Holle vs Lebenswert: Which Formula Is Better For Your Baby?

Key Differences Between Holle and Lebenswert

Aspect	Holle Formula	Lebenswert Formula
Organic Certification	Demeter (highest level of organic, biodynamic farming standards)	Bioland (high organic standards, but not as strict as Demeter)
Price	Pricier due to the higher certification and farming standards	More affordable, offering high-quality organic nutrition at a lower cost
Protein Source	Skimmed milk and demineralized whey	Skimmed milk and demineralized whey
Carbohydrate Source	Lactose (some formulas including organic maltodextrin for reduced lactose content)	Lactose exclusively
Fats and Oils	Blend of organic vegetable oils (palm, sunflower, rapeseed) plus DHA and ARA from microalgae and Mortierella alpina	Similar blend of organic vegetable oils (palm, sunflower, rapeseed) including DHA from microalgae
Probiotics and Prebiotics	None	None

In this article, we will compare two popular European Formulas: Holle vs Lebenswert.

For the comparison to make sense, we have chosen Stages 1 of each brand; however, the comparison will also apply to Stages 2 and 3 since the difference is minimal among them.

We will analyze their ingredients and nutritional compositions to help you choose the best one for your little one.

Let’s start!

Our Short Answer

Holle and Lebenswert formulas are cut from the same cloth.

Both have the same nutritional qualities, are organic, and their differences are minimal.

The only two real points of divergence are their organic certifications and their prices.

Holle boasts the highest certification available, Demeter, and is pricier than Lebenswert (though not by much).

Lebenswert, while organic, doesn’t reach the purity levels of Holle, and therefore has a more affordable price.

Overview of the Two Formulas

Holle is renowned for its Demeter-certified organic formula, emphasizing animal welfare, environmental health, and no GMOs, offering vital nutrients for growth.

Lebenswert, with Bioland certification, focuses on simplicity and digestibility, avoiding starch and maltodextrin for gentle baby nutrition.

Holle

Holle baby formula is known for being more than just food; it’s created with care.

The milk in Holle formula comes from Demeter-certified farms. This is a big deal because Demeter is the highest organic certification in Europe.

Farms with this certification don’t use any chemicals in their farming.

They also take extra steps to be nice to animals and help the environment stay healthy.

Holle wants what’s best for babies. That means no fake sweeteners or GMOs (genetically modified organisms) in their formula.

The formula is full of good stuff like vitamins A, D, and E and minerals that babies need to grow strong.

Lebenswert

Lebenswert takes a simple but super thoughtful approach to baby nutrition.

It has Bioland certification, which means it also has high standards for being natural and good for the planet.

Whether you use it alone or with breastmilk, it gives your baby everything they need at mealtime.

What makes Lebenswert special is its focus on keeping things simple and gentle for little tummies.

The main energy sources in this formula come from lactose, just like in mom’s milk, and beneficial fats without adding any starch or maltodextrin (a type of carbohydrate).

That means easy digestion for babies who might have allergies or sensitivities or get upset tummies easily.

Nutritional Composition

Holle and Lebenswert formulas both prioritize skimmed milk and demineralized whey for protein, closely resembling breast milk for easy digestion.

They use lactose as the sole carbohydrate, mirroring natural mother’s milk.

Fats come from a blend of organic oils plus DHA and ARA for brain development, with Holle noted for its superior organic certification.

Protein Content

Holle: In Holle formula, protein comes mainly from skimmed milk and whey powder. Whey is a part of milk that’s easy for babies to digest. This balance is designed to mimic breast milk, making it a good option for little bellies.

Lebenswert: Like Holle, Lebenswert uses skimmed milk and demineralized whey powder as its primary protein sources. This makes Lebenswert gentle on your baby’s stomach and closely aligned with the protein balance found in natural breast milk.

There are no differences in protein content whatsoever. The only one is the milk origin, which Holle wins thanks to having the best organic certification in the world.

Carbohydrate Content

Holle: The main carbohydrate in Holle formula is lactose, which comes from milk. Lactose is great because it’s the most natural sugar for babies, being the main carb found in mother’s milk as well.

Lebenswert: Lebenswert also uses lactose as its primary carbohydrate source for energy. By sticking to lactose without adding other sugars or carbs like maltodextrin or starches, Lebenswert keeps it close to what nature intended.

Both formulas use lactose exclusively. However, some Holle formulas use organic maltodextrin and reduced lactose content for babies with sensitivities. Make sure always to read the label.

Fats and Oils

Holle: The fats in Holle come from a blend of organic vegetable oils (palm oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil) alongside essential fatty acids from microalgae (DHA) and Mortierella alpina (ARA). These oils provide necessary fats similar to those found in breastmilk, important for brain development and growth.

Lebenswert: Similarly, Lebenswert includes palm oil, sunflower oil, and rapeseed oil for its fat content plus DHA extracted from microalgae. This composition aims at giving your little one the right amount of fat for optimal development without straying too far from nature’s path.

No differences in fat content either. As with protein, the source of the ingredients is different, with Holle’s being the best.

Is Palm Oil Okay In Baby Formulas?

Yes, palm oil can be okay in baby formulas, especially when organically grown and not refined.

It’s essential to choose products that use palm oil responsibly sourced from sustainable and certified plantations, as this ensures minimal environmental impact.

Palm oil’s composition closely mirrors that of breast milk, making it a beneficial ingredient for essential fats in infant development.

However, it’s best to avoid formulas with palm olein, soy, or any refined high-oleic vegetable oils.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Both Holle and Lebenswert focus on providing clean, organic nutrition for babies.

However, neither formula lists probiotics or prebiotics as part of their ingredients.

These elements are beneficial for developing a healthy gut in infants, aiding digestion, and bolstering the immune system.

So, while Holle and Lebenswert provide excellent nutrition backed by high organic standards, if you are looking for a formula with prebiotics or probiotics, we recommend Hipp as the best alternative (see below).

Cost and availability

While Holle and Lebenswert are popular organic baby formulas in Europe, they are not FDA-approved for sale in the United States. However, they comply with the higher European organic standards, which many parents find reassuring.

European baby formulas follow the European Commission regulations, which are known to have stricter guidelines for baby food compared to the FDA.

The table below summarizes some key differences between FDA and European Commission regulations for baby formulas:

Regulatory Aspect	FDA (US)	European Commission (EU)
Pesticide Residue Limits	Less Strict	Stricter
GMO Labeling	Not Required	Required
Artificial Ingredients	Allowed	Limited or Prohibited
Palm Oil Requirements	No Specific Requirements	Sustainable Sourcing Encouraged

Due to their non-FDA-approved status, Holle and Lebenswert are not readily available at typical US retailers.

However, they can still be purchased through specialized online retailers that import them directly from Europe (see below).

Best Places to Buy Holle and Lebenswert Formulas

If you live in the US, there are many retailers that sell European formulas. Some examples are Mommy Formula, My Organic Company, Organic’s Life Start, etc.

We believe the two best are Organic’s Best and The Milky Box.

What are the Best alternatives to Holle and Lebenswert?

Even though Holle and Lebenswert are great formulas, there are other brands that you should consider before making a purchase.

Here they are:

• Hipp: Well-known for its blend of prebiotics and probiotics, Hipp formula supports healthy gut flora in babies. This can be especially helpful for digestion and enhancing the immune system. Hipp also meets strict organic guidelines. *Read: Hipp vs Holle | Hipp vs Lebenswert

• Kendamil: Kendamil sets itself apart by using whole milk instead of skimmed milk, believed to provide a fuller nutritional profile closer to mother’s milk. Additionally, it includes Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) and Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM), which are implicated in brain development and digestive health. *Read: Kendamil vs Holle | Kendamil vs Lebenswert

• Bobbie: As the top US-based formula option that mirrors European standards closely, Bobbie offers a milk-based formula with a focus on organic ingredients. Although newer than the European giants, Bobbie has quickly gained attention for its quality composition designed with American babies in mind. *Read: Bobbie vs Holle

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Holle and Lebenswert formulas has helped you choose the best one for your little one.

If you have further questions do not hesitate to leave a comment or contact us at [email protected]

Happy feeding!