EU Organic vs. Regular Formula: What Sets Them Apart?

At Organic Formula Shop, we've done the research to ensure that every formula in our collection meets the highest standards for organic agriculture, processing, packaging, and storage. We prioritize your baby's health and well-being by providing formulas with superior ingredients and without any unhealthy additives.

95% Organic

Choosing the right formula for your little one is a big decision. As a parent, you want the best for your baby, which often leads to considering organic formula. But what does "Organic" really mean, and how can you navigate the multitude of products on the market?
Organic formulas are designed to be free from pesticide residue, growth hormones, GMOs, synthetic chemicals, preservatives, and potentially harmful substances. To be certified organic, at least 95% of the ingredients must be organic, per USDA and EU (EFSA) Organic requirements. 

What to look for?

When shopping for baby formula in the United States, look for products with the USDA Organic Seal, ensuring they contain exclusively organic ingredients. However, be aware that some formulas may advertise being made "with organic ingredients," which doesn't guarantee that every ingredient is organic. While organic formulas are generally superior to non-organic ones due to their exclusion of pesticide residue, chemical fertilizers, and hormones, other factors should be considered beyond the organic label.

Here's what to look for (and what to avoid) when choosing an organic formula:

• Base: Opt for a formula with an organic cow's or goat's milk base, such as the clean Holle Goat Formulas.
• Carbohydrate Source: Lactose should be the primary carbohydrate source, mimicking the composition of breast milk.
• Protein Composition: Look for added whey to ensure the milk protein composition is as close to breast milk as possible.
• Fatty Acid Profile: Organic vegetable oils help create a fatty acid profile similar to breast milk.
• Microbiome Support: Prebiotics (like galactooligosaccharides) and probiotics help build a healthy gut microbiome.
• Essential Fatty Acids: Naturally-derived omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as ARA and DHA, promote healthy development.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Ensure the formula provides a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals.
• Preservatives: Avoid synthetic preservatives.
• Sweeteners: Clear highly processed sweeteners like corn, glucose, or brown rice syrup. 

EU vs. US

In comparing organic formulas in the United States and Europe, European organic agriculture standards set by the EFSA tend to be stricter than those of the FDA. European formulas, organic or not, must be free from detectable levels of pesticide residue. They also have a longer list of prohibited ingredients, such as guar gum, pectins, fructans, and carrageenan. Furthermore, European Organic Formulas require at least 30% of carbohydrates to come from lactose, a requirement absent in the United States, even for organic formulas. Sucrose (table sugar) is permitted in European formulas only in small quantities for specific feeding conditions. Certifications such as Demeter and Bioland guarantee that ingredients in formulas like Holle Cow and Bebe M come from biodynamic, non-GMO farms, upholding high standards for animal welfare, ecosystem preservation, and sustainability. While many U.S. formulas are marketed as "Non-GMO," the lack of a universally accepted definition for genetic modification means manufacturers may not disclose whether their products contain GMOs.

Organic Formula Shop carries the world's finest brands like HiPP, Holle, Bebe-M, and Lebenswert. Ordering these brands guarantees premium organic ingredients, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. We prioritize infant formulas with ingredients closer to breast milk composition, excluding harmful additives like corn syrup and guar gum. Discover our popular baby formulas like HiPP Dutch Stage 1 and Stage 2 and Holle Bio Goat Stage 1 and Stage 2, each offering unique benefits and meeting stringent organic agriculture standards. We offer guidance through our Best Organic Formula Buyer's Guide 2023 and personalized support from our Infant Nutrition Experts. If you're considering organic European formula for your little one, explore our top recommendations for different age groups and specific feeding conditions. We understand that choosing the right formula can be challenging, but we're here to help you make an informed decision. We also have a handy baby formula comparison chart with all the specs per formula.

 

Contact

Contact our dedicated customer support team for expert advice and guidance tailored to your baby's needs. Our customer success team has earned hundreds of 5-star reviews from customers dedicated to helping you provide the best nutrition for your little one. Contact us here or shoot us an email at support@organicformulashop.com. We're here to help!