When shopping for European baby formula, you most likely see two of the biggest names in the market, HiPP and Holle. Both brands are top-quality, but there are several differences to be aware of to know exactly what you're buying.
We're going to take a closer look at what these differences are so that you can choose the best product to support your baby's growth and development.
HiPP vs. Holle: An Overview
HiPP
Founded in 1899 in Germany, HiPP is one of the oldest formula-making companies today. It was the first major European food producer to introduce an EMAS-based environmental management system. An EMAS, Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, management system is a voluntary scheme that the European Union developed to help organizations improve their environmental performance. This ensures compliance with regulations.
The HiPP sites in Germany, Austria, and Hungary are carbon-neutral even though production has doubled. The company now produces over 260 different products. HiPP focuses on organic-biological agriculture and works with a network of more than 6,000 contract farmers.
HiPP offers a wide range of organic and non-organic formulas. A key feature of most HiPP formulas is the use of prebiotics from lactose and probiotics that are originally sourced from human milk. HiPP also offers several specialty formulas to meet babies' specific dietary needs.
Holle
Holle started making baby formula in Switzerland in 1933. It became one of the first baby manufacturers in Europe known for its strict organic farming practices. It produces its products through biodynamic farming and offers the only European formulas with milk derived from Demeter biodynamic farms. These farms meet the strictest organic standards around the world.
European Organic Formulas vs. Standard Formulas
Many parents choose HiPP, Holle, and Lebenswert organic formulas because they must adhere to stricter guidelines than U.S. based formulas. When you read the labels of European organic formulas you'll notice that they do NOT include:
- Chemicals
- Growth hormones
- GMOs
- Pesticides
- Fertilizers
- Insecticides
- Artificial additives
- High fructose corn syrup
- Gluten
- Processed sugars
Many are also soy-free which is a benefit for those who may have a soy allergy. Not all U.S. made formulas can say that they are free of all of these ingredients.
Baby formulas made in Europe must also use only milk from cows that graze on grass pastures. This ensures that the milk has a higher protein content compared to other dairy products. Not all U.S. organic baby formula can say that because even if it carries the organic brand, it may not mean the milk is from grass-fed cows.
HiPP vs. Holle: Ingredient Breakdown
Lactose & Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are the essential macronutrients that include sugars, starches, and fiber. This gives babies the energy they need to grow and develop.
One of these sugars is lactose, a natural sugar that is the primary carbohydrate in breast milk. It is also a key ingredient in most European baby formulas because it closely resembles breast milk.
Both HiPP and Holle offer lactose-only formulas in their various stages. This is a viable option for babies who may have sensitivities to other ingredients.
HiPP
The following HiPP baby formulas are entirely lactose-based. The anti-reflux formula used to contain maltodextrin and starch, but now contains strictly lactose as do these HiPP formulas:
- HiPP Dutch Cow and Goat- All Stages
- HiPP German Stage PRE
- HiPP Hypoallergenic formula - PRE
- HiPP Anti-Reflux formula
Two important notes: HiPP Comfort is unique because it contains lactose, starch, and maltodextrin. Also, all HiPP Dutch formulas do not contain starch, and are entirely lactose based.
Holle
The following Holle formulas are entirely lactose-based:
- Holle Cow Stage PRE
- Holle Cow Stage 1
- Holle Goat Stage PRE and Holle Goat Stage 1
- Holle Goat Dutch - Stage 1
All other Holle formulas that are not listed above (Stages 2 & 3) include starch and maltodextrin as an additional supply of energy for growing babies and to improve the product's texture.
Proteins - Whey and Casein
HiPP and Holle both have whey and casein proteins, and they adjust the ratio in their cow's milk and goat milk formulas to mimic the composition of breast milk since these changes throughout lactation. All stages (Pre- Stage 3) have a specific optimal blend of whey to casein protein ratio to ensure that your baby is always getting the highest level of proper nutrients.
What are whey and casein?
Whey and casein are proteins that are found in breast milk as well as in the milk of cows, goats, and most other mammals. Each plays important roles in providing a baby with the nutritional support they need to grow and develop. They contain all nine essential amino acids that babies need. Both contain a high biological value. This value refers to the amount of nitrogen the body can retain from the protein, indicating its nutritional value.
A Closer Look at Whey Protein
Whey protein is fast-digesting and remains a liquid during the digestion process. It is gentler on the stomach, which is great for babies with sensitive tummies. It is also packed with branched-chain amino acids which is crucial for muscle protein synthesis and immune function. Whey helps to build immunoglobulins and lactoferrin, which can also support a baby's immune system.
A Closer Look at Casein Protein
Casein is a complete protein and offers all of the essential amino acids that babies need to develop. It digests more slowly as it forms curds in the stomach. This makes a baby stay fuller for longer as it provides a steady release of nutrients. The curd that casein forms allows for a gradual release of amino acids. This supports balanced nutrient absorption. Casein is also important when it comes to supporting bone health and muscle development as it binds minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
The Whey/Casein Ratio
Both whey and casein are found in breast milk and cow's milk. Breast milk has more whey in the early stages, while casein levels rise over time. This helps babies prepare for a balanced protein intake. Baby formulas also follow this trend to support a baby's nutritional needs as they grow.
- Stage 1 & Pre (birth-6 months) have a whey to casein ratio that is higher (typically 60:40)
- Stage 2 (6-12 months) introduces more casein so babies feel fuller longer as they start trying solid foods
- Stage 3 (12-24 months) further increases the casein level to support a toddler's activity level
Here's a quick breakdown of the whey to casein formula in some of your favorite formulas:
- HiPP German Formula 60:40
- HiPP Dutch Formula 60:40
- Holle Bio Formula 40:60
- Lebenswert Formula 60:40
Goat Milk Formulas
The milk proteins found in goat milk-based formula are easier for tiny tummies to digest and are gentler. They form softer and more easily digestible milk curds. Holle goat milk formula uses whole full cream goat milk as a base, while HiPP goat milk formula uses skimmed goat's milk as its base.
Cow's Milk Formula
Holle offers a unique range of cow milk formulas that are made from A2 cow's milk proteins. These are easier to digest than the A1 proteins found in conventional cow milk-based formulas. This can benefit babies with sensitive tummies whose parents still want to use cow milk-based formulas.
HiPP cow milk formulas typically contain a combination of A1 and A2 milk proteins.
Starch
Starch is a complex carbohydrate so it is more slowly digested than lactose which brings a sustained release of energy. It can be found in most plants, fruits, and grains.
While it is often used in follow-on formulas because of its creamier texture and to keep babies full for longer, it may not be suitable for babies with sensitive digestive systems.
- HiPP uses starch in many of its German formulas in Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4, as well as in its HiPP Comfort formula.
- Holle uses starch in its Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4 formulas.
It's important to note that none of the HiPP Dutch or UK formulas contain starch, they are entirely lactose based formulas.
Maltodextrin
Maltodextrin is made by adding water to corn, wheat, or potato starch. Maltodextrin is commonly used as a replacement for lactose in some formulas.
Although it is approved as a safe ingredient by the European Food Safety Authority and the Food and Drug Administration, there have been concerns about how it may impact blood sugar levels. There has been no conclusive evidence to link maltodextrin use to higher risks of obesity in infants, but more research needs to be done in this area.
There have been studies to indicate that babies with digestive issues can benefit from maltodextrin because it can reduce intestinal issues.
- HiPP does not use maltodextrin as an ingredient in its formulas. The only exception is HiPP Comfort.
- Holle uses maltodextrin along with lactose and starch in its Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 3 formulas.
DHA & ARA
DHA and ARA are vital in the development of a baby's brain, vision, and immune systems. While these Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are not required to be in U.S. made formulas, DHA is required in all European-made formulas made in 2020 or after. While ARA is not required by law, many European baby formula manufacturers do include it.
How does HiPP measure up?
DHA and ARA have been ingredients of HiPP Stage 1 formulas for a long time. Since the 2020 requirements changes, the quantity of nutrients like DHA has increased. The HiPP Stage 2 formula has also been changed to include DHA. These fatty acids are derived from fish and vegetable oils.
How does Holle measure up?
All Holle cow's milk formula made after 2020 contains DHA derived from fish oil while the goat milk formula has DHA derived from algae. You can read the labels to see the exact quantities of DHA, alpha-linoleic acid, and linoleic acid.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that help to support healthy gut bacteria while prebiotics are dietary fibers that serve as nourishment for the healthy bacteria. Babies can benefit from both.
HiPP
HiPP uses galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) as prebiotics. GOS are sourced from lactose and naturally found in breast milk oligosaccharides. HiPP uses prebiotics from lactose in all of its formulas except for the HiPP Anti-Reflux formula. This specialty formula contains locust bean gum which is a thickening agent known to have the same effects as prebiotics.
Most HiPP formulas are fortified with the natural probiotics L. fermentum hereditum®, which is originally derived from human milk. The only HiPP formulas without probiotics are HiPP UK, HiPP Ready-to-Feed, and HiPP Goat.
Holle
Holle formulas do not include prebiotics or probiotics. This adheres to the company's effort to have a short ingredient list.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is used in formulas to mimic the fatty acid profile of human breast milk. HiPP and Holle use organic palm oil along with vegetable oils to achieve a variety of fatty acids.
HiPP uses palm oil as an ingredient in its formulas and obtains it from organically farmed areas.
Holle sources its palm oil from sustainably certified production in Colombia, Ecuador, and West Africa where no pesticides are used. However, Holle goat milk formulas do not contain palm oil. They contain a mixture of sunflower and rapeseed oil instead. This is because Holle uses whole full cream goat milk as its source which is naturally rich in fatty acids, eliminating the need for extra palm oil.
Specialty Formulas
Some babies have allergies or sensitivity that require specialty formulas. Both Holle and HiPP offer specialty formulas that can help parents looking for an alternative.
HiPP
HiPP produces hypoallergenic formulas that feature low allergenic proteins, no added sugar, and are easy to digest.
HiPP also makes HiPP Anti-Reflux, a specialty formula for babies with acid reflux problems and excessive spitting up after feeding. It is naturally thickened with locust bean gum. Many babies can keep this denser formula down more easily than regular formulas.
Good for babies of all ages, HiPP Comfort Formula is made for babies with constipation, bloating, gas, and colic. As with the hypoallergenic formulas, the milk proteins are split for easier digestion. It also reduces the risk of allergies caused by whole milk proteins.
Holle
Holle offers goat milk formulas that can be easier to digest for babies who are sensitive to cow milk proteins. The proteins found in goat's milk are less allergenic which can help some babies.
Cost Comparison: HiPP vs. Holle
European organic baby formula can be more expensive than American-made formula. Remember, you get what you pay for!
When comparing the cost of HiPP vs. Holle, it's important to note that specialty formulas are more expensive.
While prices can vary, here's a quick look at what you can expect to pay for HiPP and Holle formulas per fluid ounce:
HiPP
- HiPP Comfort - $0.24
- HiPP AR -$0.24
- HiPP HA German -$0.26
- HiPP HA Dutch- $0.30
- HiPP UK-$0.20
- HiPP Dutch-$0.21
- HiPP German- $0.24
Holle
- Holle Cow $0.25
- Holle Goat $0.31
As you compare the prices, the HiPP Dutch and UK are the least expensive. The other prices are not that far behind, so it really comes down to preference and what your baby needs.
Should I Choose HiPP or Holle Formula for My Baby?
Both are excellent options and provide babies with the necessary nutrients. When comparing Holle and HiPP, check the ingredient list to see what you feel most comfortable giving your baby. Also, consider any allergies or sensitivities. When you weigh all of these factors, you will choose the formula that is best to support your baby's growth and development.
