The European Food Safety Authority has created requirements for different foods, including baby formula. Both HiPP and Holle baby formulas correspond to European standards, so there is no need to search for some pitfalls. Still, what is the difference between HiPP and Holle A2 formula milk? What manufacturer should parents choose for their infants? Let’s find out everything.
Macronutrients in HiPP and Holle Formulas
HiPP has been a reputable German baby company since 1899, and Holle is a famous Swiss baby food company created in 1934. So, their products are tested by time and millions of infants. Each baby formula must have three main macronutrients – fats, carbs, and proteins. HiPP and Holle have included them in their powders, liquids, and ready-to-feed forms. Both companies create cow’s and goat’s products with similar sources of fats, so there is no need to discuss them. What about proteins and carbs?
Proteins
Breast milk contains a perfect ratio of whey and casein for a delicate baby’s digestive system. Whey is easier to digest, so it makes 60%, and consequently, casein makes 40%. Animal milk prevails in casein, which makes up 80% of all proteins, so European baby food companies alter the ingredients to help babies digest their first food without health complications.
- Holle reproduces the desired whey-casein proportion in its formulas. Moreover, the company has a goat’s formula that perfectly suits children with cow-milk intolerance because goat’s casein fits an infant’s tummy better, regarding the latest research.
- HiPP produces a formula that echoes breast milk as well. Besides, it offers more alternatives for sensitive babies. One can find Anti-reflux, Hypoallergenic, and Comfort formulas with hydrolyzed or partially-hydrolyzed animal proteins. Such proteins cannot be 100% organic, though other components are natural. Nevertheless, babies benefit when eating them because they do not suffer side effects from milk intolerance, such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and allergies.
- HiPP formula is produced to echo breast milk as well. Besides, it offers more alternatives for sensitive babies. One can find Anti-reflux, Hypoallergenic, and Comfort formulas with hydrolyzed or partially hydrolyzed animal proteins.
Carbs
Babies need carbs to get enough energy to explore the world without exhausting their organisms. Breast milk has lactose as the primary source of carbohydrates. Due to that, babies get the required healthy bacteria and absorb natural calcium. According to the EFSA, over 30% of all carbs must be lactose-derived in baby formula. Baby food must have no sucrose because it causes digestive difficulties. It is also allowed to use organic maltodextrin that balances the cow’s or goat’s milk taste and texture.
- Holle A2 formula milk has a 100% lactose baby food called Bio Stage PRE. Stages 1 and 2 have a perfect combination of lactose and maltodextrin.
- HiPP uses only lactose in its formulas, except for the formula for babies who suffer from frequent regurgitation. The anti-reflux formula has maltodextrin as a thickener.
Micronutrients in HiPP and Holle
Breast milk is the best baby food because it has all macronutrients and micronutrients, including prebiotics and probiotics, in perfect proportions.
- Holle doesn’t contain probiotics and prebiotics but is 100% organic in all variations.
- HiPP adds prebiotics and probiotics, including special formulas.
Omega 3 and 6 are significant for a baby’s immune system, brain, vision, and nerve development, but the FDA doesn’t demand them in baby food. In 2020, HiPP and Holle added the required amount of DHA, ALA, and ARA to their formulas. Holle began to add them in 2020, but HiPP has a long history of Omega 3-6 usage in their special and average formulas. The sources of DHA are organic fish and plant oils.
To conclude, both companies create organic, safe, and nutritious formulas for babies. HiPP has more alternatives of cow’s and goat’s products with partially nonorganic formulas for sensitive babies, while Holle is entirely organic. The price of HiPP and Holle formulas are similar, so one should choose the one that perfectly fits the requirements of a baby.
