Holle A2 vs Holle Bio: What’s the Difference?

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

Holle is one of Europe’s longest-standing organic baby food brands, and its two cow’s milk ranges are often confused. Holle Bio is made with Demeter biodynamic milk; Holle A2 is made with milk from cows that naturally produce only the A2 type of beta-casein protein. Here’s how they compare.

Quick answer:

  • Holle Bio: Demeter biodynamic milk, DHA from algae, and the widest choice of stages, including a Pre stage and a Stage 4.
  • Holle A2: A2 cow’s milk with EU organic certification and DHA from fish oil, in three stages.
  • Both use skimmed milk, palm oil and no added prebiotics or probiotics. The first stages contain lactose only; later stages add maltodextrin and starch.

Side-by-side comparison

Based on the ingredient lists of the formulas we stock.

Swipe sideways to see every column →

Holle BioHolle A2
MilkSkimmed milk from Demeter (biodynamic) farmsSkimmed A2 milk (organic)
CertificationDemeter milk, EU organicEU organic
Protein typeRegular cow’s milk (A1 and A2 beta-casein)A2 beta-casein only
DHA sourceAlgaeFish oil
OilsPalm, sunflower, rapeseedPalm, rapeseed, sunflower
CarbohydratesPre and Stage 1: lactose only
Stages 2–4: maltodextrin and starch		Stage 1: lactose only
Stages 2–3: maltodextrin and starch
Prebiotics / probioticsNone addedNone added
StagesPre and 1 (birth), 2 (6 months), 3 (10 months), 4 (12 months)1 (birth), 2 (6 months), 3 (10 months)
Pack400 g (Pre, 1), 600 g (2–4)400 g

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

Holle Bio: Demeter biodynamic milk

Holle Bio is made with milk from Demeter-certified farms. Demeter is a biodynamic standard that goes further than EU organic rules, for example on animal welfare, feed and soil health. Holle Bio 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. Learn more in our guide to organic certification.

Holle Bio Pre

Holle Bio Stage 1

Holle Bio Stage 2

Holle Bio Stage 3

Holle Bio Stage 4

Holle A2: milk with A2 protein only

Regular cow’s milk contains two types of beta-casein protein, A1 and A2. Holle A2 is made with milk from cows that naturally produce only A2 beta-casein, which is closer to the beta-casein found in breast milk. Some parents find A2 formula gentler on digestion, although research is still limited. Holle A2 is certified EU organic and uses DHA from fish oil.

A2 milk is still cow’s milk and contains lactose, so Holle A2 isn’t suitable for babies with a cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance.

Holle A2 Stage 1

Holle A2 Stage 2

Holle A2 Stage 3

How to choose

  • The strictest farming standard matters most? Holle Bio (Demeter).
  • You’d like to try A2 protein? Holle A2.
  • You prefer DHA without fish oil? Holle Bio.
  • You want a Pre stage, or a formula for toddlers from 12 months? Holle Bio Pre or Stage 4.

If you switch, do it gradually and check with your pediatrician; our switching guide explains how.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Holle A2 and Holle Bio?

Holle Bio uses Demeter biodynamic milk and algae DHA; Holle A2 uses organic milk from cows that produce only A2 beta-casein, with fish-oil DHA. Holle Bio also has more stages.

Is Holle A2 good for babies with a sensitive tummy?

Some parents find A2 formula gentler, but research is still limited. A2 milk contains lactose and milk protein, so it isn’t suitable for a cow’s milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has ongoing tummy trouble.

Does Holle contain palm oil?

Yes. Both Holle Bio and Holle A2 contain organic palm oil, along with sunflower and rapeseed oil.

Do Holle formulas contain prebiotics or probiotics?

No. Holle Bio and Holle A2 don’t contain added prebiotics or probiotics.

Which Holle formula has no maltodextrin?

Holle Bio Pre, Holle Bio Stage 1 and Holle A2 Stage 1 contain lactose as their only carbohydrate. The later stages of both ranges contain 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.