I receive several enquiries every week asking whether the Holle organic baby milks are suitable for vegetarians, so I thought I would publish a quick article letting everybody know the situation.
It is currently impossible to source vegetarian baby milk derived from cows milk. The only fully suitable vegetarian baby milk is the Holle Organic Goats Milk Formula, which is also the only certified organic goats milk for babies on the market.
Whenever I talk to Holle about this situation they tell me that they would desparately like to make their baby milks and formulas suitable for vegetarian babies and families. As a caring and ethical company they have enormous sympathies with animal welfare issues. The organic full cream milk used in Holle baby milks and formulas comes from cows raised biodynamically in the organic fields and pastures of Germany and Austria. The superior quality of their infant formulas derives from the traditionally high quality farming and the expert care the animals receive, as well as the naturally lush vegetation available to the cows.
Vegetarian Baby Milks – The Difficulties
As a company, Holle has a policy of working to make their baby milks suitable for vegetarians and, as such, do not add any fish oils to their baby milks – unlike some other baby milk companies.
However, they are not yet able to source sufficient quanitities of whey powder, which they are required to add by the strict EU baby milk and formula regulations, from strict vegetarian sources. Whenever they can source the whey from vegetarian sources they do so, but it is currently almost impossible to get vegetarian whey powder in the amounts baby food manufacturers would need to offer a consistent supply.
The company is constantly talking with its trusted biodynamic and organic farmers and suppliers as to how to work towards a more reliable supply of vegetarian whey powder for use in its baby milk. As soon as we hear any news we will post further articles on this blog and update our product descriptions.
Your Views on Vegetarian Baby Milks
I also pass on all your enquiries about vegetarian baby milks to Holle so that they continue to realise the importance of this issue to many mums and dads. So, if you would like to leave your comments here, I can guarantee that your voice will be heard.
Of the Holle Organic formulas only the goats milk is currently fully suitable for vegetarians.
Holle doesn’t add any fish oil but their organic whey powder does come from mixed sources. Some batches are vegetarian, others aren’t or are mixed. Apparently it is currently almost impossible to get vegetarian whey powder in the amount baby food manufacturers would need.
As far as I know, Holle is currently talking to their trusted suppliers and would very much like to offer organic baby milk formulas which are suitable for vegetarians.
After extensive inquiries I have found that there aren’t any organic vegetarian baby milk formulas available on the UK market at the moment.
I know how important it must be for you because I do get lot of inquiries like yours. I do keep Holle informed and am in close contact with the Swiss manufacturer.
Sorry that I couldn’t help you this time with the formula. Nevertheless Holle and Ulula does offer a comprehensive range of vegetarian and vegan food suitable for all weaning stages.
Best wishes
Sabine
Mini Basket
Thanks for this article – It’s frustrating that vegetarian infant formula is not available yet, but at least I now know the issues surrounding it and there is a manufacturer that is committed to making the product as vegetarian as is possible. Really useful – Thanks.
Comment by Polly — 5 September 2010 @ 7:34 pm
I am very impressed with the infant formula. It’s a much nicer product than the Hipp organic milk I was using with my first daughter which is no longer veggie. It’s creamier and dissolves more easily. It’s a shame that Holle is not in a position to claim that it is vegetarian – I think it would significantly increase it’s appeal and therefore sales if it was.
Comment by Leo — 7 September 2010 @ 4:04 pm
The market is crying out for a decent vegetarian infant formula. I hope the product can be vegetarian soon.
Comment by Jamie — 28 October 2010 @ 9:58 am
I happened across this website looking for a vegetarian baby formula. There seems to be a big gap in the market which Holle are currently unable to exploit. Lets hope there can be some changes soon and Holle will become vegetarian!
Comment by Lisa — 29 October 2010 @ 10:24 am
There must be a brand out there that has a vegetarian milk formula.
I might go and make it my self. I think the market is wide open as there is not a single company that do one.
hipp stop doing it.
holle try but cant.
Me – Watch this space – I will make my own brand of vegetarian formula for babies. and it will be good.
James
Comment by James Depala — 18 January 2011 @ 11:07 pm
I’m a mum to be – baby due in 3 weeks – and I desperately want a veggie baby milk formula as I can’t breastfeed. This gap in the market is simply crazy in 2011…please, please, please Holle develop a true vegetarian baby milk formula. I want my family to be raised vegetarian – it’s good for us, it’s better for animal welfare and it’s certainly better for the planet.
Comment by Claire — 24 May 2011 @ 5:27 pm