You’ve welcomed your little bundle of joy into the world, and if formula feeding is a part of your journey, it’s time to find the best newborn formula to help your baby prosper! It has become increasingly popular for parents to look to organic European baby formula because of its reputation for strictly regulated, clean ingredients, which offers peace of mind knowing that your little one is getting high-quality milk with every sip.
Keep reading to explore organic infant formula options from HiPP and Holle, two of Europe’s leading brands, designed to support your baby from their first days of life!
What Makes Stage PRE and Stage 1 Formulas Ideal for Newborns?
If you’re new to the world of European formulas, we will begin by explaining the concept of staged nutrition. Breast milk is a dynamic fluid, which means its composition evolves across time to best meet the needs of babies as they grow. To imitate this effect, most European brands divide their formula lines into precise stages customized for different developmental periods.
When you see labels like Stage PRE and Stage 1, these formulas are part of the infant formula category. Infant formulas are a complete source of nutrition for babies 0 to 6 months of age that can complement or replace breastfeeding.
Stages PRE and 1 are designed to mimic breast milk closely; they’re made with easily tolerated, gentle ingredients that are perfectly adapted for newborns and their delicate, developing digestive systems.
Next, we will explore some of the most popular HiPP and Holle infant formula choices and how they nourish babies!
Most Trusted Organic Infant Formula Brands in 2025
HiPP and Holle are two of Europe’s most popular brands; combined, they represent more than a century of crafting premium organic infant nutrition products! Parents love HiPP infant formula for their science-backed recipes, and Holle is loved for their simple recipes made from exceptionally high-quality ingredients. Both craft gentle newborn formula made with lactose-only carbohydrates, just like breast milk, and both are EU organic certified. The following formulas are definitely worth considering:
HiPP PRE
HiPP Bio Combiotik Stage PRE is the most popular formula in their German line. While this formula has a conventional skimmed cow’s milk base, its star ingredients stand out: HiPP infant formula is enriched with prebiotic GOS from lactose, and probiotic lactic acid cultures originally sourced from human milk.
Synbiotics is the term used when both of these ingredients are combined. Together, pre- and probiotics work in unison to colonize your baby’s gut with beneficial bacteria contributing to healthy poops, aiding digestion, strengthening immunity, and creating happier tummies!
HiPP PRE is also conveniently available in a ready-to-feed version, which comes in handy for those hazy nighttime feedings, so you don’t need to worry about measuring and mixing, just shake, twist, pour into a bottle, and voila!
HiPP Stage 1
HiPP Bio Combiotik Dutch is the favourite choice for Stage 1 formulas. As far as HiPP PRE vs. HiPP Stage 1, both are appropriate for exclusive formula feeding or combo feeding from birth, featuring the same cow’s milk blend with pre- and probiotics. However, while the German version of HiPP Stage 1 includes starch, HiPP 1 Dutch and HiPP German PRE are entirely based on lactose.
Another point of difference is the packaging. HiPP Stage 1 Dutch is available in larger 800g cans compared to the 600g German PRE and 1 formula boxes. The benefits of the Dutch version are that it tends to be more durable and also easier to scoop. Additionally, all stages offer lactose-only carbs.
Holle PRE
Moving on to Holle infant formula, Holle PRE German is this brand’s favoured cow’s milk formula. To remain true to their minimalistic approach, Holle PRE does not add ingredients like prebiotics and probiotics, instead keeping a classically simple and minimally processed skimmed cow’s milk formulation.
Holle PRE stands out for its dual EU organic and Demeter biodynamic certification—Demeter being the highest organic certification globally— a true testament to Holle’s purity. Another great feature about Holle baby formula is that it includes plant-based DHA instead of fish oil to support visual acuity and brain development in a less allergenic, more sustainable, and palatable way.
Holle Stage 1
Holle Cow German Stage 1 is another excellent newborn formula. This stage shares the same recipe and certifications as Holle PRE. The primary difference is that Holle formula Stage 1 has slightly more energy, fat, and protein than Stage PRE.
Another notable point about Holle Stage 1 German is that it was recently independently tested by Consumer Reports for a host of toxins such as arsenic and lead, the results found that there were low to undetectable levels, and as such, it was ranked as a top choice for purity and safety!
Where to Buy HiPP and Holle Infant Formulas Safely Online
If HiPP or Holle infant formula sounds like options you would consider, and you would like to know where you can find these formulas, we invite you to shop online at Organic’s Best which is a family-run company that has been reliably providing premium European feeding solutions to families around the world!
Not only does Organic’s Best provide free insured express shipping to North America on purchases over $100 USD, but you’ll receive your order to the USA or Canada in just 2 to 5 business days. While you’re shopping, don’t forget to take advantage of bulk order discounts or get helpful information provided by their customer care team, complete with medical doctors.
While we hope to have provided useful information about options for nourishing your little one, it is highly recommended that you consult your pediatrician before beginning or switching a newborn formula.
About the Author
