Description
Holle A2 Stage 1 Organic Formula is an organic infant formula for babies from birth, made with cow milk from specially selected A2 cows. It can be used as the sole source of nutrition or to supplement breastfeeding.
The idea behind it is lovely in its simplicity. Most cow milk today contains a mix of A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins, but long ago, all cows gave only A2. Holle calls this Urmilch, the original milk, and sources it from cows that naturally produce only the A2 protein. Combined with lactose as the only carbohydrate, DHA and ARA for brain and eyesight, and a clean organic recipe with no added sugar, no corn syrup, and no soy, it could be the gentle path for a baby with a sensitive little tummy.
This delicious formula is crafted in Germany and certified EU Organic (DE-ÖKO-001). It comes in a 400 g (14.1 oz) box. Labeling is German and French, which is why we translated the preparation instructions, feeding chart, and ingredient info into English here.
Parents in our store give this formula top marks. "My baby had a sensitive tummy, and Holle A2 Stage 1 has been so gentle. She seems happy and comfortable after every feed."
Key Facts at a Glance
- Age: from birth, as sole nutrition or alongside breastfeeding, switch to A2 Stage 2 at 6 months
- Milk from specially selected cows that naturally produce only the original A2 beta-casein protein
- Lactose as the only carbohydrate, the same sugar as in breast milk
- DHA and ARA, 15 mg each per 100 ml (3.4 fl oz), for brain and eyesight
- About 66 kcal per 100 ml (3.4 fl oz)
- Certified EU Organic: organic feed, no GMOs, EU animal-welfare rules
- Vegetarian and Halal certified: the DHA comes from algae oil, not fish oil
- No added sugar, no corn syrup, no soy, no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
What Makes This Formula Special
The star of this recipe is the milk itself. Holle's A2 milk comes from cows specially selected because they produce only the A2 type of beta-casein, the protein form all cows gave before modern breeding introduced A1. Many parents of babies with sensitive tummies go looking for A2 milk for exactly this reason: some families find that feeds simply settle more comfortably. We cannot promise that for every baby, but if regular formula leaves your little one fussy after the bottle, A2 could be the change worth trying. Curious how milk proteins work? Our whey and casein guide explains it in plain English.
The rest of the recipe keeps things equally calm. Lactose is the only carbohydrate, so the feed stays as close to breast milk as a bottle can, with no starch and no maltodextrin at this stage. The base is organic skimmed A2 milk and whey, energy comes from organic vegetable oils including palm oil from certified sustainable cultivation, and the DHA comes from plant-based algae oil, which keeps the recipe vegetarian.
It is also an excellent formula for combination feeding. The lactose-only recipe and mild taste sit comfortably alongside nursing, so you can mix breast and bottle without upsetting your baby's rhythm.
One honest note on certification: unlike the classic Holle cow line, the A2 recipe does not carry the Demeter seal. It is fully certified EU Organic, which means organic feed, no GMOs, and EU animal-welfare rules, and the cows are guaranteed access to fresh air 365 days a year.
And one thing to know: A2 refers to the type of casein, so this is still real cow milk. It is not suitable for babies with a confirmed cow's milk protein allergy. If allergies are a concern, always talk to your pediatrician first.
Weighing your Holle options? The classic Holle Organic Baby Formula Stage 1 is the Demeter biodynamic path with the same lactose-only idea, while Holle Goat Stage 1 offers whole goat milk, which is naturally A2, with no palm oil. When your baby turns 6 months, Holle A2 Stage 2 continues the A2 path as part of a mixed diet, followed by Holle A2 Stage 3 from 10 months.
Safety, Quality and Animal Welfare
Holle has been making organic baby food since 1933 and holds a high bar for farming and animal welfare. The cows used for this milk have year-round outdoor access under EU organic rules, and every batch is tested before release. Independent US testing recently examined dozens of infant formulas for heavy metals and other unwanted chemicals, and Holle came out with top marks.
EU baby formula follows strict European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) rules, including required DHA, staged iron by age, and no corn syrup solids. Those rules are a higher bar than FDA formula standards and apply to all EU and UK formulas we carry. Read more in our EU vs US formula guide.
Why Parents Trust Holle A2 Stage 1
Our favorite review of this formula might be the least dramatic one: "Our first bottle of Holle A2 Stage 1 was honestly pretty uneventful. She drank it, burped, and went to sleep." That is the A2 story in one line. Combination feeders love it too: "Yes, I give my baby breastmilk AND Holle A2 Stage 1. It's the perfect supplement to my dwindling breastmilk stash," one parent wrote, and another shared: "I started Holle A2 Stage 1 when my baby was 3 months, after struggling to produce enough milk. The transition was easy, and my baby took to it well." Calm feeds, easy transitions, and comfortable tummies are the pattern we hear again and again.
Why Choose Holle A2 Stage 1 Organic Formula?
- The original A2 milk protein, which could be the gentle answer for a sensitive little tummy
- A lactose-only recipe that stays as close to breast milk as a bottle can
- Complete nutrition with DHA and ARA for brain and eyesight, from the very first feed
- Organic farming with real animal welfare behind every box
- An excellent fit for combination feeding, right alongside nursing
If your baby seems fussy after regular formula, or you simply want the original milk protein in a clean organic recipe, Holle A2 Stage 1 is the one to consider. You will find it in good company in our formulas for sensitive tummies. A settled baby after the bottle, and one less worry at 3 AM.
Why Order from Organic Formula Shop?
Organic Formula Shop receives this formula directly from Holle. It goes from the manufacturer to our temperature-controlled warehouse, then straight to you using our trusted partners. The supply chain is short, transparent, and reliable.
Because of our high order volume, we regularly receive fresh batches. Every box is 100% authentic and arrives in original sealed packaging with a guaranteed minimum 6-month shelf life. Your order ships with free express delivery in 2 to 4 business days, and the price you see already includes all customs and duties. We carefully pack every order to help prevent damage in transit. As one parent put it: "Feeding was straightforward because the shipping was quick and the membership setup was simple."
Our dedicated customer support can help with any questions from both US and EU time zones. Parents have left thousands of reviews, with a 4.9-star average, and we have shipped 270,000+ orders worldwide.
Helpful tools:
- Formula calculator to see exactly how many boxes you need
- Formula Finder for a quick personal recommendation
- Full Holle collection
What's Included
- 400 g (14.1 oz) of formula powder, good for about 30 servings of 100 ml (3.4 fl oz)
- Measuring scoop, 4.4 g (0.16 oz) per 30 ml of water
- Feeding chart with recommended amounts for every age, in the first week please follow your doctor's advice
- About 66 kcal per 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) prepared
- German and French labeling, with our English preparation instructions and ingredient info
- Holle uses the European date format (DD/MM/YYYY)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A2 milk, and why does it matter?
Most cow milk today contains two types of beta-casein protein, A1 and A2. Holle's A2 milk comes from cows specially selected to produce only A2, the original form all cows once gave. Some parents of sensitive babies find that A2 feeds settle more comfortably, which is why this line exists.
Can I use Holle A2 Stage 1 alongside breastfeeding?
Yes. It is an excellent formula for combination feeding: the mild, lactose-only recipe works beautifully alongside nursing, or as complete nutrition on its own, from birth. Many parents in our reviews use it exactly this way.
Is it suitable for a cow's milk protein allergy?
No. A2 describes the casein type, but this is still genuine cow milk. For babies with a confirmed allergy or a diagnosed risk, a hypoallergenic formula with hydrolyzed protein is the right direction.
What is the difference between Holle A2 and the classic Holle cow formula?
Both are organic, lactose-only recipes from birth. The classic line uses Demeter biodynamic milk from mixed A1 and A2 herds, while the A2 line uses milk from cows that produce only the A2 protein. If sensitivity is your concern, A2 is the special path; if biodynamic farming is your priority, the classic line carries the Demeter seal.
How long does one box last?
The 400 g (14.1 oz) box makes about 30 servings of 100 ml (3.4 fl oz), using the included scoop of 4.4 g per 30 ml of water. Our formula calculator shows exactly how many boxes you need for your baby's age.
Looking for something different? Browse our full formula collection.
Any questions? Please contact our dedicated and friendly customer support team.
Reviews
Ingredients
Skimmed A2 milk*, whey product* (partially demineralized whey powder), vegetable oils* (palm oil*, sunflower oil*, rapeseed oil*), lactose*, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, oil from the microalga Schizochytrium sp., oil from Mortierella alpina, choline bitartrate, L-tyrosine, calcium salts of orthophosphoric acid, vitamin C, L-tryptophan, sodium chloride, ferrous sulfate, zinc sulfate, vitamin E, magnesium carbonate, niacin, copper sulfate, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6, manganese sulfate, potassium iodide, folic acid, sodium selenite, vitamin K, vitamin D, biotin, vitamin B12.
* from organic farming
- 100g of infant milk powder is made from 174ml of skimmed milk.
- The palm oil is from sustainable cultivation.
- Allergens: Milk (cow).
Please be aware that this product is manufactured according to European Union nutritional standards. Consequently, it may only meet the requirements of customers within the EU.
How to make a bottle

NOTE: Holle uses a two-step mixing method.
- Wash your hands and sterilize the bottle, teat, and cap before use.
- Boil fresh drinking water and let it cool. Do not re-boil water.
- Pour HALF of the required water into the sterilized bottle.
- Add the correct number of leveled scoops using only the scoop provided. Scoop size: 4.4g. Fill the scoop loosely and level it with the back of a knife; never pack it down.
- Close the bottle and shake vigorously until the powder is fully dissolved.
- Add the REMAINING HALF of the water and shake again.
- Cool to drinking temperature, approximately 37°C (98°F), and test on the inside of your wrist before feeding.
Important Information:
- Only use the scoop provided in the can.
- Do not make feeds weaker or stronger than indicated by adding extra water/scoops, and do not add anything else to the milk.
- Always freshly prepare formula and do not prepare in advance. Use immediately, and discard leftovers at the end of the feed.
- Do not heat a bottle in a microwave as hot spots may occur, which could cause scalding.
- All opened formula should be used within 21 days. Never use the formula beyond its expiration date. The expiration date on the formula box/tin is listed according to European standard: day/month/year
- Avoid storing in areas of high heat or humidity.
Feeding Chart
Nutrition Facts
Formula Calculator
Calculate exactly how many cans or boxes you'll need. No guesswork.
✓ Showing exact amounts — no buffer added.
*Feeds / Day — check your formula's Feeding Chart and adjust if needed.
**Spill & Waste Buffer — unfinished bottles, the 1-hour rule, over-preparation, reflux, or accidental spills.
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| Age | Scoops | Water | Feeds/day |
|---|
- Scoops per feed — from the official feeding chart for your baby's age.
- Daily grams = scoops × scoop weight × feeds per day.
- Total grams = daily grams × 7 days × weeks.
- Packages needed = total grams ÷ package size, rounded up.
All quantities above are based on zero spill/waste. For average real-world usage, add approximately 20% extra to account for typical spill and waste.


