Holle A2 Cow Milk Formula Stage 2

Holle A2 Cow Milk Formula Stage 2 — Reimagined for Easier Digestion

At 6 months, your baby enters one of the most nutritionally dynamic phases of their first year. Solid foods are beginning, the digestive system is maturing rapidly, and formula remains a critical source of iron, DHA, calcium, and essential vitamins that a newly developing solid food diet cannot yet fully provide. The formula you choose at this stage needs to do two things simultaneously: deliver exceptional nutrition and be as easy to digest as possible during a period of significant gut development.

[Holle A2 Cow Milk Stage 2] achieves both — and does so with a key innovation that sets it apart from every standard cow's milk formula on the market.

Unlike conventional cow's milk formulas — including many premium organic brands — Holle A2 Stage 2 is produced exclusively using milk from cows that naturally produce only [A2 beta-casein protein]. This single distinction fundamentally changes how the formula interacts with your baby's digestive system, making the familiar nutritional richness of cow's milk accessible to a wider range of babies — including those who previously showed discomfort or sensitivity with standard cow's milk formula.

Backed by Holle's unwavering [Demeter biodynamic certification] — the world's most stringent organic standard — and formulated entirely without palm oil, GMOs, corn syrup, or synthetic additives, Holle A2 Stage 2 represents the most advanced expression of Holle's 90-year commitment to clean, purposeful baby nutrition.

Understanding A2 Protein — Why It Changes Everything

To understand why [Holle A2 formula] is different, you need to understand the protein science behind it.

Cow's milk contains two primary types of beta-casein protein — A1 and A2. The vast majority of modern dairy cows produce a mixture of both, with A1 dominating in most commercial herds. The critical difference lies in what happens when these proteins are digested.

When A1 beta-casein is broken down in the gut, it releases a peptide called BCM-7 (beta-casomorphin-7). BCM-7 has been associated in scientific literature with digestive discomfort, delayed gut transit, and inflammatory responses in infants with sensitive digestive systems. It may be the reason many babies who appear to struggle with standard cow's milk formula actually tolerate it better when A1 protein is removed from the equation.

A2 beta-casein does not produce BCM-7 upon digestion. Its protein structure is more similar to that of human breast milk and goat milk — forming softer curds, digesting more completely, and producing none of the BCM-7 associated with A1. The result, reported consistently by parents who switch to A2-only formula, is less gas, less bloating, less fussiness, and a more comfortable baby after every feed.

Holle sources its A2 milk exclusively from cows that have been genotypically tested and confirmed to produce only A2 beta-casein — ensuring every tin of Holle A2 Stage 2 contains zero A1 protein. Not reduced A1. Zero.

What Makes Holle A2 Stage 2 Different

100% A2 Beta-Casein Protein — Genotypically Verified Every cow contributing milk to Holle A2 Stage 2 has been DNA-tested to confirm exclusive A2 beta-casein production. This is not a marketing claim — it is a verified, traceable supply chain commitment that eliminates A1 protein entirely from the formula. For parents whose babies showed digestive discomfort on standard cow's milk formula but who want the nutritional profile of cow's milk rather than goat milk, A2 is the answer.

[Palm Oil-Free] — Every Stage of the Holle A2 Range Holle A2 Stage 2 contains zero palm oil. The fat complex is built from organic sunflower, rapeseed, and coconut oils — a precision-balanced blend that delivers the essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids your baby needs for brain development and fat-soluble vitamin absorption, without the concerns around palm oil's potential effect on calcium soap formation and stool consistency in infants.

[Demeter Biodynamic Certified] — Beyond EU Organic The Demeter certification on Holle A2 Stage 2 is the same certification applied across the entire Holle range — representing farms audited to operate as closed-loop biodynamic ecosystems. Soil health, animal welfare, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship standards that exceed all EU organic requirements. The A2 cows contributing to this formula are raised on Demeter-certified farms — free-ranging, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, and fed certified organic feed year-round.

[EU Organic Certified] — The Mandatory Baseline Every ingredient in Holle A2 Stage 2 meets EU Regulation 2018/848 — prohibiting GMOs, synthetic pesticides, growth hormones, antibiotics, and all artificial additives throughout the supply chain. EU infant formula law mandates DHA inclusion and bans corn syrup in milk-based formulas. Holle exceeds this baseline with organic lactose as the primary carbohydrate and Demeter certification on top.

Age-Calibrated Stage 2 Nutrition Stage 2 is not simply Stage 1 in different packaging. The nutritional profile is specifically adjusted for the 6-month developmental milestone — with higher iron levels to support the increased demand that accompanies the introduction of solid foods, maintained DHA for ongoing brain development, increased calcium and phosphorus for the rapid skeletal growth occurring in the second half of the first year, and adjusted protein ratios to complement, not overwhelm, an increasingly varied solid food diet.

[GMO-Free] · [No Corn Syrup] · [No Added Sugar] · [Gluten-Free] Zero genetically modified ingredients. Zero corn syrup solids. Zero glucose syrup. Zero fructose. Zero added table sugars. Carbohydrates in Holle A2 Stage 2 come from organic lactose and organic starch — naturally derived, easily metabolized, and gut-microbiome-friendly. The formula your baby gets is the formula nature intended — not the formula that's cheapest to manufacture.

Holle A2 Stage 2 — Key Features at a Glance

What's Inside: Key Ingredients Explained

Organic A2 Skim Milk & Organic A2 Whey The protein foundation — sourced exclusively from Demeter-certified A2 cows and processed to meet the whey-to-casein ratio appropriate for Stage 2 follow-on formula. The A2-exclusive protein structure means no BCM-7 peptide production upon digestion — delivering the nutritional richness of cow's milk with a digestive profile closer to breast milk and goat milk than any standard cow's milk formula.

Organic Lactose The primary carbohydrate — the natural sugar dominant in breast milk and the carbohydrate human infants are evolutionarily calibrated to digest first and most completely. Organic lactose selectively feeds beneficial gut bacteria, enhances calcium absorption, and provides clean, stable energy without blood sugar spikes. No corn syrup or synthetic sweeteners are used at any stage.

Organic Starch A small inclusion of organic starch at Stage 2 provides longer-lasting satiety as your baby transitions into a more regular feeding schedule alongside solid meals — reducing the hunger between feeds that can disrupt sleep and feeding routines at this developmental stage.

Organic Vegetable Oils (Sunflower, Rapeseed, Coconut) A palm-oil-free fat complex delivering the essential fatty acid profile — including the Omega-3/Omega-6 balance — critical for continued brain myelination, nerve development, and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K throughout the second half of the first year.

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) Mandated by EU law in all infant and follow-on formulas. Holle's DHA is sourced from plant-based sources — delivering this critical brain-development Omega-3 in every feed without the fishy aftertaste associated with fish-oil-derived DHA.

Iron Stage 2's most critical mineral adjustment. At 6 months, babies' stored iron reserves from birth begin to deplete, and solid food iron intake is still developing. Stage 2 formula's elevated iron levels serve as a reliable nutritional safety net during this critical transition window — supporting oxygen transport, cognitive development, and immune function.

Calcium, Phosphorus & Vitamin D3 The bone-building complex — with levels calibrated for the rapid skeletal mineralization occurring between 6 and 12 months. Vitamin D3 ensures calcium is absorbed effectively regardless of sun exposure.

Complete Stage 2 Vitamin & Mineral Complex Vitamins A, C, D3, E, K1, B1, B2, B6, B12, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, Folic Acid, and minerals including Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, and Iodine — all calibrated to complement a growing solid food diet at the 6-month stage.

How to Prepare Holle A2 Stage 2

Step 1: Boil fresh drinking water and allow to cool to approximately 50°C (122°F).

Step 2: Pour the required amount of cooled boiled water into a sterilized bottle first — always water before powder.

Step 3: Using the enclosed measuring scoop, add the exact number of level scoops as indicated in the feeding guide. Level with the back of a clean, dry knife — never heap or pack the scoop.

Step 4: Gently swirl or stir until fully dissolved. Avoid vigorous shaking — excess air can contribute to gas and discomfort.

Step 5: Check temperature on the inside of your wrist before feeding. Serve immediately.

⚠️ Always prepare feeds fresh. Do not store prepared formula at room temperature for more than 2 hours or in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours. Never microwave. Never reheat a second time. Discard any leftover formula after feeding.

Feeding Guide (General Reference — Always Follow Package Label)

At Stage 2, formula complements an established introduction to solid foods — it is not intended as the sole nutrition source beyond 6 months. Individual appetite, solid food intake, and growth rate vary. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance on formula volume and feeding frequency.

Storage Instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Do not refrigerate opened or unopened tins. Once opened, seal firmly and use within 3 weeks. Never use beyond the printed best-before date. Do not transfer powder to another container.

Is Holle A2 Stage 2 Right for Your Baby?

Holle A2 Stage 2 is the right choice if your baby:

• Is 6 months or older and ready for a follow-on formula alongside solid foods
• Previously showed gas, bloating, fussiness, or digestive discomfort on standard cow's milk formula
• Tolerated standard cow's milk formula but you want to upgrade to a cleaner, more digestible protein source
• You want the nutritional richness of cow's milk without switching to goat milk entirely
• Has a family history of A1 protein sensitivity or digestive issues with conventional dairy
• You prioritize Demeter biodynamic and palm oil-free formulas above all else
• You want a formula that bridges seamlessly to whole cow's milk at 12 months with minimal digestive adjustment

Holle A2 Stage 2 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 changing formula.

Holle A2 Stage 2 vs. Standard Holle Cow Milk Stage 2 — What's the Difference?

Parents familiar with Holle's standard cow milk formula range often ask how A2 Stage 2 compares. Here is the direct answer:

The bottom line: If your baby is thriving on standard Holle cow milk Stage 2 with no digestive concerns, there is no compelling reason to switch. If your baby has shown any sensitivity to cow's milk formula — or if you simply want the most digestively gentle cow's milk option available — Holle A2 Stage 2 is the clear upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions — Holle A2 Stage 2

Q: What is A2 protein and why does it matter for my baby? A2 beta-casein is a protein variant found naturally in certain cow breeds. Unlike A1 beta-casein — dominant in most modern dairy herds — A2 protein does not produce a peptide called BCM-7 during digestion. BCM-7 has been associated in scientific research with digestive discomfort and gut inflammation in sensitive individuals. By sourcing milk exclusively from genotypically verified A2 cows, [Holle A2 Stage 2] eliminates BCM-7 entirely — delivering the full nutritional richness of cow's milk with a digestive profile closer to breast milk and goat milk.

Q: Is Holle A2 Stage 2 suitable for babies who reacted to standard cow's milk formula? Holle A2 Stage 2 is an excellent option for babies who showed mild digestive sensitivity — gas, bloating, fussiness, or loose stools — on standard cow's milk formula. Because A2 protein avoids BCM-7 production, many babies who struggled with A1-containing formulas tolerate A2 formula significantly better. However, if your baby has a confirmed cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA), A2 formula is not appropriate — goat milk or extensively hydrolyzed formula may be required. Always consult your pediatrician.

Q: What is the difference between Holle A2 Stage 1 and Stage 2? Both formulas use the same genotypically verified A2 cow milk base and Demeter biodynamic certification. Stage 2 is specifically calibrated for babies 6 months and older — featuring higher iron levels to compensate for depleting iron stores, increased calcium and phosphorus for rapid skeletal growth, and a nutritional profile designed to complement an established solid food diet rather than serve as exclusive nutrition.

Q: Is Holle A2 Stage 2 the same as Holle's standard cow milk formula? No. The key difference is the protein source. Standard Holle cow milk formula uses milk from conventional dairy herds — which naturally produce a mixture of A1 and A2 beta-casein. [Holle A2 Stage 2] uses milk exclusively from cows genotypically confirmed to produce only A2 beta-casein — completely eliminating A1 protein and the BCM-7 peptide from the formula. Both carry Demeter certification and are palm oil-free.

Q: Does Holle A2 Stage 2 contain DHA? Yes. DHA is included in Holle A2 Stage 2 sourced from plant-based origins. EU law mandates DHA in all infant and follow-on formulas — a regulatory requirement that exceeds current FDA standards for American follow-on formula.

Q: Is Holle A2 Stage 2 gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians? Yes to both. Holle A2 Stage 2 contains no gluten-containing ingredients and is fully suitable for vegetarian families. The DHA is derived from plant-based sources — not fish — making it vegetarian-compatible throughout.

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