Changes to Cow & Gate formula milks from May 2021

From May 2021, there will be changes to both the packaging and formulations of Cow & Gate formula milks. This page outlines the changes, answers frequently asked questions and provides resources to support transition conversations with parents if they have any concerns.

We will be changing the majority of our Cow & Gate formula milk products throughout 2021 and early 2022. During late May, June and July parents will see our packaging will gradually be updated with the formulations for Cow & Gate First Infant milk powder products and Cow & Gate Follow-On milk powder products. Please see a list below:

- Cow & Gate First Infant milk 350g, 700g, 800g and 1.2kg

- Cow & Gate Follow-On milk 350g, 700g, 800g and 1.2kg

- Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux 800g (pack label change only)

- Cow & Gate Comfort 800g (pack label change only)

The following products will be changing between October and December 2021:

- Cow & Gate Hungry First Infant milk 800g

- Growing Up / Toddler milk 1-2 years 700g and 800g

- Growing Up / Toddler milk 2-3 years 800g

Changes to liquid formats of the above products will begin early 2022. Cow & Gate Simply A2 made with A2 protein milk and Nutriprem products will not be affected.

We are constantly reviewing our recipes and looking to make improvements. We are removing palm oil from the blend of oils we use in our recipe because we know that this is an important topic for many parents [Around 40% of UK parents look to 'fully avoid' or 'avoid as much as possible' products containing palm oil*]. There will also be changes to the amount of Nucelotides, Taurine and short chain Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and long-chain Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS).

Despite these changes – Cow & Gate formulations remain safe, fully compliant with EU and UK regulations and continue to be a suitable choice for parents.

*Toluna Quick Survey, July 2019

Formula milks are one of the most strictly regulated and tested food products in the world, so we can assure you that both the current and soon-to-be reformulated Cow & Gate products have been developed by trusted scientists and are safe for babies.

Parents may notice some small differences in smell, appearance or taste and/or a difference in their child’s stool pattern. This is completely normal but if parents do present with concerns, do not hesitate to contact us and utilize our parent resources for safely transitioning between formulas, understanding their child’s stool habits and correctly preparing formula. These resources can be downloaded from links towards the bottom of this page.

We are always looking to make improvements to our packaging and many parents provided positive feedback to the new designs in testing. We have incorporated new characters on our packs, with a cartoon bear for Cow & Gate First Infant milk, a cartoon hippo for Cow & Gate Follow On milk and a cartoon lion for Cow & Gate Toddler milk.

To compare the previous pack with the new pack in terms of style changes, view the comparison below. We will be changing the majority of our Cow & Gate formula milk products throughout 2021 and early 2022.

Packshot changes between pre May 2021 CG POF

More frequently asked questions and answers
Click here

Resources to support transitioning with parents

Please visit the links below to download free copies of our support materials which you can use to ease transitions with concerned parents. Paper copies of the formula transitioning tool and guide to making a bottle feed can also be ordered for free here.

Formula transitioning tool

This tool is designed for healthcare professionals to use with parents to support their children transition gradually in a structured manner between different formula milks.

Download here

Guide to making a bottle feed

Correct and safe preparation is critical when making up a bottlefeed. This pdf provides a step-by-step guide to preparing a bottlefeed and can be shared with parents.

Download here

Let's talk about baby poo. The Beat Podcast

Read about changes to Cow & Gate formula milk, FAQs and resources to support transition conversations with parents if they have any concerns.

Listen on Nutricia Academy

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Breastfeeding is best. Infant milk is suitable from birth when babies are not breastfed. Follow-on milk is only for babies over 6 months, as part of a mixed diet and should not be used as a breastmilk substitute before 6 months. We advise that the use of formula milks and the decision to start weaning should be made only on the advice of a doctor, dietitian, pharmacist or other professional responsible for maternal and child care. based on baby’s individual needs. Foods for special medical purposes should only be used under medical supervision. May be suitable for use as the sole source of nutrition for infants from birth, and/or as part of a balanced diet from 6-12 months. Refer to label for details.

Cow & Gate First Infant Milk Datacard [2021], Available at: https://www.nutricia.co.uk/hcp/pim-products/cow-gate-first-infant-milk-powder.html [Accessed: May 2021].
SMA Little Steps First Infant Milk Datacard [2020], Available at: https://www.smahcp.co.uk/formula-milk/little-steps-first-infant-milk [Accessed: February 2021].
Mamia First Infant Milk [2020], Available on product label [Accessed: February 2021].
JS Little Ones First Infant Milk Datacard [2020], Available at: https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/all-baby-milk---drinks/sainsburys-first-infant-milk-stage-1-900g [Accessed: February 2021].

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