Whole-milk infant formula by Organic company claims first in Germany

The German brand develops and produces products that support the nutrition of mothers and their babies in the first 1,000 days.

Founded in Berlin in 2016, the company was launched by Liz Sauer Williamson and Alice Mrongovius who, after becoming mothers, realised that breastfeeding is not always a given, but they didn’t want to compromise on quality, nutrition, and processing standards when feeding their children. 

Whole milk vs. skimmed milk​

The team of nutritionists at Löwenzahn Organics have formulated a milk base without palm oil, aligning with their scientific understanding of fats and their role in breast milk emulation.

Anne Fechner, product development manager, notes that while it remains a common practice in Germany to lean towards skimmed milk-based formulas as they are cheaper to produce and therefore more cost-effective for the consumer, such formulations necessitate the inclusion of palm oil and other vegetable oils to compensate for the absent milk fats. 

She notes that studies have shown​ that children nourished with whole milk may exhibit a lower predisposition to overweight or obesity, underscoring the intrinsic value of its unadulterated composition.

As Williamson explains, whole milk-based infant formula presents an advantage over its skimmed milk counterparts, as the process preserves the natural fats inherent to milk and requires fewer processing steps.

She adds that they minimise mineral oil contaminants that can come with refined ingredients.

The new range​ includes first-milk formula for newborns, follow-on formula for babies over six months, and toddler formula for babies over 12 months.  

Whole cow's milk-based formulas have reportedly already garnered acclaim in markets such as the USA, UK, and Austria. 

Consumer trends​

Williamson explains that since the company’s launch, there has been a notable shift in consumer behaviour, likely influenced by the pandemic.

She notes that people are becoming more conscious of making sustainable and organic choices and that despite challenging economic circumstances, there is a surprising growth in the organic segment​, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2023 to 2030.

She suggests that consumers are prioritising products that align with their desire to create a better future for their children.

She considers that the organic consumption trend is particularly evident in brands related to nutrition, even though economic conditions typically lead to consumers trading down.

Additionally, she says there is a growing interest in maternal nutrition products, trends in unprocessed foods, and the link between maternal and baby health.

She notes the hope is that this shift will lead to a change in the way parents approach feeding their children, emphasising less processed food and more home cooking.

Furthermore, there is a growing awareness amongst consumer of the environmental impact purchase decisions have and a desire to make healthier choices for both mothers and babies, including the option of high-quality formulas when breastfeeding isn't feasible.

In line with consumer interest, Williamson explains that in their commitment to sustainability in their product offerings, they source the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) included in their products from algae sources rather than fish oil.

Goats milk formula​ 

Löwenzahn Organics introduced a whole goat's milk-based baby formula in 2021, designed for infants with sensitive stomachs.

The standard practice for designing formulas for sensitive stomachs is through the hydrolysation of cow milk, breaking down the proteins into smaller pieces, making it more tolerable for an infant's system.

However, Williamson explains that as a certified organic brand, this process is not allowed. 

So the team set out to develop a goat’s milk formula, as studies have shown​ that protein digestion of cow milk infant formula is delayed compared to goat milk infant formula and human milk. 

They now have first infant milk for newborns and follow-on milk for babies over six months, both made with goat’s milk.