Parents have been demanding better formula options for their bottle-fed babies, which has led to a growing rise in families opting for organic European baby formula. European baby formulas are not only some of the most innovative formulas on the market today, but they’re also widely recognized for their commitment to cleaner ingredients.
We invite you to keep reading as we compare European and American formulas, explain European organic certification, and explore how brands like HiPP and Holle can help your baby to grow and thrive!
European Baby Formula vs American: What are the Differences?
Both European and American formulas are subject to different control bodies; in the US, it is FDA-regulated (Food and Drug Administration), and in Europe, it is EFSA-regulated (European Food Safety Authority).
Both regulators agree that carbohydrates should make up at least 40% of baby formula recipes, but the EU specifies that lactose is the ideal carbohydrate in milk-based formula because it mimics the main carbohydrate found in breast milk. US formulas, on the other hand, frequently use corn syrup. The downside to corn syrup is that it’s more processed and has a high glycemic index, meaning it can elevate blood sugar levels and result in a preference for sweetness.
Another difference is that while many American formulas use skimmed cow’s milk as the base, European formulas have a wider range of alternative options, like those that use whole milk with natural milk fats rather than relying entirely on seed oils.
When it comes to nutrients, all European formulas must contain DHA to support healthy brain and eye development, but this omega-3 fatty acid remains an optional ingredient in US formulas. Additionally, there are higher levels of vitamin D per 100 calories of European formula than American formulas, but in the USA, formulas do require higher levels of iron.
Finally—and this is one of the big sticking points for parents—Europe has very strict regulations for minimizing the amount of heavy metal contaminants in comparison to the FDA, which currently has no federal limits. Together, these differences have led many parents to happily switch to European formulas instead.
Explaining Organic Certification in Europe
Parents can take comfort in choosing nourishment for babies that are EU Organic certified, as these products adhere to some of the strictest regulations in the world. Baby formulas are already subject to more intense monitoring, but there are even higher standards that organic formulas must achieve. For instance, there are extra low limits set on pesticide residues, alongside stringent testing to ensure no detectable traces of pesticides, with a requirement of 0.01 milligrams of pesticide residues per kilogram or less.
Other guidelines stipulate that at least 95% of ingredients must be organic, and only EU-approved natural additives are allowed, like vitamins and minerals. Additionally, no ionizing radiation or artificial preservatives are permitted, and products must be non-GMO.
Plus, in Europe, animal welfare is more protected, meaning that organic livestock must be pasture-raised, fed an organic diet, and hormone and steroid use is banned, which can help improve the purity of milk.
How Do European Formulas Help Your Baby Thrive?
The strict standards placed on clean ingredients, prohibiting certain additives, banning GMOs, and contamination monitoring ensure the high quality of European baby formula. Organic European formula tends to be particularly gentle on sensitive tummies thanks to ingredients that act more like breast milk, like using lactose as a carbohydrate instead of corn syrup. Another feature of European formula is offering age-specific stages, which guarantees that your baby receives optimized nutrition as they grow!
HiPP Organic Baby Formula
For 125 years, HiPP has been supporting babies’ growth and development! HiPP Organic formulas are EU organic certified and also bear the HiPP Organic Seal, which has even stricter guidelines than the EU!
HiPP’s slogan, “The best of nature and science,” encapsulates the ethos behind their clean organic formulas with advanced bioactive ingredients that bring HiPP organic baby formula closer to the natural functions and composition of breast milk! For example, many HiPP formulas contain prebiotics and probiotics that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, balance the gut microbiome, and strengthen immunity.
Holle Organic Baby Formula
Holle organic baby formula is an all-time favourite for parents who value clean ingredients. Their minimalist recipes offer wholesome ingredients that are minimally processed. In fact, during the 90s, Holle was the first brand to bring a 99% organic ingredient formula to the market! Every Holle formula is EU organic certified, and most are Demeter certified too.
Demeter certification goes above and beyond EU standards—they are known for the strictest organic regulations globally. Demeter is the oldest organic label with the most demanding guidelines, and their logo can only be used by meticulously controlled partners like Holle.
Demeter farms require holistic biodynamic farming, which has several guidelines in place to preserve the purity of ingredients and protect the welfare of animals. For instance, goats and cows live in small herds with access to graze outdoors on natural pastures, and they are also never dehorned. Not only is it more humane for animals to keep their horns, but some reports indicate that it results in more omega-3 and 6, beta-carotene, and vitamin E in the milk!
Choose the Best European Baby Formula from Organic’s Best Shop
Organic’s Best is a family-run company that has been offering the best European baby formula, like HiPP and Holle, since 2019. Organic’s Best’s focus is on sourcing primarily organic formulas that are always European for the highest quality standards. Over 130,000 families and counting have chosen Organic’s Best to feed their little ones, and thousands have left positive TrustPilot reviews, earning them an impressive 4.9 stars.
With a wide selection of products to choose from and an expert customer care team with medical doctors, they’re able to help find the best organic formula for your little one. For added peace of mind, all products are stored in their climate-controlled warehouse until they are safely shipped with insured express delivery, arriving at your home in a short 2-5 business days.
Visit Organic’s Best website today to get these premium formulas at unbeatable bulk order pricing and with stellar service at every step!
