Kendamil vs Holle Formula (2026 Guide): Which Organic Baby Formula Is Better for Your Baby?

Kendamil and Holle are two of the most trusted European baby formula brands in the United States, and parents comparing them often find it hard to tell exactly how they differ. Both are made in Europe, both focus on clean, organic-minded nutrition, and both have loyal followings among American families who have switched from conventional US brands. Yet the two formulas take genuinely different approaches to milk fats, oils, carbohydrates, and certification.

This guide breaks down Kendamil vs Holle side by side, in plain language, so you can see where they overlap and where they part ways. Formulations can vary by market version and change over time, so always confirm the details on your current package label. And because every baby is different, the right choice ultimately depends on your child's age, tolerance, and any guidance from your pediatrician.

Kendamil and Holle at a Glance

Kendamil is a British formula made in the Lake District of England. Its best-known feature is that it is built around full-cream whole milk rather than skimmed milk plus added vegetable fats, and it contains no palm oil. Kendamil offers a Classic (Premium) cow's milk range, an Organic range, and a Goat range. Some Kendamil products also include HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides) and naturally occurring MFGM.

Holle is a German brand founded in 1933 and is one of the longest-standing organic formula makers in Europe. Holle is well known for its Demeter biodynamic certification on many of its products, which is one of the strictest agricultural standards in the world. Holle's cow's milk formula is skim-milk based with an added organic vegetable oil blend, and the brand also offers goat milk and A2 cow's milk lines.

In short, both are premium European formulas that prioritize clean ingredients, but Kendamil leans on whole-milk fats and a palm-oil-free recipe, while Holle leans on biodynamic Demeter sourcing and a long organic heritage. If you are just starting your research, our broader guide to the best European baby formula puts both brands in context alongside HiPP.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Quick Comparison Table

The table reflects widely available current versions. Exact ingredients differ between market versions and can be reformulated, so check the label on the specific tin you buy.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Milk Source & Milk Fats

The clearest difference between the two brands is how they build their fat content. Kendamil uses whole (full-cream) milk as its base, which means a meaningful share of the fat comes from milk itself. A benefit parents often point to is that whole milk naturally contains MFGM (milk fat globule membrane), a component also found in breast milk that has drawn research interest. Because Kendamil starts with whole milk, it also relies less on added vegetable oils to reach its fat targets.

Holle's cow's milk formula starts with skimmed milk and then adds a blend of organic vegetable oils to supply fat. This is the more traditional European approach and is used by many well-regarded brands. It is not a downside on its own; it is simply a different formulation philosophy. If milk-based fat is a priority for you, Kendamil's whole-milk approach is the standout. If you value a long organic heritage and biodynamic sourcing, Holle's approach may appeal more.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Palm Oil & the Oil Blend

Palm oil is a common source of palmitic acid in infant formula, and it is used to help mirror the fat profile of breast milk. Some parents specifically look for palm-oil-free formulas, often because of anecdotal reports about stool firmness, though individual experiences vary and research is mixed. Because Kendamil builds its fat largely from whole milk, it does not need palm oil in its recipe. Holle includes organic palm oil sourced to organic standards within its oil blend.

If avoiding palm oil is a priority for your family, Kendamil is the clearer fit. If it is not a concern for you, Holle's oil blend is a well-established formulation. Neither choice is inherently "better" for every baby. If your baby is showing signs of gas or constipation, our guide on baby gas and constipation walks through what parents typically try first.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Carbohydrates: Lactose vs Maltodextrin

Lactose is the natural carbohydrate in milk and the one most closely aligned with breast milk. Kendamil uses lactose as its carbohydrate across its standard infant formulas. Holle also uses lactose, but some of its later-stage (follow-on and growing-up) products include organic maltodextrin, which can make the formula slightly less sweet and, some parents feel, more filling for older babies. Maltodextrin in organic formula is derived from organic starch and is a common ingredient in European follow-on stages.

For a newborn, both brands' first stages are lactose-based. The maltodextrin question mostly comes up at Stage 2 and beyond, so it is worth checking the label for the exact stage you are buying. If you are unsure when to move your baby up a stage, see our guide to switching formula stages.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Organic Certification & Sourcing

Both brands are strongly organic-focused, but they signal it differently. Holle is famous for its Demeter certification on many products. Demeter is a biodynamic standard that goes beyond baseline EU organic rules, covering soil health, animal welfare, and farming practices in detail. It is one of the most rigorous certifications a food brand can carry.

Kendamil's Organic range carries EU organic certification, and the brand emphasizes non-GMO ingredients and locally sourced British milk. Note that Kendamil also sells a Classic (Premium) line that is a high-quality non-organic formula, so if organic certification is essential to you, look specifically for the Kendamil Organic tins rather than Classic. For a deeper look at what organic labels actually mean, our article on understanding organic labels is a helpful companion read.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

DHA, HMOs & Prebiotics

DHA: Both brands include DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, in line with current EU requirements. Both commonly use a plant/algae-based DHA source rather than fish oil, which many parents prefer for taste and for vegetarian-friendly recipes. Confirm the DHA source on your label if this matters to you, as sources can differ by version.

HMOs: This is an area where Kendamil often stands out. Several Kendamil products include HMOs (human milk oligosaccharides), which are prebiotic-like components naturally found in breast milk. Holle's standard formulas do not typically include added HMOs. Both brands include prebiotics such as GOS and/or FOS depending on the product.

If HMOs are a feature you are seeking, check the specific Kendamil product, since not every tin in every market contains them. To understand how these components work, our explainer on probiotics and prebiotics in formula is a useful starting point.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Stages & Age Ranges

Both brands use a staged system tied to your baby's age, but the numbering differs slightly:

Holle offers a Stage PRE for newborns (a gentle first option) plus a Stage 4 growing-up milk, giving it a slightly wider ladder. Kendamil keeps its cow's milk range to three main stages. Always match the stage to your baby's current age, and never give a follow-on or toddler formula to a baby younger than the label allows.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Who Might Prefer Each Formula

Many families also cross-shop these with HiPP. If that is you, our HiPP vs Kendamil and HiPP vs Holle comparisons round out the picture.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kendamil or Holle better?

Neither is universally "better." Kendamil stands out for whole-milk fats, a palm-oil-free recipe, and HMOs in some products. Holle stands out for Demeter biodynamic certification and a wider stage range. The best fit depends on your baby's age, tolerance, your ingredient priorities, and any advice from your pediatrician.

Which one has no palm oil?

Kendamil is formulated without palm oil. Holle includes organic palm oil as part of its vegetable oil blend. Both are permitted under EU organic rules.

Are both formulas organic?

Holle's featured lines are EU organic and often Demeter-certified. Kendamil sells an Organic range (EU organic) as well as a non-organic Classic/Premium line, so check the specific tin. Ingredients and certifications can vary by market version, so verify on the current label.

Does Holle have HMOs?

Holle's standard formulas do not typically include added HMOs, while several Kendamil products do. Both include prebiotics such as GOS and/or FOS depending on the product and stage. Confirm on the label, since formulations change over time.

Can I switch between Kendamil and Holle?

Many parents do transition between European brands, usually gradually. Because babies react individually, it is best to introduce a new formula slowly and discuss any digestive concerns with your pediatrician.

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Recommended EuromallUSA Products

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Related Articles

↑ Back to Table of Contents

Conclusion

Kendamil and Holle are both excellent European formulas, and neither is a wrong choice. The decision usually comes down to what you value most: Kendamil's whole-milk fats, palm-oil-free recipe, and HMOs, or Holle's Demeter biodynamic heritage and wider stage ladder. Both use lactose in their first stages, both include DHA, and both are made to strict European standards.

Whichever direction you lean, match the stage to your baby's age, introduce any new formula gradually, and check the current package label for the exact ingredients, since formulations can change between market versions. If you have questions about your baby's specific nutritional needs, your pediatrician is the best guide.