Holle Dutch Goat Stage 1 is a popular and rigorously certified formula for infants 0–6 months old with an intolerance to cow’s milk. It’s no surprise that such a high quality product would come from a company that pioneered organic and biodynamic farming, and continues to do so in the 21st century.
Goat’s milk has emerged as a popular base for European infant formulas for a number of reasons. All milk contains casein proteins, and casein comes in two main types: A1 and A2. A1 casein proteins may be linked with negative health effects later in life, but the scientific research is inconclusive.
Because A1 casein and A2 casein are digested differently, milk from A1-dominant cows may cause stomach symptoms for sensitive people. Goat’s milk is naturally high in A2 casein and A1 casein protein is low or completely absent from goat’s milk. Due to this and other reasons, goat’s milk may be more easily tolerated by babies with sensitive stomachs.
For families interested in supporting the greenest practices in the industry, there may be no better company to trust than Holle. Most of Holle’s products (including the Dutch Goat Stage 1 formula) are Demeter-certified biodynamic, which assures excellent stewardship of animals and the land, and guarantees that no pesticides, herbicides, or contaminants were ever used in the making of this product.
Holle Goat Stage 1 is a choice formula for infants who cannot get their complete nutritional needs met from human breast milk.
Holle Dutch Goat Stage 1 Formula contains these ingredients:
Organic Whole Goat’s Milk Powder, Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Lactose, Organic Vegetable Oils (Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil), L-Choline, Calcium Hydroxide, Algae Oil (DHA), L-cystine, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Chloride, Vitamin C, L-tryptophan, L-Tyrosine, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Iron Lactate, Inositol, Vitamin E, Zinc Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B2, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin K, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin B12.
Because goat milk is higher in protein than human milk, maltodextrin and lactose are added to increase the carbohydrate content, while the vegetable oil blend of sunflower oil and rapeseed oil is used to increase the fat content. Essential omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) sourced from vegetarian algae oil is also added. All required essential vitamins and minerals are added to the Holle goat stage 1 to meet the complete nutrition needs of 0–6 months old infants.
Many of the ingredients in Holle formula are certified organic in the E.U. Because the E.U. and the U.S. have an equivalency agreement with the labeling of organic foods, you know that any European product labeled “organic” or “bio” also meets the general requirements of U.S. organic certification. Even so, the standards set by the European Commission on organic products are slightly more restrictive than the U.S. standards.
Aside from meeting E.U. and U.S. standards for organic certification, Holle distinguishes their commitment to sustainability and health by adhering to biodynamic farming standards set by Demeter. With Demeter standards you get peace of mind knowing that the highest attention is paid to regenerative, pesticide- and herbicide-free, beyond-organic farming practices with ecological and social responsibility at its core.
Holle Goat Stage 1 is a great option as your baby’s sole source of nutrition or as a complement to breast milk.
Holle Goat Stage 1 Formula contains choline, which supports healthy brain development in infants. DHA from algal oil is a suitable alternative to fish oil for babies with a fish allergy. DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is needed for the healthy development of the eyes and brain.
Arachidonic acid is not added to Holle’s Dutch Goat Stage 1 formula. Goat milk naturally contains small amounts of the essential fatty acids arachidonic acid and linoleic acid. Babies can make some arachidonic acid from linoleic acid, but may not be able to keep up with their growing demands, so many formulas supplement with sources of both.
Holle formulas do not contain added sugar, soy, gluten, GMOs, or other preservatives.
Being a formula based on goat’s milk, many families find that this product works well for babies for whom cow’s milk formula does not. Even so, Holle Goat Stage 1 is not appropriate for every infant.
Babies with lactose intolerance will not tolerate this formula well, considering its added lactose content. Diarrhea, bloating, and stomach discomfort are common side effects for babies with lactose intolerance.
Babies who have an allergy to cow’s milk may not tolerate Holle Goat Stage 1. Goat’s milk and cow’s milk contain some of the same proteins that can produce an allergic reaction in sensitive babies.
Contact your family pediatrician about whether a goat’s milk-based formula may be appropriate for your baby’s needs.
Holle and HiPP both adhere to organic practices above and beyond the requirements set by the European Commission. Both are fortified goat milk-based formulas for infants 0–6 months with almost identical nutrition information. The A2 goat’s milk in each may be gentler on digestion than formulas made from cow’s milk.
Comparing Holle’s biodynamic certification with HiPP’s in-house organic certification, it looks like Holle emphasizes sustainable farming practices slightly more. It’s unclear which company has a more extensive set of tests for contaminants, but HiPP claims to test for more than a thousand chemicals.
The largest nutritional differences are that Holle Goat Stage 1 does not contain prebiotic galactooligosaccharides and its DHA source is fish-free.
Jovie Goat Organic Infant Milk is an easy-to-digest formula for infants 0–6 months old; as an organic European formula, it is quite comparable to Holle Goat Stage 1. The main difference is that whereas Jovie adheres to organic standards set by the European Commission, Jovie’s organic practices go to the next level.
Jovie supplements its formula with milkfat from goats and prebiotic galactooligosaccharides, which may keep the full nutritional profile closer to that of human milk. Holle’s formula uses a minimum of additional ingredients to give your baby what they need, simply.
Holle and Enfamil differ substantially in their business practices, which may have an effect on the quality of the ingredients used in their respective formulations. Holle is certified biodynamic and organic and is held to extremely rigorous quality and purity testing above the base requirements set by the E.U. or FDA.
Enfamil is a widely popular brand with one organic formula option. Enfamil also offers an A2 cow’s milk-based formula and formulas for sensitive tummies, but neither comes in an organic option.
Nutritionally, both offer complete support for your baby. The ingredients list in Enfamil’s organic stage 1 formula is a bit simpler than their other lines of conventional formula but includes the essentials like prebiotic galactooligosaccharides and natural plant-based sources of arachidonic acid and DHA. Importantly, the palm oil in Enfamil is also organic.
Holle relies on a similarly simple ingredients list made with great attention to quality, and includes the most important additions like plant-based DHA. Although Holle’s provision of iron is adequate (0.67mg/3 oz prepared), Enfamil supplies nearly twice as much (1.22 mg/3oz prepared).
Holle Goat Formula Stage 1 (Dutch) stands among some of the best infant formulas available. Its A2 goat milk base may be easier to digest than other formulas, and it provides the complete nutritional profile your baby needs, without the addition of GMO ingredients, pesticides, or other chemicals.
Holle holds some of the highest standards for ethical animal treatment and environmental stewardship. Holle’s Dutch Goat Formula Stage 1 is an excellent choice for nurturing infants naturally.
Biodynamic is a certification provided by the company Demeter based on regenerative agriculture practices. Biodynamic certification takes organic to the next level. Products certified biodynamic meet Demeter’s exacting standards for the ethical treatment of animals, preservation of biodiversity, absence of synthetic fertilizers or chemical pesticides, sustainable agriculture practices, and other practices that aim to create a resilient ecosystem on every certified farm.
Goat milk naturally provides primarily A2 casein protein, whereas cow’s milk provides both A1 and A2 types of casein protein, depending on the breed of cow. Both goat’s milk and cow’s milk will support your baby’s growing needs. Goat’s milk may be more suitable for infants who have trouble digesting typical cow’s milk formulas.
Yes, formulas derived from goat’s milk are safe for babies because they have been fortified with the required vitamins and minerals and other carbohydrates and fats are added in order to bring its nutritional profile closer to that of human milk. Neither plain goat milk nor plain cow’s milk is suitable for children under 1 year old.
Holle Goat Stage 1 and Holle A2 Stage 1 both provide the necessary nutrients for your baby to thrive in their first 6 months. A2 milk is based on a particular type of cow’s milk which provides more A2 casein protein and less A2 casein protein. For infants who don’t tolerate cow’s milk well, this is the logical next choice for easing digestive discomfort.
Holle Dutch Goat stage 1 is sourced from goat’s milk, which means that it naturally contains almost entirely A2 casein protein. Holle Goat formula may be even easier to digest, depending on your baby’s needs.
Yes, Holle’s Dutch Goat Stage 1 formula meets the U.S. federal requirements for nutrition in infant formula, including the minimum quantity of iron required.
No, the FDA does not offer pre-market approval for any formula, domestic or imported. Instead, the FDA requires formulas to meet certain nutrition and quality standards and requires companies to register their products before selling them in the U.S.
| Age | Water (ml/fl oz) | Scoops | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Please consult with your doctor | ||
| 2-4 weeks | 100 | 3 | 6-7 |
| 2 months | 130 | 4 | 5-6 |
| 3-4 months | 170 | 5 | 4-5 |
| 5months | 200 | 6 | 3-5 |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 284/68 kJ/Kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.6 g |
| Saturated fatty acids | 1.3 g |
| Monosaturated fatty acids | 1.7 g |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acids | 0.6 g |
| Linoleic acid (Omega 6) | 510 mg |
| Linoleic acid (Omega 3) | 54 mg |
| DHA | 13.9 mg |
| Total Carbs | 7.5 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Lactose | 3.8 g |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| Vitamin A | 54.1 mcg (RE) |
| Vitamin D3 | 1.5 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 1.3 mg |
| Vitamin K | 5.1 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 9.2 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.052 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.077 mg |
| Niacin | 0.38 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.038 mg |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Folic Acid | 2.5 mcg |
| Folate | 20.9 mcg (DFE) |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.16 mcg |
| Biotin | 2.1 mcg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.34 mg |
| Potassium | 72.6 mg |
| Chloride | 75.9 mg |
| Calcium | 60.7 mg |
| Phosphorous | 41.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 6.2 mg |
| Iron | 0.67 mg |
| Zinc | 0.46 mg |
| Copper | 0.048 mg |
| Manganese | 0.0058 mg |
| Flouride | 0.0059 mg |
| Selenium | 2.4 mcg |
| Iodine | 13.6 mcg |
| Sodium | 19 mg |
| Choline | 21 mg |
| Inositol | 3.6 mg |
| L-Carnitine | 1 mg |
Organic Whole Goat’s Milk Powder 38.6%, Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Lactose, Organic Vegetable Oils (Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil), L-Choline, Calcium Hydroxide, Algae Oil (DHA), L-cystine, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Chloride, Vitamin C, L-tryptophan, L-Tyrosine, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Iron Lactate, Inositol, Vitamin E, Zinc Sulfate, L-Carnitine, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin B2, Manganese Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin K, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin D, Biotin, Vitamin B12.
Allergens: Contains milk products and milk
