Kendamil
British Premium
Whole Milk Formula
Similac
American Standard
Established Leader
Choosing between Kendamil and Similac can be overwhelming for new parents. Both are reputable formula brands, but they represent very different approaches to infant nutrition - Kendamil with its European whole milk philosophy and Similac with its American medical establishment backing.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll analyze every aspect that matters to parents: ingredients, nutrition, price, availability, and real-world performance to help you make the best choice for your baby.
📊 Quick Comparison Overview
🏭 Brand Background & Philosophy
Kendamil Background
- Founded: 1962 in the Lake District, UK
- Philosophy: Whole milk, clean ingredients, European standards
- US Entry: 2021, newer to American market
- Manufacturing: Family-owned facilities in Britain
- Focus: Premium, naturally nutritious formulas
Similac Background
- Founded: 1925 by Abbott Nutrition
- Philosophy: Science-based, medically supported nutrition
- Market Position: Leading US formula brand for decades
- Manufacturing: Multiple facilities across US
- Focus: Medical research, pediatrician-recommended
📈 Market Recognition
Similac has dominated the US market for generations with strong medical professional endorsement. Kendamil represents the newer European approach, gaining rapid recognition for ingredient quality and whole milk benefits.
🔬 Ingredient Comparison Deep Dive
Kendamil Ingredients (Stage 1)
- Base: Whole milk (not powder)
- Fats: Coconut oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil (no palm oil)
- Carbohydrates: Lactose (from milk)
- Proteins: Whole milk proteins, demineralized whey
- DHA/ARA: From marine algae
- Prebiotics: GOS (Galacto-oligosaccharides)
Similac Ingredients (Pro-Advance)
- Base: Nonfat milk powder
- Fats: High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil, palm oil
- Carbohydrates: Lactose, corn syrup solids
- Proteins: Milk protein isolate, whey protein concentrate
- DHA/ARA: From C. cohnii and M. alpina oils
- Prebiotics: 2'-FL HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide)
🌿 Key Ingredient Differences
- Milk Base: Kendamil uses whole milk vs Similac's skim milk powder
- Palm Oil: Similac contains palm oil, Kendamil doesn't
- Corn Syrup: Similac includes corn syrup solids, Kendamil only lactose
- Processing: Kendamil's whole milk approach preserves more natural nutrients
- HMO: Similac includes 2'-FL HMO, Kendamil uses GOS prebiotics
📈 Nutritional Profile Analysis
Macronutrients Comparison (Per 100ml)
Nutritional Highlights
- Very Similar Macros: Both meet FDA requirements with nearly identical profiles
- ARA Difference: Similac provides 2x more ARA (34mg vs 17mg)
- Iron Content: Similac has higher iron (1.2mg vs 0.8mg)
- Natural vs Fortified: Kendamil emphasizes naturally occurring nutrients
💰 Cost & Value Analysis
Pricing Comparison
💡 Value Considerations
- Kendamil: Premium pricing for whole milk ingredients
- Similac: More affordable, frequent sales and coupons
- Insurance: Similac more likely to be covered by insurance
- WIC Program: Similac widely accepted, Kendamil may not be
🛒 Availability & Convenience
Kendamil Availability
- Physical Stores: Limited - some Target and Whole Foods locations
- Online: Amazon, Kendamil USA, specialty retailers
- Stock Issues: Occasional supply limitations
- Shipping: Growing distribution network
- Emergency Backup: May need backup formula option
Similac Availability
- Physical Stores: Everywhere - pharmacies, grocery stores, big box
- Online: All major retailers, direct from Abbott
- Stock Issues: Generally reliable supply
- Shipping: Same-day/next-day options widely available
- Emergency Access: Available 24/7 at many locations
📦 Availability Winner: Similac
Similac clearly wins on availability and convenience. You can find it anywhere, anytime, which provides peace of mind for parents who worry about running out of formula.
👶 Baby Acceptance & Tolerance
Taste & Texture Differences
- Kendamil: Creamier texture from whole milk, naturally sweet
- Similac: Standard formula texture, familiar taste
- Mixing: Both dissolve well, Kendamil may foam slightly more
- Color: Kendamil slightly more yellow/cream, Similac more white
Digestive Tolerance
Kendamil Parent Feedback
- ✅ Less gas and fussiness reported
- ✅ Improved stool consistency
- ✅ Better sleep patterns
- ✅ Fewer spit-up incidents
- ❌ Some babies reject the different taste initially
- ❌ Transition period may be needed
Similac Parent Feedback
- ✅ Widely accepted by most babies
- ✅ Familiar taste if switching from hospital
- ✅ Multiple specialized formulas for issues
- ✅ Extensive research backing
- ❌ Some babies experience gas from palm oil
- ❌ Corn syrup solids concern for some parents
🩺 Medical Professional Perspectives
Pediatrician Recommendations
- Similac Recognition: Decades of pediatrician familiarity and trust
- Hospital Use: Many hospitals use Similac, creating continuity
- Research Backing: Extensive clinical studies support Similac
- Kendamil Recognition: Growing awareness among progressive pediatricians
- European Standards: Some doctors appreciate European ingredient approach
Medical Considerations
- Both FDA Approved: Both meet all US safety and nutrition requirements
- Specialized Options: Similac offers more specialized formulas (Sensitive, Alimentum)
- HMO Benefits: Similac's 2'-FL HMO has immune system research
- Whole Milk Benefits: Kendamil's approach may be gentler on digestion
⚠️ Medical Advice
Always consult your pediatrician before switching formulas or if your baby has feeding issues. Both formulas are nutritionally complete, but individual babies may respond differently.
🌍 Manufacturing & Quality Standards
Kendamil Quality Standards
- UK Manufacturing: British and European quality standards
- Family Owned: Independent company with direct oversight
- Farm to Formula: Control over entire supply chain
- Sustainability: Focus on environmental responsibility
- Testing: Rigorous quality control and testing
Similac Quality Standards
- US Manufacturing: Multiple FDA-regulated facilities
- Corporate Scale: Abbott's extensive quality systems
- Clinical Research: Ongoing studies and product development
- Recall History: Some past recalls, but quick response
- Testing: Extensive pre-market and ongoing testing
📋 Category-by-Category Scoring
Our Comprehensive Analysis
💰 Price & Value
🛒 Availability
🌿 Ingredients
🥛 Whole Milk Benefits
🩺 Medical Recognition
🔬 Research Backing
🤔 Which Formula Should You Choose?
Choose Kendamil If:
- You prioritize whole milk and clean ingredients
- You want to avoid palm oil and corn syrup
- You prefer European manufacturing standards
- You can afford the premium pricing
- You value sustainable and ethical practices
- Your baby seems sensitive to other formulas
- You can ensure reliable supply access
Choose Similac If:
- Budget is a primary consideration
- You want maximum availability and convenience
- Your pediatrician specifically recommends it
- You're covered by insurance or WIC
- You want established clinical research backing
- You need specialized formulas for specific issues
- You prefer familiar, hospital-used brands
💡 Decision Framework
- Budget Priority: Similac is the clear choice
- Ingredient Quality Priority: Kendamil has the edge
- Convenience Priority: Similac wins hands down
- Natural Approach Priority: Kendamil's whole milk formula
- Medical Support Priority: Similac has more backing
📊 Final Verdict & Recommendations
Both Kendamil and Similac are excellent formulas that will support your baby's healthy growth and development. The choice ultimately comes down to your priorities, budget, and your baby's individual response.
🏆 Our Recommendations
- For Most Families: Start with Similac for affordability and availability
- For Premium Seekers: Kendamil offers superior ingredient quality
- For Sensitive Babies: Try Kendamil's whole milk approach
- For Budget-Conscious: Similac provides excellent value
- For First-Time Parents: Similac's medical backing may provide confidence
Consider your baby's response as the ultimate test. Some babies thrive on Similac's established formula, while others benefit from Kendamil's whole milk approach. You might even start with one and switch if needed.
Remember that the "best" formula is the one your baby tolerates well, fits your budget, and you can reliably access. Both brands have helped millions of babies grow into healthy children.
⚠️ Final Reminder
Always consult with your pediatrician before making formula decisions, especially if switching between brands. Monitor your baby's response during any transitions and trust your instincts as a parent.