Updated 3/28/22

European baby formula companies adhere to strict regulations and standards that ensure the use of only clean pure ingredients that are manufactured and produced in an ecological responsibility manner.

“Organic” is a term that gets thrown around a lot when it comes to infant nutrition, but not always with much understanding of what it actually means for European baby formula.

By taking a closer look at the ingredients, sources, and guidelines we can have a better understanding of what makes European baby formulas stand out in the world of organic baby formulas.

At the very basics, European organic baby formula is baby formula that is free from pesticide residue, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic chemicals and preservatives, heavy metals and potentially toxic substances.

For European baby formulas, “Organic'' and labels such as “Biodynamic,” “Demeter,” and “Bioland” may be used only on European baby formulas that comply with EU organic production rules and if at least 95% of the ingredients of agricultural origin are organic.

This is not always the case for American baby formulas. “Organic” doesn’t always mean that every single ingredient is organic.

Manufacturers of organic European baby formulas follow farming methods that are holistic and eco-friendly. From soil to production, European organic farming practices take into account animal health and husbandry, as well as economic and long term social aspects of farming.

Unlike American organic practices that leave room for toxic ingredients, health impairing non lactose sugars, and heavy metals, EU Organic farms follow strict do’s and don’ts that leave no room for anything but the highest quality infant nutrition.

When looking for the highest-quality baby formula that is most like breast milk, you will want to make sure that your little one's baby formula is European organic certified.

European organic baby formulas are made with wholesome ingredients that are designed with the same properties and nutrients that are found in breastmilk.

European baby formulas go to extra lengths to provide pure, clean organic nutrition that provides your baby with all the essentials to grow and develop.

Kendamil organic cow’s milk baby formula is made in the English Lake District. This British family business with 59 years' experience is produced with the best quality baby milk for your little one and the environment.

Kendamil baby formula is fish oil free, making it one of the few European baby formulas that are vegetarian friendly.

Loulouka has designed European organic baby formulas around the best ingredients and methods for optimal baby nutrition that is socially and ecologically responsible.

Swiss organic whole milk that has passed through strict quality standards ensures the quality that sets Loulouka baby formula apart from all other European formulas.

Biodynamic agriculture or biodynamic farming is the holistic approach to organic farming developed in 1924. Biodynamics is a holistic, ecological, and ethical approach to farming, gardening, food, and nutrition.

Biodynamic farms promote health and sustainability in every aspect of the farm community. This organic method is so much more than the crops that are harvested or the animals that are raised.

Biodynamic farming uses a variety of natural fertilization principles aimed at restoring soil quality versus traditional farming and raises standards in organic farming practices which can deplete soil diversity and quality over time.

This unique way of farming ensures that animals are treated with respect and dairy animals are left unaltered with plenty of space to graze in 100% organic pastures.

Careful attention is paid to make sure there is no chemical run-off that can affect the quality of the final product, and animals are not treated with antibiotics or chemicals to stimulate growth or unnatural health.

Fertilizer is a natural combination of herbs, minerals, and manure with a focus on the good bacteria that contribute to the growth of grass and crops as nature intended.

Biodynamic farming is not only better for the environment and the ecology, but it also makes the food taste better with the perfect balance of nutrients that you should expect in every baby bottle of formula.

HiPP Organic has been certified as a Biodynamic company. It only uses biodynamic milk along with EU certified organically grown ingredients. HiPP takes great pride in being organic since 1932.

The pioneers in biodynamic farming and sustainability, HiPP Organic baby formula sets standards that exceed the organic standards established by the European Union.

Demeter Biodynamic Certification is used in over 50 countries and is one of the oldest organic associations in Germany. In 1992, Demeter became the first organic farming association to have comprehensive international regulations for producing and processing organic foods.

Demeter certification is the largest certification organization for biodynamic farming. It began in 1928 in Germany and is named after the Greek goddess of fertility and grain.

To be Demeter certified, a farm must follow strict rules above and beyond standard organic regulations. Farms that have received Demeter certification must have their certification renewed annually by having the entire farm inspected.

Demeter certification is centered around the farm as a ‘holistic organism’ and that everything to do with the farm’s disease prevention and insect and weed control must come from the farm itself.

Demeter Biodynamic farming methods are more of a closed system that depends more on the dynamics of the farm rather than outside sources.

Crop rotation and timing of planting is used to prevent weeds and unwanted growth instead of harmful chemicals. No synthetic fertilizers are allowed at any time.

Animals must have enough space to roam and have sufficient food, while also receiving the space needed to lie down and rest.

All animals are protected from heat and dust and other harsh elements. Demeter certification works on the principle that happy animals give healthier, sweeter milk.

Holle European baby formulas meet biodynamic qualifications according to Demeter certification. Focusing on the quality of organic ingredients, Holle and its Demeter-quality goods easily exceed European Union organic standards.

Holle has earned a reputation as among the very best baby formula brands in Germany as it’s made with organic alpine cow’s milk and goat’s milk from Demeter certified farms that are sustainable and eco-friendly.

Bioland was founded in 1971. It is the largest organic food association in Germany. Bioland Certification exceeds standard organic regulations and is the largest organic food organizational body currently in Germany, and one of the largest in the European Union.

Like Demeter, Bioland Certification is difficult for European baby formula manufacturers to obtain as the standards are so high. Since 1971, Bioland has been working on the challenges both today and in the future of farming and the environment.

Some Bioland principles include:

✔ Animal welfare – fewer animals so that they have more space

✔ Nitrogen fertilizers are only allowed in small amounts

✔ Copper pesticides can only be used in small amounts

✔ 100% of the farm has to be based on organic food production

✗ No genetically modified seeds are allowed

✗ No blood, meat, bone, manure or guano fertilizers are allowed

Lebenswert European baby formulas have earned the biodynamic organic certification through The Bioland Association. Their guidelines also surpass the European Union organic standards for infant nutrition.

Lebenswert products only contain quality organic milk that stems from animals that are raised on biodynamic fields.

Harmony with nature to protect and nurture the environment to produce high quality organic raw products that are pesticide, herbicide, and GMO free is the Lebenswert philosophy.

When it comes to choosing the very best in infant nutrition it is helpful to know what these certifications mean as it gives you more of an idea of the carefully thought out process behind your little one’s European baby formula.

My Organic Company only carries baby formula that has been designed to meet your infant's nutritional and digestive needs perfectly without all of the fillers, toxins, and harmful ingredients, like soy that are found in big brand American baby formulas.

Pure, clean organic European baby formulas in those important first years of life will set a strong foundation for a lifetime of health and wellbeing.