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HiPP VS. Holle: The Ultimate Comparison Guide
Written by Renee Published on 06/02/24 Read Time 11 min

When breastmilk is not an option, choosing a reliable baby formula becomes crucial in providing the perfect nutrition for your baby. Your little one's diet is not just about their growth and development today but also lays the foundation for their long-term health into adulthood.
In this article, we will closely examine the benefits of European infant nutrition and highlight two of the most trusted and reliable brands in the organic baby formula industry: HiPP and Holle. These brands have earned their reputation through years of providing high-quality products.
What is Organic Baby Formula?

European organic baby formulas are renowned for their high-quality ingredients and strict infant regulations. HiPP and Holle are particularly notable for their meticulously crafted organic farming practices, which are designed with your infants' growth and development in mind at every step.
European Union guidelines require that all European organic baby formulas be free from pesticide residue, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic chemicals and preservatives, heavy metals, and potentially toxic ingredients. Baby formula manufacturers in Europe must use only milk from cows grazing on grass pastures, ensuring their milk has a higher protein content than dairy products. This higher protein content is beneficial for your baby's growth and development.
Checks and balances are implemented at each step of the European baby formula process before an organic stamp is allowed on your infant's nutrition. These rules apply at every stage, from farming practices to the final product.
It's important to note that US organic baby formula companies are subject to different standards than their European counterparts, such as HiPP and Holle. This contrast in regulations is a crucial factor to consider when making an informed choice about your baby's nutrition.
Under FDA regulations, American baby formulas labeled 'Organic' do not always mean that every ingredient follows the necessary practices.
For instance, some US formulas may contain ingredients that are not organic, such as corn syrup solids, which can be a potential risk to your baby's health. The US has a divided view of organic infant nutrition: organic and grass-fed formulas.

Organic European Baby Formula: HiPP VS. Holle
Families should consider European baby formula companies to access both regulations to the best of their ability. These companies have farming practices that are 95% organic and sustainable. For instance, the cows producing the milk for these formulas graze in organically grown pastures, which helps preserve natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
European baby formulas have superior standards and meticulous production processes, giving them a distinct advantage over their US counterparts regarding infant nutrition quality.

Organic Baby Formula
HiPP and Holle are highly regarded companies with a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality organic baby formulas in Europe. Their commitment to organic ingredients and rich historical background have made them trusted and beloved brands among parents and caregivers.

HiPP History
HiPP was founded in 1899 by Joseph Hipp, a baker who prioritized his many children. His wife, Maria Oster, had trouble breastfeeding—so the father solved the issue. He was a baker and enriched the milk with rusk flour to make it more filling. His large family lived, and he had over seven children!
In 1970, rusk flour for infants was still widely available on the German market. Georg Hipp decided to begin manufacturing this wholesome formula, and the HiPP brand grew larger. HiPP creates many products, such as juices, foods, meats, and whole-grain fruit paps.
While this happened, Georg HiPP began to source only from organic farms. The company’s priority remains true to its mission statement—to produce healthy, tasty baby formula from safe ingredients.
Holle History
HiPP VS. Holle: Which is the Better Baby Formula?
Both companies have a long history of guaranteed quality and clean ingredients. Both practice sustainable farming and source their milk from grass-fed cows. You can solve all your baby’s needs with their wide selection of products.
For the well-being of infants, both Holle and HiPP believe in providing only the best quality to promote natural baby development.
Additionally, HiPP and Holle are transparent about their sourcing, producing, and ingredients—unlike most over-the-counter brands. If you care about quality and your baby's health, it doesn't get any better than these two companies.
With EU Organic certification and support for local farmers, these two companies care about babies, their employees, and the environment. Due to their excellent production standards, these two companies are undoubtedly legit.
European Organic Baby Formula Ingredients
Both HiPP and Holle are EU-certified organic formulas. But what does this mean?
Non-organic formulas can damage the nervous and pulmonary systems and disrupt the immune systems. However, Organic baby formula is a safer and healthier option for children. No harmful chemicals, sweeteners, or hormones are added.
Moreover, milk does not come from genetically modified cows and can help your child avoid many long-term health problems that sprung up during childhood. Organic formulas are rich in lutein and antioxidants and do not contain any heavy metals.

For those in the United States, you might wonder why you are having trouble buying imported formulas in the first place. Parents are switching to European Organic formulas over American Formulas for several reasons.
There are only four primary producers of organic baby formula in the US, and pharmaceutical businesses own them. These formulas use chemicals and unnatural preservatives, as medicine is their field of interest. American companies have questionable owners, and mindful parents should avoid these sketchy companies.
Ingredients/Features
The selection of ingredients impacts your baby's health in all aspects. This is why carefully selected, safe, and regulated ingredients are essential. Fortunately, both HiPP and Holle meet these three basic standards. Discuss these two formulas and discover their macronutrient sources and nutrition facts.
Carbohydrates
Regarding baby formulas, the carbohydrate source is arguably the most important. It provides your baby with the nutrients it needs to thrive and have the energy to fight off diseases.
The best carbohydrate choice in formulas is lactose—a carbohydrate found in breast milk.
Lactose provides infants with much-needed energy and supports their physical and mental health. Additionally, lactose maintains healthy gut flora and helps babies to absorb nutrients.
Unlike the US, the European Commission requires 30% of carbs in formulas that come from lactose. The United States has no standard for making formulas as cheap as possible.
HiPP – All HiPP baby formulas are lactose-based (except HiPP anti-reflux, which contains maltodextrin to support babies with sensitive stomachs.)
Holle—Holle Bio Stage Pre is 100% lactose-based. On the other hand, Holle Goat milk Stages 1 and 2 combine lactose and maltodextrin.
Protein
Babies could not survive without this essential macro. Protein helps babies grow and nourishes their bodies. This is why it is necessary to feed your baby the proper source of protein. The best protein sources mimic the structure of breast milk.
Cow's milk contains 80% and 20% whey, while breastmilk includes 40% and 60% whey. Casein can be difficult for infants to process. Both companies create specially engineered formulas to mimic breastmilk components to support infant digestion.
HiPP—The protein source follows a protein ratio similar to that of breast milk. HiPP baby formula is designed to help those with sensitive stomachs and is blended with 100% Whey.
Holle—Each formula contains a balanced whey casein protein ratio. Babies with digestion issues will find Holle goat milk comforting. We recommend Holle if your baby has a cow's milk protein intolerance.
Prebiotics & Probiotics
The best organic baby formulas add prebiotics and probiotics. They help keep healthy gut bacteria growing. Additionally, pre-and probiotics strengthen the immune system, reduce colic, prevent eczema, and support overall digestion.
HiPP—All primulas contain prebiotics to support digestion. Anti-reflux, HiPP Dutch Formula stage 1 & 2, and hypoallergenic formulas contain prebiotics and probiotics.
Holle – Unlike HiPP, Holle Organic Formula contains neither prebiotics nor probiotics. They opt out of adding too many supplements to maintain a short, clean list of ingredients.
DHA & ARA
Omega-3 (ALA & DHA) and Omega-6 (ARA) fatty acids support brain health, muscle development, nerve function, vision, and the immune system. These two beneficial ingredients are not required in US formulas, but in 2020 Europe made it a requirement in infant formulas.
HiPP—Every HiPP formula contains Omega-6s, while beginning-stage formulas contain DHA and ARA. These fatty acids are derived from safe sources such as vegetables and fish.
Holle – Holle organic baby formula does not contain any DHA or ARA. But since 2020, they will change their formula to include both components.
Organic Grass-Fed
Europe's organic EU standards are better than formulas made in the United States. Both HiPP and Holle are EU-certified organic.
HiPP—All HiPP formulas are EU-certified organic except HiPP Anti-reflux, HiPP comfort, and HiPP hypoallergenic. (These include protein hydrolysates to support digestion, which requires more processing.)
Holle – Holle meets all EU organic certifications and is Demeter biodynamic certified. They come from the highest level of accreditation from biodynamic farms. This requires Holle to have an annual renewal, ecosystem preservation, animal welfare guarantees, biodiversity support, and much more.
Holle meets the highest environmental and animal welfare standards in the world!
Variety
All formula brands offer a selection of different stages and specialties, but HiPP and Holle go above and beyond. Both companies are continually working to develop the best organic baby formulas.
HiPP – Many options are available with the HiPP organic formula. These formulas include anti-reflux, hypoallergenic, Biodynamic, and more. Also, this company has a variety of stages to support your baby through all their growth periods. Many mothers love the variety of this brand and choose HiPP because of its wide selection.
Holle – While having a wide selection like HiPP, Holle baby formula has one formula option HiPP does not have. Goat milk formulas are in high demand for their excellent benefits. These goat milk formulas are easier for babies struggling to digest cow's milk proteins. They also have regular cow's milk formulas if you want to spend less on formula.

Is there Soy in HiPP or Holle?
As a parent, you can make informed choices for your baby's health and development. Understanding what goes into your baby's formula and what is left out.
It's important to note that HiPP and Holle have consciously excluded soy from their formulas. This is because soy, even in its organic form, has been found to have detrimental effects on a baby's health and growth. Soybeans contain trypsin inhibitors, which can be harmful, and phytic acid, which can cause digestive issues and zinc deficiency. Moreover, the presence of phytoestrogens (or isoflavones) in soy can disrupt an infant's hormonal system, potentially affecting them well into adulthood.
For more information on soy and its effect on your baby’s nutrition, check out our quick-read article https://myorganiccompany.store/blogs/news/is-soy-bad-for-babies
HiPP VS. Holle: Pros/Cons
Now that we know the details about these popular formula brands, let’s examine their pros and cons. HiPP has many features that make it a win-win, and Holle’s formula ingredients are as clean as they come.

Conclusion
Esteemed European baby formula companies HiPP and Holle offer ecologically conscious infant nutrition sourced to the highest standards, promoting a responsible and caring choice for families.
As a trusted name in the industry, My Organic Company is proud to stock formulas from HiPP and Holle. We are not just a supplier but a partner in your parenting journey, and we are here to support your little ones at every stage of development, age, and nutritional requirement.
Please be aware that this information is based on general trends in babies, and it is not medical advice. Your doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child.
Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding.
Author Bio:
Renee is an infant nutrition consultant and a full-time writer. Due to her experience in seeking better nutrition for her premature daughter, she advocates for European baby formula. Renee is fully committed to contributing value to this critical area of child development as a mother of a large family, foster parent, and adoption supporter.
Renee enjoys camping outdoors, swimming, and hiking with her family when she is not working.