Holle Goat Stage 1 is a powdered, organic goat milk-based infant formula. It’s formulated to meet the nutrient needs of babies from 0 to 6 months old and is designed to be a gentler alternative for babies who experience digestive upset from cow’s milk infant formula.
Holle Goat Stage 1 is produced in Germany. Holle is committed to using high-quality ingredients, adheres to strict European organic food manufacturing standards, and is the first brand in Europe to produce Demeter-certified baby food.
The organic certification on this formula ensures the ingredients have been produced without any herbicides, chemicals, or synthetic pesticides. Additionally, the Demeter certification ensures the ingredients in this formula come from farms following sustainable and humane agricultural practices.
Holle Goat Stage 1 is produced without any chemical processing and excludes artificial ingredients, added salt and sugar, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Pros
Cons
Here is the full list of ingredients in Holle Goat Stage 1 Formula:
Organic Full Cream Goat’s Milk Powder, Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Lactose, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil], L-Choline, Calcium Hydroxide, Microalgae Oil, 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 D3, Biotin, Vitamin B12
Holle Goat Stage 1 is designed to provide all three macronutrients, plus vitamins and minerals, to support the growth and development of formula-fed and formula-supplemented babies aged 0 to 6 months.
In this baby formula, goat’s milk is the main source of protein, maltodextrin and lactose are the main sources of carbohydrates, and organic vegetable oils are the main source of fat.
Goat’s milk may be easier to digest for some babies who are sensitive to cow’s milk. Both types of milk contain the protein casein, but differ in the type. There are two forms of casein: A1 and A2. Goat’s milk contains mostly A2 casein, which is easier to digest than the A1 casein found in cow’s milk.
Maltodextrin can be used as a carbohydrate in baby formulas. It is absorbed quickly in the gut and there is some evidence to indicate that this rapid absorption can lead to digestive problems. Though, maltodextrin is still considered a safe ingredient in baby formulas, this is something for parents to be aware of.
Here is the nutrition provided by one serving of formula:
Holle Goat Stage 1 provides babies with adequate choline and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential, both of which are essential in infancy for healthy development of the brain and retinas.
It also contains added iron, which supports healthy red blood cell development and reduces the risk of anemia. Young babies have increased iron needs due to their rapid rate of growth.
Holle Goat Stage 1 Formula should not be given to babies older than 6 months, since this product is not formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of older babies or toddlers.
The protein in goat’s milk is similar to cow’s milk protein and can also trigger allergic reactions. Therefore, babies with a cow’s milk protein allergy should not be given Holle Goat Stage 1 formula.
Babies without a cow’s milk allergy who routinely experience gas or other digestive upset from the proteins in cow’s milk-based formulas may have an easier time digesting Holle Goat Stage 1 formula.
Researchers who compared the composition of goat’s and cow’s milk found goat’s milk contains less lactose than cow’s milk. A reduced lactose content may make goat’s milk-based formula, like Holle Goat Stage 1, easier to digest for babies with lactose sensitivity.
However, goat’s milk is not lactose-free, so some lactose-sensitive and lactose-intolerant babies may experience digestive discomfort from this formula. Babies who do not tolerate this formula may experience symptoms of indigestion, including gas, bloating, stomach pain, and/or diarrhea.
If you have questions about giving your lactose-sensitive baby goat’s milk formula, speak with your pediatrician.
It’s worth noting that goat’s milk formulas taste different than cow’s milk formulas and not all babies take to it. If your baby refuses Holle Goat Stage 1, it may be because they don’t like the taste.
Goat’s milk formula is more common and widely available in Europe compared to the United States. In fact, there are very few goat’s milk-based formulas designed for infants under 1 year of age produced in the United States.
US-based baby formula makers offer several milk-based versions of gentle or lactose-sensitive formulas. Here’s how Holle Goat Stage 1 compares.
Holle Goat Stage 1 vs Similac Sensitive Infant Formula
Similac’s Sensitive Infant Formula is designed to be easier to digest for lactose sensitive babies who experience fussiness and gas from cow’s milk-based formulas. This formula contains milk protein isolate derived from cow’s milk, which has most of the lactose removed that can upset some babies’ digestion.
Like Holle Goat Stage 1, this formula is free from palm oil and contains added vitamins and minerals, including choline and DHA sourced from algae. Unlike Holle, this formula is neither non-GMO nor organic and contains corn syrup and sugar.
Holle Goat Stage 1 vs Kabrita 1 Infant Formula
Kabrita is a goat-milk based baby and toddler formula company based in the Netherlands. You can find their goat’s milk toddler formulas for children aged 12 months and older in the United States, but their goat’s milk formulas for infants under 12 months are less accessible.
Like Holle Goat Stage 1, Kabrita 1 is intended for infants aged 0 to 6 months. While Holle Goat Stage 1 contains whole goat’s milk, Kabrita 1 contains skimmed goat’s milk and goat whey protein concentrate.
Both formulas are fortified with vitamins and minerals and contain choline and DHA to support brain development. Unlike Holle Goat Stage 1, the DHA in Kabrita 1 is sourced from fish oil. Kabrita 1 also contains prebiotics in the form of galactooligosaccharides to support digestive health.
Both formulas are free from GMOs, sugar, corn syrup, palm oil, and artificial ingredients, but Kabrita 1 is not certified organic like Holle is.
Holle Goat Stage 1 vs Little Oak Natural Goat Milk Infant Formula
Little Oak Natural Goat Milk Formula is made in New Zealand and, like Holle Goat Stage 1, contains whole goat’s milk as its main source of protein. Little Oak contains a few ingredients not found in Holle, including coconut oil and flaxseed oil for healthy fats and added prebiotics in the form of galactooligosaccharides.
Both formulas contain similar amounts of DHA sourced from microalgae oil. Little Oak also contains ARA (arachidonic acid) which is another type of fatty acid involved in brain development. Ounce for ounce, Little Oak contains more iron and less choline per serving compared to Holle Goat Stage 1.
Little Oak is not organic, but its formulas are made without any GMOs, palm oil, artificial ingredients, and chemical processing similar to Holle’s products.
Holle Goat Stage 1 is a goat’s milk infant formula designed for babies aged 0 to 6 months old.
Some lactose-sensitive babies may have an easier time digesting this formula because goat’s milk contains less lactose and more naturally-occurring prebiotics than cow’s milk. However, goat’s milk contains similar proteins as cow’s milk so this formula is not an option for babies with a cow’s milk protein allergy.
If you have questions about which formula to offer your baby or whether a goat’s milk formula may be right for your family, speak with your pediatrician.
Holle Goat Stage 1 is designed for babies aged 0 to 6 months, while Holle Goat Stage 2 is designed for babies aged 6 to 12 months.
Both formulas contain goat’s milk, lactose, maltodextrin, and vegetable oils as the main source of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, respectively. Both formulas also contain added iron, vitamin D3, and DHA, but the stage 2 formula lacks choline.
Ounce for ounce, the Stage 2 formula provides slightly more of some vitamins and minerals, including calcium and iron, which is likely due to the increased nutrient needs of older babies.
No, Holle Goat Stage 1 Formula does not contain added probiotics. Goat milk is a natural source of oligosaccharides, a type of carbohydrate that acts as a prebiotic in the digestive system and can support digestive health.
Yes, this formula contains lactose. Goat’s milk is a natural source of lactose, but in lesser quantities than cow’s milk. Holle Goat Stage 1 also contains additional lactose as a carbohydrate source.
Canisters of Holle Goat Stage 1 Formula should be stored in a cool, dry location, such as a pantry. The unprepared formula should not be refrigerated.
Once prepared, the formula may be refrigerated if needed. The same storage guidelines for the prepared formula apply should be followed with this product. The CDC instructs caregivers to use prepared infant formula within 2 hours. The prepared formula stored in the refrigerator must be used within 24 hours.
Holle Goat Stage 1 had an expiration date printed on the canister. The product should be used in its entirety by the expiration date. An unopened canister of Holle Goat Stage 1 should have a shelf-life of at least 6 months. Once opened, the product should be used within 2 weeks to 1 month.
Holle Goat Stage 1 formula and all other Holle baby and toddler formulas are manufactured in Europe, which is outside of the FDA’s jurisdiction. The FDA only regulates products manufactured in the United States. However, any formula that is being imported into the United States for sale is required to be registered with the FDA.
| Age | Water (ml) | Scoops | Ready-made Formula (ml) | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 weeks | Consult your pediatrician | |||
| 2-4 weeks | 100 | 3 | 110 | 6-7 |
| 2-3 months | 130 | 4 | 140 | 5-6 |
| 3-4 months | 170 | 5 | 180 | 4-5 |
| 5 months+ | 200 | 6 | 220 | 3-5 |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Energy | 68 kcal |
| Total Fat | 3.6 g |
| Saturates | 1.3 g |
| Monounsaturates | 1.7 g |
| Polyunsaturates | 0.6 g |
| Linoleic Acid (Omega 6) | 510 mg |
| Linolenic Acid (Omega 3) | 54 mg |
| DHA | 13.9 mg |
| Total Carbs | 7.5 g |
| Sugars | 4.0 g |
| Lactose | 3.8 g |
| Inositol | 3.6 mg |
| Sodium | 19 mg |
| Potassium | 72.6 mg |
| Protein | 1.4 g |
| L-Carnitine | 1.0 mg |
| Calcium | 60.7 mg |
| Iron | 0.67 mg |
| Phosphorus | 41.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 6.20 mg |
| Chloride | 75.9 mg |
| Zinc | 0.46 mg |
| Nutritional Facts | (Per 100ml or 3.38 oz/3 oz prepared) |
|---|---|
| Copper | 0.048 mg |
| Iodine | 13.6 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.0058 mg |
| Selenium | 2.4 mcg |
| Fluoride | 0.0059 mg |
| Vitamin C | 9.2 mg |
| Vitamin A | 54.1 mcg RE |
| Vitamin D3 | 1.5 mcg |
| Vitamin E | 1.3 mg |
| Vitamin B1 | 0.052 mg |
| Vitamin B2 | 0.077 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.038 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.16 mcg |
| Folic Acid | 12.5 mcg |
| Folate | 20.9 mcg DFE |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.34 mg |
| Vitamin K | 5.1 mcg |
| Biotin | 2.1 mcg |
| Niacin | 0.38 mg |
| Choline | 21 mg |
Organic Full Cream Goat’s Milk Powder, Organic Maltodextrin, Organic Lactose, Organic Vegetable Oils [Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Rapeseed Oil], L-Choline, Calcium Hydroxide, Microalgae Oil, L-Cystine, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Chloride, Vitamin C, L-Tryptophan, L-Tyrosin, 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 D3, Biotin, Vitamin B12
