Below is an email I recently sent to a private client of mine. Since the number one question I receive is “What is the safest infant formula?,” I thought some of you might be interested in my analysis of the two safest brands of baby formula, HiPP vs. Holle (both from Europe). Note that whichever formula you choose, you should always use a water filter to remove chlorine (carcinogenic) and fluoride (linked with lowered IQ). (Here’s more on why you should get a filter and which ones I like.)
Dear E.:
So the bottom line is I would recommend Holle formula as the best option, but it’s not without some problems, unfortunately (yet again it becomes clear that nothing can compare with breastmilk). HiPP is superior in a few ways, but I’ll explain why ultimately I would go with Holle below.
Here’s what I considered when researching HiPP vs. Holle:
- Palm oil. Palm oil is an ingredient that a lot of people worry about (suspected to affect bone density), and both HiPP and Holle contain it. However, because they each contain a blend of other oils (like coconut and sunflower), I don’t think the amount is as concerning. They do both also contain rapeseed oil, otherwise known as canola oil, which is also somewhat controversial. It’s worth noting that Baby’s Only doesn’t contain palm oil–but it does contain soybean oil, which I don’t like, so not really a huge win.
- Aluminum issue. The HiPP ready-made formula is preferable to the HiPP powder because the latter has strangely high aluminum levels, although even the ready-man has borderline levels. (I can’t figure out why–possibly because it comes in aluminum pouches (within a cardboard box)). However, in general I actually DON’T like ready-made formulas because they contain soy lecithin (sometimes extracted with hexane…and soy is problematic anyway because of its estrogenic properties). On the other hand, the amount of lecithin is relatively small, and probably worth the trade-off. Note that the HiPP Growing Up milk in powder form actually has much lower levels of aluminum (but you can’t use that until after 12 months, and it does contain soy lecithin. Sigh). Bottom line here is go for ready-made or Growing Up milk if you do get HiPP, but with Holle you don’t have to worry about this.
- LCP oils. The addition of omega 3 and 6 oils in U.S. formulas is controversial because of the extraction methods (super complicated issue so I’ll spare you all the details). HiPP has these added oils, but I suspect the extraction methods are probably required to be cleaner in Europe. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to get to the bottom of this, so it’s a question mark and potentially another negative for HiPP. And studies show that the addition of the oils doesn’t improve the nutrition for babies anyway, so their absence isn’t really a negative for Holle.
- Organic practices. Both of these companies have been around for more than 50 years, and the dairy products from both come from grass-fed, organic cattle, certainly of a higher quality that anything you get here. Holle farms are certified organic and biodynamic–which I’ll simplify by saying is like organic-plus, with very strict standards from the processing all the way to the packaging. Another point in the Holle column.
- Sugars. All formula has a lot of sugar (breastmilk is naturally quite sweet), and HiPP wins in this category, as it uses lactose as a sweetener, which is the best option (and also the most expensive). Holle uses maltodextrin (a plant-based sweetener), although it seems to use less of it than most American formula brands. And here’s an update from July 2015: Lebenswert is a newish formula under the Holle umbrella. The Stage 1 Lebenswert formula contains lactose instead of maltodextrin, and Lebenswert is now available at here!
- Prebiotics. This is another win for HiPP. Holle doesn’t contain these, and it’s one of the big things found in breastmilk but missing from formula.
Bottom line: Both HiPP and Holle are superior to American formulas, in my opinion. They lack many of the concerning ingredients found in most formula you get here, don’t have white sugar or corn syrup in them, and also skip some preservatives and the carrageenan found even in other organic formulas. If it were my baby, I would probably choose Holle because of the aluminum issues with HiPP–which to me is more concerning than the maltodextrin (the only major downside to Holle). The lecithin, biodynamic farming, and LCP oil issues further put Holle in the lead. And if you choose Stage 1 Lebenswert, you skip the maltodextrin as well.
Stay sane,
200 comments
Maia James
This would be a good question for your pediatrician; I don’t want to make a recommendation for a dairy-sensitive baby.
Maia James
I haven’t done a thorough review of Topfer, but it generally looks comparable to Holle (maltodextrin being the only not-so-great ingredient).
Johannes
Hey Cassie,
in German iron means “Eisen” so look for Eisen when checking for iron values. Regards Johannes - organicbabyfoodshop.comJohannes
Hey Nancy,
Are you still interested in more Holle Infant Formula? Regards JohannesJohannes
Try to use HiPP Lebenswert as it is usually even better digestible than Holle.
Best regards Johannes PS: Just in case: You can choose between HiPP, Holle and Lebenswert Bio in our new online store at http://organicbabyfoodshop.comJohannes
Hello Anika,
here is Johannes from OrganicBabyFoodShop.com. We are aware that there is some trouble with the shipping sometimes. Thats also why we created a new shipping (and warehousing system) that ships only the freshest batch directly form Hamburg, Germany to you! Check it out if you’re still serious about getting the best organic baby formula. http://www.organicbabyfoodshop.comRobert Navarro
Hi all,
Best, -RobertOur daughter is 10 months old, and we’ve been giving her Holle Infant Milk (and the Honest DHA supplement) since nearly the beginning. We started on stage 1, moved to stage 2 and will be giving her stage 3 till she’s one year old.
While I have been a huge advocate of Holle (and still feel it’s one of the best out there), our Doctor told us at the last appointment that our daughter is low on iron and we would have to give her an iron supplement. When we compared the iron content of Holle to most other formula brands we found that Holle is about 37% less than the others – and this most likely is why she is iron deficient.
We are going to try Baby’s Only Organic with the next baby and hope it doesn’t constipate.
Melissa
Is this store a safe store. Another blog about these formulas said to order from bristore.co.uk. Also I got the UK version of hippvthis time and not the German and she’s been 24hrs since the change in formula and she’s been spitting up a lot more than usual. Guess that’s from the switch. She didn’t spit up at all on the German one though
Briana
Do you have any experience with hipp’s hypoallergenic formula? I see it still has lactose in it, so does that mean that my baby will have a reaction if he has a dairy sensitivity, or is it broken down enough where he should tolerate it? Strange it’s labeled hypoallergenic if dairy allergies can’t drink it. Thanks!
Kim
What do you think of Topfer? I emailed Organic Munchkin and told him about my baby’s personal situation (underweight, picky eater, and gas) and he recommended that along with the Holle. Thank you!
Shab
Third time is a charm.. (or sign of habitual postpartum forgetfulness) but Cassie, yes, 0,6=0.6.
Maia 6) w regards to the DHA, if the research says that the omegas added to formula have not shown any difference for babies but that it is more of a marketing ploy, should this factor play a role in our decision on which brand to purchase or to search for a supplement?Shab
Casse, iron is Eisen and there is 0.7mg in 100ml in Lebenswert 1.
Shab
Hi. I have a few questions.
4)the Holle formula also comes in aluminium packets, so I imagine their alum content will be similar to Hipp’s but has anyone got new info on that? 5) we order ours from Organicbabyfood24.com and they have good n fast service and give coupons too.1) in thethe comments above, it has been said that Holle does not contain Lactose vs. Hipp which does. However, the box of Lebenswert 1 that I have DOES contain Lactose. Are we looking at different packaging?
2) The fat content difference in 100ml is:
Lebenswert : sat fat 1.1, unsat 1.4, polysat 0.6, total 3.1g
Holle : sat fat 1.2, unsat 1.3, polysat 0.8, total 3.3g
Hipp: sat fat 1.2, unsat 0.6, polysat 0.7g, total 3.5
So for a baby drinking 1L a day, that’s a 4g total difference between the highest n lowest. Is that considered a big difference for babies below 6 months nutritionally?
3) someone above had said the goat’s formula (which sadly contains maltodex but Lactose too) resulted in constipation. We had the same experience. My question is, can we mix the cow n goat formula to get a better balance? Or is that not good for baby? My pedi said we shouldn’tshouldn’t give goat’s formula period! I am confused abt that bec I had read goat’s milk is closest to mothers milk, so why the fuss abt the formula?
Maia James
You should have your pediatrician check the label and make sure the nutrition is appropriate for your baby.
Cassie
How come iron is not listed in the Lebenswert nutrition facts? Is it listed as something else/has a different name?
Maia James
I would recommend you ask your pediatrician. Unfortunately I’m not qualified to give direct advice about your child’s health. Your pediatrician would be able to provide the best direction.
candi burkhart
HI,
Thank you so much for the amount of time you put into reseacrhing these formulas for us, I have read endless blogs and I keep coming back to you!!!
I have a question, my little one os 7 weeks old, I just transitioned her from enfamil to Holle 1, she was so gassy and uncomfortable on enfamil, the first three days while chaning the formula she took to Holle like a dream, burping pooping and sleeping. then day 4 came and massive constipation!!! after inserting a thermometer in her poor tiny bum, she released her BM, it was wasn’t a pellet but it was more dense and intestinal shaped than she’s had before, after the first part came out the rest was soft. I’m wondering if this has something to do with there not being prebiotics in the Holle.
If something like this was happening with your child, would you think switching to Hipp would be beneficial or would you think that she needed a few more days for her body to get adjusted? thank you in advance
candi burkhart
hi,
i hoe you ca answer a question for me, I recently started using Holle 1 with my 7 week old, she had horrible acid reflux as well as gas, a lot of that does seem better but she is spitting up more than usual, do you know if the Holle formula is considered a thinner formula? any suggestions?
Cassie
Hi, what does the comma in the nutrition facts on Holle mean? Is it equal to the “point” in US formula? i.e. per 100 ml prepared bottle it states there is iron 0,6 mg. Does this equal to 0.6 mg?
Also, since DHA is not in Holle Stage 1 – are there DHA supplements that can be given to a 6 month old? Thank you!Cornel
Hi All. After reading all these articles on gimmethegoodstuff, I went ahead and purchased a variety of the formulas from my country (Romania). My daughter just started on formula and it seems she took to HIPP. But I purchased a bunch of other formula. I’m in South Florida area, and I have extra boxes of formula if anyone is interested.
I have 2-500gr boxes of Anfangs-Milch 1 Lebenswert bio. Exp Feb 2017
I have 4-400gr boxes of Holle 1. Exp Dec 2016
I have 2-800gr boxes of Aptamil Pronutra 1. Exp June 2017
I’m not here to make money off of it, just need to sell it to someone that will use it. I cannot use it, as my little one took to HIPP more than the others. All boxes are sealed. I purchased them for $30 each, and $40 for the Aptamil. I will ship it to anyone in the US if anyone is interested for $25 plus shipping. If you buy them all, ill discount it even more.
Again, I just need to sell them because my little one took to HIPP, and instead of just sitting around, might as well have another baby use it. Please email me at cornelp at Hotmail dot com.
cornelp@hotmail.com
Only serious people folks. Thanks…
Maia James
Sorry, but I haven’t been able to verify anything—good or bad—about this vendor.
Linda
Hello, do you know of www.formuland.com is a legitimate website to order from? Thanks!
SaniaWth2kids
I also prefer to trust the Holle formula over the Hipp. I used them for my 2 sons and It’s fair to say I never had any issue. They are now as healthy as they can get. They just grow too fast.. I’m in SF and I usually got my formulas from here http://bit.ly/21Aay7D
Maia James
I did look into Aptamil and don’t consider it Good Stuff. I’ll add Milupa to the list! Thanks for the suggestion!
Leighann Worthen
Have you done any research on Aptamil or Milupa formulas from Germany?
Maia
Many people do continue with Stage 1 passed the 6-month mark, but that would be a question for your pediatrician:).
Maia
Sorry, which website are you trying to purchase from?
Roberta
Hi Kris,
I really recommend to buy the formula directly from Germany. Its much cheaper than in the US. We get our formula from http://www.organicbabyfood24.de/ Great service and neat packaging, organic baby food respond in a short time period and always get things taking care of. Best, RobertaMaia James
Hi Ellen-
Hope this helps: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/where-to-buy-infant-formula/
Nancy
Hi Kris,
I’m sorry to hear about your situation, I’m looking to purchase Holle formula and don’t know where to buy it from. I don’t want the same situation to happen to me. Which site are you exactly talking about ?Steve
To start with, anything you import into a country might go through x-ray.
X-Ray of mailpieces is totally harmless, here are some facts: Radiation dose of mail x-ray-scanner : 0.01 mrem One day of natural background radiation : 1 mrem One day of man-made radiation : 1 mrem Average commercial airplane flight (4 hours) = 4 mrem http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/fact-sheets/bio-effects-radiation.html http://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-blog/Airport_xray_scanners.html So if you take your kid on a day at the beach, the exposed radiation will be 20 times higher (natural and man-made radiation together), than a mailpiece will take from a scan. Best Regards Steve – Milkbutler.com – Your reliable source for organic babyfoodThe other question, is it harmfull or negligible ?
kris
Hi Maia,
I love your website and recommendations and am a faithful customer – your products are fantastic. Just wanted to let you know that there appears to be a problem with the supplier Organic Baby that you mention in this post – they appear to be having some problems and do not respond to voicemail or email. They took a very substantial $$ order from me via PayPal and never sent the Holle formula. And have not responded to me over the past 3 weeks or refunded my money. Their voicemail appears to be full, as well. PayPal is investigating, I just thought you should know in case another of your customers has a similar problem with them.ellen
sooooo, i’ve read this and all the comments like 3 times. can someone just tell me where to order from? at this point i’m cool with either hipp or hole. some of the websites seem shady. where should i order from? organicbaby15 maybe seems most legit? someone please just tell me where to order. thanks guys!
desperate and tired momma of 4 here, who just cannot do anymore research here. thanks!Alisa
Hi Maia,
Do you have any info on the differences between the UK and German formulations of HiPP? Also, thanks for your website. It’s truly a godsend.kylie
Hi Im hoping someone can possible help me with my question… Ive been giving my 5 month old holle goats milk formula stage 1 which she loves and I love giving to her however Ive been having to mix it with either the old crap formula or some all organic corn syrup (both of which I HATE doing) other wise she ends up having incredible hard poops which seem to hurt her coming out….. Anyone else have this issue or know why it’s happening / what I can do?
thanks
Organicbaby15
Limited time only.
Buy 15 or more boxes of Lebenswert and price can get as low as $20 a box. With free 2-3 day shipping nationwide.
Reg price $25 with free shipping
Alin Andrade
Hi Maia, so my daughter is now 9 months old and the Holle Lebenswert Infant Formula 1 says it is up to 6 months but I have continued to give it to her since Formula 2 and up all have other ingredients I would prefer her not to have. Do you know if it is ok to continue her on the Formula 1 up to her 12 month birthday?
Sari
Does Holle stage 1 from the UK contain high aluminum levels? Can’t seem to easily access Lebenswert at this time.
Leslie Tang
Hi! Do you have any feedback on the website British corner shop? They ship hipp to the US and wanted to see if they would be a trusted source to get my baby formula. Thank you in advance!
kelley elton
what is the difference in iron between holle stage 1 and stage 2
Cornel
I got a question for anyone that has been going thru at least 2 of these formulas:
I have the ability to get Aptamil, Holle and HiPP.
What would you recommend more than the other? I been researching for weeks now to see whats better. They are pretty close, price wise, but a bit different in the ingredients.
Thanks…
Ami
Hi Maia,
Ahh ok. Lol re:enfamil :). In that case, since we have the option of Holle and Lebenswert which uses lactose, it seems to me to go with Lebenswert. Is there any reason/benefit you found in any of your research that Holle has over Lebenswert? Or are they identical except for the sugar ingredient.. Thanks so much for all your research.Ami
Ahh ok. Lol re:enfamil :). In that case, since we have the option of Holle and Lebenswert which uses lactose, it seems to me to go with Lebenswert. Is there any reason/benefit you found in any of your research that Holle has over Lebenswert? Or are they identical except for the sugar ingredient.. Thanks so much for all your research.
Evelyn Velez
I agree, I discovered LWO from this page as well and began ordering thru them for a few months until I discovered that I was being charged almost $10 more for each box than other legitimate websites and her order form always seemed to be taken down after just an hour, so the majority of the time I would stress that I wouldn’t wake up in time to place my order. After being fed up I began buying thru my cousins friend’s site www.naturalbabyorganics.com because she offered free pick-up from her house if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and her prices were lower.
Organicbaby15
That’s why there’s organicbaby15, no membership required, no tax, no shipping fee. The more you buy, the cheaper it gets.
Laura
Please respond to Merediths post, made February 10th, concerning LittleWorldOrganics taking advantage of the consumer. I think she is exactly right, and I think your readers deserve to know why you endorse such a money hungry company. Thank you!
Maia James
Thanks so much for sharing, Merry!
Merry
After I read this article I was a little concerned about the aluminium content of Hipp formula, as I actually would prefer Hipp for my baby boy. So I decided to email the company direct, and here’s their reply to me.
“Dear Merry Alfred, Thank you for your email and interest in the products of HiPP. There has been an official statement from HiPP in August 2014 on Aluminium in Milk formulas. The British journal BMC Pediatrics published an article by Chuhu et al. on excess levels of aluminium in infant milk formulas. The article is an update of a study written in 2010 which was conducted by the same group of researchers. HiPP Organic milks are carefully formulated for use from birth, and, of course, meet all legal requirements, as well as satisfying the most stringent quality controls. The levels of aluminium in the products are well within the defined levels set by the European Food Safey Authority (EFSA). Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust and can be found in almost all foods. Consequently, minimal amounts are naturally contained in the raw dairy products which are used to make infant formulas. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has defined a tolerable intake level for aluminium. The value for our infant formula, which was criticised in the English study, is well below this tolerance level. The analysis results published in the study do however indicate that some HiPP products are in the lower range of all tested reference formulas. Compared with the levels in the 2010 study, we have been able to lower the aluminium levels, We assure you that we are working hard on reducing contamination from aluminium in our products. The recent study confirms that our efforts to reduce aluminium levels are already showing the first signs of success. Naturally, we are working on lowering the levels further. We would like to assure you that HiPP Organic milks are carefully formulated to provide balanced nutrition for your baby: you can rely on our extremely high safety and quality controls. I hope this information has been useful to you. Kind Regards, Petra HiPP Klantenservice" …And I would like to add that I have been using Hipp formula for my baby and it’s great!Meredith
I personally wouldn’t recommend Little World Organics for the simple fact they’re taking advantage of parents. Requiring membership fees that can exceed $150/month just to have access to products that you then have to pay high prices for anyways. It’s immoral, in my opinion, to profit off parents trying to do the right thing for their children by feeding them higher quality formula. In addition it creates an elitist culture. Perhaps that parent only has the money for X amount of formula for the month. Now they are forced into feeding their child inferior USA made formula due to these absurd fees. Wow!
Maia James
Hi there-
I can only advise you to speak to a pediatrician you trust to get advice on the right amount of iron for your baby.