Choosing the perfect baby formula is one of the most important decisions a family will make for your infant.

When choosing complete nutrition the best place to start is by researching every detail of the potential baby food companies, along with the ingredients the formulas contain and how they are sourced.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at Holle formulas vs Lebenswert formulas to find the similarities and differences in these well respected baby formula brands.

In the United States, the majority of over-the-counter baby formulas come with synthetic ingredients, artificial additives, and preservatives. Even formulas labeled as “organic” pick up chemicals or pesticides along the manufacturing process.

These chemicals, synthetic ingredients and additives can lead to different infant digestive issues such as constipation, indigestion, bloating, and nausea and in daily amounts can hamper the growth and development cycle and lead to long term health problems like diabetes.

Farming

European formula companies practice soil to manufacturing organic farming. The entire ecosystem of the farm is considered and taken care of: soil, seeds, plants, animals, and humans.

No pesticides, GMO’s or chemical fertilizers are allowed on soil, plants or animals.

One of the most important differences between American companies and European companies is the ban on certain processing practices and ingredients.

Only Natural Sweeteners

The EU does not allow European baby formula manufacturers to use corn syrup, glucose, fructose, rice syrup, table sugar.

European baby formula manufacturers have designed a way to sweeten baby formula that more closely mimics breast milk in taste and nutritional value using lactose – called “milk sugar,” since it’s found only in mammal milk – a complex carbohydrate (disaccharides) that moves quickly through the digestive system, and can be very healthy in small doses.

Maltodextrin, which is naturally based, is extracted from starchy foods such as potatoes, corn and wheat. Maltodextrin is a polysaccharide that works as a sugar substitute.

Using these organic sweeteners ensures a great taste and texture that baby will enjoy and nutrition that parents will appreciate.

Stages Not Ages

Perhaps, one of the best things about European baby formula aside from 100% organic nutrition is that they are specifically designed to meet each baby with the correct amount of nutrition and digestive balance for developmental stage, no matter the age.

Holle is a German company that has made organic baby food since 1933. From its beginning, Holle has never used chemical processing or preservatives at any point of the formula making process- a true pioneer in the baby food industry!

Holle's quality expectations exceed other manufacturers, with their Demeter Certification and environmental care and sustainability expectation.

Demeter Quality Standards focuses the entire system of farming to production. Taking organic further with principles that add vitality to the plant, soil and/or livestock. Demeter farming practices are focused entirely on sustainability, and giving back to the environment. Chemical-synthetic fertilizers, additives during processing, spraying agents or GMOs are not allowed.

Holle also specializes in Goat’s Milk-based formulas for those little ones that may be dealing with a cow’s milk allergy or intolerance. With similar amounts of fat and all the same vitamins and minerals as you find in Holle cow’s milk-based formulas, Holle Goat milk is an excellent breastfeeding substitute both in taste and texture.

All stages of Holle cow’s milk and goats milk formulas have the vital vitamins such as A, C, D, and minerals like calcium and iron to help your little one meet all developmental, and cognitive milestones without additives, harmful chemicals, gluten, nuts, wheat, or soy.

Sold in 40 countries, Holle is focused not only on producing healthy, clean organic baby formula for today's generation, but they also invest in future generations through sustainable practices that protect our environment.

Cow’s milk-based organic formula

Holle Bio Stage Pre Organic Baby Formula

For newborns to six months. Made without maltodextrin, artificial ingredients or sugars, perfect as a breastmilk substitute or to be used right alongside it.

• Whole milk based formula from organic cows
• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
• Iron fortified
• 400g / 14oz of formula powder

Holle Bio Stage 1 Organic Baby Formula

Made for babies up to six months. Contains vitamins and minerals for immunity, digestion, and bone strength.

• Main carbohydrate is lactose
• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
• Gluten-Free
• Iron fortified
• 400g / 14oz of formula powder

Holle Bio Stage 2 Organic Baby Formula

Perfect for little ones over 6 months. Full of vitamins, minerals and organic ingredients your baby needs to thrive.

• Main carbohydrate is lactose
• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
• Gluten-Free
• Iron fortified
• 600g / 21oz of formula powder

Holle Bio Stage 3 Organic Baby Formula

Specially formulated for babies over ten months who are starting to eat solids yet still need the nutrients in baby formula.

• Main carbohydrate is lactose
• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
• Iron fortified
• 600g / 21oz of formula powder

Holle Bio Stage 4 Organic Toddler Formula

Perfect for toddlers over twelve months who need cow milk but not old enough to forego the lack of vitamin D and iron that is missing from regular dairy milk products.

• Main carbohydrate is maltodextrin
• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
• Chemical-free farming and positive animal husbandry
• Gluten-Free
• Iron fortified
• 600g / 21oz of formula powder

Holle A2 Stage 1 Organic Baby Formula

Perfect for newborns from 0-6 months. Provides high quality, organic A2 cow's milk. For babies that have sensitive tummies, but don't want to make the switch to goat's milk.

• Milk from cows with A2 beta-casein protein type, not A1 cows
• Label in English for easy to read
• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified (Organic ++)
• Chemical-free farming and positive animal husbandry
• 800g / 28.22 oz of formula powder

Holle A2 Stage 2 Organic Baby Formula

Perfect for babies from 6 - 12 months, transitioning into more solid foods in their diet. With many babies suffering from digestive issues, the A2 milk offers a reasonable and feasible solution.

• No added sugar, GMO Free

• Milk from cows with A2 beta-casein protein type, not A1 cows

• Label in English for easy to read

• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified (Organic ++)

• Chemical-free farming and positive animal husbandry

• 800g / 28.22 oz of formula powder

Holle A2 Stage 3 Organic Baby Formula

Perfect for toddlers from 12+ months. Looking for a formula that helps your toddler with their gut digestion and sensitivity? Holle A2 milk is a fantastic option.

• Milk from cows with A2 beta-casein protein type, not A1 cows

• Label in English for easy to read

• Free from artificial chemicals, preservatives, and flavors

• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified (Organic ++)

• Chemical-free farming and positive animal husbandry

• Main carbohydrate is lactose

• 800g / 28.22 oz of formula powder

Goat milk-based organic formula

The taste and texture of goats milk-based formula is slightly different than cow’s milk that many babies prefer. Goat’s milk formula also has similar properties to breastmilk that act as a prebiotic that makes an infant’s or toddler’s digestion easier.

Holle Goat Milk Stage 1 Organic Baby Formula

Ideal for newborns to six months. who have milk allergies and need a formula that is easier to digest.

• Main carbohydrate is lactose sourced from Whole Organic Goat's milk
• Alternative for babies sensitive to cow’s milk
• No Palm Oil
• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
• Iron fortified
• 400g / 14oz of formula powder

Holle Goat Milk Stage 2 Organic Baby Formula

Nutritiously packed full of healthy vitamins and minerals that are necessary for babies older than six months and starting to eat solid foods.

• Main carbohydrate is lactose sourced from Whole Organic Goat's milk
• Alternative for babies sensitive to cow’s milk
• No Palm Oil
• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
• Gluten-Free
• Iron fortified
• 400g / 14oz of formula powder

Holle Goat Milk Stage 3 Organic Baby Formula

For babies and toddlers older than ten months and younger than two, that still need nutrition to supplement solid food and require additional fats to boost the immune system and normal brain development.

• Main carbohydrate is lactose sourced from Whole Organic Goat's milk
• Alternative for babies sensitive to cow’s milk
• No Palm Oil
• Biodynamic, Demeter, and Organic Certified
• Gluten-Free
• Iron fortified
• 400g / 14oz of formula powder

Lebenswert Baby Formula is biodynamically and organically farmed and sourced from 100% grass-fed cows, raised in a biodynamic and organic farming environment, without hormones or pesticides. Earning Lebenswert the European “Bioland Certification.”

Bioland certification means that the animals, land, and farmers involved in the production and manufacturing of the baby formula are treated with care and respect. Each step of the process takes in account the ecological and community impact, resulting in sustainable, socially responsible, high-quality baby formula .

To further their commitment to being an eco-friendly and socially responsible company, Lebenswert donates one cent of each purchase to forest restoration and reforestation projects.

Lebenswert Baby Formula is the perfect addition to breast milk or as a complete substitute due to this formulas a taste and texture that mimics breast milk and essential vitamins C, A, D and B as well as minerals such as zinc.

As with all European baby formulas, Lebernswert will never contain artificial flavors, soy, additives or unnatural sugars.

Taking all of this into account it is no wonder Lebenswert is the first choice of Pediatricians in Europe.

Lebenswert Stage 1 Organic Baby Milk Formula

For infants to six months, provides the perfect balance between nutritious purity and a taste that mimics breast milk.

• Main Carbohydrate is lactose
• No maltodextrin or starch
• Bioland organic certified
• Gluten free
• 500g / 17.6oz of formula powder

Lebenswert Stage 2 Organic Baby Milk Formula

Ideal for babies older than six months, this is an easy-to-digest organic formula that contains all the essential vitamins and minerals a growing baby needs to meet developmental milestones.

• Main carbohydrate is lactose
• Bioland organic certified
• NO wheat, soy, or peanut ingredients
• Gluten-Free
• 500g / 17.6oz of formula powder

Lebenswert Stage 3 Organic Baby Milk Formula

Perfectly formulated for babies older than ten months, perfect nutrition to boost intellect and meet those developmental milestones on the way to being a toddler.

• Main carbohydrate is lactose
• Bioland organic certified
• NO wheat, soy, or peanut ingredients.
• Gluten-Free
• 475g / 16.5oz of formula powder

The obvious winner between Holle vs Lebenswert European baby formulas is….the families!

There are some highlights with the Holle brand baby food company we were impressed with.

• Special formulas made for digestive problems and lactose sensitivities
• Thick and creamy animal milk that babies love
• We love that from the very beginning this company has gone out of it’s way to give the very best in organic, sustainable nutrition and maintains Demeter Certification for environmental and community care.

Likewise, Lebenswert baby formula brand has made a real impression on us.

• Closely resembles breast milk in taste and consistency
• Bipland certified for organic excellence
• Their commitment to being an eco-friendly and socially responsible company by taking care of the community they live and work in.

Your baby's diet today impacts their health for the rest of their life, is it any wonder parents are increasingly choosing the pure organic nutrition of European baby formula.

My Organic Company is proud to carry Holle and Lebenswert, brands that further our unwavering commitment to bringing your family clean, healthy organic nutrition. Nutrition for development. Nutrition for your little one to grow on.

Looking for advice? Want to share your thoughts on European baby formula? Need a laugh or a smile to brighten your day? Please join us in the HiPP Holle Kendamil & European Baby Formula Parent Community