Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 Formula

Holle A2 Stage 3 baby formula is formulated for babies 10 months and older and comes in powdered form. The A2 in the name refers to the type of protein found in cow’s milk.

Powdered dairy milk is often added to infant formulas as a source of protein. Casein is the main protein in cow’s milk. There are two different forms of casein, called A1 beta-casein and A2 beta-casein. Most cow’s milk contains mostly A1 protein, with some A2 protein. 

Some cows are raised to produce milk that contains only A2 protein. The milk in Holle A2 Stage 3 formula is from A2 beta-casein producing cows. 

A2 beta-casein is digested easier than A1 and is said to be more similar to the composition of breast milk. A1 beta-casein may cause digestive upset due to underlying milk protein sensitivities, which differs from a dairy/milk allergy. 

For babies who experience digestive upset from regular A1/A2 cow’s milk formula, a cow’s milk A2 formula may be easier to digest. However, it’s not an option for babies with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance.

Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 may also be a good choice for babies who have thrived on Holle A2 Cow Stage 1 and Stage 2 formulas during the first 10 months of life. This formula can also be introduced to babies 10 months and older who are weaning from breast milk.

Holle A2 Cow Stage formula is certified organic under European requirements and, like the rest of the product line, Demeter-certified. These certifications ensure this formula is made without antibiotics, chemical processing, herbicides, synthetic pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Holle’s products do not contain sweeteners, artificial ingredients, flavorings, dyes, or preservatives.

Pros and Cons of Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 Formula

Pros

• A2 protein may be a better option for babies with sensitive digestion
• 100% organic ingredients
• Formulated with DHA and ARA, which are important nutrients for brain and eye health
• Free from flavoring, dyes, sugar, preservatives, artificial ingredients, and GMOs

Cons

• Not an option for babies with lactose intolerance
• Not suitable for babies with allergies to milk or fish
• Contain several controversial ingredients, including palm oil and maltodextrin

Ingredients of Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 Formula

The ingredients in Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 formula are:

Skimmed A2 Milk*1, Whey Product* (Partially Demineralized Whey Powder*), Vegetable Oils* (Palm Oil*2, Rapeseed Oil*, Sunflower Oil*), Maltodextrin*, Starch*, L-Tyrosine, Potassium Chloride, Fish Oil3, M. Alpina Oil**, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Calcium Hydroxide, L-Tryptophan, Sodium Chloride, Ferrous Lactate, Vitamin C, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin E, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B1, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodate, Folic Acid, Sodium Selenate, Vitamin K, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin B12

Allergens: Contains fish products, milk products

This formula contains two common food allergens: milk and fish. Fish oil has been added to supply DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid).

If you have an older baby who has already been fed formula, you likely already know whether they tolerate milk or not. However, food allergies can develop at any point so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with recognizing the signs of an allergic reaction in babies.

Depending on when your baby starts solids, they may or may not have been exposed to fish by 10 months of age, which makes it hard to know if they have a potential fish allergy. Offering a formula that contains fish oil comes down to your comfort level with potential allergens.

The use of palm oil and maltodextrin in baby formula is somewhat controversial. Palm oil is high in saturated fat, which may contribute to the incidence of heart disease and interfere with calcium absorption. It also gets a bad reputation for contributing to environmental decline and deforestation. However, palm oil is found in many baby formulas and has been deemed a safe ingredient in formula.

Maltodextrin is usually derived from corn and contains carbohydrates that are rapidly absorbed and can spike blood sugar. Although the Food & Drug Administration considers maltodextrin safe, the absorption rate has been linked to digestive upset in some people. 

Baby formula contains protein and fat, which slow digestion and may counteract the fast absorption of maltodextrin. Even so, it’s good to be aware and pay attention to how your baby tolerates formulas that contain maltodextrin.

Nutrients in Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 Formula

Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 is designed to provide balanced nutrition to babies 10 to 12 months old. This formula can supplement solid foods and/or breastfeeding for babies in this age group.

This formula contains all three macronutrients: A2 milk and whey are a source of protein, vegetable oils are a source of fat, and maltodextrin and starch are a source of carbohydrates. 

This formula is also fortified with vitamins, minerals, DHA, and ARA (Arachidonic acid). 

DHA and ARA are types of omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for brain and vision development. 

Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 exceeds the minimum amount of iron the FDA requires in baby formulas made in the United States. Iron is a mineral involved in the development of red blood cells and helps carry oxygen throughout the body. A baby formula that contains adequate iron helps reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Side Effects of Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 Formula

There aren’t many side effects to note with Holle A2 Cow Stage 3, other than for the populations who should not use this formula.

Because this formula contains cow’s milk and lactose, it’s not appropriate for babies who are allergic to milk or lactose intolerant. It also contains fish oil which may not be safe for babies with a fish allergy.

The maltodextrin in this formula could potentially cause digestive issues for some babies. If you’re concerned about how your baby is tolerating this formula, it’s a good idea to check in with their pediatrician.

How Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 Formula Compares

There are more goat’s milk baby formulas available in Europe and other countries compared to the United States. Here’s how Holle Goat Stage 2 compares to some other options:

Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 vs Enfamil Simply Organic Infant Formula

Enfamil Simply Organic is an American-made organic formula for newborn babies up to 12 months old. It’s made with 100% organic milk from grass-fed cows but is not strictly A2 cow’s milk. Babies sensitive to cow’s milk may experience digestive upset from the mix of A1 and A2 casein proteins in this Enfamil formula compared to an A2 formula. 

Enfamil Simply Organic contains maltodextrin and lactose for carbohydrates, and a blend of vegetable oils, including palm oil, for fat, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains prebiotics to support digestion, which is not present in Holle A2 Cow Stage 3. The Enfamil Simply Organic formula contains 1.8 milligrams of iron per 100 calories versus Holle, which has 1.3 milligrams of iron per 100 calories.

Both formulas contain DHA and ARA to support your baby’s brain and vision. However, the DHA in Enfamil is sourced from microalgae oil, which doesn’t carry the same allergen risk as the fish oil in Holle. Enfamil does not list the amount of DHA or ARA on the nutrition label, so it’s hard to compare it to the amount provided in Holle.

Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 vs Similac Organic with A2 Milk Formula

Similac is another baby formula produced in the United States that’s formulated for babies 0 to 12 months old. Unlike Holle, the same formula is intended to be used the entire first year of life without having to switch between stages.

This Similac formula does not contain maltodextrin or palm oil like Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 does. Instead, the sole source of carbohydrates is lactose and fats are from other vegetable oils, including coconut oil.

Both of these formulas are made with A2 cow’s milk to support digestion for sensitive stomachs and are fortified with vitamins, minerals, and DHA. This Similac formula contains slightly more iron with 1.8 milligrams per 100 calories versus approximately 1.3 milligrams per 100 calories in Holle. Similac sources DHA from microalgae oil, which is not a potential allergen like the fish oil in Holle, but does not provide the amount of DHA per serving on the nutrition label.

Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 vs Enfamil Premium A2 Baby Formula

Enfamil Premium A2 formula is designed for babies from birth to 12 months old, while Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 is for babies 10 to 12 months old. Both formulas contain only A2 cow’s milk, lactose for carbohydrates, and a blend of vegetable oils, including palm oil, for fat. Enfamil Premium A2 doesn’t contain maltodextrin and is not organic.

Both formulas are fortified with vitamins, minerals, DHA, and ARA. Both formulas also contain potential allergens: Enfamil Premium A2 contains milk and soy ingredients and Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 contains milk and fish. Enfamil contains slightly more iron with 1.22 milligrams per 100 mL versus 0.9 milligrams per 100mL in Holle A2 Cow Stage 3. 

Bottom Line

Holle A2 Cow Stage 3 formula is a logical choice for older babies accustomed to A2 formula or who are being weaned from breast milk. A2 cow’s milk is gentler on digestion than traditional cow’s milk, which makes this formula worth trying for babies who get gassy from traditional cow’s milk formula. 

Each baby is an individual and responds to formula differently, so there’s no best across the board baby formula recommendation. Speak with your child’s pediatrician about what formula is best for your baby.