If cow's milk formula doesn't agree with your baby or your little one has a more sensitive tummy, then goat milk might be the answer! Many parents have had success with Holle Bio goat milk formula in combatting pesky tummy troubles. Notably, goat milk is better tolerated by some infants due to its uniquely gentle protein and fat structure.
Thanks to these features, organic goat milk resembles breast milk more closely than cow's milk and may be easier for a baby's immature digestive system to break down, reducing digestion-related discomforts like gas, colic, and fussiness.
For many parents, these aspects alone make goat milk formula an appealing choice. But Holle formula—one of the standout goat milk formulas on the market—has even more to offer with its exceptional organic quality. Let's see what Holle formula can do for your little one!
Holle organic goat milk formula is designed with meticulous care and attention to quality, built off of decades of experience in the organic baby formula world. We'll explore the reasons why this goats milk baby formula is so widely praised next.
Demeter Certification
Holle is known for its Demeter quality ingredients, and its goat milk baby formula range upholds the same quality parents have grown to love. The Demeter certification goes beyond traditional organic standards by following what's known as regenerative or biodynamic agriculture. On biodynamic farms, soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare are strictly prioritized. For example, animals are not dehorned, allowing them to produce more nutrient-rich milk.
Holle's organic whole goat's milk is sourced from Demeter-certified organic German farms. Holle was the first manufacturer of goat milk formula to receive the prestigious Demeter seal. However, due to European regulations, Holle Stage 4 toddler formula does not qualify for Demeter certification but is still EU organic.
In alignment with Holle's high-quality standards, its clean formulas are also completely free from added sugar, artificial colors or flavors, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
A Composition That Mimics Breast Milk
Shifting to another key feature, parents appreciate that Holle goat milk formula closely resembles many of the beneficial qualities of breast milk. Much like human milk, this formula consists of A2 milk proteins, which form smaller and looser milk curds that are easier for tiny tummies to break down, compared to the A1 proteins commonly found in most cow's milk.
Moreover, Holle Goat delivers essential micronutrients found in breast milk, like vitamin C, magnesium, calcium, DHA, and iron. These ingredients are crucial for your baby's growth and development, supporting everything from their immune system to brain function.
Holle goat's milk baby formula ingredients are kept clean and simple. You won't find palm oil, fish oil, added sugars, or soy listed as Holle goat milk formula ingredients.
As an alternative to fish oil, Holle formulas use algae oil, which provides an eco-friendly source of DHA. It also has a milder flavor that many babies find more appealing.
While many of the fats in the formula come from organic whole goat's milk, a blend of organic sunflower and rapeseed vegetable oils creates a complete fatty acid spectrum without palm oil.
From Holle Goat Stage 2 onwards, the Dutch and German formulas also contain complementary carbohydrates, including starch and maltodextrin, to satisfy your baby's growing energy needs.
If you compare the Dutch, German, and Global versions of Holle Goat formula, you'll notice a few differences in terms of stages, ingredients, and packaging.
Holle formulas are available in different stages, with recipes adapted to specific developmental milestones in infancy and toddlerhood.
Holle Goat German: Offered from Stages PRE to 4 for a total of five different stages.
Holle Goat Dutch and Holle Goat Global: Offered from Stages 1 to 3 for a total of three different stages.
While the German version provides an additional option for goat milk infant formula, Stage PRE, the Dutch and Global versions start with Stage 1. Stages PRE and 1 are both suitable for babies from birth, but Stage 1 formula has slightly more macronutrients, and the quantities of some vitamins and minerals vary, but the formulations are very similar overall.
Another difference is that Stage 3 of Holle Goat Dutch and German are follow-on formulas suitable for 10+ months, while the Global version of Stage 3 is a toddler formula designed for little ones 12 months and up, similar to the Stage 4 toddler formula in the German range.
Since ingredient preferences differ globally, Holle has also adapted their goat milk recipes for different countries accordingly.
For the carbohydrates of Holle Goat, maltodextrin and starch are added to complement lactose starting at Stage 2 of the Dutch and German versions. However, the Global variation relies solely on lactose at every stage, which means Holle Goat Global Stage 2 and Holle Goat Global Stage 3 do not contain any maltodextrin or starch!
Additionally, every Holle formula includes DHA (omega-3), but the German and Dutch versions only include ARA (omega-6) in Stages PRE and 1. Whereas Holle Goat Global includes (ARA) in all stages—not just Holle Goat Global Stage 1.
The German and Global versions are available in 400g cardboard boxes. In contrast, the Dutch version of the formula is offered in 800g metal cans, which some parents prefer due to the larger size, increased durability, and greater ease of preparation.
Holle formula is broken down into different stages, tailored to meet the nutritional needs of babies at various periods of development.
Holle Goat Stage PRE is an infant formula intended for newborns from birth that delivers a complete source of nutrition. To keep it gentle on tiny tummies, this formula has a 100% lactose base, meaning no added starch or maltodextrin, and it's enriched with DHA and ARA to support brain and vision development.
Holle Goat Stage1 - German and Holle Goat Stage 1 - Dutch are both infant formulas like Stage PRE, offering a complete source of nutrition suitable from birth. These formulas are lactose-only and enriched with DHA and ARA.
This follow-on formula is intended for babies 6 months and older who have begun eating solid foods. Holle Stage 2 goat milk contains slightly higher levels of iron.
Plus, Holle Goat Stage 2 - German and Holle Goat Stage 2 - Dutch versions also use a combination of lactose, maltodextrin, and starch to help older babies feel satiated for longer, thanks to the more creamy, filling consistency.
From Stage 2 onwards, Holle Dutch and German drop ARA as an ingredient, but it continues to be included in all stages of the Global variation.
Holle Stage 3 goat milk is a follow-on formula for babies from 10+ months in the Holle Goat Stage 3 - German and Holle Goat Stage 3 - Dutch lines, but for Holle Goat Global Stage 3 is a toddler formula for little ones from 12+ months. In both cases, it provides balanced nutrition as part of a mixed diet.
Stage 4 is exclusively available in the German range and is formulated for toddlers 12 months and older. It's an excellent option for parents who want to ensure their toddlers continue receiving the benefits of goat milk in their diet or who wish to provide a boost of toddler-friendly nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
You'll notice that this is the only formula that is not Demeter certified, as formulas for ages 12+ months do not qualify for Demeter certification due to specific regulations. However, it is still certified organic under strict EU standards.
Yes, Holle goat milk formula is considered safe for most babies, provided your child does not have an allergy to cow's milk or lactose intolerance. As goat milk contains less lactose than cow's milk, it's often more tolerable for babies with mild lactose sensitivity. However, it's always best to consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about introducing goat milk formula into your baby's diet.
Holle Goat may be worth considering if these qualities align with your family's needs:
Goat milk can be easier to digest than cow's milk formulas, making it ideal for sensitive tummies.
The Demeter certification ensures the highest organic, environmental, and ethical standards.
All Holle formulas are free from common allergens, corn syrup, artificial preservatives, and GMOs.
Holle Goat matches breast milk more closely than cow's milk formula does.
Whether your little one is sensitive to cow's milk or you want to offer a formula made with clean, sustainable ingredients, Holle goat milk formula provides a balanced, nutritious alternative for your little one's first years of life!
