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While the gold standard for feeding little ones is breast milk, the reality is that breastfeeding is not always possible or desired. In such cases, European baby formula offers an alternative source of premium nourishment that ensures clean ingredients and strict regulations for your peace of mind.
If you are new to European formula or formula feeding in general, come on a journey through our simple guide which distinguishes what sets European formulas apart from formulas in other parts of the world, what organic certification means, popular brand choices with tips on choosing the right one, and last but not least, where you can find these sought after formulas!
What Makes European Formula Different?
All formulas, regardless of where they’re made, must be safe and nutritionally balanced at a basic level, but how control bodies go about regulating can vary way more than you think.
Every baby formula made in Europe must abide by stringent regulations set out by the European Union, which has additional protections in place that may be lacking elsewhere. For instance, Europe has set minimums that limit certain contaminants like lead and mercury. Yet, the FDA has not yet established limits for such toxins, currently leaving it up to American formula manufacturers to regulate themselves.
Beyond the important role of minimizing the risk of exposure to contaminants, parents also appreciate how Europe regulates baby formula carbohydrates. In Europe, milk-based formulas must have at least 30% of carbohydrates derived from lactose. This requirement does not exist in the US, meaning many American formulas use corn syrup as a cheaper alternative instead.
Despite corn syrup being considered safe for infant consumption, its high glycemic index is known to spike blood sugar levels, which raises concerns about health implications. Lactose, however, is the main carbohydrate in human milk, which is not too sugary, less processed, and easily digested by the vast majority of babies. It’s regulations like these that contribute to Europe’s high quality standards!
EU Organic Certifications
When a product is certified EU organic, it has satisfied strict regulations at every stage of production, requiring adherence to environmental, nutritional, and animal welfare standards that contribute to the purity of baby formula!
Here are a few examples of EU organic certification standards:
- The use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and GMOs is banned.
- At least 95% of ingredients must be organic.
- Animals must be fed 100% organic fodder, provided with open grazing areas, and properly housed.
- The use of antibiotics is limited to when it’s necessary for animal health.
If these standards align with your values, just wait until you hear about the benefits of an organic diet! Organic foods have potentially higher nutritional values, can reduce the risk of allergies, and contain little to no pesticide residues for nutrition you can trust.
Clean Ingredients, No Compromises
Due to their small size, babies and young children are more at risk for harmful outcomes from contaminant exposure. For this reason, clean ingredients are crucial. European formula for babies doesn’t just claim to have clean ingredients; recently, independent testing has verified it!
Consumer Reports tested 41 brands of baby formula for a number of toxins, such as lead, arsenic, and BPA. The results indicated that about half of the samples tested had potentially harmful levels of at least one toxic contaminant. Still, the other half had low or undetectable levels of contaminants, and among these top choices for safe formulas were the European brands HiPP, Holle, and Kendamil! Next, let’s explore some of the best cow and goat milk formula options from these brands.
Cow Milk vs. Goat Milk: Options for Every Baby's Needs
Parents don’t just love European formulas for their purity; they also love the assortment. Every baby is different and should have a formula tailored to their needs, which is why the European market has plenty of cow milk formula and goat milk formula to choose from. Keep reading to discover our top 3 favorites!
Holle Goat
Holle Goat formula mimics breast milk through its A2 protein structure and organic whole milk base, making it delicate on tiny tummies. Other unique features include its wholesome milk fats, which lessen the need for vegetable oils and eliminate the need for palm oil, and DHA sourced from algae rather than fish oil to support brain and eye development.
If your little one is sensitive to cow’s milk proteins, transitioning from breastfeeding, or experiences mild tummy discomfort, Holle Goat is a great option that’s particularly gentle on the digestive system. That being said, Holle Goat is not suitable for babies with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk protein allergies (CMPA).
Holle Cow
Holle Cow offers a classic organic cow’s milk formula recipe that features skimmed milk, lactose, vegetable oils, vitamins and minerals, and plant-based essential fatty acids that nourish babies with simplicity.
Holle Cow formula is recommended for healthy babies who don't display feeding sensitivities or for those who do not enjoy the taste of goat milk. Moreover, Holle Cow is also available in an A2 milk version that uses the same recipe as the classic version, but the milk is sourced from cows that only produce A2 milk. This version is more gentle and easier for babies to digest.
HiPP Dutch
HiPP Dutch is another great organic cow’s milk formula with advanced ingredients like prebiotics from lactose and probiotics originally sourced from real human milk. Pre- and probiotics have proven health benefits like strengthening the immune system, reducing the risk of diarrhea and respiratory infections, and creating intestinal microbiota similar to that of breastfed babies by colonizing the gut with good bacteria.
HiPP Dutch formula is recommended for parents who prefer a formula that closely resembles breast milk, who are looking for a formulation with added gut health and immune support, and for parents who value science-backed recipes.
Kendamil Goat
Unlike the other top formulas on our list, Kendamil Goat is not organic, but it is still non-GMO and European-made. Unique features of the Kendamil Goat recipe include the use of creamy 100% whole goat milk, lactose-only carbohydrates at all stages, DHA derived from algae, plus GOS prebiotics, and 3’GL HMOs for happy tummies.
Kendamil Goat formula is recommended for the same reasons as Holle Goat, with a few additional benefits. Kendamil Goat is suitable for those who follow a vegetarian diet, is great for parents who prefer a lactose-only formula, and is a good option for extra gut health support thanks to the added prebiotics. Like all goat milk formulas, Kendamil is not suitable for babies with CMPA or lactose intolerance.
How to Decide Which European Formula is Right for Your Baby?
It is always recommended that you consult your pediatrician before using or switching baby formulas, as only they can offer personalized guidance and professional advice tailored to your baby.
There are a few ways to narrow your search for the right formula: start with a brand or ingredients that align with your values, consider dietary restrictions, if any, choose an age-appropriate stage of formula, and finally, choose a milk base that your baby enjoys and tolerates.
Some websites that specialize in European formulas, like Organic’s Best, offer parents a free formula finder quiz that handpicks the best options based on the factors listed above.
Visit Organic's Best to Shop European Formula
If any of the European baby formulas that we have discussed today have sparked your interest, head on over to the Organic’s Best shop which is a trustworthy family-run online retailer specializing in high-quality European baby formulas and foods since 2019.
Discover why more than 130,000 families have chosen them to feed their families. Enjoy perks like bulk order discounts, free insured express delivery on orders over $100 US to Canada and the US within 2-5 business days, and personalized advice from the customer care team that includes medical doctors.
Head to Organic’s Best today to find the best European formula for your little one!
Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.
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