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
Dené
Thank you for the in depth evaluation of these products. Using holle stage 1 and own a three step water filter (thanks gimmethegoodstuff). What is the deal with the instructions for boiling the water? Does this have to be done? and why or why not?
brenna ferwerda
I just received my Hipp infant formula in the mail and read the ingredients and nutrition facts and was shocked to see that it contains FLUORIDE!!! Beware…..
I am so disappointed?
Maia James
Hi Alder-
That would be a question for your pediatrician, but if it were my baby and he/she were a healthy weight, I wouldn’t be concerned.
Alder
I used hipp with my 14 month old, but because of aluminum concern, I’m thinking of trying the lebenswert. I’ve read that it has less fat content though. Should this be cause for concern?
Mommy Maria
I’m sorry but there is a lot of confusion on this site about Holle and HiPP. Both of these formulas are excellent, both sourced from organic European farms and both of these EU certified organic companies know exactly where their raw materials are derived. In fact, HiPP contracts with a very large network of European farmers, for example, that are all required to abide by the same EU organic standards.
Regarding the aluminum issue, this need to be corrected for parents. Aluminum in infant milk (and it is in ALL infant milk, aluminum is in almost all of our processed foods in small traces) is derived from the actual soil on which cows feed. It’s found in the earth’s crust and depends on the age of soil. This study only measured certain brands, did not measure Holle, and is only a single snapshot of one particular box from one particular cow. It doesn’t mean that all the formula contains the same levels. It certainly doesn’t mean that one brand of baby formula has more aluminum than another because of this. There is a very good and extensive review of the study that parents should have access to: http://hippformulausa.com/hipp-formula-aluminum-study/ Both of these formulas are excellent substitutes to US national brands? Why? Because they don’t contain artificial additives. It’s really that simple. We’ve had our baby on HiPP for over a year. When we switched from Enfamil (which I thought was the best found here) to HiPP, she changed completely. No more colic, no more digestive problems. Her poop turned yellow again. All I can tell parents is, don’t get caught up in the banter. Try it and see for yourself!Maia James
Sarah-I don’t think biobaby24 is legit. I wouldn’t order from them.
Sarah
Hi, can you tell me where “blobaby24” is? I’m trying to find it but don’t see anything on it. Thanks!
Chad
Hi,
All of the vitamins and some of the minerals are synthetic in the Holle and HiPP formulas. Same case for all USA baby formula. Has anyone asked these companies if these vitamins and minerals are NOT coming from China? This is critical as most vitamins and minerals for any supplement come from China which is a quality concern. I also saw some concerns with Martek’s DHA/ARA ingredient. YES! Do not purchase products with that ingredient. The company is not transparent on the entire manufacturing process. Cornucopia Institutes review on this ingredient is accurate and a good read if interested. -Chad (supplement insider)Tiffany
Steph, could you please provide a link to the article that speaks to that point? (i.e. it specifies that the high aluminum levels are for the HIPP soy based formula and that the powdered milk based formula actually had one of the lowest aluminum levels)
I just bought a lot of Hipp formula before coming across the aluminum issue. Thanks.Maia James
Hi Steph! Thanks for pointing this out! Can I ask where you are buying the HiPP you use?
Steph
If you read the aluminum studies closely it specifies that the high aluminum levels are for the HIPP soy based formula and that the powdered milk based formula actually had one of the lowest aluminum levels. We are using it to supplement our breastfed twins and are very happy with HIPP. It’s a wonderful product.
Maia James
Hi Amanda-
The only concern is that you can’t be 100% what you’re getting with Ebay, although I honestly doubt people are taking Holle formula packaging and filling it with Similac.
Alison
I like Genestra’s infant probiotics. Natogen for breast fed and Baby F for formula fed. Main difference is pre and probiotics in the formula version.
Amanda
What would be the concern with purchasing these formulas in EBay?
Maia James
I don’t have any contact info beyond what you guys have for Artisana. Sorry!
anika
Artisana’s website is offline. I am very upset as I spent $250 in HIPP order that never arrived and now I cannot get a hold of anybody! Do you happen to have a contact number for their customer service? I have emailed several times and now nobody is getting back to me. :/
Thank You!
anika
Yes I have noticed this also- I am very upset as I spent $250 in HIPP order that never arrived and now I cannot get a hold of anybody! Do you happen to have a contact number for their customer service? I have emailed several times and now nobody is getting back to me. :/
stacyg
This is the other listing also:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Holle-Infant-Formula-Stage-1-4-boxes-/261887717029?ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123
Thank you!
stacyg
To anyone interested, I’m not a seller or distributor of this formula but I just have some left over that I didn’t end up needing.I wanted to let anyone interested know that I have a few boxes of Holle formula stage 1 for sale on eBay. This formula is pricey and I would rather sell it at a lower price then just toss it! I am selling it because I ordered too much and now I no longer need it. Thank you!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Holle-Infant-Formula-Stage-1-2-Boxes-/261887774419?ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123
Maia
Hi Keren-
I don’t feel qualified to answer questions about nutrition for infants who aren’t eating solid foods, and would encourage you to ask your pediatrician. I like this on prebiotics: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/prebiotics/#axzz3ZgMdnhB8
Keren
That’s very helpful, thanks so much! Just two follow-up questions:
– If using Holle, would you recommend giving baby a non-hexane extracted DHA supplement (such as Honest brand) or do you believe there’s no proven benefit so no need? (As a side note, I’m supplementing breastfeeding with formula, about 50/50 currently.)
– Could you explain what the benefits of prebiotics are? Since Holle is missing this, is there a supplement you’d recommend?
Thanks again!
Nate
Well the bad news is that the Artisana.co.uk site has been taken offline. I have been ordering the HIPP stage 1 for my son since January. First Amazon was forced to take it off the list and now this site has been taken down. I ordered 6 boxes on April 5th and have not seen the shipment yet. There are other sites that sell it from overseas however their prices are much higher than Artisana. I am really disappointed.
Nate
Miriam
I would be very interested in them. Are they still available??? Please let me know. Ecuabella1 at gmail.com
Maia James
Hi Keren-
No, Holle does not contain LCP oils (the ones advertised to boost eye and brain development, although studies haven’t really shown them to be effective in doing so). Yes, it does contain iron.
Keren
This may go against what makes Holle the most natural option, but do you know if its formula is iron-fortified or contains any of the eye/brain development benefits?
Maia James
Thank you so much for the feedback, Jeane! Yes, I don’t want to officially recommend any vendor until I have thoroughly vetted them. I have been having phone calls with many of them and will be coming out with an official recommendation soon!
Laura
Actually that organic site is in Germany so I now buy Holle from bIobaby24 which is in NYC, USA! Unfortunately they don’t have HiPP.
Maia
My research has led me to believe that no, there is not a risk from the radiation.
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/01/12/145107755/why-x-rayed-food-isnt-radioactive-and-other-puzzles
Zara
I heard the shipment of these European brands go through X-rays.Do you have any insight and whether it’s harmful or not?
Jeane
I saw that you removed some of your website recommendations on where to buy these formulas. I purchased through Tora foods as well as Formuland via paypal. Both had minimal shipping costs but were over $30/box. It seemed safe especially with the paypal option but I saw that bioBaby24 does not have that option but is definitely the cheapest I’ve seen for Holle (around $20) (I would purchase Hipp because it is a better deal except my baby seems to be more gassy on it). Looking forward to seeing what you can find out about these sites.
Laura
I’ve ordered from www.organicbabyfood24.com :-) My twins love Holle, very good packing, on time delivery, need some more. Will highly ecommend!
Laura
Holle is the best, closest to natural milk formula I’ve tried. No chalky, artificial smell, great formulation. All other major brand formulas we tried literally smelled like rotten eggs, or extremely chalky. I cringed at the smells. I had the hardest time giving those disgusting smelling formulas to my new born. But until I found Holle on www.organicbabyfood24.com I had no choice. :-)
Morgan
I’ve ordered from www.biobaby24.com a few times. Located in NY (thats where they shipped from) and they definitely are the cheapest. Too bad they only sell Holle.
Emi
I’ve been supplementing breastfeeding with Hipp since my son turned 6 months and we are very satisfied with it. I order mine from Artisana.co.uk. They ship free to the US and always send me coupon codes. The package usually arrives in 10 days but I make sure to always order ahead of the time. We chose Hipp because of various reviews but most importantly because it uses lactose. We also used the ready made Hipp a few times when traveling and my son liked it just fine.
Nancy
When do they expire? I might be interested :)
Maia James
Hi ladies-
I am removing the recommendations of where to buy Holle formula until I am able to vet some of these online retailers. Stay tuned.
Bee
I’m curious about why you ask this question. I am looking for a place to buy Holle products in the U.S. and came across a similar question elsewhere. Is there a problem with this company?
Maia James
I’m sure someone will take them off your hands, Joann! Congrats on the breastfeeding success!
Joann
I ordered a lot of boxes of Holle from Europe as my baby wouldn’t latch but six weeks in and we are now exclusively breastfeeding. Sucks they are going to waste! since it’s not available in the US, I don’t think I could donate the boxes :(
Maia James
Hi Lynne-
In theory that would be great, but I have not yet found a brand to recommend. Hopefully at some point we will find one! Thanks for reading:).
Lynne
Thank you so much for the comprehensive research! If one were to use Holle, is there a supplemental way to replace the prebiotics?
john
The goat milk formula is a good bet, Veronica, although only as an “add on,” as you can see on their website.
Celia, we cannot guarantee any of the vendors listed—these are just places that sell the formula and many people have purchased with them with no issues.
Veronica
What about the Holle goat milk formula? How does it stack up?
Celia
Hi, can I trust formuland.com to buy Holle?
Lindsay
Do Hipp or Holle contain any added DHA? If so do we know their extraction method? Curious if they are using the non GMO method that Baby’s Only uses.
Also, what’s the best oatmeal for an infant? Preferably one sold in the US that is a true GMO-free oatmeal? Earth’s Best used hexane extraction in their DHA formulas but curious if their oatmeal is the same. I can’t seem to find this info anywhere!john
Hi Vidhya-
It’s true that there is no guarantee about the aluminum levels of Holle—and the company has been unresponsive to my requests for more information because they say they are not allowed to sell their products in the US market. We continue to try to get additional information on all infant formulas and will post updates as we do! In the meantime, the best that parents can do is choose the safest formulas based on current research. This is part of what makes this issue so complicated!
john
Hi! Yes, it is our opinion that these European brands are probably superior to Baby’s Only, although Baby’s Only is still a good choice for formula-feeders.
Vidhya
Hello.
I just found the aluminium study on biomedcentral.com and holle was not one of the products included in the test. Who know how much is in that formula? Several other European formulas were. I’m not sure of a study like this with u.s formula either.
Vidhya
Hello
Do you know if the study about aluminium in baby food formula included holle? It is a lot in the hipp formula. But I wonder which products were included.
Thanks.
Jennifer Obert
Hello,
So these brands are thought to be safer/better than Baby’s Only DHA/ARA?