Baby formula carbohydrates explained with lactose, maltodextrin, glucose syrup, starch, and HiPP Bio Combiotik PRE formula

Baby Formula Carbohydrates Explained: Lactose, Maltodextrin, Glucose Syrup & Starch

October 07, 2026

Quick answer: Infant formula can use several carbohydrate sources, and the permitted options depend on the applicable regulation and product type. Under EU rules for infant formula, permitted carbohydrates include lactose, maltose, certain uses of sucrose and glucose, glucose syrup, maltodextrins, and specified starches. EU law also sets a minimum lactose level for standard infant formula, with defined exceptions. The correct way to compare formulas is therefore to read the exact ingredient list—not to assume that every European formula is lactose-only.

What carbohydrates do in infant formula

Carbohydrates are one of the major energy sources in infant formula. From a buyer or caregiver perspective, the useful questions are straightforward: Which carbohydrate sources are present? In what order do they appear on the ingredient list? Does the recipe differ by stage or market? Is the product a standard formula or a specialist product?

Carbohydrate names should not be used as a shortcut for declaring one formula “clean” and another “bad.” Formula composition has to be evaluated as a complete regulated product.

What EU regulation actually allows

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127 lists the carbohydrates that may be used in infant formula. These include:

lactose
maltose
sucrose, under restricted conditions
glucose, under restricted conditions
glucose syrup or dried glucose syrup, subject to conditions
maltodextrins
pre-cooked starch that is naturally gluten-free
gelatinised starch that is naturally gluten-free

For standard infant formula, the regulation sets a minimum lactose content of 1.1 g/100 kJ (4.5 g/100 kcal), with exceptions including qualifying soy-based and lactose-free formulas. This is more precise than the common internet claim that EU law requires lactose to make up 70% of all carbohydrates.

Lactose

Lactose is the milk sugar naturally present in human and animal milk. It is widely used in infant formula, and many early-stage European products use lactose as their only or primary carbohydrate.

However, a buyer should verify the exact SKU. “European,” “organic,” or even a brand name does not guarantee that every stage is lactose-only.

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is a starch-derived carbohydrate permitted under EU infant-formula rules. It can appear in follow-on formulas and other products depending on the recipe.

Its presence should not automatically be described as unsafe or inferior. The more useful distinction is whether a retailer or caregiver is specifically seeking a lactose-only product, and whether the current label supports that claim.

Glucose syrup and dried glucose syrup

EU law permits glucose syrup or dried glucose syrup in specified circumstances and with technical limits. This is another reason to avoid simplified statements such as “glucose syrup is banned in European formula.”

Also, glucose syrup is not the same ingredient as high-fructose corn syrup. Product copy should name the actual ingredient shown on the package rather than substituting a more emotionally charged term.

Starch

Specified starches are permitted under EU rules. Manufacturers can use starch for formulation purposes, including in certain follow-on and special-purpose products. Its presence varies by product and can change with reformulation.

HiPP Germany provides a useful current example: its 2026 BIO COMBIOTIK reformulation announcement states that German follow-on formula is changing from organic lactose plus organic starch to organic lactose as the sole carbohydrate from autumn 2026.

Real product examples: why stage-specific claims matter

HiPP German PRE

HiPP Germany currently states that PRE BIO COMBIOTIK contains lactose as its only carbohydrate. That claim applies to the exact product and current recipe—not automatically to every HiPP product in every country.

HiPP Dutch 1 and 2

Current HiPP Netherlands product pages for HiPP 1 BIO COMBIOTIK and HiPP 2 BIO COMBIOTIK state that lactose is the only carbohydrate. This is important because older comparison content on the web can describe previous recipes differently.

Holle Organic Infant Formula 1

Holle's current Organic Infant Formula 1 ingredient list includes lactose.

Holle Follow-on Formula 2

Holle's current Organic Infant Follow-on Formula 2 lists maltodextrin and starch. So a brand-wide claim such as “Holle uses lactose only” would be inaccurate.

Holle Goat Formula 1 vs. Goat Follow-on 2

Current Holle Goat Formula 1 states that it contains lactose only, while current Goat Follow-on Formula 2 lists lactose, maltodextrin, and starch. Again, stage-specific verification is essential.

How to read a formula label without overinterpreting it

Identify the exact product and stage. Do not compare brand names alone.
Read the ingredients in order. Ingredients are generally listed by weight according to applicable labeling rules.
Separate carbohydrate from protein. Lactose intolerance and cow's-milk protein allergy are different issues.
Check the market version. Country-specific recipes can differ.
Check for reformulations. A current manufacturer notice can invalidate an older comparison article.

Lactose intolerance is not the same as milk-protein allergy

Lactose is a carbohydrate; cow's-milk protein allergy concerns proteins. NHS guidance notes that lactose intolerance is rare in babies and treats it separately from cow's-milk allergy. If an infant has persistent symptoms or a suspected allergy, formula selection should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional rather than based solely on a carbohydrate comparison.

Where this topic fits in our formula guides

For the fat-label side of ingredient review, see our Palm Oil in Baby Formula: Label Guide for Retailers & Buyers.

This article covers one ingredient category only. For the broader composition of formula—including protein, fat, micronutrients, and other components—see What's in Infant Formula? Protein, Fat, Carbs & Micronutrients Explained.

For assortment context, compare our European Baby Formula Assortment Guide, Holle Formula Assortment Guide, and HiPP German vs. Dutch vs. UK buyer comparison.

For current assortments, browse HiPP Combiotic, Holle Organic Cow Milk Formula, Holle Goat Milk Formula, and Lebenswert Bio Organic Formula. Use the exact PDP and physical package as the final ingredient reference.

Wholesale content rule: write claims at SKU level

For product feeds, PDPs, buying guides, and customer-service documentation, ingredient claims should be attached to the exact SKU and market version. Avoid copying a statement from Stage 1 to Stage 2, from Germany to the Netherlands, or from a historical recipe to current stock.

This is especially important when a formula has changed recipe while retaining a familiar brand name.

Frequently asked questions

Does EU law require lactose to be 70% of the carbohydrates in infant formula?

No. Regulation (EU) 2016/127 sets a minimum lactose amount for standard infant formula and lists permitted carbohydrate sources, but it does not state a general 70% rule for all infant formula carbohydrates.

Is maltodextrin banned in European infant formula?

No. Maltodextrins are included among the carbohydrate sources permitted under EU rules.

Is glucose syrup the same as high-fructose corn syrup?

No. They are not interchangeable ingredient names. Product descriptions should use the exact term shown on the manufacturer label.

Is every HiPP or Holle stage lactose-only?

No. Current manufacturer documentation shows stage- and market-specific differences. Always verify the exact product.

Should a retailer advertise a formula as “cleaner” because it is lactose-only?

That wording is subjective and can imply a nutritional superiority that the ingredient list alone does not establish. A more defensible description is factual: for example, “lactose is the only carbohydrate listed on the current manufacturer specification.”

Sources

Reviewed October 7, 2026. Formulas can be reformulated. Use the current product label and manufacturer documentation as the final ingredient reference.