Kendamil vs Enspire: Which Baby Formula Is Better?

Key Differences Table Between Kendamil and Enspire

Feature/Aspect	Kendamil	Enspire
Origin	UK-made	American brand
Main Selling Points	Uses whole milk, contains naturally existing HMOs, and sustainability focus.	Mimics breast milk nutrients, includes Lactoferrin and a strong focus on Omega-3 DHA.
Sustainability	Avoids cheap additives like fish and palm oil.	Uses 100% recycled paperboard for packaging.
HMOs	Naturally occurring HMOs	Blend of HMOs
DHA Source	Derived from algae	Derived from Crypthecodinium Cohnii Oil
Protein Content	1.4 g per 100 ml from organic whole milk	2.1 g per 100 Calories from non-organic, nonfat milk and whey protein
Carbohydrate Content	7 g per 100 ml from organic whole milk and lactose	11.2 g per 5 fl oz from non-organic skimmed milk and lactose
Fats and Oils	Sunflower, coconut, rapeseed oils, whole milk fats, and MFGM	Palm olein, coconut, soy, high oleic sunflower oils, ARA, and DHA
Prebiotics and Probiotics	Naturally occurring HMOs	Galactooligosaccharides (GOS), Polydextrose, and Lactoferrin

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This article aims to compare two popular formulas: Kendamil vs Enspire from Enfamil. We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to help you choose the best option for your baby.

Let’s get after it!

Related read: Kendamil vs Enfamil | Kendamil vs Nutramigen

Our Short Answer

After analyzing the ingredients of both formulas, Kendamil is the winner in our eyes for the following reasons:

1. It uses whole milk, which provides extra benefits.
2. It has an organic and a classic version (we choose the organic version).
3. It does not use palm olein or soy oil and adds DHA from marine algae.
4. Adds MFGM (Milk Fat Globule Membrane) and HMOs, two ingredients found in breast milk that are highly beneficial for babies.

Although Enspire has its advantages (such as the addition of lactoferrin), it is not as good as Kendamil.

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Overview of the Two Formulas

Kendamil produces UK-made organic formula with naturally occurring HMOs, sourced from EU-certified organic cows. It emphasizes sustainability, avoiding cheap additives like fish and palm oil, and offers different stages for specific age groups.

Enspire Optimum by Enfamil aims for breast milk nutrient mimicry, including Lactoferrin, HMOs, vitamins, and Omega-3 DHA for cognitive growth. The packaging uses 100% recycled paperboard for sustainability.

Kendamil

Kendamil Organic Cow’s Milk Formula is made in the UK and offers superior nutrition derived organically from nature. Kendamil is the only formula on the market that claims to have naturally existing Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) like 3’-GL, 4’-GL, and 6’-GL that are crucial in supporting the immune system of infants.

One of Kendamil’s unique selling points is its whole cream milk, sourced from EU-certified organic cows that are well-cared for. These happy cows produce high-quality milk, transformed into the formula at Kendamil’s facilities, without undergoing unnecessary heat treatments from third parties. This process helps retain essential minerals, proteins, and vitamins in the milk.

What distinguishes Kendamil is their focus on sustainability and responsible sourcing. They refrain from using cheap additives such as fish and palm oil, instead opting for sustainable vegetable oil blends alongside plant-based DHA derived from algae – making their formula suitable for vegetarian households.

The formula has different stages to meet your baby’s specific nutritional needs. Stage 1 caters to newborns up to 6 months old; Stage 2 supports babies aged 6 months and older; finally, Stage 3 caters to those older than a year.

Enspire

Enfamil Enspire Optimum represents another leading choice among infant formulas. This American brand’s mantra is to come as close as possible to a mother’s breast milk regarding nutrients provided.

Unique to Enspire Optimum is the inclusion of Lactoferrin, a protein found in cow and human milk––but rarely seen in baby formula. Additionally, it contains an exclusive blend of HMOs, Vitamins C and E, Selenium, and Zinc, lending support to the digestive and immune system.

A remarkable feature of Enspire Optimum is its global recommended amount of Omega-3 DHA. DHA supports brain development, thus making this formula an excellent option for cognitive growth.

Enfamil Enspire Optimum also chooses sustainability with its packaging design; the 30 oz refill boxes are made from 100% recycled paperboard to minimize environmental impact.

Nutritional Composition

• Both formulas have a 60:40 whey/casein ratio, similar to breast milk.
• Kendamil: organic whole milk protein, carbs from organic milk/lactose, natural fats with MFGM, and DHA from algae.
• Enspire: 2.1g protein, carbs from non-organic, uses palm olein and soy oil, contains ARA and DHA for brain/eye development.

Protein Content

Proteins are often referred to as the building blocks of life and are essential for growth. They play a part in almost all cellular functions.

In Kendamil, the protein source is organic whole milk. This formula carries a protein content of 1.4 g per 100 ml, having a higher whey-to-casein ratio of 60/40, similar to mature breast milk. This blend provides the baby with a fast-absorbing and easily digestible food ideal for promoting their rapid development and growth.

Enspire sources its proteins from nonfat milk and whey protein. It contains a slightly higher protein content of 2.1 g per 100 Calories (approximately 5 fl oz). Enspire creates a balanced nutritional profile that aligns closely with natural breast milk by utilizing casein-based and whey proteins from milk in a 60:40 whey-to-casein ratio like Kendamil.

Both formulas have the same ratio of whey/casein (60:40), which is the closest to breast milk. The only difference in protein is that Kendamil uses better-quality milk from organic farming.

Carbohydrate Content

Carbohydrates provide babies with the energy they need to grow and develop.

Kendamil’s carbohydrate content is around 7 g per 100 ml, primarily from organic whole milk and lactose. Their formula contains no starch or maltodextrin, making it gentle on emerging digestive systems while ensuring babies get their much-needed energy supply.

On the other hand, Enspire lists nonfat milk and lactose as its main sources of carbohydrates, delivering 11.2 g per 5 fl oz (approximately 100 Calories).

Regarding carbs, both formulas differ in the source, not the ingredients, like protein. Lactose is the only sugar in both formulas, with the difference that Kendamil gets it from organic whole milk and Enspire from non-organic skimmed milk.

Fats and Oils

Fats, present in oils, are an essential source of energy and carriers of fat-soluble vitamins.

Kendamil utilizes organic vegetable oils from sunflower, coconut, rapeseed, and organic whole milk to provide 3.5 g of fats per 100 ml. Kendamil’s utilization of whole cream milk offers a natural source of fat, closely reflecting the Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) present in breast milk. Kendamil also adds DHA from algae.

Enspire, however, uses a combination of palm olein, coconut, soy, and high oleic sunflower oils to provide 5.3 g fats per 5 fl oz (approximately 100 Calories). Their unique blend includes Mortierella Alpina Oil (ARA), a source of essential fatty acids, and Crypthecodinium Cohnii Oil (DHA), a marine oil commonly used in infant formulas to support brain and eye development.

This is where Kendamil shines. Kendamil has the best fat content of all the formulas we have seen: sunflower, coconut, rapeseed oils, whole milk fats, and MFGM.

Enspire, however, uses palm olein and soy oil, two controversial ingredients that are better avoided unless you have no other option.

Prebiotics and Probiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics can be important in baby formulas, playing a crucial role in developing an infant’s gut health, improving digestion, and aiding the immune system.

Kendamil’s organic formula is enhanced with naturally occurring HMOs acting as prebiotics. These non-digestible fiber compounds serve as food for beneficial bacteria in the gut, promoting their health and improving overall infant health.

Enspire includes Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and Polydextrose. These act as prebiotics to improve gut health. Plus, they include lactoferrin, a prebiotic protein naturally found in both cow’s milk and human milk.

Best Places to Buy Kendamil and Enspire

Kendamil

Enspire

Buy Enspire at Target

Buy Enspire at Walmart

What are the Best Alternatives to Kendamil and ENspire?

If you’re looking for alternatives to Kendamil and Enspire baby formulas, here are some top-rated options that might be suitable for your little one’s dietary needs:

• Bobbie: This US-based brand has earned acclaim for its minimal ingredient list composed predominantly of organic content. Bobbie could be ideal for parents seeking a no-fuss, clean-label formula. *Read: Kendamil vs Bobbie | Bobbie vs Enfamil
• Holle: Known for its commitment to quality and sustainability, Holle is celebrated for its Demeter certification – a biodynamic standard that far exceeds the typical organic standards. If you consider sustainability a significant decision factor, Holle might be perfect. *Read: Holle vs Kendamil | Holle vs Enfamil
• Hipp: A leading brand offering specialized formulas to meet various infant dietary needs. Hipp’s unique blend of prebiotics and probiotics helps support a healthy gut microbiome in infants. Hipp’s approach might be beneficial if your child has specific dietary needs that most formulas don’t target. *Read: Hipp vs Kendamil | Hipp vs Enfamil

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Kendamil and Enspire helps you make the best decision for your little one. Kendamil is hard to beat, but remember to check every ingredient and check with your pediatrician if in doubt.

If you have further questions, please comment or contact us directly.

Happy feeding!