dry milk and whey protein concentrate
Protein Content	1.4g per 100ml	1.4g per 100ml
Unique Protein Feature	Naturally includes milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), supports brain development	70:30 whey to casein ratio, easy to digest
Carbohydrate Content	7g per 100ml	7.8g per 100ml
Carbohydrate Benefits	Lactose from organic whole milk, supports brain development	Lactose and 2′-0-Fucosyllactose (HMO), supports gut health
Fats and Oils	Whole milk fats and organic vegetable oils (sunflower, coconut, rapeseed), no palm oil	Blend of non-organic vegetable oils (palm olein, soy, coconut, high oleic safflower/sunflower)
Omega Fatty Acids	Sourced from sustainable marine algae	Included in the formula
Prebiotics and Probiotics	Organic galacto-oligosaccharides (prebiotic)	2′-FL HMO (prebiotic) and L. reuteri (probiotic)
Cost	Higher price point, organic ingredients	Budget-friendly, non-organic ingredients
Availability	Less readily available in the US, can be found in select stores and online retailers	Widely available

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Choosing the right baby formula can feel like a monumental decision, right?

After all, it’s about providing the best nutrition for your little one.

The choices might seem endless, but today we’re zooming in on two popular brands: Kendamil and Nan.

We will focus on Kendamil Organic Stage 1 and Nan 1 Pro – designed for 0-6 month-old babies. However, this comparison can still be applied to follow-on formulas because they share similar compositions.

Let’s get to it!

Our Short Answer

Sometimes comparisons are difficult and sometimes easy, this time is the latter: we unequivocally recommend Kendamil.

Its organic ingredients, use of whole milk, and commitment to avoiding unnecessary additives, palm oil, and soy put it ahead of the pack.

While Nan may be a suitable choice for those on a tight budget or those whose babies need probiotics, alternatives like Hipp Comfort or Anti-Reflux or a Goat Milk formula may still be better.

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Brand Reputation

Just like choosing a trusted mechanic for your car, picking a reliable and reputable baby formula brand is crucial.

After all, this is about the health and growth of your child.

Based on their reputations and philosophies, let’s compare Kendamil and Nan (by Nestle).

Kendamil is a British brand sourcing organic ingredients and using whole milk for a naturally creamy taste. It avoids palm oil and sources Omega 3 from sustainable marine algae.

Nan is known for its approach to balanced nutrition but contains non-organic palm olein and soy.

Kendamil Reputation

Born and bred in the British Lake District, Kendamil is the quintessential British brand that takes pride in its local roots.

Its name even originates from the local town, “Kendal.”

But what sets Kendamil apart from the crowd?

Kendamil’s philosophy is deeply rooted in quality and ethics.

It uniquely uses whole milk as a primary ingredient, sourced from Red Tractor accredited farms.

It gives it a naturally creamy taste and reduces the levels of vegetable oils often found in other formulas. In a world where only 1% of dairy is organic, Kendamil stands tall, sourcing organic ingredients that support better animal welfare and higher nutritional quality.

One of Kendamil’s significant standpoints is its firm stance against palm oil due to its negative impacts on the environment and potential malabsorption issues.

Additionally, it sources Omega 3 from sustainable marine algae, thus avoiding potential fish oil allergens and supporting our planet’s health.

With its vegetarian-friendly ingredients, Kendamil appeals to various dietary preferences, creating an inclusive formula that respects varying lifestyle choices.

NAN Reputation

Nan, a product by Nestle, is a globally recognized brand with a strong reputation.

As the number one infant formula brand in Latin America, Nan is known for its comprehensive approach to infant nutrition.

Nan’s philosophy emphasizes a balanced diet, with a Whey:Casein ratio similar to mature breast milk.

Nan incorporates probiotic L. reuteri and prebiotic 2’-FL HMO, ingredients known to support digestive health and help balance the microbiota.

A standout feature of Nan is its inclusion of DHA, an expert-recommended element for brain and eye development.

However, it’s important to note that Nan contains palm olein and soy, which may concern some parents even more it they are not organically produced.

Nutritional Composition

For us, the nutritional composition and the source of the ingredients are the two most important factors when choosing a good formula. 

Let’s look at how Kendamil and Nan compare in this regard.

Kendamil Organic Stage 1 uses organic whole milk and organic ingredients for protein, lactose, and fats, providing a natural and holistic approach to infant nutrition.

Nan contains non-organic ingredients, including palm olein and soy, which are better to avoid.

Protein Content

Protein is vital for the growth and development of your baby. Both Kendamil and Nan have a protein content of 1.4g per 100 ml.

Kendamil Organic Stage 1 uses organic whole milk as its primary source of protein, a choice that aligns with its commitment to a natural and holistic approach to infant nutrition.

This decision allows the formula to naturally include milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), a compound present in breast milk believed to support brain development.

Nan, on the other hand, uses a combination of whey protein concentrate and nonfat dry milk, yielding a 70:30 whey to casein ratio. This is designed to be easy for babies to digest.

Nan uses a great whey to casein ratio, very easy for babies to digest, but Kendamil’s use of whole milk and organic ingredients wins the round.

Carbohydrate Content

Carbohydrates are essential for providing energy for your little one’s growth and development.

Kendamil Organic Stage 1 includes 7g of carbohydrates per 100 ml, primarily derived from lactose found in the organic whole milk. Lactose is the main carbohydrate found in breast milk and is crucial for brain development.

Nan contains slightly more carbohydrates at 7.8g per 100 ml, also with lactose being the primary source. In addition, Nan includes 2′-0-Fucosyllactose, a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), which is a type of carbohydrate found in breast milk that supports gut health.

Kendamil uses lactose from organic whole milk and Nan uses non-organic lactose from skimmed milk.

Kendamil wins again.

Fats and Oils

Fats are essential for brain development, energy supply, and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

Kendamil Organic Stage 1 gets its fats from whole milk and organic vegetable oils, including sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oil. It does not use palm oil due to concerns about environmental impact and potential negative effects on nutrient absorption.

On the other hand, Nan uses a blend of vegetable oils, including palm olein, soy, coconut, and high oleic safflower or high-oleic sunflower oil, to supply essential fatty acids.

Nan adds non-organic palm olein (technically even worse than palm oil) and non-organic soy, two ingredients that it’s better to avoid.

Kendamil uses whole milk fats and organic vegetable oils, so it easily comes on top in this one.

Nutritional Facts Comparison Table

Nutrient	Kendamil Formula	NAN Formula
Energy	2148 kJ – 513 kcal	68 kcal
Fat	27.4 g	3.4 g
Carbohydrates	54 g	7.8 g
Protein	11.2 g	1.4 g
Vitamin A	390 µg RE	203 IU
Vitamin D3	10.4 µg	44 IU
Vitamin E	10.5 mg α-TE	1.4 IU
Vitamin K	28 µg	5.4 µg
Vitamin C	70 mg	6.8 mg
Vitamin B1	0.5 mg	68 µg
Vitamin B2	1.4 mg	95 µg
Niacin	4.7 mg	710 µg
Vitamin B6	0.4 mg	51 µg
Folic acid	150 µg	10 µg
Vitamin B12	1.3 µg	0.22 µg
Biotin	14 µg	3 µg
Pantothenic acid	3.8 mg	304 µg
Potassium	520 mg	73 mg
Chloride	385 mg	44 mg
Calcium	350 mg	45 mg
Phosphorous	185 mg	26 mg
Magnesium	50 mg	4.7 mg
Iron	5.3 mg	1 mg
Zinc	3.9 mg	0.54 mg
Copper	0.4 mg	54 µg
Manganese	70 µg	10 µg
Iodine	95 µg	8.1 µg
Selenium	18 µg	2 µg
Prebiotic	1.7 g/L, 0.06 g/L 3’GL	0.25 g/L, 2′-FL HMO
Choline	155 mg	16 mg

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Kendamil Organic Stage 1 includes a prebiotic, while Nan includes a prebiotic and a probiotic.

Prebiotics and probiotics are non-essential additives in baby formulas, but they can be beneficial for babies with digestive issues. It’s important to note that not all babies need these additives.

Kendamil Organic Stage 1 includes organic galacto-oligosaccharides (from milk), a prebiotic that can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. It does not include any probiotics.

Nan goes a step further by not only including a prebiotic (2′-FL HMO) but also a probiotic, L. reuteri. This probiotic has been shown to support digestive health and help balance the microbiota, potentially offering benefits for babies with digestive discomfort.

If your pediatrician has recommended you a formula with pre and probiotics, then Nan should be your choice, otherwise, Kendamil is the clear winner.

Cost and availability

Kendamil is less readily available in the US compared to Nan.

However, it can be found in select stores and online retailers, which we recommend for convenience and ease of access. (see below)

Kendamil’s price point is higher than Nan’s, reflecting its organic ingredients and the fact that it’s imported from Europe.

Best Places to Buy Kendamil and Nan in the US

What are the best alternatives to Kendamil and Nan?

• Holle stands out for its exceptional organic practices and pure ingredients. This German brand is known for its high-quality formulas that include organic and Demeter-certified ingredients, ensuring a high standard of production and animal welfare. *Read: Holle vs Kendamil and Holle vs NAN

• Hipp is another reliable organic brand, recognized for its specialty formulas that help with digestive issues and allergies. *Read: Hipp vs NAN and Hipp vs Kendamil

• Lastly, Bobbie is a fantastic choice for those seeking a US-based brand with European organic standards. Bobbie offers formulas that are free of unnecessary additives and crafted with carefully sourced ingredients. *Read: Bobbie vs Kendamil

Conclusion

After a careful review, the clear winner between Kendamil and Nan is Kendamil.

Its use of organic ingredients, whole milk, and avoidance of additives, palm oil, and soy make it a superior choice.

While Nan is a more budget-friendly option, its nutritional profile doesn’t quite measure up to Kendamil’s.

We recommend Nan only if your budget doesn’t allow for Kendamil or your baby specifically needs probiotics. Even then, consider other brands like Hipp or goat milk formulas, which often are our top recommendations.

Remember, the best formula for your baby depends on their unique nutritional needs and your personal preferences.