Holle vs Similac: Which Formula Is Better?

Key differences table between Holle and Similac

Feature	Holle Formula	Similac Formula
Brand Reputation	Organic ingredients for over 80 years	Well-known and reputable for over 90 years
Certifications	Demeter International, EU organic, Bioland, KRAV	National Parenting Center, Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval
Nutritional Value	Complete, in stages	Complete, from 0-12 months
Proteins	Organic Skimmed Milk	Non-Organic Milk. It has a Soy formula and a Hydrolyzed formula.
Carbohydrates	Organic lactose and maltodextrin (only some formulas)	Lactose and corn syrup solids. Comfort uses maltodextrin. Most formulas add sugar
Fats and Oils	Organic vegetable oils	All formulas contain non-organic soy oil. Similac does not use palm olein like Enfamil.
Probiotics and Prebiotics	No probiotics or prebiotics	Most formulas contain GOS or FOS
Cost and Availability	Varies per retailer. Exclusively sold online in the US	Widely available in stores and online, typically $0.50 to $1.00 per ounce

Holle vs Similac Formulas: Comparison Chart

FORMULA	RATING	LACTOSE	CORN SYRUP	MALTODEXTRIN	PALM OIL	SOY OIL	PREBIOTICS	MFGM	HMOs	HYPOALLERGENIC
HOLLE BIO	9/10	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
HOLLE A2	9/10	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
HOLLE GOAT	9/10	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌	❌
SIMILAC PURE BLISS	8/10	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
SIMILAC 360 TOTAL CARE	7/10	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅	❌
SIMILAC PRO-TOTAL COMFORT	7/10	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌	✅	✅
SIMILAC ALIMENTUM	7/10	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅
SIMILAC TOTAL COMFORT	6/10	❌	❌	✅	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅
SIMILAC ADVANCE	5/10	✅	❌	❌	❌	✅	✅	❌	❌	❌
SIMILAC SENSITIVE	5/10	❌	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌
SIMILAC NEOSURE	5/10	✅	✅	❌	❌	✅	❌	❌	❌	❌

This article will compare two famous formula brands worldwide: Holle vs Similac.

If you want to buy the best formula for your baby and are wondering between Holle and Similac, you’ve come to the right place.

For this comparison to make sense, we will compare Holle Pre/Stage 1 vs Similac Advance, the two most popular formulas of each brand, designed for babies without digestive issues.

If your baby has lactose intolerance or allergy, you should not consider Holle unless you want to try its goat’s milk formula version.

Let’s get after it!

If you are more of a listener, here’s our Youtube video!

Our short answer

We prefer Holle over Similac due to Holle’s use of premium organic ingredients that meet strict EU organic regulations, making it a popular choice among parents who prioritize all-natural and organic ingredients.

Additionally, Holle’s simple and clean ingredient list, free from any added frills or supplements, can benefit parents who prefer complete control over the ingredients their baby consumes without any additional additives.

While it is more expensive and only available online, we believe that the high-quality ingredients and brand reputation are worth the extra expense.

The only instance where we would consider Similar is if our baby had diagnosed CMPA (cow’s milk protein allergy)

Brand Reputation

Holle Reputation

According to strict European Union (EU) organic regulations, Holle is known for employing premium, organic ingredients in their products.

Parents who value all-natural and organic ingredients have been devoted customers for the company’s more than 80 years of providing organic baby food.

CERTIFICATIONS BY HOLLE

• Demeter International for biodynamic farming methods
• EU organic certification
• Bioland
• KRAV

Similac Reputation

Since it has been in existence for more than 90 years, Similac is a reputable and well-known brand. They are devoted to giving babies nutritious food and are a pioneer in the infant formula sector.

Abbott Laboratories is dedicated to providing for the nutritional requirements of infants and children, and Similac is one of their products. They have obtained several certifications, including the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

Parents frequently choose Similac since it has the support of medical experts, including neonatologists and pediatricians.

EU vs. US formulas

European formulas are clearly superior in terms of ingredients and their sources. The problem is that accessing these formulas is more complicated if you live in the US. Luckily, some reputable retailers offer this possibility.

At BLW Store, we recommend the Milky Box or Organic’s Best.

Nutritional Composition

In this section, we’ll analyze both formulas’ ingredients and nutritional values to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best formula for your baby. 

As we said before, we will compare Holle Stage 1 vs Similac Pro-Advance formulas to ensure a fair and accurate comparison.

Proteins

Holle formula is made using skimmed organic milk and whey powder from biodynamic farming; it contains 1.4g of protein per 100 ml, similar to the protein content found in breast milk.

Similac formula has whey protein concentrate, a common ingredient in most infant formulas. The protein content in Similac is slightly higher than Holle, with 1.8g of protein per 100 ml.

Holle is just superior, thanks to using organic milk that comes straight from biodynamic farms.

Carbohydrates

Holle’s contains lactose as its primary carbohydrate source, which is also the primary carbohydrate in breast milk.

Similac Advance also has lactose and contains fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which are plant sugars that are also considered prebiotics that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut.

Similac’s carbohydrate content is slightly higher than Holle, with 7.3g per 100ml, whereas Holle’s is 7g per 100ml.

Even though both formulas use lactose exclusively, Holle wins again because it has organic lactose.

Other Similac formulas contain corn syrup solids and sugar; check the labels.

Fats and Oils

Holle formula is made with a blend of organic vegetable oils, such as palm, rapeseed, and sunflower, to provide a good balance of essential fatty acids. Holle Stage 1 formula contains 3.5g of fat per 100 ml.

Similac formula contains vegetable oils such as high oleic sunflower, coconut, and soy oil, and it contains 3.6g of fat per 100 ml.

Holle wins the fat battle because it uses organic vegetable oils and avoids soy oil. Organic palm oil is better than other seed oils. The problem would be if it were non-organic palm olein, which most Enfamil formulas use.

Similac uses coconut oil, the best vegetable oil, but its use of soy oil makes it lose the battle.

Probiotics and Prebiotics

One notable difference between Holle and Similac is probiotics and prebiotics.

Similac includes fructooligosaccharides (FOS), a prebiotic that promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut, while Holle does not have any probiotics or prebiotics.

On the other hand, Holle’s formula maintains a short and neat list of ingredients, free from any added frills or supplements. This can benefit parents who prefer complete control over the ingredients their baby consumes without any additional additives.

Holle’s simple and clean ingredient list may be a preferable choice for parents who like to avoid additives in their baby’s formula while Similac’s prebiotic inclusion can offer additional benefits if your baby needs them.

Best Places to Buy Hipp and Similac

Holle

Similac

In the US, it is simple to find Similac formula because most major stores and pharmacies, including Walmart and Target.

Best Alternatives to Holle and Similac

There are other infant formula brands that you should learn about before making a purchasing decision.

Here are our favorites:

Hipp: Hipp is a popular choice among parents looking for a natural option, specialty formulas for various digestive needs, and including prebiotics and probiotics. *Read: Hipp vs Holle | Hipp vs Similac

Bobbie: This relatively new US-based brand is gaining popularity for its organic newborn formula prepared from grass-fed cows’ milk and free of corn syrup and chemical preservatives. *Read: Bobbie vs Holle | Bobbie vs Similac

Kendamil: A popular organic formula choice made with whole milk from grass-fed British cows, Kendamil is noted for its creamy texture and natural taste. *Read: Kendamil vs Holle | Kendamil vs Similac

Nannycare is a baby formula company that specializes in goat milk formula. Goat milk formulas are gaining popularity thanks to being easier to digest. *Read: Holle Goat vs Nannycare

Last Words

We hope this comparison between Holle and Similac has helped you make an informed decision.

If you have further questions, please leave a comment or contact us at [email protected]

Happy feeding!