Written by
Dr. Camila Reeb, MD
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Bardha Citaku, MD
Goat milk formula is a popular option for parents exploring alternatives to traditional cow’s milk formula. It’s often chosen for its naturally gentle profile and similarities to breast milk, making it an option worth considering for babies with sensitive tummies.
If you're exploring your feeding choices, this guide will walk you through what sets goat’s milk formula apart, its potential benefits, and what to consider when choosing one. We’ll also rank some of the top goat milk formula options from leading European brands to help you compare your options and find the right fit for your family.
Table of Contents
We're here to help you on your formula-finding journey! To do so, we have spent hours researching formulas, scrutinizing scientific studies, and analyzing ingredient lists so that we can provide trustworthy, reliable recommendations based on the latest findings in infant nutrition. We encourage you to check out our "How We Review Page" for more details about our standards for rating each product.
To make our ranking system as comprehensive as possible, we have evaluated goat milk formula for infants based on five key criteria: European organic certification, non-GMO ingredients, lactose or milk as the primary ingredient, no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, and the inclusion of ARA & DHA.
We've also awarded bonus points for including probiotics and prebiotics, using whole milk, and avoiding maltodextrin, starch, and palm oil. Each performance category is worth 1 point or 0.5 points for partially meeting the criteria, for a maximum of 10 points total.
As you’ll see in the chart above, Kendamil, Jovie, and Pure Goat tied for first place, followed by Löwenzahn Goat in second and Nannycare in third. Holle organic goat milk formula ranked fourth, while HiPP came in fifth.
Below, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each formula and take a closer look at the factors that contributed to their overall ranking.
Remember, before making any major changes to your baby’s diet, it’s always wise to consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and guidance on how to transition to a new formula safely and effectively. Goat milk formulas are not appropriate for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) or lactose intolerance since they contain components that can trigger symptoms, making them unsuitable for these conditions.
Kendamil Goat is available in three stages and has a creamy, rich taste that babies love. The milk naturally contains HMOs and MFGM to support immune and cognitive development. It’s also the only Kendamil formula made entirely from whole milk, without any skimmed milk at all.
The formula is EU Organic certified and made with non-GMO ingredients. It features lactose as its only carbohydrate and has no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Kendamil Goat Milk also avoids palm oil and uses sunflower, coconut, and rapeseed oils instead. It offers A2 goat milk proteins and added goat whey, which rebalances the protein profile to more whey than casein, matching the ratio in breast milk and helping babies digest the milk more efficiently. These goat milk formulas include ARA and are vegetarian, using plant-based DHA from algae and no animal rennet. Kendamil loses one point for not containing added probiotics.
Pros ✔️
Free from palm and fish oils
Vegetarian-friendly recipe
Made exclusively with whole goat’s milk, with no skimmed milk
Cons ❌
Does not contain added probiotics
Jovie is one of the best organic goat milk formula options. It comes in three stages and uses a minimally processed recipe designed to be gentle on little tummies. Its ingredients come from European organic farms and are certified glyphosate residue-free; glyphosate is a commonly used pesticide and food contaminant.
Jovie features whole milk, gentle A2 goat milk proteins, short- and medium-chain fatty acids, and added prebiotics. Like Kendamil, Jovie loses a point for not containing added probiotics. However, it earns points for being EU Organic certified and made without GMO ingredients, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners. It also has DHA and ARA essential fatty acids for healthy brain and eye development.
Pros ✔️
Contains prebiotics to support gut health
Certified glyphosate residue-free
Whole milk base with no palm oil
Cons ❌
Does not contain added probiotics
Pure Goat Formula comes in three stages and is made with organic full-fat goat’s milk, lactose, prebiotic GOS, DHA and ARA, and essential vitamins and minerals. Its whole-milk recipe provides naturally occurring fats, while algae-based DHA and a blend of sunflower and rapeseed oils round out the fat profile. This formula gains points for being free from palm oil, starch, maltodextrin, and added sugars. It also earns points for being certified EU Organic and therefore using non-GMO ingredients. The only point it loses is for not containing added probiotics.
Pros ✔️
Halal-certified
Made with organic full-fat goat’s milk
Includes DHA from algae
Contains prebiotic GOS for gut health
Cons ❌
Does not contain added probiotics
Löwenzahn Organics goats milk formula for babies is available in two stages. Both are made with organic whole goat milk powder as the main ingredient, sourced from Austrian farms.
Its naturally occurring milk fat provides palmitic acid and eliminates the need for palm oil, while supporting the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. The formula also contains algae-based DHA, as well as ARA, and prebiotics. While goat milk is the primary milk source, it also contains lactose from cow’s milk. Löwenzahn loses two points for its lack of probiotics and the addition of starch in Stage 2.
Pros ✔️
Uses algae-derived DHA
Includes prebiotics to support gut and immune health
Made without palm oil
Cons ❌
Does not contain added probiotics
Stage 2 contains starch
Includes lactose from cow's milk
Nannycare comes in three stages. While the formula isn’t organic, it uses non-GMO ingredients and gentle processing methods designed to preserve the natural qualities of goat’s milk.
Nannycare contains naturally occurring oligosaccharides, along with newly added 2’-FL HMO to support gut and immune health. Lactose is used as the sole carbohydrate, and its unique protein profile is achieved without added whey powder, ensuring fewer processing steps and lower levels of beta-lactoglobulin.
The recently reformulated recipe now comes in cans and uses plant-based DHA from algae oil instead of fish oil. It also contains DHA and ARA and has no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Nannycare loses points for not being organic and not containing added probiotics.
Pros ✔️
Made with non-GMO ingredients
Uses plant-based DHA from algae
Uses gentle processing methods
Includes 2’-FL HMO to support gut and immune health
Cons ❌
Not organically certified
Does not contain added probiotics
Holle Goat milk formula is available in various country versions. The German goat milk range includes Stages PRE–4 in 400g boxes, the Dutch range comes in Stages 1–4 in 800g cans, and the global range is offered in Stages 1–3 in 400g boxes.
Holle has been producing baby infant nutritional products since 1933, and they stand out for being Demeter certified, which has the strictest organic farming standards globally. The Demeter label is found on all Holle Goat products, except those intended for toddlers from 12+ months. All of the brand's goat milk formulas are free from palm and fish oils, with plant-based DHA and ARA to support brain and eye development.
Holle formulas are made without added sugars or artificial sweeteners. The Global version is exclusively lactose-based, but the German and Dutch ranges introduce starch and maltodextrin from Stage 2 onwards. This formula also loses points for not containing added prebiotics or probiotics. Though notably, goat milk contains up to 10x more naturally occurring oligosaccharides than cow's milk, which can function as prebiotics.
Pros ✔️
Demeter-certified organic formula
Algae-based DHA in all stages
Free from palm and fish oils
Global version is lactose-only
Cons ❌
Does not contain added prebiotics or probiotics
Contains starch and/or maltodextrin in later stages of German and Dutch versions
HiPP Goat formula comes in two stages and is offered in both Dutch and German versions. The German line includes Stages PRE and 2 and comes in 600g boxes, whereas the Dutch version is offered in Stages 1 and 2 in 400g metal cans. Despite the different packaging, both formulas use virtually identical recipes.
HiPP Goat contains lactose as the only carbohydrate, with no starch or maltodextrin, and avoids added sugars and artificial sweeteners. It features natural A2 goat milk proteins and added prebiotics to support gentle digestion. The milk is also enriched with DHA and ARA.
The formulas lose points for containing palm oil, using skimmed milk rather than whole milk, and not containing added probiotics.
Pros ✔️
Lactose is the only carbohydrate
Contains prebiotics for gut health
No added sugars or artificial sweeteners
Cons ❌
Contains palm oil
Made with skimmed milk rather than whole milk
Does not contain added probiotics
Choosing the right formula for your baby is a highly personal decision; no one formula is universally perfect. When deciding between these high-quality European goat milk formulas, consider your baby’s unique needs and preferences.
Ask yourself WHY you are switching to a goat's milk formula. Are you switching because...
Your baby has a sensitive stomach: While all the formulas above are great for sensitive tummies, HiPP, Jovie, Nannycare, Pure Goat, Holle Goat Global and Kendamil goat milk formula stand out for their lactose-only recipes.
You want a formula closer to human milk: Kendamil is praised for including bioactive components found in breast milk, thanks to its naturally occurring human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).
You prioritize minimal ingredients and processing: Nannycare is intentionally minimally processed, avoiding harsh heat cycles, while Holle prides itself on only including a small list of carefully chosen ingredients in its products.
Before we dive into the specifics of what qualities stand out in goat milk, it’s important to remember that all baby formulas must meet the same rigorous nutritional standards. This ensures both goat- and cow-milk-based formulas provide complete nutrition for babies. However, goat milk formulas can be gentler on sensitive tummies than cow's milk formulas due to the milk's naturally mild composition.
Goat's milk is compositionally similar to breast milk:
One key reason goat milk formula is often preferred is its A2 proteins, which are structurally more similar to the proteins in human breast milk. Unlike cow’s milk, which typically contains both A1 and A2 proteins, goat milk has mostly A2 proteins.
A1 proteins can be harder for some babies to digest because they form firmer curds in the stomach. This can make digestion more uncomfortable, resulting in excess gas or bloating. Alternatively, the A2 proteins in infant goat milk formula form softer, looser curds, reducing the likelihood of colic and other digestive issues.
Goat milk for infants is rich in essential nutrients:
Goats milk baby formula is enriched with essential nutrients crucial for your baby’s healthy development. For example, in the US and Europe, all infant formula must be iron-fortified. However, goat milk is also naturally rich in certain nutrients; for instance, it has roughly 27% more selenium than cow's milk, so it needs less processing to achieve the required levels of this important mineral.
Smaller Fat Molecules for Easier Digestion:
Goat milk has smaller fat globules compared to cow's milk, which means that the fats in goat milk can be broken down and absorbed more quickly. This ease of digestion is also attributed to goat milk's higher levels of medium-chain fatty acids, which require less energy for your baby’s body to metabolize.
Lower Lactose Content
Lactose, the main carbohydrate in breast milk, provides babies with the energy they need for growth and development. Goat milk-based formula, depending on its composition, can contain less lactose than cow’s milk formula due to goat milk's naturally lower lactose levels.
While goat milk isn’t lactose-free, it typically has about 9% less lactose than cow milk. For babies with mild lactose sensitivities, this reduced lactose content may help ease issues like gas, diarrhea, or fussiness.
However, goat milk is unsuitable for babies with diagnosed lactose intolerance, as it still contains moderate amounts of lactose. But for those with mild sensitivities, the lower lactose in goat's milk formula may offer a gentler feeding experience.
Following an organic diet can help reduce your little one's pesticide intake. Many of the best European goat milk brands follow strict organic regulations, supporting high ingredient purity and giving parents peace of mind. Here are some of the key EU Organic regulations that make these products so appealing to health-conscious parents:
Organic Ingredient Requirement: At least 95% of the product’s agricultural ingredients must come from certified organic farming practices to carry the EU Organic logo.
Lactose Levels: A minimum of 30% of the carbohydrates in European baby formulas must come from lactose, aligning with breast milk’s natural carbohydrate profile and ensuring proper energy for growth.
No GMOs: Using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is prohibited. This matters because concerns remain about potential long-term risks from consuming GMOs, such as allergenicity, toxicity, nutritional alterations, and antibiotic resistance.
No Added Sugars: European organic formulas contain no added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Many formulas in other parts of the world include corn syrup, but European formulas avoid unnecessary sugars.
Staged Nutrition: European formulas are tailored to specific stages of a baby’s development, offering age-appropriate nutrition. In contrast, many other formulas are designed as “one size fits all” without accounting for different growth stages.
Prebiotics & Probiotics: Many European formulas include prebiotics and/or probiotics to support gut health, an option less frequently found in formulas from other parts of the world.
Mandatory DHA: DHA is a key omega-3 fatty acid that supports visual and cognitive development in babies and is a required ingredient in European formulas.
Environmental sustainability: Organic farming practices often support biodiversity and avoid chemical pesticides and fertilizers, making it a more eco-friendly choice for families.
If your baby is used to cow's milk formula or breast milk, it's important to exercise caution when switching to goat's milk formula to avoid discomfort while your baby's tiny tummy adjusts to their new milk.
Despite the benefits of goat milk, it is not uncommon for little ones to experience short-term changes to their bowel movements and mild digestive discomfort throughout this process; they are less likely to experience these hiccups if the transition is done gradually and with attention to your baby’s individual needs.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help make the transition as seamless as possible:
Take Baby Steps: Begin by introducing a small amount of goat's milk formula into your little one's diet. Mixing it with your baby’s current formula or breast milk can make the change less noticeable, both in terms of the new taste and how your baby's digestive system reacts. Remember to prepare each formula separately according to their respective preparation instructions and following the exact water-to-powder ratios; never mix the powders from two different formulas directly together.
Gradually Increase Goat Formula: Over the course of several days, slowly increase the proportion of goat milk infant formula while reducing the amount of the previous formula or breast milk. This gradual introduction allows your baby’s digestive system time to adjust. The common recommendation for mixing milk looks like this:
¾ : ¼ for the first 4 days
½ : ½ for the next 4 days
¼ : ¾ for the next 4-5 days or even one week
Finally, 100% new formula
Monitor Digestive Health: Keep a close eye on your baby’s digestive health during the transition. Watch for any signs of discomfort, such as gas, bloating, or changes in bowel movements. If your baby seems uncomfortable, slow the transition down and give them more time to adjust.
Prior to beginning the transition to goat formula for babies, you'll also want to carefully consider which goat milk infant formula is best suited for your little one.
To do so, you can ask yourself questions like:
Does my baby have any known intolerances or sensitivities?
What stage of formula is suitable for their current age?
Is there a formula brand that you are particularly fond of?
Which formulas are easy to acquire and readily available?
No matter the product, rest assured that your child is in good hands with whichever European goat's milk formula you choose. If you switch to goat milk-based baby formula, just remember that slow and steady wins the race, so prioritize a gradual transition. Finally, remember to always consult your pediatrician for personalized feeding advice.
Here are the answers to some of your most commonly asked questions about goat milk infant formula.
While no formula can exactly replicate breast milk, baby goat milk formula is often considered a closer match than cow milk formula.
Yes, goat milk formulas offer a complete source of nutrition and can be a great option for infants that are formula-fed, especially those with sensitive digestion or difficulty tolerating cow milk. That said, it's unsuitable for cases of cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance.
Absolutely! Many babies thrive on goat's milk formula because it is gentler on the digestive system. This is largely due to factors like the presence of A2 proteins, smaller fat molecules, and a lower lactose content, all of which make digestion easier for sensitive tummies.
You may also want to check:
Switching Baby Formula: Guidelines on How Not to Harm Your Infant
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Disclaimer: Please be aware that this information is based on general trends in babies, and it is not medical advice. Your doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child. Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding. |
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