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

Key Differences Between Holle and Loulouka

Features/Aspect	Holle Bio	Loulouka
Certification	Demeter (Biodynamic)	Organic
Protein Source	Skimmed milk and whey powder	Whole milk and whey protein concentrate
Primary Fat Source	Blend of organic vegetable oils (palm, sunflower, rapeseed)	Coconut oil, rapeseed oil, sunflower oil
Carbohydrate Source	Lactose	Lactose
Palm Oil	Yes	No
Coconut Oil	No	Yes
Organic Certification	Demeter, one of the strictest certifications for biodynamic agriculture	Organic, following strict Swiss regulations
Key Nutrients	DHA and ARA for brain development, vitamins A, D, and E	DHA, essential fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D

This article will compare two popular European Formulas: Holle vs Loulouka.

For this comparison to make sense, we will focus on Stage 1 of both brands, but it can also be applied to other stages since their differences are minimal.

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

Let’s get after it!

Our Short Answer

Holle and Loulouka are two of the healthiest and purest formulas available. Here’s our short recommendation:

Choose Holle if you are looking for the formula with the purest ingredients and the best of the best organic certification. Holle is the closest to nature you’ll get in a baby formula.

Choose Loulouka if you want a nutritionally rich formula that uses whole milk and coconut oil. This two ingredients alone put Loulouka on the top tiers of formulas when it comes to nutrition.

The only problem is that if you live in the US, getting your hands in a Loulouka formula is going to be challenging. We have left alternatives below that are easier to find and have the same quality.

Overview of the Two Formulas

Holle Bio, with its Demeter Certification, offers top-tier organic baby formula from Europe, featuring milk from farms practicing strict environmental and animal welfare standards, free from artificial additives and GMOs, and enriched with essential nutrients including DHA and ARA.

Loulouka, made in Switzerland, eschews preservatives, soy, and GMOs, focusing on organic ingredients like lactose and coconut oil for easy digestion and nutritional richness, tested extensively to ensure quality for babies from birth to six months.

Holle Bio

Holle baby formula comes from Europe and it gets top marks for being super organic thanks to its Demeter Certification, the strictest in the world.

It uses milk from farms that don’t mess with nature: no chemicals, really happy animals, and they care a lot about our planet.

They don’t put in any fake stuff—like artificial sweeteners or GMOs (GMOs are when scientists change how plants or animals grow).

So, what’s in it? Think of the good stuff like vitamins A, D, and E – which are super important for growing kids – plus minerals, and special fats called DHA and ARA that help babies’ brains develop.

Holle wants to make sure babies get all they need from their formula.

Loulouka

Now, moving over to Loulouka, made in Switzerland with some pretty high standards.

Just like Holle, no bad stuff is allowed: no preservatives, soy, sugar goop (maltodextrin), or weirdly modified foods (GMOs).

They test this formula more than 50 times to make sure it’s top-notch for your baby.

Loulouka has different stages for your baby’s first few years but let’s talk about Stage 1—perfect from birth up to six months. It’s got what babies need: vitamins (lots of them), whey protein (good for growth), folic acid (for brains), and uses only lactose (the same kind of sugar found in milk) which is great news for little tummies.

Plus, it throws in coconut oil which is not just yummy but also helps with healthy bones and being environmentally friendly!

Loulouka is simple to mix up without making a mess and is designed for easy digestion by little ones.

Nutritional Composition

Holle’s baby formula features protein from skimmed milk and whey, focusing on easy digestion and growth. Loulouka opts for whole milk and whey concentrate, emphasizing high-quality protein and less reliance on vegetable oils.

Both use lactose for carbohydrates, mimicking breast milk’s energy source.

Holle uses a blend of organic vegetable oils for fats, while Loulouka uses coconut, rapeseed, and sunflower oils, avoiding palm oil for a more eco-friendly option.

Protein Content

Holle: The protein in Holle formula comes mainly from skimmed milk and partially demineralized whey powder. Protein is mega important for helping babies grow and keeping their bodies strong. Holle makes sure that your baby gets just the right amount of protein that’s easy to digest.

Loulouka: Loulouka takes a slightly different approach by including whole milk and whey protein concentrate in its formula. This combo aims to provide high-quality protein that supports steady growth, matching a baby’s natural needs closely.

Nutritionally speaking, Loulouka’s use of whole milk provides the benefit of relying less on vegetable oils. Holle’s protein blend is, on paper, easier to digest thanks to using demineralized whey. Holle also uses milk from the purest of cows.

Carbohydrate Content

Holle: For carbs, Holle sticks with lactose – the sugar found in milk. It’s nature’s way of giving energy to babies, helping them stay active and happy. Since it uses lactose as its main carb source, it mirrors what babies would get from breastfeeding.

Loulouka: Just like Holle, Loulouka uses 100% lactose for its carbohydrate content. This means it’s giving your baby a natural source of energy without any added sugars or artificial ingredients. Plus, this helps make sure baby’s tummy is content and not gassy or upset.

No differences in carbohydrate content in these two formulas. Some Holle formulas contain organic maltodextrin and reduced lactose content for babies with lactose sensitivity, so make sure to check the labels.

Fats and Oils

Holle: The fats in Holle come from a blend of organic vegetable oils including palm oil, sunflower oil, and rapeseed oil. These are chosen to give babies essential fatty acids like DHA and ARA—super crucial for brain development. Plus, they’re aiming to mimic the fat composition found in breast milk as closely as possible.

Loulouka: Loulouka chooses a mix of coconut oil, rapeseed oil, and sunflower oil for its fat content. No palm oil here—which might be good news if you’re looking for an alternative option. Coconut oil is praised for promoting bone health while keeping things eco-friendly.

Loulouka easily wins the fat content battle for two main reasons: it has fat from its whole milk and it adds coconut oil, the healthiest vegetable oil. If you worry about palm oil, you shouldn’t. Holle uses non-refined organically grown palm oil, which is highly nutritious. The problem with palm oil is if it was non-organic and refined. Enfamil formulas use palm olein, which is the version of palm oil you want to avoid if possible.

Why Is Palm Oil Used In Baby Formula?

Palm oil is a common ingredient found in many baby formulas, including Holle. There are several reasons why manufacturers opt to use palm oil in their products:

1. Palm oil closely resembles the fatty acid composition of breast milk. It is rich in palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid that is also predominant in breast milk. This similarity ensures that the formula provides essential fats needed for healthy infant development.

2. Palmitic acid in palm oil contributes to good tolerability and stool parameters in infants, making it easier for them to digest the formula.

3. Palm oil is an efficient and sustainable option when sourced responsibly. In the case of Holle, the palm oil used is sourced from 100% sustainable and Rainforest Alliance Certified plantations, ensuring that no rainforests are cleared for cultivation.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

Taking a good look at Holle and Loulouka formulas, we notice something interesting: Neither formula mentions the inclusion of probiotics or prebiotics directly in their ingredient lists.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help with digestion and fight off bad bacteria, while prebiotics feed those good bacteria.

If you are looking for a formula that contains these ingredients, we recommend Hipp formulas. You can find them in the stores we recommend below.

Best Places to Buy Holle and Loulouka

If you live in the US and want to purchase Loulouka, you are in bad luck. Currently it’s sold out in most European formula retailers.

Holle however, is readily available in most. We recommend Organic’s Best and The Milky Box as the two best stores to purchase formulas from Europe.

What are some alternatives to Holle and Loulouka?

Holle and Loulouka are two of the cleanest and healthiest formulas you’ll find, but other brands reach the same level of quality.

• Hipp: Known for its nutritional richness, Hipp is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for formulas enriched with both probiotics and prebiotics. This inclusion helps support a healthy digestive system, fostering better nutrient absorption and a stronger immune system for your little one. *Read: Hipp vs Holle | Hipp vs Loulouka

• Kendamil: Standing out with its use of whole milk (just like Loulouka), Kendamil steps up the game by including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), along with prebiotics. HMOs are special fibers found in breast milk that feed good gut bacteria, support immunity, and help develop a healthy gut lining. It’s a thumbs-up formula for parents prioritizing gut health alongside natural milk sources. *Read: Kendamil vs Holle | Kendamil vs Loulouka

• Bobbie: If you’re eyeing something closer to home (in the US), Bobbie is your go-to. Praised as the best US-based organic formula choice, Bobbie combines essential nutrients mirroring breast milk’s composition while keeping an eye on quality and purity standards. Although direct mentions of probiotics or prebiotics aren’t prominent here either, it’s designed following rigorous nutritional guidelines to promote overall well-being.

Last Words

We hope this comparison has helped you make the best decision for your little one.

If you have any further questions, please leave a comment or contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help.

Happy feeding!