First, read my affiliate disclosure.
As a breastfeed-until-they’re-in-braces type, I never thought I would spend so much time writing about formula! (Here’s our Safe Formula Guide, here’s where I review Honest Company Formula, and here’s where I take two European formulas head to head. But I try to research the topics and products that you’re most worried about, and I hear you loud and clear: formula is number one! So here is more information that I hope will help those of you looking for the healthiest infant formula on the market.
Even Better Stuff: Holle Lebenswert Formula (Stage 1)
I’ve previously stated that if I were formula feeding, I would go with Holle (from Germany). I am happy to report the discovery of a new formula that’s even better than original Holle, which is Lebenswert formula (stage 1 only). Lebenswert features a shorter list of ingredients and one other major upside over regular Holle.
Holle Lebenswert Stage 1 Is Sweetened with Lactose
One of the the biggest problems with Holle’s original formula is that it contains maltodextrin, a cheap sweetener derived from rice, corn, or potatoes that is less similar to the natural sugar found in breast milk. Lebenswert’s stage 1 formula is free of maltodextrin, relying instead upon lactose (which more closely mimics breast milk) to lend sweetness to the formula. Moreover, Lebenswert adheres to Bioland organic guidelines for farmers and manufacturers. These guidelines are even more stringent than the European Union’s Eco-Regulation; you can read more about them here.
Lebenswert does still contain palm oil and canola oil (called “rapeseed oil”), but it is definitely what I would choose if I were formula-feeding. Here’s a complete ingredients list of the stage 1 formula: Organic skimmed milk, organic whey powder (partly demineralised), organic vegetable oils (palm, rapeseed, sunflower oil), lactose, potassium chloride, calcium, vitamin C, sodium chloride, ferrous gluconate, vitamin E, zinc sulfate, niacin, calcium pantothenate, copper sulphate , Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 , Vitamin A, manganese sulfate, folic acid, potassium iodate, vitamin K1 , sodium selenate, vitamin D.
PLEASE NOTE: Lebenswert formula in stages above 1 DO contain maltodextrin. While these are still “Good Stuff” and on par with original Holle, the review I am providing here only applies to Lebenswert stage 1.
Where to Buy Lebenswert
Because it’s from Germany, Lebenswert is not FDA approved, so it can be challenging to obtain here in the U.S.
I’ve vetted several places to purchase this formula, and am happy to have established affiliate relationships with the following sellers:
- Little Bundle
BabyKind MarketOrganic Start(no longer in business)- Organic Baby Food 24 (based in Germany)
Stay sane,
Maia, Founder & CEO
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