What does “organic” mean? EU Organic, Demeter and Bioland explained

Updated 3 months ago

Not all organic is the same

When you see the word “organic” on a baby formula tin, it does not always mean the same thing. Depending on where the formula is produced and which certification it carries, the standards behind that label can vary significantly. European organic formula is regulated to some of the strictest standards in the world — and some brands go even further than EU law requires.

Here is what each certification means, and which brands at My Organic Formula carry which standard.

EU Organic

The EU Organic seal is the baseline standard for all certified organic products sold within the European Union. To carry this label, a product must contain at least 95% organically produced ingredients, and must be produced without GMOs, synthetic pesticides, synthetic fertilisers, growth hormones or antibiotics.

For baby formula specifically, EU law goes further — it bans ingredients that are permitted in organic formula elsewhere in the world, including corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and certain synthetic additives. Every formula in the My Organic Formula store meets or exceeds this standard.

Brands carrying EU Organic certification: HiPP, Kendamil, Nannycare (produced to EU organic principles, though without the EU organic label due to the indoor access requirement for goats)

Demeter

Demeter is the world’s largest certification organisation for biodynamic agriculture — a holistic approach to farming developed in the 1920s that treats the farm as a living ecosystem. Demeter standards significantly exceed EU Organic requirements.

Under Demeter certification:

• Animals graze freely on managed pastures and are never dehorned
• No antibiotics or growth hormones are permitted at any stage
• Farms are operated as closed, self-sustaining systems — minimising dependence on external inputs
• Annual independent audits are required to maintain certification
• Soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare are central to every farming decision

Demeter certification was established in 1928 and is active in more than 50 countries. Holle has been producing formula to Demeter standards since 1934 — one of the longest-standing partnerships between a formula brand and a biodynamic certification body.

Brands carrying Demeter certification: Holle (cow milk range)

Bioland

Bioland is Germany’s largest organic farming association, founded in 1971. Like Demeter, Bioland standards exceed EU Organic requirements and follow biodynamic principles — but with a specific focus on Germany’s agricultural heritage and regional food systems.

Under Bioland certification:

• 100% of ingredients must be organically produced — stricter than the EU’s 95% minimum
• Farms must be dedicated entirely to organic production — no partial conversion
• Animal stocking levels are strictly limited to ensure all animals have adequate space
• Only untreated seeds may be used, and chemical-free agricultural practices are mandatory

Lebenswert — produced by the Holle company — is the only formula brand at My Organic Formula carrying Bioland certification. Note: Lebenswert is currently being phased out of the range.

Brands carrying Bioland certification: Lebenswert

How the certifications compare

• EU Organic — the mandatory baseline for all organic formula sold in Europe. Free from GMOs, synthetic pesticides, hormones and artificial additives.
• Demeter — exceeds EU Organic. Biodynamic farming, strict animal welfare, annual audits, closed farm systems. Carried by Holle.
• Bioland — exceeds EU Organic. 100% organic ingredients, no partial farm conversion, limited animal stocking. Carried by Lebenswert.

All formulas at My Organic Formula meet at least the EU Organic standard. Choosing between brands is therefore less about the level of organic certification and more about which formula suits your baby’s age, digestion and taste.