Organic Vs. Regular Formula - What's the Difference?

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What is one of the first things that a parent must choose when they have a baby? What am I going to feed my baby?. After choosing whether to breastfeed and how long to nurse, the next step is babyformula. When you look at the number of products available just in infant nutrition, well, it can be overwhelming. One way to narrow down the decision is to consider organic formula vs regular formula.

What is Organic Baby Formula?

When you are in the grocery store in the produce aisle, you see one area for bananas and one area for organic bananas. You don't see a difference on the outside, but there is more that goes on in organic produce than the eye can see.

Organic baby formula has similarities to regular baby formula. Both of them have the balance of vitamins and minerals that babies need to grow and thrive. Both are based on dairy or plant-based sources such as milk or soy. 

The difference between regular formulas vs organic is the certification of the ingredients. All organic produce and dairy must meet the qualifying guidelines to be labeled organic. This includes: 

  • No GMOs (genetically modified organisms)
  • No artificial preservatives
  • No artificial flavors or colors
  • No chemical herbicides or pesticides
  • No growth hormones

A product must contain 95% or more organic ingredients to be certified organic according to the USDA and the European Union.

Is Organic Baby Formula Safer than Regular Formula?

Both organic and regular formula must meet strict dietary guidelines so that it is safe for infant consumption. However, there is a reason that many parents are turning to organic formula.

Regular food sources may be exposed to artificial and toxic chemicals. While it is concerning for most adults, it is impactful for babies who are still developing their neurological and immune systems. The choice to buy organic baby formula vs regular formula can prevent health problems further down the road for babies.

Which Organic Baby Formula is Better?

The organic formulas made in the United States and Europe are not all the same. While the ingredients are both organic, the quality can be different. For example, European organic baby formula is either cow milk-based or goat milk-based, but U.S. formula may still offer soy. 

Another issue is when U.S. formulas use glucose or corn syrup solids as a sweetener. It may be natural and organically produced, but it does not mimic breast milk with lactose. The fat used in organic formulas may not be the best quality for absorption and nutritional value.

Which European Baby Formula is Better?

Europe produces high-quality baby formula because the ingredients are better and the guidelines for infant nutrition are more strict than the United States. Their choices are organic and offer more natural alternatives. 

HiPP

HiPP understands healthy choices for infants. They work with farms that practice biodynamic agriculture for the best quality ingredients without using pesticides or herbicides. HiPP also contains prebiotics and probiotics to optimize gut health and regulate bowel movements.

Holle

Holle is the only organic baby formula that is Demeter-certified. Demeter is internationally recognized for its high standards in organic agriculture and food. Their philosophy focuses on the harmony between animals, humans, and the environment. They also offer goat milk formula.

Topfer

Topfer is another European baby formula company that dedicates itself to quality using organic ingredients that are sustainably cultivated. Topfer also uses bifidobacteria cultures as an organic probiotic to help the digestive system.

Lebenswert

Lebenswert is a part of Bioland Association, the largest organic food cooperative in Germany. Lebenswert also relies on the natural sweetness of their organic milk rather than artificial sweeteners or processed sugars.

Loulouka

Loulouka starts with high-quality Swiss milk raised from grass-fed cows in the Alps. It continues with organic lactose and coconut oil for excellent nutrition and absorption. This company for parents by parents focuses on the best products available from organic farms for their babies. They also have goat milk as an option.

The decision on organic formula vs regular formula is strictly on the parent. With research and understanding, you can make the right choice on what you feed your baby now and give them the head start for a healthy future. At The Best From Japan, we narrow your choices down to the best organic baby formula that can be delivered to your doorstep.