LittleOak to launch palm oil-free, ready-to-drink goat milk powder in Asia

AUSTRALIA – LittleOak, an Australian infant powder producer, is set to launch a ready-to-drink (RTD) goat milk product in Asia, claiming it to be the region’s first palm oil-free option.

Sourced and manufactured in New Zealand, the product will be available by year-end to complement LittleOak’s current milk powder series for infants to 4-year-olds, providing a convenient natural solution in the Asia-Pacific region.

Elke Pascoe, founder and CEO of LittleOak, identified Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam as key markets for the next three years.

“With the rise of the middle class, Vietnam today feels like Singapore did 20 years ago. Big retailers there use palm oil and synthetics. This gives us a chance to offer something better. We aim to disrupt the market and provide natural nutrition for children,” Pascoe stated.

She also highlighted the potential of RTD formats for Vietnam, calling it an exciting opportunity for creativity and innovation.

According to Pascoe, whole goat milk did not cause bloating, gut discomfort, or rashes for her children, unlike common retail milk formulas. This led her to develop goat milk formulas free of artificial and inflammatory ingredients found in cow milk formulas.

“Goat milk is closer to human breast milk in taste, texture, and nutritional profile. It has smaller, easier-to-digest fat globules and is lower in lactose, making it gentler on little tummies. It also contains naturally occurring A2 casein protein, reducing inflammation compared to cow milk,” she explained.

Goat milk is high in naturally occurring oligosaccharides and taurine, while cow milk lacks these benefits. Goat milk also has better bioavailability of key nutrients such as iron, calcium, and magnesium, making it more nutritious and convenient for growing children.

Pascoe emphasized the importance of being palm oil-free, differentiating LittleOak from most commercial cow milk formula brands. The firm uses cold-pressed flaxseed oil from New Zealand, known to boost immunity, aid development, reduce hyperactivity, and improve sleep.

“Palm oil inhibits the absorption of calcium, fat, and DHA in babies—three critical nutrients for healthy development. Despite claims of being palm oil-free, many infant formulas still contain palm oil derivatives, affecting nutrient absorption,” Pascoe added.

LittleOak’s goat milk is fortified with DHA and ARA, essential fatty acids present in breast milk. Unlike many brands that source DHA and ARA from fish oil, LittleOak uses natural and sustainable algae sources, resulting in 4 to 5 times higher DHA concentrations.

The RTD range will be available in 250ml packs with a cap closure, stored at ambient temperature for nine months. To serve, just shake and pour.

The RTD range will also be fortified with iron to reduce the risk of mental health issues like anxiety and ADHD.

“Our focus is on providing convenient and natural solutions. RTD products are the future. For example, the RTD market is quite developed in the UK, with people opting for RTDs over powders. We believe this trend will significantly influence the formula category over the next five to ten years,” Pascoe noted.