Key Differences Between Kendamil and Cow & Gate
| Features/Aspect | Kendamil | Cow & Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Organic whole milk | Skimmed milk |
| Protein Ratio (Whey:Casein) | 60:40 (closer to breast milk) | 40:60 |
| Fat Source | Milk Fats and organic vegetable oils (coconut, rapeseed, sunflower). DHA (algae) and ARA | Vegetable oils (high-oleic sunflower, coconut, rapeseed and sunflower). DHA (fish oil) and ARA. |
| Carbohydrate Source | Lactose (from milk) | Lactose (from milk) |
| Prebiotics | GOS, naturally occurring HMOs | GOS, FOS |
| Unique Ingredients | MFGM and HMOs | – |
| Vegetarian Friendly | Yes (no fish oil, plant-based DHA) | No (contains fish oil) |
In this article, we will compare two popular UK-based formulas: Kendamil and Cow & Gate.
We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to help you make an informed decision for your little one.
Let’s get after it!
Our Short Answer
After analyzing both formulas, we would definitely choose Kendamil for the following main reasons:
- It has an organic version (which is the one we recommend).
- It uses whole milk instead of skim milk (which is better nutritionally speaking).
- It has MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and HMOs (a fantastic prebiotic)
- Its fat blend is better because of the whole milk fat and less vegetable oils used.
Cow & Gate is a nutritionally complete formula, but it does not come close to the quality offered by Kendamil. It is, however, cheaper. So if you are on a tight budget, Cow & Gate is an exceptional value for money formula.
With over 100,000 orders delivered globally since 2019, Organic's Best offers clean, safe, and nutritionally rich formulas and snacks.
Free shipping over $100, commitment to freshness and authenticity.
- Express delivery in 2 to 5 business days
- Sourcing from European manufacturers
- Minimum shelf life of 6 months
- Climate-Controlled Warehouse
Give your little one the best start.
CODE 'BLW' for a 5% discount in all orders
Overview of the Two Formulas
Kendamil uses organic whole milk with unique additives like HMOs for immunity and MFGM for cognitive development, eschewing palm and fish oils for plant-based alternatives.
Cow & Gate offers a blend including high-oleic sunflower and coconut oils, focusing on simplicity and avoiding artificial preservatives and palm oil.
Kendamil
Kendamil is a baby formula made from organic whole milk.
It stands out because it uses full-cream milk from well-cared-for cows, ensuring high-quality milk production.
Kendamil’s formula is unique in that it includes naturally occurring Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), which support an infant’s immune system, and Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), which aids cognitive development.
This formula is manufactured directly at Kendamil’s facilities, without third-party involvement, preserving the natural vitamins and proteins in the milk.
Also, Kendamil does not use common additives like palm or fish oil, opting for sustainably sourced vegetable oils and plant-based DHA from algae.
This makes the formula vegetarian-friendly and suitable for parents seeking a product conscious of animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
Cow & Gate
Cow & Gate is a trusted brand with over 100 years of history in offering nutritional products for babies.
Their First Infant Milk formula is designed to substitute breast milk from birth to 12 months altogether.
It includes essential nutrients like DHA (Omega-3) to support healthy development in babies.
Cow & Gate values simplicity and safety in its products, avoiding artificial preservatives and palm oil.
Its formula features a blend of different oils, including high-oleic sunflower and coconut oil, contributing to its nutritional value and digestibility.
Cow & Gate emphasizes ease of accessibility and consistency in nourishing infants with quality nutrients essential for growth.
Nutritional Composition
Kendamil features organic whole milk, a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio, and includes MFGM for natural fats, closely mimicking breast milk.
Cow & Gate has a 40:60 ratio and uses more vegetable oils.
Both use lactose as their carbohydrate source.
Kendamil’s fats come from milk and a blend of organic oils.
Protein Content
Kendamil
Kendamil formula uses organic whole milk, skimmed milk, and demineralized whey protein from milk as its primary protein sources. It has a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio. The inclusion of full cream milk ensures the addition of MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane)
Cow & Gate
The protein in Cow & Gate formula comes from skimmed milk, demineralized whey, and whey concentrate, all derived from cow’s milk. It has a whey-to-casein ratio of 40:60.
The main difference here is that Kendamil uses whole milk, which makes it purer and more natural. Also, it has a 60:40 whey:casein ratio, which is closer to breast milk than Cow & Gate and easier to digest.
Carbohydrate Content
Kendamil
The primary carbohydrate source in Kendamil is lactose, naturally found in milk.
Cow & Gate
Like Kendamil, Cow & Gate utilizes lactose from milk as the main carbohydrate source.
This carbohydrate choice makes it easily digestible for babies. It mirrors the lactose content of breast milk, making it an excellent option for a baby’s energy needs without introducing complex sugars.
Fats and Oils
Kendamil
Kendamil’s approach to fats is one of the best we’ve seen; it uses milk fats from whole milk, and it blends organic vegetable oils, including sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oil. It has plant-based DHA and ARA, making it suitable for vegetarian families.
Cow & Gate
Cow & Gate incorporates a vegetable oil blend, such as high-oleic sunflower, coconut, rapeseed, and sunflower oil into its formula. It also includes fish oil as a direct source of DHA.
Kendamil stands out in this category because it uses whole milk as a primary fat source, resulting in a naturally creamy taste and reduced levels of vegetable oils.
Nutritional Facts Comparison Table
| Nutrient | COW & GATE | KENDAMIL Organic |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 276kJ/66kcal | 67kcal |
| Fat | 3.4g | 3.6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.1g | 1.2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1.7g | 1.2g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6g | 0.5g |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 0.017g | 50mg |
| Carbohydrate | 7.5g | 7.2g |
| Sugars | 7.4g | 6.8g |
| Lactose | 7.3g | 6.6g |
| Fiber | 0.3g | 0.27g |
| Protein | 1.3g | 1.3g |
| Calcium | 53mg | 44mg |
| Iron | 0.53mg | 0.66mg |
| Vitamin A | 58µg | 52µg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.07mg | 0.06mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.14mg | 0.13mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.15µg | 0.1µg |
| Vitamin C | 8.3mg | 10.4mg |
| Vitamin D | 1.45µg | 1.35µg |
| Vitamin E | 1.2mg | 1.9mg |
| Vitamin K1 | 4.2µg | 3.9µg |
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Kendamil and Cow & Gate include ingredients that act as prebiotics, crucial for promoting healthy gut flora in infants.
The specific types differ slightly between these two formulas.
Kendamil
Kendamil contains organic galactooligosaccharides (GOS) sourced from milk and naturally occurring HMOs. Both prebiotics help nourish beneficial gut bacteria, support a healthy digestive system, and boost babies’ immune function.
Cow & Gate
Cow & Gate formula also includes galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) derived from milk. Like GOS, FOS are prebiotics that aid in developing beneficial bacteria in the infant’s gut. This combination of GOS and FOS can offer broader support for maintaining a balanced gut microbiome.
Best Places to Buy Kendamil and Cow & Gate Online
Kendamil
If you want to purchase Kendamil online, we recommend My Organic Company or Mommy Formula. Depending on where you live you may also find it in local stores, probably cheaper.
Kendamil Organic offers a wholesome start to life.
- Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane)
- EU-Certified Organic Milk
- Whole Cream Milk = Less Vegetable Oils
- Vegetarian-Friendly
- Nutrient-Rich
- Allergen-Free
- Ethically Sourced
Cow & Gate
We recommend trying britsuperstore or boots to purchase Cow & Gate online.
What are the best alternatives to Kendamil and Cow & Gate?
We always recommend parents to have at least 1 or 2 possible alternatives just in case you need to switch.
Here are the formulas we recommend for most babies:
Hipp
Hipp is renowned for its superb blend of prebiotics and probiotics, which support a healthy gut environment for a baby’s overall health. Their formula also emphasizes organic ingredients, ensuring a clean and pure infant dietary intake. *Read: Hipp vs Cow & Gate | Hipp vs Kendamil
Hipp formula is the best to provide your baby with a wholesome and easily digestible formula.
- Breastmilk-Like Composition: Natural probiotic lactic acid cultures from real breast milk and lactose as the main carbohydrate.
- EU Organic Certified: Sourced from biodynamic farms.
- Nutrient-Enriched: Contains prebiotics (GOS) and essential fatty acids (DHA & ARA)
- Allergen-Free: Free from artificial sweeteners, GMOs, gluten, soy, peanuts, and eggs.
Holle
Holle offers baby formulas adhering to Demeter Certification standards, indicating that their ingredients come from biodynamic farming, which is even more rigorous than regular organic farming. This certification ensures that infants receive high-quality nutrition from extraordinarily well-maintained agricultural systems. *Read: Holle vs Kendamil
Holle stands out for its organic and natural ingredients.
- Demeter Certified: The highest organic standard in Europe, ensuring biodynamic, chemical-free farming.
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with essential vitamins (A, D, E), minerals, and fatty acids (DHA & ARA).
- Pure & Simple: Free from artificial sweeteners, GMOs, chemicals, hormones, gluten, and soy.
- Organic Lactose & Milk Fats: Mimics natural breast milk carbohydrates.
Bobbie
Bobbie is a US-based brand known for its clean label promise. It prioritizes simplicity in its formula with no artificial growth hormones or unnecessary additives, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for an uncomplicated yet nutritionally complete option. *Read: Bobbie vs Kendamil
Less is more. That is the saying of Bobbie.
Crafted with care, focussed on essential, high-quality ingredients.
Bobbie is your go-to if you want a US-based product with an Organic European Formula quality.
- Organic American Grass-Fed Milk: Sourced from Organic Valley cows
- Iron meets FDA and EU standards
- Perfect Whey:Casein Ratio
- Organic Expeller-Pressed Fat Blend
- Organic Lactose
Byheart
Another commendable US-based brand, Byheart includes organic ingredients and whole milk in their formulations. Byheart emphasizes transparency and quality in its products, ensuring babies get only premium nutrients necessary for their development. *Read: Byheart vs Kendamil
Discover Byheart Infant Formula: closest to breast milk with a patented protein blend, organic whole milk, and clean-label certified.
- Enhanced digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Clinically proven to support weight gain and reduce spit-up.
- Promotes longer and healthier sleep patterns.
- Boosts brain development and immune health.
- Made in the USA with rigorous safety standards.
Last Words
We hope this comparison between Kendamil and Cow & Gate has helped you make an informed decision.
If you have any additional questions, leave a comment or contact us at [email protected]. We’ll be happy to help.
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!
Is the extra cost of organic baby formula worth it in terms of health benefits for your baby, or is it just a marketing ploy to attract more health-conscious parents? What are the actual differences between organic and non-organic formulas, and how do they impact a baby’s development and overall well-being?”,
“refusal