Understanding the composition and development process of infant formula is essential when recommending options to families. Below, we present an overview of Kendamil formula, highlighting its unique ingredients, development approach, and safety standards.
Kendamil's Background and Expertise
Kendamil’s production facility, located in Kendal in the British Lake District, has been manufacturing infant formula for over 60 years. In 2015, Ross McMahon acquired the factory with the vision of creating a high-quality formula rooted in sustainable and nutritional principles.
Ross, leveraging his agricultural science background, collaborated with experienced professionals—many of whom have decades of expertise in formula production—and local farmers. Together, they developed Kendamil’s range, prioritising traditional mammalian milk fats and sustainable ingredient sourcing.
Kendamil remains the only infant formula brand in the UK made with fresh whole milk sourced from Red Tractor-certified family farms. This differentiates it from other formulas, which predominantly use skimmed milk and vegetable oils.
Ingredients: What Sets Kendamil Apart
All infant formulas must comply with EU Commission nutritional guidelines. Kendamil adheres to these standards while placing a strong emphasis on ingredient quality and sustainability.
Whole Milk
Kendamil formulas use fresh whole cow’s or A2 goat’s milk as a key ingredient. Whole milk naturally contains beneficial fats, reducing reliance on added vegetable oils. Unlike many formulas that include palm oil, Kendamil avoids it entirely. The whole milk is sourced from grass-fed animals on family-run farms.
Plant-Based DHA
DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, is derived from microalgae rather than fish oil. This approach supports sustainable practices, avoids potential allergens, and eliminates the fishy taste often associated with DHA in infant formula.
GOS & FOS
Kendamil includes Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) in many of its formulas. These prebiotics are non-mandatory but may support gut microbiota. GOS and FOS are present in Kendamil Classic Stages 1 and 2, with GOS alone included in other formulas.
Organic Ingredients
The organic range uses certified organic ingredients sourced from UK farms adhering to strict standards. These farms avoid herbicides and pesticides, and their dairy cows are grass-fed and free to roam.
Safety and Quality Standards
Kendamil employs rigorous safety and quality controls at every stage of production, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and consumer trust.
Milk Processing
Fresh whole milk is delivered daily and undergoes extensive testing to confirm it is free from antibiotics and meets nutritional benchmarks. Pasteurisation is conducted under monitored conditions to eliminate bacteria.
Production Monitoring
During the spray-drying and mixing processes, samples are regularly tested in Kendamil’s on-site laboratory. This ensures the correct composition of fats, proteins, minerals, and other nutrients.
Batch Testing
Every production batch undergoes final testing to verify nutritional accuracy, powder solubility, and microbial safety. Thirty cans from each batch are tested for bacterial contamination before the formula is released.
Kendamil in hospitals
Kendamil is currently stocked in several hospital trusts across the UK and Ireland, as a ready to feed formula. This is supplied to the NHS in 70ml bottles, with sterile teats included. This is an option for parents who may need additional feeding support in the post-natal ward, alongside other infant formulas on the market.
Cases of 24 bottles can be ordered through NHS Supply Chain with code ABT096.
Kendamil in the community
Kendamil Classic, Organic and Goat are available at stores across the UK and Ireland. Our comfort formula and Comfort Baby Drops can be purchased on Kendamil.com.
Kendamil is both a high quality and affordable option for parents to choose to formula feed their babies. In a recent external comparison Kendamil was found to rank as one of the most affordable infant formulas in the first 6 months of feeding, compared with a number of other leading brands.
For more information on Kendamil products, and hospital availability, please contact our healthcare team at hcp@kendamil.com
