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Unless you’re seeking out European baby formula or have heard about its benefits from friends or family, then you might not know how beneficial it can be for your baby or that it even exists. There are actually several good European Baby formulas worth trying.
This mostly depends on your baby’s needs, and each one offers top quality. That’s not to say that other formulas aren’t also exceptional, but there are some big benefits of European baby formula that you just can’t ignore.
European formulas are, for the most part, organic formula milk, which is a huge plus for parents who prefer all organic everything. As a whole, European formulas have stricter regulations on what actually goes into them.
This is where superb organic ingredients come in. And for the most part, the cows the milk come from are raised on farms that follow principles of Biodynamic Agriculture (or Demeter farm certification). In other words, the cows graze on fields (grass-fed cows) which haven’t been contaminated with chemicals.
While other cows with milk used for other cow milk formula may still be harmless for your child, using European milk can give you peace of mind.
Formulas made with European ingredients also usually have probiotics, which are important for your little one’s digestive system. Not only that, but probiotics also often help with any bacteria in the intestines, so it’s a win-win all around.
And, unlike formulas developed in the U.S., European formulas tend to have a lot less sugar (especially added sugar and processed sugar) and typically whey processed without hexane.
Sometimes, U.S. formulas have brown rice syrup added, and as that’s not great when consuming frequent doses, European formula comes out on top once again. And these are some of the best European Baby formula options worth trying.
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.
Jump to a specific section
- The Best Baby Formula from Europe at a Glance
- 1. Best European Baby Formula: Holle Stage 1 Organic Formula
- 2. HiPP Stage 1 Combiotic First Infant Milk Formula
- 3. Nannycare Nanny Goat Milk Growing-Up Formula
- 4. Lebenswert Bio Organic Formula
- 5. Baby’s Only Organic Non-GMO LactoRelief Formula
- Other EU Baby Formula Runner Ups
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts on the Best Baby Formula Brands from Europe
The Best Baby Formula from Europe at a Glance
1. Best European Baby Formula: Holle Stage 1 Organic Formula
This leading German baby formula is made with either cow or goats milk protein (available in both varieties). It is suitable to use from birth and on alone or in addition to human breast milk from breastfeeding.
You can use it in a bottle or mixed with baby cereal if needed. Just as you’d do with cow milk-based formula.
The taste and consistency also make the formula feeding easy to transition to if your baby is switching from a standard cow’s milk formula.
So there’s not much, if any, confusion. It’s made with an organically grown ingredient, as the name would suggest. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or additives.
This particular formula also has expiration dates which are further into the future than other similar formulas. This means that you can stock up on a lot of boxes at a time without worry that one will spoil before you get to it.
- Child Age Range: It can be used from birth up to six months of age, but always check with a Pediatrician (or the American Academy of Pediatrics for general guidance) on specific servings and formula feeding intervals.
- Where To Buy: You can find it on The Milky Box (use code TBS10 to save 10%), MyOrganicCompany (Use code “thebabyswag” to take 5% off), or OrganicBabyFood.de.
- The Best Part: The overall taste and smell are easy to handle and aren’t overpowering, which can be hard to find with these types of formulas.
- The Not So Great: It is slightly more expensive per gram than American formulas (use code “TBS10” to take 10% off at TheMilkyBox)
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There has been 1 formula recall relating to Holle infant formula (as with many other European infant formula options), but due exclusively to not containing supplemental iron.
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.
Holle versus Other Formulas:
- Holle vs Similac Compared
- Holle vs Lebenswert Compared
- Holle vs NannyCare Compared
- Holle vs Kabrita Compared
- Holle vs Baby’s Only Compared
- Holle vs Topfer Compared
- Holle vs Hipp Compared
2. HiPP Stage 1 Combiotic First Infant Milk Formula
Unlike some other European baby formulas, the HiPP Stage 1 Combiotic First Infant Milk Formula is made with cow’s milk protein.
So while it’s not vegetarian friendly or suitable for babies with a milk intolerance or allergy (hypoallergenic formula), it can still provide your baby with the nutrients they need for that first year (without any synthetic nutrients). It’s made from organic skimmed milk and has Vitamin A, D, and B2, among others.
HiPP Organic baby formula essentially has all of the nutrients necessary for your baby’s mental and physical growth, including Omega 3 (fatty acid), DHA, and AA. It’s unclear if this particular European formula will help with digestive issues (like constipation or gas).
However, HiPP HA formula products are made to be gentle on the stomach (ideal for sensitive stomachs). And it has everything your baby needs, whether they take it in place of breast milk or in addition to it.
- Child Age Range: HiPP formula is made for babies from birth onward.
- Where To Buy: You can find it on TheMilkyBox (use code TBS10 to take 10% off) and MyOrganicCompany.store (use code THEBABYSWAG to save 5% at checkout). Note: you can also find HiPP in different country specific labeling e.g. HiPP Dutch.
- The Best Part: Some babies may find it easier to digest this milk-based formula (whey) than others. No maltodextrin typically present, but does have additional vitamin and nutrient versions.
- The Not So Great: Some parents may not feel comfortable with the fact that the formula has added vegetable oils ingredients.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: While one of HiPP’s cereals has had a past recall, this formula was not affected. More recently, HiPP was also caught up in the “iron” deficiency recall. This was a controversial recall as there was nothing itself wrong with the formula, only that these formulas don’t contain ADDED iron.
Related Comparisons:
- Hipp vs Holle Compared
- Hipp vs Aptamil Compared
- Hipp vs Baby’s Only Compared
- Hipp vs Lebenswert Compared
Our preferred vendor for buying HiPP online in bulk is definitely TheMilkyBox.com. They have generously offered our readers 5% off with code 'BabySwag' at checkout!
3. Nannycare Nanny Goat Milk Growing-Up Formula
Babies with a sensitivity to cow’s milk will likely react well to the Nannycare Nanny Goat Milk Growing Up Formula.
The goat’s milk formula isn’t made for those who have confirmed milk allergies. However, one can use it as a formula that’s easier on the stomach and digestive system because the formula is made with goat’s milk instead of cow and contains the right nutrients and minerals for growing formula-fed babies.
The protein in the goat milk formula makes for smaller curds which are easily digestible and won’t contribute to colic or gas issues in little ones. The goat’s milk whey comes from New Zealand, so not strictly an EU formula by sourcing.
They raise the goats there without stimulants and hormones, which can make resulting formula less than pure for babies and toddlers drinking it. It does have Vitamins A and C for a healthy immune system and Iron, calcium, and Vitamin D. You can learn more about their “stages” here.
- Child Age Range: The formula can be used for babies from birth up to three years of age, provided that you use the right “stage” of formula for them.
- Where To Buy: You can find it on TheMilkyBox (Save 10% with code TBS10 at checkout), or try MyOrganicCompany (use code “thebabyswag” for 5% off).
- The Best Part: It can help formula-fed infants right from birth if they have stomach issues from the start.
- The Not So Great: Since it comes in cans, there’s a chance that the cans can get dented in transit.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent, or current recalls on this formula.
Related Comparisons:
NannyCare is one of our favorite formulas but it can be a bit harder to find compared to other formula brands. Luckily our partners at TheMilkyBox & OrganicsBest always have a good supply. Use code 'BabySwag' for 5% off.
4. Lebenswert Bio Organic Formula
As another healthy European formula, Lebenswert Bio Organic Formula is made without maltodextrin, which is a food additive and that alone may help parents feel at ease giving it to their babies.
You can use it instead of breast milk or in addition to it and it’s so gentle that it’s fairly easy to switch to the formula when moving over from breast milk exclusively or another milk powder formula (powdered formula).
In addition to containing all of the vitamins and minerals necessary for your baby’s development. The formula’s milk comes from farms that meet and exceed the guidelines of the Bioland Association. This is especially important for organic formulas. The formula also somehow smells better than a lot of American formulas. And since sometimes the smell and taste can be a little disconcerting, this is another huge bonus.
- Child Age Range: It’s made for babies from birth onward.
- Where To Buy: You can primarily find it on TheMilkyBox (use code TBS10 for 10% off), or MyOrganicCompany.store (use code “thebabyswag” for 5% off).
- The Best Part: It’s sweetened with organic lactose instead of corn syrup solids and other mass produced ingredients like maltodextrin.
- The Not So Great: Some babies may get some gas from this formula because of its lack of probiotics or prebiotics additive ingredient.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?:
- There has been 1 formula recall relating to Lebenswert infant milk protein formula (as with many other European formulas), but due exclusively to not containing supplemental iron.
Related Comparisons:
Our friends at TheMilkyBox are the best supplier of Lebenswert. They ship promptly, have great customer service and are always super competitive on pricing. Use code 'BabySwag' for 5% off at checkout.
5. Baby’s Only Organic Non-GMO LactoRelief Formula
Like some of the other options on this list, the Baby’s Only Organic Non-GMO LactoRelief Formula is another one that’s a top brand known overseas and as in the U.S (American formula). It’s made with organic milk (from organic farming). Its design allows it to be easy on the stomach, especially for little ones with lactose sensitivities.
This means Baby’s Only organic baby products should be used for children who are intolerant of lactose, as it does offer an alternative for babies and young toddlers who need relief from gas and digestive issues related to lactose formula (note that it’s still a cow’s milk product, just engineered for digestion).
The organic baby formula contains DHA & ARA fatty acids for your baby’s healthy development and it contains no corn syrup or palm oil, which are sometimes key ingredients in other formulas.
NOTE: This is by far the best organic baby formula widely available in US supermarkets.
- Child Age Range: This one is made for children ages one and up as needed.
- Where To Buy: You can primarily find it on the manufacturer’s website and on Amazon.
- The Best Part: It’s the first organic formula that’s made specifically for children with a sensitivity to lactose after a gastrointestinal illness or those who have been diagnosed as lactose intolerant. Also does come with some versions with additional vitamin supplementation.
- The Not So Great: Some parents may find the price to fluctuate quite a bit when purchasing on Amazon.
- Has This Item Been Recalled?: There are no recent or current recalls on this formula.
Related Comparisons:
Rated "Best In Class" for Purity and Nutritional Superiority by CleanLabelProject.org after testing over 500 different baby formulas and baby foods.
Other EU Baby Formula Runner Ups
There are a few other organic baby formula brands worth checking out as well (some of which we have written on, others not so much):
- Loulouka Baby Formula: A relatively new import, this cows milk formula is only available as of this writing at MyOrganicCompany here.
- Topfer Baby Formula: Lesser known, but still a good one to check (historically has met more of the FDA labeling guidelines).
- Kendamil Organic Stage Formula: A more recent organic formula brand out of the UK (available via TheMilkyBox here).
FAQs
Question: Is Holle Formula FDA Approved?
Answer: No. As this is a European product, Holle is not FDA approved. It’s also not FDA dis-approved. EU standards tend to be much stricter than US standards for organic baby food, however. UPDATE: The FDA has now approved Holle formula for Stage 3 and above (although Stage 1-2 still exists in the grey area).
Question: Is baby formula regulated by the FDA?
Answer: No. Surprisingly, the formula is treated similar to health supplements and are not given “approval”. However, they do have to follow FDA marketing guidelines and meet minimum nutrient requirements.
Question: Can you import formula?
Answer: Yes, there are currently no restrictions on importing baby fromula from Europe. There ARE labeling guidelines that all brands must adhere to, even if a product is not strictly FDA approved.
Question: Is there a good soy-based infant formula from Europe?
Answer: I have not been able to find a good soy based organic baby formula from Europe, but please let me know in the comments if you have a good recommendation. Typically, I try to avoid US-based soy formula products as they are usually GMO (genetically modified) and mass produced.
Child’s Health Disclaimer: We are parents, not qualified medical professionals. As with anything, please check with your Pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns. Ultimaltely, only a Pediatrician is qualified to answer specific questions.
Final Thoughts on the Best Baby Formula Brands from Europe
There’s no reason why you can’t try American baby formula as well as European organic baby formula options. But, it’s hard to deny the benefits of European baby formula overall.
Most parents tend to love that a lot of European formulas are organic, which is something they look for with U.S. formulas as well. This doesn’t come as a surprise.
They’re more than likely free from sugars and, in some cases, free of oils that parents prefer all formulas to be without. And all the while, European formulas still contain a lot of the same nutrients and infant nutrition benefits.
A lot of American formulas don’t have probiotics added, like European formulas tend to have. Probiotics help improve digestive health and promote a healthy digestive system in babies and toddlers.
Therefore, having them in European baby formulas is an additional benefit. Again, that’s not to say that American formulas aren’t also healthy for babies, but several European baby formulas are worth trying out.
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.
Recommended Reads on Toddler Formula, Infant Formula, and Baby Food
- The Latest Baby Formula Recalls You Need to Know About
- Holle A2 Milk Formula Review
- Where to Buy Baby Formula Online
- Best Organic Infant Formula Choices
- Best Soy Free Baby Formula Options
- Formula Options for Gassy Babies
- How to Find the Right Baby Formula
- How Many Baby’s Bottle Sets Do You Really Need?
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