The Ultimate Organic Formula Comparison: HiPP vs Holle Formula (Updated July 17, 2020*)

Comparing HiPP and Holle Formulas by Stage

Parents have myriad reasons to decide organic baby formula is best for their little one. While science has shown that breast milk is the ultimate nutritional option for babies, formulas are used in scenarios where natural feeding is not a viable option.
Once you have decided that only organic formulas will do, it is time to choose the one that is best for your baby. This is where things can grow frustrating. Finding the right information to make an educated decision can be a challenge.
Long ingredient lists can be intimidating even when choosing between two great options. This article seeks to clarify the differences between HiPP and Holle formulas and help you decide: HiPP or Holle?
Our ultimate HiPP and Holle formula comparison chart makes it easy to identify what is in each high-quality offering. Read further to gain insight on what each column means so you can decide what is best for your baby’s needs.
EU Certified Organic
Holle Cow, Holle Goat, and HiPP Germany (through Stage 3) are all EU certified organic. What does this actually mean?
An EU Organic Certification can help parents rest assured that the formula they are giving to their baby is free from some of the most harmful ingredients found in non-organic options. Gain confidence from knowing that the Holle and HiPP EU Certified organic products guarantee the following:

• No GMOs are used
• No hormones are added and antibiotics are only used to keep the animal healthy, as needed
• A minimum of 95% organic agricultural ingredients

In addition, the animals are well cared for on EU Certified Organic farms. The cows and goats are fed with 100% organic feed and are never given synthetics to encourage growth or production. Demeter Biodynamic
All Holle Cow stages are certified as meeting Demeter Biodynamic standards. These standards are encouraging both because of the high-quality, clean products produced and the ecologically responsible method of farming.
Demeter biodynamic farming takes organic to a whole new level. In order to receive this certification, every ingredient must comply with and come from sources that adhere to the strictest of farming standards.
Strict standards include how the animals, crops, and land surrounding the farm are treated. Demeter focuses on self-contained farming that ensures freedom from chemicals throughout the production process.
Simply put, Demeter is the gold standard of clean, sustainable, responsible food production.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
The conversation around pre- and probiotics is often divided between those that think there are benefits and those that find them virtually useless. For parents who have decided they would like to try a pre- or probiotic in their baby’s formula, HiPP Germany and HiPP hypoallergenic both feature them.
Pre- and probiotics are both found in a mother’s breast milk. They act as food for the bacteria in a baby’s belly. This bacteria helps maintain balance and helps support a properly functioning immune system.
Whey
Whey is a protein that consists of the liquid that stays behind after curdling and straining milk. This protein is found in breast milk and is commonly introduced as one of the first proteins in baby formula.
Some babies cannot tolerate this ingredient, as they may be lactose intolerant or even have a whey allergy. Holle Goat Stages 2 and 3, along with HiPP HA Pre are both whey-free.
Lactose
Lactose is a naturally occurring carbohydrate or sugar, that is found in all types of animal milk. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which a baby does not produce enough lactase to break down the carbohydrate, which causes digestive issues.
A true intolerance is rare amongst babies and more often occurs in toddlers. Holle Cow Stages 1 through 4 are all free of lactose but do contain whey, which is derived from lactose.
Lactose serves many purposes and is thought to be in breast milk as an energy source for babies. It also aids in the growth and development of the baby and its brain. There is an alternative called maltodextrin that can be found as a lactose replacement or as a supplement.
Starch
Starch plays an important role in baby formula, especially for older babies. It acts as a thickener but also helps babies feel full as they eat. Starch also allows for the storage of carbohydrates (like lactose and maltodextrin) to be used when the baby needs energy for growth and development.
HiPP Germany Pre, Holle Cow Pre and Stage 1, Holle Goat Stage 1, and HiPP HA Pre are all starch free. New babies often struggle to digest starch and eliminating them from the early stages can make digestion easier.
Maltodextrin
This carbohydrate helps fulfill the caloric and energy needs of babies. In Holle Cow Stages 1 through 4, which are without lactose, maltodextrin steps in to ensure your baby receives all of its nutritional needs.
HiPP Germany and HiPP Hypoallergenic are both free of all maltodextrin. However, those products contain lactose to ensure enough energy for proper development.
In products like Holle Goat, where both lactose and maltodextrin are present, digestion may be easier for babies. The maltodextrin offsets the amount of lactose helping to soothe the difficulties some younger babies have with digesting lactose.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is found in all of the products on our chart, except the new version of Holle Goat. Breast milk contains an acid, known as palmitic acid, that is a saturated fatty acid. It is found in virtually every living organism.
Palm oil is added to mimic breast milk as closely as possible. It contains palmitic acid and helps provide the necessary fatty acids for proper growth and development.
Soy
All but HiPP Germany Stage 2 are soy free. EU Certified Organic standards require that the soy products used are non-GMO, meaning they cannot be genetically modified.
Omega-3 ALA
All the HiPP products on our chart contain Alpha-Linolenic Acid. This fatty acid is often found in plant life including walnuts, seeds, and seed oils.
Omega-3 DHA
Docosahexaenoic Acid is another omega-3 fatty acid. It is known to be beneficial for brain and neurological development and is featured in the Hipp Germany and Hypoallergenic PRE and Stage 1. This omega-3 is commonly found in fish, eggs, and other sea life.
Omega-6
Like ALA, omega-6 is found in all the HiPP products. These fatty acids are unique as the human body cannot make them on its own. Introducing them via baby formula can help promote brain development and function. Omega-6 has also been known to benefit growth in other areas like skin, hair, and healthy bones.

Conclusion

Obviously, all the products on this chart are high-quality, healthy options for your baby. The nuances between products can be difficult to identify but may be important in informing your decision.
With our ultimate HiPP and Holle Formula Comparison chart and the subsequent detailed information, we hope you feel armed with the knowledge you need to make the best choice for your baby.