Goat milk and cow milk have different nutritional profiles, including differences in their proteins, fats, and prebiotics.  

While cow milk is high in A1 protein, goat milk is naturally rich in the smaller A2 protein and may be easier for babies to digest. Goat milk also has smaller fat globules, which can support easier digestion.

Another key difference is their prebiotic profile. Goat milk contains naturally occurring milk oligosaccharides (MOs) that more closely resemble those found in human breast milk than those found in cow milk. Goat milk also shares at least 12 milk oligosaccharides with human breast milk, and research has shown that infants fed goat milk formula develop a gut microbiota profile that is more similar to breastfed infants compared with those fed cow milk formula. 

Learn more about the benefits of goat milk in our research paper, Goat Milk and the Infant Gut Microbiota, which draws on more than 50 studies exploring goat milk formula and its nutritional properties compared with cow milk formula. 

No. Goat milk is not lactose free. Lactose is the carbohydrate found naturally in milk (including breast milk) which is digested by the enzyme lactase. If a baby is deficient in lactase, they struggle to digest lactose. This can lead to symptoms such as trapped wind, bloating, constipation or diarrhoea.

Compared to cow milk, goat milk is naturally higher in the A2 protein, often making it much easier for babies to digest. However, LittleOak is not suitable for babies that have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance.

The whey-to-casein ratio for all LittleOak products sits at around 20:80, which is the natural ratio for our goat milk. At LittleOak, we aim to keep nutrition as natural and simple as possible, which is why we maintain this natural protein profile. 

From Fresh is LittleOak’s commitment to starting with fresh whole goat milk, not pre-dried milk powders. Many infant formulas begin with milk powders that have already undergone processing before being blended into formula.

At LittleOak, we aim to keep nutrition as natural and simple as possible. Every can we make starts with nearly three litres of fresh whole goat milk from our farm, not with pre-dried powders. We spray-dry it fresh, and only once, to lock in all the natural goodness of goat milk. It’s a bit like the difference between cold-pressed juice and reconstituted fruit drink.

Learn more about our From Fresh approach.

Always prepare LittleOak formula exactly as directed on the can.

1. Wash your hands before preparing the formula and sterilise all bottles and feeding equipment.
2. Boil fresh drinking water and allow it to cool. Measure the required amount of cooled, boiled water into the bottle. We recommend using water no hotter than 40°C. 
3. Using the enclosed scoop, fill each scoop and level it using the built-in leveller inside the can. Do not compact the powder. 
4. Add one level scoop of powder for every 50mL of water, then gently shake or swirl until the powder has completely dissolved. 
5. Test the temperature on your wrist before feeding. The formula should feel lukewarm, not hot. If it feels too hot, cool the bottle under cold running water, ensuring no water comes into contact with the teat. 
6. Discard any unfinished formula after feeding. If a prepared bottle is being stored before use, refrigerate it and use it within 24 hours. 

Using LittleOak sachets?
Each sachet is pre-measured. Simply add the contents to 200mL of cooled, boiled water and mix thoroughly by shaking gently. You can then follow the remaining preparation and feeding instructions above.

One 800g can of LittleOak formula makes approximately 26 x 220mL bottle feeds. 

The exact number of bottles will vary depending on your baby's age and the amount of formula prepared at each feed. Please refer to the feeding guide on the can for age-specific serving recommendations.

You can store prepared formula in the fridge for 24 hours. Once your milk is out of
the fridge you must use it within 1 hour. 

How long a can lasts will depend on how often your baby is feeding. For example, if your baby has around 5 feeds per day, one can will typically last about 5 days when formula is used for all feeds.

Every baby’s feeding pattern is different, so this is a general guide only. For guidance on how much to prepare for each feed and how often to feed, refer to the feeding guide on the back of your LittleOak can.

There is no single bottle or teat that is best for every baby. When choosing a bottle, consider the material, the venting system, and how well it supports your baby's natural suck-swallow-breathe pattern. A good feeding set-up should encourage a deep latch, minimise milk spillage, and help your baby feed comfortably. Regularly inspect bottles and teats for signs of wear and replace them if they become damaged or worn.

No, we recommend using the specific stage designed for your little one’s age and stage of development: These are: 

Stage 1: 0-6 months of age 

Stage 2: 6-12 months of age 

Stage 3: From 12 months of age 

It’s important to transition gradually when moving from breastfeeding to LittleOak, or when changing from another formula brand. Changing your baby's food source too quickly may cause discomfort for their developing digestive system.

Read our LittleOak Transition Guide for helpful tips and support, or reach out to our CareTeam who are always here to guide you through the transition.

As it is from a milk source, it is not recommended to freeze the made-up formula or formula powder.

We recommend using the formula within 30 days of opening for optimal freshness. Always ensure the lid is tightly closed after each use and follow the storage instructions on the can.

To prepare LittleOak formula on a Baby Brezza machine, the best setting is number 5. However, the Baby Brezza settings change with different models. Please check the Baby Brezza website for the correct settings.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (ARA) are long-chain omega fatty acids that are naturally found in breast milk. They are commonly added to formula to help support healthy growth and development.

At LittleOak, our DHA is sourced from high-quality algae, and our ARA is sourced from fungi, both carefully selected for their purity and sustainability. Both are included in LittleOak formula at levels aligned with internationally recognised guidelines for infant formula, helping provide the nutrients little ones need as they grow.

Learn more about DHA and ARA.

Human milk contains a collection of essential fatty acids which are required for normal development in infants and are critical to the functioning of the nervous system. Infant formulas must use a range of oils to achieve a similar balance of essential fatty acids found in breast milk. In fact, regulations mandate specific minimum and maximum levels for these essential fatty acids. Our range is crafted in New Zealand and is formulated in line with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), a regulatory body for nutritional composition and safety.

LittleOak uses a carefully balanced blend of cold-pressed coconut oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil and sunflower oil. Each oil is thoughtfully selected to provide essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, that support healthy growth and development.

LittleOak is the first infant formula in the world to be certified 100% Palm Oil Free by the Palm Oil Free Certification Accreditation Program (POFCAP). In addition to being a major driver of deforestation, scientific studies suggest that palm oil in infant formula can lower the absorption of calcium, certain fats, and DHA in babies. Palm oil may also contribute to the formation of calcium soaps in the gut, which may lead to firmer stools and constipation in some babies. 

Our oils are sourced from carefully selected regions around the world. Sourcing may vary over time depending on availability, however each and every oil used in our blend is carefully selected to meet our strict quality and safety requirements.

LittleOak's range is crafted in New Zealand under some of the world's strictest food safety and nutrition standards. Our products are formulated in line with Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), a globally respected benchmark for nutritional composition and safety. 

Our manufacturing is overseen by New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), part of the country's rigorous food safety system. This includes strict requirements for hygiene, ingredient quality, production processes and continuous monitoring to help ensure every product is safe and delivers consistent nutrition for your little one. 

At LittleOak, quality and transparency are at the heart of everything we do. As part of our rigorous safety standards, every batch is tested for heavy metals. We share these results publicly on our website so families can feel confident in the care and consideration behind every can.  

View your heavy metal testing results. 

We offer a 20 percent discount for parents of twins, triplets (or more), to help support families feeding multiples. We simply need a letter from your GP stating that you are supplement feeding/formula feeding multiples.  

Our CareTeam is always here to help, so please get in touch if you need any support at all.  

We completely understand how confusing and upsetting this news may feel, especially after the recent launch of our new blend. 

As parents ourselves, we know how important it is to feel secure and confident in your little one’s feeding journey, which is why sharing this news has been incredibly difficult for our team. 

Unfortunately, it has become unsustainable to ship into Canada due to a number of issues and therefore we cannot guarantee supply for Canadian families. 

Please know this decision was not made lightly. We care deeply about our LittleOak families in Canada and are actively exploring long-term solutions. Ultimately, our goal is to create a more reliable and seamless experience for Canadian families long-term. 

At this stage, we do not yet have a confirmed timeline for when the situation will be resolved, and we do expect this to be a longer-term situation. 

We know this is likely not the news you were hoping for, and we understand how stressful formula changes can feel when your little one depends on a feeding routine that is working well for them. 

To help avoid any sudden disruptions, we recommend that Canadian families begin transitioning to another goat milk formula brand in the meantime. 

Please know that we are here to support you through this transition. We will continue to keep families updated via email and our Canadian website as soon as we have any major updates to share. 

The challenges affecting our Canadian region are unique to Canada. Unfortunately, these challenges have made it increasingly difficult and no longer sustainable for us to continue supplying stock there at this time. 

We know this is frustrating and disappointing for our Canadian families, especially when you can see LittleOak available elsewhere.