If you've decided on a goat milk formula, or your public health nurse has suggested trying one, you'll find two brands at Inish Pharmacy: Danalac and Nannycare. Both come in three stages and both meet the same EU rules for infant and follow-on formula. This guide sets out, plainly, where they differ.
Important notice: Breastfeeding is best for babies. Infant formula (Stage 1) should only be used on the advice of your GP, public health nurse, midwife or pharmacist. This article is general information about the products we stock – it isn't feeding advice for your baby.
What both formulas have in common
Since 2014, EU law has allowed goat milk protein to be used as the base for infant and follow-on formula. Every formula sold in Ireland, whether goat or cow milk-based, must meet the same compositional standards under EU Regulation 2016/127. That means both Danalac and Nannycare:
- are nutritionally complete for the age they're made for
- contain DHA (as required by legislation for all infant formula)
- are made without palm oil
- come in three stages: first infant milk from birth (Danalac Stage 1 · Nannycare Stage 1), follow-on milk from 6 months, and growing-up milk from 1 to 3 years
Where they differ
Where they're made
Danalac is made in the EU – in Estonia – by Dana Dairy. Nannycare is made in New Zealand by the Dairy Goat Co-operative and shipped to Europe.
How the milk base is built
Nannycare uses whole goat milk as its only protein source, with no added whey. Danalac combines whole goat milk powder with whey protein concentrate, the more traditional build for an infant formula. Both are goat milk-based formulas that meet the same EU protein standards.
Other ingredients
Danalac contains the prebiotic fibres GOS and FOS, and gets its DHA from fish oil. Nannycare's current recipe includes 2'-FL (a human milk oligosaccharide made for formula) and gets its DHA from algal oil. Danalac contains milk, soy and fish. Nannycare contains milk. If you need to avoid soy or fish, check the label.
Price
This is the clearest difference. For the follow-on and growing-up stages:
| Danalac | Nannycare | |
| Made in | Estonia (EU) | New Zealand |
| Milk base | Whole goat milk + whey protein concentrate | Whole goat milk, no added whey |
| DHA source | Fish oil | Algal oil |
| Added fibres | GOS and FOS | 2'-FL |
| Allergens | Milk, soy, fish | Milk |
| Tin size | 800g | 800g |
| Stage 2 Follow On, per tin | €22.99 | €29.99 |
| Stage 3 Growing Up, per tin | €22.99 | €29.99 |
| Price per 100g | €2.87 | €3.75 |
That's €7 less per tin, or about 23%. If your little one gets through three tins a month, that's around €21 a month, or roughly €250 over a year. Prices correct at Inish Pharmacy on 7 October 2026.
So which one?
Both are reputable goat milk formulas that meet the same standards. The choice usually comes down to a few practical things:
- Cost – Danalac is the lower-cost option per tin at both the follow-on and growing-up stages.
- Where it's made – if you'd rather buy a formula produced in the EU, Danalac is made here in Europe.
- Ingredients – if you'd prefer a formula without added whey, or need to avoid soy or fish, Nannycare may suit you better.
Once your baby is settled on a formula, there's usually no need to change. If you do switch, it's best to talk to your public health nurse first, and to make the change gradually.
Frequently asked questions
Is goat milk formula suitable for a cow's milk allergy?
No. The proteins in goat milk are very similar to those in cow milk, so a baby with cow's milk protein allergy is likely to react to goat milk formula too. If you think your baby has a milk allergy, talk to your GP. Babies with a diagnosed allergy usually need a specialist formula.
How do I make up a goat milk formula feed?
The same way as any powdered formula. Use freshly boiled tap water that has cooled for no more than 30 minutes, so it's still at least 70°C. Add the water first, then the exact number of level scoops shown on the tin. Make each feed fresh and throw away anything left over. Full step-by-step instructions are on each product page.
Can I get advice from a pharmacist?
Yes. Send us a question through the chat on our website and ask for a pharmacist to review it. Your public health nurse is also a great source of feeding support.
Shop the Danalac goat milk formula range →
Danalac goat milk formula was previously sold in Ireland under the name Honilac.
[Reviewed by Paul O'Hea, MPSI (PSI reg. 8772). Last reviewed October 2026.] This article is general product information and isn't a substitute for advice from your public health nurse, GP or pharmacist about feeding your baby.