Why Oli6? Goat Milk Formula vs. Cow Milk Formula
Goat milk is gaining popularity in Australia. But not many people know that it’s actually the most commonly consumed milk in the world, let alone that it’s packed full of nutritional benefits. (Ever heard someone order a goat milk latte? It’s not a thing!)
So why would you feed your baby goat’s milk formula?
GREAT question! And you’re certainly not the first parent to wonder this. There are some key differences between cow’s milk formula and goat’s milk formula, and they’re worth understanding before you decide on a formula for your child.
So before you get even more overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options in your supermarket’s infant formula aisle – let’s break down the differences between goat milk and cow milk formula, and what they mean for your little one.
First up: Why is most formula made from cow milk?
Cow’s milk formula is more common on our supermarket shelves because the bovine (cow) dairy industry in Australia and most developed countries is so well established. Interestingly, 65% of the global population does drink goat’s milk, and in many developing countries it’s actually preferred to cow’s milk.
So cow’s milk is more widely available and used in our culture – and that’s pretty much it! While infant formula made from goat’s milk isn’t as common right now, it’s still a safe – and in some ways different – option with its own nutritional profile worth knowing about.
Recent research suggests that goat’s milk formula may be even closer to breast milk than cow’s milk formula in certain compositional properties. This has potential benefits for some families choosing formula.
What’s the difference between goat’s milk formula and cow’s milk formula?
Milk is milk, right?
Wrong.
Every mammal’s milk contains the perfect mix of nutrients to support the growth of its babies. Because animal milk is different from human breast milk, it contains a different balance of proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Both goat’s milk and cow’s milk pack a punch in terms of nutrition, but there are differences in terms of exactly what they contain.
Nutrients
Both cow’s milk and goat’s milk formula contain vital nutrients that developing bodies need. But goat’s milk naturally has higher levels of certain essential vitamins and minerals. Notably, it has:
- 10% more calcium than cow’s milk
- 35% more potassium than cow’s milk
- 46% more vitamin A than cow’s milk
- 37% more Vitamin C than cow’s milk.
Proteins
Both goat’s milk and cow’s milk contain more protein than human breast milk. However, the protein profile of goat’s milk more closely resembles breast milk. This is thanks to it having less A1 beta casein milk protein than cow’s milk.
(Heads up: A1 beta-casein is the protein in cow’s milk that some people find harder to digest.)
By contrast, goat’s milk naturally has more A2 beta-casein protein. Research suggests this protein type may be easier to digest for some babies compared to A1 proteins. The A2 protein structure in goat’s milk is also compositionally closer to the proteins found in human breast milk.
Oligosaccharides (prebiotics)
Ten points to you if you can pronounce ‘oligosaccharides’ correctly first go.
‘Oligos’, as we affectionately call them, are the wondrous natural prebiotics found in milk that help support a healthy gut microbiome. Goat’s milk contains up to six times the amount of oligos compared to cow’s milk, and five of these are also found in human breast milk.
Digestion
A lot of research indicates that goat’s milk formula is easier for little ones to digest than cow’s milk formula. There are a few reasons for this.
- The protein and fat molecules in goat’s milk are smaller in size than in cow’s milk, making it potentially easier for tiny tummies to process.
- Goat’s milk formula contains slightly less lactose than cow’s milk formula, which may suit some babies with lactose sensitivity.
- The lower levels of A1 beta-casein protein in goat’s milk may make it more tolerable for some children with cow’s milk protein sensitivity. Always consult your healthcare professional about formula choices for babies with diagnosed allergies or intolerances.
Taste and consistency
We bet you’re curious how the taste compares.
Goat’s milk is typically creamier and sweeter in flavour than cow’s milk. Some people find that it’s tangier, and describe an ‘earthy’ aftertaste. That said, taste is subjective!
A 2023 study found that babies fed goat’s milk formula enjoyed it just as much as cow’s milk formula. Anecdotally, we’ve had parents tell us Oli6 works well for little ones with fussy palates too. If your baby is rejecting other types of formula, goat’s milk may be worth a try. Check out some wonderful insights from parents at productreview.com.au
What’s better for my baby: goat’s milk formula or cow’s milk formula?
This totally depends!
All infant formula in Australia has to go through rigorous testing, so anything on the shelf will be deemed safe and effective for babies. But just like us, little ones have different taste preferences and tummy sensitivities.
If you need to use formula to feed your baby, we recommend chatting to your paediatrician and asking what type they recommend. Their suggestion might vary depending on whether your baby:
- Was premature
- Has a health condition
- Has an allergy
- Experiences colic or reflux (and by the way, parent feedback supports that goat’s milk formula can help relieve reflux and colic).
Finding the best formula for your little one often comes down to trying one and seeing how it goes.
How does Oli6 Goat Milk Formula stack up against other brands?
In Australia we’re faced with dozens of different brands of formula, all spruiking different benefits and features. It’s enough to make your head spin!
Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work of looking into Oli6 goat milk formula compared to other milk formula brands.
Some of the key takeaways are:
- It’s Australian made and owned.
- Oli6 is the fastest growing goat milk formula in the Australian retail market
- It contains a natural probiotic BB536 — one of the most extensively researched probiotic strains used in infant formula globally, with peer-reviewed studies on its effects on gut microbiome development.
- It’s fortified with 17 beneficial vitamins and minerals.
- It’s a widely available goat milk formula: Woolworths, Coles and Chemist Warehouse stock it, as well as selected independent pharmacies.
But of course, we encourage you to do your own research! Take a look at what our customers say about Oli6 Goat Milk Formula on the trusted 3rd party review platform Product Review.
Where can I access goat’s milk formula for my baby?
If you’ve decided to give goat’s milk formula a try, you’ll be pleased to know that you can access most top brands, including Oli6, quite readily in Australia. Stock up on goat’s milk formula from Coles, Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse and other selected pharmacy groups.
Use our Stockist Finder to locate Oli6 Goat Milk Formula near you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is goat milk formula better than cow milk formula?
Both are safe and nutritionally complete options for formula-fed babies. Goat’s milk formula differs from cow’s milk formula in its protein structure, oligosaccharide content, and fat profile. Some babies with digestive sensitivities may tolerate goat’s milk formula better, but individual results vary. Always discuss formula choices with your paediatrician.
Does goat milk formula have less lactose than cow milk formula?
Goat’s milk contains slightly less lactose than cow’s milk (approximately 4.5% vs 4.7%). For most babies, this difference is minimal. However, some families find that goat’s milk formula suits babies who seem sensitive to cow’s milk formula, possibly due to the combination of its protein and prebiotic profile rather than lactose alone.
Is goat milk formula suitable for babies with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA)?
No. Goat’s milk formula is not recommended for babies with confirmed cow’s milk protein allergy, as cross-reactivity is possible. If your baby has CMPA, consult your paediatrician or allergist for appropriate formula recommendations.
What makes Oli6 different from other goat milk formulas?
Oli6 is Australian made and owned, contains 14 naturally occurring oligosaccharides, and includes _Bifidobacterium longum_ BB536 — one of the most extensively researched probiotic strains in infant formula. It’s available at Coles, Woolworths, and Chemist Warehouse.
