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
Chandrani
Hi,
what is the issue with aluminum? Does holle organic Hipp have Sodium and Chloride separately? Most of the formula milks have in it.Becky
Did anyone hear that Holle has launched its formula at Whole Foods Market here in the US in Jan 2021? Saw on Linkedin this news and google brought me to this homepage: https://holleusa.com/
Sabine
Great to know about availability of Holle in India! Having recently moved with my husband and our 4-months old babygirl from Germany to Hyderabad (crazy I know, in these strange times!), I’m excited that I can find her formula here, too.
satish
If someone in India is looking for Holle products buy them from http://orgbite.com they are the sole distributors of Holle products in India.
Katherine
I have been using HIPP for a while now and i am pretty satisfied with it. When i was about to start my baby girl on formula i was so worried like which one is better? Where do i get it from? And so i started ordering online and I am happy with it. HiPP is the best in my opinion.
Jenelle
When we purchased Holle for my daughter in 2015, we called a natural food store in Scotland and they packed it up and mailed a 6 month supply over for us. It was easy, however the FDA gave us some trouble, as they thought we were going to distribute it since we bought in bulk to last 6 months.
Holle
US formulas are not regulated and not FDA approved… xraying food isnt a problem… reality is most US foods dont actually come from the US… do some research on sugars…. lol.. and flouride isnt bad.. its contained in all tap water since the early 1900… its not in the formula… lol
Paige
There are some companies that do not have to go through the Xray based on the product and that includes certain companies for baby formula. If you aren’t happy with a particular formula then look at the ingredients and pick the one that you like. It doesn’t have to be a huge deal.
mantamom
My choice is https://www.buyorganicformula.com/
They have great prices, dedicated customer service, and free shipping
Kenneth
Great! I was looking for it :)
Laura
Hi everybody! thanks for the info :) In spain its so dificult to found holle products! By lucky I ordered many times in this site (if someone in spain are looking for):
https://www.ecobebes.es/holle-leche-potitos-papillas-170
Natalie
I went through the German formulas and not satisfied at all. Why European formulas are better than organic non gmo American ones?? From your article it isn’t clear at all. Looks like you just convince yourself and others. ALL German formulas contain maltodextrin! Most of them contain fluoride! You must be kidding telling that it’s the best stuff)) .
Plus, people, do you understand that all your orders traveling by airplane. All orders go through X-ray!
“specialists †telling us that it’s all safe and low level of radiation but it is still radiation! Also, it’s still on a airplane where level of radiation is huge. We all know it.
Think twice before ordering European formulas…
Alphonso Jones
This is an affiliate link. Are you paid to recommend these suppliers?
Jean
Hi there. I was reading on Kellymom that if buying formula (as in our case, as a backup “just in case”) we should be looking for a hydrolszed forumula so that the milk proteins are less prone to create allergies. Do you know if either of these are hydrolysed? Thanks, Jean
Ashley
I would recommend Holle cow milk formula. Holle is one of the best formulas on the baby food market and carry one of the strictest and highest organic certifications, Demeter. I would recommend either stage pre or stage 1, as both of them are suitable for babies from birth to 6 months. The main difference between the two stages is that stage pre contains lactose and stage 1 contains maltodextrin. OrganicBabyShop carry both stages.
sumit
Hi order 4 times from this site like 12 box, all good till now.
Sheila
Hi,
Thank you for this thorough review. I see that your bottom line recommends Holle over HiPP bc of the Aluminum issue and then the Lebenswert Stage 1 bc it eliminates the maltodextrin issue. But, what about Pre-biotics? Is the Lebenswert Stage 1 sufficient if we don’t supplement with pre-biotics? Do you have a suggested pre-biotic supplement? Thank you, SheilaMom Mom
You can google to find the aluminum study and the levels in the study aren’t higher than what the UK mandates is acceptable. Aluminum naturally occurs in cow’s milk so it will be available to a certain extent. Here is some more information and a statement that is purported to be from Hipp: http://hippformulausa.com/hipp-formula-aluminum-study/ Also note that I looked at the study and Holle wasn’t one of the formulas tested so it is unknown what the concentration of aluminum is in that formula – could be higher or lower than Hipp.
Anna
Hi there! Just wondering if anyone knows where I can order Liebensweet in Canada?
Many thanks, AnnaSeemab
Holle and Lebenswert also come in pouches , do you know why those dont have high Aluminum? Has these two been tested for Aluminum? What is the difference between stage 2 Holle and stage 2 Lebeswert? Thanks
Sue Bernard
I’m just now seeing this comment, but any idea as to why organicbabyfood24 is so much cheaper? I’m looking at Holle Lebesnwert. I’m assuming the box is the same size as the the boxes sold on other sites, correct? I’m definitely intrigued by the lower price, but I’m almost scared to buy because it seems to good to be true! I don’t want to get scammed.
natasha s.
Lebenswert stage 1 has skimmed milk. I have read this is not a good idea for formula. Do you have any advice?
Kerstin
Hello,
your Page is great and i am so happy that i found here. I am looking for a better Formula instead of we are using right now. We are from Germany so my first thinking was buying some German Formular. I can´t breastfeed because of a medical issue so we have decide between Hipp Bio Pre Cobiotika or Lebenswert. My favorite was Hipp but than i read your Page. Your Page Hipp vs. Holle tells that there was Aluminium inside the Powder. I have read this a few times online but all of these Informations are older. Did you check the last few months if the Point with Aluminium still exists? We liked Hipp because it has DHA & ARA not with Hexane and just Lactose but the thing with Aluminium scares me! You wrote your Point 1 is Hipp (better the Dutch Version) or Holle Lebenwert. Why do you prefer the Dutch Version of Hipp. I just found the difference that the Dutch Version did not use Starch is that right or are there more differences? Is starch such a Problem in Formula, i thougt it just makes the Milk a Little bit thicker but not worser or?Leslie Crevar
Just a quick question. Since you posted this recommendation have you seen any of the articles written up by Hipp explaining that the aluminum levels publication was faulty? Just asking because I really have no other choice but to use their Hipp HA as our little guys stomach is so sensitive he can’t even handle my breastmilk (dairy, grain,soy, and caffeine free) :( I was just wondering if since you wrote the article you felt more comfortable with any research you had seen.
David N
Hi Maia,
Looking forwarding to hearing from you! daveNot sure if this has already been asked and answered but regarding the companies that you have vetted: Little World Organics and Organic Munchkin. I was hoping to buy from Organic Munchkin however it appears that the company may have changed ?ownership (not sure), as the name changed to Organic Start. To your knowledge, can we still safely buy from Organic Start? I would get from LWO but they ran out of the formula I usually get.
Heather
Advising all mothers and fathers. Lebenswert (plus shipping)
1.Organicbaby15—-$25
2.Organic munchkin-$30
3. Formuland——- $39
4. Beyond organic bby-$30
List can going on but you already see the point.
Plus with Organicbaby15 price can drop to $20 if you buy in bulks.
Louise
Come check our selection of Holle, Hipp, Lebenswert & Nanny Care formulas at Udderly Organics. We offer free shipping, bulk discounts & point program. We have been in business since 2013 & we pride ourselves on fast shipping & excellent customer service.
Lina
Hi- did you end up trying HIPP HA? If so would you mind sharing your experience?
Carolyn
Hi Laura,
yes, I made great experience with your shop. Thank you so much for making this good organic formula available in the US. You are the best;)Laura from maluma green
Hi All,
we from http://www.maluma-green.com believe in the importance of providing fast and comprehensive support. Our service team typically answers your e-mails within a couple hours. We are a team of young parents who believes babies and families around the world have a right to safe and healthy organic formula. It’s our mission to make all those healthy organic European formula available for other like minded parents at affordable cost, with free and fast shipping. http://www.maluma-green.com has everything you are looking for. From Holle, Lebenswert, HiPP and more. We are a established German organic food company with a big warehouse and a perfect network of formula manufacturers. As a result, we are immediately informed of any recalls or potential issues with the formula and we always ship the freshest batch available on marked. We are right at the source of supply so we can offer prices up to 60% cheaper than anywhere else on the web. Come and try us today and use coupon code 10ALL for 10% off your order today! All the best, LauraMaia James
As you said, the pediatrician will be the best person to ask, but technically Baby’s Only is a toddler formula, which just means they haven’t gone through the steps to be approved by the FDA as an infant formula (this involves doing clinical trials, etc.). I do know plenty of people who use it for infants.
Jenny
Hi. Has the concern over using Baby’s Only for infants been resolved? Looks like the FDA letter to them was in 2012 and they haven’t changed their label, as far as I can tell. So, can it be used for infants, according to Baby’s Only? (Of course, we will ask the pediatrician as well, but we just ran out of formula and I can’t get the kind I usually order in time, or speak with our Dr. about it in time). I need to purchase some emergency formula from the store. Really do NOT want to use Similac, Earth’s Best or Honest Formula, even for a few days! Thanks!!
Jenny
I’d also love to know the source of the vitamins and minerals. If only the makers who claim to make their formulas because they “care” would look into using food-based ones or high quality synthetic. Sammy’s is the only kind I’ve seen that at least tried to use more natural forms, e.g. their folate, but they didn’t meet FDA requirements for safety testing and are off market for now.
Maia James
Yes, the big difference is that Stage 2 has more iron.
Sarah
I think stage 1 doesn’t contain any iron and stage 2 does.
Emily
Maybe I phrased that wrong. What is the difference between stage 1 and 2 of Holle?
Emily
Hello,
My question is this; we just switched her to the Holle 2 on Saturday and she has been spitting up and constipated since. My pediatrician is not cool with me using this formula in the first place so she won’t give me any advice about this. I was wondering if the difference in formulations is significant enough that it would be a health concern to keep her on level one at least for a month or two when we will try again. Thank You!I love this site! Thank you for all of the great info and hard work in researching. My 6 mo has been on Holle 1 for at least the last 3 months. It has been great. We order from Beyondorganicbaby.com and have had a great experience so far. Within 1-3 days I get a text from DHL asking for my signature release and the formula is on our doorstep that day or the next. Sometimes my husband is able to buy in Europe (usually France) when he is there for work. He pays about 7 or 8 euro per box in Lyon. The website charges 26 USD per box but the shipping is free. The mail order and French formulas (German formulation) appear to be exactly the same and our little girl doesn’t seem to notice a difference.
Kara
My daughter had the same issue. We used the Honest Co and our daughter was so constipated that she started to have blood in her stool. We switched to Baby’s Only (sensitive) but she still has bad gas.
An Nguyen
Can you give her some oatmeal to make up for the iron deficiency? Oatmeal does contain iron forfeit doesn’t it?
An Nguyen
I am thinking about using the Holle Goat formula to make oatmeal for my 8 month old baby..I am still pumping for him but I think my supply is drying up. But I’ve read that goal milk should not be given to baby…I am not sure about goat formula? Some said it is better some said the opposite so I am getting confused. Is there a reason why you want to give your baby goat formula instead of the cow one? Mine is allergic to cow milk.
Farah Deeba
Hi all,
I am having my 2nd baby in a few weeks and actively researching on european formulas. I did earth’s best sensitive formula for my 1st and went through hell the first months until we figured out the ‘sensitive’ formula was easier on my little one’s tummy. Regardless, the sensitive still made him gassy and severely constipated on most days. (solid intro at 4.5 months helped).
I am leaning towards Holle goat milk formula and dont want to go that route if constipation is common. Any moms/dads currently using it have an opinion when comparing the goat’s milk to Holle organic cow’s milk infant formula?
Also, this is the pdf version posted on the Holle website about their ingredients and i do not see Iron or Eisen listed on it. Not sure if its my pregnancy brain! http://www.holle.ch/data/catalog/documents/packshots/milchen/ZM1/web_HOL-41880_Pck_Relaunch_Ziegenmilch_D_F_RZ_AM1.pdf
Robert
Hi All,
For anyone in Los Angeles using organic formula (Holle, Hipp, etc.) and dealing with the hassle and stress of when to re-order to make sure you won’t run out before your shipment arrives, etc. (since Holle and Hipp are not available anywhere nearby) . . . look no further. I stumbled upon MY ORGANIC FORMULA, and they are awesome! Without exaggeration, I placed my order and the same day (30 mins later) my shipment arrived! I was totally blown away. I believe they offer free shipping, but if you want it the same day they offer expedited service for a nominal cost, and you can even watch the delivery truck online on it’s way to you in real-time! They also provide you with the driver’s cell number in case you need to get in touch.Ari
Has anyone tried mixing the Hipp hypoallergenic formula with the Holle Lebenswert forumula? I’m thinking that might help alleviate some of my baby’s has issues
Ashley
So many sketchy retailers it seems. I have a girlfriend in Germany who buys everything from a German supplier, and so do I. I get the Lebenswert 1. Shipping is about €32, and each box is €7.99 I think. In the end it cost me $13 a box when I buy 15. The website is http://www.naturkost.com
It’s in German, and the site will translate some but not everything! I ordered late July and it should be here soon. If anyone uses this site let me know (ladamrell@msn.com). Maybe I can order some stuff with you. I forgot to get some banana cereal ?
chen
My aunt has been ordering from them with no complains. They are really quick and have most of the time Holle formula in stock. Because of the really high prices I would reccomend the shop www.neogno.com, which ships Holle formula directly from Germany. I always had newest batches comparing to those my aunt received. The only dissadvantage is the ammount of time it takes to receive the parcels. So I had to order 1,5 weeks in advance and before I went out of formula.
Chen NY
Chen
Though the comment is really old I would like to comment because I had some bad experience with ordering Holle from various stores. This way other parents can spare a lot of trouble stress and sleepless nights.
To all parents out there, have faith and raise your lo with â¤â¤â¤ Chen NYOur little one suffered in constipation issue previously. After doing lots of research with my husband we found out that in many cases the formula caused the issue. Holle and Hipp were 2 of the most recommended to switch to by other moms who had similar issues, all over the web. I first wanted to try Holle because they seem to have better organic production practices and because there was an article about aluminium in Hipp formula some time ago.
We finally ordered 2 boxes from ebay to give the Holle formula a try. It was a life saver. Our lo just loved Holle. No digestion problems anymore. No pooping problems. No more tummy upset. Finally a happy baby at home. In my opinion the formula smells fresh and clean almost smells like breastmilk and not cheesy like US formulas. Taste is really good too.
Due to financial constraints we had to find a cheaper source to feed our lo. We tried all 3 German stores that sell and ship Holle to the US. All 3 have prices that are really good compared to the overpriced US vendors. The main issue when ordering abroad is the time it takes for the parcel to arrive. So we had to contact the support and ask them how to proceed. Not all of them are competitive and do care about the customers. We had the best experience with www.neogno.com where the support is great. We had been waiting for 3 weeks for a parcel to arrive and wrote them an email that our formula was running out and explained that we couldn´t afford to order new at this moment. Supprisingly we had to pay just half of the cost and we got an expess shippment with 3 Holle formula boxes for our baby until the big order arrived. We have ordered 5 times in total and everything was well packed including free gifts in the parcel. Thank you again neogno.com for your customer oriented The main reason for taking so much time to write this review, besides the health of my baby, is that I dislike profit-oriented companies. A shop from Germany tried to sell to my husband Holle together with Aptamil which they recommended as organic and much better than Holle. The reason was Holle not being in stock. After writing Aptamil an email we found out that they don´t even produce an organic formula.
Organicbaby15
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Kayla
I am interested
Maia James
I haven’t done a full review of Topfer, but the two look similar overall (outside of the maltodextrin). If it’s a health concern, I would ask your pedi for advice.
Jillian
Topfer Organic Infant Formula Lacatant Bio Stage Pre doesn’t contain maltodextrin. Would you recommend it over Lebenswert Stage 1? I’ve been supplementing with Lebenswert Stage 1 since my son was 3 months (he’s 8 months now), but I’m wondering if I should switch to Topfer for the next 4 months? Your input would be appreciated!