The World of European Organic Formula

A growing number of parents find that the best baby formula brands are European. While there is a wide selection of conventional baby formulas available worldwide, few can compete with the organic quality of European formulas, often regarded as the gold standard for strict organic regulations.

From the farming of raw ingredients to processing and even labelling, organic baby formulas in Europe are subject to strict standards that offer parents added assurance regarding their baby's nutrition. And, of course, the purity and delightful taste of organic European infant formula makes it an instant favorite among babies and parents alike!

Our Top European Organic Brands

Here you can read up on our popular brands offering organic European baby formula, each renowned for its commitment to the highest quality nutrition.

HiPP: is a leading EU organic formula brand offering cow, goat, and special formula options, fortified with lactic acid cultures (probiotics) originally extracted from real breast milk using the latest innovation and research.

Holle: the Holle brand offers EU organic and Demeter biodynamic options based on cow, A2 cow, and goat milk made from the highest quality ingredients and gentle processing techniques.

Kendamil: is a British brand offering classic and EU organic formulas. They use locally-sourced whole cow's milk and exclude palm oil and GMOs. They also use plant-based DHA offering a high-quality vegetarian option.

Jovie: is certified EU organic; their formula is based on A2 whole goat's milk, making it a gentle and easy-to-digest option. They also ensure that their formula is free from harmful ingredients such as Glyphosate residue.

Nannycare: offers minimally processed whole goat milk formula from grass-fed goats raised on natural pastures in New Zealand. The formula is GMO-free and naturally prebiotic-rich. Their milk also has smaller curds and no added whey making it easy to digest.

Lebenswert Bio: certified as both EU and Bioland organic, this sister brand of Holle offers affordably-priced formula derived from organic skimmed milk from cows and uses minimal ingredients to nourish your baby.

Lowenzahn Organics: this European organic formula contains an optimized whey-to-casein protein ratio adapted at every stage to mirror the naturally occurring changes in breast milk. They also use plant-based DHA and organic skim milk as a base.

Bebe M: certified as both EU and AB France organic, this 100% plant-based vegan formula uses hydrolyzed rice as a base, making it completely dairy-free and thus suitable for babies with CMPA, lactose intolerance, or soy allergy. It also includes carob fruit gum, a natural thickening agent with anti-reflux properties.

Premibio: also certified as EU and AB France organic, uses simple recipes with a base of cow's or goat's milk and is fortified with plant-based DHA.

The Diversity of European Baby Formulas: Catering to Every Need

There are many European brands that offer various types of organic baby formulas that are tailored to the different dietary needs and preferences of little ones. The different types of baby formula milk include:

Cow Milk Formulas

Organic cow's milk formula is the most accessible and common type of baby formula. It is designed to mimic the natural composition of breast milk and fortified with additional vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients.

Cow Milk Formula Brands we Carry:

• HiPP

• Holle formula

• Kendamil

• Lebenswert Bio

• Lowenzahn Organics

• Premibio

Goat Milk Formulas

Organic goat's milk formula is another alternative to cow's milk formula. Goat milk contains smaller milk fat globules compared to that of cows, which makes it gentler and easier to digest for little ones with more delicate tummies. However, it is not suitable for babies with cow's milk protein allergy or lactose intolerance.

Goat Milk Formula Brands we Carry:

• HiPP

• Holle

• Jovie

• Nannycare

• Lowenzahn Organics

• Premibio

Special Formulas

Special formulas are designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of babies with unique dietary needs or medical conditions. They are generally recommended by a healthcare provider and are tailored to manage or treat a variety of conditions.

• Anti-Reflux Formula: these formulas are specially designed for babies with frequent spit-up or reflux issues. Its texture is enhanced using thickeners to help reduce regurgitation.
  
• Comfort Formula: this type of formula is created to alleviate digestive discomfort for babies suffering from excessive gas or colic symptoms. This milk is made with a reduced lactose content and partially hydrolyzed proteins, as well as added pre and probiotics to support your baby's digestion.
  
• Hypoallergenic Formula: these formulas have proteins that are extensively hydrolyzed or broken down into smaller particles. They are sometimes recommended for little ones suffering from allergic reactions to ingredients commonly found in traditional formulas.
  
• Rice Formula: this is another hypoallergenic option that uses hydrolyzed rice proteins for babies that suffer from cow's milk protein allergies (CMPA) or lactose intolerance. It completely excludes milk and dairy, making it easily digestible for babies with severe sensitivities.
  

Special Formula Brands we Carry:

• HiPP (hypoallergenic, comfort, and anti-reflux options)

• Bebe M (anti-reflux vegan rice formula)

It is important to note that opting for a special formula and changing formulas require prior consultation with a pediatrician to determine the best option for your baby's dietary needs.

America vs European Baby Formula: Understanding the Differences

Compared to American-produced infant formula, European organic formulas have some differences in terms of composition and nutritional profile. Here is an overview of some of the key factors that set American and European formulas apart.

Lactose

Lactose is the most abundant source of carbs in various mammalian milks, including human milk, thereby making it an important energy source during the first year of your baby's life.

In Europe, around 30% of the carbohydrates found in baby formula must come directly from lactose. In contrast, American formulas don't have set minimums for carbohydrate sources. Moreover, some American formulas may contain added sugars, such as corn syrup solids.

Iron

Iron is an essential mineral in infant nutrition, playing a pivotal role in brain development and the formation of healthy blood cells. American formulas generally contain higher iron levels compared to their European counterparts.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that iron-fortified formula be used for all infants who are not breastfed or who are only partially breastfed to prevent iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia. Hence, manufacturers add extra iron to meet these recommendations.

On the other hand, European formulas tend to have lower iron levels, closer to the amount found naturally in breast milk. The rationale here is concerns regarding bioavailability - the proportion of iron that can be absorbed and used by the body - over sheer quantity.

DHA

One of the significant differences between American and European infant formulas lies in the nutrient composition, specifically the DHA content. DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that plays a critical role in the development of babies' brains and eyes.

In Europe, the inclusion of DHA is mandatory in infant formulas, as per regulations by the European Commission, recognizing the critical importance of this nutrient in early life development.

While DHA is often included in American formulas, it's not a requirement. This means that some formulas may contain lower levels, and the quality of DHA (plant-based vs. fish-based) can also vary.

Stages in Baby Formula: Tailoring Nutrition to Your Baby's Development

European baby formulas and American baby formulas sometimes follow different staging systems based on a baby's age and nutritional requirements.

European Baby Formula Stages:

1. Stage PRE and 1: Generally suitable from birth to 6 months. These stages are intended for exclusive feeding or to supplement breast milk. Often their organic whey to casein ratio is balanced to mirror early-stage breast milk.

2. Stage 2 (Follow-on Milk): Typically introduced around 6 months, coinciding with the introduction of complementary feeding (solids). They contain more iron and protein compared to Stage 1.

3. Stage 3 (Toddler Milk): Used from 12 months onward, toddler formula can be used as a supplement to a diet that's increasingly diverse.

American Baby Formula Stages:

1. Infant Formula: Suitable from birth up to 12 months. There is typically no differentiation of stages during the first year.

2. Toddler Formula (Also known as Stage 2 or "Next Step"): These are designed for babies over 12 months.

Remember that it is very important to choose the correct stage for your baby's current development phase, as choosing the wrong one can compromise the health of your baby. As such, it is important to recognize all the different stages offered by your chosen baby formula brand and to read the packaging carefully to determine if it's the right fit for your baby's age.

Organic Certification in Europe: More Than Just a Label

The comprehensive approach to earning the EU-certified organic baby formula label ensures that the highest quality and safety measures are in place. Comparable to the FDA in the US, the European Commission's regulatory body oversees health and food safety. Here's a more in-depth look at what's involved in the organic certification process:

Farming Restrictions

European organic regulations strictly limit the use of artificial fertilizers and chemical pesticides. They also heavily restrict the use of antibiotics, only allowing them in cases when they are deemed medically necessary for animal health. Plus, farmers have to provide 100% organic feed to their animals! Hormones and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are prohibited.

Ingredients

For a formula to be labelled as EU organic, it has to have a minimum of 95% organic agricultural ingredients. Most often, the non-organic ingredients in the formula are fortified vitamins, minerals, essential prebiotics or probiotics and fatty acids that support your child's well-being.

Additional Safety Measures

The European Commission also subjects products for little ones under two years of age to additional controls for added safety. This comprehensive inspection applies to both early-stage infant formula and follow-on formula and ensures that they meet the most stringent standards for infant nutrition to provide parents with peace of mind.

Thanks to these stringent guidelines, choosing organic products can be a great way for parents to avoid GMO ingredients, artificial colors, and added sugars. Going organic can also help lower the risk of chemical pesticide residue contamination. All of these factors set organic European formulas apart from other conventional formulas!

Types of Organic Certification

Different brands of European organic baby formula are stamped with the organic seals of various private and public regulatory bodies. Each certification indicates a formula's adherence to the respective standards set by the issuing regulatory body.

Public Organic Certifications:

• EU Organic Seal

• AB France Organic

• German Organic Seal

Private Organic Certifications:

• HiPP Organic Seal

• Demeter (Biodynamic)

• Bioland

Trusting in European Organic Baby Formula: Shop at Organic's Best

When you buy European baby formula for your little one, you are making a conscious effort to prioritize the health and well-being of your growing baby!

If you're a parent seeking only the best for your little one, consider shopping with us at Organic's Best. Here's why:

1. Insured Express Delivery: We don't want you to worry about long waits or damaged goods. That's why we offer fast shipping via insured express delivery, with orders arriving safely at your doorstep in just 2-5 business days.

2. Authentic Products: We pride ourselves on providing only the best quality. By sourcing our products directly from manufacturers in Europe, we guarantee the authenticity of every item in our store.

3. Long Expiration Dates: You deserve the freshest possible products, and that's what we provide. Our direct supply chain ensures that all our formulas come with an expiration date of 6 months into the future or more.

4. Right Formula Guarantee: We understand that not all formulas work for every baby. If you encounter any issues with our formula, we'll send you a gift card to try another box/can free of charge.

At Organic's Best, we're dedicated to providing you with the highest quality organic European formulas. However, we always recommend seeking your pediatrician's advice before making any changes to your baby's diet to ensure their unique nutritional needs are being met. Start your organic journey with us today!