I know baby formula is a big part of family life — and also a significant expense. So when you see different goat milk formulas on the shelf at different prices, it’s natural to ask: why?
At first glance, formulas may look similar. But the way they’re made — from the protein base, to the processing, to the farming and sustainability behind every tin — can be very different. These choices affect not just the price, but the quality and wholeness of the formula you give your baby.
Here’s a closer look at why Nannycare may cost a little more — and why we believe it’s worth it.
Why we use only whole goat milk for protein
Many formulas use a blend of whole goat milk, skimmed milk and added whey to meet protein requirements. Using less whole milk and topping up with powders is cheaper and easier in a factory setting.
At Nannycare, we chose a different route. Our protein comes entirely from whole goat milk, without added whey or skimmed powders. In fact, our formula contains around twice as much whole goat milk as our closest competitor†. It’s a bit like cooking with fresh milk instead of powdered ingredients — less convenient in the factory, but it keeps more of the milk in its natural form.
A note on whey (because it often causes confusion)
If you’ve been researching online, you may have read that it is preferred for formulas to add extra whey. This mainly comes from the way cow’s milk formulas are made.
In cow’s milk formula, whey is added to soften the curds and to adjust the whey-to-casein ratio. But adding whey also brings in extra proteins that aren’t found in breast milk — and one of these is a known allergen1.
Goat milk is different. Its curds are naturally softer2, so there’s no need to add whey for ease of digestion. And because Nannycare uses whole goat milk as its base — around twice as much as our closest competitor† — it already provides the natural whey present in goat milk. That means our formula can be considerably less processed, without added whey powders.
Most importantly, Nannycare’s whole goat milk formula was part of the landmark clinical trial reviewed by EFSA3. This gold-standard research proved that goat milk formula without added whey is nutritionally equivalent to whey-adjusted cow’s milk formula — giving parents the same reassurance, but without the need for extra whey. That trial was the evidence that changed EU and UK law to allow goat milk formula in the first place.
For us, adding whey would only mean more processing and a higher risk of allergens1. As the goat milk formula experts, we saw no need — and we have the clinical evidence to back it up. Sometimes, less really is more.
Why less processing matters to us
We’ve designed our formulation to protect more of the milk’s natural qualities — including those in whole milk fat. That means fewer added oils, and less processing compared with formulas† that also use skimmed milk and whey powders.
Of course, some specialist oils are still needed to provide important fatty acids like omega 3 and 6. But because our base is whole goat milk, we can keep these to only what’s necessary — nothing more.
Think of it as gentle handling, so more of the milk’s natural qualities are protected.
Why goat milk is our sole focus
For 15 years, we worked to change EU and UK regulations so goat milk could be recognised as a suitable base for formula.
We didn’t just enter the market — we helped build it. Our formula was part of the clinical trial that supported the UK and EU Authorities to change the law3, and we spent years working to give parents a real, science-backed alternative to cow’s milk formula.
Unlike some brands for whom goat milk is just one option in a wider product line, goat milk formula is our sole focus. Every tin reflects that dedication and expertise — which is why many see Nannycare as the goat milk formula experts.
How we source our milk
While Nannycare is a British brand, we source our milk through a close partnership with a dedicated Co-operative of family farms in New Zealand. We do this because we believe it to be the very best quality goat milk suited to making formula.
All our farmers follow the same high standards. Our goats are specially selected for the quality of their milk and the soft curds it produces in little tummies.
Unlike supply chains where goat milk may also be diverted into cheese — needing firmer curds — every drop of milk from our Co-operative is produced exclusively for formula. That means complete focus, consistent suitability and traceability.
Why sustainability matters to us
Nannycare is certified by ClimatePartner, and our manufacturer is rated in the top 19% of dairy producers globally for sustainability by EcoVadis (Bronze award).
We measure our carbon footprint carefully and set clear goals to reduce it year on year. And importantly, we never “fly” formula — always ships, never planes.
We’re the only UK goat milk formula with independent sustainability certification. For me, that means reassurance for parents: our commitments are verified, not just marketing claims.
Investing in proven ingredients
Nannycare includes 2’-FL, a Human Milk Oligosaccharide (HMO). HMOs are among the most researched components of breast milk and play an important role in baby’s nutrition. Some formulas add GOS, a prebiotic fibre, but GOS is not an HMO — and because we already include 2’-FL, we don’t add GOS as it isn’t needed.
By choosing to include 2’-FL, Nannycare is one of the few goat milk formulas to include a true HMO, even though it’s one of the most expensive ingredients in baby formula. That investment is another reason our formula may cost more — and one of the reasons many parents see the value in choosing us.
The value behind every tin
I know Nannycare isn’t the cheapest formula on the shelf. But when you choose us, you’re choosing:
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- 100% whole goat milk as the protein source — no added whey or skimmed powders, and twice the amount of whole milk compared with our closest competitor†
- Minimal processing to protect natural milk qualities and keep it closer to its original form
- Proven goat expertise — the only formula to help change UK and EU law3, giving parents a trusted alternative to cow’s milk formula
- Dedicated supply chain from our New Zealand Co-operative, where goat milk is produced exclusively for formula, not diverted into cheese
- Verified sustainability — independently certified by ClimatePartner and EcoVadis
- Fair measure — every tin of Nannycare contains the same quantity of powder as other brands
- Premium ingredients — now including 2’-FL and plant-based DHA
That’s the value behind every tin of Nannycare.
In summary
What sets Nannycare apart is our commitment to keeping goat milk closer to its natural form. By using more whole goat milk as the base, keeping processing to a minimum, and investing in premium ingredients like 2’-FL, we protect more of what’s naturally there.
Together with our co-operative farming model and independently certified sustainability, these choices explain why our formula may cost a little more — and why many parents see the value in choosing us.
Got questions?
If you’d like to know more about the ingredients we use, how our formula is made, or what makes goat milk special — just reach out. We’re always happy to help.
Important Notice:
Breastfeeding is best for baby, where possible. Follow on milk is suitable for babies over 6 months as part of a mixed diet. Every parent should feel supported in their feeding choice. For guidance, speak to your healthcare professional.
References:
1. Savilahti & Kuitunen, 1992, 2. Clark et al, 2000; Park et al.,2007; Ye et al., 2016; Wang et al., 2019, 3. Zhou et al., 2014.
†. Independent testing September 2024. Full report available at compare.nannycare.co.uk.
