Holle impressed us with its sourcing, easy mixing, and great infant acceptance, but the stage-based differences are important.
By: Tali Ditye, Ph.D., Co-founderMommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Holle has been producing baby foods since the 1930s and remains one of Europe's most recognizable organic formula brands.
Its standard cow's milk range includes two formulas suitable from birth, PRE and Stage 1, followed by Stage 2 for babies over six months and Stage 3 for babies over ten months.
We evaluated the current recipes, stage differences, preparation instructions, certifications, regulatory considerations, packaging, and real-world feeding experience.
Let's see how Holle performed!
Full disclosure: We purchased or independently obtained the Holle formulas used for testing. No compensation or sponsorship was provided, and all opinions are our own. As always, consult your pediatrician before introducing or switching infant formula.
Holle's standard cow's milk formulas are made with organic milk ingredients and use milk sourced to Demeter biodynamic standards.
They contain no corn syrup, sucrose, soy oil, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or artificial preservatives.
However, the stages are not interchangeable.
PRE and Stage 1 are infant formulas suitable from birth, while Stages 2 and 3 are follow-on formulas intended only after complementary foods have been introduced.
Our Holle Formula Review
Nobody wants to read an entire formula review before learning the main findings, so here is our take right up front.
We were very impressed with Holle's ingredient sourcing, Demeter-certified milk, simple recipes, easy mixing, and excellent acceptance in our testing.
✔️ Organic cow's milk formulas.
✔️ Demeter biodynamic milk ingredients.
✔️ PRE and Stage 1 are suitable from birth.
✔️ PRE and Stage 1 use lactose as their added carbohydrate.
✔️ Includes DHA from microalgae oil.
✔️ PRE and Stage 1 include ARA.
✔️ No corn syrup or sucrose.
✔️ No soy oil or soy protein.
✔️ No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
✔️ No fish oil in the current recipes.
✔️ Excellent milk sourcing and animal-welfare standards.
✔️ Mixes smoothly with minimal clumping.
✔️ Creamy, mild taste.
✔️ Strong acceptance in our infant testing.
❌ Palm oil in all four stages.
❌ No added prebiotics or probiotics.
❌ Maltodextrin and starch in Stages 2 and 3.
❌ Lower iron than typical U.S. infant formulas in PRE and Stage 1.
❌ DHA may be extracted using hexane.
Our favorite: Holle PRE is our preferred option for a newborn or young infant because it has the simplest role and uses lactose rather than maltodextrin or starch.
Current PRE and Stage 1 have nearly identical ingredient lists, though Holle states that Stage 1 provides slightly more energy, fat, and protein.
Stages 2 and 3 are reasonable follow-on formulas, but they use maltodextrin and starch and do not include ARA.
Overall, it's not perfect, but definitely worth a spot on our annual list of the best organic baby formulas!
Holle PRE vs Stage 1 vs Stage 2 vs Stage 3
The most confusing part of buying European formula is understanding the stages.
Here is the simplest comparison of the current Holle cow's milk formulas.
| Formula | Age | Carbohydrates | DHA + ARA | Our Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holle PRE | From birth | Lactose; no maltodextrin or starch | Both included | Our top choice in the range |
| Holle Stage 1 | From birth | Lactose; no maltodextrin or starch | Both included | Very similar to PRE, slightly richer nutritionally |
| Holle Stage 2 | After 6 months | Maltodextrin and starch | No added ARA | Follow-on formula for a mixed diet |
| Holle Stage 3 | From 10 months | Maltodextrin and starch | No added ARA | Designed for transition toward family foods |
Important correction: Older Holle articles and retailer pages often describe PRE as a whole-milk formula and Stage 1 as containing maltodextrin.
That does not match the current official ingredient lists.
Current PRE and Stage 1 both begin with skimmed milk and whey powder, followed by vegetable oils, lactose, and skimmed milk powder.
PRE versus Stage 1: Both are suitable from birth and may be used throughout the first year when appropriate. Holle says Stage 1 contains slightly more energy, fat, and protein than PRE.
Stage 1 versus Stage 2: Stage 2 replaces added lactose with maltodextrin and starch, increases selected minerals such as iron and iodine for the second half of infancy, and omits ARA.
Stage 2 versus Stage 3: The ingredient lists are extremely similar. Stage 3 is adjusted nutritionally for babies from ten months who are eating an increasingly varied diet.
German Terms to Know
| German Term | English Meaning | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bio | Organic | Indicates compliance with applicable European organic requirements |
| Anfangsmilch | Infant or starter milk | PRE and Stage 1 are suitable from birth |
| Folgemilch | Follow-on milk | Stages 2 and 3 are used with complementary foods |
| Von Geburt an | From birth | Appears on PRE and Stage 1 |
| Nach dem 6. Monat | After the sixth month | Stage 2 age guidance |
Ingredients
The ingredient list is one of the most important parts of any formula review.
Holle keeps these recipes relatively straightforward, but there are meaningful differences between the infant formulas and follow-on formulas.
Holle PRE Ingredients
Skimmed milk, partly demineralized whey powder, vegetable oils including palm, sunflower, and rapeseed oils, lactose, skimmed milk powder, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, oil from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp., Mortierella alpina oil, choline bitartrate, calcium salts of orthophosphoric acid, vitamin C, L-tyrosine, sodium chloride, L-tryptophan, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, magnesium carbonate, niacin, vitamin E, copper sulfate, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, vitamin B1, folic acid, sodium selenite, vitamin K, vitamin D, biotin, and vitamin B12.
PRE uses lactose as its added carbohydrate and contains neither maltodextrin nor starch.
It also includes both DHA from microalgae oil and ARA from Mortierella alpina oil.
Holle Stage 1 Ingredients
Skimmed milk, partly demineralized whey powder, vegetable oils including palm, sunflower, and rapeseed oils, lactose, skimmed milk powder, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, oil from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp., Mortierella alpina oil, choline bitartrate, calcium salts of orthophosphoric acid, vitamin C, L-tyrosine, sodium chloride, L-tryptophan, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, vitamin E, magnesium carbonate, niacin, copper sulfate, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, folic acid, sodium selenite, vitamin K, vitamin D, biotin, and vitamin B12.
The current Stage 1 ingredient list is nearly identical to PRE.
The difference is primarily in the proportions and finished nutritional profile rather than the presence of a different primary carbohydrate.
Holle Stage 2 Ingredients
Skimmed milk, partly demineralized whey powder, vegetable oils including palm, sunflower, and rapeseed oils, maltodextrin, skimmed milk powder, starch, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, oil from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp., vitamin C, calcium salts of orthophosphoric acid, L-tyrosine, potassium citrate, sodium chloride, L-tryptophan, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, vitamin E, magnesium carbonate, niacin, copper sulfate, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, folic acid, vitamin K, sodium selenite, vitamin D, biotin, and vitamin B12.
Stage 2 uses maltodextrin and starch as its listed carbohydrate ingredients.
It includes algae-derived DHA but no Mortierella alpina oil, so it does not provide added ARA.
Holle Stage 3 Ingredients
Skimmed milk, partly demineralized whey powder, vegetable oils including palm, sunflower, and rapeseed oils, maltodextrin, skimmed milk powder, starch, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, oil from the microalgae Schizochytrium sp., vitamin C, calcium salts of orthophosphoric acid, L-tyrosine, potassium citrate, sodium chloride, L-tryptophan, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, magnesium carbonate, niacin, vitamin E, copper sulfate, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, vitamin B1, folic acid, vitamin K, sodium selenite, vitamin D, biotin, and vitamin B12.
Stage 3 is very similar to Stage 2, with modest changes to nutrient proportions for older babies.
Ingredient Highlights
- Organic milk ingredients: Holle uses cow's milk sourced to Demeter biodynamic standards in these formulas.
- Lactose in PRE and Stage 1: Lactose is the primary carbohydrate found in human milk and is the only added carbohydrate listed in these two stages.
- Algae-derived DHA: Current recipes use Schizochytrium microalgae oil rather than fish oil.
- ARA in PRE and Stage 1: Mortierella alpina oil supplies arachidonic acid, an omega-6 long-chain fatty acid.
- No prebiotics or probiotics: Unlike HiPP Combiotik, these powdered Holle cow's milk formulas do not include added GOS/FOS prebiotics or live probiotic cultures.
- No soy ingredients: The listed recipes contain no soy oil, soy lecithin, or soy protein.
What About Palm Oil?
All four powdered cow's milk formulas use palm oil as part of their vegetable-oil blend.
Palm oil helps provide palmitic acid and create an appropriate overall fat profile, but some studies have associated palm-olein-containing formula with lower calcium and fat absorption and somewhat firmer stools compared with certain palm-oil-free formulas.
That does not mean palm oil makes a formula unsafe or nutritionally inadequate, but it is a reasonable consideration for parents comparing formulas.
What About Maltodextrin and Starch?
Maltodextrin and starch are present in Stages 2 and 3, not in the current PRE or Stage 1 formulas.
They provide carbohydrate energy and make the follow-on formulas somewhat more filling and thicker.
They are permitted ingredients in European follow-on formula, but parents looking for a lactose-only carbohydrate profile will generally prefer PRE or Stage 1.
Nutrition Highlights
European formula labels report nutrients per 100 mL of prepared formula, while U.S. labels generally emphasize values per 100 Calories.
That difference makes direct comparisons less intuitive, so we focus on the most meaningful stage-level differences rather than repeating the old USDA daily-intake calculations.
| Feature | PRE | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intended use | From birth | From birth | After 6 months with complementary foods | From 10 months with a varied diet |
| Primary carbohydrate profile | Lactose | Lactose | Maltodextrin + starch | Maltodextrin + starch |
| DHA | Yes, algae-derived | Yes, algae-derived | Yes, algae-derived | Yes, algae-derived |
| ARA | Yes | Yes | No added ARA | No added ARA |
| Iron | Lower than typical U.S. formula | Lower than typical U.S. formula | Higher than PRE/1 | Adjusted for later infancy |
| Prebiotics | None added | None added | None added | None added |
| Probiotics | None added | None added | None added | None added |
DHA and ARA
All four stages include DHA from microalgae oil.
PRE and Stage 1 also include ARA from Mortierella alpina oil, while Stages 2 and 3 do not list an added ARA source.
DHA is mandatory in infant and follow-on formula under current European compositional rules; ARA is optional.
Iron
Iron is one of the most important considerations for American families purchasing imported European infant formula.
In the FDA's 2021 Able Groupe recall notice, Holle PRE and Stage 1 were listed at approximately 0.81 mg iron per 100 Calories.
That is below the 1 mg per 100 Calories threshold that triggers an additional low-iron warning statement under U.S. labeling rules.
The recall did not identify contamination in those products; it centered on insufficient premarket notification, labeling, and iron-related requirements.
Parents should discuss iron intake with a pediatrician, particularly for premature babies, infants with low iron stores, and babies approaching six months who are not yet consuming dependable iron-rich complementary foods.
Never add iron or alter formula concentration without medical guidance.
Not a Hypoallergenic Formula
These formulas contain intact cow's milk proteins and lactose.
They are not appropriate treatments for cow's-milk-protein allergy, galactosemia, or a medical need for extensively hydrolyzed or amino-acid formula.
Preparation & Mixing
Holle's preparation directions are straightforward, but the packaging is metric and may be printed primarily in German.
Always use the scoop enclosed in the specific package.
Holle explains that scoop size can vary because the scoop is matched to the powder's bulk density during production.
Do not reuse a scoop from another Holle stage or another brand.
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wash hands and thoroughly clean feeding equipment | Reduces contamination risk |
| 2 | Boil fresh water and cool it according to the package directions | Supports safe preparation and proper powder dissolution |
| 3 | Measure the exact water volume into the bottle | Prevents over-concentrated or diluted formula |
| 4 | Add the exact number of loose, level scoops shown on the package | Each product's scoop is specifically matched to that powder |
| 5 | Close the bottle and shake thoroughly | Helps prevent clumps and uneven concentration |
| 6 | Cool to feeding temperature and test before feeding | Prevents burns |
| 7 | Feed promptly and discard leftovers | Prepared formula supports rapid bacterial growth |
Powdered formula is not sterile.
Babies younger than two months, premature babies, and infants with weakened immune systems may need additional preparation precautions or sterile ready-to-feed formula.
Discuss those circumstances with your pediatrician.
Safety First: Never prepare powdered formula with anything other than water unless your child's medical team has given you specific written instructions. Adding powder directly to breast milk or changing the water-to-powder ratio can create a dangerously concentrated feeding.
Our Hands-On Testing
We tested Holle PRE, Stage 1, and Stage 2 with three infants: a three-month-old using PRE, a five-month-old using Stage 1, and a nine-month-old using Stage 2.
Packaging & First Impressions
Holle's traditional European packaging is functional rather than luxurious.
The cardboard box contains a foil pouch and a measuring scoop.
It takes up less storage space than a large metal can, but the pouch is not as convenient for repeated daily scooping and leveling.
We recommend keeping the powder inside its original pouch and placing the entire pouch inside a clean, dry, airtight container rather than pouring the powder into another container.
Mixing
All three formulas mixed very easily in our testing.
We saw minimal clumping, and the small amount of foam created by shaking settled quickly.
Stage 2 felt slightly thicker than PRE, which is consistent with its starch-containing recipe.
Taste & Texture
Holle had a mild, creamy dairy flavor without the metallic or strongly oily aftertaste we sometimes notice in formula.
PRE was smooth and relatively thin, while Stage 2 had a slightly more substantial texture.
We did not notice an algae-oil taste.
Infant Acceptance
All three babies accepted the formula.
Two had previously received a combination of breast milk and U.S. formula, while one had been exclusively breastfed.
The two formula-experienced babies accepted Holle immediately.
The breastfed baby hesitated briefly but began feeding normally after a few minutes.
Tolerance
During our limited testing, parents did not report unusual gas, constipation, diarrhea, or increased spit-up.
One family continued using Holle after the test.
Those observations are encouraging, but three infants and a short testing period cannot predict how every baby will respond.
Any formula transition can temporarily change stool color, odor, consistency, and frequency.
Organic & Demeter Standards
Holle's ingredient sourcing is one of its strongest features.
PRE through Stage 3 use milk ingredients identified by Holle as coming from biodynamic Demeter agriculture.
EU Organic Standards
European organic rules restrict genetically modified organisms, synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and routine preventive antibiotic use.
Organic animals must receive organic feed and be raised according to applicable animal-welfare requirements.
Organic certification does not mean a product is pesticide-free, heavy-metal-free, or nutritionally superior in every respect, but it establishes audited agricultural and processing requirements.
Demeter Biodynamic Standards
Demeter standards extend beyond basic organic certification and emphasize farm-level ecological cycles, biodiversity, soil health, organic feed, and animal welfare.
Holle states that cows used for these formulas receive organic feed, have regular access to fresh air, and are not dehorned.
We would not claim that biodynamic milk has been proven to make infant formula nutritionally superior to all other organic formula.
Its clearest advantages are agricultural traceability, environmental standards, and animal-welfare practices.
Sustainability
Holle uses FSC-certified cardboard packaging for the current boxed formulas and emphasizes recyclable materials.
Its biodynamic sourcing model also promotes local feed, biodiversity, soil fertility, and reduced dependence on synthetic agricultural inputs.
As with any dairy product, the environmental footprint is not eliminated, but Holle's sourcing standards are among the more rigorous in the formula industry.
U.S. Regulatory Considerations
The German Holle PRE through Stage 3 products reviewed here are formulated and labeled for European markets.
They should not be confused with Holle products officially sold in the United States, which currently focus on baby foods, cereals, pouches, yogurt products, and toddler drinks rather than these European infant-formula stages.
The FDA does not simply "approve" infant formula like a medication.
Companies marketing infant formula in the United States must meet U.S. compositional, manufacturing, testing, registration, premarket-notification, and labeling requirements.
In 2021, Able Groupe recalled imported Holle, HiPP, Kendamil, and Bioland formulas from the U.S. distribution chain.
The FDA cited missing required premarket notifications and labeling issues, including inadequate English labeling and low-iron warning requirements for certain formulas.
Holle PRE and Stage 1 were listed at approximately 0.81 mg iron per 100 Calories.
This history does not establish that current European Holle formula is contaminated or inherently unsafe.
It does mean that American families should understand the practical differences associated with importing formula:
- Packaging and directions may not be in English.
- The scoop and metric mixing ratio may differ from U.S. products.
- Storage and shipping conditions can vary by seller.
- Recall communication may be slower or less direct.
- Product availability and recipe versions may change.
- PRE and Stage 1 contain less iron than many U.S. infant formulas.
Buy only sealed, undamaged packages from a retailer with transparent lot tracking, expiration dating, storage practices, and recall procedures.
Value & Where to Buy
Holle is generally more expensive than mainstream U.S. powdered formula, especially after international sourcing, shipping, and importer markups are considered.
The standard boxes are also relatively small, so families using formula exclusively may go through them quickly.
The value proposition is strongest for parents who prioritize:
- Demeter biodynamic milk sourcing.
- European organic certification.
- A simple lactose-based infant formula in PRE or Stage 1.
- Algae-derived DHA rather than fish oil.
- No corn syrup, soy oil, artificial flavors, or artificial colors.
It is less compelling for parents who want:
- A palm-oil-free formula.
- Added prebiotics or probiotics.
- A U.S.-labeled infant formula with domestic recall support.
- Higher iron levels typical of U.S. formulas.
- A large can with a built-in scoop holder and leveling edge.
Among the imported European formula retailers we have used, Organic Life Start has generally offered a broad Holle selection and domestic shipping.
Prices and inventory change frequently, so check the exact stage, package size, expiration date, and recipe shown before ordering.
Our Conclusions
Holle remains one of the strongest European formula brands from an ingredient-sourcing and sustainability perspective.
We appreciate its Demeter-certified milk, straightforward recipes, algae-derived DHA, lack of corn syrup and soy ingredients, easy mixing, mild taste, and excellent acceptance in our testing.
Our favorite of the four is Holle PRE.
It is suitable from birth, uses lactose without maltodextrin or starch, and includes both DHA and ARA.
Current Stage 1 is extremely similar and may also be used from birth, with a slightly richer nutritional profile.
Stages 2 and 3 are more specialized follow-on formulas.
They contain maltodextrin and starch, include DHA without added ARA, and are intended as part of a mixed diet rather than as the sole source of nutrition.
The primary drawbacks are palm oil, the absence of added prebiotics and probiotics, relatively low iron in PRE and Stage 1 compared with typical U.S. formulas, small box sizes, and the regulatory and supply-chain complications of purchasing a European-market formula in the United States.
Overall: Holle is an excellent-quality organic formula line with unusually strong agricultural standards. For a healthy full-term infant who tolerates intact cow's milk protein and lactose, PRE is the standout option, provided the family and pediatrician are comfortable with its iron level, preparation instructions, and imported-market status.
References
Holle Organic Infant Formula 1
Holle Organic Follow-on Formula 2
Holle Organic Follow-on Formula 3
Holle Formula Frequently Asked Questions
Holle Biodynamic Farming Standards
FDA Able Groupe Formula Recall Notice
European Infant and Follow-on Formula Requirements
Disclaimer: Ingredient lists, packaging, preparation directions, and nutritional values can change. Always rely on the label supplied with your exact product and lot. Consult your child's pediatrician before introducing or changing formula, especially for premature infants, infants with medical conditions, or babies at increased risk of iron deficiency.
