Written by
ZOF Support
Published on
August 15, 2025
Which European formula is the best for your baby? The answer, of course, will be different for everyone, and the formula that’s perfect for one baby might not suit another.
In this blog, we’ll go through:
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What’s different about European formulas, so you know what to look for
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A quick lowdown on each brand, to help you choose the right one
Short on time? If you want 3 quick, personalized formula recommendations for your little one – you could go straight to our 2 minute Formula Finder.
What’s different about European formulas?
It’s important to remember that all European formulas have to meet high E.U standards for nutrition and safety. Those that are certified organic (which most of our brands are) also have to meet the strictest organic standards in the world.
What does this mean for your baby? It means their formula is likely to be made from milk that comes from grass-fed, free-to-roam herds, usually on family farms.
It’ll also be free from:
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GMOs – as the use of these is banned in any baby formula in the EU (organic or not). Find out more about GMOs here.
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Corn syrup – again, this is completely banned in European baby formula. Find out more about corn syrup here.
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Pesticides and hormones. Thanks to the strict regulations on the use of these in formula, including formula that's not certified organic.
And it means that their milk will include:
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DHA – an essential fatty acid that’s vital for brain health, and required by law to be in EU formulas. The FDA doesn’t stipulate that DHA should be included in US formulas, and although some do include it, it's often at lower levels than in EU formulas.
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A balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates. EU regulations mean a nutrient balance designed to help babies grow and thrive, with formula that’s as close to breastmilk as possible.
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At least 30% of carbs from lactose – the same natural carb you find in breastmilk. Lactose helps babies absorb other nutrients, and is easier to digest than other carbs.
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All the essential vitamins and minerals that babies need for healthy development. EU law stipulates minimum amounts of these.
European formula and age stages
European baby formula comes in a number of different age stages, with each stage tailored to the age of your baby. Each age-based stage might have a slightly different nutrient balance – for example, a toddler formula might include more carbs to give them the extra energy they need.
The exact stages vary depending on the brand, but they can include:
- Stage Pre – an especially gentle formula, designed for the smallest babies from birth up until around 3 or 6 months old.
- Stage 1 – usually suitable from birth to 6 months.
- Stage 2 – suitable from 6 months up until 9 or 12 months
- Stage 3 – from 9 or 12 months onwards
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Stage 4 – toddler formulas, usually suitable from 12 or 24 months upwards.
European formula brands
There’s a lot of choice when it comes to European formula. And whichever EU formula you choose, it’ll be clean, safe and as close to breastmilk as possible.
As well as cow’s milk formulas, goat’s milk formulas are widely available, and increasingly popular, since many babies find these easier to digest.
There are also options for hypoallergenic, comfort and plant-based formula.
HiPP
One of the biggest and longest-standing formula brands in the world, HiPP has a huge range of all-organic formulas. Every one is made using milk from German family farms – where they also grow their own crops to make their tasty weaning foods.
Slightly confusingly, HiPP comes in 3 national sub-brands: HiPP German, HiPP UK and HiPP Dutch. All are similar, but there are a couple of important differences:
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All HiPP Dutch formulas are starch-free (whereas some German and UK formulas include a mild organic starch which can help keep babies full).
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All HiPP Dutch and German formulas include prebiotics cultured from breastmilk. HiPP UK doesn’t, though it does include other prebiotics.
Reasons to choose HiPP:
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A very wide range of formulas, including cow and goat’s milk options, plus ready-to-feed.
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A choice of specialist allergy and comfort milks
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100% certified organic
Holle
Another long-established brand, with history stretching back to 1934. Holle isn’t just organic – it meets the even tougher biodynamic Demeter standard, meaning small herds and climate-friendly farming.
Reasons to choose Holle:
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Wide choice of formulas from a trusted brand.
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Goat’s milk and gentle A2 protein options – ideal for sensitive tummies.
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100% organic and Demeter (biodynamic) certified.
Kendamil
A UK brand that’s become well-known outside Europe – with good reason. They use rich, whole jersey cow or goat milk to make their formulas, and an especially clean, closer-to-nature recipe. Plus, unlike most, they’re vegetarian.
Reasons to choose Kendamil:
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100% vegetarian formulas (with DHA from algae, not fish oil).
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Great choice of options including cow, goat and ready-to-feed formulas.
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Carbs from natural lactose, and no starch
Jovie
Dutch brand Jovie started life as a goat’s milk specialist, before adding organic cow’s milk formulas to their range. Free from palm oil, soy and maltodextrin – all Jovie’s formulas are organic and as clean as possible.
Reasons to choose Jovie:
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100% certified organic
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Made using nutritious, natural whole milk
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Palm-oil free – great if sustainability is a priority
Kabrita
Kabrita is a goat’s milk brand focused on one thing: providing nutritious, science-backed goat’s milk formulas. Made with whole milk, their formulas are high in lactose and free from starch – keeping babies happily full, the natural way.
Reasons to choose Kabrita:
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Clean, tasty gentle goat’s milk formulas.
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Rich in palmitic acid – great for gut health
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100% starch-free formulas
Nannycare
Goat’s milk pioneers, Nannycare led the way in getting goat’s milk formulas approved for use in Europe. Backed by 20 years of science, their formulas are made using rich New Zealand goat’s milk.
Reasons to choose Nannycare:
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The original goat’s milk brand
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With immune-boosting antioxidants
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Rich in natural lactose, and no starch
Preminat
One of a small number of plant-based formulas on the market, Preminat is soy-free and made with rice protein. It’s a great choice for babies with allergies to milk or lactose.
Reasons to choose Preminat:
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100% plant-based formula
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Ideal for babies with allergies
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Soy-free
Confused? Let’s give you a hand…
Choosing a formula for your baby can be really tricky, especially if you’re new to this, or your baby has a sensitive tummy.
Here are 3 things you can do:
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Use the Formula Finder to get 3 personalized recommendations for your baby in 2 minutes.
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Take advantage of the Happy Baby Guarantee. If your baby doesn’t like the formula you choose, we’ll give you a free store credit to choose another.
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Get in touch – our customer service angels will gladly go through your options.
