Key Differences Between Holle Goat and Kendamil Goat Formulas
| Features/Aspect | Holle Goat | Kendamil Goat |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of Ingredients | Biodynamic farms, Demeter Certification | Uses whole goat milk, UK-based |
| Protein Source | A2 goat milk protein, less Alpha S1 Casein | Whole goat milk, added whey protein, A2 casein |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose, a bit of organic maltodextrin | Exclusively lactose |
| Prebiotics | None | Includes GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharides) |
| Fat Blend | Milk fats, sunflower and rapeseed oils, algae-derived DHA | Milk fats, sunflower, coconut, rapeseed oils, algae-derived DHA, and ARA |
| Sustainability | Demeter certified biodynamic farming | Not specified, but focuses on local sourcing |
In this article, we will compare two of the best goat milk formulas in the market right now: Holle and Kendamil.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional composition to help you make an informed decision for your little one.
Let’s get after it!
*You can also compare their cow’s milk version here.
Our Short Answer
After analyzing both formulas, we have to say that we’re looking at one of the most complicated comparisons we’ve ever done.
For MarÃa and me, the origin of the ingredients is the most important and fundamental aspect in everything related to nutrition. That’s why Holle will always have a place in our hearts for using ingredients from biodynamic farms and having the Demeter Certification, one of the most difficult and strict certifications to obtain.
That said, when it comes to ingredients, Kendamil Goat would be above for the following reasons:
- It uses lactose exclusively (Holle adds a bit of organic maltodextrin)
- It adds GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharides), a natural prebiotic from lactose that helps to take care of the intestinal flora
Apart from this, both formulas are quite similar, except for some minimal differences.
As a personal opinion, we would choose Holle, but we can assure you that whichever you choose, you’re making a wise decision.
Holle Stage 1 Infant Formula is a nourishing, organic goat milk option for babies.
- Organic and Gentle: Made with EU-certified organic whole goat milk, easier to digest than cow's milk.
- Simple Ingredients: Free from corn syrup, starch, artificial sweeteners, flavors, GMOs, and preservatives; aims to mimic breast milk closely.
- Digestive Support: Soft on sensitive stomachs, potentially easing constipation, gas, and colic.
- Nutritionally Complete: Includes ARA and plant-based DHA, supporting natural digestion and overall health.
- British-Made Excellence: 58 years of experience with Red Tractor-certified ingredients.
- Nutrient-Rich: It is packed with selenium, natural prebiotics similar to breastmilk, and full cream to boost your baby's immune system.
- Environmentally Friendly: Free from palm oil and hexane-extracted DHA & ARA.
- Digestibility: Easier to digest than cow's milk due to A2 milk and added HMOs.
- Clean Ingredients: No use of soy to avoid zinc deficiency and ensure optimal brain development.
First Off: Is Goat Milk Formula Better Than Cow’s?
Goat milk formula offers advantages over cow’s milk formula, including a nutritional profile closer to breastmilk, easier digestion, and better tolerance for babies with cow’s milk sensitivities.
These are some of the benefits of drinking goat milk formulas:
- Goat milk’s nutritional profile is closer to breastmilk, making it an excellent alternative for babies who require supplementation.
- Goat milk is generally easier to digest due to its smaller fat globules and higher short- and medium-chain fatty acid levels.
- Many babies with cow’s milk sensitivities tolerate goat milk formula better.
The only drawback of goat milk formula is that it may not be as widely available as cow’s milk formula.
However, with the growing popularity of goat milk-based products, you can expect to find more options in stores and online.
Overview of the Two Formulas
Holle Goat offers an organic, cow’s milk alternative with A2 goat milk protein for easy digestion, less lactose, and reduced Alpha S1 Casein, supporting baby’s development with DHA and ARA from biodynamic farms.
Kendamil Goat, rich in A2 casein and omega-3 from marine algae, mimics breast milk closely, is vegetarian-friendly, and enhances growth and immunity with added nucleotides.
Holle Goat
Holle Goat is an organic formula made from whole goat milk powder.
This formula is designed for babies who are allergic or sensitive to cow’s milk.
It’s easier on little tummies because it contains A2 goat milk protein, which means it has smaller fat molecules and less lactose for easier digestion.
Holle Goat is known for having 89% less Alpha S1 Casein protein compared to cow’s milk, making it less likely to cause indigestion.
The formula includes essential fatty acids such as DHA and ARA, which are important for your baby’s development.
The goats providing the milk are raised on biodynamic (Demeter) farms that follow strict organic farming practices. This ensures no use of artificial sweeteners or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), promoting both animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Kendamil Goat
Kendamil Goat sets itself apart by its formulation that includes whole goat milk and added whey protein, making it whey dominant – this mimics the composition of breast milk closely.
It contains A2 casein milk protein, similarly to Holle Goat, which is easier for babies to digest than the A1 protein found in cow’s milk.
Kendamil prides itself on having a creamier taste due to its inclusion of whole milk as the primary ingredient and reduced levels of vegetable oils.
Additionally, it sources omega-3 fatty acids from marine algae and opts out of using animal rennet in production, making it a vegetarian-friendly option.
The inclusion of nucleotides in Kendamil Goat is designed to support healthy infant growth and immune system development.
Nutritional Composition
Holle Goat and Kendamil Goat both offer A2 goat milk protein for easy digestion and essential amino acids for growth.
Holle adds maltodextrin for solubility, while Kendamil sticks with lactose.
Both use a blend of fats and oils, with Holle emphasizing milk fats and algae-derived DHA for brain health.
Protein Content
Holle Goat: This formula is made with whole goat milk powder, providing a primary source of protein. It specifically harnesses the benefits of A2 goat milk protein, which is easier for babies to digest due to its structural similarity to human breast milk. The formula also contains essential amino acids like L-Cystine, L-Tryptophan, and L-Tyrosine to support healthy growth and development.
Kendamil Goat: Kendamil Goat uniquely includes both whole goat milk and demineralised whey powder in its protein content, making it whey dominant. This approach mirrors the protein composition found in human breast milk, aiming for ease of digestion. Like Holle Goat, it also benefits from A2 milk protein but enhances digestibility with additional whey protein, along with L-Tyrosine, L-Phenylalanine, and L-Tryptophan.
Both formulas are fairly similar in terms of protein content, but they do have two small differences: Holle uses a more natural source of ingredients thanks to its Demeter-Certification, and Kendamil has demineralised whey powder, which is on paper easier to digest by some babies. However, these two differences are not going to make a big impact.
Carbohydrate Content
Holle Goat: The carbohydrates in Holle Goat come from organic lactose (natural milk sugar) and maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is included to aid in the formula’s solubility and provides a source of energy for growing babies.
Kendamil Goat: Kendamil Goat uses organic lactose as the main carbohydrate source without any other carb sources.
On paper, Kendamil has a purer carb source, as it uses lactose exclusively. Holle opts for adding a touch of maltodextrin, which can improve digestibility for some babies and its solubility as well. If your baby has shown some issues digesting other types of cow-based and lactose-only formulas, Holle would be a better option.
Fats and Oils
Holle Goat: For fats, Holle Goat utilizes milk fats and a blend of vegetable oils (sunflower oil and rapeseed oil) alongside whole goat milk powder fat content to ensure a balanced fatty acid profile necessary for brain development and energy. It also includes algae oil as a source of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an important omega-3 fatty acid that supports brain health.
Kendamil Goat: Kendamil also uses whole goat milk’s natural fat alongside sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oils. This ensures a creamy taste while maintaining an essential fatty acid profile. It supplements its formula with both marine algae-derived DHA (for brain development) and M.alpina oil (for ARA – arachidonic acid), emphasizing the importance of these nutrients in infant nutrition without relying on fish oils.
Holle has a slight advantage in fat content, simply because it uses less vegetable oils and more milk fats. Animal-based fats are more bioavailable than plant-based, so the less vegetable oils, the better. However, both formulas have amazing fat blends, not usually found in other formulas.
Nutritional Comparison Between Holle Goat and Kendamil Goat
| Nutrient | Holle Goat | Kendamil Goat |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 66 | 66 |
| Protein (g) | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| Carbohydrate (g) | 7.3 | 7.2 |
| Fat (g) | 3.6 | 3.5 |
| Omega 3 (DHA) (mg) | 13.2 | 16 |
| Omega 6 (mg) | 473 | 477 |
| Calcium (mg) | 47 | 44 |
| Iron (mg) | 0.51 | 0.7 |
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics play significant roles in developing a healthy gut microbiome in infants, aiding digestion, and enhancing the immune system.
- Holle Goat does not explicitly mention the inclusion of probiotics or prebiotics in its formula. It focuses on providing quality nutrition through organic ingredients and easy-to-digest proteins, without specifically emphasizing gut flora modulation.
- Kendamil Goat, in contrast, emphasizes gut health by incorporating Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) into its formula. GOS are prebiotics derived from lactose that helps feed the beneficial bacteria in the infant’s digestive tract. This addition aims to support digestion and bolster the immune system by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
Best Places to Buy Holle and Kendamil Goat Milk Formulas
Holle Goat
If you can’t purchase Holle Goat at your local store, we recommend you check out Organic’s Best and The Milky Box. Both are the retailers we usually recommend to buy European Formulas safely.
Holle Stage 1 Infant Formula is a nourishing, organic goat milk option for babies.
- Organic and Gentle: Made with EU-certified organic whole goat milk, easier to digest than cow's milk.
- Simple Ingredients: Free from corn syrup, starch, artificial sweeteners, flavors, GMOs, and preservatives; aims to mimic breast milk closely.
- Digestive Support: Soft on sensitive stomachs, potentially easing constipation, gas, and colic.
- Nutritionally Complete: Includes ARA and plant-based DHA, supporting natural digestion and overall health.
Kendamil Goat
If you live in the US, you can find Kendamil Goat at Target or Walmart. In Europe is also available through local and common online stores.
If you want to purchase from a specialized formula retailer, we recommend you
- British-Made Excellence: 58 years of experience with Red Tractor-certified ingredients.
- Nutrient-Rich: It is packed with selenium, natural prebiotics similar to breastmilk, and full cream to boost your baby's immune system.
- Environmentally Friendly: Free from palm oil and hexane-extracted DHA & ARA.
- Digestibility: Easier to digest than cow's milk due to A2 milk and added HMOs.
- Clean Ingredients: No use of soy to avoid zinc deficiency and ensure optimal brain development.
What are the best Goat Milk Formula alternatives to Holle and Kendamil?
We always recommend that parents read about other formula brands to learn more about the alternatives to make an informed decision.
Here are other goat milk formulas worth exploring:
Hipp Goat: Known for its high digestibility, Hipp Goat formula is a fantastic option for little tummies. What makes it stand out is its unique blend of prebiotics and probiotics, designed to mimic the beneficial properties of breast milk by supporting healthy gut bacteria and aiding digestion.
HiPP Organic Goat’s Milk Formula offers a gentle start with naturally mild organic goat's milk, free from A1 beta-casein, and enriched with prebiotics, making it ideal for sensitive babies.
- HiPP Organic Goat Milk Formula
- EU Organic certified
- Gentle A2 goat milk
- Contains ARA & DHA
- Mimics breastmilk
- Enriched with prebiotics
Nannycare: Simplicity is key with Nannycare. This goat milk formula focuses on providing what babies need without unnecessary additives. It’s a go-to for parents who prefer a straightforward, uncomplicated ingredient list while still ensuring their baby receives essential nutrients for growth and development.
Crafted with minimally processed whole goat milk, it's a naturally easier-to-digest option that supports your little one's gut health. Perfect for babies with sensitive tummies.
- Easier-to-digest protein
- Lower allergen profile
- Whole goat's milk base, no whey added
- Sourced from grass-fed goats on New Zealand family farms
- Free from maltodextrin, palm oil, GMOs, and soy
- Contains natural prebiotics for gut health
Kabrita: With years of experience under its belt, Kabrita has fine-tuned its goat milk formula to cater excellently to babies’ needs. A standout feature is its amazing fat blend that closely mimics the natural composition of breast milk, promoting easier digestion and absorption of vital nutrients.
Kabrita offers a gentle, nutritious alternative to cow's milk, perfect for newborns and infants up to six months. High-quality, non-GMO goat milk is easy on tiny tummies and packed with essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and prebiotics without any added sugars or artificial nasties.
- Made with high-quality, non-GMO goat milk
- Naturally easy to digest and gentle on little tummies
- Ideal for babies with cow's milk sensitivities or digestive discomfort
- Includes prebiotics for healthy gut flora and digestion
Last Words
We hope this comparison between Holle and Kendamil goat milk formulas has helped you make an informed decision for your little one.
If you have further questions, leave a comment or contact us at [email protected]
Happy feeding!
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
