Best Organic Baby Food 2023

Introducing your baby to solid foods can be an exciting time, as they get to experience new textures and flavors. Although a little messy, this time of discovery for your bundle of joy is an essential step in making the transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods once your child is old enough to make this jump.

When embarking on this new journey, it is important to choose the right first foods for your baby to ensure that their nutritional needs are being met every step along the way. Creating healthy eating habits as your little one is introduced to solid food, can have long-lasting positive effects on their health!

In this article, we'll be covering our top 10 favorite organic baby food options from Holle and HiPP, all of which are certified EU organic and many of which hold additional organic certifications. We also discuss when it's appropriate to begin introducing solid foods, signs your baby may be ready for this transition, and what to look for when selecting your child's first foods!

 

Top 10 Baby Foods From Our Favorite Organic Food Brands

Here at Organic's Best, we offer a wide range of great organic baby food options to choose from, so it's hard to narrow it down to just a few. Nevertheless, here are our top 10 delicious nutrient-packed organic baby foods good for slow moments at home to life on the go, featuring two of the leading brands in the European baby food market, Holle and HiPP.

You may already be familiar with their infant formula. However, both brands also offer a wide variety of baby food products, such as organic baby food pouches, organic milk cereals, porridge, muesli, and more.

Come along with us for a little bit more info about these brands as we deep dive into our favorite products from them!

 

Best Holle Organic Baby Foods ⭐

As a pioneer in the world of biodynamic food (one of the most sustainable organic agricultural practices in the world), the high-quality taste, and nutritional content are guaranteed in all of Holle's products.

Did you know that starting 85 years ago, Holle was actually one of the first brands to start manufacturing organic baby food?

All of Holle's baby food products are EU-certified organic, and many are also certified by the Demeter company. If you have seen the bright orange Demeter label on their products, that means that the food contains ingredients grown at organic biodynamic farms, which goes beyond the standard EU organic certification.

Here's our top 5s list of the best baby foods from Holle!

 

#1 Holle Ultimate Weaning Bundle

 

The Holle Ultimate Weaning Bundle is the perfect place to start introducing your little one to solids. The bundle is thoughtfully curated with Holle’s best-selling organic baby foods that parents and infants love.

Some products are suitable for little ones beginning at 5 months while others you can begin introducing later on in their weaning journey. This bundle is packed full of 8 boxes of whole-grain cereals, 48 puree pouches, and 22 baby snacks of varying flavors your baby will love!

Why We ❤️ The Holle Ultimate Weaning Bundle

• All products are EU Organic and many are Demeter Organic

• Huge variety of flavors and textures for your baby to try

• It contains great on-the-go snacks and versatile at home mini meals

 

#2 Holle Organic Milk Cereals

 

Holle's milk cereals come in a variety of flavors, and some of them can be fed to your baby by the 6-month mark. Made with non-GMO ingredients and filled with nutrient-rich whole grains, you can feel good about nourishing your little one with this delightful snack.

As a tip, cereals can be softened by preparing them with warm breast milk or baby formula, or you can jazz things up by squeezing in a baby food puree pouch! One of our favorite milk cereals from Holle is their Milk Cereal with Bananas, which is suitable starting at 6 months.

Why We ❤️ Holle Organic Milk Cereals

• Made with whole grains which are specially cooked to preserve important vitamins, minerals, and fibers

• Easy and versatile to prepare

• Produced using organic ingredients

 

#3 Holle Organic Porridges

 

Holle makes a variety of single-grain baby porridges that are a gentle introduction to solid foods beginning at 5 months. The majority of their cereals are made with Demeter quality grains sourced from biodynamic farms, which prohibit the use of chemical synthetic fertilizers and pesticides as well as GMOs.

Our favorite is Holle's Organic Oat Porridge which is made with 100% Demeter quality oats that have been fortified with vitamin B1. This low-allergen cereal is suitable beginning at 5 months and because it's free of eggs, and lactose it's suitable for a vegan or vegetarian diet!

Why We ❤️ Holle Organic Porridges

• EU Organic and Demeter Organic

• Plenty of single-grain options to start with

• Made with whole grains which are specially cooked to preserve important vitamins, minerals, and fibers

 

#4 Holle Baby Food Pouches

These yummy organic baby food pouches from Holle are packed with finely pureed organic fruits, veggies, grains, or yogurt and are always free from added sugar or artificial flavors.

If you are interested in trying a variety of different flavors we offer an "All Flavors" kit equipped with 16 different pouches suitable starting from either the 6th or 8th month. One of our favorite products is Zebra Beet – Apple & Banana with Beetroot.

Why We ❤️ Holle Pouches

• Huge variety of flavors to choose from

• Made with organic fruits, grains, and veggies

• Free from unwanted additives and added sugar

 

 

#5 Holle Crunchy Baby Puffs

Holle makes a variety of crunchy snacks for babies which are perfect for when your baby has moved on to finger foods. Munching on a crunchy snack can be a great way to help your baby strengthen their mouth muscles and develop proper eating skills.

Our favorite is Holle's millet crunchy baby puffs which are suitable for babies 8 months and up. They are made with 100% millet, meaning they are gluten-free and they are also free of added sugar or salt.

 

 

Why We ❤️ Holle Crunchy Baby Puffs

• Great for on-the-go snacking

• Can strengthen your baby's mouth muscles and fine-tune their eating skills

• Shaped for little hands to grasp

 

Best HiPP Organic Baby Foods ⭐

As a family-run company that has been one of Europe's top organic baby food brands for over 60 years, HiPP is guaranteed to provide organic, natural, high-quality baby foods that support the development of your little one while also prioritizing environmental preservation.

HiPP products are certified organic by the EU. To have this label, a product must be made with at least 95% organic ingredients and the remaining 5% operate under strict conditions, most of which are added to support the health of your baby, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids.

They've also introduced their organic label known as the HiPP organic seal designed to help address other pollutants that can potentially contaminate produce, such as air and soil pollutants. With this seal, HiPP aims to achieve lower residue limits than required by law. Thus, ensuring that their products are made with the purest ingredients through additional quality tests.

Some of their most popular baby food products include organic baby food pouches, snacks, fortified porridges, and cereals. Here are our top 5 favorites...

 

#1 HiPP Good Night Milk Porridges

 

HiPP makes night porridges specifically crafted to be gentle on a baby's tummy and offer satiation to help them sleep through the night. One of their best-selling flavors is the HiPP Organic Good Night Milk Porridge in Oat and Apple which is made with whole grain cereals and organic apple.

It's also fortified with many beneficial nutrients such as iron, iodine, calcium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. This porridge is suitable beginning from the 8th-month mark.

Why We ❤️ HiPP Good Night Milk Porridges

• This product is fortified with omega-3, iron, iodine, and calcium

• EU organic

• Crafted to keep your baby full and satisfied

 

 

#2 HiPP Organic Baby Muesli

 

Organic Crunchy Muesli is suitable for babies 15 months and up. It contains only strictly tested organic ingredients and is free from added sugar. This vegan recipe is rich in vitamin B1 and is made with 70% organic whole-grain cereals. To make snack time more fun and exciting, it comes in duck and star shapes!

Why We ❤️ HiPP Organic Muesli

• Free from added sugar and unwanted additives

• Vegan recipe and packed full of vitamins and nutrients

• Cereal is shaped into ducks and stars

 

#3 HiPP Fruit Pouches

 

HiPP's fruit pouches are a suitable snack beginning at 4-6 months. These tasty treats are made with 100% organic fruits, veggies, or grains and are super satisfying without any added sugar or artificial flavors.

They are great as a dessert, a snack on the go, or you can add the to your little one's porridge! One of our favorite products is the HiPP Fruit Pouches Hippis Mixpack which comes with 4 delicious flavors to try.

Why We ❤️ HiPP Fruit Pouches

• Made with 100% organic produce and grains

• Comes in a practical squeeze bag, making them a great snack on the go

• No added sugar or artificial flavors

 

#4 HiPP Snack Bars

 

HiPP makes HiPP Fruit muesli snack bars, which are suitable starting from 12 months. The snack bars come individually wrapped and are a perfect snack on the go. These snack bars are free from added sugar as all the sweetness comes from HiPP's organic quality fruits.

Why We ❤️ HiPP Snack Bars

• Great snack for learning to eat independently

• Comes in convenient on-the-go packaging

• Contains only a small list of nutritious ingredients

 

#5 HiPP Millet Sticks

HiPP millet sticks are a great finger food made with puffed organic millet, organic corn, and organic rice in the best HiPP organic quality. They are free from added salt or sugar and are gluten-free! The light and airy structure of these puffs melts in your baby's mouth making these snacks perfect for learning to eat independently.

Why We ❤️ HiPP Millet Sticks

• Great snack for learning to eat independently

• Comes in convenient on-the-go packaging

• Free if added sugar, salt, and gluten

 

How Do I know if My Baby is Ready for Solids?

By now, you have probably mastered formula or breastfeeding, but not to worry, adding baby food to your infant's diet is best done slowly and gradually. Easing your baby into the process allows them to adapt to this dietary change alongside you.

To ensure your baby is getting all the nutrients and calories they need, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusively feeding your child breast milk or formula for the first 6 months. Although, you can slowly start adding solid foods from the age of 4 months onward, depending on your baby's development and with the guidance of your child's pediatrician.

Make sure to discuss any dietary change with your pediatrician prior to introducing new baby food. According to the CDC, behaviors such as sitting up alone or with support, having control over their head and neck, and opening their mouth when food is offered can signal that it is a good time to begin the introduction of baby food.

Refer to the chart below for a list of additional behaviors to keep an eye out for...

 

 

What Baby Foods Should I Introduce First?

From the ages of 0-6 months, your baby should mainly rely on formula or breast milk, as these provide all the nutrients needed for growth and development. When your baby is ready to begin the introduction to solid baby food, this should be done slowly so as to give their delicate digestive systems time to adjust.

This slow transition allows you to monitor any symptoms that may indicate a food allergy or intolerance during the baby-led weaning process, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a sudden rash. 

It is best to introduce one new food item at a time, and wait 3-5 days before introducing another, to ensure that each new food is agreeing with your baby.

 

 

With the number of baby food options at your disposal, you're probably wondering where to begin!

Well, one of the most popular baby food options is baby cereal, and with 65% of babies enjoying cereal by 4 to 6 months, there's no better place to start. The CDC recommends starting with infant cereal fortified with the vitamins and minerals that your growing baby needs.

Learn more: Best Organic Baby Cereal 2022

One of the products to look out for at the 6-month mark is iron-fortified baby cereals. Getting enough iron is an important part of neurological development during childhood; due to its role in creating hemoglobin which supplies all parts of the body with oxygen.

As your baby gets more comfortable with eating, you can try introducing them to more food items within each food group. Make sure to keep their age in mind while going on this explorative journey with them.

While there are plenty of safe baby food options available, there are also some items that you want to avoid during the first year, as they may pose a health risk.

Too much salt, or sugar for example should be avoided as their tiny bodies are at risk for tooth decay or kidney problems. Honey should be kept out of their diet as well for the first year, as consuming it can lead to infant botulism, as well as any food that can be a choking hazard. 

 

What to Look for When Choosing Food for Your Baby? 👀

Not all baby foods are created equal! Choosing organic, high-quality, fresh baby food can keep your baby happy, healthy, and satisfied throughout the weaning process. You want to make sure that your baby is getting the important essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, iron, and vitamins D, A, and B12.

When deciding which food is best for your baby, considering the following questions can help you better understand your little one's needs.

 

Why is Fresh Organic Baby Food The Best Choice?

For food to be considered organic, the products must comply with a certain standard throughout the farming process, minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants.

When it comes to EU organic baby foods you are sure to get quality ingredients, free from artificial colors and preservatives, GMOs, and aroma or flavor enhancers. When possible, it is best to stay away from processed food with unwanted additives.

 

What's the Easiest Food for Babies to Digest?

Sticking to the basics, in the beginning, is going to be best for your baby's digestive health. Many foods will not cause an upset tummy, but spicy, salty, and sugary foods should be avoided.

When using fresh produce or making homemade baby food make sure that food is being prepared in a way that makes the eating process easy and safe for your little one. Taking steps like fully cooking hard fruits and vegetables until they are soft will help this process.

For added probiotics, yogurt can be introduced to your baby's diet at around 6 months, which can help with digestion and reduce inflammation.

See below for a list of 10 great baby foods to try out for the first year of feeding!

 

 

What's the Best Baby Food for Growth and Weight Gain?

You want to pay attention to your baby's natural hunger cues and feed them accordingly. Simple, high-quality baby food is the best place to start. Foods such as avocado, banana, oatmeal, meat, and sweet potato are great options packed full of vitamins and nutrients.

To keep your baby fed on the go, items such as baby cereals, fruit and vegetable purees, and jarred baby food are a convenient way to ensure that their calorie and nutritional needs are being met. These convenient options are packed full of the vitamins and nutrients that your busy baby needs!

Learn More: Baby Snacks: Best Healthy and Nutritious Options

 

Conclusion

We hope that introducing you to some of our favorite products has inspired you on your own baby-feeding journey. Whether your little one is being fed homemade baby food, pureed food pouches, or fortified baby cereals, gaining agency over your little one's food choices is an empowering step to take as a parent. Now that you have some recommendations for the best organic baby foods it's time to get feeding! 

Sources 

1. Feeding Guide For the First Year. Stanford Children's Health. 2022

2. Your Baby's Food: Homemade or Store bought? Children's Hospital Los Angeles. 2022

3. HiPP Organic Story. HiPP. 2022

4. Feeding Your Baby: The First Year. Cleveland Clinic. February 17, 2020.

5. Foods To Avoid Giving Babies and Young Children. NHS. November 15, 2018.

6. Do Infants Get Enough Iron From Breast Milk. CDC.September 2, 2021

7. When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods. CDC. 2021

 

⚠️ The Best Organic Baby Food 2023 Guide will be updated regularly, always providing you with the latest information! 

 

 

Disclaimer: Please be aware that this information is based on general trends in babies, and it is not medical advice. Your doctor should be your first source of information and advice when considering any changes to your child’s formula and when choosing your child’s formula. Always consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about your child’s diet or if you notice any changes in your child. Breastfeeding is the best nutrition for your baby because breast milk provides your child with all the essential nutrients they need for growth and development. Please consult your pediatrician if your child requires supplemental feeding.