Holle A2 Cow Milk Formula Stage 1

Holle A2 Cow Milk Formula Stage 1 (Reimagined at the Protein Level)

From the very first feed, the protein your baby encounters in formula matters more than almost any other nutritional variable. An immature newborn gut still building its enzymatic capacity, still colonizing its microbiome, still developing the digestive infrastructure that will support a lifetime of nutritional processing deserves the most thoughtfully sourced, most digestively appropriate protein available.

Holle A2 Cow Milk Stage 1 Formula is built on exactly that foundation. It begins not with the generic dairy supply used by most conventional and organic formula manufacturers, but with milk sourced exclusively from cows that have been genotypically tested and confirmed to produce only A2 beta-casein protein the protein variant whose digestive profile is fundamentally different from the A1 protein found in the vast majority of modern dairy cow herds, and significantly closer to the protein composition of human breast milk.

Backed by Holle's uncompromising Demeter biodynamic certification the world's most rigorous organic farming standard, applied to the same A2-certified farms supplying every stage of the Holle A2 range and formulated entirely without palm oil, GMOs, corn syrup, or synthetic additives, Holle A2 Stage 1 sets a new standard for what certified organic infant formula can deliver at the protein science level.

For US parents who want the nutritional richness and developmental support of cow's milk formula in its most digestively gentle, most certifiably clean form Holle A2 Stage 1 is that formula, now available with free express delivery across America.

The A2 Protein Science (Why It Matters From Birth)

To understand why Holle A2 Stage 1 represents a meaningful advance over standard cow's milk formula including many premium organic brands you need to understand what happens at the protein level during infant digestion.

The A1 and A2 distinction:

Cow's milk contains multiple beta-casein protein variants. The vast majority of modern dairy herds produce a mixture of two primary types: A1 beta-casein and A2 beta-casein. These two proteins differ by a single amino acid at position 67 of the protein chain a seemingly small difference with significant digestive consequences.

When A1 beta-casein is broken down during digestion, it releases a bioactive peptide called BCM-7 (beta-casomorphin-7). This peptide has been identified in scientific literature as a potential contributor to digestive discomfort, slowed gut transit, and low-grade inflammatory responses in sensitive individuals particularly infants whose digestive systems are still immature and whose gut barrier function is not yet fully developed. BCM-7 has been specifically associated with:

Increased mucus production in the intestinal tract, slowed gastric emptying contributing to bloating and discomfort, interaction with opioid receptors in the infant gut potentially affecting gut motility, and inflammatory signaling in the intestinal epithelium of susceptible individuals.

A2 beta-casein does not produce BCM-7 upon digestion. Its protein structure with proline at position 67 rather than histidine — prevents the release of this peptide during proteolysis. A2 protein digests more completely, produces softer curds in the stomach, and its digestive end-products do not include the BCM-7 associated with A1. The result at a practical level, reported consistently by parents who switch to A2 formula, is less gas, less bloating, less fussiness after feeds, and a more settled, comfortable baby.

Why Holle A2 Stage 1 goes further than simply using A2 milk:

Many products now claim "A2" on their labels. Holle A2 Stage 1's distinction lies in verification depth. Every cow contributing milk to this formula has been DNA-genotyped and confirmed to carry only the A2 allele — ensuring that no A1 protein enters the supply chain at any point. This is not a label claim based on breed assumptions or marketing positioning. It is a genetically verified, supply chain-audited commitment to zero A1 protein in every tin combined with Holle's Demeter biodynamic farm certification, which adds a layer of animal welfare, farming practice, and environmental stewardship verification that no other A2 formula brand provides.

What Makes Holle A2 Stage 1 Different

100% A2 Beta-Casein Protein: Genotypically Verified, Zero A1 Every cow in the Holle A2 supply chain has been DNA-tested and confirmed to produce only A2 beta-casein. Zero A1 protein. Zero BCM-7 peptide production. This is not a blend of A1 and A2 milk with A2 predominating it is an exclusively A2 supply chain from farm to tin, verified at the genetic level and audited through Holle's Demeter-certified farming network. For parents choosing A2 formula for digestive reasons, the verification depth behind Holle A2 Stage 1 is in a category of its own.

Demeter Biodynamic Certified: The Standard Above Organic The Demeter mark on every tin of Holle A2 Stage 1 represents the most rigorous organic farming certification in the world applied specifically to the farms whose A2-verified cows produce the milk in this formula. Demeter biodynamic farming requires farms to operate as closed-loop, self-sustaining ecosystems with mandatory year-round outdoor access for animals, complete prohibition on synthetic inputs including GMOs, synthetic pesticides, growth hormones, and antibiotics, and soil and biodiversity management standards that go dramatically beyond EU organic law requirements. Fewer than 5% of organic farms worldwide achieve Demeter certification. Every ingredient in Holle A2 Stage 1 is traceable to farms that do.

Palm Oil-Free: Across the Entire Holle A2 Range Holle A2 Stage 1 contains zero palm oil consistent with every stage in the Holle A2 range. Rather than palm oil, a precision blend of organic sunflower, rapeseed, and coconut oils delivers the essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids needed for rapid brain development, nerve myelination, and fat-soluble vitamin absorption in the first months of life. For newborns where digestive comfort is paramount particularly those being switched to A2 formula precisely because of digestive sensitivity removing palm oil's potential to form insoluble calcium soaps in the gut and harden stools is a meaningful and intentional formulation choice.

EU Organic Certified: The Mandatory Baseline That Holle Exceeds All Holle A2 products meet EU Regulation 2018/848 the most comprehensive organic production law in the world. EU infant formula law mandates DHA inclusion, requires at least 30% of carbohydrates to come from lactose in milk-based formulas, and prohibits corn syrup as a carbohydrate source in infant formula. Holle A2 Stage 1 exceeds this baseline with Demeter certification on top the regulatory floor is EU organic; the actual standard is biodynamic.

Stage 1 Nutritional Calibration: Complete From Birth Every vitamin, mineral, and macronutrient ratio in Holle A2 Stage 1 is calibrated for the complete nutritional demands of a birth-to-6-month infant. Iron levels appropriate for exclusive formula feeding from birth, DHA supporting rapid brain and retinal development in the first months of life, calcium and vitamin D3 calibrated for the explosive skeletal growth of the newborn period, and a complete vitamin and mineral complex verified against EU infant formula regulations for exclusive nutritional sufficiency. A2 protein innovation does not come at the cost of nutritional completeness Holle A2 Stage 1 delivers both simultaneously.

GMO-Free: (No Corn Syrup,No Added Sugar, Gluten-Free) Zero genetically modified ingredients across the entire supply chain. Zero corn syrup solids. Zero glucose syrup. Zero fructose. Zero added sugars of any kind. Carbohydrates come from organic lactose and organic starch naturally derived, gut microbiome-friendly, and appropriate for the most immature newborn digestive systems. The Holle A2 Stage 1 ingredient list reads as a complete infant formula should clean, purposeful, and verifiable.

Holle A2 Stage 1 (Key Features at a Glance)

What's Inside: Key Ingredients Explained

Organic A2 Skim Milk and Organic A2 Whey The protein foundation of Holle A2 Stage 1 sourced exclusively from Demeter-certified farms whose cows have been DNA-verified to produce only A2 beta-casein. The whey-to-casein ratio is calibrated for the birth-to-6-month nutritional window delivering a protein balance appropriate for the complete nutritional demands of exclusive infant formula feeding. Zero A1 protein. Zero BCM-7 peptide production. The cleanest cow's milk protein source available in the certified organic formula market, verified at every level of the supply chain.

Organic Lactose: The primary carbohydrate  the dominant natural sugar in breast milk and the carbohydrate the human infant digestive system is biologically calibrated to process first, most efficiently, and most completely. Organic lactose selectively feeds Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium the beneficial bacteria colonizing the newborn gut in the first days and weeks of life while enhancing calcium absorption and providing clean, stable energy without the metabolic disruption of synthetic carbohydrate sources. No corn syrup. No glucose syrup. No compromise.

Organic Starch: A measured addition of organic starch provides longer-lasting satiety between feeds compared to lactose-only PRE stage formula. For babies on Stage 1 particularly those exclusively formula-fed from birth who benefit from more predictable intervals between feeds the starch component offers sustained fullness that lactose alone cannot provide. At birth through 6 months, starch digestion is developmentally appropriate and well tolerated.

Organic Vegetable Oils: (Sunflower, Rapeseed, Coconut-Palm Oil-Free) A precision-balanced, palm-oil-free fat complex delivering the essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acid ratio critical for the explosive neurological development, brain myelination, and fat-soluble vitamin absorption occurring in the first six months of life. Each oil contributes a distinct and necessary fatty acid profile sunflower for linoleic acid, rapeseed for alpha-linolenic acid and monounsaturated fats, coconut for medium-chain triglycerides that are rapidly absorbed and metabolized by newborn cells without the digestive concerns associated with palm oil in infant formula.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): Plant-based DHA mandated by EU infant formula law, exceeding current FDA standards delivering the critical Omega-3 fatty acid for brain and retinal development from the first feed. DHA is the dominant Omega-3 in human breast milk and plays a primary structural role in the rapid brain and visual development occurring in the first months of life. Holle A2 Stage 1 delivers it in every feed, from every tin, consistently verified through HiPP's batch testing protocol.

ARA (Arachidonic Acid): The essential Omega-6 counterpart to DHA required by EU infant formula regulations. ARA works alongside DHA in building the structural lipid components of developing brain cell membranes and supporting the immune system development occurring in parallel with neurological growth in the newborn period.

Iron: Calibrated precisely for the exclusive nutrition demands of a birth-to-6-month infant. The newborn iron stores accumulated during the final weeks of pregnancy begin depleting from approximately 4 months making accurate iron delivery from formula a critical nutritional responsibility of Stage 1. Iron supports oxygen transport via hemoglobin, cognitive development via myelin synthesis, and immune function all systems under maximum developmental pressure in the first six months.

Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D3: The skeletal development triad calibrated for the fastest rate of bone mineralization your child will ever experience. In the first six months alone, a baby's length increases by approximately 50% from birth measurements. The calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3 in Holle A2 Stage 1 are present at levels designed to support this growth without compromise, regardless of seasonal sun exposure variation.

Complete Birth-to-6-Month Vitamin and Mineral Complex Vitamins A, C, D3, E, K1, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Folic Acid alongside Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Potassium, and Iodine all verified against EU infant formula regulations for complete exclusive nutrition from birth through 6 months. A2 protein innovation does not reduce nutritional completeness it adds digestive advantage on top of a nutritionally complete foundation.

How to Prepare Holle A2 Stage 1

Step 1: Sterilize All Equipment: Sterilize all bottles, teats, caps, and preparation equipment before every feed. For newborns and young infants whose immune systems are still developing, sterilization is non-negotiable and should be maintained rigorously through the full first year.

Step 2: Boil Fresh Water: Use fresh, cold drinking water only never previously boiled, stored, or softened water. Bring to a full rolling boil, then allow to cool to approximately 50°C (122°F) hot enough to address any potential bacterial contamination in the powder while cool enough to preserve heat-sensitive vitamins and nutritional integrity.

Step 3: Water Into Bottle First: Pour the exact required amount of cooled boiled water into the sterilized bottle before adding any powder: always water before powder, without exception. This ensures accurate concentration, prevents powder clumping, and guarantees consistent feed strength across every preparation.

Step 4: Measure Precisely: Using only the measuring scoop enclosed in the tin, add the exact number of level scoops specified for your baby's age. Level each scoop meticulously with the back of a clean, dry knife never heap, pack, compress, or estimate. Measurement accuracy is critical over-concentrated formula places unnecessary strain on newborn kidneys; under-concentrated formula does not provide complete nutrition.

Step 5: Mix Gently: Cap the bottle and gently swirl or stir until completely and evenly dissolved. Avoid vigorous shaking this introduces excess air that increases gas and discomfort, which is counterproductive in babies being fed A2 formula specifically for digestive comfort reasons.

Step 6: Temperature Check: Test on the inside of your wrist before every feed. The formula should feel neither warm nor cool approximately body temperature (37°C / 98.6°F) is ideal for newborns.

Always prepare feeds fresh immediately before feeding. For newborns under 3 months, do not store prepared formula at room temperature for more than 1 hour. Refrigerated prepared formula must be used within 24 hours and gently rewarmed never microwaved. Never reheat a second time. Discard any formula remaining after a feed without exception.

Feeding Guide (General Reference, Always Follow Package Label)

Always feed on demand appetite varies significantly between individual babies and between feeds. Never restrict a hungry baby or force a complete feed. These volumes are starting-point guidelines only. Your baby's weight gain trajectory, feeding cues, wet diaper output, and pediatrician's guidance take precedence over any general table.

Storage Instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Do not refrigerate opened or unopened tins moisture condensation inside the tin compromises powder quality. Once opened, seal the lid firmly and use within 3 weeks. Never use beyond the printed best-before date. Do not transfer the powder to a different container the original tin maintains optimal storage conditions.

Is Holle A2 Stage 1 Formula Right for Your Baby?

Holle A2 Stage 1 is the right choice if your baby:

• Is birth to 6 months and you want the most digestively gentle cow's milk formula available in a certified organic formulation
• Has shown gas, bloating, fussiness, or digestive discomfort on standard cow's milk formula including other premium organic brands using conventional A1 and A2 mixed milk
• You want the full nutritional richness of cow's milk formula without switching to goat milk entirely
• Has a family history of A1 protein sensitivity or digestive issues with conventional dairy that suggest A2 formula may be better tolerated
• You are planning the complete Holle A2 journey through Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 and want nutritional and protein-source continuity from birth
• Demeter biodynamic certification and palm oil-free formulation are non-negotiable priorities for your family
• You want a formula your pediatrician can review with confidence with verified supply chain traceability and 90-plus years of Demeter certification credibility behind every ingredient

Holle A2 Stage 1 Formula is not suitable for babies with confirmed cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA), galactosemia, or lactose intolerance. If your baby has diagnosed dietary restrictions or medical conditions, always consult your pediatrician before starting any formula. A2 formula is appropriate for digestive sensitivity to A1 protein — it is not a treatment for confirmed cow's milk protein allergy, which requires extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula under medical supervision.

Holle A2 Stage Formula 1 vs. Standard Holle Cow Milk Stage 1 (What Is the Difference?)

The decision framework is straightforward. If your baby is thriving on standard Holle Demeter cow milk Stage 1 with zero digestive concerns there is no nutritional reason to switch. If your baby has shown any digestive sensitivity, gas, bloating, or fussiness that could be attributed to A1 protein or if you simply want the most digestively advanced cow's milk formula available in the certified organic market Holle A2 Stage 1 is the clear, evidence-backed upgrade.

Holle A2 Stage 1 vs. Holle A2 PRE (Choosing the Right Starting Point)

If your newborn is in the first weeks of life and you want the most breast milk-aligned carbohydrate profile — start with Holle A2 PRE. Transition to Holle A2 Stage 1 when hunger cues between feeds suggest the longer satiety of starch would be beneficial — typically between 6 and 12 weeks for exclusively formula-fed babies, or later for combination-fed babies.

Frequently Asked Questions  (Holle A2 Stage 1)

The defining difference is the protein source. Standard Holle cow milk Stage 1 uses milk from conventional dairy herds producing a natural mixture of A1 and A2 beta-casein protein. Holle A2 Stage 1 uses milk exclusively from cows DNA-verified to produce only A2 beta-casein completely eliminating A1 protein and the BCM-7 peptide that A1 releases during digestion. Both carry Demeter biodynamic certification and are palm oil-free. The A2 designation represents a fundamental protein source upgrade, not a superficial formula difference.

Yes, Holle A2 Stage 1 is specifically well-suited for babies who showed gas, bloating, fussiness, or digestive discomfort on standard cow's milk formula where A1 protein may have been a contributing factor. Because A2 protein does not produce BCM-7 upon digestion, many babies who struggled with A1-containing formulas tolerate A2 formula significantly better. For babies with confirmed cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA), A2 formula is not appropriate — consult your pediatrician or allergist for suitable alternatives.

Yes. Holle A2 Stage 1 is nutritionally complete and suitable as the sole source of nutrition from birth through 6 months. It meets all EU infant formula regulations for exclusive feeding from birth and can be used as a complete breast milk substitute or alongside breastfeeding from day one.

Both formulas use the same genotypically verified A2 cow milk base and Demeter biodynamic certification. The primary difference is the carbohydrate source. Holle A2 PRE uses only organic lactose the most breast milk-aligned carbohydrate profile, with zero starch. Holle A2 Stage 1 adds organic starch alongside lactose providing longer-lasting satiety for babies who seem hungry shortly after PRE feeds. PRE is the most appropriate starting point for the youngest newborns and combination feeders. Stage 1 is the more practical choice for exclusively formula-fed babies needing longer intervals between feeds.

Holle A2 Stage 2 is designed for babies 6 months and older coinciding with the introduction of solid foods. The transition is recommended at 6 months because Stage 2 features elevated iron levels specifically calibrated for the iron store depletion that begins at approximately 4 to 6 months. There is no nutritional disadvantage to continuing Stage 1 for a few additional weeks while the solid food transition is being established, but Stage 2's higher iron content makes it the nutritionally appropriate choice from 6 months onward.

Yes. Plant-based DHA is included in every serving of Holle A2 Stage 1 sourced from plant-based origins and fully vegetarian-compatible. EU infant formula regulations mandate DHA inclusion a requirement that exceeds current FDA standards for infant formula sold in the United States.

Yes to both. Holle A2 Stage 1 contains no gluten-containing ingredients and is fully suitable for vegetarian families. DHA is derived from plant-based sources not fish making it vegetarian-compatible throughout.

We ship from US-based inventory. Orders placed before 2 PM EST typically ship the same business day and arrive within 1 to 3 business days anywhere in the contiguous United States with free express shipping on every order, no minimum purchase required.