HiPP vs. Holle: The Ultimate Comparison Guide

The nutrition you choose for your little one today will play a significant role in future growth and development. Generations of families have relied on HiPP Internal and Holle Organic baby formulas to provide a foundation of health into adulthood.

By taking a closer look at the ingredients and benefits of each, we hope to help your family find the best organic baby formula that is right for your infant.

HiPP and Holle are among the most trusted and beloved names in European baby formulas due to their rich history and organic nature.

HiPP was founded in Germany in 1899, making them one of the oldest formula-producing companies today! HiPP’s focus on organic-biological agriculture began in 1956, and because of this effort, they work with a network of over 6,000 contract farmers.

HiPP was the first major European food producer to introduce an EMAS-based environmental management system. In fact, 97 percent of all waste is now recycled. The HiPP sites in Germany, Austria, and Hungary operate carbon-neutrally, even though production has doubled, and the company’s product range has expanded to over 260 assorted products.

HiPP’s priority is the production of environmentally friendly, high-quality baby formulas that fit the future world your little one will live in.

Holle began the baby formula journey in 1933 in Arlesheim, a small town in Switzerland. Holle became one of the finest baby formula manufacturers in Europe, known for its strict organic farming practices. Since our beginnings, we have produced our products through biodynamic farming – the most climate-friendly form of agriculture.

Nine years ago, Holle made all milk formula climate neutral, and now all Holle’s milk formulas are climate positive.

Each day Holle goes out of the way to ensure your infant has the cleanest nutrition manufactured in the best conceivable way!

European organic baby formulas are well known for the highest quality ingredients and strict infant regulations.

HiPP and Holle are produced using organic farming practices, specifically with your infants' growth and development in mind. Only clean, pure ingredients are allowed from farm to bottle.

EU guidelines require that all European organic baby formulas be free from pesticide residue, growth hormones, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), synthetic chemicals and preservatives, heavy metals, and potentially toxic ingredients. Baby formula manufacturers in Europe must use only milk from cows grazing on grass pastures, ensuring their milk has a higher protein content than dairy products.

Each step of the European baby formula process has checks and balances put into place before an organic stamp is allowed on your infant’s nutrition. These rules apply at every stage: farming practices all the way to the final product.

Unfortunately, US organic baby formula companies are held to different standards than European brands such as HiPP and Holle.

Under FDA regulations, American baby formulas labeled as “Organic” does not always mean that every ingredient follows the necessary practices. The US has a divided look at organic nutrition for infants - organic formulas and grass-fed formulas.

To get the best of both regulations, families must look to European baby formula companies where farming practices are 95% organic and sustainable, and animals graze in organically grown pastures.

There is no question when it comes to EU vs. US infant quality; European baby formulas have a clear advantage.

HiPP formula and Holle formula are transparent about their sourcing, production, and ingredients. The nutrition that goes into each bottle is designed with your little one in mind. 

HiPP infant formulas are lactose-based; the one exception is HiPP Anti-Reflux formula which contains maltodextrin. Along with the organic thickening agent locust bean gum, maltodextrin sits heavier in the stomach and helps to prevent reflux, and aids digestion in sensitive digestive systems. 

Holle organic formulas choose a combination of two carbohydrates lactose (as the main ingredient and carbohydrate) and maltodextrin.

Holle Cow Pre leaves out the maltodextrin to allow gentler options for immature systems.

HiPP European Baby Formulas blends whey-to-casein ratio to mimic breast milk as closely aspossible.

Sensitive baby formulas HiPP Anti-Reflux contains 100% whey, and HiPP HA, which uses extensively hydrolyzed protein, are the expectations.

Holle Baby Formulas have added whey to bring the protein ratio closer to the natural amounts found in breast milk.

Holle families worried about digestive troubles can opt for goat's milk options. Goat's milk protein is smaller and easier to digest.

The first 100 days of life are critical to the on going development processes. European formulas HiPP and Holle use organic ingredients to source the required micronutrition for your baby’s mind and body. 

HiPP baby formulas have been adding DHA and ARA for many years. Beginning in 2020, following the guidelines of the EU commission, HiPP also increased the amount of vitamin D, choline, and DHA.

HiPP formulas are rich in omega-3 fatty acids derived from organic vegetable oil and fish oil, both of which are rich in DHA and ARA.

Complying with European regulations, Holle contains DHA at every stage. Holle's products now contain linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and DHA.

HiPP Bio Combiotik formulas contain probiotics and prebiotics culturedto mimic those found in breast milk. The lines included are HiPP Dutch, HiPP German, HiPP Anti-Reflux, HiPP Comfort, and HiPP Hypoallergenic.

HiPP UK has a prebiotic fiber called galactooligosaccharides (GOS), which are formed from organiclactose and support the development of balanced gut flora but do leave out the probiotics.

Holle formulas have your answer for families that like clean nutrition without added prebiotics or probiotics.

Talk to your pediatric doctor before adding any over-the-counter supplements.

HiPP and Holle European formula companies go out of their way to provide healthy options as nutritional close to breast milk as possible.

We have summarized the nutritional differences between HiPP and Holle formulas in this guide below:

There are quite a few benefits of using HiPP and Holle baby formulas. Each macro and micros ingredient has been carefully examined.

To continue with our in-depth look into both HiPP and Holle, we will look back to a few pros and cons of each formula.

EU Organic certification and supporting local farmers show that HiPP and Holle care about babies, their employees, and the environment.

These world-renowned companies are known to be among the healthiest baby formulas in the world. They offer vital nutrients your child needs for healthy growth and cognitive reasoning today and in the future.

There is no doubt when it comes to HiPP vs. Holle, the clear winner is the families.

The Milky Box is proud to carry HiPP and Holle formulas to meet your little ones’ digestive and developmental needs.