HiPP Vs Holle Baby Formula: Which One Is Better For My Baby?

Overview

Are you trying to find the best baby formula? HiPP and Holle are among the most popular organic brands available today.

Why Are HiPP And Holle Better?

These certified organic baby formulas are made in Europe, adhering to the stricter standards of the EU (European Union) compared to those followed by American formulas.

These two brands offer high-quality organic cow’s milk. HiPP has milk with prebiotics and probiotics, but Holle also sells goat milk.

Which of these two has more options, more nutrients in its milk products, and better milk for your baby’s formula? Can they also help with colic and constipation? Find out in our review below.

HiPP Vs Holle: Main Similarities & Differences

Similarities

Both brands are made in Europe, following stricter measures than US formulas.
Both brands have organic milk made from grass-fed cows sourced from strictly monitored farms free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Both add whey so their products can closely resemble the milk protein ratios of breast milk.
Both brands use sweeteners in place of sugar: HiPP uses a lactose sweetener, while Holle uses a natural plant-based sweetener called maltodextrin; note that maltodextrin can cause possible intestinal injury, colic, gas, bloating, and green stools. (1)
Both brands also use highly processed vegetable oils, which have been shown in studies to increase the risk of developing coronary heart diseases (2)
You can only buy these products online if you’re in the US.

Differences

Why Is HiPP The Best Formula?

Some HiPP formulas have prebiotics (food for good gut bugs) and probiotics (good gut bacteria) to promote a healthier digestive system. It may help prevent constipation and colic.
HiPP has an anti-reflux formula for babies with sensitive tummies.
HiPP organic formulations can be cheaper than Holle.
Aside from milk, HiPP also sells organic baby food.
HiPP analyzes all their ingredients for over 1,000 different substances that could potentially be harmful. It can ensure the quality of the milk produced.

Why Holle Is Better

Holle sells both cow’s milk and goat’s milk.
Holle promotes sustainable manufacturing practices and has undergone a CO2 (carbon dioxide emission) audit in 2012. Today, their milk products are CO2-neutral.
Holle’s formulation comes from Demeter biodynamic farms, following the strictest standard for organic agriculture worldwide. Products from these farms aren’t just EU-certified organic; they’re also certified for GMO-free agriculture and biodynamic animal practices.
According to a 2013 study, the aluminum content on some HiPP formulations (Hipp Organic First Infant Milk and Hipp Organic Follow-On) might exceed the EU recommendations. The list didn’t include Holle products. HiPP refuted the study, stating that their laboratory tests have not found the same levels as those published. The company also pointed out that very little aluminum is absorbed in the digestive system. (3)(4)

Learn more about the baby formulas made by HiPP and Holle below.

Milk Products by HiPP

HiPP produces baby formulas that meet the different health standards set by various countries. The UK label is their gold standard and is considered as their best overall formula.

The German Combiotik and other products made for other countries have corn starch for a creamy consistency.

The German “Bio” line doesn’t have the Combiotic (probiotic + prebiotic) ingredient.

The following are the milk products that you can buy from HiPP:

In choosing the right HiPP formula for your little one, you can follow these recommendations:

HiPP Dutch Organic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1)

Best Features & Safety

This formula is made from certified organic, non-GMO cow’s milk.
It doesn’t contain synthetic preservatives.
It contains natural ingredients that are similar to those found in human breast milk.
It has galacto-oligosaccharides as prebiotics and Lactobacillus Fermentum as probiotics.
It has a stable shelf life, with the expiration date at least six months away.
It’s manufactured in Germany and packaged in the Netherlands.
The company only sources its milk from farms that strictly follow EU organic farming guidelines.

Milk Sources & Farm Practices

Grass-fed cows from EU-certified organic farms

Certifications

Certified to meet EU (European Union) Standards

Age Range

Zero to six months old

Ingredients Can Include

Organic skim milk
Organic whey
Organic vegetable oils (organic palm oil, organic sunflower oil, or organic rapeseed oil)
Organic lactose
Organic galacto-oligosaccharides (from organic lactose)
Whey protein
Fish oil
Choline
Mortierella alpina oil (ARA)
Lactic acid culture (gut bacteria Hereditum® Lactobacillus Fermentum CECT5716)

This product is free from:

Corn syrup
Gluten
Soy
Peanuts
Artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, or other unnatural ingredients
Additives

Nutritional Facts (per 100 ml or 3.4 oz)

Total fats: 3.6 g
Total carbohydrates: 7 g
Added sugars: 0 g
Fibers: 0.3 g
Proteins: 1.25 g
Vitamin A: 54 mcg
Vitamin B6: 10 mcg
Vitamin C: 8.9 mg
Vitamin D3: 1.5 mcg
Vitamin E: 0.7 mg
Vitamin K: 5.1 mcg
DHA: 13.2 mg
ARA: 13.2 mg
Omega-3 fatty acids: 0.06 g
Omega-6 fatty acids: 0.4 g
Iron: 0.5 mg
Calcium: 51 mg
Other nutrients: this product also has magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chloride, folic acid, and choline

Why Was HiPP Recalled?

On August 8, 2021, Able Groupe recalled several baby formulas from HiPP, Holle, Bioland, and Kendamil for failing to meet the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) requirements and having low iron content. (5)

Why is HiPP not FDA approved?

According to the announcement, the FDA has not received the pre-market notifications for these products. (5)

Also, several formulas from these brands don’t meet the FDA’s iron standards and labeling requirements. (5)

The FDA requires that all baby formulas should have at least 1 mg of iron per 100 calories. It’s because inadequate iron intake during infancy could lead to iron deficiency anemia, a condition that may lead to irreversible cognitive and functional development outcomes if left untreated. (5)

If an infant formula contains less than that amount of iron, the FDA further requires manufacturers to add a label to indicate that additional iron may be necessary. (5)

Many products included in this recall have less than 1 mg of iron per 100 calories but didn’t include the required label. (5)

These are the HiPP baby formulas included in the recall: (5)

HiPP Anti-Reflux Milk Formula (from birth)
HiPP Comfort Milk Formula (from birth)
HiPP Dutch Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months)
HiPP Dutch Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months)
HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Stage PRE Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (0-6 months)
HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 6+ months)
HiPP HA Germany Hypoallergenic Combiotic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months)
HiPP German Combiotic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months)
HiPP German Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months)
HiPP UK Combiotic First Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months)
HiPP UK Combiotic Follow-on Infant Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months)

Consumers are advised to stop using these infant formulas and to safely dispose of these items. They’re also advised to message [email protected] if they have questions. (5)

Pros

Produced with minimal processing using organic ingredients
Stable shelf life
It has fish oil for DHA.

Cons

There’s a product recall in the US for this product due to insufficient iron levels.
This product contains palm oil, which can reduce calcium absorption (6)
It also contains highly processed vegetable oils

What Customers Say: Positive Reviews

“I feel comfortable my baby is receiving the best formula ingredients that mimic breast milk components so I don’t feel guilty having to partially supplement with formula.” – Reviewer on My Organic Company.

What Customers Say: Negative Reviews

“My son did not do well on this formula.” – Reviewer on Shopper Approved.

Milk Products by Holle

These are the milk products that Holle offers:

In choosing the right Holle milk for your little one, you can follow these recommendations:

Holle also offers ready-to-eat pouches when your baby is ready for solid foods:

Continue reading to find more information about some of these Holle products.

Holle Cow Milk Toddler Drink (A2) – Stage 3

Best Features & Safety

Made of 100% A2 milk* that can be gentler on your toddler’s tummy
Gluten-free, GMO-free, and preservative-free
Free from high-fructose corn syrup

*Regular milk contains the A1 and A2 forms of beta-casein; a 2016 study in the Nutrition Journal showed that some symptoms of lactose intolerance and gastrointestinal inflammation can be reduced by consuming milk with only A2 components, while drinking milk with A1 components might worsen inflammation (7)

Milk Sources & Farm Practices

Demeter-certified biodynamic farming sources

Certifications

Certified organic to European standards

Age Range

Toddlers 12+ months old

Sizes Available

One can (28.2 oz or 1.76 lbs)

Ingredients Can Include:

Skimmed A2 milk
Partly demineralized whey (cow’s milk protein) powder
Vegetable oils (sunflower oil, palm oil, and canola oil)
Corn maltodextrin
Calcium carbonate
Ascorbic acid
Mortierella alpina oil (ARA source)
Crypthecodinium cohnii oil (DHA source)

This product is free from:

High-fructose corn syrup
GMOs
Added sugars

Nutritional Facts

Serving Size: 4 scoops (around 18.8 g or 0.66 oz)

Calories: 90
Total fats:4 g
Total carbohydrates: 11 g
Added sugars: 0 g
Fibers: 0 g
Proteins: 3 g
Vitamin A: 50 mcg
Vitamin B6: 0.06 mg
Vitamin C: 19 mg
Vitamin D: 1.1 mcg
Vitamin E: 0.6 mg
Vitamin K: 9 mcg
Prebiotics & probiotics: None
DHA & ARA: not indicated
Omega-3 fatty acids: not indicated
Omega-6 fatty acids: not indicated
Iron: 0.8 mg
Calcium: 90 mg
Other nutrients: This product also contains folic acid, phosphate, dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, zinc, niacinamide, cholecalciferol, calcium-d-pantothenate, copper, thiamine, pyridoxine, manganese sulfate, potassium, and selenate

Product Recall

None

Pros

This toddler milk contains A2 proteins that can be easier to digest than A1 proteins
This product isn’t included in the 2021 Able Groupe baby formula recall

Cons

It contains milk (dairy), a common allergen
It doesn’t have prebiotics or probiotics.
This product contains palm oil and highly processed vegetable oils
It also contains maltodextrin

Holle Bio Cow’s Milk Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1)

Best Features & Safety

It’s a shelf-stable, organic baby formula with protein ratios close to the milk of breastfeeding moms.
It has DHA from fish oil.
It’s gluten-free, preservative-free, and GMO-free.

Milk Sources & Farm Practices

Demeter-certified biodynamic farming sources

Certifications

Certified organic to European standards

Age Range

Zero to six months old

Ingredients Can Include

Demeter skim milk
Organic whey powder (partly demineralized)
Organic vegetable oils (organic rapeseed oil, organic palm oil, or organic sunflower oil)
Organic maltodextrin
Organic lactose
Demeter skim milk powder
Fish oil
Biodynamic skim milk powder

This product is free from:

GMO
Soy
Gluten
Corn syrup
Artificial preservatives, chemicals, flavors, or colors

Nutritional Facts (per 100 ml or 3.4 oz)

Total fats: 3.4 g
Total carbohydrates: 7.7 g
Added sugars: 0 g
Proteins: 1.4 g
Vitamin A: 58.9 mcg
Vitamin B6: 0.056 mg
Vitamin C: 14 mg
Vitamin D3:1.3 mcg
Vitamin E: 1.7 mg
Vitamin K: 6.3 mcg
DHA: 19.4 g
Omega-3 fatty acids: 52 mg
Iron: 0.54 mg
Calcium: 55.8 mg
Other nutrients: This product also contains L-carnitine, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, fluoride, choline, and niacin.

Product Recall

These are Holle’s cow milk products included in the Able Groupe recall: (5)

Holle Bio Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage PRE; 0-6 months)
Holle Bio Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months)
Holle Bio Organic Follow-on Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months)

Pros

It’s manufactured and packaged in Germany.
It has a stable shelf life of at least six months.

Cons

It doesn’t have prebiotics or probiotics.
There’s a product recall for this milk in the US. (5)
This product has palm oil and highly processed vegetable oils
It also has maltodextrin

What Customers Say: Positive Reviews

“My baby boy loves Holle Bio and been eating it since month old with no stomach issues or acid reflux that he was supposedly diagnosed with.” – Reviewer on Little Bundle.

What Customers Say: Negative Reviews

“My baby hates it, spits it up.” – Reviewer on Formula Land.

Holle Organic Goat Milk Formula (Stage 1)

Best Features & Safety

This GMO-free milk has a stable shelf life.
It may be better than cow’s milk because its poteins can be easier to digest.

Milk Sources & Farm Practices

Goats raised in organic farms.

Certifications

Certified organic to EU standards

Age Range

From birth to six months

Ingredients Can Include

Organic full cream goat’s milk powder
Organic maltodextrin
Organic lactose
Organic vegetable oils (organic sunflower oil or organic rapeseed oil)

This product is free from:

Soy
Gluten
Added sugars
Artificial preservatives, chemicals, flavors, or colors

Nutritional Facts (per 100 ml or 3.4 oz)

Total fats: 3.6 g
Total carbohydrates: 7.5 g
Added sugars: 0 g
Proteins: 1.4 g
Vitamin A: 54.1 mcg
Vitamin B6: 0.038 mcg
Vitamin C: 9.2 mg
Vitamin D3: 1.5 mcg
Vitamin E: 1.3 mg
Vitamin K: 5.1 mcg
DHA: 13.9 mg
Omega-3 fatty acids: 54 mg
Omega-6 fatty acids: 510 mg
Iron: 0.67 mg
Calcium: 60.7 mg
Other nutrients: This product also contains potassium, fluoride, manganese, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and choline.

Product Recall

These are Holle’s goat milk products in the recall: (5)

Holle Goat Organic Infant Milk Formula (Stage 1; 0-6 months)
Holle Goat Organic Follow-On Infant Milk Formula (Stage 2; 6+ months)
Holle Goat Organic Toddler Formula (Stage 3; 10+ months)

Pros

This milk can be a good option for babies who are allergic to cow’s milk.
It has DHA from algae.

Cons

It can be more expensive than the cow’s milk formula.
There’s a product recall for this milk in the US. (5)
This product uses palm oil and has highly processed vegetable oils
It also uses maltodextrin

What Customers Say: Positive Reviews

“No more eczema, constipation or diaper rash since switching to this product. I’m amazed.” – Reviewer on Little Bundle.

What Customers Say: Negative Reviews

“The smell and taste of goats formula is much stronger than cows milk but bubs gulps it down! Formula has caused some constipation but my understanding is that most formula does this regardless of brand.” – Reviewer on Formula Land.

Holle Veggie Bunny Baby Food Pouches – Organic Veggie Purée

Best Features & Safety

Organic vegetable purée; certified USDA organic (United States Department of Agriculture)
Non-GMO baby food pouch that contains nutritious vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, and carrots
Vegan-friendly food product
Can be stored in the fridge up to two days after opening
Packed in BPA-free, easy-to-use resealable pouches (BPA or bisphenol A is an industrial chemical used in making plastics; exposure to this chemical can affect children’s behavior and have detrimental effects on their bodies, including increased risks of type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive issues) (8)

Sources & Farm Practices

Demeter-certified biodynamic farming sources

Certifications

Certified organic to EU standards
USDA organic certification (US standards)

Age Range

6+ months old

Sizes Available

Six pouches in one box

Ingredients

Italy-grown, pure, and finely puréed vegetables (without any additives):

Organic carrot: 70%
Organic sweet potato: 19%
Organic peas: 10%
Organic lemon juice concentrate: 1%

This product is free from:

High-fructose corn syrup
GMOs
Added sugars
Additives
Synthetic flavors and colors
Preservatives

Variations:

Other available flavors:

Nutritional Facts

Serving size: One pouch (100 g or 3.5 oz)

Calories: 30
Total fats: 0 g
Total carbohydrates: 7 g
Added sugars: 0 g
Dietary fibers: 2 g
Proteins: <1 g
Vitamin D: 0 mcg
Prebiotics & Probiotics: None
DHA & ARA: None
Iron: 0.4 mg
Calcium: 30 mg
Potassium: 170 mg

Product Recall

None; there haven’t been any baby food recalls for this brand

Pros

Certified organic to EU and US standards
Non-GMO baby food pouch with a mix of organic vegetables
Packed in BPA-free, easy-to-use resealable pouches
Vegan-friendly food product

Summary & Recommendation

Both HiPP and Holle are European baby formula brands made from certified organic milk sources. They have many similarities but also excel in different ways. So, which one should you choose?

Choose HiPP if

You prefer a formula with prebiotics and probiotics.
You need an anti-reflux formula for babies with sensitive tummies.
You prefer an organic formulation that’s cheaper.

Choose Holle if

You want options for both cow’s milk and goat’s milk.
You prefer a brand with sustainable manufacturing practices and the highest quality standards.
You want a brand that doesn’t have a high aluminum content.

HiPP Vs Holle Baby Formula FAQs

What’s The Meaning Of Combiotic?

HiPP trademarks “Combiotic,” a term that describes the combined value added by the presence of both prebiotics and probiotics in some of their milk products.

Some HiPP formulas have L. Fermentum probiotic (Lactobacillus), a probiotic naturally found in a mother’s breast milk.

Probiotics feed on prebiotics to best survive and become beneficial in your baby’s tummy. HiPP uses galacto-oligosaccharides, prebiotics found in breast milk, in some of its formulas.

Which Formula Is Closest To Breast Milk?

The Stage 1 products from both brands have the formulation that’s closest to breast milk.

Can I Mix HiPP Or Holle With Other Formulas For My Baby?

Yes. But it’s best to consult your pediatrician before mixing these formulas.

What Is The Difference Between Holle PRE and Holle Stage 1?

Both have similar formulations, but PRE uses lactose, while Stage 1 has maltodextrin.

Is Goat Formula Safe For Babies?

Yes. Goat formula can be lighter on your baby’s stomach and doesn’t cause constipation.

REFERENCES:

(1) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4940893/

(2) https://www.cfs.gov.hk/english/multimedia/multimedia_pub/multimedia_pub_fsf_85_01.html

(3) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3851493/

(4) http://hippformulausa.com/hipp-formula-aluminum-study/

(5) https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/able-groupe-recalling-products-labeled-infant-formula-formulas-have-insufficient-iron-levels

(6) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16582027/

(7) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818854/

(8) https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/bpa/faq-20058331