Holle Formula
Holle is a leading organic baby food and formula manufacturer based in Germany. All of their formulas are certified European organic and many also hold the Demeter label which is the most strict organic certification worldwide. Holle's range of baby formulas is extensive, with options based on regular cow's milk, A2 cow's milk, and goat milk intended to meet your little one's nutritional needs from infancy into toddlerhood!
Holle organic formula is created with clean simple recipes and minimally processed ingredients. Holle produces nutritious organic milk while remaining committed to environmental sustainability. You can feel confident in using the brand Holle to feed your baby because all of their formulas are free of GMOs, artificial preservatives, and added sugars. Moreover, raw ingredients are grown without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Holle goes to great lengths to ensure your baby has the best start in life. Did you know that they offset the CO2 emissions that occur during formula production? This climate-positive practice reflects their dedication to ensuring a bright future for the next generation.
Keep reading to learn more about the values and history of the Holle brand, and how they ensure the safety of their products. Plus, take a closer look at the ingredients used in their products, the different types of Holle formulas that we offer, and convenient answers to some commonly asked questions about their organic baby formulas!
Holle History
Holle is a world-renowned producer of organic baby formula and food with an impressive 85-year history behind them. Established in 1933 in Arlesheim, Switzerland, Holle has a long-standing legacy as a pioneer in the organic baby food field. In fact, Holle was one of the first companies to obtain the Demeter organic seal on their products!
Holle organic formula is manufactured using a holistic approach. This helps ensure the welfare of babies, but also our environment, the workers involved in the production process, and animals! To rise to such high standards of excellence, rigorous safety measures are implemented to guarantee the best quality nutrition of their products.
Why Choose Holle Organic Formula?
As a parent, you want the best for your baby. That's why when it comes to feeding your child, you want to make sure you're giving them top-notch nutrition. Holle understands the importance of clean ingredients. That’s why the milk in their formulas is sourced from goats and cows raised on organic and biodynamic farms that prioritize animal welfare practices.
In terms of composition, you can feel confident knowing your baby's formula was created using chemical-free agricultural practices and contains no GMOs. Holle aims to keep their products as pure as possible which is why they skip out on more controversial ingredients like added sugars or artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. With Holle, you can be sure you’re giving your baby the best nutrition, with none of the worries!
Holle Formula Production and Quality Assurance
Holle sources their raw ingredients from biodynamic and organic farms, and whenever possible these ingredients are sourced regionally. Holle has established trusting relationships with their farmers which helps them to maintain ingredient traceability and safety.
Holle strives to cultivate their ingredients without exploiting animals or the environment. Instead, they prioritize quality and biodiversity over quantity and monocultures. They also prohibit the use of growth stimulants and for their Demeter-quality ingredients, they use organic compost as a natural fertilizer.
Once raw ingredients are obtained, they are handled delicately and processed gently to preserve their beneficial natural qualities. Holle baby formulas are manufactured on the border between Germany and Switzerland, with the packaging taking place in Austria.
Holle is dedicated to ensuring quality and products are tested and monitored from the farm to delivery. They perform analyses for residues and check raw ingredients and final products for contaminants. You'll be happy to know that in Europe, products for little ones 3 years of age or under are subject to special contaminant checks and must meet stricter limits than conventional products.
Holle Formula Ingredients
Holle organic baby formula is made from organic milk which is then enriched with vegetable oils, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to meet the nutritional needs of your growing baby. Their organic formula is free of GMOs, added sugars, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
To provide your little one with the energy needed to grow and flourish, these formulas contain vital carbohydrates. In each of their formulas, you'll find organic lactose, and depending on the version and stage of the formula, there may be complementary carbohydrates added such as organic starch or maltodextrin.
Additional Information on Ingredients in Holle Formula
It takes a complex medley of ingredients to replicate nutrients found in breast milk. To help you learn more about the ingredients that make up Holle formula powder, we've highlighted some key ingredients and provided a simple overview of what purpose they serve. If you're interested in learning more about the specific ingredients of a certain baby formula, please visit the product page on our website!
Organic Lactose
Lactose, or milk sugar, is the main carbohydrate found in breast milk. This carbohydrate serves as a source of energy for babies and is also involved in the development of brain tissue. It is believed that lactose is easier to digest than other more complex carbohydrates. All of Holle's stages PRE and 1 formulas use only lactose without the addition of complementary carbohydrates.
Organic Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate that provides more calories to baby formula giving your little one the energy they need for growth and development. Maltodextrin has the benefit of being absorbed quickly unlike starch, and thus, is suitable for more sensitive tummies. Furthermore, maltodextrin can help your baby feel full for longer.
Organic Starch
Starch is a plant-based complex carbohydrate. When added to baby formula, it helps make the consistency more creamy, which is something that many babies prefer. Additionally, it is slower to break down during digestion compared to other carbohydrates, which may make your baby feel fuller for longer.
Types of Holle Organic Formula
Holle provides three main varieties of baby formula, including standard cow's milk formula and A2 cow's milk-based formula, and goat milk baby formula. We will walk you through the benefits of these different Holle organic formulas below!
Holle's Goat Milk Formula
Goat milk formula is becoming increasingly popular due to its excellent digestibility. Babies are able to digest goat milk up to twice as fast as cow's milk, thanks to its unique protein structure. This results in a more comfortable and happier tummy for your little one!
Holle goat’s milk is sourced from farms that satisfy Demeter and EU organic standards. Moreover, their goat's formula is palm oil free. Goat milk formula contains milk proteins that form curds in the belly that are smaller, softer, and looser than those made from cow's milk. This means that smaller stomachs have an easier time digesting these curds. Furthermore, the proteins in goat milk are mostly A2, which is more suitable for sensitive tummies.
Goat's milk formula can be a beneficial alternative to cow's milk formula for some babies. However, it is not a suitable choice for those with a cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) or lactose intolerance. Since the proteins in both kinds of milk are similar, there is a possibility of a cross-over reaction. Goat milk formulas like cow's milk formulas can produce an allergic reaction in infants with CMPA.
Holle Cow's Milk Formulas
Holle produces two distinct baby formula ranges based on cow's milk: a standard organic line and an A2 range. The standard Holle cow formula holds the Demeter certification for stages PRE through 4 and is made with a base of skimmed cow's milk. Demeter farmers allow their cows to roam more freely, they receive only organic feed, and cruel dehorning practices are prohibited.
Holle also provides a range of A2 cow's milk formula which is closer to the natural composition of breast milk and may be better suited for babies with sensitive tummies. Wondering what A2 milk is? Well, most of the standard cow's milk today is comprised of A2 and A1 milk proteins. However, at one point, all cows produced only A2 milk until a gene mutation caused the introduction of A1 milk.
When A1 milk is digested, it releases a bioactive fragment known as BCM-7 which may cause non-beneficial bodily effects. Holle's A2 milk baby formula contains a unique blend of milk proteins sourced from specially selected cows that naturally produce milk with only the A2 protein and no A1 proteins.
This A2 milk doesn't release BCM-7 when broken down and thus, may be more gentle on your baby's tummy. No matter which milk you opt for, standard or A2, they taste the same and contain all the important nutrients that your baby needs!
Holle Formula Stages: What's the difference?
In case you're still a newbie to European formula, it comes in different stages to reflect the natural changes in breast milk throughout nursing to best suit babies' changing nutritional needs. Infant formula is for babies 0 - 6 months, follow-on formula is for babies 6+ months to 10+ or 12+ months depending on the brand, and toddler formula is for little tots 12 months and up!
Holle Organic Infant Formula: Stage PRE vs. Holle Stage 1
Holle stage PRE and 1 are both infant formulas suitable for babies from birth up to 6 months of age. Both stages use organic lactose as the sole source of carbohydrates. The only minor difference between the two is the concentration of some ingredients.
Holle Stage 1 vs. Holle Stage 2
Stage 1 is an infant formula suitable from birth to 6 months of age. On the other hand, stage 2 is a follow-on formula suitable for babies 6 months and older. Holle stage 2 formula is designed for babies who have started to eat solid foods and may contain organic starch or maltodextrin.
These complex carbs are added to later-stage formulas to help keep babies full longer and improve the texture of the formula milk. It also has a slightly lower fat content and a higher level of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals than stage 1.
Follow-on formulas are enriched with more iron than infant formulas as this mineral becomes particularly important for babies beginning around 6 months.
Holle Stage 2 vs. Holle Stage 3
Holle stages 2 and 3 are both follow-on formulas intended to be used alongside your child's weaning diet, however, they differ in terms of age. Stage 2 is appropriate from 6 months onwards, while stage 3 is to be used from 10 months and onwards.
Holle Stage 3 vs. Holle Stage 4
Holle stage 3 is a follow-on formula for ages 10 months and up whereas Holle stage 4 is a toddler formula to be used for little ones 12 months and up. Stage 4 formula is not strictly necessary but can be beneficial for filling nutritional gaps in your toddler's diet.
Why Choose Holle Formula?
We appreciate Holle's organic baby formula because of the simple carefully chosen natural and biodynamic ingredients. This brand excels in preserving the natural qualities of its raw ingredients through minimal processing. They also provide peace of mind to parents thanks to their rigorous safety testing and quality assurance protocols.
If you're on the hunt for a baby formula with chemical and hormone-free agricultural processes, that is environmentally sustainable and has high animal welfare standards, then look no further. We're confident that these Holle formulas are of the highest quality and provide a safe and healthy choice for your family!
FAQ
Got some questions still? Many parents wonder about the following points but you'll have your questions answered in no time. Keep reading to learn more about Holle baby formulas!
Why do we love Holle's formula?
Holle is a leading producer of organic formula for babies and toddlers. Their formula uses organic and biodynamic ingredients and many of their products hold both an EU organic and Demeter certification. You can rest assured their formula is free from added sugar, artificial preservatives, flavorings, and GMOs. Plus, raw ingredients are grown without the use of synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Is Holle sold in the USA?
Holle isn't available in stores in the US but you can still get it! We provide fast and secure shipping to the US so you can enjoy Holle's delicious and nutritious products right in your own home.
Is Holle better than HiPP?
Both HiPP and Holle are leading European baby formula brands offering of top-notch organic quality. Their main difference lies in Holle's simple ingredient list and its biodynamic farming practices, compared to HiPP's goal of replicating the composition of human breast milk while remaining true to organic standards mandated by German and EU regulations. Ultimately these brands both have a lot to offer it just comes down to your baby's needs and personal preferences.
How do I prepare Holle formula?
When preparing baby formula, it's important to follow instructions precisely as improper preparation or storage may result in health issues due to bacteria growth.
1. Boil fresh drinking water and let it cool to a temperature of approximately 40°-50° C / 104-122° F. Then, add half of the required water to the bottle.
2. Using the enclosed measuring spoon, fill it with the advised amount of baby formula powder and add it to the bottle. Securely close the bottle and shake it thoroughly.
3. Finally, add the remaining water and shake it again.
4. The bottle should then be cooled to a drinking temperature of approximately 37° C / 98.6° F and tested on your hand before feeding it to your baby.
How long can Holle formula stay out?
When mixing formula powder with water, it is important to keep in mind that bacteria can thrive at room temperature, so the clock begins ticking as soon as your mixture is ready.
Generally speaking, unheated prepared formula that your infant has not begun drinking should be used within two hours of being mixed. If you prefer to warm your baby's bottle first, the time frame is even less as heated formula should be given to your baby within one hour.
Importantly, never store unused formula that your baby didn't finish in the refrigerator as harmful bacteria from your baby's mouth can grow in the bottle.
