Lebenswert vs Holle Bio: Two Sister Formulas Compared

By: The Milky Box Team - Updated October 2026 - 5 Minute Read

Lebenswert and Holle Bio are made by the same Swiss company, Holle, which created Lebenswert as its more affordable organic range. Their recipes are very similar: organic skimmed milk, organic vegetable oils and a short ingredient list. The differences come down to where the DHA comes from, the farming standard and the stages and pack sizes.

Quick answer:

  • Lebenswert: certified organic, with DHA from fish oil, in Stages 1–3.
  • Holle Bio: Demeter biodynamic milk, with DHA from algae (no fish oil), and more stages, including Pre and Stage 4.
  • Both have lactose as the only carbohydrate in their first-stage formulas, and both contain organic palm oil.

Availability: Lebenswert is currently out of stock. Holle Bio is its closest match and is in stock now; see the Holle range.

Side-by-side comparison

Based on the ingredient lists of the formulas we stock.

Swipe sideways to see every column →

LebenswertHolle Bio
Made byHolleHolle
MilkOrganic skimmed milkSkimmed milk from Demeter (biodynamic) farms
CertificationOrganicDemeter milk, EU organic
DHA sourceFish oilAlgae
OilsPalm, rapeseed, sunflowerPalm, sunflower, rapeseed
CarbohydratesStage 1: lactose only
Stages 2–3: maltodextrin and starch		Pre and Stage 1: lactose only
Stages 2–4: maltodextrin and starch
Prebiotics / probioticsNone addedNone added
Stages1 (birth), 2 (6 months), 3 (10 months)Pre and 1 (birth), 2 (6 months), 3 (10 months), 4 (12 months)
Pack500 g (1, 2), 475 g (3)400 g (Pre, 1), 600 g (2–4)

For every formula side by side, see our full comparison chart.

Lebenswert

Lebenswert keeps its recipe simple: organic skimmed milk and whey, organic palm, rapeseed and sunflower oil, and fish oil for DHA. Stage 1 uses lactose as its only carbohydrate; Stages 2 and 3 add organic maltodextrin and starch. There are no added prebiotics or probiotics.

View Lebenswert Stage 1

View Lebenswert Stage 2

View Lebenswert Stage 3

Holle Bio

Holle Bio is made with milk from Demeter-certified farms, a biodynamic standard that goes further than EU organic rules. It uses DHA from algae, so it contains no fish oil, and offers the most stages: Pre and Stage 1 from birth, up to Stage 4 from 12 months. Read how it compares with Holle’s A2 range in our Holle A2 vs Holle Bio guide.

Holle Bio Pre

Holle Bio Stage 1

Holle Bio Stage 2

Holle Bio Stage 3

Holle Bio Stage 4

How to choose

  • You prefer DHA without fish oil? Holle Bio.
  • The strictest farming standard matters most? Holle Bio (Demeter).
  • You need a Pre stage or a formula for toddlers from 12 months? Holle Bio Pre or Stage 4.
  • Your baby already does well on Lebenswert? Holle Bio is the closest match while Lebenswert is out of stock.

Because the recipes are so similar, many babies move between them easily. Still, change gradually and check with your pediatrician; our switching guide explains how.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lebenswert the same as Holle?

They’re sister brands, both made by Holle; Lebenswert is Holle’s more affordable organic range, with a very similar recipe. The main differences are that Lebenswert uses fish-oil DHA and comes in Stages 1–3, while Holle Bio uses Demeter milk and algae DHA and comes in Pre to Stage 4.

What can I use instead of Lebenswert?

Holle Bio is the closest alternative: the same maker, organic skimmed milk, the same oils, and lactose-only first stages. Talk to your pediatrician before switching.

Does Lebenswert contain palm oil?

Yes, Lebenswert contains organic palm oil, as does Holle Bio. If you’d prefer a palm-oil-free formula, see our palm-oil-free guide.

Does Lebenswert contain maltodextrin?

Lebenswert Stage 1 doesn’t; lactose is its only carbohydrate. Stages 2 and 3 contain organic maltodextrin and starch.

Related guides

Disclaimer: Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby. This information is general and not medical advice. Please talk to your pediatrician before starting or changing your baby’s formula.