Kendamil Infant Formula Review and Analysis [non-organic]

A whole milk infant formula packed with all the goodies, Kendamil is a top choice!

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  By: Tali Ditye, Ph.D., Co-founder

  Updated: October 27, 2024

Mommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Established in 1962, Kendamil stands as a stalwart in the European baby formula industry, sourcing fresh dairy from family farms throughout the European Union.

Note: This review is for the non-organic version of Kendamil infant formula. If you're interested in the organic version, please see our Kendamil Organic Formula Review.

Kendamil has a long-standing commitment to quality and innovation and is the recipient of many awards. These include the prestigious Monde Selection Gold Medal, and the UK's Board of Trade Award.

If that's not enough, Kendamil formula was used to feed Prince Louis of Cambridge (the son of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge), and received the Royal Queen's Award in 2020!

To review the Kendamil infant formula, we tested it ourselves and consulted with a developmental nutritionist to assess ingredients and nutrition.

Kendamil Infant Formula (0-12 mo)

Kendamil Formula: Take-home Message

You don't need to read our entire article to learn what we found. Here is the summary of what we loved, and what we didn't:

✔️  Whole milk formulation.
✔️  Milk from European family farms.
✔️  Milk from grass-fed cows.
✔️  Nutrition at FDA & USDA standards.
✔️  Nothing artificial.
✔️  No maltodextrin.
✔️  No sucrose or corn syrups.
✔️  Gluten & soy-free.
✔️  No palm oil.
✔️  Milk fat globule membrane (MFGM).
✔️  Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).
✔️  Omega-3 via DHA.
✔️  Omega-6 via ARA & LA.
✔️  Inositol, choline, & biotin.
✔️  Amino Acids.
✔️  High infant acceptance, good taste.
✔️  No gas, indigestion, or constipation.
✔️  Prebiotics via GOS.
❌  No probiotics (but this is UK policy).

No Translations Needed!

Given Kendamil's British origins, all their labels are exclusively in English, eliminating the need for translations.

This can help provide clarity for American parents regarding the contents of their babies' formulas, without dependence on potentially confusing translations.

Best Practices?

Kendamil makes several infant formulas, including the popular Kendamil organic formulas and the awesome Kendamil Goat milk formula as well.

Kendamil prioritizes sustainable farming practices to ensure the quality and integrity of their products while minimizing their environmental impact.

Here's an overview of some of their key farming and sustainability practices:

Local Sourcing: Kendamil sources fresh dairy from family farms primarily located in the Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage site in England. Additionally, other essential formula ingredients are procured from local suppliers in regions like Somerset, Kent, and Yorkshire. By sourcing locally, Kendamil reduces transportation emissions and supports local agricultural communities.

Animal Welfare: Kendamil ensures high standards of animal welfare in the farms that supply their dairy. By prioritizing the well-being of the animals involved in milk production, Kendamil upholds ethical standards and supports sustainable farming practices.

Environmental Stewardship: Kendamil takes proactive steps to minimize its environmental footprint throughout the production process. This includes efforts to reduce energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation. By implementing sustainable practices in their operations, Kendamil demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and reducing their overall ecological impact.

Certifications and Standards: Kendamil adheres to rigorous quality and sustainability standards. These include Red Tractor accreditation, vegetarian certification, halal certification (with HFA auditing), and CDFA certification. These certifications provide assurance to consumers regarding the authenticity and sustainability of Kendamil's products.

Traceability: By using a local supply chain for the most important ingredients, including milk and whey powders, Kendamil ensures the traceability of ingredients from farm to bottle.

Overall, Kendamil's farming and sustainability practices reflect a commitment to producing high-quality baby formulas while minimizing environmental impact and promoting ethical and sustainable agriculture.

Kendamil Formula Ingredients

Kendamil formulas contain high-quality ingredients and go beyond British, EU, and US requirements to include Omega fatty acids, amino acids, inositol, choline, biotin, and naturally occurring MFGM and HMOs (more on that later).

Sourcing ingredients locally from the Lake District and neighboring regions offers advantages for the quality of Kendamil's infant and toddler formula. These typically include a reduced likelihood of undesirable substances, such as pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, or heavy metals, being present in the products.

Here are the ingredients in the Kendamil infant formula (USA version):

Kendamil Infant Formula Ingredients (updated 05/24): Whole Milk, Demineralised Milk Whey Powder, Skimmed Milk Powder, Blend Of Oils (Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Rapeseed Oil), Lactose, Galacto-Oligosaccharides (a type of prebiotic), Whey Protein Concentrate Alpha-Lactalbumin, Less Than 2% Of: Fructo-oligosaccharides (a type of prebiotic), Mortierella Alpina Oil (A Plant-Based Source Of Arachidonic Acid (Ara)), Schizochytrium Sp. Oils (A Plant-Based Source Of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)), Calcium Citrate, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Lactate, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Hydroxide, Choline Bitartrate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Sulfate, Inositol, Taurine, L-Tyrosine, Nucleotides (Cytidine-5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Uridine-5'-Monophosphate, Adenosine-5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Inosine-5'-Monophosphate, Disodium Guanosine-5'-Monophosphate), L-Phenylalanine, Sodium Ascorbate (a source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin K, Vitamin D3, Biotin, Vitamin B12.

Here are some ingredients that we did not find: food starch, maltodextrin, corn syrup or corn syrup solids, palm oil, artificial colors, artificial flavors, preservatives, sucrose, soy, gluten, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), carrageenan, or high fructose corn syrup.

Some ingredients to highlight: There weren't any ingredients we were unhappy with, but here are a few things that stood out:

Natural MFGM, or milk fat globule membrane, is a natural component enveloping the small fat particles in genuine breast milk. Why is it significant? Studies indicate its association with promoting healthy brain development and cognitive outcomes (see references), underscoring its importance in infant nutrition.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are through to support the gut microbiome, immune system, and brain development. The HMOs used in Kendamil formulas are not human-based, they provided in a unique prebiotic blend that helps the growth of healthy gut bacteria, including bifidobacterium.

Prebiotics via GOS, or galactooligosaccharides, are dietary components known for nurturing a healthy gut microbiome by supporting intestinal microbiota and enhancing gut barrier function. Studies demonstrate that incorporating prebiotics into infant formula aids digestion, reduces gas, and mitigates colic, proving more effective than probiotics (see references).

Plant-based DHA Omega-3: Docosahexaenoic acid, known as DHA, is typically derived from fish. While some are comfortable with this, others seek a vegetarian alternative. Additionally, those with heightened sensitivity may find the taste or odor of fish oil off-putting in baby formula. Kendamil addresses these preferences by utilizing a plant-based DHA sourced from algae, the same source through which fish obtain DHA in their diets, thus offering a sustainable and odor-neutral alternative.

Nutritional Analysis

We assessed Kendamil baby formulas against stringent US nutritional guidelines established by the USDA, FDA, and AAP, consulting with a nutrition expert specializing in infant feeding (see references).

Notably, all Kendamil formulas meet FDA minimum requirements, qualifying them for sale in the US, particularly for infants aged 0-6 months.

As the USDA doesn't provide Recommended Daily Allowances (RDAs) for this age group, we referred to their Adequate Intake (AI) guidelines, ensuring nutritional adequacy based on established standards.

Here are the USDA's AIs (per day) for infants aged 0-6 months, and 6-12 months. Units are grams (g), milligrams (mg), and micrograms (μg).

USDA Nutritional Recommendations:

Given that this Kendamil formula is intended for use from birth to 12 months, we evaluated its nutritional content against the more stringent USDA 6-12 month recommendations. 

Because the USDA recommendations are for daily intake, we considered the daily intake recommended by Kendamil in their "Feeding Guide." Kendamil suggests an average of about 129 grams of formula per day for babies over 6 months of age; of course, this is much lower for the first month (about 86g/day), then increases with age.

As you will see from our analysis, this isn't cause for much concern.

Does Kendamil Meet USDA Nutritional Recommendations?

In general, yes, very similar to US-made baby formulas. Here is a table comparing the USDA recommendation for 6-12 months to what the Kendamil infant formula provides (in about 129g of formula):

*Kendamil does not disclose Omega-3 levels on their nutrition facts, at least not on the U.S. label. To estimate this, we used the European label, which does disclose Omega-3 contents.

Notice how close all of those numbers are to each other, with Kendamil meeting or exceeding most USDA nutritional recommendations.

The carbohydrates are a bit lower than USDA guidance, which is very common in European baby formulas. European formulas tend to have slightly higher protein and lower sugar content than American baby formulas.

Iron and Vitamin A are also a bit lower than USDA recommendations. However, they do exceed FDA minimums in 21CFR107.100, which are 0.15 for iron and 75 for Vitamin A (per 100 calories).

In addition to meeting and exceeding FDA requirements (and being very close to USDA recommendations), Kendamil formula provides an overall nutritional profile similar to the major American baby formula brands. 

DHA in Kendamil Formula

In 2020, the EU passed (well, it was passed in 2016, but enforcement started in February 2020) a requirement that baby formulas include Omega-3, and this is a new addition to most European formulas.

This is why you see DHA and ALA appearing in new European formulas. Want to learn more? See our article about DHA in baby formula.

Typically, parents start incorporating solid foods alongside formula or breastfeeding. Initially, this often includes rice and/or oatmeal cereals, followed by the introduction of fruit and vegetable purees. These additions complement the nutrition provided by formula, offering extra iron and carbohydrates to support a balanced diet.

Testing in Infants

Kendamil donated formula samples to us for testing - thanks, Kendamil!

We tested the US-version of the Kendamil infant formula in a 2-month-old formula-fed baby (he typically feeds with Kendamil Organic) and a 6-month-old breast-fed baby. As we've seen before, the 6-month-old's mom reports that her little one develops some constipation when attempting to supplement with baby formula. 

Mixing and Taste-Testing

When we opened the tin, we were pleasantly surprised to find the scoop attached under the lid.

This means you don't need to dig into the formula powder to find the scooper. Nice touch!

There is also a nice edge for leveling the scoop on the top rim.

This is great if you want to get highly precise scoops, though we find that it's not really necessary in most cases.

Here is the top edge:

The formula was a slightly yellowish-white powder that was very easy to scoop.

To prepare a bottle, we followed the directions for preparation and use.

Here are the instructions:

Here are the preparation instructions in text form:

• Wash hands, then sterilize your feeding utensils according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Bring 1 litre of fresh water to the boil (do not use repeatedly boiled water). Let cool for 30 minutes, so it remains at least 158 degrees (F). Measure the required water into a sterilized bottle. Using the scoop provided, add the correct number of levelled scoops to the bottle. Use the straight edge inside the lid to level each scoop.
• Place on a sterilized cap and shake well to dissolve powder. Cool to a natural body temperature by running the bottle (lid on) under cold running water. Once feeding begins, use formula within 1 hour or discard. Always test the temperature of the formula on the inside of your wrist.

We prepared an 8-ounce bottle of formula. According to the feeding guide (below), each prepared ounce of formula requires one scoop of powdered formula.

So, if you're making a 4-ounce bottle you need 4 scoops, and if you're making an 8-ounce bottle you need 8 scoops. We like the simple logic!

The formula was easy to scoop and put into the bottle. We didn't really need to use the edge to level each scoop, but if you want to be more precise definitely consider it.

Here is a video my husband preparing a bottle:

The result was excellent. There was only minor foam and bubbling on the top edge, as you can see in the below photo:

Even better, there was no clumping.

Some formulas have fatty congealed clumps that settle on the bottom of the bottle. 

But not Kendamil! Looking good:

In terms of texture and taste, we found it to be very rich and creamy, just like their organic version (which also uses whole milk). When we tried it ourselves, it tasted very sweet likely due to the high lactose content.

Want more information about the adorable Tommee Tippee baby bottle? Check out our list of the Best Baby Bottles of the year.

Safety First: Never prepare powdered formula with anything but water. If you're interested in fortifying your breast milk with formula you must ask your doctor for guidance first, as this can be very dangerous for your baby.

Feeding with Kendamil

The two infants both took to Kendamil very quickly. Neither of them rejected it or seemed displeased. With the older baby (6 months) we were a little surprised by this, given that he is primarily breastfed and typically rejects a bottle.

Neither baby developed more gas than usual (just the usual burp or two!), showed any discomfort during or after feeding, and their stools did not change. 

Speaking of gas, note that the UK does not allow infant formulas to contain probiotics, which is why Kendamil does not. 

Conclusions

In conclusion, Kendamil is a trusted choice for parents seeking a top-tier infant formula.

With nearly six decades of expertise, Kendamil's commitment to quality and innovation shines through its products. Award-winning and chosen even for royal infants, Kendamil has established itself as a reliable option in the market.

Our review, backed by thorough analysis and consultation with experts, confirms Kendamil's adherence to stringent nutritional standards, ensuring infants receive optimal nutrition.

From sourcing ingredients locally to prioritizing sustainability, Kendamil exemplifies responsible practices throughout its production chain. Notably, its inclusion of natural MFGM, prebiotics, and plant-based DHA underscores its dedication to infant health and development.

With Kendamil, parents can trust in a formula that not only meets regulatory requirements but also exceeds expectations, providing infants with the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development.

The only downfall of this formula is that it's not organic. Personally, we prefer organic baby formulas, but if we were to choose a non-organic option, it would definitely be this Kendamil infant formula!

Where to Buy Kendamil?

Over the past 10+ years of operating Mommyhood101, we have worked with several companies that import and resell European baby formulas in the United States.

Most of the companies have come and gone, some were pushed out by new FDA labeling requirements for European formulas, and some couldn't maintain their supply chain logistics and tended to ship expired or poorly handled formulas.

One of the only places to purchase Kendamil online in the USA is at the popular website The Milky Box, which sells a huge variety of formulas to US customers and has some of the best prices.

Not only that, but they have free and super fast shipping! Click this link to use our The Milky Box coupon code: mommyhood101 for a 5% discount!

References Cited

HMOs in Breast Milk and Baby Formulas

Intestinal Effects of Prebiotic GOS in Infant Formula

MFGM Benefits for Infant Development

Consulting Dietician Nutritionist (Mr. John Anderson)

EU Legislation Requirements for Infant Formula Composition 

Consulting Food Sustainability Expert (Dr. Alexi Ernstoff)

United States FDA Infant Formula Nutrient Requirements

United States USDA Infant Nutritional Needs & Recommendations

Published Analysis of Nutritional Contents of European Baby Formulas

Disclaimer: To our knowledge, all ingredient and nutritional information contained in this article was accurate at the time of publication. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or timeliness of the information. Always read the packaging and instructions, and consult with your child's pediatrician before making nutritional and feeding decisions. Baby formulas manufactured and labeled for sale in Europe may or may not be approved for sale in the USA by the FDA or other regulatory bodies, so consumer discretion is advised.