Holle baby formula contains a combination of milk, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals designed to support infant growth and development.

Although the exact ingredients vary depending on the product, most Holle formulas share several key components.

Milk is the primary ingredient in Holle's cow and goat lines, providing protein, fat, and other nutrients. The milk is sourced from cows that are given 100% organic feed, including green fodder, hay, and grain. The cows are raised with Demeter farming standards, which means small herds, sufficient space, no hormones, and access to fresh air every day.²

Holle cow milk formula typically uses skimmed milk and whey powder, while Holle goat milk formula is made with whole goat's milk and no whey.³ In addition to the skim milk base, the cow milk formula also uses skim milk powder, and the goat's milk formula uses whole goat's milk powder.⁵

Whey powder provides protein and is added to the formula to create a profile more similar to breast milk.

Carbohydrates provide energy for growth and development. One of the primary carbohydrates in Holle organic formula is lactose, the naturally occurring sugar found in breast milk. Some Holle products contain organic lactose as their only carbohydrate source, while certain formula stages, like the growing-up milk, may also include maltodextrin as a starch to keep your child fuller for longer.⁴

Fat is essential for infant development, especially for the brain and nervous system. Holle uses organic vegetable oils, including sunflower and rapeseed oils, to help achieve the appropriate fatty acid balance. Some cow milk formula varieties also contain sustainably sourced palm oil.³

Additionally, Holle formulas include DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid derived from microalgae, and ARA, an omega-6 fatty acid.

Like other regulated European formula brands, Holle adds essential micronutrients to support healthy development. These include calcium and vitamin D for bone development, iron for cognitive development and red blood cell production, and iodine for thyroid function. Other ingredients include zinc, vitamin C, B vitamins, and choline. These additions ensure the formula contains the nutrients required for its intended age group.³

One of the biggest decisions parents face when choosing Holle milk is whether to select a cow or goat variety. Although both are nutritionally complete when used as directed for their intended age, their ingredients differ in several ways.

Holle cow milk formula uses organic cow's milk as its dairy base. For example, Holle Stage 1 Organic Infant Formula contains skimmed milk, partially demineralized whey powder, vegetable oils, lactose, and added vitamins and minerals.

The combination of whey and milk protein helps create a nutritional profile appropriate for infants. Some Holle cow products also contain palm oil, which contributes fatty acids to the finished formula.³

Holle goat milk formula uses organic goat milk as its primary dairy ingredient. Holle Goat Stage 1 contains whole goat's milk, lactose, full-cream goat milk powder, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, and added micronutrients. Unlike certain cow varieties, this goat milk formula does not contain palm oil.⁴

Important note: goat milk is not a suitable substitute for babies with a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy. The proteins in cow and goat milk are similar enough to cause cross-reactions. Parents who suspect a milk protein allergy should consult their pediatrician before changing formulas.

Holle offers several formula stage options, with ingredients adapted to different periods of infant development. Understanding these differences can help parents select an appropriate product.

Both PRE and Holle Stage 1 are designed for babies from birth. Holle's PRE formula contains lactose as its only carbohydrate, making its carbohydrate source similar to that of breast milk. Stage 1 formula is also suitable from birth, although its ingredients depend on the milk variety. 

Holle Stage 2 is a follow-on formula intended for babies aged six months and older who have started complementary feeding. Compared with an initial infant formula, follow-on varieties may contain different amounts of iron, iodine, and carbohydrates to complement a developing baby's diet. Holle Stage 2 should be used alongside age-appropriate solid foods rather than as the sole source of nutrition.

Holle Stage 3 is intended for babies from approximately 10 months, while Stage 4 products are designed for children from 12 months. These later-stage formulas are intended to complement an increasingly varied diet. Depending on the specific Holle Bio Stage product, the carbohydrate composition may include lactose, maltodextrin, or starch. Moving to a later formula stage is not automatically necessary simply because a baby reaches a particular age.

Learn about each of the Holle stages here.

Holle has built its reputation around the use of organic ingredients and agricultural practices that emphasize environmental sustainability and animal welfare.

Holle organic formula is made with organic ingredients sourced according to applicable European organic production standards. EU organic certification regulates agricultural practices, including restrictions on synthetic pesticides and genetically modified organisms.

Some Holle products also carry Demeter certification, which goes beyond conventional organic requirements. Biodynamic agriculture emphasizes soil health, biodiversity, animal welfare, and the farm as an interconnected agricultural system.² Holle sources Demeter-quality milk from farms that follow specific livestock management and feeding requirements. However, not every Holle organic baby product carries Demeter certification. 

When comparing Holle organic formula options, parents should consider their baby's age, nutritional needs, and tolerance of different ingredients.

• For newborns, PRE and Stage 1 infant formula options are designed to provide complete nutrition when breastfeeding is not possible or sufficient.
• For babies beginning solid foods, follow-on products may be an option, although switching stages is not always required.
• Parents comparing organic cow milk formula and organic goat milk varieties should also remember that both must meet nutritional standards for their intended use.
• The best formula for babies is one that is age-appropriate, nutritionally complete, and well tolerated.

Holle offers a range of milk infant formula products made with organic ingredients and produced with responsible agricultural practices. Understanding what goes into each variety can help parents confidently choose the option that best suits their baby's individual needs. Before purchasing from an organic formula shop, always review the ingredient list and preparation instructions for the exact product, as formulations can vary between stages and markets.