We should probably start with the lead: Holle makes Lebenswelt. Holle introduced Lebenswert as a less expensive but high-quality organic baby formula option for parents.

The major difference between the two brands is that Lebenswert takes responsible farming and practice to a new level. More than just being organic, the Lebenswert brand is also a biodynamically certified company. This means that they use methods that are better for the land, the plants, and the animals, than even organic farming.

Both HiPP and Holle are certified organic by the European Commission. This is part of the EU government that's tasked with guarding the safety and purity of foods, drugs, and other things in the EU. 

Holle formulas are also Demeter Biodynamic Certified, a certification for biodynamic farming. This is a more in-depth certification that considers animal welfare, biodiversity, ecosystem preservation, and more.

Comparing Loulouka and HiPP Formula is a study in more similarities than differences. Both are organic and formulated according to the EU’s extremely high standards. In addition, both companies adhere to strict farming practices to ensure that everything in their formulas is top quality.

Use our comparison chart to understand the differences between the best Organic Baby Formulas from Europe across the most important categories.

You're busy, so rather than a long, drawn-out post on the best baby organic baby formulas, we're going to make it short and easy:

LEBENSWERT ORGANIC STAGE 1 - is specifically formulated for babies under six months old. Since infants often spend most of their time sleeping at that age, stage 1 is less calorie-dense than later stages. It's designed to have the complete nutrition that a baby needs to grow big and strong.

LOULOUKA STAGE 1 - A relative newcomer to making formula, Loulouka has done a great job creating unique, organic baby formulas. Their formulas contain no palm oil, opting for coconut oil instead.

HOLLE GOAT MILK STAGE 2 - If your baby has had a tough time digesting cow's milk, the Holle Goat Stage 2 is an excellent choice. Made from sustainable, organic ingredients and without sucrose or GMO ingredients, this is a well-rounded formula, even if the baby likes it better.

HIPP COMBIOTIC STAGE 2 - With its simple list of ingredients, this formula for 6 - 12 months old is perfectly balanced to help babies grow well. This is the right choice if you're transitioning from breastmilk to formula; it's designed to mimic breast milk at this stage, so your baby doesn't miss any of his nutrition.

Note that it can be important to stick with one brand of formula. For example, if you start your baby on Loulouka 1, it's usually easier to continue with that brand rather than switch around. If, however, your baby isn't eating well, is not tolerating the formula well, or is outgrowing formulas too fast, it might be worth switching to see if a different brand works better.

The nutrient composition of European formulas is close to breast milk, and they exclude some ingredients, like corn syrup and guar gum, that just aren't helpful in a baby's first food. Clean, nutritious, and organic formulas like HiPP, Loulouka, Holle, and Lebenswert have been enjoyed by countless babies in Europe, the United States, Canada, and around the world. 

US baby formula brands are, for the most part, owned by pharmaceutical companies. As a result, their labels tend to read like a long list of chemicals, whereas European organic formulas have whole ingredients with added vitamins. We won’t comment on whether American formulas are fully nutritious, but if you’re looking for organic formulas, the European versions are much more reliable.

American standard baby formulas do not contain any organic ingredients, which means these formulas are loaded with pesticides and GMOs, which have not been proven to be safe for human consumption. The first ingredient in this formula is corn syrup. In other words, highly processed genetically modified sugar. Similac and other "standard" formulas have enabled babies to be addicted to sugar from day one. 

Demeter and Bioland certifications are very strict about the use of chemicals, the rotation of crops, and the treatment of animals. Both certificates are hard to get. It can take years to convert a farm from a pesticide and additive-based farming practice to these very high standards.

In the US, infant formula is sold as a sort of one-size fits all product, regardless of whether your baby is 1 month, 6 months, or 11 months old. In Europe, a more nuanced set of stages allows a parent to give their baby formula that will better fit their current nutritional needs as they grow from a newborn to a one-year-old and beyond. There are 4 stages to most major European formula brands. 

Every box of formula has the ages on it. Choose the one that baby is in. 

Yes. As a child grows and changes, so do his nutritional requirements. To ensure your baby is getting all of the nutrients he needs to grow and thrive, we recommend you use the stage of formula that corresponds with his age. European Formula manufacturers have spent many years perfecting formulations to ensure every stage of your baby’s dietary needs is met.

The biggest difference between Holle Stage 1 and Holle PRE is maltodextrin.

The Holle Stage PRE has NO maltodextrin but instead substitutes organic lactose to provide additional nutritional content, while Holle Stage 1 formula does contain maltodextrin. Both are exceptional formulas, and it’s really a matter of personal preference which one you choose.

The biggest difference between HiPP Combiotic Stage 1 and HiPP Combiotic PRE is starch. 

Combiotic PRE has NO starch but instead substitutes organic lactose to provide additional nutritional content, while HiPP Combiotic Stage 1 formula does contain starch. However, both are exceptional formulas and it’s really a matter of personal preference which one you choose.

The biggest difference between HiPP Hypoallergenic Stage 1 and HiPP Hypoallergenic PRE is starch. 

The HiPP Combiotic PRE has NO starch but instead substitutes organic lactose to provide additional nutritional content, while HiPP Combiotic Stage 1 formula does contain starch. Both are exceptional formulas and it’s really a matter of personal preference which one you choose.

Did you know that most hospitals and pediatricians have a contract with baby formula manufacturers who have paid millions of dollars to market their formula to you in the hospital? So why settle for something sub-par when you can find the best nutrition for your baby? 

We understand why you may be skeptical about choosing a formula that was not recommended to you by a healthcare provider, but we urge you to take a good long look at the formula’s ingredient list. Most formulas do not contain any organic ingredients, which means these formulas are loaded with pesticides and GMOs, which have not been proven to be safe for human consumption. The first ingredient in this formula is corn syrup. In other words, highly processed genetically modified sugar.

European organic formulas are produced without using any toxic substances. The ingredients are safe, natural, nutritious, and wholesome. No pesticides, chemical fertilizers, GMOs, or added sugar!

Maltodextrin is a plant-based sweetener. The primary characteristics of Maltodextrin is its high solubility, easy and rapid digestibility (high glycemic index), and low sweetness. These characteristics work well in baby formula. High solubility means that the powdered formula will dissolve quickly and smoothly, which makes the formula easier for a baby to drink. 

The use of Maltodextrin in infant formulas is widely accepted, and there have been no known disadvantages to consuming formulas with Maltodextrin.

Probiotics are "good" bacteria that populate the digestive tract. Adding probiotics to your baby's diet will encourage the growth of healthy gut flora, with the added benefit of helping to alleviate and prevent constipation. There are many different strains of probiotics, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which are all part of a healthy baby's microbiome. Probiotics have many beneficial effects, such as improving immune response, reducing colic, and preventing eczema. Making sure that formula-fed babies are getting probiotics in their diet can help replicate the immunity-boosting properties of breast milk, particularly since around 30% of a breastfed baby's microbiome comes from the natural probiotics found in breast milk.

DHA and ALA are omega-3 fatty acids. DHA fatty acids include fish oil, egg oil, squid oil, and krill oil. ALA fatty acids include walnuts, edible seeds, clary sage seed oil, algal oil, flaxseed oil, and hemp oil. DHA is a component of the brain and eye tissue development. But the DHA and ALA added to most infant formula brands is not identical in structure to the fatty acids found in breastmilk. 

We only source our authentic organic formulas directly from the manufacturers rather than third-party suppliers, so counterfeit products are impossible. All of our formulas are shipped directly from Germany. They are stored in our climate-controlled warehouses until a customer places an order, so we have oversight of the product throughout the distribution process.

Yes! Palm oil is one of the few vegetable oils that’s naturally rich in saturated fat. Most other vegetable oils are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. By combining palm oil with rapeseed oil and sunflower oil, the mixture provides a good fatty acid profile that meets nutritional requirements for infants.