Why We Think the New HiPP Goat Milk Formula is Worth the Hype

If you’re a parent in the 21st century, you’ve likely heard the recent hype about goat milk formulas. While it may seem like the latest trend, and its popularity is indeed on the rise, goat’s milk has been used around the world for thousands of years. As far as infant formulas are concerned, the European Food Safety Authority had classified goat's milk infant formulas as safe dating back to 2012.

We know that as parents you're always looking to give your little one the best you can, that's why understandably, so many of you are on a quest to find the best organic formulas. While on this hunt, you’ve probably started to scour the internet in search of information about cow’s milk versus goat milk formulas.

Well to state things simply, the enthusiasm for goat milk infant formula is warranted as it does have some advantages compared to cow's milk. That's why we're so excited to bring you HiPP's brand new goat milk-based organic baby formula!

HiPP brings you an EU-certified organic goat's milk formula that has been developed with the knowledge of over 50 years of experience in making organic formula with tried-and-tested recipes developed by nutrition experts. HiPP baby formulas are always modeled after breastmilk and their new goat milk-based formula is no different.

HiPP's goat milk formula has a special protein composition that is easy to digest and extra gentle on tiny tummies. For added benefit, it's enriched with prebiotics (GOS) to support healthy gut flora. Goat milk also naturally contains many important vitamins and minerals. To learn more about this new product and how it can be a great alternative to cow's milk formula keep reading!

Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk

While goat milk is something to get excited about, it's important to keep in mind that the advantages that a goat’s milk formula can offer don’t negate the benefits of a cow’s milk formula. Several studies have concluded that both whey-based cow milk formulas and goat milk formulas provide similar growth and nutritional outcomes in infants.

That's because each of them is produced according to the same nutritional standards. Both can be great options for different reasons but there are certainly some unique advantages to choosing a goat's milk-based formula.

Greater Digestibility

We know from scientific studies that when infant formulas are based on goat milk rather than cow milk, goat's milk formulas come out ahead in terms of digestibility. That's because babies digest goat milk roughly two times faster than cow milk. Happy tummies have goat milk's unique protein structure to thank for this outstanding result.

The milk proteins in goat milk formulas form curds or milk clumps in the stomach that are smaller, softer, and looser than those formed by cow's milk. This means small stomachs have an easier time breaking these goat milk curds down. 

Less Inflammation

We will go into this more in-depth later but for now all you need to know is that there are two main types of beta-casein protein found in milk, these are A1 and A2 beta-casein respectively. Goat milk is naturally A2 and better suited to sensitive tummies whereas most cow's milk is A1 and can cause inflammation in the body.

The problem with A1 milk is that upon digestion it releases an inflammatory peptide known as BCM-7. BCM-7 has been implicated as contributing to various health issues in some studies.

Goat milk's protein profile is closer to human breastmilk because it's A1 casein-free and no BCM-7 is produced during digestion. That means goat milk is extra safe for your baby's stomach! 

Important Nutrients for a Baby's Diet

If you've spent all of 5 minutes researching the difference between cow's milk and goat's milk, you've likely come across people claiming that one milk has more of this nutrient or that protein than the other and ultimately one makes for the best formula.

Well, it is true for example that goat's milk naturally contains higher levels of protein and linoleic acid and cow's milk contains more vitamin B12, when it comes to infant milk formulas, both kinds of formula are fortified to ensure the perfect blend of vitamins, minerals, and protein for your baby.

So when it comes to baby formula, you can feel good that whether your baby takes cow or goat formula milks, both will offer your little one all the nutrients they need.

Learn more: Goat & Cow Milk Formula - A detailed guide of all the differences

Is Goat's Milk Infant Formula a Suitable Alternative for Babies with a Cow's Milk Allergy or Intolerance?

First and foremost we want to be clear that goat's milk is not recommended for babies with an established cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). Due to the similar protein structure of both kinds of milk, there is a risk of cross-over reaction.

Because of this, goat milk baby formula is not any less likely to bring about allergies in babies than cow infant milk formula is. If you're looking to reduce the risk of allergy in your little one, you may want to check out HiPP's hypoallergenic formula (HiPP HA).

While CMPA is relatively rare amongst infants, afflicting only 2-3% of babies, cow milk intolerance (CMI) on the other hand is much more widespread, affecting roughly 30% of all infants.

It's estimated that around 50% of babies experience symptoms as a result of taking cow's milk formula. Telltale signs that cow's milk isn't being tolerated well by your baby include congestion, eczema, spit-up, colic, bloating, gas, and constipation.

Unlike allergies, CMI doesn't trigger an immune response. That means if your baby has CMI rather than a true allergy, they have mild lactose intolerance, or as a parent, you have some concerns about cow's milk, then goat's milk formula may be a great alternative!

Learn more: Is Goat Milk Formula Safe?

For babies that are sensitive to cow's milk, some will respond better to the gentle A2 protein structure of goat milk. A goat's milk-based formula may help to mitigate digestive issues and discomfort that stem from cow's milk intake.

If your little one is showing signs of cow milk sensitivity, we recommend you speak to your health care provider to discuss your child's symptoms and see if goat milk formula is the right fit for your little one.

What is A2 Goat Milk Formula?

We spoke a little about A2 milk already but for those of you who're curious and want to learn more, this section is for you! As previously mentioned, there are two main kinds of beta-casein proteins in milk; these proteins are called A1 and A2 beta-casein. Most European baby formula based on cow's milk has a mixture of A1 and A2 beta-casein in it.

Now time for a quick history lesson. In the past, all cows used to produce A2 milk, but due to gene mutations over time, most dairy cows today produce A1 milk with only 30% of cows being pure A2. So to summarize, A2 is essentially the original form of milk.

During the digestive process, A1 and A2 milk get broken down differently with A2 milk being broken down by digestive enzymes more easily. When A1 milk gets digested, an inflammatory peptide called BCM-7 is produced. This peptide can be absorbed by the intestines and then passed into the bloodstream where it can circulate throughout the body. 

Some studies have linked A1 beta-casein and BCM-7 to SIDS, diabetes, heart disease, and autism. However, the results in the research area are mixed thus, more studies are needed to confirm these findings. Until research can provide a clear answer about the implications of BCM-7, many health care providers recommend consuming only A2 milk for the best health!

What Makes HiPP Goat Milk Baby Formula so Special?

Unlike other formula brands out there, HiPP is an organic company that mimics breastmilk in their formula recipes to bring your baby an infant formula with the natural benefits of human breastmilk. HiPP goat milk formula is based on organic goat skimmed milk, lactose, and a blend of vegetable oils.

Made with European Organic Ingredients

The goat milk is produced at EU organic farms throughout Germany and its neighboring countries. Milk production is strictly controlled according to high European organic standards so that no GMOs or chemicals are used during manufacturing. 

Improves Digestion

One of the main benefits this formula can offer your little one is easier and more efficient digestion thanks to goat milk's special protein structure that is closer to breastmilk than cow's milk formula. The A2 goat milk in this HiPP baby formula is more easily, quickly, and fully digested by babies.

Promotes Healthy Gut Flora

Like human breastmilk, this infant formula contains prebiotics (GOS). Prebiotics improve babies' digestion by promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria. The result is softer, more frequent, normal colored stools for your little one and less colic.

A Healthy Source of Fats and Palmitic Acid

This formula contains a blend of organic vegetable oils to supply your little one with a healthy source of fats. These oils are organic palm oil, organic rapeseed oil, and organic sunflower oil. Yes, you read that correctly. This formula does contain palm oil, but fear not!

The palm oil used is sustainable and sourced mainly from plantations that are Rainforest Alliance™ certified. Palm oil is an excellent source of palmitic acid—a predominant nutrient found in breastmilk—that is important for aiding the absorption of fat and calcium in infants.

Omega Fatty Acids to Support Growth and Development

Finally, babies have a lot of growing to do. To encourage healthy development in your baby, this formula contains an optimal ratio of DHA (omega-3) derived from fish oil and ARA (omega-6). These fatty acids support brain and nerve cell development as well as visual acuity.

Sustainable Packaging

HiPP cares about your baby's health and the health of our planet, that’s why they’ve made this formula's packaging 97% recyclable and climate-neutral. There you have it, a HiPP organic infant formula with easy-to-digest A2 protein, prebiotics, essential fatty acids, and quality organic ingredients all wrapped up neatly in an eco-friendly box!

HiPP's Goat Milk Formula Stages: At a Glance

HiPP formulas all have EU organic certification and are staged to meet the nutritional needs of babies at every age. Their beginning stage formulas are stage PRE or 1, their follow-on formula is stage 2, and their children’s milk is stage 3.

Stage PRE / 1 Infant Formula

This formula can be used from birth as an alternative or supplement to breastmilk. The formula is intended to be given to your baby as needed so you can let your little one have it as much or as often as they'd like! And because HiPP likes to keep things natural, just like human breastmilk the main carbohydrate in this formula is lactose. 

Stage 2 Follow-On Formula

This formula can be used from 6 months as part of a mixed diet of bottle feeds and weaning. This milk is fortified with valuable nutrients and building blocks for growth. When HiPP asked 72 parents what they thought about this stage 2 formula, 94% said they recommend it! 

Stage 3 Children's Milk

This formula can be used from 12 months as part of a mixed diet of bottle feeds and weaning. This milk is fortified with important building blocks for growth like calcium and iodine, vitamin C, and vitamin D. When HiPP asked 87 parents what they thought about this formula, 95% said they recommend it! 

If you're gaga for goat and interested to explore more, here at Organic's Best we also carry Holle goat milk formula and other European baby formula brands with organic goat milk formula options such as Loulouka and Jovie.

Conclusion

A goat's milk-based formula can be a great option if your little one struggles with digestive issues, is sensitive to cow's milk, or you're simply looking to give your baby a gentle breastmilk-like formula. Be sure to consult your pediatrician to see if goat’s milk formula is suitable for your baby. We think one of the best formula options available to fill the growing niche for cow's milk alternatives is HiPP's new organic goat milk formula.

This HiPP formula contains carefully selected ingredients with EU organic certification and is made with a base of organic goat's milk, lactose, and a blend of vegetable oils. The goat milk in this formula is naturally A2, which means that the gentle protein structure allows babies to digest milk faster and absorb important nutrients from this organic milk better.

For additional digestive support, HiPP's formula is enriched with prebiotics to promote gut health and improve babies' bowel movements. The formula is also full of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids to support your baby's growth and development.

And if that wasn't enough, this HiPP formula is made with recyclable carbon-neutral packaging. With HiPP's new formula you can say goodbye to upset sensitive tummies and hello to a happy baby!