Nourishing your little one with a healthy organic baby formula that suits their dietary needs is easier than ever. Still, with so many excellent infant formulas, it may be unclear which product is best for your baby.
Two top brand contenders are Holle and HiPP. Both brands offer a range of tried and tested products, loved by families worldwide and mindfully made using only top-quality ingredients.
To help you decide if HiPP or Holle is right for your little one, we will highlight their features and benefits while breaking down any major differences between the two brands and their top products; let's get started!
For more than 85 years, Holle has been prioritizing sustainability and quality. Their holistic approach to agriculture supports the well-being of infants and our planet by using biodynamic farming techniques to source their ingredients.
Holle formula meets the highest organic standards and comes packed with all the vitamins and nutrients your little one needs for growth and development.
Since sustainability is at the core of Holle's ethos, it only makes sense that this begins at the source. They strive to protect the environment, safeguard its resources, and give back to nature as much as possible.
This is where biodynamic farming comes into play, as it encompasses regenerative methods that focus on enhancing the life processes of nature.
These biodynamic farming standards are upheld and verified by the orange Demeter label, the world's first ecological food and farming trademark. Holle was proudly one of the first companies to enter a processing partnership with Demeter.
Holle offers a range of formula products that come in various stages, which all meet the same top-quality standards. They offer cow's milk formula, A2 cow's milk formula, and goat milk formula. Holle's formulas are free of artificial sweeteners and GMOs and contain beneficial ingredients like vitamins A, D, and E, minerals, and essential fatty acids (DHA and ARA).
Regarding the cost of Holle formula, you are getting a bang for your buck. They have an outstanding price-to-quality ratio, supported by using simple, EU-certified organic and GMO-free ingredients.
Not only are Holle products loved by families all over the world, but they are also praised by experts. In fact, Holle was even a finalist in the German Sustainability Awards 2023!
HiPP is a family-owned company that only brings you the best infant formula, so you never have to second guess whether your child receives adequate nutrition. With over 60 years of experience, HiPP knows what babies like and what their bodies need.
HiPP Organic Seal: A Commitment to Quality and Purity
HiPP showcases their commitment to quality by branding their products with the HiPP Organic Seal. HiPP acknowledged that while the standard EU-certified organic logo is beneficial and covers many essential production areas, they also wanted to address other pollutants potentially contaminating produce, such as those found in the air and soil.
They are extremely mindful of the ingredients that go into their products and diligently monitor each production stage, with some products going through up to 260 safety checks. Their formula is subject to the strictest quality checks.
HiPP offers many formulas that surpass any other European baby formula brands. Their products are made to cater to a variety of unique nutritional needs. This means that regardless of what kind of formula you are on the lookout for, HiPP most likely has you covered!
HiPP's cow milk formulas alone include their German, Dutch, and UK cow's milk formula and ready-to-feed options. They also offer a goat's milk formula and multiple unique formulas such as their Hypoallergenic, Comfort, and Anti-Reflux formulas.
When it comes to the organic formula from HiPP, they use milk from farms that fully comply with the guidelines of EU organic farming.
This means that cow's on these farms are kept in optimal conditions and can graze on natural meadows, resulting in a nutrient-rich formula that many love.
While the ingredients in each range vary slightly to cater to babies' diets with specific nutritional needs, all formulas are free from artificial sweeteners and GMOs.
HiPP formulas contain prebiotics, and some have probiotics in the form of lactic acid culture, originally extracted from real breast milk to bring your baby a formula that comes one step closer to nature.
Some other ingredients in their formula are powdered organic milk, organic vegetable oils, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (ARA, ALA, DHA).
Both HiPP and Holle are praised for their mindful approach to infant nutrition. Coming from an impressive past rooted in family and nature, both brands have many years of experience crafting unique and innovative formulas while continuing to meet the ever-evolving nutritional requirements set by the EU.
In doing so, they have set the standard for European baby formula, with many newcomers taking inspiration from their innovative techniques and superb quality.
When choosing a formula for your little one, it comes down to their dietary needs and personal preferences. To help you make an informed decision, let's look at the major differences between Holle vs. HiPP formula.
Both HiPP and Holle are sustainably sound choices. The significant difference between ingredient sourcing is in Holle's use of biodynamic rather than just organic farming practices.
This is shown on their products through the Demeter certification label, the highest organic standard in Europe!
It should be noted that while all of Holle's products meet EU organic standards, not all meet the more stringent Demeter standards. So, make sure to keep an eye out for the orange Demeter label found on the packaging of most Holle formula products.
HiPP's milk is sourced from farms that comply with organic farming guidelines. This means that no mineral fertilizers, chemicals, or synthetic agents are used.
On top of that, HiPP has created the HiPP Organic Seal, which aims to set new benchmarks in the quality of baby food that surpasses the qualities set by the standard EU organic certification.
Something that both HiPP and Holle have in common is that they are manufactured in Germany, although some of their products are packaged in other areas of Europe.
One of the most significant differences between Holle and HiPP formulas is that many HiPP formulas uniquely contain natural probiotic lactic acid cultures originally extracted from real breast milk. In contrast, Holle uses Demeter-quality milk fats to mimic the naturally occurring carbohydrates in breast milk.
Both HiPP and Holles cow's milk formula contain lactose as the main carbohydrate to provide your baby with a natural energy source. HiPP and Holle use A2 milk protein to promote easier digestion in their goat milk formula.
Many HiPP formulas also contain probiotics and prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides or, more simply, GOS). In contrast, Holle aims to keep their ingredient list as short and simple as possible while exceeding nutritional standards.
After years of experience, both brands know what babies like and create their formulas accordingly. To achieve a smooth and creamy texture, Holle uses corn-derived maltodextrin in some of their later-stage formulas; in contrast, some HiPP formulas add starch as a complement to lactose.
However, if you prefer a lactose-only formula, there are options from both brands without starch or maltodextrin!
While both brands cater to various dietary needs, HiPP, in particular, has an extensive range of products and specialty formulas.
Their specialty formulas include Anti-Reflux, Comfort, and HiPP HA hypoallergenic formulas.
While HiPP's special formulas may not carry the organic certification due to the treatment process of the milk, rest assured that all HiPP formulas are GMO-free and manufactured with the same rigorous safety and quality standards. The focus on providing safe and nutritious options remains a top priority for HiPP, ensuring that parents can trust the integrity of their formula choices.
While both brands are widely available, with products being offered worldwide, Holle formula does tend to be more cost-effective.
Although, you also have to consider the nutritional profile, tolerability, ingredient sourcing, and sustainability when choosing a product, as these factors can impact price.
If you want to buy HiPP or Holle formula, consider shopping at our online store, Baby Milk Bar. We offer a wide selection of both brands, ensuring you find the right formula for your baby's needs!
With our quick and efficient shipping options, getting formula to your baby has never been easier. Visit our shop now and give your little one the best European organic formula.
Before you make your final decision, consider the following factors when choosing between HiPP and Holle formulas:
Certain infants may require specialized formulas, such as HiPP's Comfort formula, made for babies to manage colic and constipation.
Moreover, Holle's A2 cow's milk formula is more easily digested by babies with delicate digestive systems or with sensitivities to milk proteins.
Additionally, some babies with sensitive tummies may do better on goat milk formula!
Factors such as employment, travel, and having other children can impact your decision.
For a more fast-paced lifestyle that requires feeding your little one outside of the comfort of your home, you may want to consider choosing they offer a Ready-to-Feed formula perfect for on-the-go feedings.
This would be a good time to also consider what kind of budget you have for your child's formula, as some products are more cost-effective than others.
Before making any changes to your baby's diet, we recommend discussing your options with a trusted healthcare professional.
Discover these top-rated European formulas from Holle and HiPP. These formulas are trusted by parents worldwide for their nourishing ingredients, top quality, and sustainability.
1. Holle Cow Milk Formula
For Holle cow milk formulas, stages Pre to 3 are made with Demeter-certified organic milk and are free from artificial sweeteners and GMOs. This formula range is made with beneficial nutrients like vitamins A, D, and E, minerals, and essential fatty acids (DHA and ARA).
Holle also uses corn-derived maltodextrin to create a smooth, creamy texture that promotes satiety in all of their cow's milk follow-on and toddler formulas, but Stages Pre and 1 are lactose only.
2. Holle Goat Milk Formula
Holle goat milk formula is a wonderful alternative to cow's milk formula, especially for babies with a cow's milk sensitivity or an overall more sensitive tummy. However, goat milk is unsuitable for babies with cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) or lactose intolerance.
This formula is made with A2 goat milk protein which has smaller fat molecules and less lactose and is thus more easily digested. Holle's goat milk is sourced from organic farms, which promote environmental sustainability as well as being free from artificial sweeteners and GMOs.
3. Lebenswert Bio Organic Formula
You can expect the same excellent quality from Lebenswert Bio, Holle's sister company. It has many of the same benefits, such as having ingredients sourced from organic farms. This formula, in particular, is Bioland certified, meaning they use chemical-free agricultural practices that work in unison with nature.
Ingredients in this formula include organic skim cow's milk, whey, vegetable oils, and lactose. It is free from artificial sweeteners and GMOs and includes beneficial nutrients like vitamins A, D, and E, minerals, and essential fatty acids (DHA and ARA).
As an added plus, Lebenswert Bio formulas are priced more affordably for parents looking for a more budget-friendly European formula without wanting to compromise on quality!
1. HiPP Organic Combiotic Cow Milk Formulas
To bring infant formula as close to breast milk as possible, HiPP has added natural probiotic lactic acid cultures originally extracted from real breast milk. Another similarity this formula has to breast milk is the use of lactose as the main carbohydrate.
HiPP Bio Combiotic Formula is made with milk from organic farms which use chemical-free agricultural practices. It is free from artificial sweeteners and GMOs and contains beneficial ingredients like probiotics and prebiotics, essential fatty acids (DHA and ARA), minerals, and vitamins A, D, and C!
2. HiPP Comfort
HiPP Comfort is a specialized formula designed for babies who experience digestive discomfort, colic, or constipation. It is carefully formulated to be gentle on your baby's sensitive tummy, providing relief and promoting digestive comfort.
3. HiPP Hypoallergenic Formula
HiPP Hypoallergenic is another special formula from HiPP that comes in three easy-to-digest stages made to reduce the likelihood of having an allergic reaction in babies with sensitivities to milk proteins.
To do this, HiPP has made this product using low-allergen hydrolyzed milk. Although many babies thrive on this formula, it may not suit babies with a cow's milk protein allergy.
Additionally, this formula contains natural probiotic lactic acid cultures originally extracted from real breast milk, prebiotics, essential fatty acids (DHA and ARA), minerals, and vitamins A, D, and C.
Get answers to common inquiries about the differences and benefits of HiPP vs. Holle formulas in this helpful FAQ section!
You can switch formulas, but sticking to one at a time is important, as frequent changes can lead to digestive upset. If you are switching formulas, it is recommended to do so gradually, especially if you are switching your child to a different kind of formula (i.e., cow's milk formula to goat's milk formula). Before changing your baby's diet, consult your pediatrician for further guidance.
With years of experience, both brands are leading the European formula market and are known worldwide for their outstanding quality.
While all regulated baby formulas are made to provide your child with adequate nutrition, there are many benefits to choosing an organic formula over a non-organic formula, such as reduced exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.
That being said, it is essential to consider dietary needs, including sensitivities and allergies, price, and availability, when purchasing organic infant formula.
We recommend consulting your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's diet or health. And remember, specialty formulas should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Whether you choose a Holle or HiPP formula, the most crucial factor to consider is what will make your little one feel the best. This means choosing a formula that suits their dietary needs while considering lifestyle factors, budget, and overall personal preference. Always consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice. You can check out our shop to explore all the wonderful options from these leading European formula brands!
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies. Before altering your baby's diet or feeding routine, consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. The information in this article is strictly for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice.
