A Review of Selection, Choice, and Fit for your Family's Needs 

This guide to European and British baby formulas helps to answer the following questions and more:

• What is European baby formula?
• Why do so many U.S. parents choose it?
• What this guide covers
• Who this guide is for

This guide gives a general overview of what European baby formulas are, how they are produced, why parents choose them, and the differences versus American baby formulas. Also covered are the stages in European baby formulas, goat milk options, organic formulas, and how to choose the correct one. Finally, we finish with FAQs and some additional resources.

This guide is for American parents thinking about trying or switching to British and European formulas.

While this guide provides a significant amount of information regarding European baby formulas, additional articles are available in our learning center for parents that prefer more detailed information on each topic. You can see a list of these links in Section 11 (Resources). Many links are available throughout the article for more in-depth information if desired.

Section 1: What Is European Baby Formula?

European and British baby formulas are infant milk powders or ready to feed liquids manufactured to meet the strict nutritional and safety guidelines of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These standards are significantly different than our United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which will be discussed in detail below. The European baby formulas are widely sought after for mirroring the lactose-only composition and changing nutritional profile of breast milk during infant months and the lack of additional additives and preservatives.

European formulas come from many countries on the continent. However, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Switzerland generally have the best and most consistent formulas with a history dating back decades. Popular brands include Kendamil (UK), HiPP, and Aptamil among others.

The European organic and non-organic manufacturing standards for baby formula are highly-regulated by the government and significantly stricter than here in the United States. This is the main reason for its popularity with American families. There are also differences in stages of formula and transitions between different age-based developmental windows that are not present in US formulas which will be discussed in detail in this article as well.

While we review the differences between European and American formulas in this article, you can find a granular, detailed comparison of European Formula vs American Formula or FDA-related import questions here.

European Formula vs American Formula

Our Import Process and US Policies

Section 2: Why Parents Choose European Formula

There are several reasons why American parents choose European baby formulas. But first, let's ask, why have European parents used their baby formulas consistently and successfully for decades? The primary answer is trust. The brands that are offered have been providing baby formula to European and British parents for over 40 years.

Most of these companies have family-built farms where the bulk, if not all, of their ingredients for baby formula or baby foods come from.  For example, Kendamil UK and Holle have a selection of milks that are not considered "organic" but the milk used comes from cows that graze on grass, free-range, on their family farm. This produces a creamier, nutrient-dense milk without using corn feed, corn syrup, artificial additives or preservatives. This level of thoroughness allows European families to implicitly trust the quality of the milk that provides them with baby formula. Factors like these are what make American parents look towards these formulas for their own children's well-being.  

Here are some other reasons why American parents may choose European formulas. As a general rule of thumb, European formulas:

• Have organic and non-organic options. Typically, even most non-organic European formula options are produced with stricter standards than organic American-made formulas. For example, all European formulas are required by law to provide complete baby nutrition as would be found in breastmilk. This alone is an important consideration for many American parents.
• Have mostly grass-fed cow or goat milk which many parents prefer over corn feed for animals.
• Have simple ingredients. Most of the ingredients, besides milk, are added nutrients per government requirements. The relative simplicity of ingredients without preservatives or artificial additives can be a very important factor to many American parents.
• DHA is added to all European formulas by law for brain and eye development in early infancy. The source of the DHA can be fish oil or algae (depending on the brand). DHA is not required in the US and left up to the company producing the formula.
• Many brands have a goat milk formula option for sensitive tummies or cow milk challenges. The availability of well-produced goat milk can be an important feature to American parents searching for alternatives to cow milk formulas.
• Companies like Kendamil, HiPP, Aptamil, Holle, and Nannycare are all long-standing brands in Europe that have been making formula for decades. They constantly update their formula content to achieve complete nutrition per feed for infants and toddlers by mimicking changing breastmilk composition throughout infant months. They are all transparent in their operations and are an accessible part of the community. This consistency, presence, and trust are very important for many American parents overall.

Section 3: European Formula Brands

In this section, we detail the most common and popular British and European formula brands and their unique characteristics. Choosing a particular brand is an important decision for parents and depends on their personal preferences. We are here to provide the content and resources for you to make an informed decision that is best for your family's needs. Please note: there are well over a dozen European baby formula brands. Our selection criteria for including a brand is as follows:

1. Track history: We only cover brands that have been around for 30 years or more. This rules out new companies and 'fly by night' formulas that haven't shown a long-term track record of success with at least a generation of babies.
2. Sourcing: We only include brands and products that we can trace the sourcing methods from reputable European vendors back to the manufacturer (every product must be factory sealed, stored in appropriate conditions, and have traceable batch numbers.)
3. Availability: We only acknowledge brands and items that are widely accessible with routinely available new stock, Otherwise, what's the point of all this effort (by us and you) in choosing a baby formula if you can't get the items when you need them? While we recognize stock shortages can occur sometimes, we expect regular product availability for our customers. This is also the foundation for trust you place in us as a provider for your child's needs. 
4. Recall history: Unfortunately in the US, American baby formula recalls have become all too commonplace and frequent. Part of our selection criteria for European baby formulas is minimal (or no) formula recall history. This also goes hand-in-hand with selecting consistent long-term brands that have high-quality production methods.

The following brands all meet the selection criteria discussed above:

Kendamil

• Manufactured entirely in the UK and mostly sourced from their family farm in the Lake District.
• Unique whole milk recipe for all milk products
• Organic & Classic (high-quality non-organic) options available
• No Palm Oil in any products and vegetarian friendly

HiPP

• UK, German & Dutch versions. At 4 My Tots, we currently only sell UK versions due to our strict sourcing requirements.
• 100% Organic products that exceed strict existing European organic standards.
• Specialized formulas available for reflux
• Wide variety of organic toddler foods available. Again, almost all ingredients are sourced directly from their farms.

Holle

• Demeter/Biodynamic heritage: Very strict organic production with demeter cows providing the milk. These cows graze in a closed-loop farming system with superior agricultural standards that exceed already strict European farming and formula production requirements.
• Goat milk options are available from birth through toddler.
• Organic ingredients: High quality and organic is fundamental to Holle's brand.

Aptamil

• High level research for over 50 years: Aptamil formulas are developed after thorough research to get the correct formula consistency while maximizing nutrition.
• High quality formulas in different tiers for varying family needs.
• No palm oil.
• Specifically designed for either formula-only feeding or combination feeding (breastmilk and formula).
• Widely available and frequently used in the United Kingdom.

Further information is available in our Parent Resource Center:

• Kendamil Guide
• HiPP Guide
• Aptamil Guide

Section 4: Formula Stages Explained

European baby formulas are divided into 'stages' to accommodate changing nutritional needs as infants grow. While a brand's formulas at different stages are similar in composition and taste, the nutrients in each formula are different and specific for that stage of growth and development. These stages and the nutrient content are regularly monitored and heavily regulated by the European governmental agencies for food production. Please note: all formula brands covered are legally required by European law to be nutritionally-complete for babies in each stage:

Stage 1 (First Infant): This stage begins at child birth and continues for young infants until approximately 6 months of age. The nutritional content is specific for early developmental needs as reflected by the ingredients and nutrition label.

Stage 2 (Follow On): This stage is for older infants and starts after 6 months and continues to 12 months. While the milk is similar to Stage 1, the nutrition label shows the adjustment to nutritional content for this rapidly growing stage of development.

Stage 3 (Toddler): This stage is for toddlers usually beginning at 12 months and ending at 24 or 36 months depending on the brand. The nutritional content changes again for growing age toddlers and reflects the eventual discontinuation of formula milks.

These stages are a hallmark of European baby formulas as mandated by law. When choosing a brand, remember they are all nutritionally complete. So the choice is more about personal preference for brand-specific highlights than nutrition itself. This differs from American baby formulas which are more of a 'one-size fits all' approach instead of stages. And the nutrient content generally varies from American brand to brand at each company's discretion.

For more information click the link below:

Formula by Age

Section 5: Goat Milk vs Cow Milk Formula

There are a few key differences between European cow milk and goat milk formulas:

• A2  vs S1 proteins: Goat milk naturally contains more A2 casein protein without S1 casein found in cow milk. The A2 protein generally breaks down faster reducing reflux or constipation.
• Fat globule structure: Goat milk fat globules are smaller than cow milk's making it easier to digest.
• Both have lactose but goat milk generally has less lactose.
• Nutrient density: both cow and goat milk formulas from Europe are fortified with the same macronutrients (iron, DHA, folic acid) to provide complete nutrition no matter which you choose.

Generally, most infants and toddlers use European cow milk formulas as they are well-tolerated. Some infants may need goat milk for ease of digestion or other reasons. Ultimately, it is up to a parent to choose the best course of action. Please note: While there are several European goat formulas, Kendamil UK and Holle are the brands that provide goat milk options that are more easily accessible and meet our selection criteria. 

For additional details on this topic, click the link below:

Complete Goat Milk Formula Guide

 

Section 6: Organic European Formula

European organic certification is a rigorous regulatory framework overseen by the European Commission. To feature the official EU organic logo on baby formula, products must contain at least 95% organically grown ingredients, strictly prohibit GMOs and synthetic pesticides, and enforce high animal welfare standards.

• Purity of ingredients: 95% of the ingredients must be organic certified. The remaining 5% is strictly controlled for added DHA, and natural emulsifiers like sunflower lecithin. No artificial ingredients are ever allowed and nothing genetically-modified is permitted including in the 5% of non-organic ingredients.
• GMO's not allowed: They are strictly forbidden at every stage of formula production.
• Animal welfare: Grazing cows or goats must have continuous access to organic food and outdoor grazing cannot be limited.
• Limited Processing: Additives, chemical pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers are strictly banned. A very limited additive list is allowed as described above.
• Companies like HiPP and Holle have their own company certification that actually exceeds the strict EU organic certification just described.

Demeter certification: Demeter certification is the strictest and oldest organic agricultural standard in the world. It exceeds US Organic and even European Union organic standards and rules. Developed in 1924 based on Rudolf Steiner's lectures, biodynamic farming treats an entire farm as a living, self-sustaining, closed-loop ecosystem rather than an industrial factory production line. European baby formula brand Holle, utilizes Demeter-certified cows and farming which means adhering to deeply holistic, ethically demanding farming practices that dictate everything from soil health to the physical integrity of the animals.

Grass Fed: Grass Fed cows and goats are fairly commonplace with European baby formula companies. Most of the brands we offer, Kendamil UK, HiPP UK, and Holle all have grass fed cows producing their milk for formula production. 

Whole milk: European baby formulas are known to have whole milk in their baby formulas. This improves the fat content in the formula and creates a breastmilk-like creamy texture. Kendamil UK is known for using whole milk in all their baby formulas. Some Aptamil formulas also use whole milk fat in their products. 

Palm oil: The use of palm oil is deeply controversial in Europe due to its wide accessibility as a cheap, abundant oil source. The oil is not produced in a healthy manner and the destruction of palm trees is considered environmentally damaging. As such, many European baby formulas do not use palm oil, like Kendamil and Aptamil. Other companies like HiPP UK only use fully organic, sustainably-produced palm oil to balance their nutrient content.

Section 7: European Formula vs American Formula

 

 

 

Ingredient philosophies: While there are several differences in ingredient makeup. the biggest ingredient difference between mainstream US baby formulas and European baby formulas is the carbohydrate source used. European and British regulations require that the primary carbohydrate mimic breast milk, meaning standard European formulas use 100% lactose. US regulations do not have such requirements which allows alternatives like corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, and sucrose (table sugar) to be used as the primary carbohydrate.  

Regulatory frameworks: Generally speaking, US regulations are less strict leaving many nutrient and ingredient choices up to the manufacturer. Meanwhile, European regulations are very strict requiring all formulas to be nutritionally complete at a minimum.

Organic standards: Similarly, organic standards between the US and Europe have significant differences from allowable pesticides, fertilizers and GMOs to animal welfare requirements and farming practices. As expected, US organic regulations are not as stringent as their European counterparts which have very few allowances or tolerances in manufacturing processes and ingredient composition. 

Stage system: European formulas are rigorously divided into chronological stages (e.g., Stage 1 for 0-6 months, Stage 2 for 6-12 months), adjusting protein, calorie, and nutrient balances to better suit the specific growth rates of different developmental milestones. This approach is designed to mimic nutrient changes in breastmilk for infants from newborn to 12 months. US formulas generally lump infancy into a single 0-12 month stage and do not account for nutritional changes.

Package sizes: Most European powder formulas come in 800g (~1.76 lbs) cans or tubs. US formulas vary by manufacturer in size and weight.

Preparation: While preparing feeds are generally similar with all powder formulas, the amount of powder and the powder to water ratio can vary between companies. This variance is also seen with storing incomplete feed recommendations, whether from powder or ready to feed liquid milks.

Labeling: Labeling requirements are slightly different although the majority of information is the same or similar between US and European labels. European ingredient labels have percentages included to show the content of that ingredient in the formula out of 100%. 

For even more detailed information comparing European and American baby formulas, click the following link:

European Baby Formula vs American Baby Formula (Full Comparison Article)

Section 8: Choosing the Right Formula

There are obviously many choices when it comes to European baby formulas. Here we try to break down some selections based on various needs.

• Newborn and early infancy: As long as cow milk is tolerated, Stage 1 formulas are the best fit for this age. You can review our brand specific guides for a detailed explanation of each one. However, generally, any of the Stage 1 offerings from Kendamil, HiPP, or Aptamil will be very effective as a complete nutrition feed for your little one.
• Older infants: Please make the change to Stage 2 formulas after baby is 6 months old. This age requires different nutritional needs for growth and development. Stage 2 formulas are designed to suit this purpose.
• Toddlers: A change to Stage 3 or "toddler milk" is appropriate for toddlers that continue to use formula. Again, toddler milk provides complete nutrition and no other supplementation is required. However, toddlers also achieve additional nutrition from the solids they are eating at this age.
• Organic vs Non-Organic: This is a personal decision for every family. In the US we are seeing a wider gap between the quality of organic versus non-organic foods. In Europe this is not quite the same especially when it comes to baby foods and formulas. Because formula production is so highly regulated in Europe, even non-organic formulas are of very high quality with specific requirements for sourcing and ingredients. This makes even the non-organic European formulas highly desirable, nutritious, and safe.
• Cow versus Goat: Most infants will consume cow milk and tolerate it very well. Some children will need goat milk for indigestion or constipation related issues. In some cases, parents have a dislike for cow milk and may insist on goat milk instead. If this is the case, Kendamil or Holle are great choices.
• Budget: Cost considerations are necessary but our approach has always been to consider some other aspect of finances to "tighten the budget." The decision to provide your child the best foods at the start is, in our view, priceless. Consuming these high quality European baby formulas may help with good diet and nutrition as babies get older and make their own choices. Additionally, the complete and healthy nutrition achieved by these European formulas may help to reduce the risk of chronic and metabolic disease as they grow up. And that may be the best gift we can give our kids. 

 

Section 9: Frequently Asked Questions

Is European baby formula safe?

Yes! It is a highly regulated industry in Europe. Not only is it safe, it might be preferable to US formula. While not impossible, the high quality European formulas featured here rarely have contamination issues due to enforced government regulations, strict manufacturer production and testing policies (packaging in protected environments), and using high quality ingredients. 

Can I buy European formula in the US?

Yes! 4 My Tots sells the top European brands shipped from our climate controlled US facility directly to you.

How long does shipping take?

We ship Monday through Friday. All orders placed before 10am EST ship the same day. Delivery estimates are always shown prior to checkout. You can select your preferred shipping speed, standard or expedited, using various available UPS or FEDEX options. For standard delivery, most customers get their orders in 2-4 days. Expedited services are available from overnight shipping to 2-day delivery as well.

How do I prepare it?

Preparation instructions are included on most product packaging. We have prep guides available here as well. Please note European and British formulas use the metric system for measurements and quantities. 

How many cans do I need?

It depends on your baby's age, if you are formula feeding exclusively, and how frequently you want to order. We do have customer-administered subscriptions for some of our products to simplify ordering as well. While it varies, most newborns and young infants go through a can every 10-14 days. Older infants and toddlers consume more milk per feed so a best estimate of about a can per week is advised. As a reference point, the vast majority of our customers who only formula feed buy 4-6 cans every month or so. We don't have product order minimums or maximums for routine customer orders so you can order the quantity that is most comfortable for your needs.  

How long does one can last?

Generally, newborns and young infants need a can every 10-14 days if formula feeding only. We always advise new parents to slightly overestimate their needs at the beginning to account for feed remakes due to mixing errors, spit-ups, and nighttime spills and mistakes. For older infants and toddlers, the challenge is that they consume more milk per feed and are developing a varied diet with starting solids and water. A best estimate of about a can per week or so is advised.

Can I switch brands?

Of course. However, for ease, we recommend staying with a brand if your baby is consuming the feeds regularly without difficulty. The formulas are all high quality and generally relatively similar to each other. Unless, as a parent there is a particular reason for a change, if baby is happy, we would recommend keeping the formula as is. Obviously, if there is a medical change or need, follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider.

Can I combine breastfeeding and formula?

Yes. Many people do! Breastfeeding is a different experience for every woman if it is an available option. Even if a woman is able and chooses to breastfeed, milk production levels can vary greatly and change over time sometimes requiring formula to supplement milk production. Whether you breastfeed, formula feed, or use a combination approach is a personal decision for your family. The British and European baby formulas offered in our catalog can all support a combination approach due to their nutritional completeness. Aptamil's research and formula design in this category makes it one of the strongest choices for a combination approach. Whatever choice you make, we are always here to provide support and assistance in your parenting journey.

 

Section 10: European Baby Food

For babies 6 months (sometimes as early as 4 months) and older, the process of weaning begins. For most babies, their first solids start with rice flakes rehydrated with formula or water. Rice is generally the starter because it is easy to digest and the taste is somewhat neutral for baby's taste buds. As was the case with European formulas, European starter and toddler baby foods are of great interest to American parents for their production methods and ingredients that are (and are not) included in the food products.

Baby cereals: There are organic and high-quality non-organic options from every company we offer in our catalog. HiPP, Aptamil, Kendamil, Cow & Gate, and Organix all offer excellent rice and porridge options for beginning weaning with rice to more mature infant stomachs and tastebuds with different grains and fruits or veggies included in the porridge.

Pouches and Pureed foods: Similar to the US, pureed fruits, veggies, and meals are available with clean ingredients and without additives or preservatives.

Snacks: Likewise a variety of older infant and toddler snacks can be found from brands like Ella's, Heinz, For Aisha and others.

 

Section 11: Resources

Review these additional articles from our Parent Resource Center for more detailed information on each topic.

Product Guides:

• Kendamil Guide
• HiPP Guide
• Aptamil Guide

Further Reading:

• Formula Feeding Schedule
• Switching Formula
• Formula by Age
• Goat Milk Guide
• Organic Formula Guide

Section 12: Shop European Baby Formula

If you are ready to try European baby formulas, we have a curated selection for you. All the items we offer have been researched by our team and used with our own families for years. The criteria given in Section 3 also applies for adding any new items to our catalog.

Browse by:

British & European Baby Formulas

 British & European Ready-to-Feed Liquid Formulas

Goat Milk Formula

Organic Formula

Baby Cereals

Author Information

• Written by Nik S.
• Reviewed by Ruth N
• Last updated: July 22nd 2026
• References and website sources: EU Organic, US FDA, USDA, HiPP, Kendamil UK, Holle, Aptamil, Nannycare with additional vetted articles and resources.
• AI was used for article structure and format only. Our team member completed information research and writing article content. Subsequent review was completed by a different team member who verified the completed research for accuracy before publishing. 

Disclaimer

While every effort is made for completeness and accuracy, this guide and every other guide we reference or link is informational only and may contain minor errors. The information provided is meant as a resource for parents to understand their formula options and choices only. It should not be used as medical or other advice.  Any medical advice or diagnoses should come from a healthcare provider.