Comparing Goat Milk Toddler Formula Available in the US

Information For Health Professionals

It’s been a little lonely for Kabrita in the US the past few years. Welcome Holle! It’s nice to see that goat milk-based formulas are gaining traction on this side of the pond. Naturally, we believe goat milk-based formula may be a wonderful option for many families and, like all parents: We. Like. Choices.

In light of Holle’s formal arrival to the US, we’ve received some questions about how their toddler formula compares to Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula. It may surprise you to learn that while both formulas are made with the gentle benefits of goat milk, there are some key differences worth noting. No time for a deep dive? Here’s a side-by-side comparison at a glance.

Easy digestibility of goat’s milk

Both Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula and Holle Goat Milk Toddler Drink use goat milk as its base. Goat milk has been shown to form smaller, softer curds in the tummy, is A2 milk by nature and contains more oligosaccharides than cow’s milk. These attributes may contribute to easier digestion and may help explain why so many families are making the switch to goat milk-based formula.

Adapted whey to casein ratio

Since breast milk contains more whey than casein, and goat milk (like cow milk) naturally contains more casein than whey, many formulas add more whey protein to model the whey to casein ratio in breast milk.

Kabrita is the only goat milk formula approved for sale in the US to add goat whey protein to their formula in an effort to better model the whey to casein ratio found in breastmilk. The ratio of whey to casein can have a dramatic impact on the consistency of curd formation in the gut. Just watch this demonstration.

No added refined sugars

Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in breast milk. Breast milk contains more than one and a half times the amount of lactose than goat milk. As such, it’s essential that goat milk formula add further carbohydrates to meet babies’ nutritional needs.

Kabrita has added lactose (only!) to model the carbohydrate composition of breast milk. Holle Goat Milk Toddler Drink’s carbohydrate profile is composed of lactose, corn starch, potato starch and corn maltodextrin.

Added prebiotic GOS

Breast milk contains a lot of prebiotics. Prebiotics have many important functions, one of which is providing a healthy food source for beneficial gut bacteria and supporting a healthy gut microbiome. Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula has added prebiotic GOS (galactooligosaccharides). Holle Goat Milk Toddler Drink does not have added prebiotics.

Added Fat in Formula

Palmitic acid represents about 20-25% of the major fatty acids found in breastmilk. Breast milk is quite unique in that most of the palmitic acid in breast milk is esterified in the sn-2 position of the triglyceride molecule. Palmitic acid that is esterified in the sn-2 position is also known as beta-palmitate and has been shown to confer many benefits to babies.

In an effort to model the amount and functionality of beta-palmitate in breastmilk, Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula is formulated using a premium fat blend with added beta-palmitate. The fatty acid profile of Holle Goat Milk Based Drink’s is comprised instead from a combination of whole goat’s milk and plant-based oils.

FDA infant nutrition guidelines

Toddler formulas in the US are not required to meet a standardized set of nutritional requirements. Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula, however, does meet the FDA nutrition guidelines for infant formula in the US. Holle Goat Milk Toddler Drink does not meet recommended FDA infant nutrient guidelines. Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler formula may be a suitable option for gentle weaning and is a safe and fortified alternative to cow’s milk, providing nutritional insurance for little ones.

Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula may be an option for little ones during feeding transitions, such as weaning and supplementing, or those with minor issues associated with cow milk sensitivity. We encourage parents to consult their little one’s healthcare provider before making a feeding change.

*Not suitable for children with confirmed cow milk protein allergy

Originally published: April 8th 2021