When parents in the U.S. discover European organic baby formula, one of the first questions they ask is: how long have these brands been around? The answer is reassuring. HiPP has been making infant formula since the 1950s. Holle was founded in 1933. These are not newcomers riding a wellness trend — they are companies with decades of formulation experience, operating under some of the strictest food safety regulations in the world. Here's the story behind the brands, and what their history means for your baby's bottle today.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only. For questions about your baby's specific nutritional needs, allergies, or formula changes, always consult your pediatrician.
A Brief History of Infant Formula
Long before commercial formula existed, families who could not breastfeed relied on wet nurses, animal milk, or homemade pap — mixtures of bread, water, and sometimes animal milk. These alternatives carried significant risks, and infant mortality rates were high.
The first scientifically formulated infant food was developed in the 1860s by Justus von Liebig, a German chemist who created a mixture of cow's milk, wheat flour, malt flour, and potassium bicarbonate. It was an early attempt to approximate breast milk's nutritional profile — and it marked the beginning of a long journey toward the safe, regulated formulas available today.
Over the following century, formula evolved significantly: pasteurization improved safety, iron fortification addressed deficiency, and the addition of DHA and ARA in the late 20th century brought formulas closer to the nutritional complexity of breast milk. In Europe, this evolution happened under increasingly rigorous regulatory oversight — a framework that continues to shape the brands parents trust today.
The History of HiPP Formula
HiPP is one of the most recognized names in European organic baby formula, and its origins go back further than most parents realize.
1899 — The Claus Hipp bakery
The HiPP story begins not with formula, but with a bakery. Josef Hipp founded a small bakery in Pfaffenhofen, Bavaria, Germany in 1899. His son Georg Hipp began producing dried rusks for infants in the early 1930s — a practical food for weaning babies that laid the groundwork for the family's focus on infant nutrition.
1956 — First organic baby food in jars
Georg Hipp's son, also named Georg, took the business in a new direction in 1956, producing some of the first commercially available organic baby food in glass jars in Germany. This was a pioneering move at a time when organic farming was still a fringe concept in mainstream food production.
1960s onward — Commitment to organic farming
HiPP became one of the earliest adopters of certified organic farming practices in Europe, working directly with contracted farms to ensure ingredient quality. The company developed its own internal organic standards that in many respects exceeded what was legally required — a practice it maintains today.
Today
HiPP is now in its fourth generation of family ownership and operates across more than 50 countries. Its infant formula range — including the widely used HiPP Combiotic Formula — is produced under EU Organic certification and EFSA regulatory oversight. The Combiotic line adds prebiotics (GOS) and probiotics (L. fermentum) to support gut health, reflecting decades of investment in infant nutrition research.
The History of Holle Formula
Holle's story is rooted in the biodynamic farming movement — an approach to agriculture that predates modern organic certification and goes significantly further in its requirements.
1933 — Founded in Switzerland
Holle was founded in 1933 in Arlesheim, Switzerland, by a group of physicians and educators associated with the anthroposophical movement. From the beginning, the company's mission was to produce food that supported healthy child development using biodynamic farming principles.
Demeter certification
Holle became one of the first food companies to achieve Demeter certification — the international standard for biodynamic agriculture. Demeter certification requires farms to operate as self-sustaining ecosystems, prohibits synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and mandates specific soil-care practices. It is widely considered the most rigorous organic farming certification available.
Expansion into infant formula
While Holle began with baby cereals and purees, it expanded into infant formula as demand for clean-ingredient alternatives to conventional formula grew. Today, Holle offers both cow's milk and goat's milk formula lines, all produced under Demeter or EU Organic certification.
Today
Holle remains headquartered in Switzerland and continues to operate under Demeter standards for its core range. Its Holle Cow Formula and Goat Milk Formula are among the most sought-after options for parents looking for biodynamic-certified infant nutrition.
Not sure which formula fits your baby? Use our Formula Finder to get a personalized recommendation based on your baby's age, stage, and feeding needs.
The History of Lebenswert Formula
Lebenswert (German for "worth living" or "valuable life") is a younger brand than HiPP or Holle, but it was created with a clear philosophy: maximum organic integrity with minimum ingredient complexity.
Lebenswert is produced in Germany under Bioland certification — one of Germany's most respected organic farming associations, with standards that exceed EU Organic requirements. The brand was developed for parents who want a shorter ingredient list without additives beyond what is nutritionally necessary.
Lebenswert formulas are dairy-based, vegetarian, and free from palm oil. They represent a "back to basics" approach within the EU organic formula category — a deliberate contrast to more complex formulations with added probiotics or specialty ingredients.
The History of Kendamil Formula
Kendamil is the newest of the major EU organic formula brands available in the U.S. market, but it has a distinctive story that sets it apart.
1962 — Founded in the English Lake District
Kendamil was founded in 1962 in Kendal, Cumbria, in the heart of the English Lake District. It is the only infant formula brand to be manufactured entirely in the United Kingdom, using milk from British farms in the surrounding region.
Royal Warrant
Kendamil holds a Royal Warrant of Appointment — a mark of recognition granted to companies that supply goods or services to the British Royal Household. It is one of very few infant formula brands to hold this distinction.
Whole milk formulation
Kendamil is notable for using whole milk (including milk fat) as its primary fat source, rather than replacing milk fat with vegetable oils as most other formulas do. It is also one of the few major formula brands that does not use palm oil. Kendamil is certified vegetarian and uses algal oil for DHA.
2022 — U.S. emergency supply
During the 2022 U.S. infant formula shortage, Kendamil was one of the European brands authorized by the FDA for emergency import. This brought the brand to the attention of many American parents for the first time and significantly expanded its U.S. presence.
Brand Comparison at a Glance
| Brand | Founded | Country | Certification | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HiPP | 1899 (formula from 1950s) | Germany | EU Organic | Combiotic probiotics/prebiotics; 4th-gen family business |
| Holle | 1933 | Switzerland | Demeter / EU Organic | Biodynamic farming; cow and goat milk lines |
| Lebenswert | 2000s | Germany | Bioland | Minimal ingredients; no palm oil; clean-label focus |
| Kendamil | 1962 | United Kingdom | EU Organic | Whole milk fat; no palm oil; Royal Warrant holder |
What Brand History Means for Parents Today
Understanding where these brands come from matters for a practical reason: longevity in the infant formula market is not accidental. Companies that have been producing formula for 60–90 years have navigated multiple generations of regulatory change, nutritional science updates, and consumer scrutiny. Their continued presence in the market — and their expansion into the U.S. — reflects a track record that newer brands simply cannot match.
That said, brand history is one factor among many. The right formula for your baby depends on their age, any sensitivities or medical needs, and your pediatrician's guidance. A 90-year-old brand is not automatically the right choice for every baby — but it does provide a meaningful foundation of trust when you're making an important decision.
How EU Organic Certification Has Evolved
One reason European formula brands have maintained their reputation is the regulatory environment they operate in. The EU's approach to infant formula has become progressively stricter over the decades:
- 1991: EU Directive 91/321/EEC established the first harmonized standards for infant formula across member states
- 2006: Updated directive tightened nutrient requirements and labeling rules
- 2016: EU Regulation 2016/127 introduced mandatory DHA in all infant formula sold in Europe (implemented from 2020)
- Ongoing: EFSA continues to review and update standards as nutritional science evolves
Brands like HiPP and Holle have not just complied with these evolving standards — in many cases, their internal standards have exceeded what was legally required, driving the industry forward.
Shop Trusted European Formula Options
- HiPP Combiotic Formula — with prebiotics and probiotics, EU organic certified
- Holle Cow Formula — Demeter biodynamic certified
- Goat Milk Formula — Holle and other EU organic options
- Formula Finder — personalized recommendation by age and needs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has HiPP been making baby formula?
HiPP began producing organic baby food in the 1950s and has been making infant formula for decades. The company was founded as a family bakery in Bavaria in 1899 and is now in its fourth generation of family ownership. It operates in more than 50 countries and is one of the most established names in European infant nutrition.
Is Holle formula really biodynamic?
Yes. Holle holds Demeter certification for its core formula range — the international standard for biodynamic agriculture. Demeter requires farms to operate as self-sustaining ecosystems with strict prohibitions on synthetic inputs. It is widely considered more rigorous than standard EU Organic certification and is one of Holle's key differentiators.
What makes Kendamil different from other European formulas?
Kendamil is the only major infant formula brand manufactured entirely in the UK, using milk from British Lake District farms. It uses whole milk fat rather than vegetable oils as its primary fat source, contains no palm oil, and is certified vegetarian. It also holds a Royal Warrant of Appointment from the British Royal Household.
Is Lebenswert the same as HiPP?
No. Lebenswert is a separate brand produced in Germany under Bioland organic certification. It is not made by HiPP. Lebenswert is designed for parents who prefer a simpler, shorter ingredient list without added probiotics or specialty ingredients. It is dairy-based, vegetarian, and free from palm oil.
Are European baby formula brands FDA-approved?
European formulas imported into the U.S. must meet FDA nutritional requirements. During the 2022 shortage, the FDA temporarily eased import restrictions to allow more EU formula into the country. Reputable importers ensure compliance with applicable U.S. regulations. Always purchase from established retailers to ensure authenticity and proper storage.
Which European formula brand is best for newborns?
There is no single "best" brand for all newborns — the right choice depends on your baby's individual needs, any sensitivities, and your pediatrician's guidance. HiPP, Holle, Lebenswert, and Kendamil all offer Stage 1 formulas designed for birth to 6 months. Our Formula Finder can help you compare options based on your baby's specific situation.
Why do U.S. parents choose European organic formula?
Many U.S. parents choose EU organic formula because of the stricter ingredient and farming standards required under European regulation, including EFSA pre-market review, lower pesticide residue limits, and restrictions on certain sweeteners. The 2022 formula shortage also introduced many American families to European brands for the first time, and many continued using them afterward.