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Kendamil is one of the most premium formulas on the market. They set the bar extremely high when it comes to the science and quality they put into every one of their formula recipes.
They work with a strictly monitored supply chain, meaning traceability, sustainability and knowing every step of the process, from farm to formula.
It can be tough to sort through the noise and the hype to find the one that’s right for you. We’re certain that you really can’t go wrong with Kendamil though. This in-depth Kendamil formula review reveals everything you need to know about the brand, their product range and where to buy it.
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About Kendamil
Their brand ethos is “Closer to Nature, Kinder by Miles” which means they believe that children deserve not only a better standard of baby formula, but also a better world to inherit.
This family business has been producing their formulas right in the middle of the English Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for over 60 years.
Founder Ross McMahon is a farmer by trade, and his commitment to nature has led his family in passion to create the best infant formula they could. They use local ingredients exclusively and guarantee their quality from farm to formula.
His partner, Steve McCann, has over 40 years of experience in developing infant formula and they worked together to create Kendamil in 2016. Each can is hand-crafted at the local facility with no outsourcing. They have more than 220 local farms in and around the English Lake District providing the highest quality organic ingredients raised with organic farming, milk quality, and animal welfare practices.
Kendamil has the highest levels of natural mammal fat of any other formula and it’s the only whole-milk formula that is vegetarian-friendly and palm oil-free. It includes both omega 3 DHA and ARA without using any fish oil.
Can you see why we like this formula so much yet?
Kendamil baby formula types
Yep, it is. The founders of Kendamil believe that only the cleanest ingredients should be used in making baby formulas. And they've proven it for over 60 years with no preservatives, soy, sugar, maltodextrin, or GMOs.
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Kendamil produces 4 different ranges of formulas you should be aware of. Classic Cow’s Milk, Organic Cow’s Milk, Goat Milk, and their Comfort blend.
The most popular are their cow’s milk products. The classic and organic formulas are exactly the same blend, the only difference is related to the origin of their ingredients. For the ingredients in their Organic range, including the milk, must be sourced entirely from organic farms, which in the case of dairy make up only 1% of the world’s farms.
- All of their Organic products are certified by two of the highest standard bodies in the world, the EU Organic Certification and the UK Soil Association.
- The Classic range does not meet these incredibly strict organic certifications but still comes really close to it. And because of that, they can charge a bit less for the Classic range.
- Their Goat milk products are also unique as they use Whole A2 Milk as a source of fat. It also contains the A2 casein milk protein which more closely resembles breast milk. It also contains more short and medium fatty acids which create softer curds in the stomach and are linked to easier digestion.
- Lastly, their Comfort blend is made up of partially hydrolyzed whey protein which should make it easier for babies to digest. So if you’re already on a partially hydrolyzed formula or looking to switch to one, this would be a great option given the care Kendamil puts into their formulas.
This product range makes Kendamil a unique formula brand, setting the standard for all other organic, traceable, and natural formulas the world over.
Now that you understand the different types of formulas they offer, let’s now look at how they are further broken down by stage.
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Kendamil Stage 1, 2, and 3
Yep, it is. The founders of Kendamil believe that only the cleanest ingredients should be used in making baby formulas. And they've proven it for over 60 years with no preservatives, soy, sugar, maltodextrin, or GMOs.
Save 5% with code BABYSWAG
Kendamil makes it pretty easy to determine which formula is right for your little one since they break it down into 3 stages which are solely based on your baby’s nutritional needs as they grow. Here’s the low down on the differences between stages 1, 2, and 3.
Note: the Comfort formula blend only comes in 0-12 months.
Stage 1 (0-6 months)
Kendamil Stage 1 is where you should start for your infant from birth to six months (Kendamil infant formula). It can be used exclusively or you can use it to supplement your breastfeeding (breastfed babies). It uses the same ratio of whey to casein as breastmilk, which is 60/40.
Because it uses whole milk without palm oil, it’s easy to digest. It also contains all of the vitamins your baby needs including iodine, iron, MFGM, Vitamin D, calcium, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and DHA. Stage 1 is 100% lactose and lactose is the only carbohydrate used at this stage. It also contains other natural milk fats, sunflower oil, coconut oil, and canola oil as its primary source of fat.
It comes in a recyclable metal 800g can, which improves its shelf life, contains instructions on how to mix it, and you’ll get about 31 bottles per can.
Stage 2 (6 – 12 months)
Kendamil’s follow-on formula is great for babies 6-12 months of age. It evens out the whey to casein ratio to 50/50, beginning the adjustment to whole milk when your child turns one. It’s much more like cow’s milk than breastmilk, and it can help you ease the transition to a more normal diet later.
It also contains higher amounts of minerals naturally found in cow’s milk like phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium. It can be much more satisfying for babies of this age than the Stage 1 formula. It also comes in a recyclable 800g container and makes about 29 bottles.
Stage 3 (12+ months)
Kendamil Stage 3 is for babies 12 months and older. It’s toddler milk for parents who have chosen to continue to use formula beyond one year rather than switching to normal cow’s milk. It contains a whey to casein ratio of 80/20.
It contains more iron and calcium than Stage 2, comes in a recyclable 800g container and will make about 29 bottles.
Benefits of using Kendamil
As if what we’ve already mentioned isn’t enough of a benefit for you, here are some other benefits to using Kendamil infant formulas.
Uses only natural and healthy fats
Most infant formulas today use skim milk with added vegetable fats in order to match breastmilk and meet WHO guidelines. While there’s nothing particularly wrong with this idea, palm oil is bad for wildlife, our rainforests, and many indigenous populations. It can also cause constipation as well as preventing the calcium and fat absorption your infant needs.
Kendamil uses all-natural, full-cream mammal milk fat rather than skim milk. They also avoid the use of palm oil entirely. Because the fat in whole milk has a high concentration of medium-chain triglycerides (much like breast milk), it aids in the absorption of calcium as well as easy digestion and fat absorption.
It can minimize constipation with the use of canola and sunflower oils instead and contains alpha-linoleic acid and linoleic acid as a supplement, making it closer in composition to breastmilk.
Vegetarian friendly
Most infant formulas contain DHA and ARA of some type because Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to infant development. However, most use fish oils as the source of DHA, which means the formula is not vegetarian or vegan friendly.
What makes fish so rich in Omega 3 is their consumption of marine algae. Kendamil uses this same plant-based pure marine algae as its source of DHA. It’s extracted carefully without hexanes or chemicals. They get their Omega 3 directly from the source for a non-allergen alternative to DHA and ARA.
EU certified organic, grass-fed cows
European formulas are very popular, even in the US. The European standards for organic farming are much more strict. The cows Kendamil uses graze outdoors year-round. They have access to shelter and indoor housing when they need it, and they’re milked twice a day.
They enjoy a stress-free environment and a diet supplemented with healthy silage and hay. Their milk contains more Vitamin E, Omega 3, CLA fatty acids, and beta-carotene. On the contrary, American cows are raised in factories, injected with hormones, and fed a poor diet.
The UK has already banned the use of growth hormones, artificial fertilizers, and chemicals, making UK farms safer and more natural. Kendamil aims to treat all of their animals ethically so they can offer a product that meets welfare standards for all cows.
Whole milk formulation
There’s no other formula on the market that contains a higher level of full-cream nutrients. The MFGM that Kendamil includes is proven to support cognitive development, and it’s a substance that’s found naturally in milk fat.
Whole milk also has many of the fat-soluble vitamins and minerals needed for growth. They are naturally occurring in whole milk, but they’ve been stripped from skim milk during processing, and often have to be added back artificially.
Whole milk is also naturally sweet. Kendamil doesn’t have to add sugar as many other infant formulas do. Babies love the sweet, creamy taste and you’ll enjoy the natural, unique golden color.
Uses lactose as the carbohydrate
The best carbohydrate you can give your baby is lactose unless of course, your baby is lactose intolerant. Other formulas use processed substitutes like glucose syrup solids, corn syrup, maltodextrin, brown rice syrup, sucrose, or sugar.
Kendamil avoids the use of these ingredients as their source of carbohydrates, making it much safer and healthier for your infant. Instead, they use 100% lactose so your baby gets the best ingredients without non-lactose sugars. Babies naturally digest lactose more slowly, so it’s easier to digest and prevents the pancreas from having to release insulin so quickly.
No soy
Research shows that too much soy as an infant can have a negative impact on your child later in life. Rather than use soy, Kendamil uses whole milk to offer the nutrition your child needs from natural proteins.
All-natural
While other infant formulas include GMOs, nucleotides, lycopene, lutein, L-methionine, taurine, soy, synthetic ingredients, and added sugars, Kendamil avoids their use altogether. They opt for all-natural ingredients in their baby formula so you can trust your child is getting the nutrition they need in a healthier way.
Environmentally friendly
Not only do Kendamil practices result in responsible farming, care for animals, and the best ingredients for your little one, they offer it up in a recyclable container so you can pay it forward. Their carbon footprint is the lowest of any other formula brand in the world. They’re the only brand that doesn’t use fish oils or palm oils, so they protect our oceans and rainforests.
Buying Kendamil formula in the US
Kendamil is one of the many brilliant European formulas that is not technically regulated under the FDA in the US. They all adhere to the European Commission guidelines which we here at The Baby Swag actually think are much better and safer for our next generation of humans. So you know it’s safe, but just be aware they are still not yet approved by the FDA officially.
That being said, Kendamil is currently available in the US now through a special arrangement with the government after the crisis of 2022. You can find some of their range stocked at Target, Walmart and other grocers around the country. For example, you won’t be able to find their Goat or Comfort formulas at this time (last updated July 6, 2023).
They are also currently working on a clinical trial in the US in order to get FDA approval. They have been working on this for many years and we hope that it happens sooner than later so more parents can get access to this amazing brand.
But the easiest and most reliable way to get your hands on this incredible formula is through a well respected EU formula supplier. Kendamil does not ship direct to US customers but we’ve partnered with a couple of great suppliers that do.
Pro Swag Shopping Tips
- Buying in bulk can save you hundreds of dollars over 12 months
- You can shop around for more deals online, big box retailers very rarely put formula on sale
- Subscription services mean you don’t ever have to worry about formula, it’ll be delivered straight to your door
- If one supplier below is sold out, check the others
Where to buy – We recommend starting with TheMilkyBox and then going to the others if they are sold out of what you’re looking for.
A great team that has been in the formula game a long time. They offer a subscription service, great pricing and amazing customer service.
Use code BABYSWAG for 5% off
A passionate team that offers all the best European formulas. They have dedicated customer support channels and offer great bulk pricing perks.
Use code BABYSWAG for 5% off
This team has been servicing the US market for a long time. They know their stuff. They also offer a subscription service and comparable pricing.
Use code BABYSWAG for 5% off
Note: each of these companies has slightly different shipping options that you should also check out.
Kendamil alternatives
If you’re looking for an organic formula for your baby, there are a lot of other options you could try. Here are our favorites below.
Bobbie
Bobbie is the first American formula that complies with both FDA and European Commission regulations. They are one of the new formula brands that are shaking up the industry and doing things better. Better for you and better for your baby.
That means that you can expect all of its ingredients to be fully organic, naturally sourced, and in some of the highest recommended amounts on the market. Bobbie is completely free from added sugar, artificial flavors, colorings, gluten, or palm oil. But, on the other hand, it does not provide an alternative for kids suffering from dairy allergies, and it also does not have any added probiotics.
Going above and beyond with their ingredients means this is not the cheapest formula on the market. But if you’re looking to support a brand that is going to offer your baby the best sourced ingredients and continue to push for higher standards in the formula industry then look no further than Bobbie.
Buy at > Bobbie
Holle
Holle is another well-established (almost 90 years) European known for producing clean, simple, gently processed organic formula for a natural and balanced diet while remaining committed to environmental sustainability. Holle cares about protecting children’s futures which is why they offset the CO2 emissions that occur during formula production. They prove it by ensuring all of their formulas are either climate-neutral or climate positive.
It’s also important to mention that while all of Holle’s formulas are organic, some of them even hold one of the strictest private organic certifications in Europe, the Demeter seal. This is a serious certification.
Holle has a wide range of baby formulas available. They have formulas based on regular cow milk, A2 cow milk, and goat milk. Holle offers infant formula for newborns, follow-on formulas for babies that are 6 months or older, and toddler formula for kiddos 12 months and up so if your baby likes it they’ll be able to support you all the way.
Buy at >> The Milky Box || Organics Best || My Organic Co
FAQs
Which baby formula is the healthiest?
The answer to this question is pretty subjective. What works for your baby won’t work for others. It’s up to you as a parent to decide which is the healthiest for your child. Armed with more knowledge of your child than anyone else, you can rest assured that whatever decision you make will be the right one.
While Kendamil is an excellent company that makes great formula, it’s not going to work for babies who are lactose intolerant. However, there’s not a bad review out there that I can find, so it’s a safe bet if you want to feed your baby the best.
If you are struggling with lactose intolerance, it may be better for your child to try a brand like Bebe Mandorle, ditching the milk and the gluten, and making it easier to digest.
Which formula brand is the best?
If you’ve already decided that you’re looking for a European formula or at a comparable premium quality US made formula, it’s really hard to go wrong. Many of these brands, especially the European ones, have outstanding reputations and have a long track record of producing only the highest quality products. So then it comes down to which brand, pricing and availability are most suitable for your family needs.
We’ve also compared Kendamil to many other leading brands if you want to keep learning to find the brand that suits your family best.
Read our comparisons here > Kendamil vs Similac || Kendamil vs Apatmil || Kendamil vs HiPP || Kendamill vs Holle
What is the closest formula to breastmilk?
Kendamil strives to offer one of the closest formulations to breastmilk with all-natural ingredients and a 60/40 whey to casein ratio. That ratio changes as you progress through the stages, but for the first six months of life, your child will enjoy a formula that’s both healthy and very similar to breastmilk.
Kendamil Review: Final Thoughts
Yep, it is. The founders of Kendamil believe that only the cleanest ingredients should be used in making baby formulas. And they've proven it for over 60 years with no preservatives, soy, sugar, maltodextrin, or GMOs.
Save 5% with code BABYSWAG
If you want the most wholesome ingredients from a formula that’s certified by the EU, Kendamil is just about perfect. It’s made using sustainable practices that are good for your baby and good for the environment. You can feel confident giving your baby the best you possibly can to promote their growth and development.
Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition for infants. Our recommendations are based on the products we have personally used or researched; they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your pediatrician before making any changes to your child’s diet, especially in cases where your baby has dietary restrictions or allergies.
Sources
- https://hcp.kendamil.com/our-unique-recipe-from-farm-to-formula/
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