Are there any disadvantages to using European formula?

If you’re thinking of using European baby formula for the first time, you’ve probably seen warnings that buying from Europe isn’t safe.

These can include:

• That European standards for formula are different, and don’t always match what the FDA considers to be safe. 

• That European formula comes in multiple stages, so it’s difficult and more complicated to find the right formula for your baby. 

• That importing formula is slow and risky, with customs and shipping delays common (especially since the introduction of tariffs).

• That ingredient lists and prep instructions aren’t always in English, which could make it hard to prepare formula safely. 

• That buying from an online supplier, especially one based overseas, means you don’t know if your baby’s formula has been stored in safe conditions and temperatures.

Should you be worried about using European formula?

No – but it’s natural to be concerned.  Let’s go through each of these issues in turn and explain why European formula is at least as safe (and often safer) than store-bought formula. 

Differences in nutritional standards

European formula does have different nutritional standards to US formula – and it is true that European formula isn’t subject to FDA regulations. 

But that doesn’t mean it’s inferior or less nutritious. In fact, European regulations are stricter, with a stronger focus on making formula as close to breastmilk as possible. For example:

• DHA is always included in European formula – but the FDA doesn’t require it, so not all US formulas have it.  

This isn’t because it’s not needed or it’s dangerous – DHA is an essential fatty acid that babies need for healthy brain and eye development, and it’s a natural part of breastmilk. Find out more about DHA here. 

• Iron levels in US formula are higher, thanks to FDA regulations. EU formulas must also contain iron, but the minimum level stipulated is relatively low. 

This is because babies are born with their own iron stores, and shouldn’t need high levels of iron – as too much iron can be just as dangerous as low iron. The amount of iron in many US formulas is actually high enough that it would be considered dangerous in the EU. Read this to find out more about iron in baby formula. 

• Corn syrup is banned in EU formulas, but is often included in US formulas. It’s true that babies need plenty of carbs, and corn syrup provides these – but there are questions over its safety. 

European formulas must instead contain a minimum amount of lactose – the natural carbohydrate found in breastmilk. Find out more about corn syrup here. 

Formula stages 

European formula comes in multiple age-related stages, and this can be confusing – especially if you’re used to US formulas, which generally come in two simple, easy to understand stages. 

But, once you’ve got your head around it, this is actually an advantage, rather than a drawback. Because multiple stages mean formula that’s tailored to the specific nutritional needs of babies as they grow. 

For example – some European formula brands offer a choice of Stage Pre and Stage 1 for newborns. Both are suitable from birth, but Stage Pre formulas are designed to be gentler, making them perfect for smaller babies or the first few weeks. 

The risk of shipping delays and tariffs

Whenever you order something online, there’s always some risk of the delivery being delayed or being damaged in transit. 

How big is this risk? We can’t speak for other stores, but we take every step we can to make sure our customers’ orders arrive quickly, without any damage. 

• We use trusted carriers like DHL and FedEx, which means orders usually arrive in perfect condition, in 3-8 days. 

• Many of our customers also choose to buy in bulk – which means they don’t need to order formula often, and don’t worry about running out. It also means big discounts – you could save as much as $8-10 per can.

• Any order over $250 comes with tariffs paid. On orders below that, you will need to cover the cost – but we can arrange payment, avoiding customs delays. 

Ingredients lists and prep instructions

There is an obvious risk involved in trying to understand formula prep instructions in a language you can’t speak. 

That’s why we include English prep instructions, and have them on every product page on our website. We also include a full English ingredients list. 

Here’s an example for HiPP Dutch formula:

It’s also worth remembering that most European formulas are prepped in the same way, so even if you switch brands, you won’t need to change how you make a bottle. 

Storage and safety

It’s natural to be concerned about how your baby’s formula has been looked after before it gets to you. In a physical store, you can see how it’s been stacked on the shelf and whether it looks damaged – unlike buying online. 

Again, we can’t speak for other stores – but we make sure all our formula is well-looked after. We have our own storage facility in the Netherlands, and dispatch from there – and we only use carriers who we trust to take care of your baby’s milk. 

We also always provide a minimum of 6 months shelf-life (our Fresh Formula Guarantee), so you can be sure you’re not getting formula that’s been forgotten on a shelf for months and is near the end of its life. 

Is European formula worth it? 

Thanks to Europe’s strict regulations, we believe European formula is healthier, cleaner and more nutritious than US formula. 

Of course, there are differences between brands, but if you want to be sure that your baby is getting strictly regulated, closer-to-breastmilk formula – European is the obvious choice. 

We can’t argue that it’s not easier or more convenient to choose a brand you can get in your local store, but with measures like bulk deals, tariffs paid and fast delivery in place, the difference isn’t anything like as big as it might first appear. 

Like the idea of European formula, but not sure where to start? 

Get 3 personalized recommendations for your baby in 2 minutes, with the Formula Finder.