Quick Summary
Choose Kendamil if: You want whole milk ingredients, no palm oil, European quality, and can afford the premium price.
Choose Similac if: You need wide availability, lower cost, HMO prebiotics, and established pediatrician support.
Choosing between Kendamil and Similac is one of the most common decisions new parents face. Both are reputable formula brands, but they represent fundamentally different approaches to infant nutrition—Kendamil with its European whole milk philosophy and Similac with decades of American medical research backing.
In this comprehensive comparison, we analyze ingredients, nutrition, price, availability, and real-world performance to help you make the right choice for your family.
Contents
Quick Comparison Overview
| Category | Kendamil | Similac |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Primary Base | Whole milk | Skim milk powder |
| Palm Oil | No palm oil ✓ | Contains palm oil |
| Price Range | $35-45/container | $25-35/container |
| US Availability | Limited (growing) | Widely available |
| HMO Prebiotics | No (uses GOS) | Yes (2'-FL HMO) |
| Organic Option | Yes | Yes |
Ingredient Deep Dive
Kendamil Ingredients (Stage 1)
- Milk Base: Whole milk (not skim milk powder)
- Fats: Coconut oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil—no palm oil
- Carbohydrates: Lactose only (no corn syrup)
- DHA/ARA: From marine algae (vegetarian)
- Prebiotics: GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides)
Similac Ingredients (Pro-Advance)
- Milk Base: Nonfat milk powder
- Fats: High oleic safflower oil, soy oil, coconut oil, palm oil
- Carbohydrates: Lactose, corn syrup solids
- DHA/ARA: From C. cohnii and M. alpina oils
- Prebiotics: 2'-FL HMO (Human Milk Oligosaccharide)
Key Differences
- Palm Oil: Kendamil has none; Similac contains palm oil which some research links to harder stools and reduced calcium absorption.
- Milk Base: Kendamil's whole milk naturally contains MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), important for brain development.
- Corn Syrup: Similac includes corn syrup solids; Kendamil uses only lactose as the carbohydrate source.
- HMO: Similac Pro-Advance includes 2'-FL HMO for immune support; Kendamil uses GOS prebiotics instead.
Nutritional Profile
| Nutrient (per 100ml) | Kendamil Stage 1 | Similac Pro-Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 67 | 68 |
| Protein (g) | 1.4 | 1.4 |
| Fat (g) | 3.6 | 3.7 |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 7.2 | 7.3 |
| DHA (mg) | 17 | 17 |
| ARA (mg) | 17 | 34 |
| Iron (mg) | 0.8 | 1.2 |
Both formulas meet FDA and European standards for infant nutrition. The macronutrient profiles are nearly identical. Notable differences: Similac has higher ARA (34mg vs 17mg) and iron content (1.2mg vs 0.8mg).
Cost & Value Analysis
| Cost Factor | Kendamil | Similac |
|---|---|---|
| Container Price | $35-45 | $25-35 |
| Cost per Ounce | ~$1.40 | ~$1.00 |
| Monthly Cost (newborn) | $300-360 | $210-270 |
| Annual Difference | ~$1,000-1,400 more for Kendamil | |
Budget Considerations
- Similac: More affordable, frequent sales/coupons available, often covered by WIC and insurance
- Kendamil: Premium pricing reflects whole milk ingredients and European manufacturing
Availability
Kendamil
- In-Store: Limited—some Target and Whole Foods locations
- Online: Amazon, Kendamil USA website, specialty retailers
- Stock: Occasional supply limitations
- Tip: Keep a backup formula option available
Similac
- In-Store: Available everywhere—pharmacies, grocery stores, Target, Walmart, Costco
- Online: All major retailers, same-day delivery options
- Stock: Generally reliable supply
- Emergency: Available 24/7 at many locations
Winner: Similac. If you're worried about running out of formula at 2 AM, Similac's ubiquity provides peace of mind that Kendamil can't match in the US market.
Final Recommendation
Choose Kendamil If:
- You prioritize whole milk and cleaner ingredients
- You want to avoid palm oil (constipation concerns)
- You prefer European manufacturing standards
- Budget allows for premium pricing ($90-120 more/month)
- Your baby seems sensitive to other formulas
Choose Similac If:
- Budget is a primary consideration
- You need maximum availability and convenience
- Your pediatrician specifically recommends it
- You're covered by WIC or insurance
- You want HMO prebiotics for immune support
Important Reminder
Both formulas are nutritionally complete and FDA-regulated. The "best" formula is the one your baby tolerates well, fits your budget, and you can reliably access. Always consult your pediatrician before switching formulas.