HiPP VS Holle: Which One is The Best?

HiPP and Holle are two renowned European brands that specialize in producing organic infant formulas, catering to the nutritional needs of babies during their early stages of life. These brands have earned global recognition for their commitment to providing high-quality, natural, and organic nutrition options for infants. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, purity, and holistic well-being, HiPP and Holle have become trusted names among parents who seek the best for their children.

In this article, we will delve into the key features, ingredients, nutrients, and prices of both brands HiPP Combiotic and Holle to help you make the decision.

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Table of Contents hide

1 HiPP and Holle Stages:

2 Comparison Chart (0-6 months):

3 Ingredients Comparison (0-6 months):

4 Nutrients Comparison (0-6 months):

5 Price Comparison (0-6 months):

6 Where to Buy?

7 Comparison Chart (6-12 months):

8 Ingredients Comparison (6-12 months):

9 Nutrients Comparison (6-12 months):

10 Price Comparison (6-12 months):

11 Where to Buy?

12 The Best One?

HiPP and Holle Stages:

HiPP and Holle offer a range of infant formulas designed to meet the evolving nutritional needs of babies as they grow. These formulas are typically categorized into various stages to ensure that infants receive age-appropriate nutrition throughout their early years. Each stage corresponds to a specific age group and provides a tailored blend of ingredients to support the healthy development of the baby.

You will understand the HiPP and Holle stages better in the next paragraphs, so now we will divide this comparison into two age ranges: from 0-6 months and from 6-12 months.

I did a full comparison between HiPP German, Dutch, and UK from 0 to 24 months if you want to check.

Comparison Chart (0-6 months):

here are the key differences between Holle and HiPP Combiotic infant formulas in the first 6 months:

Corn Content:
- Holle: Holle’s formulas are mostly corn-free, which can be beneficial for infants with potential corn allergies or sensitivities. However, it’s important to note that the Stage 1 formula does contain corn maltodextrin as one of its carbohydrate sources. Parents should consider this if they wish to avoid corn-based ingredients.
- HiPP Combiotic: HiPP Combiotic formulas are entirely corn-free, providing a clear alternative for parents who want to avoid corn-derived ingredients altogether. This can be particularly important for infants with known corn allergies or for parents who prefer corn-free options.
Starch Content:
- Holle: Holle formulas are generally starch-free, making them a suitable choice for infants with specific dietary requirements. Starch-free formulas can be preferred by parents who are concerned about excessive starch intake in their baby’s diet.
- HiPP Combiotic: Most HiPP Combiotic formulas are also starch-free, aligning with the preferences of parents who wish to avoid starch-based ingredients in their baby’s formula. However, the German Stage 1 formula contains lactose and starch as carbohydrate sources, which may be a consideration for those seeking starch-free options.
Demeter Certification:
- Holle: Holle’s formulas proudly hold Demeter certification. This certification signifies a commitment to biodynamic agriculture and sustainable farming practices. It reflects Holle’s dedication to environmental and ethical principles in its ingredient sourcing.
- HiPP Combiotic: In contrast, HiPP Combiotic formulas do not carry Demeter certification. However, they adhere to EU organic standards and prioritize organic farming practices, although they do not align with the biodynamic farming principles represented by Demeter certification.
Prebiotics and Probiotics:
- Holle: Holle formulas do not include prebiotics or probiotics in their composition. While some parents may prefer a simpler formula, it’s important to note that prebiotics and probiotics can support the development of a healthy gut microbiome in infants.
- HiPP Combiotic: HiPP Combiotic formulas, with the exception of the UK version, contain prebiotics and probiotics. These beneficial components can play a role in promoting a balanced and robust gut flora in infants, which is associated with overall well-being.
FDA Approval:
- Holle’s and HiPP’s formulas do not meet the requirements for approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For example, the low iron level exists in HiPP, and Holle doesn’t align with FDA requirements. This distinction is crucial for parents residing in the United States who rely on FDA-regulated products.

Ingredients Comparison (0-6 months):

Protein Source:

HiPP (0-6 Months) Formulas:

HiPP (0-6 months) formulas incorporate skim milk and whey protein, featuring a specific whey-to-casein protein ratio of 60:40. This ratio is designed to mimic the protein composition found in breast milk, which is known for its higher whey protein content. Whey protein is generally easier for infants to digest and is associated with a quicker emptying of the stomach.

Holle (0-6 Months) Formulas:

Holle (0-6 months) formulas contain skim milk and partially demineralized whey powder. Unfortunately, specific information regarding the whey-to-casein ratio in Holle formulas is not readily available. However, the use of partially demineralized whey powder suggests that Holle may also aim to provide a protein composition that is closer to breast milk.

Carbohydrate Source:

In terms of carbohydrate sources, both Holle and HiPP (0-6 months) infant formulas primarily use organic lactose, reflecting their commitment to providing natural and wholesome nutrition for babies. However, there are some distinctions to consider:

Holle (0-6 Months) Formulas:

Holle formulas predominantly contain organic lactose as their primary carbohydrate source. Lactose is a natural sugar found in breast milk and is well-tolerated by most infants.
The Stage 1 formula from Holle includes a combination of organic lactose and maltodextrin as carbohydrate sources. Maltodextrin is a common carbohydrate derived from starch, which may be included for energy content.

HiPP (0-6 Months) Formulas:

HiPP Combiotic formulas, except for the German version of Stage 1, exclusively use organic lactose as the primary carbohydrate source. This aligns with the brand’s emphasis on organic and natural ingredients.
The German version of Stage 1 in HiPP Combiotic does contain lactose along with starch as carbohydrate sources. This combination may provide additional energy to support the needs of growing infants.

We can consider Holle Stage 1 and HiPP German Stage 1 as lactose-reduced which could be a better choice for babies who have problems with lactose.

Fat Source:

In terms of fat sources, both Holle and HiPP (0-6 months) infant formulas share several common ingredients, which include organic palm oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil. These ingredients are chosen for their nutritional benefits and to provide a balanced fat profile for infants.

Prebiotics/Probiotics:

In terms of prebiotics and probiotics, there are notable differences between Holle and HiPP (0-6 months) infant formulas:

Holle (0-6 Months) Formulas:

Holle formulas do not incorporate prebiotics or probiotics in their composition. These formulas provide a straightforward blend of ingredients without additional components specifically designed to promote gut health. They choose to make their formulas simple without extra features.

HiPP (0-6 Months) Formulas:

HiPP Combiotic formulas, with the exception of the UK version, contain both prebiotics and probiotics.
Prebiotics: HiPP formulas include galactooligosaccharides (GOS) as a prebiotic. GOS is known for its ability to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, helping to establish a healthy gut microbiome in infants.
Probiotics: HiPP Combiotic formulas contain the probiotic strain Lactobacillus fermentum. Probiotics like L. fermentum can contribute to a balanced gut flora and potentially support digestive health.

Nutrients Comparison (0-6 months):

Micronutrients:

Holle (0-6 Months) Formulas:

Holle formulas are known for their relatively higher protein and carbohydrate content compared to HiPP. These formulas typically provide infants with ample amounts of protein and carbohydrates for energy and growth.

HiPP (0-6 Months) Formulas:

HiPP (0-6 months) formulas tend to have a relatively higher fat content compared to Holle. Fat is an important source of energy for infants, and HiPP places an emphasis on providing a balanced fat profile in their formulas.

Vitamins:

In terms of vitamins, Holle and HiPP (0-6 months) infant formulas have differences in the levels of specific vitamins, each offering its unique nutritional profile:

Holle (0-6 Months) Formulas:

Holle formulas contain higher levels of Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and Inositol. These vitamins play various essential roles in infant growth and development. Vitamin E, for instance, is an antioxidant that supports cell health, while the B vitamins are crucial for metabolism and neurological development.

HiPP (0-6 Months) Formulas:

HiPP (0-6 months) formulas contain higher levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin C, and choline. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, while Vitamin C is an antioxidant that supports the immune system. Choline plays a role in brain development and liver function.

Minerals:

In terms of minerals, Holle and HiPP (0-6 months) infant formulas have differences in the levels of specific minerals, each offering a unique mineral composition:

Holle (0-6 Months) Formulas:

Holle formulas contain higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, sodium, potassium, and fluoride. These minerals are essential for various aspects of infant development. Calcium and phosphorus, for example, are crucial for healthy bone development, while copper supports iron absorption and overall growth. Fluoride is often added to support dental health.

HiPP (0-6 Months) Formulas:

HiPP (0-6 months) formulas contain higher levels of zinc, iodine, and chloride. Zinc is essential for immune function and growth, iodine supports thyroid function, and chloride plays a role in fluid balance and digestive processes.

Price Comparison (0-6 months):

To determine which of the provided infant formulas is the cheapest, we can compare the prices per gram (or per ounce) of formula for each brand and formula type. Here’s a breakdown of the price per gram (and per ounce) for each formula:

Holle (0-6 Months) Formulas:

Holle offers two formulas, PRE and Stage 1, both priced at $25.99 per 400g can.
Price per gram: $25.99 / 400g = $0.0649 per gram ($1.84 /oz)

HiPP German (0-6 Months) Formulas:

HiPP German offers two formulas, PRE and Stage 1, both priced at $37.99 per 600g can.
Price per gram: $37.99 / 600g = $0.0633 per gram ($1.79 /oz)

HiPP Dutch (0-6 Months) Formulas:

HiPP Dutch offers one formula, Stage 1, priced at $46.99 per 800g can.
Price per gram: $46.99 / 800g = $0.0587 per gram ($1.66 /oz)

HiPP UK (0-6 Months) Formulas:

HiPP UK offers one formula, Stage 1, priced at $42.99 per 800g can.
Price per gram: $42.99 / 800g = $0.0537 per gram ($1.52 /oz)

Based on the calculated price per gram, HiPP UK’s Stage 1 formula is the most cost-effective option at $0.0537 per gram ($1.52 /oz), followed by HiPP Dutch at $0.0587 per gram ($1.66 /oz), and HiPP German at $0.0633 per gram ($1.79 /oz), and Holle’s formulas which are the most expensive at $0.0649 per gram ($1.84 /oz).

Additionally, some formulas, such as the German version and the UK version, are available in both powdered and liquid forms

The reason for the differences in pricing among these formulas can be attributed to several factors:

Packaging Size: Larger packaging sizes typically result in a lower price per gram. HiPP Dutch and HiPP UK offer 800g cans, which, when compared to the smaller 400g and 600g cans of Holle and HiPP German, respectively, provide a cost advantage.
Regional Variations: Pricing variations may also be influenced by regional factors, including production costs, import/export fees, and market demand. Different countries may have distinct pricing structures due to these factors.

In conclusion, based on the calculated price per gram, HiPP UK’s Stage 1 formula is the cheapest among the options provided. The lower cost is primarily due to the larger packaging size (800g) and potential regional pricing variations. However, it’s essential for parents to consider not only price but also other factors like formula type and specific nutritional needs when choosing the most suitable option for their infant.

Where to Buy?

Formula	Where to Buy?
HiPP German PRE	Buy HERE
HiPP German Stage 1	Buy HERE
HiPP German PRE RTF	Buy HERE
HiPP Dutch Stage 1	Buy HERE
HiPP UK Stage 1	Buy HERE
Holle PRE	Buy HERE
Holle Stage 1	Buy HERE

Comparison Chart (6-12 months):

Here is a general comparison between Holle (6-12 months) and HiPP Combiotic (6-12 months):

GMO Status:

Holle and HiPP Combiotic are guaranteed to be GMO-free. This means they do not contain any ingredients that have been genetically modified. This commitment to non-GMO ingredients aligns with a preference for natural and unaltered food sources.

Carbohydrate Sources:

Holle: Holle formulas contain corn maltodextrin and starch as part of their carbohydrate sources. While these ingredients are generally well-tolerated by most infants, it’s essential to note their presence for those with specific dietary concerns.
HiPP Combiotic: HiPP Combiotic formulas are predominantly corn-free, which can be an advantage for infants with potential corn allergies or sensitivities. However, it’s important to mention that the German version of HiPP Combiotic contains lactose and starch.

Gluten Content:

Holle and HiPP Combiotic are certified as gluten-free. This is crucial for infants with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, as it ensures their diet is safe and free from gluten-containing grains.

Palm Oil:

Holle: Holle formulas include palm oil as one of their fat sources. Palm oil is a common ingredient in many infant formulas due to its nutritional properties.
HiPP Combiotic: Similarly, HiPP Combiotic formulas also contain palm oil, providing essential fatty acids necessary for infant growth and development.

Soy Content:

Holle: Holle formulas are soy-free, which is crucial for infants with soy allergies or sensitivities.
HiPP Combiotic: Most HiPP Combiotic formulas are soy-free. However, it’s important to note that the German version may contain soy-based emulsifier lecithins.

Organic Ingredients:

Holle and HiPP Combiotic take pride in using organic ingredients and hold EU organic certification. This certification ensures that the ingredients are sourced from environmentally responsible and sustainable farming practices.

Demeter Certification:

Holle: Holle formulas carry Demeter certification, signifying biodynamic farming practices. This certification goes beyond organic standards and emphasizes holistic and sustainable agricultural methods.

HiPP Combiotic: HiPP Combiotic formulas do not have Demeter certification but maintain rigorous organic standards.

Prebiotic and Probiotic:

Holle: Holle formulas do not include prebiotics or probiotics. While they provide a straightforward blend of ingredients, they lack specific components intended to support gut health.

HiPP Combiotic: HiPP Combiotic formulas, except for the UK version, contain prebiotics and probiotics. These additions are designed to promote the development of a healthy gut microbiome in infants, potentially offering digestive benefits.

FDA Approval:

Holle and HiPP Combiotic formulas do not meet FDA requirements for approval. This is important for parents in regions where FDA approval is a regulatory standard.

Additional Components (L-carnitine and ARA):

HiPP Combiotic and Holle (6-12 months) formulas do not contain L-carnitine or ARA, aligning with a simpler ingredient list.

In conclusion, both Holle (6-12 months) and HiPP Combiotic (6-12 months) formulas prioritize offering natural and organic nutrition for infants. While they share commonalities in terms of being GMO-Free and gluten-free, there are distinctions in terms of carbohydrate sources, soy content, certification, and the inclusion of prebiotics and probiotics. Parents should consider these differences in conjunction with their infant’s dietary needs and their own preferences when selecting the most suitable formula.