If your little one is formula-fed, it’s important that the milk you choose is not only nutritious but also gentle on their tummy. To achieve that end, many parents are turning to European organic goat milk baby formula for its clean composition and naturally soothing qualities. Keep reading to discover the benefits of goat milk and our top picks for the best goat milk formula options from premium European brands!
Goat Milk: Easier Digestion and Gentle on Sensitive Tummies
If you’re unfamiliar with the specifics of goat formula, we’ll discuss here what makes it an appealing alternative to traditional cow’s milk-based options and how it can help calm sensitive stomachs.
A2 Proteins – Breast milk and goat milk are both made up of A2 proteins, sharing similar structural properties. Cow’s milk, on the other hand, generally consists of a mix of A1 and A2 proteins. A1-type proteins may cause irritation and inflammation in some babies. Moreover, cow’s milk proteins form larger, firmer curds in tummies, making them harder to digest, which can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort for some infants.
More Digestible Fats – The short and medium-chain fat particles in goat milk are more easily broken down and absorbed by babies. In fact, some research suggests that infants can digest goat milk baby formula up to twice as fast as cow’s milk formula.
For these reasons, goat milk can be an excellent choice for little ones who experience common tummy troubles such as gas, constipation, and bloating, or for those with sensitivities to cow’s milk. However, it’s important to note that because goat milk and cow milk share many similarities, babies who have allergies to cow milk protein may also be allergic to goat milk.
Tips for Switching to Goat Milk Formula
In most cases, doctors will recommend a gradual transition when switching to a new formula to avoid tummy strain and give babies time to adjust to their new milk. To start the switch, you can mix a small amount of organic goat formula into your baby’s current formula or breast milk, and over the course of several days, slowly increase the amount of goat milk formula until your little one is drinking it exclusively.
These are the general guidelines for a gradual transition:
- ¾ old milk : ¼ new milk for the first 4 days
- ½ old milk : ½ new milk for the next 4 days
- ¼ old milk : ¾ new milk for the next 4-5 days or 1 week
- Finally, 100% new milk
Before beginning this transition, it is essential to consult your pediatrician to ensure goat milk is the right fit for your little one and to receive personalized recommendations. If your doctor does give the green light to make the switch, remember to look for signs of discomfort or adverse reactions from your baby and discuss any concerns with your pediatrician if they arise.
Organic Goat Milk Baby Formula Brands from Europe
To help you make a well-informed decision, here is a list of the best goat milk formula on the market from top European brands and what makes each of them stand out.
Holle Goat
Holle is best known for their simple, minimally processed organic recipes. Many of their formulas are EU and Demeter certified organic. While EU organic status ensures strict controls for product purity, Demeter goes above and beyond in upholding the world’s most stringent organic regulations.
Holle goat milk formula is expertly crafted with creamy whole goat milk, plant-based DHA, and palm-free vegetable oils. This formula is available in three different versions: a Dutch, a German, and a Global recipe.
While the Dutch and German formulas follow the same recipe, the Global version exclusively uses lactose-based carbohydrates throughout all stages, omitting the starch or maltodextrin found in some other versions of the Holle Goat.
Other notable differences are that only the Dutch line is available in 800g metal cans as opposed to the 400g cardboard boxes of the other versions. Moreover, the Global version offers English language labelling, ensuring easy-to-follow instructions.
HiPP Goat
This innovative German formula brand has mastered the art of mimicking breast milk by combining science with high-quality organic ingredients. HiPP Goat is based on skimmed milk and offers gentle A2 proteins, lactose-only carbs, and is enhanced with prebiotics to help support a balanced gut microbiome and softer poops.
This clean formula is EU organic certified and also bears the HiPP organic seal — a self-imposed organic standard based on stricter limits for contaminants. From the early newborn days and into toddlerhood, HiPP goat milk formula is available in two stages to nourish your little one.
Pure Goat
Pure Goat is a Dutch brand focuses exclusively on organic goat milk formula as an alternative for babies who are sensitive to cow’s milk. Their recipe combines whole goat milk as the primary source of fat, ensuring palm-free vegetable oils, plant-based DHA for brain and vision development, and added prebiotics to support digestive health. Pure Goat Milk Formula is EU organic certified and available in three stages to support your baby’s healthy growth throughout infancy.
Jovie Goat
Another stellar Dutch brand is Jovie. This company is widely praised by parents for its clean ingredients and breast milk-like formula recipes. They place whole goat milk front and center as the nutritional powerhouse in their formulas.
By using whole milk as the main ingredient, this formula offers a natural supply of palmitic acid, rendering palm oil unnecessary and reducing the need for additional nutrient fortification. Instead, whole milk is the main source of fat in Jovie Goat, which is further balanced by the addition of sunflower and rapeseed oil.
Like the other formulas mentioned on this list, Jovie goat milk formula is EU organic and available in several stages to support and evolve with your little one as they grow.
Find the Best Goat Milk Formula at Organic’s Best
If an organic goat milk formula sounds like a good fit for your baby, you can head over to Organic’s Best online shop to find all the products discussed here and more. This family-run retailer offers premium European formulas at affordable prices, ships to the USA and Canada within 2-5 business days, stores your baby’s milk safely in their own climate-controlled warehouse, and provides English preparation instructions. Discover for yourself why over 130,000 families have chosen Organic’s Best to reliably nourish their families!
