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
Rachel
Any thought about Iron level in Lebenswert? It is lower than American iron fortified formula but maybe it is better that way? I know American formula may put too much iron in but not sure if Lebenswert has too much or too little of Iron
Maia James
Hi Jack-
HiPP does not contain white sugar. It is sweetened with lactose. Hope that helps.
Jack
According to the following article, ‘The European Union banned sugar-sweetened infant formula in 2009’.
http://foodbabe.com/2013/05/28/how-to-find-the-safest-organic-infant-formula/ HIPP ingredients chart: http://www.amazon.co.uk/HiPP-Organic-months-Onwards-Follow/dp/B003Y6OO5Y thanks.HIPP does contain sugar. Isn’t it bad?
Maia James
Hi Dee-
I honestly doubt it’s counterfeit, but I didn’t like the lack of response I got from them.
Maia James
Hi Ami-
I didn’t use any formula for my kids (with the exception of some Enfamil for my oldest when he was a newborn—yikes!). Sorry if this was confusing!
Maia James
I am sorry, but I don’t know why they say not to repeatedly boiled water. I would ask your pediatrician.
krishna
does anyone know if biologisch24 is legit?
Annie
Do you know why HiPP’s feed preparation instructions says do not use repeatedly boiled water? I have a Japanese hot water boiler that boils the water and then keeps the water at a constant temperature. Is that water safe to use?
Ami
Hi Maia,
I just read the article (very informative) as well as all the comments (also informative). Out of curiousity, as I could not tell, for your baby you used original Holle or Lebenswert stage 1? I ordered one of each including the Hipp powder. I saw some back and forth on whether the aluminum levels were high, I plan to do further research because I like the fact that Hipp has prebiotics. It seems to me that you used Holle, could you please let me know why over Lebenswert? Is it due to where the milk comes from?Esther
Hello!
Is there a UK online store you would recommend to buy HIPP? I did notice it is cheaper than the US sites that sell it. Just want to be sure I would be buying from a reputable site.
Also my son EBF will be 6 mo in March and I will need to start supplementing. Which HIPP brand would you suggest?
Thank you!
Esther
Hello, have you been happy with the products you received from this website?? I just went to the site and you are right, the prices are definitely the cheapest I’ve seen.
Maia James
Hi Susie-
If it were my baby, I would probably stick with Lebenswert stage 1, but this is a question you should take up with your pediatrician! One thing about Holle that’s better than Lebensert is that the milk comes from cows on a biodynamic farm (as opposed to simply organic). Ultimately, this is a personal decision, but as I said, I would recommend asking a pediatrician you trust to take a look at the ingredients and nutrition on whichever formulas you are considering.
Susie
Hi,
What are the differences between Holle 2 and Lebenswert 2? Which one would you recommend be for a baby over 6 months who needs a little bit of supplementation in addition to exclusive breastmilk (maybe just a bottle a day)? Also, I know you mentioned you’d prefer Levenswert 1 because it does not contain maltodextrin. What are the differences between Lebenswert 1 and 2 besides maltodextrin and iron levels? Thanks!!Dee
Oh no! Makes me nervous because I have a large supply from them right now (I buy in bulk). :( Do you think it’s safe to continue using the formula? My baby seems to being doing fine on it so I’m assuming it’s at least safe, but do you think there could be something wrong with BOB’s supply (such as being counterfeit or something)? Thanks again!!
Kassidy
My son has been on holle lebenswert for over a month now and is still really gassy, is there one you would recommend to help with that? I use Dr. Browns bottles and am burping in the middle of feeds… But still and I don’t want to have to give my kid gripe water every single day a couple times :(
maia
Hi Beth-
My understanding that Europe’s version of “organic” is actually much more meaningful than ours is. Still, I agree that milk from cows living on a biodynamic farm is even better! It’s a weighing of the pluses and minuses, and ultimately a personal decision. I guess for me, I would favor the lack of maltodextrin over the lack of biodynamic milk, but an argument could definitely be made for the opposite!
Beth
I have a question – with my first, after I stopped EBF at 7 months, I supplemented with Holle formula until 17 months. While I think the lactose/maltodextrin switch is a great thing, my concern is the milk itself. The Lebenswert formula states the milk is from organic farming, but the Holle formula states biodynamic farming. I love the thought of the biodynamic farming since “organic” can be misused Do you have any clarification on the issue? Thanks!
maia
Hi Dee-
I had some additional questions about BOB’s supply chain and was unable to get a clear answer from them. I think it’s probably still fine, but I don’t want to recommend anyone that I am not 100% confident about.
Dee
Hi Maia,
I’ve been ordering quite a bit from Beyond Organic Baby but I don’t see them listed on your site anymore as a good place to buy from. Am I just not seeing it, or have you removed them for some reason? I’m nervous that maybe there is a problem with them that I’m not aware of. Thanks in advance!!!Maia James
The downside to the stage 2 is that it contains maltodextrin. I know a lot of parents who choose to continue feeding their baby stage 1 after 6 months—just check with your pediatrician!
Jenia
What’s the main difference between stage 1 and stage 2? Do you think it’s ok to go on with Lebenswert stage 1 after 6 months?
Maia James
Hi! Yes, I would recommend HiPP HA over Similac Alimentum…but of course check with your pediatrician!
Allison
I’m just wondering what you think about Hipp Ha? My son is 3 months old and has a milk protein allergy that we found at 2 weeks old (blood in his diaper). I am now on a dairy-free diet and he is breastfed 4 out of 7 days per week, but on the 3 days I work he ends up needing a little formula once my pumped milk runs out. I’m using Similac alimentum although I do not want to! I just came across the hypoallergenic Hipp tonight (although it is sold out everywhere)…I’m excited to know there’s a healthier option!
Melanie
Can anyone help me? I really want to switch to one of these formulas but I don’t know which one. I tried The Honest Company formula with my daughter because it was affordable. At 3 weeks she became so constipated she had bloody stool. My pediatrician recommended we go back to Enfamil Gentlease. She deals with gas a lot. I’ve got her on organic probiotic drops. She is almost 4 months old and I want to get her back on something organic and healthy, but I’m afraid it will be too much for her tummy. I need something with partially digested proteins. That is what my pediatrician is recommending. Does anyone have similar experience? Recommendations?
Maia
I personally would do Lebenswert stage 1 even for that age, but you should of course ask your pediatrician!
Delanie
If using Holle only as a supplement to BM (probably 60-40 BM), which Holle formula would you choose for an 8 mo? I like that the lebenswert bio stage 1 doesn’t have maltodextrin, but is it an issue since it is labeled for 0-6 mo.
Melissa
Hi, there was a worldwide shortage because I was trying for the longest to get this, then I finally found that organicbaby15 are now stocked with it.
Maia James
I have never heard that and I can’t imagine that the quality would be different between countries. I asked my contacts who import these formula and they had also never heard of this.
Melissa
How do you still have this in stock ? I thought there was a worldwide shortage?
Melissa
I keep hearing that the products sold in the uk are different and of a lower grade than the ones sold directly out of Germany ? Any truth to this??
Maia James
Hi Tabatha-
No, I’m sorry but I am not familiar with that one!
Tabatha
Have you done any research on purely loved organics? Just wondering if it is legit.
Lili
Ginger.
When i told my doctor about Giving my Baby Holle FOrmula he had no clue . My doc just gave me the stink eye. At the end of the day its your baby and you know best. My little one just turned 9 months, hasnt gotten sick once and is super healthy. I dont know if its because of the formula or not but i would like to think so since its costing me a pretty penny to get her the best .
Elaine
I am wondering what the iron pyrophosphate and copper sulfate are in the Holle Lebenswert stage 2 formula and if this is safe for my baby.
Imola
About the DHA in Hipp I found this source:
Since 2010, LCP’s (AA & DHA) and prebiotic oligossacharides (GOS) have been added to our formula range, so that bottle-fed babies can benefit. These are key ingredients which are also found in breastmilk. It is the addition of these compounds which means that HiPP milks are no longer vegetarian The LCP’s which are added to our infant and hungry baby powdered formulas are from a fish source, although the ready-to-feed versions contain an algae source. The prebiotics which are included in the ready-to-feeds and the follow-on-milks are made from lactose, and the extraction method used to separate this lactose from the milk involves animal rennet. Similarly, the lactose and whey powder used in our Growing up milk (both powder and ready to feed) and Good night milks use the same extraction method. Unfortunately, sources of non-animal rennet are scarce, and this is an industry-wide problem. As a result, most of the standard first infant formula milks currently available in the UK are not vegetarian. We believe strongly in the benefits of having prebiotics and LCPs in our formulas to help soften stools and aid digestion for babies so we believe the inclusion, and decisions made as a result, are the right ones in order to provide babies with ‘the next breast thing’.Hannah
I have 3 boxes of HiPP Organic 1 from Birth onwards First Infant Milk 800GM for sale at $25 per box. We bought it in the UK and would no longer be needing it. Email me at fumi210@gmail.com if your interested.
Annie Walker
And – there are no memberships or limited stocking! I think there is a 12 box per order limit, but that is reasonable. Cheers.
Annie Walker
I buy HIPP straight from the UK. I used to use Artisana, thank goodness I paid with PayPal and was able to get my last $200 back after they shut down their site. I now use http://www.britsuperstore.com/
Super fast! I ordered on Saturday and received on Thursday! The cost (incl shipping) was almost the same price than the same quantity of Enfamil or Similac. I got 4 boxes of 800g (3200g total) for $140.00. That is $35 per box of 800g or $0.04375 per gram. Compare to $26 for 629g of Enfamil Newborn which is $0.04133 per gram. Totally worth the extra $0.00242 per gram for a far superior product! And customer service was very responsive, helpful, and quick as well.Amir Simkhai
Hey, I hope you dont mind but I really have this strong urge to recommend a British website that i used to order 15 NEW boxes of Hipp and 12 Ready to feed.
I swear i have no affiliation to the website, just one very very happy customer! My name is Amir Simkhai, you can check me on Facebook.British Online Supermarket – http://www.britishonlinesupermarket.com/
It was Quick, with no NO Daily Quotas and no NO Membership Fees. No nonsense in short.
The best part is that it is literally half the price of the American website that are selling it. Some of these American website give you a feeling that they are doing you a favor that they are selling it to you. I didnt like that and I am so happy I found this site.
Apparently you make an order and then the folks in the UK go out and shop for the items.
I made the order on Oct 13 , on Oct 16 I got a confirmation email that the order was shipped and today (the 20th) I got all the sealed boxes. 7 Days.
They said it will take about 2-3 weeks.
Below is the order i made so you can compare the costs: (works out to about $22-$23 per 800 g box!!)
DESCRIPTION QUANTITY PRICE COST
Hipp Organic Infant Milk 800g 15 £10.49 £157.35
No. Shipped 15
Hipp Organic First Infant – 12 £1.19 £14.28
Milk 200ml
No. Shipped 12
Subtotal: £171.63
Shipping & Handling: £77.99
Total: £249.62
Mary
Hi all! I wanted to provide another resource for mommies looking to order Holle products here in the US. We sell Lebenswert Bio 1 and other Holle products at http://www.purelylovedorganics.com. Hope this helps!
Maia James
My understanding is that the fluoride found in Holle (and other) formulas is the naturally-occurring variety—-from the milk used to make their formulas.
Jennifer
I was looking at the nutrition facts of Holle and there is fluoride in it. Is this safe for babies?
Robert Navarro
Hi Maia,
Since our daughter is only about 8 lbs 11 oz, (and the minimum dosage for the Premium Organic DHA supplement is 1.0 ml for a 10 lb baby) my Pediatrician suggested 0.5 ml. However, we stopped the Premium Organic and went to Hipp Organic First Infant (stage 1) while we are waiting for our shipment of Holle Organic Goat Milk (Formula 1) to arrive. We first tried Baby’s Only Organic (with Hexane-free DHA and ARA) but it really constipated our baby. Then we went to the Premium Organic which did the same. Our Pediatrician suggested Enfamil Newborn (which we tried just to see if her constipation would improve) mineral oil . . . but after a lot of research I bought the Holle Organic Goat which I am really looking forward to getting a hold of. Unfortunately the Hipp Organic has the high aluminum issue or we would stick with it. Our baby seems to love it, and her poop has returned to something resembling what you get with breast milk. For what it’s worth, I agree with you. Holle all the way, and from what I can tell the “Goat Milk” formula is even better!Maia James
Congrats on your newborn! This is a question that I think is best answered by a pediatrician. Would love to hear the advice you receive if you would be willing to share. Thanks!
Robert Navarro
Hi Maia,
Best, -RobertWe just started using the Premium Organic Infant Formula from the Honest company while we’re waiting for Hipp to be back in stock so we can order. I know it does not contain DHA, but they make a supplement you can add to the formula. However, the dosage goes by weight, and it starts at 10 lbs. Our newborn only weighs just over 7 lbs, so I’m not sure how much to give her or if it’s even safe for infants. Do you have any advice?
Rob
It’s terrible that we can’t buy safe infant formula in the U.S.
The ingredients in the U.S. brands are addictive poison. It’s no wonder half our kids are obese in America when we feed babies corn sugar. The FDA should be shut down and replaced for failing to protect the American people. The fact that they actively prevent the sale of safe infant formula brands from Europe is disgusting. The price of doner milk in the U.S. is also disgusting. I can’t believe they declared it a prescription drug so they can control it. Doner milk should be available free from people who wish to donate it so we wouldn’t need to poison our babies with this filth. America really sucks sometimes…Maia James
Ginger, if it’s at all helpful—It’s my understanding that Euro formulas are only not FDA approved because they haven’t sought approval, not because they wouldn’t meet it.
Ginger
Has anyone actually asked your child’s pediatrician about using HiPP/Holle? If so, what was the response? I want to start using one of these for my baby, but my pediatrician has me fill out info about what we’re feeding her at every visit and I just don’t want a lecture about how it isn’t FDA approved.
Maia
I was under the impression that you no longer needed to boil the water when making formula…but I look forward to hearing from some formula feeders on this thread!
Dené
Correction heating the water to 50 degrees Celsius then cooling to 37 degrees Celsius.