Whole Milk Formula

Benefits of Whole Milk Formula

So, what exactly makes a formula a whole milk formula? It comes down to the type of milk used. Unlike skimmed milk, which has the natural fats removed, whole milk retains them. That means the formula provides a more natural fat profile, rather than relying heavily or exclusively on added vegetable oils to replace the fats removed during skimming.

For parents comparing ingredients, the best whole milk baby formula options for infants have several features worth considering:

• Natural fats: Whole milk provides milk fat naturally, including palmitic acid and other fatty acids. Some formulas use these naturally occurring fats as part of their overall fat blend.

• Creamy texture: The natural milk fat in whole milk can give formula a naturally creamy consistency and flavour.

• Digestive benefits: Whole milk fats may be easier to digest than skim milk fats for some babies.

• Closer to breast milk: Whole milk formulas retain natural dairy fat and Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), helping them more closely reflect some of the fats and bioactive components naturally found in breast milk than formulas relying primarily on vegetable oils.

• No need for palm oil: Whole milk formulas don't need added palm oil because whole milk naturally contains palmitic acid, the fatty acid that palm oil is commonly used to provide in conventional skim formulas.

• Lactose-based recipes: Most whole milk baby formula made in Europe uses lactose as the primary or only carbohydrate, particularly in their early stages. However, the exact carbohydrate blend varies by brand and stage.

• Organic options: Several options in this collection are organic whole milk baby formula, giving parents the option to prioritize organic farming and ingredient standards.

• Cow's milk and goat's milk choices: Whole milk isn't limited to cow's milk; brands such as Holle, Kendamil, Jovie, Nannycare, and Pure Goat offer formulas made with a goat milk base, offering parents the choice of a naturally A2 whole milk formula.

Remember, whole milk doesn't automatically mean a formula will be easier to digest or better for every baby. All infant formulas are carefully formulated to provide complete nutrition, but individual tolerance can vary.

However, many organic, whole milk baby formula reviews highlight its gentle digestion and overall tolerability, with parents often noting that babies enjoy its naturally creamy taste. Some research also shows that whole milk formulas may reduce the risk of firm stools and constipation. Moreover, the natural fats in whole milk support infant brain development.

Best Whole Milk Formula Options for Infants: Organic's Best Picks

While there’s no one-size-fits-all “best” whole milk formula, the options below stand out for their ingredients, nutritional profile, and overall formula composition.

HiPP PUR Formula

HiPP PUR is a German organic whole milk formula line. The formula range includes PRE, Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4 formulas, so families can stay in the same product line as their baby grows.

Produced in Germany under strict European organic standards, HiPP PUR also carries the brand's own Organic Seal, which goes beyond the basic EU requirements. Notably, the PUR whole milk toddler formula in the line is also organic, unlike the brand's other 12+ month formulas from their Bio Combiotik range, which are only non-GMO.

Another feature parents appreciate is that the complete range offers lactose-only carbs, even from HiPP PUR Stage 2 organic whole milk formula and up, in contrast to the regular German Bio Combiotik line, which sometimes adds starch in later stages. The recipes are also among the only HiPP powdered formulas that are palm oil-free.

One important detail when comparing HiPP PUR stages is that the dairy composition changes as babies get older. While the earlier stages rely more heavily on whole milk, some later stages combine whole milk powder with skimmed milk.

Holle Goat Milk Formula

Holle Goat Milk Formula is made with organic whole goat’s milk sourced from Demeter-certified farms and produced using gentle processing methods to preserve its natural qualities. The formula is available in several versions, including German, Dutch, and Global varieties.

Holle Goat PRE and Stage 1 are lactose-only recipes, without added starch or maltodextrin. While the German and Dutch ranges introduce starch and maltodextrin in later stages, the Global range remains lactose-only across all stages.

All versions use algae-based DHA, while the Global range also includes ARA throughout. Holle goat formula is also free from palm oil, fish oil, GMOs, added sugar, corn syrup, and soy.

Keep in mind that goat milk formula is not suitable for babies with a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy, since goat milk proteins are similar enough to trigger a reaction.

Holle Ready to Feed Formula

Holle Ready to Feed offers the convenience of a premixed liquid formula in a whole-milk-based option. There's no powder to measure or water to mix, making it particularly convenient for travel, nighttime feeds, or situations when preparing a bottle isn't practical.

The range includes Stage 1 for newborns and Stage 3 for toddlers. Stage 1 uses lactose as its only carbohydrate and includes milk fats, prebiotic GOS, and plant-based DHA, while Stage 3 uses whole milk and includes DHA alongside lactose and maltodextrin.

Ready-to-feed formula has different storage and handling requirements than powdered formula, so always follow the instructions on the individual bottle.

Kendamil Whole Milk Formula

Kendamil is particularly well known for using whole milk in many of its formulas. The brand offers several different recipes, including Classic, Goat, Ready to Feed, Comfort and Organic whole milk formulas. All Kendamil Whole Milk infant formulas are vegetarian and use algae-derived DHA. They are also all made without palm oil.

Kendamil Organic Formula

Kendamil Organic Whole Milk formula is EU-certified organic, made with whole and skimmed cow’s milk, lactose, prebiotic GOS, plant-based DHA, and palm-oil-free vegetable oils. All three stages are designed to support your baby as they grow, from first infant milk through toddler milk.

Kendamil Classic

Kendamil Classic is a non-organic formula with whole milk and skimmed cow’s milk. It uses lactose as the only carbohydrate, and includes GOS and FOS prebiotics for extra gut support. This formula comes in 4 stages.

Kendamil Goat Formula

Kendamil Goat is a non-organic goat milk formula made with whole goat’s milk, lactose as the only carbohydrate, GOS prebiotics, and HMOs. Available in three stages from birth through toddlerhood, Kendamil Goat offers a vegetarian-friendly alternative to cow’s milk formula, but it is not suitable for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance.

Kendamil Ready to Feed

Kendamil Ready-to-Feed formula offers the same whole-milk approach as the brand’s powdered formulas in a convenient, pre-mixed format. Available in Stages 1 and 2, it uses lactose as the only carbohydrate along with GOS and FOS prebiotics. This formula is not organic, but it is free from GMO's.

Kendamil Comfort

Kendamil Comfort is a specialized formula designed for the dietary management of colic and constipation in babies. It features partially hydrolyzed whey protein and a lactose-reduced recipe, with some lactose replaced by soluble dextrin to support easier digestion.

Like other Kendamil formulas, it uses whole milk and milk cream, plant-based DHA, GOS and FOS prebiotics, and no palm or fish oil. Kendamil Comfort is non-organic and is available as an all-stage formula suitable from birth to 12 months, but it should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Nannycare Formula

Nannycare is a non-organic goat milk formula made with whole goat’s milk sourced from dedicated farms in New Zealand. Its three-stage range includes added 2’-FL HMO, naturally occurring goat milk oligosaccharides, plant-based DHA from microalgae, and a carefully balanced blend of vitamins and minerals.

The formulas are GMO-free and use a whole-milk recipe with minimal processing and no added whey powder. Stage 1 is suitable from birth, Stage 2 from 6 months, and Stage 3 is a toddler milk for children 12+ months.

Jovie Formula

Jovie offers certified organic whole-milk formulas made with either goat’s milk or cow’s milk. Both ranges use organic lactose as the only carbohydrate and avoid added sugars, palm oil, and GMO ingredients, while the cow milk formulas also include GOS and FOS prebiotics.

Jovie Goat and Jovie Cow are available in three stages from birth through 10+ months.

Löwenzahn Formula

Löwenzahn whole cow's milk infant formula and Löwenzahn whole goat milk formula lines are both certified organic. The goat milk range uses whole goat’s milk but also contains cow’s milk derivatives, making it unsuitable for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. The whole cow’s milk range uses lactose as its only carbohydrate source across all three stages, while the goat milk range includes complementary carbohydrates in Stage 2. Löwenzahn’s whole cow’s milk formula is available in three stages, while the goat milk range is available in two.

Pure Goat Formula

Pure Goat is an organic whole milk baby formula made with full-fat goat’s milk sourced from certified organic farms in the Netherlands. Its simple recipe uses lactose as the primary carbohydrate, organic GOS prebiotics, plant-based DHA from algae, and organic sunflower and rapeseed oils, without palm oil, starch, or maltodextrin.

Available in three stages from birth through 10+ months, Pure Goat is designed to provide age-appropriate nutrition as your baby grows. Like other goat milk formulas, it is not suitable for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance.

Whole Milk Baby Formula Brands Comparison

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of the whole milk infant formulas above, making it easier to see how they differ and find an option that fits your baby’s needs and your family’s preferences.

How to Choose the Right Whole Milk Infant Formula

Choosing a whole milk formula for infants comes down to more than finding the formula with the shortest ingredient list. Start with your baby's age, since formulas are divided into stages with different nutritional compositions.

Next, consider whether you want cow's milk or goat's milk. Cow's milk is the most common formula base, while goat milk formulas can be an appealing option, especially for babies with mild tummy troubles. However, goat formula isn't appropriate for babies with cow's milk protein allergy.

You can also decide whether organic certification matters to you.

For families who prioritize a simple carbohydrate profile, look at whether the formula uses lactose as its primary or sole carbohydrate. This can vary by stage, so compare the exact product rather than the brand as a whole.

Finally, consider practical factors such as powder versus ready-to-feed liquid, availability, and package size.

Where to Buy Whole Milk Baby Formula Online

Organic's Best makes it easy to compare whole milk formulas from trusted European brands in one place. Our collection includes cow's milk and goat's milk formulas, organic options, specialty formulas, and ready-to-feed products.

We source European formulas directly through established European supply chains and offer products from brands including HiPP, Holle, Kendamil, Nannycare, Jovie, Löwenzahn Organics, and Pure Goat.

FAQs About Whole Milk Based Formula

Here are some of the most asked questions about whole milk infant formula.

Is Whole Milk Formula Better for Babies?

Whole milk formula isn't inherently better than skimmed-milk-based formula. Both can be formulated to provide complete nutrition for infants when they meet applicable regulatory requirements and are prepared as directed. The main difference is the source of the milk fat. Whole milk retains naturally occurring dairy fat, while formulas based on skimmed milk generally need additional fats from vegetable oils to achieve the desired fat profile.

Is Whole Milk Formula Easier to Digest?

While some babies may tolerate a particular whole milk formula well, whole milk itself does not guarantee easier digestion. If your baby is experiencing ongoing gas, constipation, diarrhea, reflux, or feeding difficulties, speak with a healthcare professional before switching formulas.

Can I Switch My Baby to Whole Milk Formula?

Many babies can switch between standard infant formulas without issues, but it’s a good idea to check with your pediatrician or healthcare provider first, especially if your baby is a newborn or has allergies, feeding difficulties, or other medical needs. When changing formulas, transitioning gradually over several days can give your baby’s digestive system time to adjust.

What Baby Formula Uses Whole Milk?

Several European baby formulas use whole milk as an important part of their recipes. Options available in this collection include HiPP PUR, Holle Goat, Nannycare, Jovie, Löwenzahn Organics, Kendamil Classic, Kendamil Goat, and Kendamil Organic whole milk formula, among others. The exact use of whole milk varies by product and stage. Some formulas are made primarily with whole milk, while others combine whole milk with skimmed milk, whey, or other dairy ingredients.