HiPP vs Holle Formulas

 Decisions that could impact the well-being of your bundle of joy are not taken lightly. So, when it comes to what to feed your baby, you're looking for the cleanest options available. 

While exploring the world of European organic formulas, the names HiPP and Holle likely ring a bell. These brands have garnered an outstanding reputation for crafting premium organic baby formula without harmful substances, making them a top choice among health-conscious parents.

This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of these renowned European baby formulas, offering insights into their nutritional differences, cost comparisons, and suitability for certain needs.

Keep reading to get the inside scoop on HiPP vs Holle!

Quick Comparison of European Baby Formula Brands: HiPP or Holle?

While both organic formula options are on par with each other in terms of quality, their approach to infant nutrition differs slightly.

Holle Baby Formulas at a Glance

On the one hand, Holle prioritizes simplicity, offering baby formula made with a small list of nourishing organic ingredients. They skip out on some of the fancier additives like probiotics and prebiotics, which is ideal for parents who prefer minimal ingredients.

Holle also offers the only European formulas with milk from Demeter biodynamic farms, which means these products meet the strictest organic standards globally.

HiPP Baby Formulas at a Glance

On the other hand, HiPP takes a more innovative approach that harmoniously blends science and nature to create baby formula that closely mimics breast milk.

A key feature of most HiPP formulas is the addition of prebiotics from lactose and probiotics originally obtained from human milk. Additionally, HiPP offers a range of organic and non-organic but GMO-free special formulas tailored to those with unique dietary needs, like HiPP HA and Anti-Reflux.  

So, whether you lean towards the simple purity of Holle or the advanced innovation of HiPP, rest assured that both brands are committed to providing the best quality nourishment for your baby!

Nutritional Nuances: Diving Deep into HiPP and Holle Organic Formulas

While the differences between HiPP and Holle are minor, they may be enough to sway your decision. This section breaks down the bottle, looking closely at what each European baby formula has to offer in terms of nutritional composition. 

Carbohydrate Check: HiPP vs Holle

Carbohydrates: These essential macronutrients include sugars, starches, and fiber, which provide our bodies with energy. 

Lactose: This is a natural sugar and the primary carbohydrate in breast milk. It's a key ingredient in most European baby formulas, offering a composition that closely resembles the carbs in the gold standard of infant nutrition-human milk.

Both Holle and HiPP offer lactose-only formulas across various stages, providing a suitable option for babies who may have sensitivities to other carbohydrate sources.

Lactose-Only HiPP Formulas

The following formulas contain lactose exclusively with no added complementary carbs:

• HiPP Dutch Stage 1

• HiPP UK Stage 1

• HiPP German Stage PRE

• HiPP German Stage 1

• HiPP German Stage 2 No-Starch

• HiPP Goat German - All stages

• HiPP Anti Reflux

• HiPP Hypoallergenic formula - All stages

• HiPP Ready-to-Feed - Stage PRE

All other HiPP formulas and stages not mentioned above include mild organic starch in addition to lactose. HiPP Comfort is unique in that it includes lactose, starch, and maltodextrin.

Lactose-Only Holle Formulas

Holle also offers formulations with only lactose, which include the following:

• Holle Cow German - Stages PRE and Stage 1

• Holle A2 cow milk formula - Stage 1

• Holle Goat German Stage PRE and Holle Goat German Stage 1

• Holle Goat Dutch - Stage 1

All other Holle formulas that are not listed above include starch and maltodextrin as an additional supply of energy.

Starch and Maltodextrin: HiPP vs. Holle Breakdown

Starch and maltodextrin are two other carbs sometimes used in addition to lactose. We encourage parents to consider whether or not these ingredients align with their nutritional values, as they may not be perfectly suited to all babies. We'll cover the pros and cons of each carbohydrate now.

Starch

Starch is a tasteless, odourless carbohydrate found in most plants, including veggies, fruits, and grains. It is a complex carb, meaning it's more slowly digested than lactose, offering a sustained release of energy.

It's often used in follow-on formulas to help keep older babies feeling satiated for longer, with the benefit of also creating a creamy texture. However, it may not be suitable for all infants, especially those with sensitive digestive systems.

HiPP uses this ingredient as an adjunct to lactose in many later-stage German formulas (often from 6 months and up). The exception is that HiPP Comfort includes lactose, starch, and maltodextrin. The reason is that HiPP Comfort has a lactose-reduced formulation, and these complementary carbs are added to create a sufficient carbohydrate supply to fuel babies' energy needs.

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin, on the other hand, is industrially produced by adding water to corn, wheat, or potato starch. It is relatively tasteless and offers quickly available energy for babies. It's commonly used as a lactose replacement in certain specialty formulas.

Although the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognize maltodextrin as safe for infants, there are concerns about how it may impact blood sugar levels, but no conclusive evidence links it to higher risks of obesity in infants. Further research is needed to understand the extent of these risks.

On the flip side, studies indicate that it may be of benefit to babies prone to digestive issues, as it is shown to reduce intestinal distress.

Unlike HiPP formulas, which rarely use this ingredient, most later-stage Holle formulas (typically from Stage 2 onwards) include lactose, starch, and maltodextrin.

Protein Profiles

Breast milk is a dynamic fluid that naturally changes in composition throughout lactation. One of the key changes that occur is an adjustment in the ratio of milk proteins, which starts out as being whey-dominant in early lactation to casein-dominant over time.

Likewise, both brands adjust the ratio of whey and casein proteins for their cow's milk and goat's milk formulas to mimic the composition of breast milk, which evolves alongside your little one, offering them optimal nourishment at each stage of development.

Goat's Milk and Cow Milk Proteins

HiPP and Holle offer both cow's milk formula and goat's milk formula so that parents have a variety of choices, catering to different dietary needs and preferences. 

HiPP and Holle Goat Milk Formulas

The proteins in goat's milk are shown to be gentler, as they are more easily processed by tiny tummies. In particular, goat milk forms softer and more easily digestible milk curds in the stomach, resulting in quicker, more complete digestion. 

Whereas Holle goat milk formula uses whole goat milk as the base, HiPP goat milk formulas are based on skimmed goat's milk. Moreover, HiPP Goat is based only on lactose, but from Stage 2 and up, Holle goat milk formulas contain starch and maltodextrin in addition to lactose. 

Holle A2 Formula

Furthermore, Holle distinguishes itself by offering a unique range of cow milk formulas made from A2 cow's milk proteins, which are shown to be digested easier than conventional cow's milk formulas comprised of A1 proteins. This makes the A2 version of the Holle cow milk formula a great option for babies with more sensitive tummies! 

As you can see, when considering the protein profile of both HiPP and Holle baby formula, they can be beneficial depending on what you are looking for!

The Probiotic and Prebiotic Factor

As babies are susceptible to digestive issues, it's no wonder that probiotics and prebiotics are becoming increasingly popular in the world of infant formula. Let's take a look at how these tummy-friendly ingredients work and how the brands differ in their use of them.

Probiotics: These beneficial microorganisms that support and increase the population of healthy gut bacteria.

Prebiotics: On the other hand, prebiotics are indigestible dietary fibers that serve as nourishment for the healthy bacteria.

While research shows that probiotics and prebiotics are well tolerated by little ones, they are not necessary, nor are they required by law in baby formula.

What HiPP Formulas Have Prebiotics and Probiotics?

HiPP harnesses these gut-supporting ingredients in varying amounts depending on their country-specific formulations and special formula recipes.

Learn More: HiPP Formula: German vs. Dutch vs. UK

HiPP uses galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) as prebiotics. GOS are sourced from lactose and naturally found in breast milk oligosaccharides.

You will find prebiotics from lactose added to all HiPP formulas with the exception of HiPP Anti-Reflux (AR). Although HiPP AR doesn't explicitly state that it has prebiotics, it does contain locust bean gum, a thickening agent with known prebiotic effects.

Most HiPP formulas are also fortified with the natural probiotic 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.

What Are the Benefits of Prebiotics and Probiotics in HiPP Formula?

Clinical studies have proven that the pre and probiotic supplements found in HiPP Organic Combiotic formula support babies' developing digestive systems, resulting in less colic and a healthy stool frequency.

One of the most intriguing advantages is that GOS, in particular, leads to stool consistency and colour similar to that of breastfed infants.

Does Holle Formula Have Prebiotics and Probiotics?

Holle has opted to avoid these ingredients in their milk to keep their formulations as minimal as possible. This aligns with their ethos of having a short and simple ingredient list, guaranteeing the purest form of nutrition.

Palm Oil: HiPP and Holle Organic Formulas Examined

Among other organic vegetable oils, palm oil is used in many infant formulas to match the human breast milk fatty acid profile, more specifically to mimic the characteristics of palmitic acid. In fact, palm oil is the only plant oil that is rich in palmitic acid.

Both European organic formula manufacturers HiPP and Holle use organic palm oil alongside additional vegetable oils, namely rapeseed oil and sunflower oil, to achieve a balanced spectrum of fatty acids.

Holle and HiPP Formulas Without Palm Oil

Holle goat milk formula (both Dutch and German versions) is the exception, as it does not contain palm oil. Instead, it opts for a mixture of sunflower and rapeseed oil. This is because Holle goat is based on whole milk, which is naturally abundant in palmitic acid, eliminating the need for adding palm oil.

As for HiPP, their exception is their Combitioc Ready-to-Feed Stage PRE formula, which is also palm oil free.

Is the Palm Oil Used by These Brands Sustainable?

Both companies are committed to sourcing palm oil from fair and sustainable producers.

HiPP, for instance, obtains its palm oil from organically farmed pastures and farmland, ensuring that it is not cultivated in monocultures. Most of their palm oil comes from local smallholders and is certified organic.

Holle sources its palm oil from sustainably certified production (RSPO segregated) in Colombia, Ecuador, and West Africa, where production is closely monitored for social and ecological considerations and does not involve the use of pesticides.

Despite the concerns that some parents may have about palm oil, it's worth mentioning that in 2019, the EFSA) found insufficient evidence to suggest that palm oil should be avoided in infant formulas for health reasons, affirming the essential nutrients it provides to a baby's diet.

Cost Comparison of HiPP vs. Holle

Let's face it-babies drink a lot of milk! Staying stocked up on organic formula can get pricey, so it's beneficial to factor a budget into your formula-feeding plans.

Let's look at each variety of Stage PRE/Stage 1 offered by HiPP vs Holle so you can get a rough idea of how the costs differ. The prices listed below reflect the cost per fluid ounce in a single box of infant formula in our shop.

You'll see that there are typically higher costs associated with specialty formulas like Anti-Reflux formulas or hypoallergenic formulas, and costs may also vary based on their country of origin and type of milk.

Cost of HiPP Formula

Cost of Holle Formula

As you can see, both HiPP and Holle offer formulas with similar prices per fluid ounce. Holle's goat milk formula is the most expensive, while HiPP UK and HiPP Dutch formulas are the most cost-effective.

How to Save Money Buying Formula

Pro tip: If you want the best bang for your buck, purchasing organic formulas from Holle and HiPP in bulk will lower your costs!

Purchasing in bulk from Organic's Best will result in a lower cost per box and could save you as much as $144 when you buy 24 boxes of Holle Goat Stage 1, for example, rather than purchasing a single box. 

Our Customer Insights and Reviews

Parents from all over the world are relying on European organic baby formulas to nourish their little ones. Here is what some of them have to say about how HiPP and Holle formulas have improved their feeding experience.

HiPP Formula

We've heard countless customers praise HiPP formula for successfully reducing or completely eliminating their child's post-meal discomfort. Tons of anecdotal evidence suggest that symptoms like gas, colic, and reflux are managed thanks to HiPP's overall gentle formulations and special products made to target these common tummy troubles. 

Holle Formula

Holle formulas have been a lifesaver for many parents. We've heard time and time again that the gentle nature of this formula has successfully eased common tummy ailments that plague infants, like painful gas, colic, and inconsistencies in stool quality.

When HiPP and Holle Baby Formula Might Not Be Suitable

While Holle and HiPP baby formulas are perfectly tolerated by many happy babies and recommended by pediatricians and parents alike, there are situations where they might not be suitable.

1. Lactose Intolerance: Both HiPP formulas and Holle formulas contain lactose as one of the main ingredients. So, if your little one has been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, it's best to choose an alternative baby formula. In this case, a lactose-free formula, such as Bebe M, may be better suited to their needs.

2. Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA): For babies with CMPA, it's important to be cautious. While HiPP HA is designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, it may not be suitable for infants with CMPA. 

It's crucial to always discuss your baby's specific needs and any concerns you have with your pediatrician. They can provide personalized advice and guidance to help you make the best decision for your child's health and well-being.

What is Better Holle or HiPP Baby Formula?

As far as HiPP vs Holle, both are fantastic organic baby formula options, but choosing between them can be tricky.

On the one hand, you have HiPP baby formula, which excels in innovation. They offer formulas that closely mimic breast milk and a wide range of products made to manage specific dietary conditions. Then you have Holle baby formula, which emphasizes simplicity and purity in its ingredients.

When comparing HiPP and Holle formulas, rest assured that both prioritize your baby's health and well-being, ensuring that they receive optimal nourishment to support growth and development.

The best organic baby formula ultimately comes down to your child's comfort, your lifestyle, and your budget. We encourage you to consider these factors prior to making the final decision, alongside advice from your pediatrician.