Comparing various baby formulas may be challenging. Because all European manufacturers must comply with the same requirements, most baby formulas are much alike. However, they still have particular differences. HiPP and Holle are two established baby formula producers in Europe, both having a long history of providing high-quality mixtures for infants and newborns. Let’s take a closer look at these manufacturers’ baby formulas and compare them.
Let’s take a closer look at these manufacturers’ baby formulas and compare them. If you are trying to find the right place to buy these formulas please visit myorganiccompany.store whit a variety of the highest quality organic baby formulas from the EU.
Components of HiPP and Holle Baby Formulas
Newborn and infant formulas are strictly regulated. Parents have to be confident they are providing their babies with the necessary nutrients during the critical period of their lives. Here is a chart that will give you an idea about the differences between HiPP and Holle baby formula.
Ingredients | HiPP | Holle |
Carbohydrate sources | skim milk, lactose | lactose, skim milk, whole milk, maltodextrin |
Protein sources | whey protein | whey protein |
Fat sources | palm oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil | palm oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil |
Prebiotics and probiotics | prebiotics (Galacto-Oligosaccharides from lactose), probiotics (Lactobacillus Fermentum) | none |
Omega fatty acids | Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, including LA, ALA, DHA, and EPA | Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, including LA, ALA, DHA, and EPA |
Now let’s take a quick look at these ingredients:
- HiPP formulas have better carbohydrate sources, considering the added maltodextrin in Holle products. Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate with a high glycemic index. It is digested fast and easily but is a poor energy source. According to research results, it might cause blood sugar spikes and be not very good for maintaining healthy gut microflora.
- Both manufacturers use similar protein sources, which are milk and whey powder. All the producers’ formulas contain skim milk aside from Holle Pre using whole milk. While HiPP Combiotic organic formula Stages 1 and 2 include added whey protein, Stage 3 does not.
- Both HiPP and Holle use similar fat sources, which are palm oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil.
- HiPP formulas are better due to the prebiotics and probiotics content, while Holle mixtures do not have any of these.
- Both manufacturers’ formulas are good for Omega fatty acid content: fish oil (DHA) and plant-oil-based ALA and LA.
Therefore, for ingredients in the composition, HiPP wins by a small margin.
Pros and Cons of HiPP and Holle Baby Formulas
Any product has its benefits and drawbacks, and HiPP and Holle baby formulas are no exceptions. Here is a chart with both manufacturers’ formulas’ pros and cons for your convenience.
Manufacturer | Pros | Cons |
HiPP | the formulas seem to be easier for the baby’s tummy and guts;organic formulas are as close to human milk as possible;the products do not include sugar or other sweeteners;Omega-3 fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics help form a strong immunity;soy-free;there is a variety of options for babies with special needs. | the products are a bit more expensive than other similar formulas;the composition has palm oil;the product line consists of cow milk-based formulas only. |
Holle | formulas with biodynamic components;the products smell and taste like human breast milk;soy-free;formulas do not contain added sugars;there is a line of products based on goat milk. | there is palm oil in the entire line of products;the price is higher than of other similar products from other manufacturers;there is no line of formulas for babies with lactose intolerance. |
HiPP or Holle?
In many aspects, these manufacturers’ baby formulas are very much alike. But if you look closer at their compositions, you will notice some differences:
- Holle is better for component sourcing, animal welfare, and sustainable farming.
- HiPP is better for overall tolerance and sensitivity.
- Holle has a line of formulas based on goat milk for babies who do not tolerate cow milk.
- HiPP is better for the availability of prebiotics and probiotics and the absence of maltodextrin in the composition.
- HiPP is slightly better for price.
Whether you do not want to, or cannot breastfeed for some reason, or want to combine breastfeeding and using a special baby formula, you will have to find the right product for your baby. It is almost always more of a trial and error sort of thing and may take some time to find exactly the one product that your baby will tolerate. Also, make sure to consult with your baby’s pediatrician about the choice of baby formula considering all your infant’s special needs.