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Holle vs Enfamil: Which Is The Best Baby Formula?

Holle vs Enfamil: Which Is The Best Baby Formula?
Latest posts by Keith Lindner (see all)

When it comes to choosing the right formula for your baby, it’s important that you take plenty of time to look at the key features and ingredients to find out which one is right.

With so many brands on the market all claiming to offer the best for your child, you’ll need to cut through the clever marketing to find one that actually works. Trial and error is your best bet in finding the right one, but our handy guides are a great starting point if you need a little bit of information to get you started.

This review is dedicated to helping you understand more about Holle vs Enfamil, allowing you to discover which one might be able to offer your child what they need to grow and develop. We’ll go into depth with the key features, ingredients and nutritional benefits so that you can make an informed choice about both brands.

Best European formula
Holle Organic Baby Formula

Holle has been making organic baby formula for nearly 90 years. They hold the highest organic certifications you can get in Europe which lots of parents love to see. Use code 'BabySwag' for 5% off at TheMilkyBox.

Try Holle

When thinking about both Holle and Enfamil, try to consider which one might fit into your lifestyle. You might like to go out with your baby, or you might prefer to stay at home instead.

This will definitely affect your decision. It’s also important to consider if your child has any allergies or intolerances, or whether there are any other ingredients you should avoid.

We hope that by the end of this review, you’ll have a much better idea of what both baby formula brands can offer you, taking into account the pros, cons, features and overall parents’ rating. This should make life easier when deciding if either one is right for you.

Bottom Line Up Front Summaery: Overall, our immediate winner has to be Holle because of it’s all-organic and simple ingredients. Enfamil does come a really close second, but Holle just edges it with their methods of farming and premium quality organic ingredients.

Main differences between Holle vs Enfamil

The main differences between Holle vs Enfamil are:

  • Enfamil can be bought on Amazon, whereas Holle can’t.
  • Holle has a mild smell, whereas Enfamil has been known for its stronger, more overpowering scent.
  • Enfamil doesn’t use artificial sweeteners, whereas Holle uses Maltodextrin to sweeten the taste.
  • Holle is solely GMO, whereas Enfamil offers non-GMO options with some of their formulas.

Things to think about when choosing baby formula

When you’re deciding on which baby formula to choose for your child, there’s no better idea than to read up on all the facts. Check the ingredients, reviews and anything else you think is important, as this information is all very useful. To get you started, we’ve got a list of some helpful things to think about when you’re making your decision.

Check the ingredients

Intolerances or allergies can feel like a nightmare to navigate at first, but it really doesn’t need to be. If you’re aware of any ingredients that your child can’t consume, then it’s a case of omitting formulas that use these ingredients.

Your pediatrician should be able to give you a list of baby formulas suitable for your child, but always study the ingredients list very carefully and familiarize yourself with any ingredients you don’t recognize. As a general rule of thumb, organic tends to be best.

Holle Baby Formula Ingredients

There are some ingredients that you should look out for as a must in your baby’s formula, though. These include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, amino acids and vitamins like iron, vitamin C and B5. All are vital in providing the right kind of nourishment they need to develop in these vital stages of their life.

Choose a formula and stick to it

When you’re first looking for the right formula, it’s likely you’ll try a couple of brands to ensure your baby is on the right one. This is perfectly safe – you’ll just need to keep a close eye on how your baby reacts to it to determine if it’s suiting your baby’s needs.

Once you have found the one that’s working, try to stick to it. This will ensure your child gets used to the taste and texture, and any minor problems (like constipation or excess gassiness) should be alleviated through a consistent feed.

Avoid bulk buying at first

It’s normal to want to bulk buy a particular baby formula to try and save a bit of money, but be careful not to stock up too early. Wait until you know whether it’s the right one by sticking with it for a few weeks or even months first.

If you bulk buy and you find your baby hasn’t reacted very well and you need to switch, you might be left with more baby formula than you’ll actually need.

If you do decide to stock up once you’ve chosen your long-term baby formula, be careful not to go past the ‘use by’ date. If you find that your baby does start to encounter problems later on down the line, consult your pediatrician on the next steps to take – you might need to switch baby formula to deal with the condition.

Find your perfect brand

As well as finding a formula with the right ingredients, it’s important that you find a brand you trust too. There are plenty out there and all have their unique selling points, but you have to be able to put your entire trust in your favorite one, especially if you’ve switched to baby formula full-time.

Once you’ve discovered the right brand, they will likely have formulas for every stage in your baby’s life, so you can stick with them for the long haul.

Consider how you will prepare your formula

When it comes to baby formula, you’ve got three main options:

  • Powder. This is the most commonly used type of formula and is the easiest to store away. It has a long shelf life and is also very quick to prepare, meaning you can make up your bottles in advance.
  • Liquid. If you’re after a quick ‘grab and go’ option, this pre-mixed formula saves you time as you don’t have to make the formula up. They are a more expensive option and once opened, will need to be consumed quickly.
  • Concentrated liquid. This is a bit of an in-between option and a blend of powder and liquid formula. It needs to be pre-mixed, but the measuring is easier than the traditional powder formula. It can get expensive in the long run though, which should be on your radar.

Holle vs Enfamil – Which is better for your baby?

Both Holle and Enfamil have become incredibly popular with parents, thanks to the premium quality ingredients and nutritional benefits.

While both are equally beneficial in their own right, they do have their differences too, which will offer you different results depending on what’s on your checklist. Discover our in-depth reviews below.

Best European formula
Holle Organic Baby Formula

Holle has been making organic baby formula for nearly 90 years. They hold the highest organic certifications you can get in Europe which lots of parents love to see. Use code 'BabySwag' for 5% off at TheMilkyBox.

Try Holle

Holle

holle

Holle Baby Formula is one of the most well-known and popular European baby formulas, offering an extensive range of baby food and cereals. It’s designed to be used from birth if you’re planning to supplement straight away, and the range features baby formula suitable for every important stage for your baby’s development and growth.

It’s already got a great reputation with parents all around the world, who love the European brand for its commendable values. From the very beginning, Holle has rejected chemical processing and preservatives.

Holle uses skimmed milk from organically-sourced farms and whey powder from biodynamic farming. Biodynamic farming is a form of alternative agriculture, which is very similar to organic farming.

One of the benefits of using Holle is that they produce both goat’s and cow’s milk formulas, so if your baby is intolerant to either or doesn’t enjoy the taste of one, there are still other options within the brand range to use instead.

Holle also uses plenty of vitamins nutrients that are necessary for your baby’s growth and development. Their baby formula is also packed with vegetable oils, fatty acids and maltodextrin. However, this is a slightly controversial ingredient as it’s actually an artificial sweetener, which is highly processed, despite coming from plant-based sources.

If you’re looking for something completely natural, this probably isn’t an ingredient you would want to see in your baby’s food. It is derived from organic corn starch however and is free from gluten, which is good news if your baby has an intolerance.

Don’t let the maltodextrin put you off though – Holle is a top-quality brand of baby formula and cereal that offers babies all they need to thrive. And being so close to breast milk is a great benefit that many parents will love.

Available Holle Formulas:

Features:

  • Holle contains skimmed organic milk, dietary fibers, vitamins A, C, D, E, and K.
  • The formula is easy to digest and keeps immune systems healthy.
  • It’s suitable for newborns, with four stages perfect for your baby’s age.
  • It’s made from organic cow’s milk, which derives from cows grazed on biodynamic pastures and fields.
  • It’s designed to resemble the taste and texture of breast milk.
  • There are no artificial flavors or preservatives.
  • It doesn’t contain GMOs or gluten.
  • It contains maltodextrin for sweetening the taste.

Pros:

  • It’s a good formula for sensitive tummies.
  • Only good quality ingredients are used.
  • It has a mild taste and texture that’s more agreeable to babies.
  • There is a formula available for every stage up to 12 months.
  • There is a goat’s milk alternative available in the range.

Cons:

  • It’s not available to buy on Amazon.
  • It can’t be bought in US stores.
  • Holle contains palm oil – a controversial ingredient that some parents don’t like.
  • It’s an expensive option, especially if you have to buy it from overseas.
  • Holle formulas contain maltodextrin, a starch-based sweetener with high glycemic index.

Parents’ popular opinion on Holle

When it comes to reviews, Holle has over 1,000 reviews left for it and an overall 5-star rating. It’s proving to be incredibly popular with moms and dads, and here’s what they are saying:

  • Many moms and dads have reviewed that their child is loving the taste and texture of the baby formula. They mention it’s creamier and thicker than other brands, making it a popular choice.
  • Others have noted that digestive issues, such as constipation, are easing thanks to switching to Holle baby formula.
  • Moms struggling with breast milk issues are finding the first stage formula to be a great supplement, leaving them with fewer things to worry about when it comes to their baby getting the right nutrition.
  • Other parents are finding that allergic reactions are lessening now that they’re using Holle compared to other brands.
Best European formula
Holle Organic Baby Formula

Holle has been making organic baby formula for nearly 90 years. They hold the highest organic certifications you can get in Europe which lots of parents love to see. Use code 'BabySwag' for 5% off at TheMilkyBox.

Try Holle

Enfamil

enspire

 

When it comes to Enfamil, there are so many products in their range that it would almost be impossible not to find something that suits your baby. With absolutely no artificial colors, sweeteners or colors in any of their formulas, it’s considered a completely safe choice for your baby to consume.

It’s packed with plenty of ingredients to help your child grow and develop, including DHA; a fatty acid that helps learning ability, plus smaller proteins that are easier for little ones to digest. It’s also made with MFGM for healthy brains.

Overall, the formula is very close to breast milk, offering all your baby needs to be healthy as they grow while giving you the peace of mind that they’re getting exactly what they need.

Depending on your lifestyle, you can get Enfamil formula in pretty much any format, including powder, liquid and pre-mixed, so whether you’re out and about or a home, you can choose an Enfamil formula that suits you and your family.

Available Enfamil Formulas:

Buy in bulk & save
How to save on Enfamil

Enfamil's flagship products can be ordered in bulk from most major retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco, etc.) as well as from their own site. We found Amazon typically had the best selection and prices.

Shop on Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Features:

  • Enfamil is recommended by pediatricians.
  • Enfamil contains DHA to help the brain stay nourished and developed. This is a type of Omega 3 fatty acid.
  • It also contains MFGM, which is a key ingredient found in breast milk.
  • The ingredients are clinically proven to provide the nourishment your baby needs to grow and develop.
  • No artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors

Pros:

  • Newborns can be put on the formula as it’s perfectly safe to do so.
  • It’s very close to breast milk and packed with nutritional features.
  • The product range encompasses products that are suitable for allergies, intolerances, sensitive tummies and fussy eaters.
  • GMO and non-GMO choices are available.
  • Enfamil comes in no-mess tubs, making life just that little bit easier for busy parents.

Cons:

  • It’s one of the more expensive brands on the internet.
  • Genetically engineered ingredients could be in their product range – there’s no guarantee that there is none.
  • Some parents complain about a fairly strong smell, which can be unpleasant for some.
Buy in bulk & save
How to save on Enfamil

Enfamil's flagship products can be ordered in bulk from most major retailers (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Costco, etc.) as well as from their own site. We found Amazon typically had the best selection and prices.

Shop on Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Parents’ popular opinion on Enfamil

Enfamil is generally well-rated with parents, achieving an overall 4-stars on their range of products. This is just a snapshot of what some moms and dads are loving about it:

  • Parents are finding that Enfamil is good for their babies constipation and gas problems, and found symptoms started to ease after switching to Enfamil formula.
  • Another parent liked how they are able to get a month’s worth of formula without having to take her other children to the store – Enfamil lasts a long time.
  • Other parents noted that when using Enfamil, their children tolerated it a lot better over other formulas and saw regular bowel movements.
  • Some reviewers mentioned that their children struggled with the powder formula and preferred the liquid kind.

The Verdict: Holle or Enfamil

Both Holle and Enfamil are great brands that offer so much for babies. When looking at them at face value, it’s a difficult choice, but there are some key factors that set them both apart.

With Enfamil, they add absolutely no artificial colors, sweeteners or colors to their products, and have managed to get their formula as close to breast milk as possible. This is great for moms who are supplementing or who are struggling to feed using their own breast milk.

Many parents like the fact that Holle is created in Europe where animal welfare and manufacturing standards are so high and the fact they use organic skimmed milk and close-to-organic farming methods means this is a huge plus to those bothered about sustainability.

Part of their brand ethos has meant that they’ve rejected chemical processing and preservatives from the very beginning, so everything they do is considered to be the best option for babies, parents, and animals. They’re also highly recommended by pediatricians.

Bottom Line: Overall, our immediate winner has to be Holle because of the reasons we’ve mentioned above. Enfamil does come a really close second, but Holle just edges it with their methods of farming and premium quality organic ingredients.

The fact that Enfamil can’t guarantee any non-genetically engineered products in their range loses them points. However, you really can’t go wrong with either brands – the ultimate choice is completely yours.

FAQ’s About Holle and Enfamil

Where is Holle made?

Holle is manufactured in Europe and meets Demeter’s quality standards. This means that produce has been grown carefully, is of the highest quality, and is gently processed and packed. It also marks produce that has been biodynamically grown.

Does Holle baby formula taste like breast milk?

While nothing can replicate the taste of breast milk, Holle does mimic the taste and texture very well. This is one of the things they’re popular for. They achieve this by using the key nutrients and vitamins that are found in breast milk, which offers a well-rounded baby feed to allow your baby to grow and develop.

Does Holle offer a goat based formula?

Yes – they offer a formula called Holle Organic Goat Milk Follow, which is made using goat’s milk as an alternative to cow’s. This is built for babies whose stomachs aren’t able to digest cow’s milk very well, as some digestive systems struggle.

Is Enfamil safe for newborns?

Enfamil’s creators, Mead Johnson have tested this and can say with confidence that their newborn formula is perfectly safe for newborns.

How long does Enfamil last?

When prepared, Enfamil powder formulas can be refrigerated at 35-40° F while covered for up to 24 hours. Enfamil liquid formulas can last for up to 48 hours when refrigerated at the same temperature. A prepared bottle can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Any longer and it will have to be discarded.

Does Enfamil have a formula for babies with Colic?

For colic that is caused by a protein allergy, Enfamil has two options – Nutramigen® Liquids or Nutramigen® with Enflora™ LGG® Powder. These contain proteins that have been broken down into smaller pieces, which is unlikely to cause a reaction in babies who could be sensitive to the whole protein.

Final Thoughts: Enfamil vs Holle

Whichever baby formula you choose between Holle and Enfamil, give it a go for a little while to see if it works for you. Every baby is different and you may find that they don’t take to the formula straight away.

If this is the case then don’t worry – it’s perfectly safe to try more than one formula, and you’ll soon know when you’ve found the right one. But if you are worried about anything – no matter how small, always check with your pediatrician.

We hope this guide has helped you learn a bit more about both Holle and Enfamil. If you have any questions then feel free to pop them in the comment section below – our expert moms and dads are more than happy to help!

And if you have anything else you’d like us to review, let us know and we’ll see what we can do. If you liked this review, why not find out more about Enfamil vs Aptamil? Or if you’re looking for something entirely new, check out of the review of Go & Grow by Similac.

Best European formula
Holle Organic Baby Formula

Holle has been making organic baby formula for nearly 90 years. They hold the highest organic certifications you can get in Europe which lots of parents love to see. Use code 'BabySwag' for 5% off at TheMilkyBox.

Try Holle

Recommended Reads:

Choosing the right formula should always be a priority for your kid, so here you can check all the “rivals” of Holle and Enfamil and how they compare:

Holle vs Enfamil – Which Is The Best Baby Formula?

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